Yu-Gi-Oh Junior: The Mandate of Heaven

[Dark Sage]

Hello duelists, and welcome to Episode Three of ”Yu-Gi-Oh Junior”, the final episode which promises to be more fantastic, more incredible, more explosive than the last two combined!

But first, a few rules on workings of this final Episode…

Since it was inspired by the Battle City saga, this fanfic uses rules that deviate from the rules of my old fanfics, making the duels of this story much closer to those of the actual game. First, all duelists start with the maximum of 8,000 Life Points.

Most importantly, the Tribute System is in place; one tribute is needed for the Summoning of Monsters of Level 5 or 6, two tributes for those of Level 7 or more.

Also, like in Battle City, a monster made by a Fusion cannot attack on the round it is summoned. This rule does not apply to Ritual Monsters, by the way, but Ritual Monsters have a new rule – to summon them, only the Ritual card is needed, not both the Ritual and the Monster card (Ritual Monster Cards do not exist in this world).

However, there is one rule that sticks to my old fanfics. When a Monster is destroyed via Trap Card, Magic Card, or Monster Effect, the controller takes damage equal to one fourth the destroyed Monster’s Attack or Defense, depending on what Mode it was in.

Other rules from the actual game are also in place. For example, Monsters like Archfiends (a staple of Peter’s deck) will now require the LP payment, as will any other card that requires a cost to play.

Field Magic Cards play important roles in many duels, so the rules for them are identical now for the true game. They affect both players, and only one can be in effect at once. Using a second one destroys the one that is already in effect.

Some effects unique to the anime will be in place as well (Time Wizard’s ability is a good example).

New cards that I make up or translate will be put at the end of the chapters, as always, and anyone writing a Yu-Gi-Oh! fanfic of their own is welcome to use them, so long as they give appropriate credit (either to me, or the true creators).

And let me remind you that this story takes place in a sort of “Elseworlds” universe. This story could not take place the way the true anime is scheduled to conclude. If anyone wants the spoiler on how the anime comes to its conclusion, PM me.

And one warning. This fanfic is rated PG-13.

It contains violence, mild gore, adult themes, and controversial situations. It will be far darker than the previous ones, especially towards the end.

One last thing: I am calling upon all serious fans to read, and especially, review. Don’t be afraid to express your opinions. I can take any criticism, positive or negative. In fact, I encourage negative. It helps me.

With all that in mind, enjoy!

And I’m afraid I cannot yet tell you what the Mandate is… you’ll have to find out for yourself.

Drum roll please…

[Dark Sage]

YU-GI-OH JUNIOR


Episode Three


The Mandate Of Heaven


By Brian “Venusaur” Corvello





Powered by Duel Disks you wear on your sleeve,
There happened a tale you must see to believe!



PROLOGUE


They have survived Anastasia Pegasus’s Duelist Labyrinth…

They have defeated Remi and his City of Souls…

Now, the Legacy continues…

One of the greatest, nearly irrevocable axioms of the universe is than mankind is mortal. With few exceptions, no one can live forever. Almost all men must eventually die. While some might dream of immortality, few would truly enjoy it if they actually got it. Living eternally while all your companions died, again and again, would lead one to madness. And if all men lived forever, such a gift would soon beget boredom and eventual despair. Thus it is somewhat of a blessing that death claims all of us eventually.

But still, no one wants to be forgotten when they are gone either.

So it is a good thing that there is another great axiom of the universe – the one that drives mankind to find mates, and to reproduce. In this manner, they beget children, and thus their family lines continue, and their legacies survive.

Case in point – Yugi Mouto.

Several decades ago, when he was but a boy, destiny chose him for a vital task. Endowing him with the powerful Millennium Puzzle, one of several items meant to prevent the return of the dangerous Shadow Games, he was charged with defending the world from evil forces that threatened its destruction. With his friends by his side, including the enigmatic Spirit that resided in the Puzzle, and armed with his powerful deck of Duel Monsters cards, Yugi eventually conquered all his foes… men like Pegasus, Bakura, Marik, Noah, Dartz, and others, creatures who preyed on souls and life, villains who sought goals too horrid to mention.

With all his foes gone, Yugi eventually grew into a man, putting away his cards… but eventually, he married, and he was blessed with a child: Yugi Mouto Junior. When his son reached a considerable age, Yugi Senior entrusted him with the Puzzle and his lucky deck, hoping that if ever the dangers came back, his son could combat them as he had.

And come they did.

With his companions, including the daughter of his father’s closest friend, Joey Wheeler, Yugi has faced challenges that have threatened to destroy him. Two years ago, Anastasia Pegasus, the daughter of his father’s old foe Maximillion, lured him to her trapped tournament, and Yugi had to defeat her to save himself and free his friends from her clutches. No sooner had he succeeded, he had to duel the embodiment of Death itself to save his foe’s soul from oblivion.

But a far greater threat reared its ugly head one year ago. A soulless, undying madman who had taken on the self-appointed title of the Heir of Marik used a powerful ritual to imprison New York City, turning it into the City of Souls. Even worse, he planned to release the ancient demon-god Set from a dimensional prison, using the life forces of Yugi and his friends to fuel the blasphemous ritual. Yugi and his allies fought their way through the deadly City of Souls, overcoming every obstacle, and eventually defeated the Heir, but it was not enough to keep him from freeing the dark god. Yugi challenged and defeated Set, and with some help from the mysterious Shadi, managed to imprison both him and the Heir, freeing New York from the evil spell. Though he and his friends must forfeit the fame they deserve for their heroics to keep the world oblivious to the horror that was almost unleashed, the world was saved from a terrible fate. The satisfaction is enough for them.

Yugi and his friends have now lived seventeen years on this planet. They have just completed their senior year in high school, and college applications have been accepted. Soon, the teenage years will be behind, and adulthood will rear its head.

But one more challenge is in the wings, one that will prove if Yugi Mouto Jr. is truly worthy of carrying on the Legacy…


Characters You Know


Yugi Mouto Junior: Having looked what seemed to be ultimate evil in the face and defeated it, dueling now is little more than a pastime for young Yugi. But still, he feels in his bones that he still has a greater purpose that has yet to reveal itself. If anything, one aspect of his life has matured: the strange Spirit of the Millennium Puzzle has grown closer to him than ever before. He no longer has to retreat into his mind to speak to his strange partner – at times, the Spirit often just appears before him whenever he needs to speak to him. Yugi plans to enter college soon, to major in social sciences. History, ancient history in particular, is a major interest for him. But still, his nagging doubts about the future remain.


Mary Wheeler: With almost a perfect record in high school, Mary has been accepted into the pre-med program at a prestigious university, with a healthy scholarship, much to the delight of her parents. She has grown much closer to Yugi over the past year, and her feelings for him have grown in leaps and bounds. But she too has doubts about the future and what it holds… lately, her dreams have come to involve Duel Monsters more than ever. She naturally continues to improve her deck, making it more formidable and tougher.


Clive Marris: Having defeated duelists of much greater experience in the City of Souls, even the evil member of the Dark Four known as Des Fist, Clive has become more inspired than ever to become as great a duelist as Yugi. But he also has other, less tangible goals. His guidance counselors say he might have a future as a teacher, but he has not yet decided on that as a possible career path. In the meantime, Clive has found a girlfriend whom he has become slightly intimate with: the pretty, strawberry blonde, intelligent, sixteen-year-old Phoebe Thomas. Phoebe knows very little about the mechanics of Duel Monsters, but she does like to watch Clive duel. She compares the activity to watching a short action movie. She has in fact compiled several theories about the intentions of the creators of Duel Monsters, her favorite one being that the intention was for the players to pretend to be wizards who use magic to summon beasts and warriors to battle each other with. Little does she know, this theory comes very close to the true way the actual Shadow Games were played.


Peter Ramset: Like his lifelong friend Clive, Peter has gained much experience from the City of Souls, after defeating powerful duelists like the sinister magician Mantra. He continues to improve his skills, even though such things might not be necessary eventually. Always an artist, Peter has gone beyond photography of late; he now paints as well, and has taken up the piano. His paintings and music are just as beautiful as his photographs ever were, even according to critics. Like Clive, Peter has found teenage love as well. A young seventeen-year-old from France named Josephine Bizet (“Jo”) has fallen for him since his trip to New York, and the two have been going out since. An artist herself, Jo understands the rules of Duel Monsters, but doesn’t duel herself; still, she loves watching the sport, and often stands behind Peter when he plays, supporting him with her cheers.


Jade Valentine: One of the few remaining Samurai in the country, Yugi’s ally has retreated to her dojo and resumed her constant training. Yugi and his friends have seen little of her, but she still keeps in touch with her friends via the mail. According to the letters, she is growing stronger, her skills growing to amazing levels. One letter worried them when it mentioned a “crisis” at her dojo, but it also reassured them that it had been taken care of. As of now, Yugi is considering paying his friend a visit, and is pondering writing a letter asking if such things are allowed. As far as male companionship goes, Jade has not mentioned if she has had any luck finding love, but of all the strict tenants of bushido, celibacy is not one of them, and companionship may one day loom in Jade’s future.


Siegfried Kaiba: The nephew of Seto Kaiba has been somewhat of a mystery to Yugi and his friends over the past year. Soon after returning from New York, Siegfried vanished, his last words to Yugi being that he had “something big” to work on. Yugi has several times visited Siegfried’s house, Kaibaland, and the Kaiba Corp. offices, only to be told that Siegfried was “away on business.” He was, however, told that Siegfried’s position in his uncle’s former company had grown considerably, which has led Yugi to wonder whether or not Siegfried is running the show now. As of now, the last word from his friendly rival was a letter five months ago with no return address, telling Yugi that he hoped he was keeping his skills intact, because something big was indeed coming.


Now it is late June. School is out, and summer is upon Domino City. And finally, Siegfried’s big surprise is about to bear down on the lives of his friends in a big way…

[Dark Sage]

I seem to remember telling my friends after surviving Anastasia’s tournament, that if I were ever again to accept another invitation to a tournament, they were to shoot me. But I reason, if I can’t trust an invitation from a friend who stood beside me in the City of Souls, who can I trust? Besides, this might be my last hurrah before such opportunities become out of reach…

I just hope I know what I’m getting myself into…



CHAPTER ONE



Fairy Box



It was high noon. The sun beat down hard over Domino City.

In his room in his house over his family’s game store, Yugi Mouto Jr. brooded, sitting on his bed.

He was waiting for Mary to come over for lunch, but a lot was on his mind.

A small shine came over the Puzzle on the chain around his neck, and before he knew it, the vision of the Puzzle’s Spirit was in front of him. Yugi barely looked up. He was getting used to it by now.

“Something troubling you, old friend?” mentioned the Spirit.

“I dunno,” sighed Yugi. “Over these whole last few months, I’ve been feeling down…”

He got up and started to pace.

“I know I should feel happy,” he muttered. “We defeated Remi and Set… pretty much saved the world… so how come instead of feeling happy I get a feeling of dread in the air? Like something is waiting to strike?”

“I don’t want to worry you,” sighed the Spirit. “But ancient axioms of the universe state that things often happen in threes. Trilogies play major parts in all aspects of life. Wishes come in threes, laws come in threes, saviors come in threes, movie sagas come in threes…”

Yugi smiled.

“And often, dangers come in threes,” he continued. “You’ve defeated two dangers, Yugi. Anastasia was the first, Remi was the second; perhaps a third awaits, somewhere out there…

“But who it might be, I have no idea.”

Yugi lifted up his deck.

“Well, if one exists,” he responded, “we’ll handle it whatever way we can. By the way, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you for a long time…”

“Yes?” responded the Spirit.

“What the heck is your name?” asked Yugi.

The Spirit chuckled. That was the first time the topic had come up.

“Well, I’ve been called a lot of things over the years,” he responded. “Pharaoh, King of Games, Yu-Gi-Oh, but most simply call me, ‘Yami’.”

“Well then,” smiled Yugi, offering his hand, “I guess then we can…”

A sweet voice called from the hallway.

“Yugi! Mary’s here!”

“Okay, Mom!” called Yugi.

“Talk to you later,” he said to the Spirit, as Yami vanished.

Three minutes later, Mary entered his room, carrying a magazine, a copy of Dueling Today.

“Yugi, you have to look at this,” she exclaimed, opening it. “It has an article on the new Toon Monsters from the last booster pack!”

“Oh, yeah,” said Yugi. “I’ve been meaning to bone up on that…”

Mary opened and read.

“’Created in honor of the creator of Duel Monsters, Maximillion Pegasus, who was known for his Toon deck, and created exclusively for ‘Mach 3’ rules, the Toon Monsters can make a potent force for an exclusive deck if used by a skilled player.’

“Listen to this…

“’To summon a Toon Monster, one must first play the Toon World Magic Card, which requires a payment of 1,000 Life Points. When Toon World is on the field, Toons may be summoned. Toons have several handicaps – they cannot attack on the round in which they are summoned, and attacking with many of them requires a further payment of 500 Life Points. In addition, they can only exist so long as Toon World remains unharmed.

“’However, the trade-off is even, because a Toon Monster is able to bypass the defense your opponent’s Monsters provide, and hit him with a Direct Attack at any time, unless your opponent also has Toons on his side.’

“We should watch out if we ever upgrade to Mach 3,” she mentioned.

“True,” answered Yugi, “but from what that says, Toons are as much a liability as they are an asset. I don’t see how…”

“Yugi!” called his mother from the hallway.

She entered, carrying a large box.

“The mailman just delivered this,” she said, putting it down.

As she left to see to lunch, Yugi looked at the label. It was from KaibaCorp.

Excitement welled in Yugi and Mary’s hearts.

Quickly, Yugi opened the box, and found inside, amid packing chips, one small box, and one larger box. The smaller box had a label on it stating to open it first.

Yugi opened it. A videotape was inside, with a note instructing him to play it. Hardly knowing what else to do, he slipped it into his VCR and hit “Play.”

A familiar face flashed upon the television.

“Siegfried?” exclaimed Yugi and Mary together.

It was indeed Siegfried, wearing a fancy Italian suit.

“Greetings, Yugi,” started Siegfried. “It has been awhile. And it is my great pleasure to extend to you my invitation. You are cordially invited to the greatest Duel Monsters tournament in the free world… I present to you… Duelatopia!”

The background around him vanished, and was replaced by a large, resort-city with buildings and palm trees, surrounded by glittering ocean.

“Situated among the Bikini Atoll Islands of the West Pacific,” continued Siegfried, “Duelatopia is a wonderful place where the weather is perfect, the food and entertainment is plentiful, and the duels will rage like never before! You and other duelists whom I have judged good enough to participate are hereby invited to come and compete for fame, glory, and prizes unlike any you can imagine. All of it will be under supervision by the man I have selected as your host, the Master of Games.”

An image appeared next to him of a bizarre figure. He was knight-like, wearing fancy golden armor and a full helmet, as well as a long, red cape.

“Should you decide not to come,” continued Siegfried, “simply put the return label I have enclosed on the larger box and send it back, and we will leave it at that. But I implore you not to take this option, as you would be throwing away your ticket to a paradise of dueling for a couple of weeks.

“Should you accept, open the large box. Its most vital content is the Dueling Disk X-5500, your most important piece of equipment. This wondrous device is better than any holographic dueling system to date, and will make your duels more realistic than ever.

“You’ll also find in the large box your boat tickets, your hotel assignment voucher, and an instruction manual. I advise you to read up on it, as Duelatopia will be using ‘Mach-3’ rules.

“One final note, Yugi,” he continued. “Be sure to bring some extra cash and/or any major credit card, because while KaibaCorp will be paying for your hotel and basic amenities, Duelatopia has lots more to offer.

“I will be in Domino City the week of July 14th to see everyone off. Do try to RSVP me before then.

“For now, I wish you good luck. The gates of Duelatopia and its ruler, the Master of Games, await!”

Siegfried and the odd Master of Games raised their hands in greeting, and a view of Duelatopia finished the invitation.

When Yugi turned off the tape, he was full of wonder.

“Well,” he said in wonder, “now we know what ‘big thing’ Siegfried was talking about.”

“Are you going?” asked Mary.

Yugi lifted the large box out of the package. “I don’t see how it could hurt,” he said. “A free vacation on a tropical island, and a major Duel Monsters tournament… it seems like a dream come true!”

“Say,” pondered Mary, “if these packages are being delivered via mail…”

At that point her cell phone rang. She answered it.

“Oh, hi Daddy,” she said. “What? Okay, be right there…”

“Yugi!” she exclaimed. “I just got a package like this one!”

“Then you’d best get home,” said Yugi. “We’ll have lunch some other time.”

Mary gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and rushed out of the room. Feeling a bit self-conscious, Yugi turned back to the box.


* * * * * * * * * *


Seven o’clock that night.

Phone calls to Clive and Peter had confirmed his suspicions… they had been invited as well. Yugi had, of course, asked his parents for permission, and he had gotten it, but he was still a bit nervous.

He looked at the Dueling Disk X-5500. It had a strange feature on it – a large orange gemstone right next to where the Life Point counter was.

Yami appeared before him again.

“I know,” he said. “You’re thinking about our discussion earlier.”

“Yeah,” muttered Yugi. “It seems that Duel Monsters tournaments never led to anything pleasant for me… or my dad…

“But Siegfried wouldn’t lie to me… He’d be the last person to want to lead me into a trap! Wouldn’t you agree?”

“I do,” answered Yami. “Still, if we are moving up to Mach-3 rules, we’d best upgrade our deck.”

“You read my mind,” said Yugi. He opened up a small box that was beside his bed – the very box that, ages ago, held the component pieces of the Millennium Puzzle. He now used it to store rare cards that he didn’t need… until now.

“Hmm,” he pondered, taking one out. “The Cost Down Magic Card will make summoning tribute Monsters easier…”

He took out a Monster Card.

“And Skilled Dark Magician will make bringing out the Dark Magician easier as well,” he said. “His Attack points aren’t bad for a Level 4 Monster either.”

Yami pointed to two other Magic Cards.

“Curtain of the Dark One and Sage’s Stone will also be invaluable,” he continued.

“Thanks,” answered Yugi, picking them up. “good idea.”

After about an hour of work, Yugi slid the deck into the case.

“This is indeed a powerful deck,” approved Yami. “And it will be tough to defeat it…”


* * * * * * * * * *


At that moment, Mary was at home, and was also working on her deck.

I’ll have to compose a deck that will give me an edge, she thought, even with Mach-3 rules.

She picked up a small pine box from beneath her bed. She opened it, revealing some cards.

She picked out one: Goblin Attack Force.

Daddy used this card often, she thought. A 2,300 point attack with no Tribute is a great way to spoil an opponent’s strategy.

She chose another card.

Zombyra the Dark, she thought. Another good non-tribute, even if he does lose 200 Attack points with each attack. With an Equip or two, he can turn the tide of battle.

She continued looking through her cards. Eventually, she fitted them into her special case, and yawned.

Duelatopia, she thought, here I come.


* * * * * * * * * *


At Clive’s house, Clive was telling the news to Phoebe.

“A tropical island?” she moaned. “In the Bikini Atoll? Aw, and my parents are taking me to boring old Hawaii that week!”

“You don’t need to come,” sighed Clive. “Seeing me dueling the other contestants would probably just bore you. By the way, speaking of bikinis, I’ve seen you in one… make sure the boys in Hawaii keep their hands to themselves.”

Phoebe smiled, but both of them were rather disappointed. Phoebe would have loved to go, and Clive would have loved her there, but her parents had been planning their vacation for six months.

“Do you think your… Dark Scorpions… have enough juice to take on the competition?” asked Phoebe.

“I don’t know,” muttered Clive, opening his own box. “Even so, it wouldn’t hurt to add a few things to my deck…”

He leafed through some of the cards he had.

“I have so many Warriors, these two Fusion Sword Murasame Blade Equips will do nicely,” he mentioned.

He leafed through some more.

“And The Warrior Returning Alive and Reinforcements of the Army might do well.”

He picked up a Monster card.

“Mad Dog of Darkness,” he said. “He’d be a perfect companion for my Dark Scorpions…”

He picked up another Monster.

“And Marauding Captain,” he continued. “This one will give them something to think about…”

He chose one more.

“The key to Mach-3 rules is having your weaker Monsters survive until you can Tribute them for something deadly,” he mused. “Mary has Double Pinaska, who can survive against any Monster for one round at least, due to his negating ability. And he’s a Dark Warrior, just like the Scorpions.”

He looked at the card.

“Won’t Mary be surprised when she finds I have a Double Pinaska of my own!”

He picked up one more card.

“Oh look,” he said, perking up. “Siegfried mailed this one to me last Christmas! A Giant Spitting Cobra! This one can…”

“NO!” gasped Phoebe, covering it with her hand. She started to shake.

“What’s wrong?” said Clive.

“Snakes…” stammered Phoebe. “I’m scared of snakes… they frighten me! Don’t put it in your deck, please!”

“But Phoebe, it’s a powerful card…” protested Clive. “And it isn’t like you’ll be there when I use it…”

Tears flowed down Phoebe’s cheeks. “I hate snakes…” she cried.

“There, there,” comforted Clive. He put down the card and hugged her. “I won’t put it in my deck if it scares you that much…”

“No Clive,” assured Phoebe. “I want you to win. Put the card in your deck if you think it will help…

“But please… I just don’t want to see it…”


* * * * * * * * * *


At Peter’s house, he and Josephine were talking over pizza and diet cola.

“Je t’aime, mon amore,” she said sweetly. “Je t’aime.”

“You speak so sweet, Jo,” commented Peter. “I only wish I could have someone as lovely as you with me for the tournament.”

“I would love to accompany you Peter,” sighed Jo. “But I must go with my parents to France for the summer. I am certain you will do fine. Your Archfiend deck has never failed you.”

“That’s the whole problem,” muttered Peter, talking out his deck.

He looked at his principle seven cards, Vilepawn Archfiend, Desrook Archfiend, Shadowknight Archfiend, Darkbishop Archfiend, Infernalqueen Archfiend, Terrorking Archfiend, and Skull Archfiend of Lightning.

“With Mach-2 rules, I had nothing to worry about, but in Mach-3, using these guys requires a Life Point payment…”

He got out a box and took out two Magic cards.

“… which means that these two Pandemonium Field Magic Cards are no longer a luxury, they’re a necessity.”

He leafed through the box.

“More Tribute Monsters wouldn’t hurt either. Lesser Fiend is a good one. He’s considered an Archfiend, and a Monster that he destroys can’t be resurrected…”

“May I make a suggestion?” asked Jo.

She took a card out of the box.

“La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp has a very high Attack for a non-Tribute,” she mentioned.

“Excellent idea,” approved Peter taking it.

She picked out another one. “Opticlops is pretty good too,” she said. “That is, if you still aren’t too sore from… you know…”

Peter smiled, nervously. Jo was one of the few people he confided in about the City of Souls (even though he didn’t even confide in Yugi that he had confided in her). She was strong enough to keep the secret. And she knew well that the Evil Spirit of the Ring had at one point attacked him with an Opticlops.

Still, she had a point, and this Fiend, as well as La Jinn would make powerful additions. He added both Monsters to his deck.

“Hmm,” pondered Peter, looking at a Level Five Fiend. “Mefist the Infernal General. This guy might be good. He can do Life Point damage even when he attacks a Monster in Defense Mode…”

He took out another card. He chuckled as he looked at it.

“And this one,” he laughed, “will be my ultimate trump card!”


* * * * * * * * * *


The night wore on, and the young duelists slept, dreaming of the images of Duelatopia they had seen, that of the strange, armored man called the Master of Games, and what would occur in the weeks ahead…

And hundreds of miles to the east, on a large island taken up by a beautiful city, Siegfried Kaiba stood amid a room full of technicians. An assistant was standing right next to him.

“Is the energy generator up and running?” he asked.

“Like a kitten,” answered the assistant. “The nuclear generator is online. It could power Duelatopia for ten-thousand years if it needed to.”

“The holographic imaging tower?” asked Siegfried.

“Tested and retested,” assured the man. “Ten times. Strong enough to supply images for eight hundred duels at once, if ever that was needed, from a thousand miles away, if necessary.”

“Are the final adjustments made to the Centurions’ equipment?” he asked.

“All are in place,” said the assistant. “And they are already through with the last part of training. Duelatopia will be more secure than Fort Knox.”

“It better be,” warned Siegfried. “Have all the special operations I suggested been put into place?”

“Yes, although I must admit some of them were a little… strange,” the man replied. “I must presume that…”

“Don’t presume,” snapped Siegfried. “Anything yet that hasn’t been completed?”

“Only the stadium,” said the assistant. “But we have men working on it around the clock, and it will be operational by Day Seven of the tournament at the latest.”

“That is cutting it rather close,” sneered Siegfried.

“Well, just you wait, sir,” smiled the assistant. “This is going to be a coliseum that will put Yankee Stadium to shame.”

“It had better,” said Siegfried. “I’ve put my blood, sweat, and tears into this resort, and I can’t afford the slightest screw up.”

“Sir, it’s nearly midnight,” urged the man. “You haven’t slept in days. Don’t you think…”

Siegfried yawned. His assistant had a point.

“I’m going to my manor house,” he said. “Maybe some sleep will do me good.”

As he left the room, a worried look came over his face.

Of course, he thought, what point is there to sleep, when all my dreams are unimaginable nightmares?

Hopefully, with some help from my old friend, this tournament can help me sleep soundly again, and bring the burden placed upon my whole family to a close…

[Dark Sage]

Two final notes:

If you want to know of an interesting event that befalls Yugi and his friends between this chapter and the next, read Chapter One of Snakes 'N Legends's new fanfic.

Second, the first Trivia Contest will be posted on Saturday (August 14th) sometime between noon and 2 PM, Eastern Standard Time. Don't miss it!

Cheers!

- Venusaur

[mr_pikachu]

Interesting first chapter. The rules certainly have changed, and that should add an exciting twist to the upcoming duels. I wonder how Yugi and co. will handle the changes and the competition. There were several small points in this chapter that I think will become important soon.

It amazes me that Hawaii could ever possibly be called "boring". Duelatopia must really be something special! Oh, btw, I noticed one thing near the end of the the chapter... you were talking about a monster that could deal Life Point damage even against monsters in defense mode. But I believe you mistakenly but attack mode down instead.

This is pretty good for a start. Something seems suspicious with Seigfried and his nightmares. I never have completely trusted the guy... Well, I suppose I'll see you next chapter! :wave:

[Perfect Chaos]

Well-writen intro and first Chapter Venasaur, I commend you. Dueltopia seems to be one very "utopia" of a resort if Hawaii pales in comparison to it.

I like the new rules, they should make the duels more interesting. When I first watched the Duelist Kingdom episodes, I had a hard time figuring out what was going on since I didn't have much of an idea on the "Mach-2" rules. But this will make things alot more clearer.

Keep up the good work Venasaur!

-$∑@π

P.S. Now you can't say I never did a review for you ;)

[PSmurf]

Sweet its up, well I skimmed through it to post this and from what I read its awesome. I'll write more next time but I want to read the chapter thoroghly.

Bye.

[Hypotenuse Man]

I am very happy that this story is finally starting. Your previous two Yu-Gi-Oh fics are some of my favorite stories on the web.

You got a good set-up in that chapter; I can't wait to find out the cause of Siegfried's mysterious nightmares. Also: When I read the bit about Phoebe and the Cobra, the first thing that came to my mind was Anastasia. Phoebe wouldn't be, I dunno, possessed or anything, yes? Or am I just being paranoid?

[Loupeitak]

YAY!!! It's up!!!

I didn't actually find any mistakes there and i think this first part was ok. With the rules completely changed i guess the fic will sorta change too...

And i also taught of Anastasia when Clive showed his Giant Spitting Cobra.

[Dark Sage]

Thank you for the kind replies.

I'd like to confirm one thing...

Phoebe is NOT possessed by Anastasia (fear of snakes is quite common, after all...)

BUT...

I will not rule out that Phoebe's phobia is not a hook for a future chapter...

And I WILL say that Anastasia plays an important role in at least one chapter.

She's dead, of course, and she's staying dead, but she still plays an important role.

Before you wonder what the hell I mean... well we're still early in this whole thing.

- Venusaur

[FusionSonicX]

Hey Venusaur. Right now, all I can say is the was good. I think I saw one mistake in chapter one but I don't remember it. You can look for a longer reveiw when chpater two is up, I'm too tired at the moment.

[Dark Sage]

Trump Card Trivia Contest


Hello everyone. It’s time for the “Mandate of Heaven” Trivia Contest #1, one that I call the Trump Card Trivia Contest!

You know the drill… below are four not-so-easy questions relating to the Yu-Gi-Oh! universe. PM with what you believe are the right answers, get them all right, and you’ll have a chance to contribute to the story! Be sure to PM – don’t clutter up this board.

Get any wrong, and you can try again, but I can’t tell you which answers are wrong. First person with every correct answer wins!

Everyone is eligible this time, but be warned – each person can only win a contest once… and I’m planning on at least four.

Now then, here we go. Since this contest has to do with cards, the questions will deal with special cards used in anime episodes…


1. What Trap Card did Yami obtain in the episode “Steppin’ Out”? (He didn’t actually use it in that episode.)


2. What villain used the Trap Cards “Dark Renewal,” “Nightmare Chains,” and “Shadow Balance”?


3. What was the name of the card that Yugi gave to Rebecca at the end of “Ties of Friendship”?


4. In “Yugi Versus The Rare Hunter (Part 2),” what Trap Card did Yugi use to “destroy” Exodia?



The Prize: As you know, in Chapter One, Peter added a card to his deck which he called his “ultimate trump card.” What is the nature of this powerful card? You tell me!

The winner of this contest will get to design Peter’s secret card, one which I assure you, he will use several times over the course of this fanfic (starting in Chapter Six, to be precise). Whether it’s a tricky Effect Monster, a powerful Magic Card, or a deadly Trap Card, it doesn’t matter, so long as it’s powerful enough to turn the tide of any duel.

As always, I’ll e-mail the specific rules to the winner once we have one.

So don’t let Peter down. Start PMing me those responses!


And catch Chapter Two tomorrow!


- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

We have a winner!

To all those who couldn't get them, here are the answers:

1. What Trap Card did Yami obtain in the episode “Steppin’ Out”? (He didn’t actually use it in that episode.)

"Lightforce Sword"


2. What villain used the Trap Cards “Dark Renewal,” “Nightmare Chains,” and “Shadow Balance”?

Arkana


3. What was the name of the card that Yugi gave to Rebecca at the end of “Ties of Friendship”?

Trick question. It was also called "Ties of Friendship", which was a nonfunctional card that he got from Pegasus for winning the Duelist Kingdom Tournament.


4. In “Yugi Versus The Rare Hunter (Part 2),” what Trap Card did Yugi use to “destroy” Exodia?

"Chain Destruction"

I won't reveal the winner's identity yet, but you will see his or her work in Chapter Six. In the meantime, tune in tomorrow for Chapter Two!

Until the next Trivia Contest...

- Venusaur

[Loupeitak]

X) Even if i tried i couldn't get any of those answers correct... I dun watch the anime XD

So i had 0% chance of winning this trivia unless by some miracle i suddenly knew everything about the anime.

Hope to see chapter 2 soon ;)

[Dark Sage]

An old song once said, “Won’t you let me take you on a sea cruise?” So now I’m on a sea cruise, a lot like the one that took my dad to Maximillion Pegasus’s Duelist Kingdom so many years ago. Only this time, the host who sent me on it is a lot less nasty.

I figured this little trip would be a chance to meet up with at least some of my competition, although I never imagined the scope of the strange characters I’d meet…



CHAPTER TWO



United We Stand



The weeks went by, and preparations were made. Every aspect was checked and rechecked a hundred times.

Yugi and his three friends practiced a few times with tabletop games using the Mach-3 rules. After about a week, they had it about down pat. It was different than what they were used to, but it wasn’t all too hard to learn.

The week of July 14th was eventful to say the least for Yugi and his friends. A strange thing or two happened when Siegfried actually came into town.

But at last, the big day came… July 20th. Early in the morning, Yugi and his three friends woke up at the crack of dawn.

Yugi woke up to see Yami before him.

“How long have you been waiting?” asked Yugi.

“A while,” smiled his partner. “It’s the big day, old friend. This is going to be the tournament to end all tournaments. And we can take it together.”

“Then we will,” exclaimed Yugi. “There’s no backing out now!”

He showered, and then opened his wardrobe. He donned his black t-shirt and leather pants, and then his stylized vest. He strapped on his black belt, and slipped his deck into the built-in holder. Finally, he fitted the Millennium Puzzle around his neck.

He looked in the mirror. Images of photographs that his father had taken of himself back during Seto Kaiba’s Battle City tournament came to his mind. He sensed that Yami could tell what he was thinking.

“You’ll make your father proud,” approved Yami.

“I hope so,” said Yugi.

“Watch out Duelatopia,” they said. “We’re coming!”


* * * * * * * * * *


At seven-thirty AM, he and his three friends exited a cab at Domino City pier.

“Come on people,” he urged, as a redcap gathered their luggage. “We have to be on the boat at Dock 24.”

They found the boat, which was named the Queen of Autumn Leaves. A large line of people were waiting to enter. They saw that Siegfried himself was at the forefront, welcoming the guests as they climbed aboard, a bodyguard on either side.

“Hello,” he smiled. “Welcome. Glad you could make it. Enjoy your trip.”

Yugi and his friends came up.

“Well, Yugi, Mary, Clive, and Peter!” he exclaimed. “So glad you chose to come! I know you’ll enjoy your trip – this will be first class all the way.”

“So Sieg,” asked Peter. “Any chance of telling us any big secrets about this game of yours?”

“The Master of Games will explain everything tomorrow afternoon after you arrive,” answered Siegfried.

“Who’s the Master of Games?” asked Mary.

“Someone you don’t want to cross,” said Siegfried. “Now chop-chop! Don’t hold up the line!”

One of the bodyguards got a call on his cell phone.

“Right,” he said. “Mr. Kaiba, your private jet is refueled.”

“Tell them I’ll be there in an hour,” answered Siegfried.

“You won’t be coming with us?” asked Mary, disappointed.

“Sorry,” responded Siegfried, “but it’s imperative that I get there before the guests do. Now move along…”

The four of them boarded the boat.

“Just remember everyone,” announced Mary. “From this point on, we’re the Team Supreme! Nothing will tear us apart!”

“Agreed!” shouted Yugi, Clive and Peter together.


* * * * * * * * * *


After they had checked into their cabins, they met outside the rooms.

“Well,” mentioned Yugi. “I guess we should…”

“Attention,” announced a voice. “This is your captain speaking. We will be departing for Duelatopia in approximately fifteen minutes. Out exact time of arrival will be 2PM tomorrow afternoon. Until then, everyone enjoy the free hospitality aboard the Queen of Autumn Leaves.”

Soon, the boat pulled out of the harbor, and they were on their way.

“Let’s go to the buffet, people,” suggested Mary. “Maybe we can get a decent breakfast.”

