* Asuka so.
* Asuka I'm standing in your room like I have been for a month
* @[Mamoru] this was secretly in statis all this time.
* @[Mamoru] still, I'm programming in your opponent and field. You wanted something crystally and icy and starry.
* Asuka something along those lines
* Asuka clearly it should also rub in the salt of old trauma wounds because you accidentally created a Dark Game machine
<@[Mamoru]> *click click, turns on the intercom* Alright. I'm going to begin the simulation. Are you ready?
<Asuka> Yes.
* Asuka adjusts her jacket top and shirt for the Xieth time.
<@[Mamoru]> 3... 2... 1... Go. *he activates the system, as a Field Card appears: "Crystal Realm: End of the World". As the field becomes a crystal-like arena, the temperature dropping. You can see stars surrounding you, in the sky, reflected off of the icy crystals.*
* Asuka looks around, watching the crystals and the stars.
* @[Mamoru] it looks... very vivid. Meanwhile, a Dance Princess of the Ice Barrier steps forward, twirling her chakrams. "So, you'll be my partner for this dance?" ... you suddenly also realize there's an audience around, higher up, but it's hard to tell their faces.
<Asuka> I. Suppose I will. But I assume you mean a different kind of dance than just dancing?
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> I mean a dance. *she puts on foot forward, as she combines her two chakrams into an icy duel disk on her arm.* And a duel.
<Asuka> That's the sort of dance I was expecting to be asked.
* Asuka activates her own Disk.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Then I'll take the first step. *a spotlight turns on, as she spins, drawing her five cards. She glances at them* I activate the Continuous Spell. Aquarium Set! *the scenery shifts, building up the Japanese-style building, as though from the crystal itself* Next, I summon, Strategist of the Ice Barrier! (1600 > 1900 ATK)
* @[Mamoru] the spotlight moves over, as the Strategist enters from above. It's like a show, isn't it?
* Asuka ... I suppose it is. It reminds me of one of my brother's performances... and possibly dance classes from when I was younger.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> I set one card. I finish there!
<Asuka> Draw.
<Asuka> Then I shall make the next set of steps.
<Asuka> I Normal Summon Cyber Petit Angel. ::The spotlight switches as from the stars descends a cute little round robotic angel.::
* Asuka ... stretches her legs for a moment before remembering the moves a ballet sequence.
<Asuka> Its effect allows me to add Machine Angel Ritual from my Deck to my hand.
<Asuka> The Ritual Spell Card, Machine Angel Ritual! ::A giant furnace slams out of the sky piece by piece as Asuka dances to in front of it giving a bow.::
* Asuka the spotlight switching to it
<Asuka> By paying 1 copy of Cyber Angel Benten from my hand, I can summon the second copy.
* Asuka the furnace lights up as a buxom lady with battle fans emerges, standing on the furnace dramatically
<Asuka> When I Tribute a Cyber Angel Benten
<Asuka> I add 1 LIGHT Fairy-Type monster from my Deck to my hand.
<Asuka> I add Cyber Angel Dakini
<Asuka> Then I activate the Spell Card, Preparation of Rites, this card lets me add Cyber Angel Idaten from my Deck to my hand, and then Machine Angel Ritual to my Graveyard
* @[Mamoru] Dance Princess is staring at Benten. Hnmm...
* @[Mamoru] right now, she's weaker than Strategist...
<Asuka> I pay for Machine Angel Ritual again, sending Cyber Petit Angel from my Field. ::The cute fairy lines up in front of the Machine before being comically grabbed and shoved in, as it protests for dear life.::
<Asuka> And Cyber Angel Idaten from my hand.
<Asuka> To Ritual Summon Cyber Angel Dakini. ::Dramatic classical sounding music plays as the furnace melts the angel and rocket goddess, as a giant cybernetic woman stands out.
<Asuka> ::
<Asuka> *steps out
<Asuka> (2700 ATK)
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Ah! Sorry, but I won't let you have that so easily!