They were all very hungry, having skipped that important meal, so that sounded like a good idea.


* * * * * * * * * *


At the buffet lounge, they piled up plates full of fruit and muffins, and took their trays to a table.

“Well,” exclaimed Yugi, looking around. “Siegfried certainly spared no expense.”

“I wonder if Terone is here,” wondered Mary.

“I think he said he was going on the other ship,” said Yugi. “We might meet up with him later.”

“Yugi, Mary,” stated a voice. “Mind if I join you?”

The voice belonged to a nearly five-foot-ten youth with black hair, held back with a bandana. He was slightly muscular, and wearing a blue vest and slacks, each of which had wave-like designs on them.

“Um, sure,” said Yugi. “Do I know you?”

“Not really,” stated the youth. “But I think my father knew both of your fathers – my name is Orin Tsunami.”

“Tsunami…” said Mary, searching her mind. “As in Mako Tsunami?”

“That’s my father,” answered Orin. “He taught me how to duel ever since I was knee high to him…”

“Judging from what Daddy told me about him,” laughed Mary, “that would have been pretty high…”

Orin chuckled.

“So how’s old Mako doing?” asked Yugi.

“He’s retired to the Key West,” answered Orin. “Living a life fishing and sailing, doing what he’s always loved doing… and my deck is based on his, filled with dangerous underwater denizens…”

“Uh, do you have Fortress Whale in there?” asked Mary, somewhat worried.

She remembered her father tell of his duel with Mako, and how he had taken a direct attack from Fortress Whale’s powerful artillery – she certainly didn’t want to suffer the same fate…

“Well, I can’t reveal all my secrets,” answered Orin. “But I’ve got a few new surprises…

“By the way, a little bit of a warning; stay away from the observation deck… there’s a ninja up there, and she scared the hell out of me!”

“Ninja?” asked Clive, surprised.

“She?” asked Peter.

“Does this ‘ninja’ wear green armor and have long blonde hair?” asked Yugi.

“Why yes,” said Orin. “How did you…”

“Jade!” they all exclaimed at once.

They quickly scarfed down the rest of their breakfast and got up.

“It was nice to meet you Orin,” said Yugi. “We’ll see you in Duelatopia.”

“I’m counting on it,” answered Orin.

The four of them rushed to the observation deck.

“I’m glad Jade’s here,” said Clive. “I didn’t see her in line… I thought for a minute she might be on the other ship!”

“Glad she didn’t miss the boat,” said Yugi.

As they reached the observation deck, they saw Jade easily. She was leaning over the side of the ship, looking out in front of the ship. Her helmet was resting at her feet, and her sword was by her side. She wasn’t the only one there – her sister Amber was standing beside her.

“Jade!” shouted Yugi.

“Yugi?” she said, turning her head.

“I’d hug you Jade,” smiled Yugi, “but you’d likely crush me to death.”

“Well,” said Jade. “This has certainly been a big turnout. I cannot imagine what sort of trials Duelatopia has in store.”

“Are you competing too, Amber?” asked Peter.

“No,” sighed Amber. “I don’t even have a Disk. I just came to cheer my little sister on. It was the least I could do after all that has happened…”

“All that has happened?” asked Yugi.

“Well…” said Amber.

Jade cast a glance at her.

“Well, I did try to shove her into a lamp and make her my slave, you know,” she said quietly. “I owe her something…”

“I think you were punished enough for that,” sighed Clive.

“I still… feel responsible,” mumbled Amber.

“Look, Yugi,” said Jade. “We need some time alone. Maybe we can discuss this later.”

“Okay,” said Yugi. He shrugged.

The four of them turned and left.


* * * * * * * * * *


Later at the lounge, Yugi and his friends were discussing things over sodas.

“There seems to be duelists up the yin-yang here Yugi,” mentioned Clive. “And there must be more on the other ship. Duelatopia must be a big place to hold so many competitors.”

“Yeah, and only one will be able to win the tournament eventually…” said Yugi.

“And that’s gonna be me!” yelled a gruff voice above them.

They looked up, and saw a muscular youth, about eighteen years old, dressed in a leather jacket which showed off a great deal of his chest hair, and leather pants held up by a chain. He had dirty blonde hair that was unkempt, and a ragged beard. On his right wrist was a strange metal wristband, and he wore a bandana.

“Didn’t we see this guy on Mad Max?” asked Clive.

“Mad Max is a wimp!” snarled the punk. “I’m Kanasta…”

He double-tapped a pad on his right palm, and three sharp blades sprung out of his metal wristband.

“…Nasty Kanasta!” he continued.

“Wasn’t he a villain in an old ‘Loony Tunes’ cartoon?” frowned Yugi.

Kanasta drew back.

“Look, when you’re born with a name like mine,” he sneered, “you make
do!”

“I don’t believe we’ve met,” said Yugi, softly. “Nor did I want to.”

“You’ve been spending too much time in Domino City,” he proclaimed. “Everyone in America knows that Nasty Kanasta is the best duelist in Chicago!”

“You ever duel on Valentine’s Day?” asked Yugi. “Bet it was a real massacre.”

“Actually I did duel last Valentine’s Day,” started Kanasta. “It was a great duel where I used… Hey wait a minute… oh, I get it…”

“Like a dinosaur,” chuckled Yugi. “Took a while to reach his brain.”

“So you were the champion of the Duelist Labyrinth,” grinned Kanasta. “I didn’t expect someone so short!”

“Well if size were equal to brain power, pal,” frowned Yugi, “you’d be no bigger than a Kuriboh. Say, you look in a reflective surface lately?”

“Reflective surface?” said Kanasta, puzzled.

“I meant a mirror, ugly,” answered Yugi. “Geeze you’re thick.”

Kanasta slammed his fist down on the table and raised his claw. “That’s it!” he shouted. “I’m going to jam this thing up your…”

“Boys, put away the toys,” said a sultry feminine voice.

They turned to look towards the door, and she entered.

She was about seventeen years old or so, and stood out in a bizarre way. She was tall and lithe, with short, platinum-blonde hair in bangs. Her skin was slightly pale. She wore a sleeveless black bodysuit, boots, gloves, and a cape. The bodysuit was low cut, and open at the navel. Even her lipstick was black.

“Uh, I think I’ll go check out the dance club downstairs!” cried Kanasta, running for the door.

The creepy girl walked up to Yugi’s table and stared him in the eye.

“So, Yugi Mouto Junior,” she purred in a husky voice. “For a duelist of such fame, I didn’t expect someone so puny…”

She twirled his hair with her finger.

She turned away. “Watch yourself, little boy,” she purred. “This tournament is going to be an all out war that I intend to win!”

She slowly walked towards the other door.

“Who was THAT?” exclaimed Yugi.

A boy came up to their table.

“That was Persephone Amore,” he muttered. “The national champion of Italy. Some people call her the Dark Fairy Queen.”

“She plays a Fairy deck?” gasped Yugi, in shock.

“Uh huh," continued the boy. "I've seen her duel... never has there been a more ruthless duelist... one who enjoys laughing so much at the defeat of an opponent. Some say that Fairy decks are for wimps... but she can boast an undefeated record, as far as I know..."

As the boy left, Yugi's head bowed, as if he had been slapped in the face...


* * * * * * * * * *


The afternoon wore on, and Yugi remained in the lounge. His friends, who had since gone up for fresh air, rejoined him.

"Seventeen colas," muttered Peter, looking at the empty glasses on his table. "Not a good sign."

"Have you been sitting here all afternoon drinking soda?" asked Mary, in surprise.

"No," mumbled Yugi. "A few times I had to hit the bathroom... speaking of which..."

He got up and headed for the men's room.

"What is with him?" muttered Clive. "It isn't like Yugi to let some punk's insults get him down."

"Let's find out," said Peter.

As Yugi left the men's room, his three friends were waiting outside.

"Yugi," said Clive. "What do you care what that jerk Kanasta said?"

"It wasn't Kanasta, Clive," muttered Yugi, sitting down. "It was Persephone."

"Huh?" said Mary. "You aren't scared of that walking freakshow, are you?"

"No," sighed Yugi. "More like insulted. A person like that playing a Fairy deck... it's a lot to swallow...

"My mother used to play a Fairy deck..."

Everyone looked surprised.

"Your mom used to duel?" asked Mary.

Yugi took out his deck. "Not very often," he responded. "But she wasn't too bad."

He leafed through his deck until he found the card he was looking for.

"Why do you think I keep this guy in my deck?" he responded.

He showed them the card. It was Shining Friendship.

"Mom gave me this card," he continued. "It was, in fact, this very card that helped her save my dad from one of the most early crises of his life..."

His friends gathered round.

"It all involved my dad and Jade's mom, the ever illustrious Mai Valentine, during the Duelist Kingdom tournament. I guess it all started with that creep Panik, a man whom I believe you dueled at one point, Mary."

"I still have nightmares about it," shuddered Mary.

"Well, back then," continued Yugi, "Panik was very much alive, and worked as one of Maximillion Pegasus's Eliminators, special 'hit men' whose job was to rid the island of the better duelists, a profile whom Mai – and my father, by the way – fit to the letter. Panik captured Mai and forced her to duel... she lost, and had to give up all eight of her Star Chips for it.

"But my father wouldn't let such an injustice happen. He challenged Panik himself, wagering all of his chips to win back Mai's. He defeated the fiend, and blew him away. Anyway, Mai swore to my dad that she would pay him back, saying that she always paid her debts.

"Eventually, dad earned all the Star Chips required for the finals, but he didn't count on Seto Kaiba getting in his way. Seto wasn’t nearly as nice as his nephew is, and egged my dad on until he agreed to duel him. Dad only learned later that Pegasus was forcing Seto to do it, having captured the soul of Seto's brother Mokuba.

"Dad almost won the duel, but Seto eventually cheated, threatening suicide if his opponent struck him down. Dad practically had to struggle to contain the emotions inside him, and that struggle gave Seto the opening he needed to win.

"Having lost half of his Star Chips and at the point of despair, dad sank into a deep state of depression from which no one could barely even make him move. He had decided at that point that he couldn't control himself, and that he could never duel again. His friends – your father, Mary, my mother, and their friend Tristan, tried everything to snap him out of it, but to no avail.

"And that was when Mai showed up.

"She had worked extra hard to earn a total of eighteen Star Chips, eight more than she needed, having every intention of paying my dad back. But when she tried to give them to him, he wouldn't take them, hardly even responding. Mai got angry, and said that if he wanted to wallow in self pity, it was no skin off her nose...

"And then mom stepped in. She said she would win the Chips from Mai, dueling her herself. Perhaps she felt that seeing some action would bring dad around. Mai laughed at the prospect at first, but mom was insistent.

"So it started, and at first it went badly for mom. Her Petite Angel and Fairy's Gift were quickly torn apart by Mai's Harpie Lady, which she naturally pumped up with Equip cards. But at that point, mom drew Shining Friendship.

"There was just something about the name on this card, 'Shining Friendship'... mom figured that if Friendship was truly the key to its power, it could have Tristan's spirit, Joey's courage, and my father's Heart. And she developed a plan to use it with...

"She Equipped this Monster with both Elf's Light and the Silver Bow and Arrow; Mai's Harpie was still too powerful, but Mom surprised her by destroying her Cyber Bondage with a De-Spell card. And when Shining Friendship slew the Harpie, the plan worked... dad finally did recover."

"Wow," muttered Clive. "That little butterball beat a juiced up Harpie Lady..."

"Yeah," continued Yugi. "And after that, Mai surrendered, saying she couldn't defeat mom with what she had. My dad was able to enter the finals, and the rest is history…

“But there was one funny thing about that duel that my dad wonders about to this day..."

"Yeah?" asked Mary.

"When Shining Friendship destroyed that Harpie," said Yugi. "Mai had a facedown card, one that she never played. Although she later said it was just a throwaway, dad couldn’t help but think that it was actually her Harpie's Feather Duster..."

There was silence.

"If Mai had used that," said Mary. "Shining Friendship would have been reduced to its original strength..."

"And would have been easy prey for whatever Mai had summoned next," continued Clive.

"So your dad thinks Mai took a dive?" asked Peter.

"It sure looked that way," stated Yugi. "She threw the duel in order to help my dad – possibly because she was so impressed by my mom's resolve."

Silence again.

"Well," exclaimed Mary. "Maybe it was that little amount of generosity that begot Jade!"

"Perhaps," sighed Yugi, putting the card back in his deck. "But the point remains... the thought of someone like Persephone using a deck full of Fairies makes me sick! She's like an evil clone of my mother!

"And I'd bet my Dark Magician that we won't be able to stay away from her forever..."


* * * * * * * * * *


As the sun went down, Mary went to do a little exploring, and found Jade, alone now, where she was before, watching the sunset on the observation deck.

Yugi’s story had gotten her thinking.

"Beautiful evening, huh?" asked Mary.

"Yes," agreed Jade.

"So where's Amber?"

"Down in the nightclub dancing," answered Jade. "I suggested she try to have a good time."

Mary pulled up beside her. "You know Jade, I've been thinking," she started. "My dad always had a lot to say about your mom..."

"Yes," responded Jade. "My mother always had kind words about your father, Mary."

"I think there must have been a time," said Mary, "when they were in love... when things might have turned out differently..."

Jade sighed.

"It wasn't meant to be, apparently," said Jade. "Perhaps they were from two different worlds, Mary."

"I know," started Mary. "But have you ever stopped to wonder what might have been... what might have happened if your mom had married my dad? We might have been sisters, Jade! Heck, we might even have been..."

"The world is full of 'what if' conundrums Mary," said Jade. "We cannot dwell on what may have been, because such dreams do not exist. We can only concentrate on what truly did happen.

"And what did happen is, my mother found a husband, and your father found a wife, and we were their offsprings. And I do believe that the unions were successful in that regard. Do you not think?"

"I guess so," sighed Mary. "My dad always has said he's proud of me..."

"Are you satisfied with who you have for parents?" asked Jade. “Do you love them?”

"Huh?" said Mary. "Of course!"

"Then there is no trouble," said Jade. "No matter who your parents are, so long as they provide the love, support, and acceptance that they should, as yours have towards you, and mine have towards me, then 'what if' conundrums should not bother you."

Mary changed the subject.

“So, you have a boyfriend yet?”

Jade blushed and chuckled.

“Well…” she responded. “I do not like to kiss and tell, as the saying goes. But there is someone I’ve been rather close to for a few weeks now…”

“Really?” asked Mary. “Someone I know?”

“There are some secrets about myself I must keep, Mary,” said Jade.

“Oh,” said Mary.

She thought for a minute. She wondered what sort of man could ever fall for a woman who could likely snap him in two. Jade would really have to be careful when they got “close”!

A bunch of strange scenarios crossed her mind, and then she changed the subject again.

"Well," she said, "good luck in Duelatopia!"

"You too, Mary," said Jade. “And should we ever meet as opponents, I hope that our duel will be as honorable as it was last time.”

Mary paused. She remembered back to Duelist Labyrinth. She had dueled Jade twice during that tournament. The first time, she had beaten Jade… but the next time, during the finals, Jade had gotten better, and though the match had been close, Jade had won.

At this point, both of them were much better then they were back then – so what would happen should they ever duel again?

Mary shuddered. She had witnessed Jade twice now summoning her most powerful creature, the Ritual Monster Shen Lung the Celestial Herald. Jade had never used it against her, but frankly, she was scared of it. Who wouldn’t be afraid of a Dragon that was a hundred feet long? The thought of going up against that behemoth would scare anyone.

“Well, we can only see,” sighed Mary, nervously.


* * * * * * * * * *


On into the night, Mary and Yugi sat at a table in the large restaurant in the main deck. A band played on a stage in the foreground. Mary went through her cards.

"Monster Egg?" asked Yugi. "And Insect Imitation?"

"Yeah," responded Mary. "I haven't used this combo since the Labyrinth, but in a contest where you have to make Tributes to summon powerful Monsters, these two cards can help you get a good one out instantly if your luck is right. If I'm lucky, I can have a level-five, -six, or even -seven Beast-Warrior out in a second!"

"Good idea," approved Yugi.

He took out his box.

"Here," he said, taking out a card. "Consider this an early birthday present. It may be of some use."

Mary took it. "Gaia the Fierce Knight?" she said.

"Not Gaia the Fierce Knight," said Yugi. "This is his darker twin, Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight. In most cases, he's identical to the original Gaia, except that he's a Dark Monster... but if he's the only card in your hand, you can summon him without a Tribute!"

"Gee thanks..." smiled Mary. "And I don't have anything to give to you... wait a minute... I do!"

She took something out of her bag. "Here," she said. "Put this guy in your deck."

"Mary, I can't take your Alligator's Sword!" protested Yugi.

"It's my spare Alligator's Sword," smiled Mary. "I have two now. I know this isn't worth a Swift Gaia and a Flame Swordmistress, but at least it's something."

"Thanks, Mary," answered Yugi, taking it. "I guess now we have a little of each other in our decks now."

At that point, the band at the end of the bar stopped playing, and the spotlight fell on the pianist.

He began to sing an old familiar song as he played...


It's nine o'clock on a Saturday...
The regular crowd shuffles in;
There's an old man sitting next to me
Makin' love to his tonic and gin.

He says, "Son, can you play me a melody?
I'm not really sure how it goes,
But it's sad, and it's sweet, and I knew it complete
When I wore a younger man's clothes."

Oh, la la la, de de da...
La la, de de da, da da...

Sing us a song, you're the Piano Man,
Sing us a song tonight,
'Cause we're all in the mood for a melody,
And you've got us feelin' all right.

Now John at the bar is a friend of mine.
He gets me my drinks for free.
And he's quick with a joke or to light up your smoke,
But there's someplace that he'd rather be...

He says, "Bill, I believe this is killing me."
As the smile ran away from his face.
"Well I'm sure that I could be a movie star
If I could get out of this place."

Oh, la la la, de de da...
La la, de de da, da da...

Now Paul is a real estate novelist
Who never had time for a wife.
And he's talkin' with Davy, who's still in the navy,
And probably will be for life.

And the waitress is practicing politics,
As the businessmen slowly get stoned,
Yes they're sharing a drink they call loneliness,
But it's better than drinking alone.

Sing us a song, you're the Piano Man,
Sing us a song tonight,
'Cause we're all in the mood for a melody,
And you've got us feelin' all right.

It's a pretty good crowd for a Saturday,
And the manager gives me a smile,
'Cause he knows that it's me they've been comin' to see,
To forget about life for awhile.

And the piano, it sounds like a carnival,
And the microphone smells like a beer,
And they come to the bar, and put bread in my jar,
And say, "Man, what are you doing here?"

Oh, la la la, de de da...
La la, de de da, da da...

Sing us a song, you're the Piano Man,
Sing us a song tonight,
'Cause we're all in the mood for a melody,
And you've got us feelin' all right.


Yugi sighed. That song always got him right there.

But he had to wonder as the musicians got up... was there a reason that song was saved for last?

The ship pressed on, into the night, as the sliver of a crescent moon shone faintly amid a thousand stars.


* * * * * * * * * *


Yugi slept soundly that night on his bunk in his cabin. The rolling of the sea may have made others sick, but it was pleasant for him. It wasn't until noon that Clive's voice brought him to awareness.

"YUGI!" shouted Clive. "Wake up! We'll be at Duelatopia in only two hours! You don't want to stay behind on the boat!"

"Oh, yeah," moaned Yugi, getting up.

"Meet the rest of us downstairs for lunch," said Clive. "The instructions say that when we land, everyone has to gather by some sort of tower by the front gates for a debriefing."

Yugi got up and got dressed.

"There's no turning back now," stated Yami, who appeared in front of him.

"I never intended to turn back," answered Yugi, lifting up the Puzzle. "Now let's get ready... they always say the first day is always the most important."


* * * * * * * * * *


An hour and a half later, the four of them were on the observation deck, looking ahead, when finally it came into view.

There it was, in all it's splendid glory... Duelatopia! Buildings of incredible design populated the city-island, shining like mirrors in the sunlight. They caught sight of several small monuments and green areas, and at the corners of the island which they could see were two statues at least a hundred feet high - the Dark Magician and the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Yugi wondered if there were different statues on the corners which he could not see. The tallest structure on the island was a strange tower, the architecture of which was similar to a radio tower, but much bigger and fancier.

Eventually, the ship and the ship next to them drew closer, and the city loomed over them.

"Ladies and gentlemen," said an announcement. "This is your captain speaking. We will be preparing to disembark in about fifteen minutes. Take this time to gather all of your personal belongings.

"The Master of Games requests that all of you attend his debriefing before entering the gates of Duelatopia. Simply follow the main road from the docks towards the tower that you will see in front of you. After this short speech, you will be allowed to enter at your leisure.

"Good luck, and Godspeed to you all in the tournament ahead."


* * * * * * * * * *


The tournament guests hurried off the ships in a haphazard manner. They were all anxious to see the mysterious Master of Games. Yugi and his three friends were a little bit more calm, doing their best to keep together.

"Just remember folks," noted Mary. "The Team Supreme will be there to support each other no matter what the odds! And if it ever comes down to the wire, and we're ever forced to face each other in the arena..."

They all looked at her.

"Let's all make a promise that it will be done with honor and dignity," she continued.

"Agreed!" they all exclaimed. They all put their hands together.

Within five minutes, they were all within sight of the tower that the captain must have been talking about. It was a large tower made of pure white marble, with a balcony about halfway up. A huge metal door was behind the railing of the balcony. Behind the tower, the gates of city awaited, but were closed.

A sizeable crowd had gathered on the promenade, and everyone was wearing the special Dueling Disks that the team had. Yugi and his friends thought that this was the best idea, so they picked their own Disks out of their luggage and fitted them onto their left arms.

"So what now?" asked Peter.

"I guess we wait," answered Yugi.

"Great turnout!" said a voice behind them.

"Aw, nuts," moaned Yugi.

They turned around, and "Nasty" Kanasta was right behind them.

"I thought I smelled something," growled Yugi.

"Don't think I'm gonna let all your insults slide, Yugi!" sneered Kanasta. "There are a lot of butts around here to kick, but the instant this tournament starts, I'm gonna make sure your ass is the one I kick first!"

"You just try it!" dared Mary. "Yugi's the best there is!"

"We'll see," warned Kanasta. "But I've yet to meet a duelist I couldn't make squirm!"

Yugi sighed. "Come on guys," he said.

They started to walk towards the other end of the promenade.

"Hey wait!" shouted Kanasta. "I'm not done demeaning you!"

"Aw, your sister smokes corn silk!" shouted Clive behind him.

Kanasta paused.

"My sister doesn't smoke corn silk," he said, scratching his head. "She works in a butcher's shop and smokes hams..."


* * * * * * * * * *


Five minutes later, the sound of several horns sounded, and the large metal doors opened. An imposing figure stepped out.

It was him; the Master of Games, as they had seen in Siegfried's tape. Looking like a medieval knight with a sci-fi style helmet, he was dressed in splendid golden armor, and wearing a long, red cape. He also had a Dueling Disk X-5500 on his left arm. The crowd cheered as he approached the balcony.

"Welcome duelists from around the world!" he exclaimed, in a strong voice that was clearly amplified. "I am the Master of Games, and you are about to enter the paradise which I call home... the city-realm of Duelatopia! This tournament will be a trying and fierce couple of weeks, in which only the strongest out of all of you will make it to the final rounds.

"Before I begin speaking of the more vital aspects of this tournament, I must point out to you the three cardinal rules of Duelatopia itself. One, there will be no stealing from your fellow contestants. Two, there will be no physical fighting or assaulting among contestants. Three, during duels themselves, cheating will not be tolerated.

"Should these three rules be broken..."

He gestured, and two figures walked into view behind him. They wore armor like his, only it was gray, less fancy, and had no capes.

"These are two members of the police force of this island," explained the Master, "the Duelatopian Centurions. There are over a hundred of them on duty at any one time, and I warn you, only roughly half of them will be in uniform. Many will be undercover. Anyone who threatens the peace or breaks the rules can deal with them."

The two Centurions nodded, and retreated back into the tower.

"Now onto more pleasant things," continued the Master, taking out a deck of cards. He plugged it into his Disk. "You have each been issued a Dueling Disk X-5500, the most advanced dueling system known to man. These devices will make your beasts look more real than ever before... I will demonstrate... Activate Dueling Disk!"

The two sides of the Disk combined, and slid to the side of his forearm. The lights on it started to flash.

He drew a card from his deck.

"Blue Winged Crown, in Attack Mode!" he exclaimed, placing a card down.

A huge, violet bird, surrounded by blue fames with red fire on its forehead appeared in the sky in front of him. At the same time, a set of numbers appeared right next to it. (1,600/1,200)

It was indeed quite real. The heat from the downdraft was felt by the whole crowd.

"Hmm," mentioned the Master. "Not a bad start, but I think my Blue Winged Crown looks a little lonely... so..."

He drew another card.

"Whiptail Crow, in Attack Mode!" he exclaimed, placing it down.

Another Monster appeared, this one a fiendish vulture-like creature with a long tail. (1,650/1,600).

"Of course," said the Master, drawing a third card, "the key to winning under these rules is bringing out your stronger Monsters so..."

He put down a third card.

"I Tribute the Blue Winged Crown and the Whiptail Crow to bring forth Hyozanryu!" he shouted.

The first two Monsters vanished, and a huge dragon made of crystal with huge wings and a horn on its snout appeared! It breathed a blast of blazing light at the crowd! (2,100/2,800)

"Of course," said the Master, "this is only a simulation."

He pressed a button on his Disk, and Hyozanryu vanished. His Disk shut down.

"When your actual duels start, the fighting will be more intense than ever before. I give fair warning to do everything you can to shield yourself from direct attacks from your opponents, because the rumble packs in the Disks have added a little special sauce with extra spice to make that aspect more interesting. More than that, I cannot say. You’ll soon find out.

"You may have noticed the orange gemstones placed right near your Life Point counters. These will determine how you advance in the tournament. Every time you win a duel, the color of the gemstone will be upgraded. From your current Orange Status, you can be upgraded to Yellow, then to Green, then Blue, then Violet, then Silver, and finally, Gold. Gold Status is what is needed to compete in the finals, and you must achieve Gold Status by four PM on Day 10 of the tournament in order to compete in the finals.

"Just as you can be upgraded, you can also be downgraded. When you lose a duel, you will be downgraded one color. From Orange Status, you can be downgraded to Red Status, and if you lose after that, the gem will turn black, and you will be disqualified. But to all unfortunates to whom that happens, your days in Duelatopia are not done... everyone who does not make it are free to stay and watch the finals commence, with the opening ceremonies starting on Day 11 in our grand Stadium.

"There is faster way to advance, but this is a way I do not recommend. You might find clues in Duelatopia that will lead you to the lairs of the Eliminators, skilled Duelists who I have discovered at exotic locales from the farthest reaches of the planet. If you find one of these lairs, you may challenge the Eliminator, but if you lose, you will be disqualified at once, and that may not be all that you lose..."

Murmurs broke out among the crowd.

"But," said the Master, "should you defeat an Eliminator, he or she will upgrade your Status by two levels, and you will also receive a very special gift for your troubles.

"But even if you defeat one of them, you must abide by certain rules. Every contestant is only allowed one Eliminator match for this tournament. Should you locate another, you cannot duel him. Also, should you chose to travel in groups, and I know some of you are, I will tell you that Eliminators will duel no one who knows their strategy. Should you help your friend by cheering him on, that particular Eliminator will never duel you. You will have to find another if you want to take such a challenge.

"Once again, I will warn you that this option is very risky, and I do not recommend it.

"As far as Duelatopia itself goes, you have each been issued a hotel voucher for one of the city's fine lodgings. Food and amenities will be provided there for free, but if you want more of what Duelatopia has to offer, I hope you've brought your credit card! The city is full of restaurants and entertainment centers, where you can relax and have fun between duels. It also has a plethora of stores and shops, and in almost all of them, you can buy booster packs of Duel Monster Cards, some of which have not seen print for years.

"One building which I cannot say enough about is the Trading Lounge. This neutral ground is a place where duelists can discuss and chat in a stress-free environment, and offers a great place to make trades.

"So then, if you are lucky and play your cards right, you may yet make it to the finals. Everyone with Gold Status on Day 10 is required to go to the VIP entrance to the Stadium in the center of Duelatopia by four PM. The winner of the tournament will win a grand award of twenty million U.S. dollars..."

Everyone started to sound excited.

"And in addition, he or she will have the option of an exhibition match with yours truly, the Master of Games. Should I be defeated, the winner can make any request he desires that the vast resources of KaibaCorp can fulfill. But I warn any dreamers out there..."

He paused.

"I have dueled for much longer than any of you, young duelists, and while it would be a lie to say that I am undefeated, only one person has ever defeated me. Now, you are probably wondering, who might that person be? My lips are completely sealed to his or her identity, but I will say this: that person is standing among you right now, a competitor in this very tournament!"

Looks of shock went through the crowd, as they looked around, Yugi and his friends among them.

"I call that person 'The Mole'," explained the Master. "And seeing as The Mole himself (or herself) doesn't even know who he or she is, and you don't know who I am, that is going to make identification awfully hard. So beware, young duelists... you never know when the duelist you are facing will be The Mole!

"Now, the time for talk is at an end. You may enter the gates, where my Centurions will register your Disks. Find your hotels and rest, for Day 1 starts tomorrow, and at 7 AM sharp, the duels will commence!"

He turned, and walked back into his tower, where the iron door closed.

The gates opened, and a squad of armored Centurions appeared, one of which stepped forward with a bullhorn.

"Form ten single-file lines, please!" he announced. "Let's do this in an orderly manner! The more you push, the longer this will take!"

With some confusion, everyone lined up. The lines slowly went through the gates, where the Centurions scanned their Disks with strange devices.

When Yugi came up, leading his team, the Centurion looked at him hard. His eyes went to the Puzzle hanging around his neck, then to Yugi's face. He looked at him for about a minute.

Finally, the Centurion scanned his Disk and let him pass. "Good luck," he said, as he did the same with Mary, Clive, and Peter.

"Come on guys," said Yugi, looking at his voucher. "Looks like Siegfried booked us at... Cosmo Queen's Castle?"

It was easy enough to find Cosmo Queen's Castle. It was the largest hotel on the hotel strip (which when all was said, wasn't very large when compared to hotels in major cities) and looked like a four-star hotel! The entrance was flanked by two smiling statues of Cosmo Queen, and as they entered the lobby, it looked like a palace!

"I'll take those people," said a bellhop, reaching for their luggage. "If I can just see your vouchers..."

They showed them to him.

"Ah yes, the suite level," he smiled, loading the luggage onto a trolley. "You people must know someone!"

"Well, we are friends with Sieg... Mr. Kaiba," said Mary.

"How fortunate," said the bellhop.


* * * * * * * * * *


The bellhop led Yugi to his room last.

"Will you be needing anything else, Mr. Mouto?" he asked.

"No, that will be all," answered Yugi, taking a five-dollar bill from his pocket.

"Thank you," said the bellhop as Yugi gave it to him.

As he left, Yugi surveyed the room. The bed was king size, the TV was widescreen, there was a mini-bar, and even a videophone. He didn't have anyone to call who had a videophone, but it was a nice touch.

He told his friends to meet him here so they could go down for dinner in an hour. He couldn't believe that this splendid hotel room was all-expenses-paid. As he lay on the bed, he couldn't help but wonder what the next few days would bring...

And all the things that the Master had said echoed in his mind.

[dragon684]

Nice chapter. So it finally really start. I will read this like I read your 2 other yu-gi-oh fics. Seems I should have checked here b4 I send a pm again. the only thing I got wrong was Arkana. should have known. Well keep this up and I'll stay here reading, silently.

[Snakes N' Legends]

Sorry I have posted my fanfic yet or responded. I have just been a little busy but I am starting to get less busy. Both Chapters are great. And the tie in with my fanfic (and I will get it posted.) is great.

And sure I did miss the contest but I had a reason. Terone is already in there. Sure, I am guessing he won't show up a lot but that is prize enough for me.

Well, keep up the good work!!!

[FusionSonicX]

Great chapter Venusaur. Now, I know what you and Snake meant by your fics being spin-offs. I can't wait to see the Fairy girl duel(forgot her name); I first thought she was Cassie for some reason.

Later Days,
FusionSonicX

[Shuppet Master]

Shoot! I screwed up and failed to get to the first quiz,and I knew all the answers too! :( Oh well,there are three left. Can't wait to see what trump card is going to show up.

The third of the trilogy is going great,Brian! Keep it up! ;)

[Loupeitak]

Nice chapter 2 there Yugi. I was hoping to see some action but i guess i have to wait for chapter 3. Really good dude. Loved it.

Hope to see some more.

[PS100]

Excellent fic so far. Well-developed characters(I guess having two fics previous to this in the same chain helps), good sotryline.. All-in-all, very good fic. Can't wait for Chapter 3.

PS

[Dark Sage]

Well everyone, it's time for a new chapter.

I'd like to recommend that everyone who reads and reviews this fanfic to also read and review Snakes N' Legends's fanfic "Yu-Gi-Oh! Shadows of the Past". His grammer may not be the best, but he's getting better, and he has a good story planned.

Well, on to Chapter 3...

- Venusaur

[Loupeitak]

yay, bring it on!!!!

[Dark Sage]

I knew I would have to start somewhere in this tournament... but who knew it would be in the first hour of the first day? And who knew it would be against some big jerk who likely is only doing this to prove how tough he is?

One thing's for sure, I'm going to enjoy mopping the floor with this guy...

... if I can.



CHAPTER THREE



Cyber Commander



The four of them met in Yugi's room before going down to the dining room.

"Should we wear out Disks down there?" asked Clive.

"We don't really need them yet," answered Yugi. "And I wouldn't want to get pasta sauce all over them."

"Good point," added Peter.

"So, who do you think is The Mole?" asked Mary.

"Before we figure that out, we have to figure out who the Master is," responded Yugi. "And frankly, he could be anybody. Siegfried has lots of connections in the dueling world... in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if..."

Suddenly the videophone on Yugi's desk rang.

"Now who could that be?" Yugi mused.

"Maybe it's your dad," said Mary. "Think he's using the videophone in Domino Library?"

"One way to find out," shrugged Yugi. He went over to the phone and turned it on.

The screen came on, and the four friends were surprised. The figure on the screen was the helmeted face of the Master himself!

"Ah, Yugi, Mary, Clive, and Peter," he said. "So glad I caught you all at the same time."

"Uh, yes," said Yugi, nervously. "To what do we owe this call... sir?"

"I just wanted to touch base, old friend," stated the Master.

"Old friend?" asked Yugi. "I beg your pardon, but we've never met..."

"Really?" asked the Master.

He reached for his helmet, and slowly removed it. The four friends gasped.

"SIEGFRIED!" they shouted.

"In the flesh, so to speak," smiled Siegfried. "Now you know my secret, and I'm telling you right now that you four are the only contestants who I am sharing it with."