* @[Mamoru] she takes a few steps dramatically, swaying, as her set card flips up: Karma Cut. "I discard one card, Moray of Greed to banish your new Ritual Monster, Cyber Angel Dakini!" The card she chose to discard turns into a new Chakram, which she then leaps up and slices through Dakini herself.
* Asuka Dakini yelps, vanishing
<Asuka> But I tributed Idaten, granting Benten 1000 extra ATK!
<Asuka> (1800 -> 2800 ATK)
<Asuka> And as well, your Strategist goes to the Graveyard because of Dakini's effect! Guide to Nirvana!
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Ah! *Strategist leaves the arena, vanishing from sight, leaving only a trail of faint sparkling where he once stood*
<Asuka> Benten, attack! ::The goddess dances through the air, spinning like in Wire Work, before cutting through you, Princess.::
* @[Mamoru] she shrieks, as she's cut through, her LP lowering to 5200. ... parts of her seem to ice over, as she lets out a breath.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> A powerful first move... I'll have to do something about that.
<Asuka> Also, the 1000 ATK bonus is permanent.
<Asuka> I end my turn without setting a card.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> I draw! *she draws her new card, her body a little stiff from the ice, but she's still fine.* ... I summon Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier! (1500 > 1800 ATK) I end my turn there, for now!
* @[Mamoru] she keeps moving though in a sort of dance, even as Pilgrim joins her. You're pretty sure she's planning something.
* Asuka ... nothing to do but slowly find out
<Asuka> Draw
<Asuka> Benten attacks again!
* Asuka the goddess spin dances once more, the spotlight following her in a cloud of cherry blossoms
* @[Mamoru] Pilgrim breaks off from Dance Princess to meet the attack, creating a barrier. (4200 LP) ... but Pilgrim survives.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Pilgrim cannot be destroyed in battle by a monster with 1900 ATK or more! The added strength of your monster works against her!
<Asuka> But you still take the damage involved!
* @[Mamoru] more of the Dance Princess's body becomes ice. but she's okay.
* Asuka ...?
<Asuka> Why are you turning to ice?
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> All part of the show!
<Asuka> ... ::Frowns, I hope it is.::
<Asuka> End Turn.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Draw!
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Activate the field spell, Lemuria, the Forgotten City! *the arena further shifts, creating ice columns and romanesque buildings* (1800 > 2000 ATK)
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Next, come on out, the Tuner Monster! Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier! (1300 > 1800 ATK) *Cryomancer joins next to Pilgrim, posing* Now, Tuning! Level 2 Cryomancer and Level 4 Pilgrim!
* @[Mamoru] the both of them leap up, vanishing into the shadows, as the rings and stars appear
<Asuka> ?!
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Rise from the icy depths! The sea of cold! Synchro Summon! White Aura Dolphin! *a light shines, as suddenly you realize a very large white dolphin is swimming through the air, Asuka.* (2400 > 2900 ATK)
* Asuka that's a very big fish
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Effect activate! White Aura Dolphin, once per turn, can target one monster you control-- and set it's ATK to half of it's original ATK!
<Asuka> ... From my hand!
* @[Mamoru] wait, original? So that means it'll be 900!
<Asuka> The Tuner Monster, Effect Veiler!
* @[Mamoru] ... Dance Princess huffs, and White Aura Dolphin does the same, even as it's aura fizzles for the moment.
* Asuka a cute little... boy? girl? appears who holds up their hands in front of Benten as a glowing aura covers Aura Dolphin
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Well... fine! Battle!
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> White Aura Dolphin! Attack Benten! *the Dolphin attempts to body slam*
<Asuka> From my hand! A second hand effect monster!
<Asuka> Honest!
* Asuka discards the classic card from her hand as it spirals to the Graveyard. Benten's gains angelic wings as she skillfully carves up the Dolphin
* @[Mamoru] okay that's a bit too much damage for her. Dance Princess runs and slides across the crystal floor, grabbing a card. "Action Magic! Miracle! My Dolphin isn't destroyed, and I take half the damage that was meant for me!" Dolphin resists, as Dance Princess's LP becomes 3000. ... more of her body turns to ice though.
<Asuka> ... ::The system itself grabs Action Cards. Hrm. Pondering to herself, on your turn.::
* @[Mamoru] I updated the system to be more... dynamic, yes.
* @[Mamoru] after Sora complained about it.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> I end my turn!
<Asuka> Draw.
<Asuka> I set 1 card face-down and end my turn.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Draw! I set one monster! *a shadow appears on the field-- though you swear it might be a stage hand with a cloak, if you blink* Now! White Aura Dolphin's effect! *points to Benten* Overwhelming Presence! I halve your ATK!
* @[Mamoru] White Aura Dolphin lets off a shine that weakens Benten
<Asuka> (900 ATK)
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Battle! White Aura Dolphin! Attack Benten!
* @[Mamoru] now this time White Aura Dolphin's gonna body slam! right?
<Asuka> Reverse Card Open!
<Asuka> Doble Passe! ::A piano piece that sounds like ice echoes over the field.::
<Asuka> When a monster I control is targeted for an attack, that attack becomes a direct attak!
<Asuka> On me!
* @[Mamoru] White Aura Dolphin changes direction, slamming into you, Asuka.
* @[Mamoru] enjoy a big fish
<Asuka> Meanwhile, Benten's original-- Aaaa! ::Slides back, against one of the Aquarium Set buildings.::
<Asuka> *current
<Asuka> ATK
<Asuka> is inflicted to you as d-damage!
<Asuka> (900 ATK = 900 Damage)
* @[Mamoru] parts of your body ice over after the 2900 damage. parts of your arm, legs, stomach. It's a strange sensation.
* Asuka 's Benten despite being drained, spins and cuts across you, Princess
* Asuka ... huffs, feeling the ie
<Asuka> *ice
* @[Mamoru] Dance Princess shrieks, getting cut. ... it feels real, but you seem fine. probably. Dance Princess is totally in worse shape in comparison, her LP is at 2100 and multiple patches of her are iced over.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Hnmngg... turn end! *your Benten regains it's strength. but I think since it reset, it goes back to Original ATK instead.*
<Asuka> (1800 ATK)
<Asuka> Draw.
* @[Mamoru] your LP is... 5100, yes? Yes.
* Asuka yes
<Asuka> I activate Terraforming
<Asuka> To add Ritual Sanctuary to my hand.
<Asuka> Which I activate!
* Asuka a metallic western church forms, but presumably, half open air due to the unique field set up here
<Asuka> First, Doble Passe's additional effect is in play now! Since it's my turn, and just this once
<Asuka> Benten, attack her directly!
* @[Mamoru] oh god, that's Dance Princess's expression as Benten dodges pass her dolphin and her set monster to strike her.
* Asuka the razor sharp fans cut through your ice covered body, slash, slash, slash, in a dancing momentum, regretful to harm one such as you as the spotlight follows you both
* @[Mamoru] Dance Princess tries to dodge, but it's too late, as she didn't expect the direct strike. Slash, slashed, as her LP goes down to a measily 300. ... much of her body is iced over. It's a surprise she can still move.
<Asuka> Main Phase 2, I use Ritual Sanctuary's effect to return Terraforming and Preparation of Rites to my Deck to Special Summon Cyber Petit Angel back to the field!
<Asuka> Who adds Cyber Angel Natasha from my Deck to my hand.
<Asuka> I use Machine Angel Ritual a third time, Tributing Benten for Natasha! ::A gorgeous centaur takes the field but with... very low ATK.:: (1000 ATK)
* @[Mamoru] oh no. it must have some terrible effect. That's what Dance Princess is thinking.
<Asuka> Benten's effect adds Hanewata from my Deck to my hand.
<Asuka> And since I haven't Normal Summoned...