"Wait a second!" gasped Mary. "If you're the Master, Siegfried, then that means that The Mole... is Yugi!"

"Uh huh," responded Siegfried. "But people, I must have your solemn promise. You must not reveal either secret to any other guest. I'm putting a great deal of trust in you because of all that has happened between us. I trust that you will not betray my secrets. You must not even tell Jade."

"You can trust us, Siegfried," agreed Yugi.

"Sure!" responded Mary.

"We promise!" said Clive.

"May we live a thousand years and never duel again," promised Peter.

"Uh, I don't think that was necessary, Peter," sighed Yugi. "But I have some questions, Siegfried. The Eliminators..."

"I recall saying that I advised everyone against challenging them," muttered Siegfried, "although I have no doubt many will try. You are welcome to challenge them if you find them, but you are still bound by the rules. More about them I can’t tell you. There are many secrets about Duelatopia that I cannot reveal.

"And you are all bound by the other rules too – no stealing, cheating, or physical fighting. If you do, my Centurions will have no choice but to place you under arrest, and the prison here is not pleasant. That means none of your curses, Yugi. Keep the Puzzle's magic under control. I mean that.”

“Uh, sure,” muttered Yugi. He was starting to get nervous again.

"And speaking of which,” continued Siegfried, “let me put any of your fears to rest, Yugi. My Centurions have all been trained to identify all seven of the Millennium Items. Only you and one other person are allowed to have one in Duelatopia..."

"One other person?" said Yugi, raising an eyebrow.

"I can't tell you who he is or what Item he has," continued Siegfried, "but rest assured it isn't the Rod or the Ring. Anyway, anyone unauthorized seen carrying one of them will be shot on sight, and that goes for anyone except you who has your Puzzle. You have nothing to fear from Millennium magic here.

"Anyway, go have dinner and get some sleep. I'm sure you want to hit the dueling circuit first thing tomorrow."

He lowered his helmet back onto his head.

"This is Sieg... um, the Master of Games, signing off!"

He hung up.

"Another Millennium Item?" pondered Mary.

"Maybe Siegfried has an employee of his wearing the Millennium Necklace," said Yugi. "Such an item would come in handy in an event this large. Well, let's eat, huh?"


* * * * * * * * * *[/B[


That night, Yugi had a strange dream. He dreamt he was soaring over the clouds.

At his side was the powerful form of Black Luster Soldier. The mighty Warrior turned to him and nodded.

Then Yugi noticed what they were riding on. They were atop a huge, silver-colored, winged dragon with three heads. He and the Soldier were riding the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!

Yugi shivered.


[B]* * * * * * * * * *


He woke up as the phone rang. He reached for it.

"Mr. Mouto," said a voice. "This is your wakeup call."

"Thanks," he groaned.

The clock next to his bed said 5:30. His head never felt clearer. He said he would meet his friends for their continental breakfast at six.

He got up and headed for the shower.


* * * * * * * * * *


It was 6:45 when the Team Supreme walked out of the hotel. They started to walk towards the center of Duelatopia. The buildings were just opening. Places that sold donuts, fruit, and other breakfast foods already had their wares out.

"Well guys," mentioned Mary. "Fifteen more minutes, and Day One officially begins!"

"All I can say," exclaimed Clive, "is bring it on!"

Already, the streets were starting to become full of people, some wearing Dueling Disks, others who were apparently there just for some excitement. At 6:50, however, the atmosphere turned sour.

"YUGI MOUTO!" shouted a gruff voice behind them.

"Aw no," groaned Yugi.

He turned around, and the large form of "Nasty" Kanasta was there, brandishing his Dueling Disk.

"I've been waitin' for you Yugi," sneered Kanasta. "I told you I was gonna kick your ass first! And now you're gonna have to face my blades!"

He tapped the palm of his right hand, and the blades from his wristband sprang out.

"Is that supposed to scare me?" frowned Yugi. "I'll duel you if that's what it will take to teach you a lesson, Kanasta, but I warn you, I won't go down easily."

A crowd was starting to gather.

"We'll see about that," dared Kanasta, pointing at the clock. "Eight minutes from now, my road to victory in this tournament begins, and your road to ruin starts in earnest!"

"Aw, your mother wears combat boots!" mocked Clive.

Kanasta paused.

I wonder how he knows so much about my family... he thought.


* * * * * * * * * *


Two blocks away, Persephone Amore was wandering the street, decked out in her fancy but dark costume.

"Let's see," she pondered. "Who should my first victim be?"

Then two boys ran ahead in front of her.

"Quick!" shouted one of them. "Yugi Mouto is dueling this punk guy!"

"This I gotta see!" cried the other.

Persephone thought for a minute.

"This could be interesting," she said to herself. She followed them.


* * * * * * * * * *


By now a large crowd had gathered around the two duelists. Yugi Mouto Jr. and "Nasty" Kanasta looked each other in the eyes, as the clock slowly ticked towards seven o'clock. Yugi and Kanasta shuffled their decks.

Finally, the minute-hand hit the twelve o'clock position, and the clock let out seven chimes.

"Well," smiled Kanasta, "let's get ready to rumble!"

Yugi's Puzzle glowed with golden fire, and for the first time in a long time, the change overtook him. He and Yami merged, and their minds became one.

"Activating holo-imagers!" shouted Yugi. Two small devices shot out of his Disk and set themselves up on either side of him, twenty feet away. Kanasta's Disk did the same.

Yugi hit a switch, and his Dueling Disk X-5500 came together and swung into position. Kanasta did the same. The scores set to 8,000.

The two of them plugged their decks into their Disks.

“Ready and…” said Yugi.

"LET’S DUEL!!" they both shouted.


* * * * * * * * * *


The computer in the large tower in the center of Duelatopia came to life.

"Detecting activation of Dueling Disk X-5500 battle system," said a computerized voice. "Competitors: Yugi Mouto Junior and Thomas Kanasta. Transferring information to Duelatopia Central Command mainframe."

In a large command center, where several technicians were viewing computer screens, Siegfried Kaiba – or the Master of Games, as he might as well be known now – was watching the main screen, where Yugi and Kanasta were shown dueling. Flanking him were two Centurions.

"How ironic," mentioned Siegfried, "that Yugi would be competing in the first duel in the first hour of the first day of this tournament?"

"You know this Yugi kid, sir?" asked the Centurion to the left of him, one who was obviously female.

"You might say we go back a little ways," responded Siegfried.

"Hey Leslie," smiled the other Centurion. "I'll bet Yugi mops the floor with that Kanasta guy."

"I dunno, Ted," pondered Leslie. "That Kanasta looks pretty tough..."

"Bet you a dollar," he dared.

"Deal!" she snapped.

Heh, heh, thought Siegfried. Sorry Leslie, that's one dollar you just lost. Tough as Kanasta is, he's small potatoes compared to the guy who brought down Set!


* * * * * * * * * *


Back at the duel, the two competitors made their draws. Kanasta smiled to himself.

"You go first, Yugi," he dared. "That will make this more of a challenge!"

"Fine!" exclaimed Yugi. He drew and looked at his cards.

Well, this guy's pretty powerful, he thought, selecting one.

He put the card down on his Disk.

"I summon Warrior Dai Grepher in Attack Mode!" he shouted. The gray-clad warrior appeared, holding his longsword out menacingly. (1,700/1,600)

"Not bad," smiled Kanasta, making his draw. "But now it's my turn! I summon the mighty Mechanicalchaser in Attack Mode!"

He set the card down, and a spherical, green Machine with a skull-like head, wings, a sword-like tail, and many spindly limbs appeared. It was armed with a long, sparking prod. (1,850/800)

"A Machine?" exclaimed Yugi.

"Yeah!" responded Kanasta. "I like machines! I like fixing machines, restoring machines, tinkering with machines, and when it comes to Duel Monsters, Machine Monsters are my favorites! Mechanicalchaser, electric prod attack!"

Mechanicalchaser flew forward, and rammed Warrior Dai Grepher with his staff. Sparks flew, and Grepher screamed before he burst. Yugi’s Life points fell to 7,850.

"Your move," smiled Kanasta.

Yugi drew.

Now what? thought Yugi. Without making a Tribute, I've got nothing in my hand that can stand up to that thing! Better defend...

"I'll lay a Monster facedown in Defense Mode," he said. He put the card down, and a card appeared facedown in front of him.

Kanasta drew and chuckled. "Playing defensively will keep you safe from one Monster Yugi," he laughed. "But not against two! I summon Robotic Knight, in Attack Mode!"

He put the card down, and a golden android wearing a cavalier outfit, armed with a sword appeared. (1,600/1,800)

"Mechanicalchaser," ordered Kanasta, "attack what he has in Defense!"

Mechanicalchaser flew forward, and Beaver Warrior appeared where the card was. He screamed and was electrocuted.

"Now, it's your turn, Robotic Knight!" shouted Kanasta. "Attack Yugi directly with energy sword slash!"

Robotic Knight raised his sword and charged. Yugi's friends screamed as the Knight smote Yugi with it, and he fell over. His Life Points fell further, to 6,250.

“Get up, you wimp!” gloated Kanasta.

Yugi slowly got up.

"YUGI!" screamed Mary. "You're wounded!"

Yugi looked down, and there was indeed a large, bloody sword-wound on his chest. But it didn't hurt as much as it appeared it should have.

Yugi touched it. His skin didn't seem to be truly cut.

"A hologram," he noted. "A very realistic one."


* * * * * * * * * *


In his command center, Siegfried smiled.

It appears Yugi is the first to discover the brand of "special sauce" I packed into these Disks, he thought. The ancient participants of the Shadow Games always played these games to the death, after all. If you get nailed by a direct attack in any way, your own Disk will "wound" you in an appropriate manner, giving any spectators QUITE a show.

Come on Yugi, you won't let those rustbuckets make a fool out of you, will you?


* * * * * * * * * *


And to think I was worried about this wimp, though Persephone. He's barely putting up a fight!

Yugi got up, and while he seemed to be bleeding, he was still as determined as ever. He drew.

“I play the Pot of Greed,” he announced, placing a card down. The smiling, colored jar appeared and vanished.

Yugi made two more draws.

Finally, he thought.

"Now I summon Skilled Dark Magician in Attack Mode!" he said.

A puff of smoke came onto the field, and a sorcerer in a bulky robe with a flat-topped cowl, holding a long staff, came into view. (1,900/1,700)

"What?" sputtered Kanasta. "This isn't supposed to happen! What are..."

"Skilled Dark Magician," ordered Yugi. "Attack Mechanicalchaser! Dark magic attack!"

The sorcerer aimed his staff and fired, blowing away the Mechanicalchaser in a huge explosion! Kanasta’s Life Points slipped slightly, to 7,950.

"All right!" shouted Mary.

"Junk those Machines!" yelled Clive.

"And I'll end by laying one card facedown," said Yugi, fitting a card into a slot. A card appeared facedown in front of him.

"Okay, so I lost fifty Life Points," growled Kanasta, drawing. "But I can destroy your Magician! I play the Magic Card 7 Completed to raise my Robotic Knight's Attack score!"

He put the card in the slot; a "7" appeared on Robotic Knight's chest, and his Attack went up to 2,300.

"Attack Skilled Dark Magician!" shouted Kanasta.

Robotic Knight charged.

"Hold it, Kanasta," cried Yugi. "I activate my Trap Card!"

"Trap Card?" gasped Kanasta.

The facedown card lifted up. It was the Spellbinding Circle! Robotic Knight was caught in the Circle, and his Attack went back down to 1,600.

"What your 7 Completed can give, my Trap can take away," smiled Yugi. "And by the way, since you just used a Magic Card, i.e. 7 Completed, the tip of my Skilled Dark Magician's staff now glows copper!"

A copper glow emitted from Skilled Dark Magician's staff.

"What does that mean?" gasped Kanasta.

"You'll see soon," grinned Yugi. "Is that your turn?"

"Actually," said Kanasta. "I'll lay one card facedown."

He fitted the card in the slot, and it appeared behind his Knight.

Yugi drew.

"In that case," he said. "I'll summon Obnoxious Celtic Guardian in Attack Mode!"

He lay the card down, and the green-garbed elf appeared holding his sword. (1,400/,1200)

Kanasta gasped.

"Skilled Dark Magician," said Yugi. "Destroy Robotic Knight!"

The Magician fired, and Robotic Knight exploded.

"Now that you have nothing to defend yourself with,” said Yugi, “let's see how you like it! Obnoxious Celtic Guardian, attack him directly with silver blade slash!"

Kanasta screamed as the Guardian closed in on him, slashing at him with his sword. When Kanasta got up, he had a wound on his chest very similar to Yugi's.

Kanasta’s Life Points fell to 6,250.

“The score is tied…” said Yugi.

Well, thought Persephone. Maybe I was wrong. This Yugi kid is kind of good! Well, I've always loved a challenge...

"Okay tough guy," sneered Kanasta, getting up, "you’re really making my oil boil!"

He drew.

"First, I’ll use a Pot of Greed of my own," he said, putting down a card.

He set his card down, and the laughing jar appeared.

"I'll just draw two more cards..." he continued.

"Before you continue," smiled Yugi. "Take a look at my Skilled Dark Magician!"

The Magician's staff now glowed with silver light.

"Huh?" said Kanasta.

"You just used another Magic Card," said Yugi. "But don't let that distract you."

"Fine," said Kanasta.

He hit a button on his Dueling Disk, and his facedown card lifted.

"Next, I'm gonna use my Ultimate Offering Trap Card," he said. "All I gotta do is pay 500 Life Points, and I can make as many summons as I want during my turn!"

"First I'll summon Acrobat Monkey, in Defense Mode," he said, putting a card down.

A large, silver, robotic monkey appeared, and sat down. (1,000/1,800).

"And now," he said. "I'll summon Battle Footballer, also in Defense Mode."

His score went down, and a bulky android in a football uniform appeared, and knelt in a defensive position, as if ready to repel an opposing player. (1,000/2,100) Kanasta’s Life Points went down to 5,750.

"I've always loved football, don't you?" asked Kanasta. "And I can do that any time I want, because Ultimate Offering is a Continuous Trap!"

He took one more card from his hand.

"Now I'll..."

He paused.

Every time I use a Magic Card, he thought, that Skilled Dark Magician's staff changes color... what happens if I use another one?

Still, I'm not about to lose.

He took another card to go with the first one.

"I'll finish by playing Dian Keto the Cure Master!"

The card appeared on the ground behind his Monsters, and the shining deity appeared, holding his crystal ball. Kanasta's Life Points went up to 6,750.

And sure enough, Skilled Dark Magician's staff turned bright gold.

"You made a mistake, Kanasta," said Yugi. "When Skilled Dark Magician is on the field, then after I and my opponent has played a total of three Magic Cards, I can Tribute him, and instantly bring out my favorite Monster..."

Skilled Dark Magician vanished, and then in a flash of light, the Dark Magician appeared! The crowd gasped, and then applauded. (2,500/2,100)

"Dark Magician," ordered Yugi. "Attack the Acrobat Monkey with dark magic attack!"

The Dark Magician aimed his scepter and blasted the Acrobat Monkey into scrap.

"I'll end my turn there, Kanasta," he said, "but I doubt you have anything that can stand up to my Dark Magician."

Kanasta drew.

"I play one card facedown,” he said.

Yugi raised an eyebrow.

"And since my hand is getting thin,” he continued, “I'll play this Magic Card – Full House!"

He put the card down.

"Hey, I have that card!" said Peter.

"Now I can draw until I have a full hand of six cards!" said Kanasta, starting to draw.

“And it’s your turn,” he said.

Yugi drew. He looked at his foe.

“Dark Magician,” ordered Yugi, “attack Battle Footballer!”

Dark Magician aimed.

“You fell right into my Trap,” said Kanasta, tapping a button on his Disk. “Shadow Spell!”

The facedown card lifted, and a mass of chains bound the Dark Magician! His Attack score went down to 1,800.

Yugi cringed. “I end my turn,” he said.

"And now," cried Kanasta, "I summon Giga-Tech Wolf in Defense Mode!"

He put the card down, and a large, cyborg wolf appeared, sitting in Defense. (1,200/1,400)

"That's my turn," said Kanasta, as the Dark Magician struggled. "What are you gonna do now?"

Yugi drew and looked at his cards.

"Nothing," he said, drawing. "I'm going to pass this turn."

"Your funeral," said Kanasta, drawing. "Now you're gonna learn why I'm so nasty! I Tribute both my Monsters..."

Battle Footballer and the Giga-Tech Wolf vanished...

"And I summon Launcher Spider!!" shouted Kanasta. He put the card down, and a huge robotic spider with missile launchers on its back appeared. (2,200/2,500)

"Launcher Spider," yelled Kanasta, "attack the Dark Magician with shock rocket attack! FIRE IN THE HOLE!!"

The Machine fired its missiles and blew the Dark Magician away.

Yugi’s Life Points fell to 5,850.

"Unreal!" gasped Peter.

"That punk beat his Dark Magician!" cried Clive.

"Come on, Yugi!" shouted Mary. "You can beat this guy!"

"So, it's your move," chuckled Kanasta.

Yugi drew.

"I'm going to shift Obnoxious Celtic Guardian into Defense Mode, and end my turn," said Yugi.

The elven Warrior knelt in Defense.

"WHAT?" shouted Mary.

"Yugi!" cried Clive.

"Well then," smiled Kanasta, making a draw. "Say bye-bye to your Celtic Guardian! Launcher Spider, shock rocket attack!"

The Spider fired its missiles, as the Guardian raised his sword... a deafening explosion sounded...

And when the smoke cleared, the Guardian was still there.

"What?" gasped Kanasta.

"Perhaps you should have read the instruction manual more carefully," said Yugi. "This is not the ordinary Celtic Guardian. Obnoxious Celtic Guardian is immune to the attacks of Monsters with an Attack power of more than 1,900, making your Launcher Spider no more than an annoyance to him. So, any other moves you'd like to make?"

"Now that you mention it," said Kanasta. "I'll summon Guardian of the Throne Room, in Attack Mode!"

He put the card down, and a golden robot on tank threads with rockets on its back appeared. (1,650/1,600)

"Then it's my turn," said Yugi, drawing. "I lay two cards facedown."

He slid them into the disk, and they appeared in front of him.

"And now I'll summon Flame Swordmistress in Attack Mode!" he said.

He put the card down, and the orange garbed, female Warrior appeared with her burning saber. (1,600/1,500)

"And with her on the field," explained Yugi, “All other Warriors on the field, i.e. Obnoxious Celtic Guardian, have their Attack power increased by 300 points. So his Attack goes up to 1,700!

“Now, I’ll shift him back into Attack Mode!”

Obnoxious Celtic Guardian rose up and bore his sword.

"Now, Celtic Guardian, attack the Guardian of the Throne Room with silver blade slash!"

Obnoxious Celtic Guardian smote the golden robot, smashing it to bits. Kanasta’s Life Points went down to 6,700.

Got to get rid of that Swordmistress, thought Kanasta, drawing.

"I'll use Ultimate Offering again!" he said. "First I'll summon Jinzo #7, in Defense Mode!"

He put the card down, and a humanoid android with a bionic eye appeared. (500/400)

"Now I'll Tribute Jinzo #7 to summon Pendulum Machine!" he said. "In Attack Mode!"

As his Life Points went down to 6,200, Jinzo #7 vanished, and in its place rose a red robot with a huge, bladed pendulum in place of legs. (1,750/2,000)

"Whaddaya think of that?" said Kanasta. "Launcher Spider, attack the Swordmistress with shock rocket attack!"

The Spider prepared to fire its rockets.

"Not this time Kanasta," said Yugi. "I'm activating my Trap. Get it, Flame Swordmistress!"

The Trap card revealed itself, and the Kunai with Chain appeared in Flame Swordmistress's hand. She threw it, and snagged the Launcher Spider! Her Attack score went up to 2,100.

"I've rendered your Spider helpless," said Yugi. "So finish your move."

Kanasta looked at the field hard.

I could destroy that Guardian with my Pendulum Machine, he thought, but Yugi still has another facedown card. Best not risk it...

"I'm ending my turn," he said.

"I'm using my facedown card," said Yugi, as the card lifted. "Graceful Charity!"

"Crud," cursed Kanasta.

A winged angel appeared on the field and flew into Yugi’s deck.

"I draw three cards," said Yugi, "and discard two."

He drew three cards, added them to his hand, and deposited two cards to the Graveyard.

Perfect, he thought. Now I'll match him Machine for Machine!

"I Tribute my Obnoxious Celtic Guardian..." he said.

The Guardian vanished.

"And I bring forth... Machine King, in Attack Mode!"

He set the card down, and a light struck the ground. The colossal robot appeared, with lights flashing and motors humming! (2,200/2,000)

No way! thought Kanasta. This wimp has a Machine King?

"Since you like Machines so much," said Yugi, "you know that Machine King’s Attack power is increased by 100 points for every Machine on the field – that's 300 extra points, for a total of 2,500. Now Machine King, attack the Launcher Spider with jet punch attack!"

Machine King lifted his arms and they shot towards the Launcher Spider, blasting it to smithereens!

"Your turn, Flame Swordmistress!" said Yugi. "Destroy Pendulum Machine with blazing saber of battle!"

The Swordmistress's saber burned with flame, and she swung it at Pendulum Machine, melting it into slag.

Kanasta’s Life Points stood at 5,550.

Machine King's Attack score went back to 2,300.

"I’m in the lead, Kanasta," said Yugi. "And it's your turn."

I can't believe this geek has got the one powerful Machine that I haven't got! thought Kanasta.

He looked at his cards.

But maybe, just maybe, I can turn this situation to my advantage... all I need are the right combination of cards, and once I get them in my hand, I can have this duel won!

He drew.

Yes! he thought. The first card I need!

"I'm going to use Ultimate Offering again!" he exclaimed. "First, I'll summon Cyber Commander in Attack Mode!"

He put the card down, and a cybernetic soldier carrying a rifle appeared on the field. (750/700).

"And then," continued Kanasta. "I'll Tribute him to bring out a special Machine..."

He put down a card, and his Life Points went down to 5,050.

"Here she comes, in Attack Mode, Queen Machine!"

She slowly rose into position. She appeared as a shiny, silver android, delicate and feminine in shape, with glowing yellow eyes and long, clawed fingers. (2,200/2,000)

"She's a beauty isn't she?" laughed Kanasta. "Queen Machine, attack the Flame Swordmistress with silicon sorcery attack!"

An aura of dark energy appeared in Queen Machine's hands, and she threw it at the Flame Swordmistress, blowing her away. Queen Machine giggled.

Yugi’s Life points fell to 5,750.

The Machine King's Attack score was now 2,400, but Yugi was now worried.

I don't know what the deal is with this Queen Machine, he thought. No telling what strange powers she has hiding. Better try to take her out.

He drew.

"I summon Gemini Elf in Attack Mode!" he said.

The two twin elves appeared with their arms around each other. (1,900/900)

"Now then," started Yugi. "Once my Machine King destroys your Queen Machine, my elves will devastate your Life Points!"

"Just try it!" dared Kanasta.

"You asked for it," said Yugi. "Machine King, jet punch attack!"

The Machine King raised his arms...

Then his arms shook. He lowered them.

"What?" gasped Yugi. "He refuses?!"

"Now you're getting the idea of Queen Machine's power!" said Kanasta. "She's so beautiful, by Machine terms, that no Machine can attack her! And that protection extends to any other Machine on my side of the field! With her on guard, your Machine King is now useless!"

And once I get the right cards in my hand, he thought to himself, I'll be able to use your King to unleash a beast that will bring you to your knees!

Yugi thought for a minute. "I'm ending my turn," he said.

"Lovely," smiled Kanasta. "Now I'll summon Ground Attacker Bugroth, in Attack Mode!"

He set the card down, and a vehicle that looked like a landbound submarine appeared next to Queen Machine. (1,500/1,000)

"And now," continued Kanasta. "I'll use a second 7 Completed to raise its Attack score."

He set the Equip down, and two 7's appeared on the sides of the Bugroth. Its Attack went up to 2,200.

"Now I'll just lay a card facedown, and end my turn," he said, fitting the card in the slot.

Yugi was puzzled. Why didn't he attack the Gemini Elf? he thought.

He drew.

Too late now.

"I use Harpie's Feather Duster!" said Yugi, placing the card down.

The feather swept across the field, and Kanasta gasped.

"That will destroy your 7 Completed, your Ultimate Offering, and whatever other card it was you just put down!" said Yugi. The two cards burst, and the 7's on the Bugroth vanished and it returned to its original Attack power.

"Now," shouted Yugi, "I tribute my Gemini Elf for Summoned Skull!"

The Gemini Elf vanished, and the huge, bony fiend appeared, sparking with electricity. (2,500/1,200)

"Summoned Skull, attack Queen Machine with lightning strike!" ordered Yugi.

The Skull shot forth its lightning bolts, and the Queen Machine exploded!

"Now that she's gone," said Yugi, "Machine King, attack the Bugroth!"

With his Attack score now at 2,400, Machine King aimed his fists and they shot towards the Ground Attacker Bugroth, smashing it to pieces.

Kanasta’s score was now at 3,850.

"Yay, Yugi!" said Mary.

"Keep it up!" said Peter.

Kanasta shook as he drew.

"Darn you Yugi," he cursed. "I'll beat you yet! I play Card of Sanctity!”

He put the card into a slot, and a bight light flashed in the sky.

“Now we must draw until we both have six cards in our hand!”

They each made their draws.

He looked at his cards.

“Now, I'll first put a Monster facedown in Defense Mode..." he continued.

He put the card down, and it appeared in front of him.

"Now this move will cost me some Life Points, but it will cost you more!" he shouted. "Take this - Tremendous Fire!"

He slapped the card down, and an inferno erupted around Yugi! He screamed and fell to his knees. His Life Points went down to 4,750, and Kanasta’s went down to 3,350.

Yugi got up, gasping for breath. His skin and clothes were scorched.

You'll pay for that, he thought.

"Summoned Skull," he commanded. "Destroy the Monster he has in Defense!"

The Skull blasted forth his lightning bolts, and Mechanical Snail appeared, right before it was blown up.

"Now, Machine King, attack him with a direct attack on his Life Points!"

The Machine King shot forth his fists and hit Kanasta full in the face! He toppled over.

He slowly got up, bearing two black eyes and a busted nose. His Life Points toppled to 1,050.

He drew, and then he let out a big smile.

"You think you have me beaten," he said. "Well think again! First, I'll put three cards facedown."

He put the cards into the slots, and they appeared in front of him.

"Now," he continued. "I summon a second Robotic Knight in Attack Mode!"

He slapped down his card, and another Robotic Knight appeared. (1,600/1,800)

"Your move," he said, grinning.

Yugi looked hard at him.

I have a pretty good idea what some of those cards might be, he thought.

He drew.

But I'll be ready.

"I place two cards facedown," said Yugi.

He placed them, and they materialized in front of him.

"And now," he cried. "I Tribute both my Monsters to bring forth Guardian Angel Joan!"

The Summoned Skull and the Machine King vanished, and an angelic choir filled the air. A beautiful shape descended - a lovely woman in a silver gown with feathered wings. (2,800/2,000)

Persephone was aghast!

Guardian Angel Joan? she thought. That wuss actually has Guardian Angel Joan?

"I'll end my turn there," stated Yugi.

Now I'll never be able to surprise him with my combo, thought Kanasta.

He drew.

But I'll still win...

"Question Yugi," he asked. "Have you ever seen a machine made of wood?"

"A simple wooden mallet counts as a machine," answered Yugi. "Why?"

"Well here's something for you," said Kanasta. "First I use one of my facedown cards, Soul of the Pure."

The card lifted, and a fairy dressed in a gown appeared on his side. His Life Points went up to 1,850.

"Now," he said. "The most unlikely Machine Monster of all, Inpachi, in Attack Mode!"

He put the card down, and a huge blocky figure made of wood appeared. (1,600/1,300)

"That's a Machine?" said Clive.

"Well, technically..." answered Mary.

"And now," grinned Kanasta, "I reveal my second facedown card... Limiter Removal!"

The card lifted up, and a large gauge appeared in the air. Its pointer spun around and around, until it broke with a loud snap.

"Limiter Removal will double the attack points of both of my Machines!" said Kanasta. "The first one will easily slay your Angel, and the next will devastate your Life Points!"

The Attack scores of both the Robotic Knight and Inpachi went up to 3,200.

"Get ready Yugi," laughed Kanasta, "cause here I come! Robotic Knight, destroy Guardian Angel Joan!"

The Robotic Knight charged forward...

"Not so fast, Kanasta!" yelled Yugi, pressing a button.

“What?” gasped Kanasta. “A Trap?”

Yugi's first facedown card lifted up revealing...

"Negate Attack?" gasped Kanasta. "NO!!"

The Robotic Knight bounced off an invisible shield, mere feet from Guardian Angel Joan.

"I figured one of those cards was likely Limiter Removal," smiled Yugi. "Why else would you place Robotic Knight in Attack Mode right in front of Machine King and Summoned Skull? So I put Negate Attack there to stop your attack and end your Battle Phase. And since you like Machines so much, I know you know the full effects of Limiter Removal. Once you end your turn, both your Machines will fall apart, and since you've already made your summon for this turn, you'll be defenseless!

"So finish your turn..."

Kanasta was sweating.

He thinks he has me beaten, he thought. But my last facedown card is my Mirror Force Trap. When he tries to attack me, his Angel will be destroyed, and we can start from the beginning!

"I'm ending my turn now," said Kanasta.

And as he said that, the Robotic Knight and Inpachi both fell into piles of broken metal and wood.

"Good," grinned Yugi. "And since I know that your last facedown card is a Trap, I'll just activate my own..."

His last facedown card lifted up.

"Go Dust Tornado!" he shouted.

Kanasta looked on in horror, as a feathery hurricane blew, and his facedown Mirror Force was blown to bits!

"It's over, Kanasta," said Yugi. "Guardian Angel Joan, attack with searing light of Heaven attack!”

A ball of pure light appeared in Joan's hands, and she hurled it at Kanasta! He screamed, and toppled over. Smoke rose from him, and fires were even burning on parts of his clothing. His Life Points were reduced to zero.

The crowd cheered.

Yugi looked down at his Dueling Disk. The gem on it changed color, from Orange to Yellow. As his Angel vanished, he saw that the nasty wound on his chest also vanished, and his burned clothes returned to normal.

"Thank goodness," he sighed.

“Well Kanasta,” said Yugi. “You said you liked football, and that’s what they say in sports terms, a shutout! You didn’t even bring me down to half my Life Points!”

Kanasta got up. His wounds were gone too, but he wasn't very happy.

"Aw, naw!" he cursed, looking at his Disk. His gem also changed color, from Orange to Red.

He glared at Yugi in hate.

"You beat me this time Yugi," he growled, "but this isn't over! I'll get even! Beware the wrath of Kanasta!"

He pushed through the crowd and vanished down an alley.

“Wasn’t that the name of a movie?” someone said.

Yugi's three friends crowded around him.

"All right Yug'!" shouted Clive.

"Way to go!" laughed Peter.

"You sure put that punk in his place!" cried Mary.

Yugi wasn't exactly paying attention. Yami had appeared beside him.

"Not bad for the first hour of the tournament," smiled the apparition.

"Yeah," sighed Yugi. "One victory down, six more to go..."


* * * * * * * * * *


In the command center, Siegfried was intently watching the screen.

"Fine, Ted," said Leslie, "here's your dollar!"

Siegfried chuckled.

But inside, his heart was weighed down. He hated the half-truths he had to tell Yugi last night. But if he had told the whole truth – things that were known to no other living person – Yugi might be too scared to concentrate on the tournament. And he needed Yugi and the rest of them here more than ever if he was going to succeed at the mammoth goal he had undertaken... and which only Yugi could ultimately help fulfill...


* * * * * * * * * *


Several blocks away from where the duel was held, Persephone was seething in rage.

I can't believe that twerp has a Guardian Angel Joan and I don't! she thought. Joan is one of the most powerful and rarest Fairies in existence! I'm the Fairy Queen... I deserve that card much more than he does!

She pondered for a minute.

I've got to have that card, she thought. But I've already seen one duelist arrested for stealing from another... ugly business. I can't take that risk! There must be some other way...

A light came on in her head.

Aha! she thought. It's obvious!




FULL HOUSE (Magic Card)

Type: Magic
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: The image of a hand drawing from a glowing deck. When you play this card, draw from your deck until you have the maximum number of cards currently allowed in your hand (or seven if the “Infinite Cards” Magic Card is in play).

Note: This card appeared in "City of Souls."



QUEEN MACHINE (Monster Card)

Type: Machine/Effect
Attribute: Light
Level: 6
ATK: 2,200
DEF: 2,000

Card Description: This beautiful female android who practices Machine-magic rules the land of Machines as the consort of the Machine King. When this Monster is on the field, none of your opponent's MACHINE Monsters can attack any of your own MACHINE Monsters (including this one) until this Monster is first destroyed.

[Loupeitak]

Weeeee, DIE YOU STUPID KANASTA!!!!!

W00t, what a nice chapter Venusaur, preety good battle. I loved it :)

I thought Kanasta would use Fiend monsters or zombie monsters. Never thought of machines.

Keep up the good work.

[Shuppet Master]

That was a really sweet duel,Venusaur! Of course,I seriously wish there were less machine duelists out there. :what:

Old Seig's got something bad about him. I bet that some evil force is corrupting him and he needs Yugi's power to exorcise it. Oops,was that a spoiler? :lol:

Oh well,can't wait to see what is next. Ta-ta for now! ;)

[Snakes N' Legends]

That was a great duel. Nasty Kanasta might be a better Machine Monster duelists but no one stands a candle to Yugi Junior. So Siegfried is the Master and Yugi is the Mole.

And what is Persphone planning (By the way, good choice of name for her. Just like Pokemonese, you have tie-ins to mythology.)

And who is the weirdo that Mary will face?

Well, keep up the good work!!!!!

[Oakbark]

Reveal face-down card....."Closet Reader!"

Yep, though you may not have known it, i've been reading your yu-gi-oh fics religiously since the beginning, and decided its about time i began replying! Seriously though, i only usually had time to open the page and read the chapters offline, but i'm gonna put in some effort and try to reply more. The first few chapters are very interesting and dramatic, and i promise to try to reply to any chapters that follow this post.

Looking forward to Mary's duel!

Damien.

[Perfect Chaos]

Hey, sorry for not putting my two cents in recently.

Well, I have to say, it just keeps on getting better Venasaur. I kinda had a clue that Siegfried might've been the Master of Games and Yugi the Mole. After all, its is Siegfried's tournament. Too bad Jade won't be able to find out, she'll probably be really pissed for them not telling her :P

Anyways, I like the duel between Yugi and Kanasta (sp?). It's nice to see a Machine duelist, since they're a bit rare for some reason. I was thinking of using one of the main characters in the fic I had planned as a Machine duelist. Who knows

Anyways, I look forward to Mary's duel, which I know is going to be great, as is all the other chapters you have planned

-$∑@π

[Dark Sage]

To all: I'm glad you like it so far. And you haven't seen the end of Kanasta. He'll be taking a long break, but you'll see him again.