* Asuka a cute fluffball appears on her field.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> ....?
<Asuka> Hanewata is a Tuner Monster
<Asuka> But first, I use Natasha's effect, to target herself and gain LP equal to half her ATK
<Asuka> (5100 LP -> 5600 LP)
<Asuka> Tuning! Level 1 Hanewata and Level 5 Cyber Angel Natasha! Tuning! The Light of Heaven gives way to the Winter inside me! Synchro Summon!
<Asuka> Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier!
<Asuka> (2300 ATK)
<Asuka> Now, my next move.
<Asuka> I target your White Aura Dolphin and banish Cyber Angel Benten from my Graveyard
* Asuka Natasha reappears on the field in a whirlwind
<Asuka> (1000 ATK)
<Asuka> and she gives me permanent control of White Aura Dolphin
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Eh... ehhh?!
* Asuka the centaur does hand sigils drawing your monster to her field, glassy eyed
<Asuka> Now, since your monster has 2600 ATK...
<Asuka> Natasha gives me 1300 LP
<Asuka> (6900 LP)
* @[Mamoru] some of the ice vanishes from you.
<Asuka> And finally, Lemura makes my Dragon... (2500 ATK)
<Asuka> I end my turn. (Petit Angel: 200 DEF), Brionac (2500 ATK) Natasha (1000 ATK), and White Aura Dolphin (2600 ATK)
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Nnn... Draw!
<Asuka> I have dramatically the advantage and field, but you are in crisis, white is when the show should become its brightest, I assume?
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> I activate Salvage, adding Pilgrim and Cryomancer to my hand from the Graveyard!
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Heh... of course. And I'll give this my all!
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Summon! Cryomancer! (1300 > 1800 ATK) And then... flip-summon, Blizzed, Guard of the Ice Barrier! (300 > 800 ATK) *Cryomancer appears from nowhere, as the stagehand throws off the cloak, revealing Blizzed.* Next... I use the effect of Lemuria!
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> My monsters gain levels equal to the number of WATER monsters I control right now! So! (1 > 3) (2 > 4)
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Tuning!
* @[Mamoru] the two monsters leap away, as the Stars and Rings appear, as she dances and spins.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Come! One of our sacred dragons! Bring back the star of the show! Synchro Summon! Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier! (2500 > 3000 ATK) *up from the crystal ice erupts the dragon after a flash of light, though it seems to repair itself once Gungnir fully materializes.*
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Battle! I attack... White Aura Dolphin!
* @[Mamoru] Gungnir brings together energy, before shooting out a breath of icy mist, covering White Aura Dolphin.
* Asuka your Dolphin takes the hit, shattering before the face of Gungnir-Eyes Ice Barrier Dragon
<Asuka> (6500 LP)
* @[Mamoru] a bit more frosting onto you
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Now... White Aura Dolphin's effect!
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> I banish Strategist from my Graveyard. Revive, White Aura Dolphin! With the added treat of being treated as a Tuner! *White Aura Dolphin reappears from above, swimming among the stars*
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> White Aura Dolphin takes out Brionac! (2900 ATK)
* @[Mamoru] it tries to crash into Brionac
<Asuka> Yerk! ::Brionac bites it.:: (6100 LP)
* @[Mamoru] Dance Princess lets out a breath.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> I end my turn.
<Asuka> Draw.
<Asuka> Natasha targets herself. I gain 500 LP (6600 LP)
<Asuka> End Turn.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Draw!
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Time for me to take to the stage! I summon myself! Dance Princess of the Ice Barrier! (1700 > 2200 ATK)
<Asuka> ...?
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Next, Gungnir's effect! I discard Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier... to destroy Natasha! Go!
* @[Mamoru] Gungnir gives out a loud cry, the echoes reverberating against the crystals and centering in on Natasha
* Asuka Natasha shatters
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Now... Battle! *her hands free from cards, she summons a chakram* I attack the Petit Angel!
* @[Mamoru] SLASH
* Asuka the angel shatters, crying out cutely. You kinda want to feel bad for killing it
* @[Mamoru] Dance Princess pouts a little.
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Well... Next! Gungnir! Attack directly! (3000 ATK)
* @[Mamoru] Gungnir shoots the same chilly breath at you
* Asuka yelps as her body is bombardment in cold freezing ice
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> Then finally! White Aura Dolphin! Attack! *White Aura Dolphin chooses to instead slam down onto the ground, causing tremors. Dance Princess herself jumps up onto Gungnir's back for protection*
* Asuka HURRK, she's smashed by dolphin.
* @[Mamoru] you're down to 700 LP after that. Much of your body seems to be iced over. She managed to make a stunning reversal!
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> *she takes a bow from atop Gungnir* I finish my turn.
* Asuka shivers, mist escaping her mouth as she stiffly pushes. Herself to draw.
<Asuka> Draw...
<Asuka> I banish... Idaten for... Cyber Angel Natasha and target... Gungnir...
<@[Mamoru]> <Dance Princess> ... Ah! *she tries to jump off of Gungnir to find an Action Card, but her movements are a bit stiff too, she probably won't make it...!*
* Asuka ... stiffly, struggles to see if there's a card near. Her.
* @[Mamoru] you're in luck. There is.
* @[Mamoru] but you probably will not need it at this point. Dance Princess's movements are sluggish from the icing over.
* Asuka grabs it just in case.
* Asuka what is Gungnir now, 2700 ATK?
* @[Mamoru] on your field, yes. It's a good thing Dance Princess got off of Gungnir!
* Asuka yeah that wouldn't be fun at all.
<Asuka> I... u-use Natasha's effect...
<Asuka> (700 LP -> 2050 LP)
* @[Mamoru] you warm up a good chunk
* @[Mamoru] your body freeing up from the ice.
* Asuka and your Dolphin is what, 2900 ATK?
* @[Mamoru] yes. But Dance Princess herself is 2200 ATK.
* @[Mamoru] and has only 300 LP.
* Asuka oh...
<Asuka> Gungnir...  Perfect Freezing!
* Asuka points at Dance Princess
<Asuka> End this Duel in a dramatic f-finale! ::Shivering, still despite warming up.::
* Asuka the spotlights shine on both as the dragon pulls its head back, and then blasts out a cold tornado
* @[Mamoru] Dance Princess eeps, trying to get to a card she spotted, but it's too late-- as Gungnir's freezing breath hits her, and she yells. [0000 - LOSS] ... ... but she must've realized the loss was coming a second before, because she went out of her way to make an elegant pose, even as she looks entirely like ice. You can hear the applause from the audience.
* @[Mamoru] the spotlight moves to you, Asuka. Take a bow.
* @[Mamoru] ... meanwhile from the shadows, a Spellbreaker of the Ice Barrier enters, with a dark stagehand cloak on, chanting a spell to Dance Princess's statue, as she starts to get freed from the ice. Ah. That's why she wasn't worried.
* Asuka does so, slowly.
<Asuka> ...
* Asuka blinks
* Asuka that... was oddly fun.
* @[Mamoru] yes, especially as the simulation ends.
* @[Mamoru] and Mamoru comes down once the Real Solid Vision has vanished.
<@[Mamoru]> ... Was that satisfactory?
<Asuka> ... That was different from what I was expecting in all honesty
<@[Mamoru]> It was? How?
<Asuka> I think I've mostly heard some scare stories about these Duels and frankly I've been on edge a lot recently. ::She says this, while rubbing her arm.::
* @[Mamoru] you notice that all of the real cold and ice has definitely vanished, huh. Though you might still feel some lingering chill. It felt real.
<@[Mamoru]> Scare stories, huh... Well, as long as it was fine for you, that's enough for me. *he takes out a clipboard* Do you mind writing down your experience?
<Asuka> Yes.
* Asuka ... odd.
* Asuka takes the clipboard and starts writing.