Hack: What is Siegfried's secret? You'll see clues to that which will be revealed piece by piece, not all at once.

Snakes: Yes, I based Persephone's name on mythology, and ten brownie points for anyone who can identify the name. Unfortunately, Persephone isn't scheduled to be seen dueling until late in the story - Chapter 25 to be precise - but she'll be showing her influence several times before that.

Oakbark: Welcome aboard!

Perfect Chaos: Siegfried has his reasons for keeping secret his identity from all but a few people. And how is Jade to know that Yugi and his friends also didn't know. She may find out herself eventually.

Keep reading: next chapter is up on Saturday.

- Venusaur

[Hypotenuse Man]

Ooh! Ooh! I know! Persephone was the woman who Hades took to be his bride! She resides six months in the Underworld and six months with her mother above ground, setting the seasons.

On another note, I really liked the setting up of Kanasta's character; all the jokes passing over his head really set him in stone for me, as it were. I can't wait to see the riunion of Yugi & Co. and Jade as well.

[Dark Sage]

Yes, Blue got it - Persephone is the unwilling wife of Hades, and thus Queen of the Underworld.

Anyway, it's time for a new chapter. And I encourage everyone who reads and reviews this fanfic to also read and review Snakes N' Legends fanfic "Yu-Gi-Oh! Shadows of the Past" It is, after all, a spin-off of mine.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

Ever since I first met Yugi and his dad, one of their favorite stories they used to tell me was the time his dad dueled Maximillion Pegasus for his grandfather’s soul. Pegasus used a Toon Deck, full of creepy cartoon Monsters that were incredibly powerful and virtually indestructible.

Now that I’m the one facing a duelist with a similar deck, I can rest assured that these Toons aren’t indestructible or nearly as powerful…

But frankly, I think they’re just as creepy as Yugi’s dad described…



CHAPTER FOUR



Fiend Comedian



An hour later, in her room in a hotel called The Sanctuary in the Sky (which wasn’t as nice as Cosmo Queen’s Castle, but was a close second), Persephone took out a large suitcase.

“I have to have that Guardian Angel Joan card,” she mused. “But I’m not about to try to steal it with all those Centurions watching the place. Hiring another kid to steal it would be just as dangerous… anyone I approach with an offer might turn me in if he got caught.”

She took out a large box and opened it. It was full of Duel Monsters cards.

“So I’m going to get that card in the easiest way possible,” she smiled, leafing through them. “The honest way…”


* * * * * * * * * *


In the meantime, the Team Supreme was walking through the streets of Duelatopia, with Mary in the lead. Having been psyched out by Yugi’s duel with Kanasta, she was itching for a chance to test out her skills with a challenge of her own.

“C’mon!” she cried out loud. “Who wants a piece of Mary Wheeler?”

Unfortunately, not many duelists they met were up for it. Most of the ones they met had already been downgraded to Red Status, and were unwilling to risk it all against someone so enthusiastic.

“Don’t worry Mary,” assured Yugi. “You’ll find someone soon.”

At about two o’clock, they sighted a large promenade in front of what appeared to be a library.

“Hey look,” said Clive. “There’s a duel in progress over there!”

They rushed up and saw the duelist nearest to them. He was a young boy about fifteen, and he was in bad shape. The wounds on his skin and clothing indicated that he had already taken a few hits from direct attacks. He had one Monster in front of him, who appeared to be Zanki.

Before they could look to see who his opponent was, a shrill, female voice shouted, “ATTACK!”

The young duelist was engulfed in a stream of fire! He screamed and fell over, covered with ashes. The Life Point gauge on his disk went down to zero.

Mary ran up to him.

“You okay, pal?” she asked.

“I… I will be…” stammered the boy.

“How’d she make a direct attack when he had a Monster on the field?” pondered Clive.

They turned to face the duelist’s opponent, who was half covered with shadow from a nearby tree. Her Monster had already vanished, and she flicked a button on her Disk, causing the holo-imagers to fly back into the unit.

“Looks like my Dragon did you in!” she giggled. “Now, exit stage left, laughing all the way!”

Deftly, she backflipped away with a laugh, vanishing out of sight.

The boy got up, and his wounds vanished.

“Aw, man,” he groaned, looking at his Disk, which had just been downgraded to Red.

“That chick needs to be taught a lesson,” snarled Mary, “and Mary Wheeler is the teacher!”

She ran off in the direction that the duelist had gone in, and Yugi, Clive, and Peter followed.

“WAIT!” cried the defeated duelist. “There’s something you should know!”

But they were already out of earshot.


* * * * * * * * * *


Several hundred feet away, the victor came to a rest on the stairs leading up to a large building and sat down. She was wearing a bizarre costume – a tight-fitting blue and red jester costume, accented with white face-paint, with a blue shamrock painted around her left eye.

She eyed her Dueling Disk, which had just been upgraded to Yellow.

“Not bad for a matinee,” she mentioned.

“Yo, clown!” shouted Mary.

“Clown?” pouted the girl, turning to face her. “CLOWN? Don’t you know a harlequin costume when you see one? Say, don’t I know you?”

Her accent was decidedly French.

“Uh, no…” said Mary.

“Sure!” stated the jester-girl. “Mary Wheeler! One of the big-shot duelists in Domino City! Mary, I’m Clover! Two-time national champion of France!”

She bowed.

“Really?” sneered Mary. “Well I’m no rookie either. Care to duel someone who can fight back?!”

“I’m as game as you are,” giggled Clover. “Prepare yourself for a real harlequinade!”

Everyone just stared at her in stony silence.

“Harlequinade!” pouted Clover. “It’s a comical play where a harlequin is the star! Geeze, you’re thick!”

A crowd was starting to form, attracted by the shouting.

“Well, this is more like it,” smiled Clover. “I can use a captive audience while I pummel you into pulp!”

“Keep dreaming,” growled Mary, raising her Disk. “Activating holo-imagers!”

The holo-imagers shot out, and her disk moved into position. Clover copied the move.

“LET’S DUEL!” they cried.


* * * * * * * * * *


In his command center, Siegfried was overseeing his technicians, who were busy at their monitors.

“Master of Games!” said one of the technicians. “I’m getting a signal that you requested. The guest named Mary Wheeler is dueling for the first time.”

“Put her duel up on the main screen,” ordered Siegfried.

The screen changed, showing Mary and Clover about to draw their first cards.

This should be interesting, thought Siegfried.

“That costume her opponent is wearing sure does look cute,” noted one of the Centurions beside him.

I know that costume, thought Siegfried. Mary had better be careful, because that duelist is one of the better ones that I invited. But then, Mary is no slouch herself…


* * * * * * * * * *


“The curtain is rising, Mary,” cried Clover. “Let the show begin!”

The scores set to 8,000 apiece.

“Fine,” stated Mary, making her first draw. “I’ll start this show then… I summon, in Defense Mode, Swordsman of Landstar!”

She put a card down, and a strange Monster appeared. He looked like a toy soldier that kids played with, with a big smile on his face. He knelt in defense. (500/1,200)

“Interesting,” chuckled Clover. “I’ll start by playing a Magic Card. Here it comes… the magical, mystical Toon World!”

She put the card down, and a large shape flew out of her disk. It was a large green book with a rainbow on the front. It opened, revealing pages like a pop-up book, and bolts of energy crackled from it!

“Toon World?” gasped Mary in surprise.

“That’s right!” said Clover, as her Life Points fell to 7,000. “I have to pay some Life Points to play this Magic Card, but it let’s me summon special Toon Monsters to the field! And I’m summoning one right now… Toon Mermaid, in Attack Mode!”

She put another card down, and smoke poured from Toon World. A smiling, giggling, cartoon mermaid inside a large clam appeared with her bow drawn. (1,400/1,500)

“Of course,” chuckled Clover, “Toons can’t attack on the round in which they are summoned, but next turn, she’ll be able to bypass your Monster completely and hit you for a direct attack!”

The Toon Mermaid giggled again.

“And I’ll place a card facedown too, for later,” continued Clover. She fit the card into the slot, and it appeared behind the Mermaid.

“Well, now we know how she was able to make that direct attack on that poor guy,” said Yugi.

“Don’t worry,” assured Clive. “That Mermaid is pretty weak… Mary will blow her away before she gets a shot off!”

Mary drew.

Absolutely, she thought to herself.

“I Tribute Swordsman of Landstar to summon Flame Swordsman!” she cried.

She put the card down, and Swordsman of Landstar vanished… the mightier Flame Swordsman arose. (1,800/1,600)

“Attack that Mermaid!” shouted Mary. “Flaming sword of battle!”

Flame Swordsman charged.

“Uh, uh, uh!” scolded Clover, pressing a button. “Forgot about my facedown card, didja?”

“What?” gasped Mary. “A Trap?”

The card revealed itself, showing an old-fashioned sketchbook. A bunch of paintbrushes appeared around Toon Mermaid, making her more colorful and shinier.

“A special Trap Card called Kirby’s Sketchbook,” explained Clover, “made especially for Toons! This Trap card first negates any attack made on a Toon Monster…”

Toon Mermaid’s clam caught Flame Swordsman’s sword, and pushed him backwards.

“And then,” said Clover. “It raises the targeted Toon’s Attack Score until it is 100 points more that the Monster who just tried to attack!”

Toon Mermaid’s Attack score went up to 1,900.

“So, is that your turn?” asked Clover.

“Yeah…” stammered Mary.

“In that case,” laughed Clover. “I think I’ll have her attack… oh, I dunno… YOU! Toon Mermaid, plant one in Mary! Direct attack!”

As Clover’s Life Points fell to 6,500, Toon Mermaid drew back her bow, and fired! Flame Swordsman watched helplessly as the arrow struck his master and she toppled over!

Mary’s Life Points fell to 6,100.

Mary got up. She saw that arrow was sticking out of her chest. She passed her hand through it to confirm that it was a hologram.

Very funny, Siegfried, she thought.

“This doesn’t look good,” moaned Peter.

“I know,” muttered Yugi. “Toon Decks can be very dangerous. Look. Clover spent 1,000 Life Points to summon Toon World in the first place, and an additional 500 Points to have her Mermaid attack. But in just one attack, she’s caused an even greater Life Point loss to Mary. Mary is going to have to be very careful…”

Mary drew.

Yeah, that’s what I need, she thought.

“I use this Equip card,” she cried, “Salamandra!”

She put it down, and Flame Swordsman’s blade blazed with fire.

“It powers up the Attack of any Fire Monster by 700 points, making him too hot for your Mermaid to handle!”

Flame Swordsman’s Attack power went up to 2,500.

“Now, let’s try this again,” shouted Mary. “Flaming sword of battle!”

Flame Swordsman swung his blade, and the Toon Mermaid was incinerated. Clover’s Life Points fell to 5,900.

“Not bad,” stated Clover. “But this duel is far from over.”

She drew.

“Well look at that!” she laughed. “I just drew a Magic Card… Mystical Space Typhoon!”

She put it down, and the Salamandra went out. Flame Swordsman’s Attack went back down to 1,800.

“And now,” giggled Clover. “I summon Toon Gemini Elf, in Attack Mode!”

Toon World glowed with purple light, and purple dust fell to the ground below. Two cartoon elves appeared, holding each other around the waist. The cartoon these elves were from was obviously some sort of adult-oriented anime – they looked like harlots, and they both gave an evil grin at Mary. (1,900/800)

“I don’t know what cartoon they came from,” stammered Clive. “But if Phoebe and I ever have kids, I’m not gonna let them watch it!”

“Okay,” muttered Mary, drawing. “Now we get serious! First I’ll lay one card facedown.”

She placed a card down, and it appeared in front of her.

“Now, I Tribute Flame Swordsman to bring forth the mighty Berfomet!” she cried.

The Flame Swordsman vanished, and a huge, four-armed, hairy, horned Fiend appeared. (1,400/1,800)

Berfomet started to breathe magical fire.

“His magic is able to bring forth Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts!” continued Mary.

The flames coalesced, forming a large, lion-like beast with a unicorn-like horn. (1,500/1,200)

“And now,” yelled Mary, throwing a card into a slot, “I use Polymerization to fuse them together…”

Berfomet and Gazelle came together and swirled like two colors of paint.

“…forming the mighty Chimera the Flying Mythical Beast!!”

A huge shape fell to the ground with a crash. She had two horned heads, and huge feathered wings, with a snake for a tail! (2,100/1,800)

Chimera roared with rage.

The gathering crowd started to cheer.

“I think I taught her how to do that,” mentioned Yugi.

“Mach-3 rules say that Fusion Monsters have to wait a turn before attacking,” stated Clover.

“I know that,” frowned Mary, “so I end my turn. But when she can attack, your two elves are toast!”

“Maybe so,” chuckled Clover, making a draw. “But they still have enough time to get a shot off at you! Or did you forget that your Monsters can’t shield you from Toons? And by the way, unlike my Mermaid, I don’t have to pay Life Points to attack with them!

“Toon Gemini Elf, hit Mary with doe-si-doe of death attack!”

The Toons laughed; they locked their elbows and leapt up in the air, doing a spin. They both aimed a kick at Mary…

“Oh, really?” said Mary, hitting a button on her Disk. Her facedown card revealed itself, and three blue-garbed priests sprang up in front of her.

“What? Waboku?” said Clover.

Toon Gemini Elf leapt forth, but they were blocked by the Waboku.

“Too bad,” said Mary, shaking her head.

“Yeah, well it’s still my turn…” smiled Clover. “I’ll play this Magic card… Scapegoat!”

She put the card down, and four colored sheep appeared beside Toon Gemini Elf.

“The key to this strategy will come to light next turn,” she smiled. “And it’s your move.”

“Fine,” said Mary, making a draw.

I don’t know what she plans to do with those Scapegoats, thought Mary, although they will make it harder to get at her Life Points… in the meantime…

“Chimera, lunchtime!” she said. “Devour Toon Gemini Elf!”

The two elves screamed and tried to run as Chimera ran them down. They were torn apart.

Clover’s Life Points fell to 5,700.

“Your move,” said Mary.

“Indeed,” smiled Clover. “I think it’s time for act two of this harlequinade to start.”

She drew.

“I’ll bet you’re wondering what I intend to do with these little sheep, huh?” she grinned. “Well normally, Scapegoats can’t be used as Tributes to summon powerful Monsters… but for Toon Monsters, which are all considered special summons, that is the exception to that rule!”

“So,” she continued, laying a card down, “I Tribute two of my Scapegoats to summon the mighty Manga Ryu-Ran, in Attack Mode!”

Two of the sheep vanished, and flames erupted from Toon World. The sheep were replaced by a large, fat, red and blue dragon wearing a blue eggshell as pants and also part of it as a helmet. He grinned at Mary with sharp teeth and chuckled. (2,200/2,600)

“Your turn,” said Clover, with a laugh.

“Did you know she could do that?” said Clive to Yugi.

“Frankly, no,” sighed Yugi, who was getting worried.

Now Mary truly looked scared. She drew and looked at her hand.

No! she thought. That Toon is going to blast me next round, and I don’t have a single thing in my hand that can stop it!

She looked at Manga Ryu-Ran and the two remaining Scapegoats.

Only one thing I can do, she thought. Take away some of her ammunition…

“Chimera,” she said. “Attack one of the remaining Scapegoats!”

Chimera charged, and vaporized one of the small sheep.

“Your move,” stuttered Mary, nervously.

She braced herself.

“Aw no,” gasped Peter.

“Manga Ryu-Ran,” ordered Clover. “Attack Chimera! Nasty nostrils flare attack!”

Manga Ryu-Ran inhaled and let loose a stream of flames from his snout. It incinerated the Flying Mythical Beast.

Mary’s Life Points slipped to 6,000, and Clover’s to 5,200.

Mary was confused.

“Why’d you attack him instead of me?” she said, puzzled.

“Couldn’t have such a powerful Monster threatening my Toons,” explained Clover. “It’s called ‘strategy.’ Besides, it makes no difference… he’ll fry you on the next round – I doubt you can take him down without making a Tribute…”

Mary drew.

“Want a bet?” she smiled.

“Huh?” said Clover.

“I summon Goblin Attack Force, in Attack Mode!” she cried.

She put the card down, and five goblin Warriors appeared in front of her bearing clubs. (2,300/0)

“Attack Manga Ryu-Ran, my Attack Force!” ordered Mary. “Goblin rush attack!”

The small Warriors charged forward, and Manga Ryu-Ran fell under a flurry of blows.

Clover’s Life Points fell to 5,100.

The goblins backed up, and knelt in Defense Mode.

“My Goblin Attack Force has to shift to Defense Mode every time they attack, but it doesn’t matter,” chuckled Mary. “It seems I now have you in the perfect ‘lock’! Whenever you summon a Toon, it has to wait one round before it can attack… and before it manages to do so, I can switch my goblins into Attack Mode and take it down!

“So unless you manage to summon a Toon with an Attack greater than 2,300, you can’t win! How’s that for ‘strategy’?”

“It would be good strategy,” said Clover, with a smile, “except that it won’t work…”

“Huh?” said Mary.

Clover drew.

“Did you really think that ALL the Monsters in my deck were Toons?” she giggled. “I always keep a few normal ones in there for just such an emergency. I didn’t become the two-time champion of France by being stupid…”

She put a card down.

“Legion the Fiend Jester in Attack Mode!” she announced.

A tall, thin creature in a colorful jester’s outfit appeared in front of her. (1,300/1,500)

“Now, attack Goblin Attack Force!” ordered Clover. “Acrobatic flip attack!”

The Fiend Jester did a flip and brought his foot down on the gang of goblins, blowing them to pieces.

“And I’ll also place one card facedown,” said Clover, “to end my turn.”

This clown is good, thought Mary. But she made a mistake in choosing such a weak Monster as a weapon.

She drew.

This guy will take care of him…

“Alligator’s Sword, in Attack Mode!” she exclaimed.

She lay the card down, and the tall gator-warrior appeared, brandishing his scimitar. (1,500/1,200)

“Attack the Fiend Jester,” shouted Mary. “Alligator’s sword slash!”

The Alligator’s Sword raised his blade.

“Not so fast!” cried Clover. “I activate my Trap Card – Plummeting Safe!”

“Plummeting what…?” started Mary.

Clover’s facedown card revealed itself. A sound like something falling came to her ears, and then suddenly, a huge cartoon safe fell on Alligator’s Sword, crushing him!

“What the…?” said Mary.

Clover chuckled.

“Plummeting Safe is a Trap that can only be played when Toon World is on the field!” she giggled. “And since you ordered an attack with that Monster, it enabled me to turn your Alligator’s Sword into a pancake!”

Mary’s Life Points slipped to 5,250.

“Clover,” gasped Mary, “you’re nuts!”

“Thank you!” exclaimed Clover, drawing. “And now that you have no Monsters to protect you, Legion, attack Mary with a direct attack!”

Legion the Fiend Jester flipped towards Mary and kicked her in the face! She fell over, and her Life Points fell to 3,950.

When she got up, everyone saw that she was bleeding from the nose.

And to finish my move,” continued Clover. “I’ll Tribute my last Scapegoat to summon one of the mightiest of Toons! Here comes the master of disaster, the engine of destruction, the horrible, terrifying, unspeakable…”

“WILL YOU JUST GET ON WITH IT?” shouted Mary.

Clover put a card down.

“Toon Summoned Skull, in Attack Mode,” she said quietly.

The last Scapegoat vanished, and an enormous lightning storm erupted out of Toon World. A horrifying cartoon Monster arose in front of Clover. Like something out of a nightmare, this Toon resembled Summoned Skull only in basic outline. It glared at Mary, and made a hideous face at her! (2,500/1,200)

All the spectators, with the exception of Yugi, Peter, and Clive, applauded.

“Soon Mary,” smiled Clover. “The curtain will be going down, and I’ll be able to chalk up another dynamite performance!”

“Aw, man, Mary’s in trouble!” gasped Clive. “That… thing can do 2,500 points of damage in one blow!”

“Mary can pull it together as long as she doesn’t panic,” stated Yugi. “As the great master once said, it ain’t over till it’s over.”

Mary drew.

“I’ll summon Flame Swordmistress in Attack Mode!” she announced.

She put the card down, and the slimmer, female version of the Flame Swordsman appeared. (1,600/1,500)

“Attack Fiend Jester!” shouted Mary. “Blazing saber of battle!”

Flame Swordmistress charged forth, and Legion the Fiend Jester was burned up. Clover’s Life Points fell to 4,800.

“Charming,” smiled Clover, making a draw. “But it was too little too late. Toon Summoned Skull, attack Mary with lightning strike attack!”

“No!” screamed Clive.

Clover’s Life Points fell another 500 points to 4,300. The Toon Fiend powered up, and shot forth a volley of lightning bolts at Mary. She screamed, and was knocked prone.

As she got up, she was burned all over, and her clothing was in tatters. Her Life Points plummeted to 1,450.

Okay, Mary, she thought to herself. Don’t panic now. Forget the fact that if it gets off another blast it’s going to finish you…

“Why don’t you just give up and save yourself the embarrassment?” laughed Clover.

“You said you wanted a show, Clover,” groaned Mary, “and I intend to keep going until the last act!”

She drew.

Her eyes opened wide.

“I summon Double Pinaska in Attack Mode!” she exclaimed.

She put the card down, and the leather clad Spaniard with his two machetes appeared. (1,500/1,500)

Clive started to say something, but Yugi went “Shhh!”

“And,” continued Mary. “Due to the Flame Swordmistress’s presence, his Attack score goes up by 300 points!”

Double Pinaska’s Attack score went up to 1,800.

“Doesn’t matter,” laughed Clover. “One more attack from my Skull, and I’ll have this duel won! So end your turn!”

“Mmm!” approved Mary.

Clover drew.

“Toon Summoned Skull,” shouted Clover. “Attack Mary with lightning strike attack!”

The Toon powered up again.

“Double Pinaska,” shouted Mary. “Counter it!”

As the lightning bolt flew forward, Double Pinaska held his machetes together and the energy glanced harmlessly off of them!

“What?” gasped Clover.

“Double Pinaska has a special effect,” grinned Mary. “Once per duel, he can counter any enemy attack, whether it is aimed at him or not. So he was able to protect me from your Toon’s attack! Another 500 Life Points wasted!”

Clover’s Life Points were at 3,800.

“Well, it’s only a minor setback,” said Clover. “He can only do that once, and you still haven’t found a way to destroy my Skull. He’ll destroy you next turn!”

She’s right, thought Mary. I have to have a card in my deck strong enough to defeat that crazy Toon Skull, and I have to draw it NOW!

She drew. She looked at the card.

Bingo, she thought.

“Hey Clover,” she announced. “Look at this card!”

She showed it to her.

“A Ritual Card!” exclaimed Clover.

“It’s called the Garma Sword Oath!” exclaimed Mary, throwing it into the slot. “And to activate the power of this ceremony, I sacrifice both the Flame Swordmistress and Double Pinaska!”

The two Warriors raised their swords and clashed them together. They vanished as lightning struck them.

A rumble was heard as a dark cloud appeared on the field. A figure stepped out of it. He raised six arms, and drew six huge scimitars!

“Presenting,” shouted Mary. “The greatest of all swordsmen, the mighty Garma Sword!”

(2,550/2,150)

“Now,” said Mary. “Destroy that blasted thing! Sextuple scimitar slash!”

Garma Sword charged forward and sliced the Toon Summoned Skull apart! It fell into twitching pieces!

Clover’s Life Points inched slightly lower, to 3,750.

“All right!” yelled Peter.

“I’d say this Duel has just turned around one-hundred and eighty degrees!” smiled Mary.

“We’ll see about that,” said Clover, drawing.

She looked at her card.

Yes! she thought. I just drew another Kirby’s Sketchbook! Now, I just have to summon another Toon, and when Mary tries to attack it with that Garma Sword, its Attack strength will be raised to a phenomenal 2,650, more than enough to finish Mary off!

She slid it into a slot.

“I play one card facedown,” she said. “And then I’ll summon another Toon Gemini Elf, in Attack Mode!”

She put the card down, and the Toon Gemini Elf appeared again, grinning as much as they ever were. (1,400/1,500)

“I’ll end my turn there,” smiled Clover.

Mary looked at her with a suspicious look.

“I get it,” sneered Mary. “That facedown card is another Kirby’s Sketchbook Trap, isn’t it?”

“Maybe!” smiled Clover.

Mary drew.

“Well it won’t work,” said Mary. “I’ve just drawn the card that will bring your twisted harlequinade to an end! Behold my own Mystical Space Typhoon!”

“NO!” gasped Clover. “That let’s you destroy any opposing Magic or Trap Card!”

“That’s right,” stated Mary, fitting it into the slot. “And I’m aiming it directly at your Toon World!”

A maelstrom of dark energy erupted onto the field, and the green popup book was torn apart. Pages scattered everywhere!

“And without Toon World’s magic,” smiled Mary, “Toon Monsters can’t maintain their existence!”

It was true. Toon Gemini Elf screamed, and melted into a puddle of colored ink.

“And my turn is just starting!” exclaimed Mary. “I use Monster Reborn to bring back my favorite Monster, Flame Swordsman!”

She placed the card down, and the powerful Warrior reappeared. (1,800/1,600)

“Now then,” said Mary. “You so much like dishing out direct attacks, let’s see if you can take them! Flame Swordsman, attack Clover with flaming sword of battle!”

Flame Swordsman closed in on Clover and slashed with his sword, opening a deep, burning cut across her chest! Clover’s Life Points fell to 1,950.

“Now it’s your turn Garma Sword,” yelled Mary. “Attack with sextuple scimitar slash!”

Clover screamed as the six-armed Warrior pounced. He attacked, and blood flew! Clover collapsed, as her Life Points fell to zero.

The crowd cheered, as the two Warriors vanished in sparkles of light. Mary sighed. Her wounds vanished, and her clothes went back to normal. She looked at her disk – the gem had turned to Yellow.

Yugi, Clive, and Peter ran up to her.

“Great job, Mary!” congratulated Yugi.

“Killer!” grinned Clive.

Clover slowly got up.

“Hey, Mary…” she said.

Mary turned to her.

“Good duel,” muttered Clover. “I guess I need to practice more…”

“Don’t feel bad, Clover,” comforted Yugi. “It was close, and it takes a good duelist to get anywhere with a Toon Deck.”

Clover looked at her Disk, which was back to Orange Status.

“Guess I have to start over from the beginning,” she said. “But perhaps we’ll meet again.”

She flicked a button on her disk, and the holo-imagers retracted.

“But I’ve had enough for one day,” she smiled. “Au revoir!”

She leapt up and backflipped out of sight.


* * * * * * * * * *


In his command center, Siegfried rubbed his chin.

Not a bad bit of work, Mary, he thought. My uncle would have been proud of you for crashing through those nasty Toons…

Well, maybe I should concentrate on my other potential allies…

“Listen up,” he said to the technicians. “When Clive Marris, Peter Ramset, and Jade Valentine duel for the first time, inform me immediately. I want to at least see their first matches.”

“Yes Master of Games,” said the head technician.

“And keep me informed of the status of Yugi Mouto Jr.” he said. “I want to be informed on every significant aspect of his progress, positive or negative.

“If anyone wants me, they’ll know where to contact me…”

He turned and left.


* * * * * * * * * *


It was now four o’clock. It didn’t seem like Clive and Peter would be able to find any duels of their own today, so they made a decision to hit the streets early the next morning. Right now, they were looking for a place to get an early dinner.

“Man, Mary,” commented Clive. “You’re tough! I didn’t think anybody could take that many direct attacks! Especially from something as tough as that Toon Skull!”

“She’s tougher than you think,” said Yugi, smiling. “Anyway, we should…”

“Yugi!” called a voice behind them.

“Aw no,” sighed Yugi. They recognized that voice.

They turned around, and saw Persephone, carrying a satchel.

“Yugi,” she asked. “Got a minute?”

“Maybe,” said Yugi. “What do you want Persephone? Green Status already, I see.”

“Heh, heh,” smiled Persephone. “I don’t like to brag. Look Yugi, I’m sorry for everything I said on the boat, and I want to make it up to you. How about I treat you to a burger? I know a place near here that makes half-pound cheeseburgers and the best spicy-curly fries!”

Yugi raised an eyebrow.

“And you’re buying?” he asked.

“Uh huh,” she nodded.

“Yugi, I don’t trust her…” whispered Mary.

“Don’t worry,” said Yugi. “You guys go on ahead. I’ll handle whatever she wants…”

“Leave a trail of breadcrumbs…” muttered Clive.


* * * * * * * * * *


Persephone hadn’t been lying. The cheeseburgers and fries at the restaurant she brought Yugi to were both huge and to die for. Halfway through the meal, Yugi spoke up.

“Persephone,” he said. “I have the feeling that you aren’t buying me dinner out of mere generosity…”

“Oh?” asked Persephone.

“No,” frowned Yugi. “More likely you want to challenge me after we finish when I’ll be stuffed, and therefore sluggish and slow. Well, people have tried that trick with me before, and it hasn’t worked.”

Persephone let out a laugh.

“No Yugi,” she smiled. “I brought you here to talk business…”

“Business?” asked Yugi.

“Uh huh,” said Persephone. She took a large box out of her satchel and hefted it up on the table.

“As you undoubtedly know Yugi,” she explained, “I play a Fairy deck, and you happen to have one of the most powerful and rarest Fairies in existence in your own deck…”

“You mean my Guardian Angel Joan?” asked Yugi, suspiciously.

“Precisely,” said Persephone with a smile. “I was watching that duel with that awful Kanasta fellow. Anyway, I’d love to have a Guardian Angel Joan, and I’m willing to make an even trade… or even a not-so-even one, in your favor.”

She opened the box, revealing a lot of cards.

“Uh, Persephone…” started Yugi.

“How about Injection Fairy Lily?” asked Persephone, picking out a card. “I know you like powerful Spellcasters…”

“Persephone, I…” started Yugi.

“Here’s a good one,” said Persephone. “Diffusion Wave-Motion. One of the strongest Magic Cards around, especially when you have a Dark Magician.”

“Look,” said Yugi. “I can’t…”

“How about the ever-popular Ring of Destruction?” she continued, picking out another one. “A great Trap Card!”

“Persephone…” said Yugi.

“Ah, I got it!” exclaimed Persephone. “Ta da!”

She held up a frightening looking Monster card.

“That’s really Chaos Emperor Dragon, Envoy of the End?” asked Yugi.

“Uh huh!” said Persephone. “Much more valuable than Joan, but it’s really of no use to me, so if you want it, we can…”

“I’m sorry, Persephone, no,” said Yugi.

“Pardon?” she said.

“Persephone,” explained Yugi, “even if you were to offer to give me all four of those rare cards, I wouldn’t accept the trade, and I’ll tell you why…”

He shifted through his deck until he found Guardian Angel Joan, and held it up.

“This card means a lot to me,” he stated. “I didn’t get it out of a lucky draw from some booster pack. It was given to me as a gift from a good friend. This card represents more than the rarity of the card, or the power she possesses in a duel… it represents the tie of friendship I have with that individual. He gave it to me out of gratitude for saving his life, in fact. You must understand, that even if you were to offer me every rare card you have in that box, I cannot in clear conscience trade away Guardian Angel Joan.

“In a way, she is MY Guardian Angel.”

Yugi wasn’t lying or exaggerating. It was Siegfried himself who gave him Guardian Angel Joan. He had meant to give it to him for saving him from Anastasia Pegasus after he and the rest of his friends had been imprisoned by the madwoman, and ended up giving it to him after he had been dragged to Remi’s City of Souls to be used as bait in one of Remi’s traps. Yugi was sincere in what he said… he could never trade something like this away.

Persephone thought for a moment. Unpleasant things were going on in her mind.

Fool, she thought. Who needs friends in this business? I’ve dueled long enough to know that anyone who’s your friend today can be your enemy tomorrow. Friends only slow you down. A gift? I always exchange my birthday and Christmas gifts anyway! This Yugi is nothing more than an idiot!

She smiled at Yugi with a fake smile.

“Well, um, I guess I can respect you for that, Yugi,” she lied.

“Thank you for dinner Persephone,” he said, getting up.

“Yugi, wait!” she said.

“Now what?” frowned Yugi.

“Just so this visit won’t be a total bust…” she said, reaching into her satchel.

She pulled out a large photocopy of what appeared to be a map of part of the city.

“I bought this from another contestant,” she continued. “He said it leads to the lair of an Eliminator. If you’re as good a duelist as you claim to be, you could go there and get upgraded two places!”

“And you’re just giving it to me?” asked Yugi, suspiciously.

“Yep,” smiled Persephone. “I’m too chicken to go there myself, so I have no use for it…”

Yugi took the photocopy. An Eliminator. Siegfried had warned everyone about these people. He’d have to think about it.

He folded it up, and placed it in his pocket.

“Well, thanks,” he said, and turned to leave.

As Yugi left, a wicked smile crossed Persephone’s face. She reached into the satchel and pulled out what appeared to be the original map, drawn on canvas.

“If only Yugi knew that I bought this thing only three hours ago from a disqualified contestant who was scared out of his mind!” she laughed. “Yugi is good, but that map I gave him will likely boot him out of the tournament! Then we’ll see how far his friendship gets him!”




KIRBY’S SKETCHBOOK (Trap Card)

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: This special card was named in honor of Jack Kirby, the King of Comics. This card may only be activated when “Toon World” is active on your side of the field. You may activate this card when your opponent declares an attack on a TOON Monster. Negate the attack, and permanently change the ATK score of the TOON Monster to 100 points more than the ATK of the attacking Monster.



PLUMMETING SAFE (Trap Card)

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a cartoonish safe falling through the air. This Trap can only be activated when “Toon World” is active on your side of the field. You can activate this Trap when an opponent declares an attack. Destroy the attacking Monster and deduct ¼ of the attacking Monster’s ATK from your opponent’s Life Points.

[Shuppet Master]

What a great duel! Toons happen to be one of my favorite card types,especially since I saw Maxmillion Pegasus playing with them. And I bet Persephone is going to be one of three things:

(1) A reoccuring villian
(2) A rival who ends up becoming like Seigfried and becomes Yugi's friend(not likely,considering how evil she looks,but I won't hold my breath)
(3) Someone who gets in serious trouble and ends up getting hurt

Well,can't wait to see the big duel between Orin and Clive! I feel that Clive will win,but only after a hard struggle. :)

Too much Yu-Gi-Oh - I just saw the third part of the final battle between Marik and Yugi earlier today. @_@

[Oakbark]

Hey there Brian (can i call you that?).

I really liked that chapter, there was a good flow to the story and i read through it very quickly with ease.

The duel was tough, and very well written, although i think Clover, being a top-ranking duelist, wouldn't use a Toon Mermaid/Kirby's Sketchbook combo twice in a row. I don't realistically think Mary could've guessed her facedown card was another Kirby's Sketchbook, but never mind.

The Yugi and Persephone discussion was interesting, and i can see why she'd be fuming when Yugi wouldn't trade the one card she wants so much. I'm a little wary of the Eliminator map, and i wonder if she's leading Yugi to a place where the cameras and guards of Dueltopia are absent. That way she could steal the card without fear of disqualification.

Looking forward to Peter and Clive's upcoming duels - it would be quite interesting if one of them downgraded to red status. I think the idea of having a second chance if you lose your first duel is very fair - it also gives defeated duelists a chance to regain their form and re-challenge Team Supreme.

Well, until next chapter. Bye and take care all!

Damien.

[Shuppet Master]

I doubt that Seigfried,having spent all his time working on the resort,would have left a single place unwatched. :) Also,Persephone mentioned that Yugi would be booted out of the tournament,so I doubt she's thinking of stealing the card from Yugi - more likely she's leading him to an Elminator she's hired to defeat Yugi and drop him to black status,who will force Yugi to wager his Guardian Angel card or else. Later,Persephone will collect the Joan card from the hired thug and win both the card and humilate Yugi at the same time.

[mr_pikachu]

I just read both of the last two chapters. Not bad, though I think Kanasta was a bit too dumb. C'mon, who hasn't heard the "Your mother wears combat boots" insult? :lol:

Interesting tactics. I liked the Double Pinsaka move especially. I bet Mary never thought that it'd be used to defend against a Direct Attack! Yugi's mother has finally been revealed, as well. I figured that would probably be the case, considering the note you put about his mom in the spoiler of Persephone. Yugi's reaction made it even clearer.

This was pretty good. Try to limit your use of multiple closing punctuation marks (like "?!"), and add a bit more plot to it, rather than just hints and cliffhangers. Well, see you next chapter! :wave:

[Dark Sage]

You want plot? You'll get plot!

Plot will be heavy in upcoming chapters. Early chapters will tie in with later ones, and you'll soon be seeing many mysteries unfold.

Keep reading. The next chapter is tomorrow.

Where were you Pik, anyway, vacation?

- Venusaur

[mr_pikachu]

Where were you Pik, anyway, vacation?

Actually, I was moving into my dorm room, where I had ridiculously stupid internet problems (some of which still plague me today... darn network system...). You can read my post in the Smiley Town thread if you want more information.

And plot = good. These last two chapters seemed a little fillery, even though I know they were a means to an end. Still, there was some nice development, so it was still pretty good. :yes:

[Dark Sage]

Time for a new chapter everyone.

I should warn people that this chapter contains several "Invasion of Chaos" cards, and at least one "Ancient Sanctuary" card. If you want to know how these cards work, an extensive cardlist can be found on a special websight devoted to the card game - I don't know if I'm allowed to post it here, so PM me if you want to see it. You can look up almost any card there.

Anyway, on we go.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

I’ve spoken to Yugi’s dad and Mary’s dad about their past victories… and one great duelist who always interested me in their conversations was Mako Tsunami. He was a guy who loved the ocean since he was a child… He knew how to swim before he knew how to walk! A tragic accident at sea resulted in the loss of his father. Poor Mako seemingly never could accept the fact that his father was dead, and devoted his young life to searching for him, never giving up hope.

On the other hand, Mako had a very good reason for never giving up. A few years after the accident, he received an anonymous letter that told him never to give up… and the mysterious note came with an equally mysterious Duel Monsters card: The Legendary Fisherman, a powerful Warrior/Water Monster whose appearance was a dead ringer for his father. I guess it was an omen of sorts. Mako himself kind of looked like the Monster on the card.

But whatever the case, I found out on the ship over here that Mako himself is a father now, and now I’m about to face his son in my first duel in the Duelatopia tournament.

And it seems that the third generation of the Tsunami family takes after his dad… in more ways than one…



CHAPTER FIVE



Water Omotics



They woke up at 7 AM sharp. It was Day Two of the tournament, and Peter and Clive had not dueled even once.

At least three of them woke up at seven.

“Where the heck is Clive?” grumbled Mary to Yugi, as they were standing outside the Cosmo Queen’s Castle. “I thought we were going to meet out here…”

“Hey guys,” called Peter, coming out. “I found this note on the door to Clive’s room…”

Yugi read: “Dear Guys, I went out for a jog and some fresh air. Be back by eight. Clive.”

“Well, you know Clive,” sighed Mary. “Always exercising. Why don’t we just go for a walk while we wait for him to come back?”

“And maybe we can grab a bagel on the way,” suggested Peter.

As they walked off, Yugi took out the map he had gotten from Persephone.

Yami appeared beside him.

“Still considering it?” asked Yami. “It might be a great opportunity…”

“Yeah,” muttered Yugi. “But I don’t know anything about these ‘Eliminators’. What if they’re too tough for me to beat? They aren’t called Eliminators for nothing… And if I lose, I’m disqualified!”

“We’ve beaten some tough opponents,” said Yami. “Your deck has never failed you.”

“These duelists have probably gotten themselves good decks too,” considered Yugi. “And good strategies to go with them. And I remember too plainly what Siegfried said… if you lose against one of them, ‘that may not be the only thing you lose.’ It just sounds… dangerous.”

“Well, it doesn’t have to be today,” assured Yami.

“True,” said Yugi. He put the map back in his pocket.


* * * * * * * * * *


At this instant, Clive was experiencing how hard it was jogging with a Dueling Disk strapped to his left arm. He had brought it just in case, but it was slowing him down.

A lot of joggers and speed-walkers use “heavy hands” to give their arms a workout, but most joggers who use them (well, all joggers who use them) wear two of them at once. As Clive was now finding out, carrying one slightly heavy object strapped to his left wrist was throwing him off balance and slowing him down. He was regretting not bringing his backpack and carrying it in there.

Eventually, he stopped to catch his breath and sit for a few minutes. He found that he had gone beyond the gates of Duelatopia (which had since been removed) and was now in front of the large tower on which he had first seen the Master of Games.

He looked around. A few pedestrians were about, apparently having had the same idea that he had, but none had their Disks. The docks were in front of him, so he decided to jog down to them. Maybe the sea air could help clear his head.

As he ran down, he saw a figure sitting on the large docks, one who did have a Disk strapped to his arm. He approached the figure, and saw that it was someone he had already met – it was Orin. His bandana, boots, and a pair of leather gloves, along with a satchel, were beside him.

Orin Tsunami had a worried look on his face as he gazed out to the ocean waves. Clive could hear him muttering to himself.

“The sea is restless and troubled,” mused Orin quietly. “Strange things are afoot here…”

“Orin?” said Clive.

“Oh, hi Clive,” said Orin, turning around. “Catching some sea air? It does wonders for the heart and lungs!”

“Yeah,” muttered Clive. “So what are… wow! You have Green Status already!”

“I don’t deserve it,” grumbled Orin. “The two duelists whom I defeated were no more of a challenge than plucking oysters from their beds. If I’m to get far in this tournament in a respectable way I must avoid small guppies and start challenging powerful barracuda!”

Clive thought for a minute.

“Well, I hate to brag, Orin,” he said, proudly, “but I can duel you if you want. I’ve beaten…”

He caught himself. He had almost said “Des Fist”, and if he had said that he would have had to answer a million questions.

“… a lot of good duelists,” he continued.

“So then, you are challenging me?” asked Orin.

Clive thought for a minute. He bent down and picked up one of Orin’s gloves. He gently slapped him in the face with it.

Orin chuckled. “Why not?” he said. “We’ll see if you’re truly up to it. But I have to warn you… in the middle of a duel, I kind of get lost in the moment… like a school of quippers in a feeding frenzy! ”

“We have a lot in common,” assured Clive.

They walked back to the grand promenade in front of the tower. Some folks immediately started to take notice. This wouldn’t exactly be the cheering crowd that Yugi or Mary had, but at least Clive would be able to make a little bit of a name for himself.

If he won.

“Okay Clifford,” warned Orin. “Don’t expect me to be lenient. The Tsunami family is as merciless and relentless as the sea itself!”

“Then don’t expect any leniency from me either!” responded Clive. “Go Dueling Disk!”

The holo-imagers shot out of his Disk and the console swung into position. Orin copied the same move.

“LET’S DUEL!” they said.


* * * * * * * * * *


In a luxurious manor house near the center of Duelatopia, Siegfried was finishing breakfast. A special cell phone next to him went off. He picked it up and cleared his throat.

“Talk to me,” he said.

“Master of Games,” said the voice on the other end. “We’ve gotten visual of one of the duels you requested. Clive Marris has engaged his first challenge.”

About time, thought Siegfried.

“Put it up on these co-ordinates,” he said. “1002-5678-BA.”

He pushed a button, and a screen lowered in front of him.

“Interesting,” he stated over the phone. “What do we know about his opponent?”

“Someone named Orin Tsunami,” answered the technician. “Our records indicate that he’s a duelist with at least ten regional tournament wins under his belt… all in different locations. He must like to travel.”

Tsunami… thought Siegfried. Where have I heard that name before? Didn’t my uncle mention that name once or twice?

Oh, right, the Water duelist.

Well, let’s see how this turns out…


* * * * * * * * * *


“Why don’t I start this off, Orin?” stated Clive, after making his draws. “For my first move, Frontier Wiseman, in Attack Mode!”

He put a card down, and an old man in royal green robes wearing a crown and carrying a book appeared. (1,600/800)

“This guy may be a Spellcaster,” exclaimed Clive. “But while he’s on the Field, all my Warriors are immune to Magic Cards!”

“I only need one Magic Card to defeat you, landlubber,” smiled Orin. “Behold my special Field Magic Card… A Legendary Ocean!”

“What?” said Clive, surprised. “A Field Card?”

Orin flicked open his Field slot and a card in, and the results were dramatic. First, the area they were dueling in became flooded; water appeared quickly covering them! Clive tried to hold his breath, before realizing it was a hologram. But it was realistic – it seemed they had been transported to the bottom of the sea!

Then, strange buildings with underwater architecture arose around them. It was as if they were standing amid a restored Atlantis!

“Man, this is cool!” said one spectator.

“Wow,” stammered Clive. “These Disks are something. I can even taste it!”

“It’s more than a cosmetic change, Clive,” explained Orin. “A Legendary Ocean has two potent effects on any Water Monster I summon. First, it lowers their Star Level by one, making them easier to summon to begin with. Two, it increases both their Attack and Defense by 200 points.

“And that’s not all. Many of the Monsters in my deck have unique powers when fighting in A Legendary Ocean…”

“Unique powers?” said Clive, getting frightened.

“Take this one for instance…” said Orin putting a card down.

A large, red submarine-like vehicle appeared. It had twin turrets on the top, and mechanical arms in the front. (1500/1,300) –> (1,700/1,300)

“This is what is called Amphibious Bugroth MK-3,” continued Orin. “While this Machine is in ocean terrain, it can bypass your Monsters completely and deliver a direct attack!”

“Oh, great,” gasped Clive.

“Amphibious Bugroth MK-3,” ordered Orin, “hit him with high-pressure hydro cannons attack!”

The turrets on the vehicle started to hum, and then they shot two streams of water at Clive, knocking him over. He got up, covered with bruises. His Life Points fell to 6,300.

“Whoever said a little water can’t hurt?” grinned Orin. “Come on, Clive, I’m waiting for this big challenge!”

It’s a good thing all this water is just a hologram, thought Clive, drawing. It would ruin my deck if it were real!

“Your Bugroth might have special powers, Orin,” sneered Clive, drawing, “but it was a critical mistake to have it attack me and not my Wiseman!”

He put a card down. “Dark Blade, in Attack Mode!”

A Warrior in black, bladed armor bearing two huge swords appeared on the seafloor. (1,800/1,500)

“Now Dark Blade, attack the Bugroth!” said Clive. “Dark slash attack!”

The Dark Blade cut through the waves and bought a sword down on the Machine; it exploded.

“Your turn Frontier Wiseman!” yelled Clive. “Hit Orin with your royal enchantment attack!”

The Wiseman slowly raised his right hand, and fired a blast of colored energy, striking Orin and sending him staggering back.

Orin’s Life Points stood at 6,300. The score was tied.

“So now what are you gonna do, Orin?” mocked Clive. “I’ve got two Monsters on the Field. Even if you summon one that can take out one of them, you can’t destroy them both!”

“Oh no?” smiled Orin, drawing. “I disagree…”

“I summon Mermaid Knight in Attack Mode!” he exclaimed.

A large, lovely mermaid with purple scales and hair appeared, wearing armor and wielding a nasty sword. (1,500/700) –> (1,700/900)

“This is no enchanting undersea princess, Clive,” stated Orin. “She lives to fight. And while in A Legendary Ocean, she can make two attacks per round, enabling her to destroy both of your Monsters!”

“I can see one problem with that,” frowned Clive. “Her Attack score isn’t high enough to defeat Dark Blade, even with the Ocean’s benefit.”

“She’ll be strong enough once I give her this Equip,” exclaimed Orin. “Power of Kaishin!”

He put the card down, and a golden axe appeared above the Mermaid Knight. Her sword vanished, she grabbed hold of the axe, and her Attack went up to 2,000.

“Go my Mermaid!” said Orin. “Attack both of them with Kaishin axe attack!”

Mermaid Knight let out a war cry and swam forward, striking down both the Frontier Wiseman and the Dark Blade! She brandished her axe in triumph.

Clive’s Life Points went down to 5,700.

Okay, thought Clive, looking at his hand. I’ve got nothing but mediocre Monsters and a couple of throwaways in my hand, and he’s got a gal who can attack twice… not to mention the fact that he might summon something powerful on his next turn…

He drew.

Hmm… he thought, looking at the card. This might just work…

“I’m setting one Monster facedown in Defense Mode,” he said.

He put the card down, and the card appeared in front of him.

“And I’ll place another facedown card as well,” he continued, “ending my turn.”

He fit the card into the slot, and the facedown card appeared behind the facedown Monster.

Orin drew.

“I summon a Monster in Attack Mode,” he cried, “Meet Sea Stealth Two! Otherwise known as…The Legendary Fisherman!”

He put a card down, and a very intimidating Monster appeared from out of the deep. He was a huge Warrior, holding a giant harpoon, riding a ferocious shark! (1,850/1,650) –> (2,050/1,850)

So that’s what he looks like, thought Clive. He does kind of look like him… only older… and scarier…

“Normally,” explained Orin. “I’d need to make a Tribute to summon The Legendary Fisherman, but as I said, while in A Legendary Ocean, his Level is downgraded. Plus, while in this Ocean, he is immune to Magic Cards, and your Monsters can’t attack him!

“It’s like staring into the depths of the abyss, isn’t it Clive?” he continued. “After my Fisherman destroys your Defense Monster, my Mermaid Knight can make two direct attacks, doing you 4,000 points of damage!

“You’re no challenge at all…”

That’s what you think, thought Clive, trying to keep a poker face.

“Legendary Fisherman!” shouted Orin. “Attack with Harpoon of Legend attack!”

The Legendary Fisherman raised his harpoon…

“Not so fast, Orin!” said Clive, pressing a button on his disk. His facedown card lifted up.

“What? A Trap?” gasped Orin.

“Yep, a Trap,” smiled Clive. “Go Magic-Arm Shield!”

A large box with a mechanical grabber tipped with “cymbals” on it appeared, and the grabber shot forth. Mermaid Knight screamed as it seized her!

“What’s happening?” said Orin.

“This little toy, the Magic-Arm Shield,” said Clive, “lets me grab your Mermaid and use her to shield my side from your Fisherman’s attack! So attack Fisherman!”

The Legendary Fisherman hurled his harpoon. The Mermaid Knight screamed and covered her eyes as it hit her, blowing her apart!

Orin’s Life Points fell to 6,250.

The onlookers all laughed, as did Clive. Orin just starred in bewilderment.

“Ha!” laughed Clive. “Looks like your Fisherman caught a big one! You should have seen your face when you killed your own Mermaid! It was priceless.”

Orin spoke up.

“Perhaps I misspoke,” he said. “You are indeed a challenge. But you still lack the ability to defeat my Fisherman. So I’ll just end my turn.”

Clive drew.

Now that’s what I’m talking about, he thought.

“I summon Giant Orc, in Attack Mode!” he said, putting a card down.

A huge, white-skinned giant appeared, holding a huge femur as a club. (2,200/0)

“And I’ll also lay two cards facedown,” he continued. “And that will end my turn.”

He put them down, and they appeared behind the Orc.

He looked hard at Orin.

“Seems we have a standoff, Orin old boy,” he said. “My Giant Orc isn’t able to attack your Fisherman, but on the other hand, your Fisherman isn’t strong enough to defeat my Orc…”

Orin thought for a moment, and then drew.

“Legendary Fisherman,” he ordered. “Attack his facedown Monster.”

The Fisherman threw his harpoon. Little-Winguard appeared, and was blown away.

“I agree that it is a standoff for now,” said Orin. But I can still do something for my benefit. I use this Magic Card… Triton’s Trumpet.”

“Huh?” said Clive.

Orin put the card down, and a large conch horn appeared above The Legendary Fisherman. He grabbed hold of it and blew it – a low sound echoed through A Legendary Ocean.

“What does that do?” asked Clive.

“Triton’s Trumpet can only be used in an ocean terrain,” said Orin. “But when I use it, 2,000 points are added to my Life Points.

His Life Points went up to 8,250.

“I end my turn there.”

“Funny,” stated Clive, drawing. “I was about to do something similar…”

He placed a Magic Card down.

“I play the Magic Card known as Emergency Provisions!” he exclaimed. “I send my two facedown cards to the Graveyard…”

A huge mouth appeared, and swallowed the two facedown cards.

“…and I gain 1,000 Life Points for each!”

Clive’s Life Points went up to 7,700.

“That will end my turn,” said Clive.

“It seems we’re nearly back where we started,” frowned Orin, drawing. “And neither of us can attack yet. I’ll simply lay one card facedown, and end my turn.”

The card appeared behind the Fisherman.

Clive drew.

All right! he thought. Finally!

“Time to dry up your Ocean, Orin!” smiled Clive.

“What?” gasped Orin.

“I’m playing a Field Magic Card of my own to replace it,” explained Clive. “A very special one called Scorpion’s Den!”

He fit it into the slot, and the water slowly receded. The buildings vanished.

Then, the terrain changed dramatically. They were now inside a dark cave, full of crates and sacks and chests, overflowing with gold, gems, and other valuables.

The Legendary Fisherman’s stats dropped down to (1,850/1,650).

“What?” said Orin. “Scorpion’s Den? What is this place?”

Everyone who was looking on was apparently wondering the same thing.

“The Scorpion’s Den is the lair of special Warriors,” smiled Clive. “Thieves known as the Dark Scorpion Gang!”

“The Dark Scorpion Gang?” gasped Orin.

“You’ll be meeting one of them in a second,” continued Clive. “but before I make the introduction, you should know that because this is their home, they all gain a 500-point bonus to both their Attack and Defense!

“And I warn you Orin, there’s a little policy about this place that all visitors must follow; once you enter, the Scorpions will never allow you to leave alive…

“Now, allow me to introduce their master of disarmament… Cliff the Trap Remover, in Attack Mode!”

He set the card down, and a blonde-haired thief with a brown shirt, red pants, and a dagger appeared. (1,200/1,000) –> (1,700/1,500)

“And guess what Orin?” continued Clive. “Without your Ocean to protect him, my Orc can attack your Fisherman! Giant Orc, bone club bash attack!”

Giant Orc raised his club, and smashed The Legendary Fisherman, blowing him to pieces!

Hated to do that, thought Clive. I really did.

“Now go Cliff!” said Clive. “Hit Orin with scorpion stab attack!”

Cliff the Trap Remover raised his dagger and lunged at Orin, jabbing it into his chest! Orin screamed and fell over.

As Orin got up, blood was pouring from the wound. His Life Points had been reduced to 6,200.

“And whenever Cliff the Trap Remover does damage to your Life Points,” said Clive, “I can destroy one Magic or Trap card you have on the field!”

The facedown card in front of Orin shattered.

Giant Orc shifted into Defense Mode.

“Tricky,” said Orin. “But I’m not done yet. First I summon Sea Serpent Warrior of Darkness in Attack Mode.”

He put the card down, and a tall creature in a deep blue carapace armor carrying a trident appeared. (1,800/1,500)

“And I’ll have him attack your Giant Orc!” shouted Orin. “Trident of Darkness attack!”

The Warrior of Darkness rushed forth and impaled the Giant Orc; the giant burst.

“Now I’ll use a Magic Card,” yelled Orin. “The powerful Tsunami Force!”

He set it down.

“What?” said Clive.

“This Magic card only works when at least one Water Monster is on the field,” exclaimed Orin. “I simply discard one card from my hand…”

He did so.

“…and in return, I get to drown one of your Monsters!”

A wave of water appeared, and struck Cliff the Trap Remover, washing him away.

“Nuts,” said Clive. His Life Points dropped to 7,275.

“Okay,” said Clive. “Time to get serious. I summon Double Pinaska in Defense Mode.”

The bandit swordsman appeared, and shielded himself with his machetes. (1,500/1,500)

“Your move,” said Clive.

“And I’ll move all right,” exclaimed Orin, drawing. “I Tribute my Sea Serpent Warrior of Darkness to bring forth Terrorking Salmon!”

The Warrior of Darkness vanished, and was replaced by a huge salmon, the size of a shark! (2,400/1,000)

“This variety of salmon is as vicious as they come,” said Orin. “But on the bright side, the roe it produces is quite tasty!”

Everyone looking on started to whisper among themselves.

“Roe, people!” said Orin, rolling his eyes. “You know, fresh water caviar! Aw heck, Terrorking Salmon, attack Double Pinaska!”

Terrorking Salmon dove towards Double Pinaska…

“Counter it, Pinaska!” shouted Clive.

Double Pinaska raised his machetes, and Terrorking Salmon was stopped dead in its tracks.

“Oh yeah,” frowned Orin. “That Warrior can block one attack per round. But it won’t save you next round…”

Clive drew and looked at the card.

“Think so?” he said. “I switch Double Pinaska into Attack Mode…”

He turned the card, and Double Pinaska rose up to attack.

“And I play the Magic card Negative Energy!” he said, “which can double the attack of any Dark Monster!”

Double Pinaska’s Attack score shot up to 3,000!

“Attack the Terrorking Salmon!” laughed Clive. “Double machete slash! Turn that Salmon into lox!”

Double Pinaska swung his swords, and chopped the Terrorking Salmon to pieces. Orin’s Life Points fell to 5,400.

“Too bad we don’t have any bagels and cream cheese,” chuckled Clive.

“Hardy, har, har,” frowned Orin.

He drew. He smiled.

“I’ll just play one card facedown and end my turn,” he said, fitting the card into the slot.

“You think I’m dumb enough to actually attack such an obvious Trap?” chuckled Clive. “I’ll simply summon Mad Dog of Darkness in Attack Mode…”

He put the card down, and a huge, orange, fiendish dog appeared. (1,900/1,400)

“But Clive, I didn’t need you to attack,” smiled Orin, pushing a button on his Disk. “All I needed you to do was summon a Monster! Go Torrential Tribute!

“No, not that!” cried Clive.

As the Trap card appeared, an enormous wall of water appeared, and engulfed Clive, Double Pinaska and Mad Dog of Darkness! When it subsided, Clive was soaked, and both his Monsters were gone.

His Life Points were reduced to 6,050.

“Well that was unpleasant,” groaned Clive.

“Any other move you’d like to make?” asked Orin.

Clive looked at his hand. “No,” he answered.

“Then I summon Mother Grizzly in Attack Mode!” shouted Orin.

A huge grizzly bear appeared in front of Orin and roared. (1,400/1,000)

“THAT’S a Water Monster?” said Clive, puzzled.

“Yes,” said Orin. “And now she’s going to turn you to chum! Mother Grizzly, attack Clive with bear claw swipes!”

Clive screamed as the bear closed in and raked her claws over his chest! Deep gashes appeared in him!

“Ouch!” moaned Clive.

His Life Points fell further to 4,650.

Clive drew.

“Time to bring out another member of the Dark Scorpions,” said Clive. “I summon Meanae the Thorn, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and the beautiful female member of the Gang appeared, bearing her whip. (1,000/1,800) –> (1,500/2,300)

“Attack Mother Grizzly!” shouted Clive. “Scorpion lash attack!”

Meanae laughed and struck with her whip, eradicating the bear.

Orin’s Life Points were now at 5,300, but he didn’t seem worried.

“And, since Meanae inflicted damage to your Life Points,” explained Clive. “I get to take one other member of the Dark Scorpions from my deck or Graveyard and add him to my hand.”

He pushed a button on his disk, and the discard pile came out.

I’ll retrieve Cliff the Trap Remover and save him for later, he thought

“Nice,” smiled Orin. “But since you destroyed Mother Grizzly, I now get to search my deck for any Water Monster I choose, with an Attack score of 1,500 or less, and special summon it instantly.”

He removed his deck and looked through it until he got the card he needed.

“Now, I reshuffle…” said Orin.

He plugged the deck back into the Disk and a mechanism reshuffled it.

“…and I summon Island Turtle in Defense Mode,” he said.

He put the card down, and a huge turtle appeared on his side. It had trees and other plants growing on its shell. (1,000/2,000)

“Then I’ll end my turn,” said Clive, thinking.

Orin drew.

“I’ll lay one card facedown,” he said. “And summon Red Archery Girl, also in Defense Mode.”

He put the cards down. The facedown card appeared, and the mermaid archer in her shell appeared, shielding herself with her bow. (1,400/1,500)

He’s planning something, thought Clive, as he drew.

Maybe he’s planning to perform that Ritual his father liked so much! Fortress Whale Oath?! Should I attack?

But maybe that’s what he wants me to do. I can’t risk attacking yet with that facedown card… but I can augment my forces.

“I summon Cliff the Trap Remover back,” stated Clive, laying a card down. “In Attack Mode. And that will do it for my turn.”

Cliff reappeared next to Meanae. (1,200/1,000) –> (1,700/1,500)

Orin slowly drew, keeping a poker face.

“I summon Flying Fish, in Defense Mode,” he said, putting a card down.

A small fish appeared flapping its fins next to Red Archery Girl. (800/500)

“Come on guys!” yelled a female spectator. “One of you is going to have to attack eventually!”

Clive drew.

She’s right, he thought. Enough of this chickening out. And I just got a good card…

“I play the Magic card, Change of Heart!” exclaimed Clive, throwing the card into the slot. “And I’ll use it to seize control of your Island Turtle!”

A robed woman with one feathered wing and one bat wing with a heart on her chest appeared in front of Clive. She flew into the Island Turtle.

Orin drew back, as the Island Turtle vanished and reappeared on Clive’s side.

“Confused?” asked Clive. “Watch. I’m going to Tribute your Island Turtle to bring out the muscle of the Dark Scorpions… meet Gorg the Strong!”

He put a card down, and the Island Turtle vanished; a large, muscular, bald Warrior arose, carrying a huge mace.(1,800/1,500) –> (2,300/2,000).

“And I’m getting tired of waiting,” said Clive. “So, Gorg the Strong, attack Red Archery Girl with scorpion crush attack!”

Gorg charged, and smote the mermaid with his mace, smashing her.

“Ha! I knew you didn’t have a Trap there,” said Clive. “Now…”

“It was a Trap, Clive,” interrupted Orin, pushing a button. “A very powerful one that you just activated. It’s called Gift of the Sea.”

The Trap card revealed itself, revealing the picture of a huge oyster with a beautiful pearl.

“Gift of the Sea?” stammered Clive. “That doesn’t sound good…”

“When one of my Water Monsters is slain in battle,” said Orin, “I can activate Gift of the Sea, to instantly summon any Water Monster I desire from my deck or hand, without needing a Tribute. I can even summon it in the middle of your turn.”

He reached for his deck and looked though it.

“And here’s the one I chose,” he continued. “In Defense Mode, the mighty Tentacle Thug!”

He put the card down, and a huge octopus appeared in front of him. (0/2,500)

“What good is that?” asked Clive. “It doesn’t have a single… huh?”

The Tentacle Thug reached out with three long tentacles and seized Cliff, Meanae, and Gorg! They screamed and struggled to break free, but they were caught fast.

“In order to compensate for its nonexistent Attack score,” said Orin. “The Tentacle Thug has a powerful Effect. It can capture every opposing Monster on the field, preventing them from attacking or changing their battle position!

“And it’s still your move, by the way.”

“Then I’ll end it,” said Clive, sweating. “But why didn’t you use the Mother Grizzly’s effect to summon that thing?”

“Simple strategy, Clive,” explained Orin. “When the Grizzly was destroyed, you had one Monster on the field. But I knew I had another way to bring out the Thug, so I waited until you had more Monsters, and it would thus be more devastating. Now you have three Monsters on the field who are all helpless, just waiting to be picked off!”

Clive was starting to get worried. That was good strategy.

“Now I’ll summon one of my favorite Monsters,” exclaimed Orin. “Mary thought I might have the mighty Fortress Whale in my deck… she was only partially correct. I Tribute my Flying Fish to summon an even greater version of the old fashioned Fortress Whale… Orca Mega-Fortress of Darkness!”

He put a card down, and the Flying Fish vanished. A huge form arose… it was unreal. It looked like a huge killer whale with guns, towers, and a large crane on its back! (2,100/1,200)

“Orca Mega-Fortress of Darkness,” said Orin, “Attack Meanae the Thorn with naval artillery attack!”

The Fortress blasted its guns, and blew Meanae into particles.

Clive’s Life Points fell to 4,050.

“And that’s not all,” continued Orin. “My Orca Mega-Fortress of Darkness has special powers that will come to light very soon…”

Clive drew.

“I’ll play my Pot of Greed,” he announced, placing a card in a slot, “to draw two more cards. As my Scorpions know, greed is good!”

The jar appeared before him. He drew two new cards.

Okay, he thought. This might work.

“First, I’ll lay two cards facedown,” he said.

The two facedown cards appeared.

“Now I’ll play Monster Reborn to bring back Meanae the Thorn,” he said, “in Attack Mode.”

Meanae reappeared. (1,000/1,800) –> (1,500/2,300)

“And finally,” continued Clive. “I’ll summon another member of the Dark Scorpions… Chick the Yellow, in Attack Mode.”

A young, teenage thief with yellow hair, carrying a quarterstaff appeared next to Meanae. (1,000/1,000) –> (1,500/1,500)

“And I end my turn,” said Clive.

“Heh heh,” chuckled Orin, drawing. “Weren’t you listening a minute ago?”

The Tentacle Thug reached forward and grabbed Chick and Meanae.

“My Thug will seize any Monster you summon, leaving them sitting ducks!

“And now I summon Cannonball Spear Shellfish in Defense Mode,” he exclaimed.

A man-shaped mollusk with a large spiral, pointy shell on its head appeared next to Orca Mega-Fortress of Darkness. (1,000/1,000)

“This guy may not look impressive,” explained Orin, “but first, my Orca can absorb it…”

The Fortress opened its mouth, and swallowed the Cannonball Spear Shellfish.

“Huh?” said Clive.

“And now,” said Orin. “It gains the ability to vaporize one of your Trap or Magic cards! Orca Mega-Fortress of Darkness, destroy the card on the left!”

The Fortress blasted its guns, and destroyed the card.

“Now, I could destroy Meanae again, but why repeat myself?” said Orin. “Orca, attack Cliff the Trap Remover! Naval artillery attack!”

The Fortress fired its guns, and blasted Cliff. Clive’s Life Points fell to 3,650.

“And that isn’t all my Orca Mega-Fortress of Darkness can do, Clive,” said Orin. “When it absorbs a different type of Monster on my next turn, it will be able to automatically destroy an opposing Monster, enabling me to do away with Gorg the Strong!”

Clive chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” sneered Orin.

“I’m not going to give you that chance Orin,” smiled Clive. “You made a mistake. If you had aimed for the facedown card on the right you would have won this duel, but sadly, you aimed for the one on left, and now you’re gonna pay!”

He drew.

Nice, he thought.

“Activate Trap!” he said. “Dark Scorpion Pilfer!”

“What?” said Orin, as the Trap revealed itself.

“Being some of the greatest thieves in the world, there is nothing that the Dark Scorpions can’t steal,” exclaimed Clive. “And this Trap card endows one of them with the ability to steal from your Graveyard any Magic or Trap Card that he or she desires! So why don’t you take care of that Meanae?”

Meanae pulled her arm free of the Thug’s tentacle, and a large card appeared in her hand.

“No!” gasped Orin. “My Tsunami Force card!”

“That’s right,” said Clive.

The card materialized in his hand, via the hologram, and he placed it down.

“Now then, how does this work?” asked Clive. “Right. I discard one card from my hand, and I get to wash away one of your Monsters! And I’m aiming at the Tentacle Thug!”

He discarded one of the two cards in his hand, and a wave of water crashed over the octopus. When it subsided, the Tentacle Thug was gone. Orin’s Life Points fell to 4,675.

The Dark Scorpions got to their feet. They were soaked, but unharmed.

“And now,” continued Clive, putting down the last card in his hand, “I summon the fearless leader of the Dark Scorpions, Don Zaloog, in Attack Mode!”

The pale-haired, eye-patched bandit bearing his rapier and dagger flipped into view, in front of the other Scorpions. (1,400/1,500) –> (1,900/2,000)

“You and your Fortress will not survive the onslaught I have put before you!” shouted Clive.

Orin drew back in fear.

“Gorg the Strong,” commanded Clive, “attack Orca Mega-Fortress of Darkness with scorpion crush attack!”

Gorg the Strong raised his mace, and leapt high. He brought it down on the huge Monster. Orca Mega-Fortress of Darkness exploded!

Orin’s Life Points fell to 4,475

“Meanae the Thorn,” shouted Clive. “Attack Orin with scorpion lash attack!”

Meanae waved her whip dramatically and struck Orin with it, sending him staggering back!

Orin’s Life Points fell further, to 2,975

“Chick the Yellow, attack him with scorpion smash attack!”

Chick the Yellow twirled his quarterstaff and whacked his foe upside the head, sending him plummeting!

His Life Points stood at 1,475.

Orin groaned and started to get up…

“Finish him off, Don Zaloog!” shouted Clive. “Sting of the Scorpions attack!”

Don Zaloog leapt up, and drove his rapier deep into Orin gut, impaling him ! Orin screamed and collapsed to the ground, a bloody mess. His Life Points had been depleted.

The crowd cheered, as the holo-imagers shut down. Orin groaned and slowly sat up. His wounds slowly disappeared, and thankfully, so did Clive’s.

Clive saw that the gem on his Disk changed to Yellow. He looked over to Orin. His also changed to Yellow, but that wasn’t a benefit to him.

Clive calmed down. He walked over to Orin.

“Orin,” said Clive, slowly, offering his hand. “It was a good duel…”

Orin took Clive’s hand.

“You are a true duelist, Clifford,” muttered Orin. “Unlike the weak duelists I’ve seen here, you and your Dark Scorpions are a fierce as the mighty great white shark!”

He looked at his Disk.

“I may be only Yellow now, but I’m still in good standing,” he continued. “Maybe we can have a rematch sometime…”

“Maybe,” said Clive.

“Say Orin,” continued Clive. “By the way, when I first saw you, you said that sea was ‘restless and troubled.’ What did you mean by that?”

“Exactly what I meant,” said Orin. “I can tell when the sea is uneasy… the movements of the currents are troubled and foreboding, as if some big event were to come soon. One that would not be pleasant. It may look normal to the untrained eye, but someone as experienced as I am can see clearer… the sea is unhappy.”

“Yeah, well…” muttered Clive.

He looked at his watch.

“Holy cow!” he cried. “It’s almost eight-forty-five! I have to meet up with the other guys! See you later Orin!”

He ran off in the direction of the Cosmo Queen’s Castle.

“Good luck,” said Orin.


* * * * * * * * * *


While watching the duel, Siegfried had been putting on his distinctive armor.

Well, it was close, he thought, but Clive was the victor. Still, Orin is a strong duelist with a formidable deck. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more of him.

Only one more duelist to truly check up on…

He lowered his helmet onto his head. He pushed a button on a speaker.

“This is the Master of Games,” he said. “Keep track of that task I put before you, and inform me when Peter Ramset duels for the first time, should it happen before I get there. It shouldn’t be long now. I will be in the command center within an hour.”

“Yes sir,” said a voice.


* * * * * * * * * *


Outside the Cosmo Queen’s Castle, Mary, Peter, and Yugi were waiting.

“Where is he?” complained Mary. “It’s almost nine!”

As if on cue, Clive came running up.

“Hi guys,” he panted. “Sorry I’m late!”

“So how was your jog?” asked Mary.

“You tell me!” exclaimed Clive, showing off his Disk, with the new Yellow gem.

As they started walking into the city proper, Clive explained the details of his duel.

“That Tentacle Thug sounded like trouble,” muttered Peter.

“Yeah, well, I was able to handle it,” pronounced Clive.

He put his arm around Peter.

“So old pal, ready to find a challenge of your own?” he asked.

Peter raised his Disk.

“Just try to stop me,” he exclaimed.

As they started to walk off, Yugi took the map out of his pocket again.

“Guys,” he stated. “I have something I want to tell you…”




TRITON’S TRUMPET (Magic Card)

Type: Magic
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a large conch-shell horn inlaid with pearls. You can only activate this card when “Umi” is on the Field and you have at least one WATER Monster face-up on your side of the Field. 2,000 Life Point recovery for controlling player.



SCORPION’S DEN (Magic Card)

Type: Magic/Field
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: This cave is the secret, hidden lair of the Dark Scorpion Gang. No uninvited guest has ever found it and lived to tell about its secrets. Both players increase the ATK and DEF of all Monsters with “Dark Scorpion” in their name, or is named “Don Zaloog” or “Cliff the Trap Remover”, by 500 points.



TSUNAMI FORCE (Magic Card)

Type: Magic
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a raging tidal wave. This card can only be played when at least one player has at least one WATER Monster face-up on the Field. Discard one card in your hand to destroy one opposing Monster.



GIFT OF THE SEA (Trap Card)

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a large oyster with a beautiful pearl inside. You can activate this Trap when one of your WATER Monsters is destroyed via battle with an opposing Monster. You can instantly special summon any WATER Monster from your hand or deck (no Tribute required for Monsters of Level 5 or higher).



TENTACLE THUG (Monster Card)

Type: Aqua/Effect
Attribute: Water
Level: 6
ATK: 0
DEF: 2,500

Card Description: This giant octopus has arms that no creature can escape from. When this Monster is face-up on the field, no opposing Monster can Attack or change battle position.

[Dark Sage]

I realize at least a few people might have wanted Clive to lose, but the outline had been writen far in advance. But Orin will be appearing again - in a big way - in the future.

In the meantime, R&R. The next chapter is soon to come.

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

Great duel! It seems Orin is a pumped-up version of his father,and some of the card were great,especially that Orca Mega Fortress of Darkness. I used to work at Sea World,so I know about Orca. :)

Keep up the work,and don't worry if you failed to have someone lose,it's okay. Your story is your own,and you should go with how the story flows. ^_^

BTW,when is your next quiz going to be up,I want to be ready to answer it first. :D

[Snakes N' Legends]

That was a great chapter. Orin versus Clive. Orin's deck seems a lot more powerful than Mako's deck. But that was a lot of new created cards. You usually list either two or three but I have never seen you create more than four or five in a single chapter.

Well, keep up the good work!!

[mr_pikachu]

Not bad. I liked the dueling diversion from Clive's jog, and the description of how the Duel Disk hampered his running efforts was good and realistic as well. Interesting new cards, too. Although I think that the Orca mega Fortress thingie could have been named better. It seemed a little over the top, but maybe that's just me.

I do think you need to improve a bit on your dueling narration, though. In your previous fics, there were a lot of things going on behind the scenes, as well as the typical trash-talking and in-depth strategizing. But you seem to be concentrating far more on the moves thenselves in this fic, and I don't think that's a good thing. Add some extra elements to it, rather than just the moves themselves. Heck you could even have a character have a preference of cards when the choices seem equally helpful, or something. Ideas like that can spice up a simple duel.

Other than that, you're doing well. It seems as if everyone has secrets, Yugi included. I wonder how everything will come together... it seems like Orin, Jade, and Seigfried have information of some sort critical to the plot of this fic. I'm curious to see how everything will be pieced together.

Anyway, I'll see you next chapter! :wave:

[Perfect Chaos]

Again, another great chappie Venasaur. Orin seems to be a very tough duelist but of course Clive managed to come through in a big way. Too bad we couldn't manage to see one of the more "stronger" Water-monsters that Orin might have, but I'm guessing that you're probably saving that for later (like a Trump card, like Peter).

Anyways, I look forward to seeing Peter's duel especially (I'm crazy about Fiends as you know ;)).

Happy writing!

-$∑@π

[Dark Sage]

Mr. Pikachu -

Orca Mega Fortress of Darkness is a real card from Invasion of Chaos. I know it's name is a little silly, but I'm not in charge of naming the cards.

As far as background talk, "behind the scenes", and "trash-talk" goes, there will be more of that soon. Just wait.

- Venusaur

[Loupeitak]

Wow, i just read the last two chapters. They were AWESOME!!! I simply LOVE your fics.

There is just one thing i dont really like, how you say how many life points each person has. I prefered the way you always said:

"Yugi's life points fell all the way to ####"

That looked cooler... Bleh. Dun mind me, i'm just a weirdo sitting over here reading this fic...

[Dark Sage]

Hi everyone. It's time for a new chapter, but first a brief word of explanation.

If I describe a card at the end of a chapter, it is either a made-up card, an amime-only card that isn't easily recognizable, a card I have used often in a previous fanfic, or a Japanese card that hasn't been released in America yet.

If I don't descibe a card at the end of a chapter, it is truly a real card from the game, a common anime-only card, or a very common card from a previous fanfic.

Again, I know of a website wher you can look up almost every American card in the game. PM me if you want it.

This next chapter uses a few "Ancient Sanctuary" cards, so be prepared.

And it also uses the contribution of the winner of our first Trivia Contest!

Enjoy.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

As an artist, I have a lot of inspirations.

As a photographer, my first art form attempt, my inspirations include Bischof, Capa, and Eisenstadt. As a painter, my inspirations include Picasso, Van Gogh, and Gainsborough. As a pianist, my inspirations include Tchaikovski, Mozart, and naturally, Beethoven.

But as a duelist, I only have one real inspiration, and unlike my others, he’s still alive – my good friend Yugi. His heroics in the Duelist Labyrinth were the main reason for my deciding to build a deck in the first place. And he’s taught me more about the driving force of Duel Monsters than any published work could ever show me.

And as I prepare for my first Duelatopia challenge, I know that, with my mentor not twenty feet to my right, I can’t possibly screw this up – if I do, I’ll never live it down…



CHAPTER SIX



Trap Master



“An Eliminator’s lair?” cried Mary, Clive, and Peter at once.

“That’s what Persephone said,” muttered Yugi.

“And I’m sure she gave it to you out of the goodness of her heart!” scolded Mary. “She must want you kicked out of the tournament!”

“I considered that Mary,” sighed Yugi. “And you’re more than likely right. She tried to hide it, but I could tell she was angry for me not accepting her trade.

“But my father never got anywhere by turning down challenges. Maybe if I made the attempt I could not only advance, but make somewhat of a name for myself in Duelatopia…”

He folded up the map and put it back in his pocket.

“It is worth thinking about.”

They continued to walk on.

“I hate to say it,” whispered Clive to Peter, “but our leader has finally gone loco!”

“I dunno,” muttered Peter. “I’ve yet to see anyone defeat Yugi. If Remi couldn’t…”

“Remi would have beaten Yugi if he didn’t have that Trap Jammer card,” said Clive. “And I’ll say prayers to Bonz’s spirit until the day I die for that. “

“He beat Anastasia…” mentioned Peter.

“…only because we, Jade, and Siegfried helped him,” interrupted Clive.

“…and the Grim Reaper…” mentioned Peter.

“Don’t forget what Yugi told us,” reminded Clive. “The Grim Reaper gave himself a handicap, promising to only attack once per turn.”

“What about Set?” asked Peter.

Yugi chimed in. Obviously, he had heard every word.

“Set involved a great deal of good draws,” he mentioned. “If I hadn’t drawn the right cards when I did, he would have defeated me. I’ll have to admit that, during that duel, even I was scared.

“When and if I finally decide to find this guy, I’ll just have to give it my best, and play my cards right.”


* * * * * * * * * *


They were in the west part of the large city now. They came upon a large, fenced-in enclosure which seemed to be the city park.

Walking in the gates, they saw all over the place statues and fountains depicting Duel Monsters, some made of stone, others made of bronze, and still others made of marble. Trees and shrubs were planted in the grassy areas.

After walking through the park for a while, they saw commotion of some sort. Perhaps there was a duel in progress. They ran up towards the crowd.

It wasn’t a duel, but rather a demonstration of some sort. A large mat had been set up on the grass, and two young men wearing martial arts gis were standing on it. One was a burly, muscular youth with black hair tied up in a bandana. The other guy was much smaller.

Behind them was a large monument shaped like a black pyramid of some sort. Yugi flinched a little when he saw it. Something was strange about the pyramid…

“Okay, folks, watch,” stated the bigger guy. “When Fred comes at me, I’m gonna flip him! Anybody want to take some bets on whether he’ll come up heads or tails?”

“You’re a riot, Brick,” sighed his sparring partner.

“Okay,” shouted Brick. “Go!”

Fred charged at Brick, and the bigger youth quickly entered a stance. He caught Fred as he attacked, and threw him over his head. Fred flew about ten feet and landed behind Brick on the mat.

Everyone clapped.

“That is what was called a full-body throw,” explained Brick, as Fred got up. “A rather basic move to fend off an attack. Now that the martial arts demonstration has more or less reached an intermission…”

He reached into a dufflebag and pulled out a Dueling Disk. Yugi and his friends could see that the jewel on it was at Green Status.

“…who’d like to do some sparring of a different sort?” he continued.

“Uh, I left my deck at the hotel…” muttered one guy.

“I would, but I’ve got a bad cough…” mumbled another.

“Hey!” announced Peter, stepping through the crowd. “You’re on big guy!”

“Peter, are you sure?” asked Clive.

“I can take him,” assured Peter.

“Well, what have we got here?” chuckled Brick. “You sure, lightweight? You’re even smaller than my friend Fred, and you saw what I did to him.”

“Your skill in martial arts is formidable,” agreed Peter, “but it has nothing to do with the way you duel. Want proof? See my friend Yugi over there? He’s even smaller than me, but he’s beaten a martial artist of much better skill than you at Duel Monsters.”

“You’re about to find out how wrong you are,” warned Brick. “My martial arts skills have a lot to do with my particular strategy. Besides, I see you’re only Orange – I’ve won twice, and you have yet to start. Unless, of course… you won once and then lost, which is even worse…”

“I’ve got to start somewhere,” smiled Peter.

“Fine, chump,” dared Brick. “Then step right up!”

“I hope Peter knows what he’s doing,” sighed Mary. “That guy does look tough…”

Peter got on the border of one side of the mat, while Brick stood on the other. Peter thrust forth his Disk, and the holo-imagers shot forth. Brick repeated the trick.

“Don’t go away folks,” said Brick to the crowd. “This won’t take long!”

“Enough talk!” commented Peter. “Let’s duel!!”


* * * * * * * * * *


In his command center, the Master of Games was reclining on a chair, with a Centurion standing guard by his side.

“Master of Games!” said a technician. “Info is coming in from Peter Ramset’s Dueling Disk. Looks like he’s dueling for the first time.”

“Good,” said Siegfried. “Put the duel up on the screen.”

He turned to the Centurion beside him. “I suggest you stay and watch Vanessa,” he chuckled. “Peter’s duels are always interesting.”

“Is he good?” she asked.

“Let’s just say that his opponent is in for a devil of a time…”


* * * * * * * * * *


“I’ll give you the honor of the first move,” stated Brick. “That’s the least I can do.”

Let’s see, thought Peter, looking at his hand. I’ve got three Monsters… Opticlops, Vilepawn Archfiend, and Infernalqueen Archfiend. If I summon one of the latter two now, I’ll just hurt myself, so…

“I summon Opticlops, in Attack Mode!” exclaimed Peter

He put the card down, and a huge, muscular fiend with one eye sprang to life. (1,800/1,700)

“Impressive, isn’t it?” stated Peter.

“Not really,” sighed Brick, drawing. “I’ll lay a Monster facedown in Defense Mode, and also one other card facedown.”

He set the cards down, and they appeared in front of him, one card in front of the other.

“And it’s your move,” said Brick.

Hmm, thought Peter. He’s planning some sort of long term strategy…

He drew.

Now the ONLY Monsters I have in my hand are Vilepawn and Infernalqueen… he thought. Still can’t summon them. So…

“Opticlops, attack his facedown card with fiendish gaze attack!” he ordered.

Opticlops howled, and fired a beam of energy from its eye.

“Sorry Peter,” said Brick, “but I was hoping you’d do that…”

He hit a button and his facedown Trap Card appeared. Two Magic Cylinders appeared in the air!

“My first Magic Cylinder will catch the energy of your attack and the second will blow it right back at you!” shouted Brick.

“No!” screamed Peter.

The blast from Opticlop’s eye beam collected in one of the Cylinders, and then shot out of the other, like a cannon, blasting into Peter! He screamed!

His Life Points fell to 6,200.

“Gee, is it over already?” laughed Brick. “Get up you pansy!”

Peter got up. His skin and clothes were charred.

“Hang in their Peter,” urged Clive. “He can’t have any Traps more powerful than that!”

Brick chuckled.

Wanna bet? he thought.

“Since you’re doing such a good job of doing yourself in,” chuckled Brick. “My move will simply consist of drawing, and turning it back over to you.”

“Fine,” said Peter. He drew.

Just what I needed, he thought.

“I play my Field Magic Card,” he cried, “Pandemonium!”

He fit the card into the slot, and suddenly, the air around the park began to grow hot and stifling. The sky turned red, and the ground turned cracked, parched, and blasted. Flames erupted from the ground, and finally, buildings of evil, fiendish architecture rose around them. The pyramid monument was still there, but it too had turned diabolical in appearance.

“What…” gasped Brick. “What is this place?”

“That’s what I wanna know!” cried Mary.

“Shh!” urged Yugi.

“Welcome to the city of Pandemonium,” smiled Peter. “The capital of the Underworld, the place where all Fiends eventually come. And its rulers are a select group of Fiends known as Archfiends, who make up the cornerstone of my deck!”

“But what’s the point?” said Brick.

“You see,” explained Peter, “The major Archfiends are dangerous and evil Monsters, and they demand a hefty price from any duelist who dares to summon them, in the form of a Life Point payment… except when they’re in their home. Here, they’re happy, and they demand no payment, so I can summon them with no danger to myself…

“Like I will right now. Infernalqueen Archfiend, in Defense Mode!”

A burst of flame erupted on the field in front of Peter, and a tall female Fiend with wings, dressed in a purple robe and a red crown appeared. (900/1,500)

“And my turn is just starting!” said Peter. “Opticlops, attack the facedown Monster!”

Opticlops shot forth his eye beam again…

“Bad idea…” said Brick.

The Monster appeared where the facedown card was. It was a giant stone head with two big hands. (300/2000)

Opticlops’s attack bounced off!

“My Stone Statue of the Aztecs not only has too high a Defense for your Opticlops,” laughed Brick, “but any damage it does as a result of battle is doubled! So you lose 400 Life Points!”

“Crud,” snarled Peter. His Life Points dropped to 5,800.

“My turn now,” said Brick, drawing. “I’ll simply lay one card facedown, and end my turn.”

Likely another Trap, thought Peter, drawing.

“First,” stated Peter, “I’ll activate Infernalqueen’s effect… during my Standby Phase, she can raise the Attack of any Archfiend on the field by 1,000 points. So she’ll use it on herself!”

Infernalqueen blazed with fire. Her Attack rose to 1,900.

“And to finish my turn,” continued Peter. “I’ll summon a friend of hers… Vilepawn Archfiend, in Attack Mode!”

The ground rumbled, and another Fiend crawled out of it. He had a gaunt face, bone-like armor, a huge claw for a left hand, and carried a sword in his right. (1,200/200)

Brick drew.

“Well,” he stated, “if your Infernalqueen can juice up your Monsters, I’ll have to get rid of her! Karate Man, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a man in a karate outfit and a huge afro appeared. (1,000/1,000)

“And I think I’ll activate his effect right now,” said Brick, “doubling his Attack Score to 2,000!”

Karate Man charged up, and his Attack doubled.

“Karate Man!” ordered Brick. “Attack Infernalqueen with karate chop attack!”

Karate Man charged at Infernalqueen…

“Waste of energy!” laughed Peter.

Vilepawn stepped in front of Infernalqueen and swatted Karate man away!

“What?” gasped Brick. “How?”

“Another thing about the Archfiends,” explained Peter. “They may not be friendly to humans, but they support each other. So long as Vilepawn is on the field, no other Archfiend can be harmed!

“And don’t think I don’t know the limits of Karate Man’s power,” he continued. “After you activate his effect and have him attack, you have to send him to the Graveyard!”

“Fine,” growled Brick. “I end my turn.”

Karate Man vanished.

Peter drew. He smiled at the card.

Now I can do some serious damage to him, he thought.

“First I’ll use Infernalqueen’s effect again, this time on the Vilepawn!” he said.

Vilepawn’s Attack rose to 2,200.

“Now look at this, Brick!” he laughed. “I just drew a Stop Defense Magic Card! And I’ll use it to bring your Stone Statue into Attack Mode!”

He played the card. Stone Statue of the Aztecs’s hands clenched into fists.

“Third time’s the charm Opticlops!” said Peter. “Fiendish gaze attack!”

Opticlops blasted its eye beam.

“Forget about my facedown card?” chuckled Brick, as the card lifted.

“Oh, no…” muttered Peter.

“It’s called Sakuretsu Armor,” laughed Brick, as a shield formed around the Statue. “It’s activated by a Monster’s attack, and destroys the attacker!”

“I know what Sakuretsu Armor does…” snarled Peter.

Opticlops was blasted to pieces. Peter’s Life Points fell again, to 5,350.

“Fine,” sneered Peter. “But now I have another Monster who can do it! Vilepawn Archfiend, erode that Stone Statue with en passant strike attack!”

Vilepawn charged forward and smote the Statue with his sword, smashing it to rubble. Brick’s Life Points fell to 6,100.

“Well, Peter narrowed the gap considerably,” said Yugi.

“I wish Peter the best, but I wish I could say more about his choice of venue,” moaned Mary. “This Pandemonium place even smells bad!”

“Well, it can only get better from here,” sighed Clive.

“Fat chance!” mocked Brick.

“Huh?” said Clive.

Brick turned to Peter.

“Hasn’t it sunk in chump?” he laughed. “I told you my martial arts skills gave me an advantage, and my martial arts specialty is Jujitsu.”

“Huh?” frowned Peter. “What does that have to do with it?”

“Jujitsu is an art that’s heavy on defense!” explained Brick. “In Jujitsu, a practitioner learns to use his opponent’s attacks to his own advantage, and use his opponent’s strength against him.

“With my deck, trying to hurt me will only hurt yourself, until your Life Points are depleted!

“And I believe it’s my turn…”

He drew.

“Just the right card!” he cackled. “I’ll lay another card facedown, and to prove my point, I’ll summon Legendary Jujitsu Master in Defense Mode!”

He put the two cards down. First the facedown card appeared, and then a fierce, huge, muscular, bearded man in a gi appeared, kneeling in Defense. (1,100/1,800)

“I’m not afraid of your Legendary Master!” said Peter, drawing.

“I’ll use Infernalqueen’s effect on Vilepawn again!” he said. Vilepawn became shrouded in flames, and his Attack rose to 3,200.

“Attack the Legendary Jujitsu Master!” shouted Peter.

“Never learn, do you,” said Brick, pressing a button as the Archfiend charged. “Activate Nightmare Wheel!”

“WHAT?” cried Mary. She knew this Trap Card too well. A Rare Hunter from the City of Souls had used it against her.

The Trap Card revealed itself, and huge mechanical wheel appeared! Vilepawn howled as he was chained to it.

“Now your Archfiend can’t attack,” laughed Brick, “and you’ll lose 500 Life Points during each of my Standby Phases!”

“Crummy…” muttered Peter. “Make your move…”

“Peter can still win, can’t he?” said Mary to Yugi.

“Brick is obviously using what we call in dueling simply a ‘Trap Deck’,” explained Yugi. “It must be loaded with some of the deadliest Traps imaginable.

“My father once told me that Marik’s companion Odion used a Trap Deck, and he was a worthy foe. Of course, I truly doubt that Brick’s skill is anywhere near that of Odion, but Trap Decks can be very dangerous…”

“I think my move will consist of just drawing and passing again,” stated Brick.

He drew. The Nightmare Wheel blazed fiercely. Peter’s life Points fell to 4,850.

“Your turn.”

Hmm, thought Peter. He looked at the card he drew and the cards in his hand.

I think I can burn off that Nightmare Wheel and get rid of that Master in one move. There’s that facedown, which is likely another Trap… so I’ll keep the Queen in Defense Mode for now.

“I’ll first use Infernalqueen’s effect on herself this time,” said Peter.

The Queen blazed with fire, and her Attack went up to 2,900.

“Now,” he stated, “I’ll Tribute my Vilepawn to summon Mefist the Infernal General!”

Vilepawn Archfiend and the Nightmare Wheel vanished, and he was replaced by an armored Fiend on a fiendish horse. (1,800/1700)

“Mefist here isn’t an Archfiend,” explained Peter, “but he’s a friend of theirs. And I’ll strengthen him with my Dark Energy Equip!”

He put the card down, and a hand holding a black crystal ball appeared. It threw the ball at Mefist, and his Attack rose to 2,100.

“And another great thing about Mefist,” grinned Peter. “He can do damage to your Life Points even when he Attacks a Defense Position Monster. Mefist, attack Legendary Jujitsu Master with fiendish forward charge!”

Mefist raised his sword and sped forward on his mount. Legendary Jujitsu Master screamed and collapsed.

“And that’s not all,” laughed Peter. “You also lose a card from your hand!”

Mefist speared a card in Brick’s hand with his lance, and threw it into his discard slot.

Brick’s Life Points fell to 5,800.

“Don’t celebrate yet,” muttered Brick. “Sure, you destroyed my Legendary Jujitsu Master and did damage to my Life Points, but any Monster that does battle with the Master, win or lose, has its card returned to the owner’s hand!”

Mefist vanished in a sparkle of light.

“Crud!” said Peter, returning the card to his hand. “Your move then…”

Brick drew.

“I’ll play a Monster facedown in Defense Mode,” he said. “And yet another card facedown!”

He chuckled, as the two cards appeared.

“And it’s your move…”

Peter drew.

Only way I can win, he thought. Is by getting him to use up his Traps the hard way.

“You’ve seen two Archfiends, Brick,” smiled Peter. “Now are you ready to meet their king?”

“By all means,” laughed Brick. “Let’s meet the old guy!”

“Since I have one Archfiend on the field,” said Peter, “I can summon the incredible Terrorking Archfiend!”

Peter slapped a card down, and thunder struck over the skies of Pandemonium. He arose out of the darkness; he looked vaguely like the Summoned Skull, but wore royal clothing, a golden crown, and had no horns. (2,000/1,500)

“Well… that is impressive,” stuttered Brick.

“So is this,” said Peter. “Terrorking Archfiend, attack his facedown Monster with charging checkmate attack!”

Terrorking Archfiend flew forward. Masaki the Legendary Swordsman appeared on the facedown card; Terrorking punched him and he was obliterated.

“Activate Trap!” shouted Brick. “Dark Mirror Force!”

“Dark Mirror Force?” gasped Peter. “What the hey?”

The facedown card revealed itself.

“This Trap can only be activated when you attack,” explained Brick. “While the normal Mirror Force destroys all opposing Monsters in Attack Mode, Dark Mirror Force destroys all opposing Monsters in Defense Mode! So say bye-bye to your Infernalqueen!”

A wave of dark energy blasted forth. Infernalqueen Archfiend screamed as she was blown to pieces.

Peter’s Life Points fell to 4,375.

“Still your turn, by the way,” laughed Brick.

“Then I’m ending it,” said Peter, more than a little upset. He’d been counting on that Infernalqueen.

Brick drew.

“I first use… Dian Keto the Cure Master!” he cried, fitting a card into the slot.

The homely deity appeared, and his Life points increased by 1,000, to 6,800.

“And now it’s time for my favorite Monster,” cried Brick. “Gear Golem the Moving Fortress, in Defense Mode!”

He put the card down, and a blocky Machine full of huge gears arose on the field. (800/2,200)

“Plus,” continued Brick. “I’ll strengthen its Attack Score with this Equip – Horn of the Unicorn!”

He put the card down, and two unicorn horns appeared on either side of Gear Golem, pointing forward. Its Attack went up to 1,500.

Peter looked at him strangely.

“I see you’re confused,” said Brick. “Let me explain how Gear Golem the Moving Fortress works. If I pay 800 Life Points, it can bypass your Monsters and hit you for a direct attack!”

“Not when it’s in Defense Mode!” snarled Peter.

“Taken care of,” said Brick, taking a card from his hand. “Behold the Continuous Magic Card known as Aggressive Defense!”

He fitted the card into the slot.

“With this Magic Card, I can, once per round, attack with a Monster while it’s still in Defense Mode! So get ready, because I’m going to burn 800 Life Points to do away with 1,500 of yours! Gear Golem the Moving Fortress, attack Peter directly with gyrating gears attack!”

The Machine’s gears started to spin, and it rolled forward, slamming into Peter and nearly running him over! He fell down. Terrorking Archfiend looked down at Peter aghast.

Peter’s Life Points fell to 2,875, and Brick’s went down to 6,000.

“Now what?” cried Mary.

“Peter has Monsters that can destroy that thing,” stammered Clive. “But he’ll have to draw them before he takes two more hits from that monstrosity. And even so, Brick likely has even more Traps in his deck to finish them off.”

“As a wise man once said,” said Yugi. “Don’t give up the ship…”

Peter got up. He was covered with cuts and bruises. He drew.

This can help for one round, he thought. But then what?

“I place one card facedown,” he said. “And that does it for me.”

The card appeared behind Terrorking Archfiend.

“You think you can fool me into thinking you have a Trap of your own?” laughed Brick. “Get serious!”

He drew.

“Just what I needed!” he laughed, adding the card to his hand.

“I’ll play Card of Sanctity,” he exclaimed. “It lets us both draw until we have a full hand of six cards!”

He inserted the card, and they both made their draws.

“Now I’ll use another Dian Keto,” he said, putting another card in the slot. The deity appeared again, and his Life Points went up to 7,000.

“And now,” shouted Brick. “Another Continuous Magic Card… the powerful Regeneration Chamber!”

He put the card into the slot, and a circular set of machinery surrounded Brick. Then a dome of blue energy covered him.

Brick chuckled. “With Regeneration Chamber in effect, I can’t summon any additional Monsters. But, starting next turn, I’ll be healed of 800 LP during each of my Standby Phases!”

“Meaning it won’t cost you anything to activate Gear Golem’s effect…” said Peter.

“Exactly!” said Brick. “But until then, I’ll burn another 800 to have it attack you again! Attack!”

Gear Golem rolled forward… Brick’s Life Points fell down to 6,200…

“Activate Trap!” cried Peter. “Shield me, Waboku!”

The card flipped up, and the three blue-garbed priests appeared. Gear Golem skidded to a halt.

“Phew!” sighed Mary.

“Only a minor setback,” frowned Brick.

“My turn now,” said Peter.

He drew.

His eyes opened wide!

He glared at Brick. Terrorking Archfiend growled.

“Easy, old friend,” said Peter.

“I’ll lay one card facedown,” said Peter, softly, “And I’ll end my turn.”

He put the card down, and it appeared behind Terrorking.

Brick drew.

“As you can see,” he chuckled, “the Regeneration Machine is working like a charm!”

He regained 800 Life Points, bringing his total up to 7,000.

“Now I’ll play a Magic Card,” he said. “Reload!”

He put his hand of cards back in his deck, and they started to reshuffle.

“I put the four cards in my hand back into my deck,” he said, “They reshuffle, and then I draw four new cards.”

He placed the deck back, and then made his draws.

He chuckled. He obviously got some good cards.

“And I think I’ll lay three of them facedown!” laughed Brick. The three cards appeared in his three remaining vacant spaces.

“Now, I’ll spend the 800 Life Points I just gained to have Gear Golem attack you again! Gyrating gears attack!”

“Bring it on!” yelled Peter.

Gear Golem mowed Peter down! His Life Points fell to 1,375, and Brick’s fell to 6,200 again.

Peter got up, he was bleeding from a dozen cuts, and Terrorking Archfiend was now very angry.

“You think I’m scared of your three Trap Cards?” said Peter, drawing. “Well, I’m NOT!”

“It’s time to take control of this duel,” he continued. “Time for you to give the devil his due…”

“What do you mean?” snarled Brick. “I have over four times as many Life Points as you!”

“Well, meet my ultimate trump card,” said Peter. “A Trap Card more powerful than any you’ll ever own. A little thing known as… Fool’s Mate!”

His facedown card lifted up, and the sky above Pandemonium darkened. Lightning started to flash.

“Fool’s Mate?” gasped Brick. “What the sam-hill is that?”

“Fool’s Mate is a card so powerful, it comes with several restrictions,” said Peter. “First, it only can be played when Terrorking Archfiend is on the field, but I have that part covered.

“Now, I have to sacrifice half of my current Life Points, and discard my entire hand…”

Peter’s Life Points fell to 687, and he discarded his hand into the Graveyard.

“Is Peter crazy?” cried Mary.

“You’d better know what you’re doing, Peter!” shouted Clive.

“And in exchange for that,” said Peter, reaching for his deck, “I get to search my deck, and special summon as many Monsters with the word ‘Archfiend’ in their names as I have room for on my side of the field! And since I only have my Terrorking on the field, I can summon the maximum of four!”

Everyone watching gasped. Lightning struck.

“Now behold!” said Peter, as he held aloft four cards. “I summon, Archfiend Soldier!”

A dark cloud sprung onto the field, and a long-horned Fiend with purple skin, a green cape, and a nasty sword appeared! (1,900/1,500)

“Desrook Archfiend, appear!” shouted Peter.

A brilliant light struck from above, and a blocky chess rook with a fiendish face and four thick, metallic, barbed tentacles appeared! (1,100/1,800)

“Shadowknight Archfiend, come forth!” yelled Peter.

A whirlwind erupted onto the field, and a powerful fiendish knight in armor, with wings, and huge claw for a left hand, bearing a large sword in his right, appeared! (2,000/1,600)

“And finally,” said Peter, “Skull Archfiend of Lightning!”

And explosion erupted on the grid, and a huge Fiend burst forth. He looked like the Summoned Skull, but was surrounded by a crackling aura of lightning! (2,500/1,200)

The five fiends roared at Brick.

“And if you’re thinking that your three Trap Cards will protect you,” chuckled Peter, “let me explain the other effect of Fool’s Mate. For every Monster I summon in this way, I can destroy one card you have on the field! Thus I’m going to wipe out all three of your facedown cards, and your Regeneration Chamber!”

One by one, the three facedown cards exploded in fiery bursts, and the Regeneration Chamber around Brick came tumbling down!

“No, keep away!” gasped Brick

“Skull Archfiend of Lightning,” yelled Peter, “demolish Gear Golem the Moving Fortress with Archfiend lightning attack!”

Skull Archfiend of Lightning blasted forth his thunderbolts, and Gear Golem exploded!

“Archfiend Soldier,” commanded Peter, “attack Brick with dark sword of Purgatory attack!”

Archfiend Soldier leapt forward and slashed his sword across Brick’s chest, opening a burning cut! Brick screamed! His Life points fell to 4,300.

“Desrook Archfiend,” shouted Peter. “Attack with king’s castling attack!”

Desrook reached forward with a sharp tentacle and slashed across Brick’s gut! His Life Points fell further, to 3,200.

“Shadowknight Archfiend,” yelled Peter, “knight’s four-square fury attack!”

The Shadowknight charged forward and smote Brick with his blade! Brick fell down, and his Life Points fell to 2,200.

“Lucky for you,” laughed Peter, “Shadowknight only does half the expected damage of his Attack power! Now, Terrorking Archfiend, charging checkmate attack!”

As Brick started to get up, Terrorking zoomed forward and socked him in the face, sending him skidding ten feet backwards!

Brick’s Life Points stood at a measly 200.

“Go Peter!” cried Mary.

“Show that meathead who’s boss!” yelled Clive.

Brick was covered with deep wounds and bruises. He got to his feet.

“Don’t get too happy,” he snarled. “You gave up a lot of Life Points, and you have no cards in your hand.”

“Well you have less Life Points and one card in your hand,” chuckled Peter. “And since I just destroyed a Monster Equipped with Horn of the Unicorn, the next card you draw will be that same Equip Magic Card. The one card in your hand better be a good one.”

Brick drew.

He’s right, he thought. But my one other card is a reasonably good one.

“I’ll just draw two new cards by playing my Pot of Greed!” he exclaimed, putting the first card down.

The laughing jar appeared, and he made two draws.

Ah! thought Brick, looking at one of the cards. Mirror Force! This will be enough to finish him off!

“My move will consist solely of laying one card facedown,” said Brick, putting the card in the slot. It appeared in front of him.

The five Archfiends snarled.

“Patience, everybody,” assured Peter.

Sorry, Brick, thought Peter, drawing, [I]but I’m not going to fall for that…

He looked at his card. He gave a slight grin.

And thanks to this, I won’t have to!

“I too will place one card facedown,” said Peter, placing the card in the slot. The card appeared behind the Archfiends.

“And now,” ordered Peter, “Terrorking Archfiend, finish him off!”

Terrorking Archfiend sped forward!

“Sorry, Peter,” laughed Brick, pressing a button, “but my Mirror Force will blast all your Archfiends into oblivion!”

“Oh, no!” gasped Peter. “I’m finished!”

He smiled.

“Or am I? Activate Trap! Solemn Judgment!”

He hit a button of his own, and his own facedown card appeared. An old man with a beard and two young women, all wearing long robes, appeared in front of Terrorking.

“Solemn Judgment?” gasped Brick in shock.

“This Counter Trap can negate the activation of ANY card!” said Peter. “Sure, I have to cut my Life Points in half again, but now your Mirror Force fails, and my Terrorking’s attack succeeds!”

Peter’s Life Points fell to 343, the Mirror Force shattered, and the Terrorking slugged Brick hard! He fell over, and lost the last of his Life Points.

The five Archfiends howled in victory. Lightning flashed and thunder rolled over Pandemonium.

The Disks slowly deactivated. As the wounds on Peter’s body vanished, the Archfiends and their infernal city disappeared. The gem on Peter’s Disk changed to Yellow.

Brick was still lying on the mat groaning. The duel must have taken a lot out of him. The crowd applauded.

“You thought a Trap Deck was the key to victory, Brick,” smiled Peter, “but it seems the last Trap did you in!”

“All right bro!” shouted Clive, grabbing Peter around the shoulder. “I never doubted you for a minute!”

“Never?” asked Peter.

“Well…” said Clive. He paused.

“Well, until you brought out that Fool’s Mate card, I did think you were in trouble…”

As the crowd dispersed, Yugi spoke up.

“I have to ask, Peter,” he asked, “where did you get such a card?”

“I have to admit,” pondered Peter, “It is a mystery, even to me.

“You see, when the major Archfiends were first created for the game, Industrial Illusions only made fifteen Fool’s Mate cards, to be given away as prizes in a sweepstakes. They never made any more of these powerful Traps. I never dreamed I would ever own one of these rarest of Archfiend accessories.

“But then, six months ago, I got a special delivery package in the mail, with no return address. There in a special protective case, was this incredibly rare card, and also this mysterious anonymous note…”

He dug into his pocket and took out a folded piece of paper.

“See for yourself,” he said.

Yugi took it and read. It was written in old-fashioned ink pen, and bore a short, strange verse:


[I]Good is evil, old is new,
Hell and Heaven split in two.
Time ends, reality tossed,
As paradise found
Becomes paradise lost.


“I never understood what it meant,” said Peter, “nor do I know who my benefactor is, but since Paradise Lost is an epic poem by Milton about the fall of Satan, I guess it made sense to include that line, seeing as the card has to do with Fiends.”

“True,” said Yugi. “But it is quite mysterious…”


* * * * * * * * * *


“Man, you were right,” said Vanessa, “that was some duel!”

A beeper in her armor went off.

“Oh, I have to leave,” she said. “It’s time for my shift in sector G4.”

“Go then,” said Siegfried.

Siegfried thought to himself.

Peter is a clever duelist, he thought. And he’ll be a potent ally… I just hope he never figures out that I was the one who sent him the Fool’s Mate card. He’d get more suspicious about it than he already is.

With all my allies at top strength, I do believe I stand a good chance at succeeding in the task that is to come soon…


* * * * * * * * * *


As Yugi and his friends walked out of the park, they didn’t know that they were being watched.

On the roof of a building were two strange men. They were dressed in black overcoats and wearing dark sunglasses. One was bald with a short beard, and the other had black hair tied in a long ponytail.

The ponytailed one gestured with his hand, and like magic, a white sphere about eight inches across appeared, hovering over his palm.

He waited a few seconds, and then a pair of sinister, red, glowing eyes appeared in the sphere.

“Master,” said the man. “Yugi Mouto and his three disciples are off to an impressive start. Each has one victory under their belts.”

A haunting voice came from the sphere.

“One victory does not a tournament win,” growled the voice. “Continue to monitor their progress. Keep me informed of every major development. Yugi Mouto may be our greatest obstacle, but when the time comes, he may prove our greatest asset.”

The eyes vanished. The man closed his fist and the sphere disappeared.

Then he and his companion walked away.


* * * * * * * * * *


The Team Supreme walked away from the park.

“So now where do we go?” asked Mary.

“To the western edge of the city,” said Yugi, softly.

“Why there?” asked Clive.

“Because that’s where the map leads to,” he replied.

“Yugi!” gasped Mary. “You’re not going to do what I sure hope you’re not going to do?”

“Sorry Mary,” stated Yugi. “But it’s time I truly prove myself.

“I’m going to find this Eliminator, and give him the match of his life!”




AGGRESSIVE DEFENSE (Magic Card)

Type: Magic/Continuous
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a warrior bull-rushing an opponent with a shield. When this card is in play, once per turn you can attack using a Monster that is in Defense Position, using the Monster’s current Attack score.



REGENERATION MACHINE (Magic Card)

Type: Magic/Continuous
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a circular terminal covered by a dome of blue energy. While this card is in play, you cannot make any summons or sets. Gain 800 LP during each of your Standby Phases.



FOOL’S MATE (Trap Card)

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of five Archfiends on dark a chessboard facing down Gate Guardian. You can activate this Trap if you have at least one “Terrorking Archfiend” face-up on your side of the field. Discard your entire hand and pay half of your Life Points to search your deck for up to four Monsters with the word “Archfiend” in their names and special summon them to the field. For each Monster special summoned in this manner you may destroy one card on your opponent’s side of the field. Your deck is shuffled afterwards.

Note: “Fool’s Mate” was contributed by 2ra, as a result of winning the first Trivia Contest. All creative credit goes him for its creation.

[Loupeitak]

Weeeeeeeeeeee, we get to find out who won the trivia and the cool new card. That card is great.

I really thought Peter would lose his first battle when he only had 2000+ life points and Brick had 6000 life points.

I say it again, the Fool's mate card is perfect for Peter. Great work 2ra ;)

[2ra]

Thanks, I thought it would be a great card for Peter, but didn't know how cool it's effect would end up being. I got the idea of Fool's Mate because a Fool's Mate is the shortest chess match win you can have. I knew it was to help him in such a tight spot so I tried giving it a strong effect, but so that it wasn't so broken I added the restrictions of lifepoint payment, discarding your hand, and having Terrorking Archfiend on the field. I hope you liked it :P

I've gotta admit I've been one of those closet readers of this fic so I've gotta say it's coming along great. I wonder who those two men and the spirit with the red eyes are... I guess I'll just have to wait :P

[Perfect Chaos]

Yet again, another great chapter. And the icing on the cake (well, for me anyways), was that Peter was dueling and he was using Fiends/Archfiends (which I am COMPLETELY obsessed over). Congrats on winning the contest 2ra and a very cool card you created for Peter.

I always thought of a "Beatdown" deck was just a whole bunch of strong monsters just "swarming" the field and using sheer force to overpower the opponent. I didn't think it would have to do with a whole lot of Trap cards and such, but I guess I have more to learn now.

Look forward to your next chappie with Yugi dueling the Eliminator Venasaur ;)

-$∑@π

[Shuppet Master]

To Perfect Chaos: You're right,I've gone to various sites and read magazines and in truth,a Beatdown deck is what you described - the duelist summons his toughest monsters and swarms the opponent,destroying his monsters and damaging his life points. Brick's deck is a stall deck with beatdown elements,
like the Gear Golem/Horn of the Unicorn/Regeneration Chamber combo.

To 2ra and Venusaur: That's a great card,Fool's Mate. The way is way played reminded me of how Yami Yugi played Ragnarok and sent all his monsters including the two God Cards to banish the Winged Dragon of Ra to oblivion! :D

To Venusaur: Great work,and I have a feeling that the Eliminator is a woman because "Widowmaker" reminds me of the black widow,a spider where the female is a deadly killer. Say,could you send me an e-mail in advance when you get your next quiz up? I want to be able to get a chance to answer it first. ;)

[Dark Sage]

Hack:

I play Yu-Gi-Oh at a game store, and many players who play Trap-laden decks call them Beatdown Decks. A "Burn Deck" is a deck where you overwhelm an opponent by trying to do heavy damage and achieve victory soon. You might say that Kaiba uses a Burn Deck.

As for e-mailing you in advance... Next chapter, I will reveal when the contest will be up, within two hours of the actual time. I want this to be fair. signaling out one person is kind of playing favorites.

- Venusaur

[2ra]

Hack:

I play Yu-Gi-Oh at a game store, and many players who play Trap-laden decks call them Beatdown Decks. A "Burn Deck" is a deck where you overwhelm an opponent by trying to do heavy damage and achieve victory soon. You might say that Kaiba uses a Burn Deck.

As for e-mailing you in advance... Next chapter, I will reveal when the contest will be up, within two hours of the actual time. I want this to be fair. signaling out one person is kind of playing favorites.

- Venusaur

Actually, Beatdown decks are decks with high powered monsters that rely on attacking. A Burn deck is a deck that relies on doing direct damage to the opponents lifepoints with cards such as Lava Golem, Torture Wheel, and Fire Princess to give some examples. A deck based around traps doesn't exactly have a name and people usually just end up calling them Trap decks O.o

[Oakbark]

Well written Brian, although Peter seems to have an almost too powerful deck. I mean, isn't his Infernalqueen an oober card if it can give 1,000 ATK points to a monster card every turn? I could understand if it was a once per duel effect, but it just seems a bit much.

Anyways, putting all his faith in Fool's Mate is a bit careless, don't you think? It's another oober card when it gets into his hand. But on the flip-side, you did manage to create a chapter that didn't make his deck seem that powerful. Those Archfiends are tough! I really like Pandemonium, even though i think the LP sacrifice would make Peter's Archfiends more...fair.

Again a good flow to the story, i found myself slipping through the chapter quickly and enjoying it all. At the end i get kinda sad that i cannot read on, i mean i honestly wish you could write faster (although i can see you seem to work day and night to get chapters here as quickly as you can). It's a sign of a good writer.

Oh, and i've had dreams about Yu-gi-oh since i started reading this third installment, including one where me, Mary and someone else were at the top (it was multi-storey) of a large 'shopping mall' kinda place, and we had to win duels to open the stairs down to the next level, until we got to the ground floor. Weird.

Anyways, later! Take care all!

Damien.

[Hypotenuse Man]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe it's overpowered because the Archfiends require Life Point loss to stay on the field, unless you play the Field card that Peter did.

Well written chapter, Venusaur. I actually thought that Peter was going to lose, because you were talking about how everyone wanted Clive to lose but you had already planned against it. Keep up the good work!

[Perfect Chaos]

I mean, isn't his Infernalqueen an oober card if it can give 1,000 ATK points to a monster card every turn? I could understand if it was a once per duel effect, but it just seems a bit much.


Actually, Infernalqueen's effect was MUCH MUCH more broken before UD (or Konami, don't know who makes/changes the card text) changed it. Before, Infernalqueen could increase an Archfiend's ATK power by 1000 points once per turn for the ENTIRE duel. Now, it's at a more balanced "until the END PHASE of your turn" That way, your opponent still has a chance of destroying Archfiends without worrying about the power boost

-$∑@π

[Dark Sage]

Perfect Chaos -

I didn't know that Infernalqueen's rule had been changed.

But for the sake of fantasy, I'm staying with the old rules (if I went with the new rules, the characters wouldn't be able to use the cards on the new Banned list).

But don't worry, Peter isn't going to be invincible. Not by a long shot. Late in the fanfic, you might feel sorry for him after a few incidents.

But more than that, I won't say.

- Venusaur

[mr_pikachu]

FOOL’S MATE (Trap Card)

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of five Archfiends on dark a chessboard facing down the Gate Guardian. You can activate this Trap if you have at least one “Terrorking Archfiend” on your side of the field. Discard your entire hand and pay half of your Life Points to search your deck for up to four Monsters with the word “Archfiend” in their names and Special Summon them to the field. For each Monster Special Summoned in this manner you may destroy one card on your opponent’s side of the field. Your deck is shuffled afterwards.

Hm. According to this effect, Peter could have destroyed Gear Golem instead of the Regeneration Machine in order to attain victory without giving Brick another move. Am I missing something here?

This was a pretty good chapter, though. Brick had an interesting deck, and I suppose Fool's Mate isn't too much of an unstoppable card. It'd probably be better if it was restricted to one or two per deck, though. Without that restriction, it still seems really, really powerful. Someone could just hold Terrorking in their hand until drawing this (or vice-versa), and suddenly blow the opponent away without warning.

I like how you're bringing back the trash-talking and the comments of the audience. That's good. I do agree, though, that I liked your previous method of showing Life Points better. This just seems a little too arftificial, with the score just being flashed up there. Besides, it can be a little confusing, since you don't always display the scores immediately when LP are lost.

Well, I'll be looking forward to the next chapter. We'll see how Yugi fares against the eliminator, and who those mysterious characters are! Until then! :wave:

[Dark Sage]

Hm. According to this effect, Peter could have destroyed Gear Golem instead of the Regeneration Machine in order to attain victory without giving Brick another move. Am I missing something here?

I know. That was a mistake on Peter's part, not mine. It made the duel more interesting.


This was a pretty good chapter, though. Brick had an interesting deck, and I suppose Fool's Mate isn't too much of an unstoppable card. It'd probably be better if it was restricted to one or two per deck, though. Without that restriction, it still seems really, really powerful. Someone could just hold Terrorking in their hand until drawing this (or vice-versa), and suddenly blow the opponent away without warning.

Possibly Fool's Mate IS a Restricted card. Peter didn't say, but it probably is. Remember though, there are only fifteen in existence. The chance of ANYONE owning more than one is very slim.


I liked your previous method of showing Life Points better. This just seems a little too arftificial, with the score just being flashed up there. Besides, it can be a little confusing, since you don't always display the scores immediately when LP are lost.

Since everyone feels so strongly, I'll revert back to the old method, starting next chapter. :)

I'm surpised nobody commented on the strange note that Peter got with the card... could it be a clue? And who were those strange guys watching the duel?

- Venusaur

[mr_pikachu]

Possibly Fool's Mate IS a Restricted card. Peter didn't say, but it probably is. Remember though, there are only fifteen in existence. The chance of ANYONE owning more than one is very slim.


*coughBlueEyesWhiteDragoncough* :lol:

But I guess in reality, it would be a fairly small chance. However, given the nature of the anime world and the seriousness with which the game is played, it's not as unlikely as it would seem on the surface.

The note was interesting... kinda makes me which I'd read Paradise Lost. But meh, I can't be bothered to do it now. :D

And the move was Peter's mistake... suuuure. A likely story. ;)

[Shuppet Master]

Venusaur: I understand what you are saying. What you are doing(announcing the contest before it comes out) is okay. Could you give an approximate time when the next chapter is coming out,so I can check my mailbox then? If I find the update hours after the fact,I might miss out and fail to get the answers before someone else answers it. *sigh*

EDIT: After reading that other poster's comments about how Peter should have used the effect to destroy Gear Golem and drop Brick's life points to zero,you could simply make a small edit on the card saying that only magic or trap cards could be destroyed via this effect. :)

Also,to make up for not putting this the first time,I made up a Duel Monster card which I was inspired to make after watching the end of the Marik/Yugi duel,when Yugi plays Ragnarok. Here it is:

ARMAGEDDON
Trap Card
Effect: This card can only be activated when your opponent calls out an attack and you have "Blue Eyes White Dragon" and "Red Eyes Black Dragon" on your side of the field. Lose all your HP but 1 and discard your hand and deck to the graveyard. Destroy all your opponent's monsters and inflict their total attack power in Life Point damage to the opponent. The opponent loses his next turn. This card cannot be negated by any trap,magic,or monster effect.

[Loupeitak]

Well Venusaur, if your making trivia n2 plz dont make it an episode trivia. Coz i NEVER seen ANY episode coz they dont show it here :/

[Snakes N' Legends]

That was a good duel. A Beatdown deck, huh? And Peter has a whole new set of Archfiend Monsters plus a cool Trumph card. I can't wait for the next contest. I might have inspired an excellent duel in City of Souls but there is no rules that says I can't do it again.

Keep up the good work!!!

[Shuppet Master]

Well Venusaur, if your making trivia n2 plz dont make it an episode trivia. Coz i NEVER seen ANY episode coz they dont show it here :/

Well,Loupeitak,that's not fair to the rest of us,who DID see the TV show. I've only read two issues of the manga,and Venusaur had a manga quiz already. The only other subject which relates to Yu-Gi-Oh is the card game itself. :)

[Loupeitak]

well, its not my fault these stupid people dont show any anime. They once showed pokemon but they soon replaced it with Barney X_x

[Shuppet Master]

I'm not insulting you,Loupeitak! I just said that most of us watch the anime. I'm sorry that your cable company feels that it's much better to show cheap kiddie shows rather than funner cartoons. May I make a suggestion? Do you live in a place which sells DVDs? You could find the Yu-Gi-Oh anime episodes of DVD for $15 for three episodes. It's a worthwhile investment. I have the Paradox duel on DVD. :)

I'm sure Venusaur will give a quiz which you could answer,but you have to remember that you may not get in. I failed to get into the three quizzes on the last story,and I feel bad about it. :sigh:

[Loupeitak]

Who said anything about you insulting me....

Anyways i'm trying to get Yu-Gi-Oh the movie but it still hasn't come out here yet.

and yes i know i may not get in but at least i have a better chance of doing so.

[Dark Sage]

Let me give you the facts:

I have planned four contests, one of which has been done already.

Of the three remaining, two will most likely deal with the anime. One will most likely deal with the card game.

I tried to do a contest about the manga, but it took a week for someone to win it. I won't be doing that again.

I know very little about the video games, so they are out.

I considered doing a contest to test your knowledge of my previous fanfics, but seeing as they are in the archives section, that would be too easy.

Loupeitak, this fanfic contains many connections to the anime - why are you such a fan of my work if you've never even seen the anime? Some parts must be very confusing for you...

- Venusaur

[Loupeitak]

not really coz i learned playing through some games i bought just for fun. It was confusing on the Legacy of the Duelist because i didnt read you weren't making tributes but then it all came to sense...

[Dark Sage]

Fanfiction Fans,

It's my birthday today, but the present is for you!

How else could I celebrate my birthday, but with a great new chapter of this fanfic?

Read, review, and write down the announcement at the end. You don't want to miss what's coming up!

- Venusaur

[Loupeitak]

ur b-day is on the 31st ? Whoa my b-day was yesterday :p I guess i cant accept that as a gift :)

[Dark Sage]

My friends and I have dueled our share of sleazy and downright evil opponents, but at least one thing I can take comfort in most of the time is that most of them have been human.

Most of them, that is.

I’ve fought a few nonhuman creatures as well. The demon Ahriman, the shapeshifter Doppler, the Grim Reaper, and naturally, Set. I had some doubts about whether or not Remi could truly be considered “human” with what he was. Technically, maybe, but other than that, I’m not sure.

Now, once again, I’m facing someone whose species I’m not really sure of. I don’t know whether her threats are real or just a big bluff…

But it doesn’t make looking at her any easier…



CHAPTER SEVEN



Insect Imitation



It was four o’clock. Yugi had his friends in tow, and was following the map, to the edge of Duelatopia. There weren’t many popular buildings around here… they seemed to be near a bunch of storehouses and off-limits buildings. There was hardly a duelist to be seen.

“Are you sure about this Yugi?” cautioned Mary. “If you lose, you’re out! Kaput! Finished!”

“I’m well aware of that Mary,” sighed Yugi. “But I’m willing to take the chance.”

He looked around.

“According to the map, the entrance should be around here,” he said.

They all looked around.

Clive looked down.

“Hey…” he said. “That manhole…”

They looked down, and saw that the manhole had an odd symbol on it – six stars arranged in a circle.

“Hmm,” pondered Yugi.

He took out his deck and leafed through it… he took out Dark Magician Girl.

“Six stars, a six-star Monster,” he said. He put the card into his disk.

Then the manhole slowly swung open.

But that wasn’t all that happened. An image came out of his Dueling Disk, and Dark Magician Girl appeared before them!

She had a very worried look on her face. Before Yugi and his friends could react, she spoke!

“You’re entering very dangerous territory, Yugi!” she cried. “It isn’t too late to turn back! I beg of you, abandon this place before it is too late!”

“Man, Siegfried pulled out all the stops…” whispered Clive.

“I can’t turn back now…” said Yugi to the hologram.

The Spellcaster started to weep.

“I cannot stop you,” wept Dark Magician Girl, sadly. “If you must, I will stand by you to the very end. Good luck, old friend…”

She vanished. Yugi slowly put the card back in his deck.

They looked down, and saw a ladder going down. With Yugi in the lead, they climbed down into the darkness.

From the shadows above, Persephone appeared.

“The sucker took the bait, just like I hoped!” she laughed. “You should have listened to your Dark Magician Girl, Yugi!

“I think I’ll just stay here and wait for him to come out… I’d love to laugh in his face!

“And when he does come out, as scared as he’ll likely be, if he doesn’t want his reputation smeared across this whole city… I think he’ll agree to my trade then…”


* * * * * * * * * *


In the command center, Siegfried, still in his armor, was taking coffee from a machine.

A technician looked up in surprise.

“Master of Games!” she cried.

“What?” asked Siegfried, turning around.

“We just got a message from the Disk of that contestant you told us to monitor, Yugi Mouto Jr.! He’s just activated the entrance to Shelob’s lair!”

“What?” shouted Siegfried. “Put the lair on the main screen!”

The screen came up on a new scene.

Damn you, Yugi, thought Siegfried. I hope you know what you’re doing! Shelob is the best Eliminator I have! She’s already done away with five contestants!

Who’d have ever thought you’d be so headstrong? Didn’t you realize something when one of your own Monsters told you to stay away? I guess all we can do now is watch…


* * * * * * * * * *


Yugi and his companions walked down a long tunnel covered with spider webs… and unfortunately, there were spiders in them!

“Eeesh…” muttered Mary. “I hate spiders…”

“You used to have a Hunter Spider in your deck,” reminded Clive.

“At least he did what I told him to do,” sighed Mary.

“I think I see a light up ahead, people,” said Yugi.

They entered a large chamber that was circular, similar to an arena, and dark, like a dungeon. Small lamps provided illumination… and enormous spider webs covered the upper half of the room.

The Puzzle around Yugi’s neck shone, and the change overtook him. He knew there was a presence somewhere in this room…

“People…” muttered Peter. “No regular spiders could have made those webs…”

Suddenly, a gate crashed down behind them, blocking off the way they came!

“Welcome,” said a sultry female voice.

The webs started to shake, and a large form started to scurry down them. The four of them looked up in fear.

A figure leapt down from above and they drew back.

It was a woman, but definitely not a normal woman. She was like something out of a nightmare. To begin with, she had four arms, the top left one of which was armed with a Dueling Disk (which did not have a gem on it). Her skin was pure white, she had a fanged mouth, and four eyes, which were slit-like and glowing red. She had black hair that reached down to her waist. Other than that, she was more or less human, and she was dressed in a skin-tight green bodysuit with the image of an hourglass shape cut out of the chest, revealing significant cleavage.

“Well, well,” she purred. “Prey. Welcome Yugi, I am Shelob, and as you can see, your only exit has been blocked off. Since you were the one to open the door to my lair, the only hope you or your friends have for escape is for you to duel me… Of course, your personal hope for escape is rather dim…”

“I can take you,” stated Yugi. “Even if you are some mutant spider… thing.”

“Don’t be so sure,” smiled Shelob. “I’ve already beaten and devoured the last five challengers…”

“Devoured?” said Yugi, in shock.

“She eats the losers?” gasped Mary.

“I still have a bone or two to gnaw on,” smiled Shelob, “but I’m in the mood for something softer. You see young Yugi, when you duel an Eliminator, you put much more than your standing in the tournament on the line!”

Her tongue lapped over her fangs.

“Is this creature for real?” thought Yugi inside his mind.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s bluffing,” responded Yami. “But whether her threats are bluffs or not, she’s an Eliminator. We still must defeat her to remain in the tournament. We’ve defeated scarier freaks…”

“Agreed,” said Yugi. “We can take her.”

Shelob produced a pack of cards with her upper right hand, and then shuffled them with her lower hands.

“Come now, Yugi,” she beckoned. “Let’s get this started. I don’t have all night… and I’m starved as it is.”

Yugi shuffled his own deck. “I’m as game as you are,” he said.

He plugged his deck into the Disk and activated it. Shelob did the same.

“DUEL!” they both shouted.

Shelob drew her cards with lower right hand, and then picked out a card with her upper right.

“Why don’t I go first?” she stated. “I summon Giant Flea in Attack Mode!”

She put the card down, and a huge, ugly flea appeared in front of her. (1,500/1,200)

“No problem,” responded Yugi, putting a card down. “I summon Skilled White Magician, in Attack Mode!”

A sorcerer in a white robe and skullcap appeared, brandishing a staff. (1,700/1,900)

“Attack!” ordered Yugi. “White magic attack!”

Skilled White Magician fired a beam of light, blowing the Giant Flea apart. Shelob’s Life Points fell to 7,800.

“I flattened your flea,” mocked Yugi.

“Maybe,” smiled Shelob, drawing. “But it takes more than one attack to win a duel. My move will consist simply of setting a Monster facedown in Defense Mode…”

She placed the card, and it appeared in front of her.

Yugi drew.

If I can beat that Monster’s defense I can do her some serious damage, he thought.

“Obnoxious Celtic Guardian, in Attack Mode!” he shouted.

He put the card down, and the elven warrior appeared. (1,400/1,200)

“Again, Skilled White Magician!” yelled Yugi. “White magic attack!”

Skilled White Magician aimed…

“That’s exactly what I wanted you to do,” grinned Shelob.

As the Magician fired, and the Defense Monster appeared. It looked like a red beetle of some sort with four stars on its shell.

As it was blown apart, Shelob cackled.

“What’s so funny?” sneered Yugi.

“Take a look at your Monsters!” she laughed.

Skilled White Magician and Obnoxious Celtic Guardian clutched their throats and fell over!

“You just activated the Flip-Effect of my 4-Starred Ladybug of Doom!” said Shelob. “When it’s flipped, all four-star Monsters sicken and die! And both of your two Monsters had four stars!”

Yugi’s two Monsters vanished. His Life Points dropped to 7,225.

“No!” cried Mary. “She tricked Yugi into destroying his own Monsters!”

“Exactly,” chuckled Shelob. “Now are you beginning to see the jeopardy you’ve put yourself into, Yugi. Any other move you’d like to make before I make my turn?”

Yugi looked at his cards. He started to sweat.

“No,” he stammered.

She drew.

“Then I summon, in Attack Mode, Flying Kamakiri #1!” she shouted.

A huge, flying mantis appeared, with a green and yellow shell. (1,400/900)

“And now,” laughed Shelob, “it can bite right into your Life Points! Go my Kamakiri!”

The mantis pounced on Yugi, and struck, biting into his chest! Yugi screamed.

His Life Points dove to 5,825.

“That bite won’t cause any permanent damage,” laughed Shelob, “but mine sure will!”

“You seem to like Insects a lot, Shelob,” panted Yugi, getting up. “Let me let you in on something… spiders aren’t insects!”

“But they’re similar,” noted Shelob. “And I doubt it will make much of a difference to you what phylum of creature will soon be gnawing on your flesh! Your move.”

Yugi drew.

“Come on Yugi,” urged Clive. “Don’t you have a big can of bug spray somewhere in that deck of yours?”

“I have this!” exclaimed Yugi. “Warrior Dai Grepher, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and the muscular Warrior appeared with his greatsword. (1,700/1,600).

“Attack!” shouted Yugi.

Dai Grepher charged and sliced Kamakiri in two! Shelob’s Life Points were lowered to 7,500.

“Good show, Yugi,” commented Shelob. “But when Flying Kamakiri #1 is destroyed, I can instantly summon the even stronger Flying Kamakiri #2, in Attack Mode!”

An even bigger mantis with a red exoskeleton materialized. (1,500/800)

“Ugh,” muttered Clive.

“Insect Monsters can be very tricky,” sighed Mary. “They often have strange effects that can devastate an opponent. Yugi will have to be careful.”

Yugi was thinking.

She knows as well as I do that Flying Kamakiri #2 is still no match for Warrior Dai Grepher… so why’d she put it in Attack Mode?

“I’ll end my turn by laying one card facedown,” he said.

The card appeared behind Dai Grepher.

“Splendid,” chuckled Shelob, drawing. “Now watch…

“I’ll first lay a card facedown myself…”

She put the card into the slot on her disk, and it appeared in front of her.

“Now I’ll lay one Monster facedown in Defense,” she said.

She put the card down, and the card appeared on the ground.

“And finally, I’ll Equip my Kamakiri with Laser Cannon Armor!”

She put down the Equip Card, and a metal exoskeleton armed with a laser gun formed around the Flying Kamakiri #2. Its Attack score went up to 1,800.

“Now my Kamakiri,” ordered Shelob, “turn Warrior Dai Grepher into bug juice!”

The laser prepared to fire…

“Not so fast, Shelob,” said Yugi, pressing a button on his Disk.

The facedown card came up, and the Kunai with Chain appeared in Warrior Dai Grepher’s hands! He hurled it, ensnaring the Kamakiri.

“What?” said Shelob.

Grepher’s attack score went up to 2,100.

“Counter attack!” said Yugi. “With your steel sword!”

Warrior Dai Grepher swung his blade and decapitated Flying Kamakiri #2. Shelob’s Life Points fell to 7,200.

“It’s my move now,” said Yugi.

He drew.

“Warrior Dai Grepher, attack the Monster she has in Defense Mode!”

Grepher charged, and a large black beetle with a skull and crossbones on its back appeared. Grepher chopped it to pieces.

“Why, thank you,” said Shelob, grinning. He Life Points went up, to 8,200!

“Huh?” said Yugi.

“You just destroyed my Skull-Marked Ladybug!” laughed Shelob. “When it’s sent to the Graveyard, 1,000 points are added to my Life Points!”

“Like I said,” added Mary, “very tricky…”

Yugi snarled.

“Just move,” he frowned.

“Now I’ll activate this Trap Card,” said Shelob, pushing a button on her Disk. “DNA Surgery!”

“What?” said Yugi.

The card lifted up, and huge form erupted in the center of the field… a double-helix. Then a change came over Warrior Dai Grepher. He sprouted fly-like wings, then antennae, and then his eyes became compound like a bee’s and his hands became insect-like pincers.

“With the Continuous Trap DNA Surgery in place,” explained Shelob, “any Monster I summon, and any Monster you summon, will have its Type transformed into any Type that I now choose, and I’m choosing Insects. Confused? This part of my strategy will become clear in a few turns. But for now…”

She picked two cards out of her hand.

“…I place one card facedown, and summon Killer Needle in Attack Mode.”

The facedown card appeared, and a huge wasp appeared in midair. (1,200/1,000)

Okay. thought Yugi. This has GOT to be a Trap.

Or maybe it isn’t. Maybe she’s trying to scare me into not attacking so she can make a major Tribute.

And what good does it do to turn my Monsters into Insects?

He drew.

Well, here goes.

“I Tribute Warrior Dai Grepher for Summoned Skull!” he shouted. “In Attack Mode!”

Grepher vanished, and the huge Summoned Skull appeared. His bony covering had been replaced by a beetle-like carapace, but he was still as fierce as ever. (2,500/1,200)

“My Skull may be an Insect,” said Yugi, but he can still vaporize your Needle with lightning strike attack!”

The Skull powered up and blew Killer Needle away. Shelob’s score fell to 6,900.

Shelob chuckled as she drew.

“Actually Yugi,” she laughed. “I was hoping you would Tribute Grepher for a more powerful Monster. But this is better than I planned… I never dreamed you’d come up with something that powerful!”

“Huh?” said Yugi.

“I only wanted to lure one of your stronger Monsters out so I could destroy it with this… Eradicating Aerosol!”

Her facedown card lifted up, and a large green spray-can of aerosol appeared on the field.

“This Magic Card can destroy all Insects on the Field!” she said. “And since your Skull is considered an Insect…”

The spray-can sprayed a mist at the Summoned Skull and he screamed, melting into a pile of sludge. Yugi’s Life Points fell to 5,200.

“You used DNA Surgery just for that?” asked Yugi, puzzled.

“No!” snarled Shelob. “I have another strategy in mind, and it starts now!”

She put a card down.

“Pinch Hopper, in Attack Mode!” she said.

A large grasshopper appeared in front of her. (1,000/1,200)

“Go Pinch Hopper!” laughed Shelob. “Attack Yugi with grasshopper kick attack!”

Pinch Hopper leapt up and kicked Yugi with both of its rear legs, knocking him down. His Life Points fell to 4,200.

Mary, Peter, and Clive looked on with disbelief.

Could Yugi actually lose? thought Mary. Oh, Yugi, you have to win!

“That does it!” cursed Yugi, getting up.

He drew.

The card Mary gave me, he thought. This will do.

“Alligator’s Sword, in Attack Mode!” he said.

The Alligator’s Sword appeared. Like Dai Grepher, he grew wings and antennae, and his eyes and claws changed shape.

“Destroy Pinch Hopper!” shouted Yugi. “Alligator’s sword slash!”

The Alligator’s Sword charged forward and cut the Pinch Hopper apart. Shelob’s Life Points fell to 6,400.

“Well,” laughed Shelob. “Thank you again. Now my strategy can finally be unveiled!”

“Huh?” said Yugi. “Now what?”

“See,” explained Shelob, “when Pinch Hopper is sent to the Graveyard, I can summon any Insect from my hand with no Tribute. And now I can summon a deadly royal Insect with the potential to achieve nearly limitless power! Presenting, her royal highness, Insect Princess!”

She lay a card down, and a strange, man-shaped Monster appeared on the field. It was a beautiful female creature that looked more Fairy than Insect, with four arms, graceful antennae, and butterfly wings. (1,900/1,200)

She blew a kiss at Yugi and giggled.

“Huh?” said Yugi.

“Huh?” said Clive. “What’s so deadly about her? She’s kind of cute.”

“Cute she may be, but looks can be deceiving,” started Shelob. “Let me explain. Every time Insect Princess slays an enemy Insect, her Attack Score goes up by a considerable 500 points! Combine that with my DNA Surgery Trap, which transforms ALL of her foes into Insects, and she has the potential to become super-powerful in only a few turns!”

“Oh, no,” muttered Mary.

“Now, Insect Princess,” said Shelob, “Attack Alligator’s Sword with katydid kick attack!”

The Insect Princess made a circular kick, and smashed the Alligator Sword apart. Yugi’s Life Points fell to 3,800.

The Princess’s Attack went up to 2,400.

“Make your move,” dared Shelob.

Yugi drew.

Can’t take her down with what I have, he thought. Better defend…

“Skilled Dark Magician, in Defense Mode,” he said.

Skilled Dark Magician appeared, and once again, the DNA Surgery changed his features. (1,900/1,700)

He knelt in defense.

And then, he rose up into Attack Mode!

“WHAT?” shouted Yugi.

“Oh, did I forget to mention Insect Princess’s other effect?” said Shelob. “She also forces all opposing Insect Monsters into Attack Mode. And again, all of your Monsters are Insects!”

“I know!” cursed Yugi. “I get the idea! Make your move!”

Shelob drew.

“You know Yugi,” she mused, “I doubt you’ll be able to summon anything that can threaten my Princess, but just to be on the safe side…”

She put a card down.

“…I’ll summon Prickle Fairy in Defense Mode!”

A green, plant-like fairy with vines for arms, covered with thorns and wearing a purple and green dress appeared next to the Insect Princess. (300/2000)

“Prickle Fairy?” gulped Yugi. “What does she do?”

“So long as Prickle Fairy is on the field, none of my Insects can be attacked!” exclaimed Shelob. “And since my DNA Surgery makes Prickle Fairy herself an Insect, that means you can’t even attack her!

“Now, Insect Princess, attack Skilled Dark Magician with katydid kick attack!”

The Insect Princess executed her spin-kick, and made short work of Skilled Dark Magician. Yugi’s score fell further, to 3,300.

The Insect Princess’s Attack went up to 2,900.

“Man,” gasped Clive. “This creature’s strategy is practically foolproof!”

“NO strategy is foolproof!” shouted Mary. “Yugi defeated the God of Darkness… don’t tell me he can’t defeat some ugly bug!”

“Ugly?” hissed Shelob, obviously insulted. “You think I’m ugly? Consider yourself lucky I won’t be allowed to devour you as well, Mary!”

Mary let out a little shriek.

“Now be quiet and let me finish off your friend,” she snarled. “I believe it’s his turn…”

Yugi drew.

This is the strongest Monster I have left that I can summon without a Tribute, he thought. After this, I don’t know what I’m going to do…

“Gemini Elf, in Attack Mode,” he said, putting the card down.

The twin elves appeared, and they sprouted butterfly wings and antennae. (1,900/900)

“That the best you can do?” chuckled Shelob, drawing. “Insect Princess, attack!”

The Insect Princess let loose her lethal kick, and destroyed Gemini Elf.

Yugi’s Life Point tally now stood at 2,300, with Shelob’s far ahead at 6,400.

“You want to throw in the towel and surrender peacefully, Yugi?” purred Shelob. “After all, my Insect Princess is now 3,400 Attack points strong… there are only a select few Monsters in the dueling world who can take down something with that much kick! And I mean kick!”

Insect Princess giggled evilly.

“I never give up Shelob,” snarled Yugi.

“Then make your move,” she dared. “Victory is so close, I can almost taste it…”

She licked her lips.

“Eww,” cringed Mary.

Yugi drew. He looked at his card.

“I play… Graceful Charity,” he said, placing the card into a slot.

The angel on the card appeared and flew into his deck.

“I draw three new cards…” he said.

He made the draws and added them to his hand.

“…and discard two…” he said, making the discards.

“Now,” he said. “I lay one card facedown, and play Kuriboh in Attack Mode.”

The facedown card appeared, and the tiny Fiend, now bearing fluttering mosquito wings, appeared. (300/200)

Shelob laughed out loud.

“Come ON, Yugi, an outright surrender would have been less embarrassing!” she laughed.

“I’m not surrendering,” said Yugi.

“Let me do the math for you,” she stated. “Your Life Points are now at 2,300; my Insect Princess has 3,400 Attack points and that little fuzzball only has 300. When I attack, you’ll lose 3,100 Life Points and lose this duel!”

“Observe the facedown card behind Kuriboh,” said Yugi.

Shelob paused.

“A desperate attempt at a bluff for my desperate prey,” she said.

“Then attack,” snarled Yugi. “I dare you!”

Shelob paused again.

“I double-dare you!” snapped Yugi.

It’s got to be a bluff, thought Shelob. He’s been playing so lousy so far… what harm can that facedown do?

“Insect Princess,” she ordered. “Katydid kick attack!”

The Insect Princess leapt forward. Yugi’s friends gasped…

Yugi hit a button. The facedown card revealed itself… it was Negate Attack!

The Insect Princess was thrown back.

“Huh,” muttered Shelob. “Like I said, a desperate move to stall. You think you can summon a strong enough Monster with one Tribute? Even if you could, my Prickle Fairy is protecting my Princess!”

“Who said anything about a one Tribute Monster?” chuckled Yugi.

He drew.

“Watch now, Shelob,” he warned. “I’m going to take you down piece by piece! I play the Magic Card Brain Control!”

He fit the card into the slot, and the demonic brain appeared.

“I’ll use it to seize control of your Prickle Fairy,” stated Yugi, “brainwashing her for one turn!”

Two arms reached out, and grabbed the Prickle Fairy, pulling her over to Yugi’s side.

“What good will that do you?” asked Shelob.

“I’ll show you,” smiled Yugi. “I now Tribute both Kuriboh and Prickle Fairy to bring forth my favorite Monster… the mighty Dark Magician!”

The two Monsters vanished, and the Dark Magician appeared. The DNA Surgery affected him, giving him antennae and large, gray, gossamer wings. (2,500/2,100)

“It seems your DNA Surgery has turned my Dark Magician into a Dark Moth Magician!” chuckled Yugi. “But he still has his powers!”

“Big deal!” laughed Shelob. “He may be powerful, but he still isn’t strong enough to take down Insect Princess!”

“Maybe not by himself,” said Yugi, “but I also have a Magic Card…”

He took it out of his hand.

“…Thousand Knives! These enchanted daggers allow the Dark Magician to destroy any opposing Monster, regardless of power!”

He threw the card into the slot, and a swarm of daggers shot forth from the Dark Magician, impaling the Insect Princess!

“NOOO!!” shouted Shelob, as the Princess fell in a puddle of dark blood.

“And I’m not through,” said Yugi. “That knife attack does NOT count as the Dark Magician’s normal attack! Dark Magician, show her some real power… with a direct attack on her Life Points!!”

The Dark Magician twirled his staff and fired his dark magic directly at Shelob! She screamed and fell to her knees.

Shelob’s Life Points now stood at 3,050.

“This battle is turning around, Shelob,” said Yugi. “I’ve taken down your best Monster, while one of my best is just getting warmed up!”

“Yes!” shouted Mary. “I knew he’d find a way to take out that Princess!”

“Go Yugi!” cried Peter.

Shelob’s leotard was burned, and her flesh was singed. She lifted herself up with her lower arms and drew with her upper right arm.

She looked at Yugi and the Dark Magician.

It seems I underestimated this kid, she thought. No matter… I could use a challenge. And I still have a few tricks lying in wait… after all, while he was struggling against Insect Princess, I was cleverly amassing a useful hand of cards…

“I lay one Monster facedown in Defense,” she said, “and I also play another card facedown.”

The facedown Monster appeared in front of her, and a facedown card appeared in front of it.

Typical, thought Yugi, drawing.

Good, he thought.

“Here’s a card that was given to me by a good friend,” he said. “I summon Tengu Warrior, in Attack Mode.”

He put the card down, and the Tengu appeared. The DNA Surgery really did a job on it… the combination of bird and insect it created was incredibly bizarre. (1,800/600)

“Dark Magician,” ordered Yugi, “attack the Monster she has in Defense!”

That’s it, thought Shelob.

The Dark Magician aimed.

Shelob hit a button on her Disk, and suddenly, the whole center of the field erupted in ropy strands! Before Yugi knew it, his Dark Magician was tangled in a mass of webs!

“What the…” gasped Yugi.

“Meet my Trap Card,” said Shelob. “It’s called Entangling Web, and this Continuous Trap is so powerful, that it can only be maintained so long as Insect Monsters remain face-up on the field!”

“But you have NO Insects face-up on the field!” gasped Yugi.

“But you do,” scolded Shelob. “Remember? So you made this Trap work! Now my Web has snared your Dark Magician, and he loses 500 Attack points. And the same thing will happen to any Monster you send to attack me, so long as the Web remains!”

The Dark Magician’s Attack score fell down to 2,000.

Yugi looked at his Dark Magician, who struggling against the sticky strands.

“I suggest you take a good look at him, Yugi,” warned Shelob. “His fate will be yours, once you lose this duel!”

“I’ll end my turn,” said Yugi.

But I already see a possible way out of this… he thought, looking at his hand.

“Now then,” laughed Shelob, “appear my Insect Soldiers of the Sky!”

A large dragonfly flew out her facedown card. (1,000/800)

“I’ll now Tribute this weak Monster to bring out my favorite Monster!” she cackled, putting a card down.

The Soldier vanished.

“Arise,” she called. “Arise my deadly Black Widow!”

An enormous black spider with a red hourglass symbol on its huge abdomen appeared. Venom dripped from its fangs! (2,600/500)

“Aw, man,” said Mary. “That is creepy!”

“Go Black Widow!” ordered Shelob. “Attack the Dark Magician with venomous bite attack!”

Black Widow scurried up into the web and sank its fangs into the Dark Magician! He screamed, and vanished. Yugi’s Life Points dove to 1,700.

“Your move, Yugi,” smiled Shelob. “But how are you going to fight me if you can’t attack?”

Yugi drew.

His eyes opened wide.

“I lay one card facedown,” he said. “And I lay one Monster facedown in Defense Mode.

“And that ends my turn.”

“Sorry, Yugi, but I’m not going to fall for that again!” laughed Shelob.

She drew.

“I’ll simply use Soul of the Pure, to raise my Life Points.”

She inserted the card, and the shimmering fairy appeared. Her Life Points rose to 3,850.

“Thought this was a Trap, did you?” said Yugi, pressing a button. “Actually, it wasn’t…”

The card lifted up, and the Pot of Greed appeared. Yugi drew two more cards.

“Now, I Flip-Summon the Monster I had facedown…”

A figure appeared from the facedown card…

“Magician of Faith!” gasped Shelob.

“That’s right!” affirmed Yugi.

She had moth wings and antennae, but it was the Magician of Faith, sure enough. (300/400)

A hatch on Yugi’s Disk opened up, and the discard pile became accessible.

“Now I get to retrieve a Magic Card from my Graveyard,” said Yugi, leafing through the cards.

He found what he needed, and added it to his hand. He closed the slot.

“And now,” said Yugi. “It’s time for one of my favorite combos. I first Tribute my Magician of Faith to summon Catapult Turtle!”

The Magician vanished, and the huge Turtle appeared. His shell was more beetle-like than turtle-like, but it still had the launch pad on it. (1,000/2,000)

“And now I use the Magic Card I retrieved,” he said, fitting it into the slot.

“Oh no,” moaned Shelob.

“You guessed it,” said Yugi. “Brain Control!”

The brain reappeared and grabbed hold of the Black Widow.

“Now, let’s put the Black Widow on the catapult!” shouted Yugi.

The huge spider mounted the Catapult Turtle.

“Catapult Turtle has the ability to smash down walls and barriers,” explained Yugi. “And also, when I fire a Monster from it, half of that Monster’s Attack score is deducted from my opponent’s Life Points!”

Shelob drew back.

“Catapult Turtle,” ordered Yugi, “catapult launch the Black Widow!”

The Turtle’s engines ignited, and it launched the spider at the Entangling Web! A huge explosion blew the Web apart, and Shelob was thrown backwards.

“Ooh,” she moaned, getting up.

“And my turn isn’t over yet!” said Yugi. “Now that your Web is gone… Tengu Warrior, attack Shelob with dive-bombing katana slash attack!!”

Tengu Warrior raised his katana and flew forward, striking Shelob! She was thrown backwards, and received a deep sword wound across her torso!

Shelob’s Life Points stood at 750.

Shelob was clearly angry. She got up and drew.

She examined her cards.

I’ve got to do something, or I’m bug chow, she thought, drawing. Aha!

“Here’s something for you to chew on,” she said. “I’m using Polymerization to fuse my Kuwagata and my Hercules Beetle!”

She put the Magic Card down, followed by two Monster Cards. A large humanoid in a insectile carapace appeared, and a large, black, horned beetle appeared next to him.

The two melted into pools of light, and merged together.

“Forming the mighty Kwagar Hercules!” said Shelob.

The resulting creature formed before Yugi, resembling a giant beetle with a huge horn and sharp mandibles. (1,900/1,700)

“The rules state that Fusion Monsters must wait one turn before attacking,” said Yugi.

“I know that,” pouted Shelob. “I’m ending my turn.”

Yugi drew.

Nothing good, he thought. But I can repel that beetle’s attack.

“For my move, I’ll simply switch both my Monsters into Defense Mode,” said Yugi.

The Tengu knelt in Defense, and the Turtle shut down its Launcher.

Shelob drew.

“Joke’s on you, Yugi!” she laughed. “I just drew a Stop Defense card!”

“No!” cried Mary.

Shelob threw it into the slot.

“And I’ll use it on your reptilian rocket launcher!” she said.

The Catapult Turtle rose up to attack.

“Attack Catapult Turtle, Kwagar Hercules!” ordered Shelob. “Hercules bite attack!”

The huge beetle scurried forward, and its mandibles clamped down on Catapult Turtle, crushing it. Yugi’s Life Points fell to 800.

“Both their life points are in triple digits!” gasped Clive.

“It could go either way!” moaned Peter.

“Come on, Yugi,” urged Mary. “You can do this…”

Yugi drew.

Well what do you know? he thought.

“I Tribute my Tengu Warrior…” he said.

The Tengu vanished.

“And I summon Dark Magician Girl!”

A magical energy coalesced, and the Dark Magician Girl appeared. (2,000/1,700)

She raised her arms. Huge, beautiful butterfly wings sprouted from her back, and graceful antennae grew from her forehead. She giggled.

“It seems your DNA Surgery has turned her into an Insect as well,” said Yugi. “But she’s even more beautiful than ever before! And since my Dark Magician is in my Graveyard, her Attack score goes up to 2,300!”

“It’s ironic, really,” continued Yugi. “When I unlocked the door to your lair, she was the one who warned me to go back, and when I told her I couldn’t, she said she would stand by me until the very end… and I would say this duel has almost reached it end, wouldn’t you?

“Dark Magician Girl, attack Kwagar Hercules with dark magic attack!”

Dark Magician Girl fired, and blew the huge beetle away. Shelob’s Life Points fell to 350.

“And finally,” said Yugi, “one card facedown.”

He placed the card in the slot.

Shelob looked at Yugi and Dark Magician Girl.

One more successful Attack, she thought, and it’s over for me!

She drew.

Yes!

“Look at this, Yugi!” she said. “I just drew Monster Reborn!”

She threw it into the slot.

“I’ll use it to bring back my Black Widow! Return!”

Black Widow arose onto the field, and hungrily eyed Dark Magician Girl. (2,600/500)

“Say goodbye to your girlfriend!” shouted Shelob. “Attack, Black Widow!”

Black Widow scurried forward.

“That’s exactly what I wanted you to do,” smiled Yugi. “Activate Trap! Spellbinding Circle!”

“What?” gasped Shelob. “NO!”

The facedown card revealed itself, and the Black Widow stopped dead in its tracks. It’s Attack score dropped to 1,900.

“So Shelob,” smiled Yugi. “What are you going to do now?”

There was a long pause.

“Well?” asked Yugi.

Shelob didn’t reply.

“I figured as much,” said Yugi.

He made one last draw.

“Dark Magician Girl, dark magic attack!”

Dark Magician Girl twirled her baton, and fired, blowing Black Widow away!

Shelob’s Life Points fell to zero.

“He won, he won, he won!” shouted Mary.

“Phew!” gasped Yugi.

“All right Yugi!” yelled Clive.

“We always knew you could do it!” shouted Peter.

Dark Magician Girl winked at Yugi.

The holographic system shut down. Shelob arose.

Her four eyes glowed.

“Congratulations, Yugi,” she said. “You’ve just defeated the greatest Eliminator in Duelatopia!”

“Really?” asked Yugi.

“And thus,” said Shelob, “according to Duelatopia rules, as part of your reward, I hereby upgrade your Status from Yellow to Blue.”

She waved her upper right arm, and the gemstone on Yugi’s Disk changed first to Green, and then to Blue.

“Part of my reward?” asked Yugi.

“Didn’t you remember what the Master of Games said?” said Shelob. “Those who defeat an Eliminator get an extra reward…”

She waved the same arm, and a card appeared in it.

“Something to add to your deck,” she said, handing it to him. “An incredibly rare card.”

He looked at it. It was a Monster Card called “Brown Recluse,” bearing the image of a frightening brown arachnid.

“Brown Recluse is a venomous spider, as lethal as a black widow, but rather than a web spinner, it is a hunter spider. It lies in wait for victims, providing a nasty surprise for prey. And this card can give an opponent a nasty surprise as well. As you see, it has 2,300 Attack points, but is only four stars, needing no Tribute to summon – but once it attacks, it must shift into Defense Mode.

“Like an Insect version of Goblin Attack Force,” noted Mary.

“Exactly,” agreed Shelob.

Her eyes narrowed.

“But you know the rules, Yugi. You are henceforth not allowed to challenge any of my peers. Do not badger them with requests, for they will be refused.”

She turned to Mary, Clive, and Peter.

“And you three know the rules as well. Although I would very much enjoy feasting on your flesh, you must never return here. If you try, the door will not open. But Duelatopia has many other Eliminators… find them if you have the courage.

“Now leave me be…”

The gate opened, and Shelob turned her back to them. She vanished into the shadows.

They heard her sigh. “Guess I’ll send out for pizza,” she muttered.


* * * * * * * * * *


Feeling more than a little relieved, Yugi and his friends exited the lair, climbing up the ladder and out the manhole. Darkness had fallen while they were inside.

They didn’t notice that someone was watching them leave.

“Now to…” chuckled Persephone, peering over. “What the…?”

She looked at Yugi with disbelief.

“The gem on his Disk… he defeated that Eliminator!”

She hid behind the wall. She seethed with rage. Now Yugi was tied with her!

Okay, she thought. So Yugi is rather good. But I’ll make certain he fails… any way I can. And I’ll find a way to get that Guardian Angel Joan of his even if I have to bribe a Centurion to steal it!


* * * * * * * * * *


It was 8PM. Dinner had been a quiet affair, and Yugi was now rather exhausted. He was in his room, lying in bed, watching television. The satellite hookup got the Domino City channels perfectly.

His videophone rang.

“Coming,” he said, getting up.

He turned it on, and Siegfried’s face appeared.

“Well, Yugi,” smiled Siegfried, “I see you’re doing well. I just got word from Shelob… that was quite a duel.”

“Yeah, Sieg, I wanted to ask you…” mumbled Yugi.

“About?”

“What the heck is she?”

Siegfried chuckled. “I told you there were many secrets of Duelatopia that I couldn’t spill, Yugi,” he said.

“Did she really devour five duelists before I got there?” asked Yugi.

“She defeated five duelists,” said Siegfried.

“That didn’t answer my question,” accused Yugi. “If I had any idea that you were consorting with bloodthirsty killers…”

Siegfried chuckled again.

“Okay, Yugi,” he smiled. “Two possible scenarios. The less likely one is, Shelob is a man-eating predator that I caught in the jungles of South America, and whom I offered a chance for easier meals if she were to work for me here…”

“You’re creeping me out, Sieg,” said Yugi.

“The more likely scenario,” continued Siegfried, “is that she’s just an elite member of the Centurions with some special technological accessories who’s trained in the art of intimidation.

“Now, I won’t confirm or deny either scenario, but you know me pretty well, Yugi. Draw your own conclusions. The important thing is, you won.

“Good luck during Day Three.” He hung up.

Yugi sighed.

Yami appeared next to him.

“I think we can trust him,” said Yami. “I don’t think you were ever in mortal danger.”

“Yeah,” said Yugi. “But tell that to Mary, Clive, and Peter. This tournament is getting weirder by the day…”




ENTANGLING WEB (Trap Card)

Type: Trap/Continuous
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: You can only maintain this Trap so long as you or your opponent has at least one face-up INSECT Monster on the field; if neither does, this card is destroyed. Any opposing Monster who attempts an attack cannot do so, cannot switch into Defense, and has its ATK lowered by 500.



BLACK WIDOW (Monster Card)

Type: Insect
Attribute: Dark
Level: 6
ATK: 2,600
DEF: 500

Card Description: This feared arachnid preys on anything caught in its web. Its poison is lethal enough to kill the strongest Monsters within minutes.



BROWN RECLUSE (Monster Card)

Type: Insect/Effect
Attribute: Earth
Level: 4
ATK: 2,300
DEF: 0

Card Description: This venomous spider lies in wait for prey and attacks by ambush. After this Monster attacks, it is changed to Defense Mode at the end of the Battle Phase. This position cannot be changed during your next turn.

[Dark Sage]

And now, an announcement...

The second Trivia Contest will be posted on Thursday, September second, sometime between 6PM and 8PM Eastern Standard Time.

Watch your internet connection, and bone up on everything Yu-Gi-Oh... win, and you get to contribute to the story!

- Venusaur

[Loupeitak]

that was great man. I really had thought she would summon the Great Moth but i guess that wasn't true... Anyways i had thought that Yugi would draw Raigeki or Dark Hole to beat the crap out of that Insect Princess thing.

Was great that the Magician Girl had actually helped Yugi until the end :)

Keep up this fantastic work.

Now only if i could wake up 4 AM (here) to get ready for the trivia........

EDIT: Forgot to mention, HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

[Dark Sage]

Lou -

You don't have to wake up that early. The contest will be from six to eight PM, not AM.

Raigeki or Dark Hole would have been taking the easy way out. I wanted to give Yugi a challenge. Yugi's dad never used a Raigeki, so Yugi likely doesn't have one; and while Yugi Sr. did own a Dark Hole, he rarely used it.

- Venusaur

[Loupeitak]

Yeah but 6PM in Eastern Time = 4 AM over here :sweatdrop4:

[Shuppet Master]

I guess I can forgive you for not having Weevil by putting in this awesome replacement. Shelob was sweet! I knew that Seig isn't the kind of guy who would hire bloody killers like that,and she's pretty good at what she does! ;)

Oh,I was thinking Insect Barrier myself. :) But anyways,Persephone - I loved envisioning the look on her face when Yugi came out alive! :D Yugi was on the ropes,but he pulled through.

I'm glad you're making sure that only certain Eliminators fight the heroes. I was sort of disgusted when Yugi had to fight all those Eliminators. :)

By the way,happy birthday,Venusaur! This is also the release date of Star Ocean: Until the End of Time! I thought I'd give you a present - a monster card I made up:

CLAUDE KENNI
ATK: 1700
DEF: 1300
TYPE: Light/Warrior
Desc: A wandering space hero who was dragged into investigating the Sorcery Globe.

I didn't put an effect because I didn't think of one. Oh,BTW,Claude Kenni is one of the main characters from Star Ocean: The Second Story.

EDIT: Say,Venusaur,I heard about how you let Snakes'N'Legends do a side-story with some of your characters. Can I use Shelob in my own side-story? I was planning on using a character from my story to sort
of justify how that character learns about all your great cards and brings
them to her dimension. ;) If so,PM me and let me know which characters
are okay to use.

EDIT 2: Oh man,Thursday at 5-7 PM? I have school then and won't be able to post on the message boards! :cry: All I can do is see someone else win. :mad:

[Dark Sage]

Don't be sad Hack. I'll make it so it's fair for you AND Lou!

I'll change the time... I can do that, since it's MY contest.

It will now be posted sometime between 10AM and 12 Noon on the Saturday the 4th.

That way, the both of you will be able to be there, and no-one who has to go to high school will miss it either!

Good luck starting your new year at college. And look for my PM.

- Venusaur

[Snakes N' Legends]

That was an excellent chapter, but I am surprised no one has noticed the unusualness of the Elimantor's name. I did and it was clear as crystal. Shelob is from Lord of the Rings: The Two Tower. She was the spider that tried to eat Frodo and Sam defeated her. And it makes sense. If you are going to duplicate Shelob, you are going to have to give her the details from the mythical spider (although Aragog is still cooler.)

Keep up the good work!!!!

[mr_pikachu]

Heh, interesting chapter. Persephone really thought Yugi stood no chance... it'll be funny to see if the other duelists have to see their own monsters warn them when and if they try to enter the lairs of Eliminators!

Nice duel; it was better than before. The description with the Life Points falling makes it that much better. Nice dueling tactics, and good discussion and trash-talking. ;)

My main suggestion is to try to refrain from using quotes and tactics from previous duels (especially those from the anime). Weevil's cheating trick in Battle City was similar to what was done here, except that these tactics were legal. And I saw some quotes from the anime, like "Show her (him) some real magic, with a Direct Attack on her (his) Life Points!" I included what it would be in for opposite gender in parentheses, since that's what Yugi said when dueling Arkana.

Other than that, this was pretty good. I'll look forward to the contest, and the next chapter! :wave:

[Perfect Chaos]

Again, another spectacular job on another chapter Venasaur.

I kindof had a hunch of what the Eliminator might've been when I saw the title as "Widowmaker" but you really showed your creative side when you made the Eliminator as a Insect duelist using the Black WIDOW card. It made sense to me (the title) once I saw the card.

I was thinking that you might've had her use the Insect Queen card, since it's one of the more powerful Insect monsters and also somewhat resembles a spider. But it was a great and well-thought out duel nevertheless.

Look forward to the next contest and chapter!

-$∑@π

P.S. I'll make another guess at the next chapter. Since it's "Catfight" I'm assuming it's a female duelist using Beast-type monsters. Who knows, I just might be on target, but I guess we'll have to wait and see, right? :D

[Dark Sage]

Mr. Pikachu:

I wanted an Insect-Duelist who would actually set herself apart from Weevil. That's why she didn't use the Great Moth or the Insect Queen. The Insect Princess was the best bet to make her a threat, but for anyone to use this Monster to the best of her ability, you have to use her with DNA Surgery. That's the standard way to use Insect Princess in the real game. So I had to compromise a little and make her similar to Weevil in that fashion.

If I wanted to, Shelob could have used Insect Barrier, Leghul, Kiseitai, and Parasite Paracide in the proper way. (How the card is supposed to work is like this - you put it face down in Defense; when your opponent attacks it, he has to put it in his deck face-up and reshuffle. When he eventually draws it, it is automatically summoned to his side in Defense Mode, he loses 1,000 LP, and his Monsters from that point are transformed - but unlike the anime version, he can Tribute "infected" Monsters, as well as the Parasite itself). But like I said, I wanted Shelob to be different. Also, Weevil didn't use 4-Starred Ladybug of Doom, and Laser Cannon Armor (two vitals in an Insect deck) and his strategy was very different. Yugi's strategy for defeating her was also a lot different than how Joey handled Weevil.

But I'm sorry if I caused any deja vu, and it won't happen again.

And other Eliminators will show up - each one will be unique, and we'll see how the duelists react to them.

Chaos: One part of your guess is right, the other part is wrong.

Keep reading.

- Venusaur

[Loupeitak]

Oh sh!t!!! I was doing calcs to see what time it was over here and it was 1 AM and i was like WTF???? I re-did calcs on the 6 PM and figured it was 9 AM over here ~_~''''''''''

Mb u could put that time on the Saturday please ?

And sorry to confuse you Venusaur, i feel like an idiot...

[Dark Sage]

*Sigh*

Where do you live, China?

Okay, last time!

The contest will be held sometime between the following times:

Saturday September 4th

6PM to 8PM Eastern Standard Time

Everyone happy?

- Venusaur

[FusionSonicX]

Cool, I'll be able to make this contest, finally! Anyways, great chapter. I actually thought the Yugi was going to lose at one point. I was going to post this earlier, but now that I just start college, my time is limited. Well, see ya on the fourth.

Later Days,
FusionSonicX

[Loupeitak]

Actually Venusaur i do live in China XD. Macau to be exact (which is exactly at the right side of Hong Kong in a map)

[Shuppet Master]

That interesting to know.

BTW,Venusaur,I just realized that two of Yugi's friends are called Peter and Mary. If Clive had rename himself Paul,the three could form a band! (If you don't get the joke,it's the name of a old rock band. ;))

[Dark Sage]

Elimination Creation Trivia Contest


Welcome to the second “Mandate of Heaven” Trivia Contest! And your chance once again to contribute to the ongoing story, as our Team Supreme battles their way through Duelatopia!

First, let’s review the rules.

PM me the answers, don’t clutter up this board.

The first one to get all four questions right wins. If you get one wrong, you may try again, but I cannot tell you which ones are wrong.

The winner of the first contest is ineligible.


Now, since one of the most popular characters in my fanfics is the Samurai warrior Jade Valentine, these questions will all have to do with her mother, the ever illustrious Mai Valentine. I’ll give one major hint: the answers to two of these questions can be found in the same multipart storyline.


Here we go.


1. When Mai gave Joey her Glory of the King’s Hand card, she jokingly compared his quest to save Serenity to what?

2. What pseudonym did Mai briefly assume in the three-part “Legendary Heroes” storyline?

3. What was the first Monster that Mai used (from her deck) that was not a Harpie or their Dragon?

4. In what episode did Mai first use the Rose Whip Equip card?



The Prize: We’ve now seen the horror of the Eliminator known as Shelob. But more Eliminators will face the heroes… Mary will go up against one soon. What horror lurks in the deep recesses of Duelatopia to threaten poor Mary? That’s for you to decide!

The winner of this contest will get to design the Eliminator duelist whom Mary will discover and challenge, designing his looks, MO, and the general theme of his deck. I’ll PM general instructions to the winner (including ideas to avoid, for I have plans), but I encourage creativity in this matter. Don’t send ideas with the answers to this quiz.

So what will it be? A vampire? Werewolf? The Predator? Figure out something that will give Mary the scare of her life – and provide a decent challenge.


- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

Okay,I'm on time! :D Let's do this!

(1) When Mai gave Joey her Glory of the King’s Hand card, she jokingly compared his quest to save Serenity to what?

Gosh,I don't remember that far back...uh,like being a knight in shining armor?

(2) What pseudonym did Mai briefly assume in the three-part “Legendary Heroes” storyline?

Easy! "Madame Butterfly." She even had a butterfly mask on. ;)

(3) What was the first Monster that Mai used (from her deck) that was not a Harpie or their Dragon?

Are you talking about the very first monster she used that wasn't Harpie-related or the one in her Battle City Deck? Because I remember she used Niwatori in the Legendary Heroes storyline,but her first non-Harpy monster was Amazon Swordswoman,which she used against Magmum in their duel.

(4) In what episode did Mai first use the Rose Whip Equip card?

It was "Shining Friendship",when Tea dueled her.

I hope I got in quick enough,and if you can't qualify me because I messed up the first question,that's fine.

[Dark Sage]

Hack, I told you to PM me the answers.

And you got two wrong, anyway.

Try again if you want, but PM from now on.

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

Oops,sorry about that. I was so eager to get the answers in I didn't realize that. Oh well,by the time I PM you the answers,someone else will win. *sigh*

[dragon684]

I'm not entering this compitition since I don't know any answer. :p

I still was wondering... The spider elimenator, Shelob. Did you get her name from the LotR-books/movies? I vagely remember an Ork saying something like that frodo escaped Shelob but she has been able to sting him or something. Well keep up the great characters and also will you possibly wright another fic or will your full attention go to your other fic(pokémonese) when this is done?

[Dark Sage]

Dragon:

Yes, I got Shelob's name from that of a giant spider who appeared in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. She tried to eat Frodo, but Sam defeated her.

But onto better things - we have a winner!

The answers:

1. When Mai gave Joey her Glory of the King’s Hand card, she jokingly compared his quest to save Serenity to what?

This was a harder question for some than I thought it was. She compaired it to "a bad soap opera" ("But then who doesn't love a bad soap opera?")

2. What pseudonym did Mai briefly assume in the three-part “Legendary Heroes” storyline?

Madame Butterfly. Everyone got this one.

3. What was the first Monster that Mai used (from her deck) that was not a Harpie or their Dragon?

This was tricky. Some people thought it was Amazon Swordswoman, but that didn't come until "Lights, Camera, Duel!" Others thought it was Niwatori (from "Legendary Heroes", but I specifically said from her deck and that card wasn't from her deck. The answer is Dark Witch, used in "Legendary Heroes, Part Two."

4. In what episode did Mai first use the Rose Whip Equip card?

Some people answered "First Duel", the time she first dueled Joey. It was actually "Shining Friendship," the time she dueled Tea.

Congratulations to the winner. You'll see his work in Chapter 12.

And see the next chapter of this fanfic tomorrow!

- Venusaur

[FusionSonicX]

Aw, I missed the last one and I replied to the PM to late! Stupid family party! Oh well, there are two more contests left. See ya next chapter.

Later Days,
FusionSonicX

[Shuppet Master]

*sob* It's my stupid memory's fault for not remembering those stupid episodes! :cry: I guess I can't get a booby prize for getting half the questions right,can I? :no: I thought as much. *sigh*

And I had a wonderful idea for my prize too. Oh well,I guess I could put him in my story. Oh,before you start complaining,I really would put my stories on the Net,but I don't know how to post the stories so they don't look like some three-year old wrote them - I mean I need proper formatting. Anyone out there got any ideas how I can post my stories and format them properly?

[mr_pikachu]

.hack: Um, are you talking about how to do the paragraphs? If it's that, just do it the way you post on this forum. You know, with a full line between paragraphs. It's pretty simple, and it works on pretty much any program or site I can think of for fanfics.

If you mean something else, please explain a bit more. That will help us to help you.

[Dark Sage]

First I'd like to thank everybody who contributed to the contest. Let me congratulate everyone who tried.

Now it's time for another chapter. I think I may have taken a liberty or two. Forgive me if any inconsistencies exist.

Enjoy.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

Sometimes, big things can come out of small things. Take a simple video game for instance.

I only stopped by this arcade in this apparently popular part of Duelatopia for a little fun before finding my next duel. Little did I know that a sore loser with a bad attitude would result in me actually finding my next duel… and a difficult one at that. But I’m not going to be scared by some tough gal and an army of tougher gals… I’ve bested worse.



CHAPTER EIGHT



Beautiful Headhuntress



Day Three of the Tournament dawned on Duelatopia.

After breakfast, the four members of the Team Supreme met outside of the Cosmo Queen’s Castle with Dueling Disks in hand. Mary’s, Peter’s, and Clive’s shone at Yellow Status, but Yugi’s stood ahead of them at Blue. His friends had some serious catching up to do. But they did have eight days left.

After walking down the streets for a while, Peter had an idea.

“You know folks,” he suggested. “This is a big city. Maybe we can explore more of it if we split up.”

Everyone paused.

“It couldn’t hurt,” stated Mary.

“Okay,” said Yugi. “Mary and I will take the north. Clive and Peter, you take the south. We’ll meet at two o’clock in that square where Mary dueled Clover.

“Good luck in case either of you gets into a duel,” said Clive.

“Likewise,” answered Mary.

They waved to each other, and each group walked off in a separate direction.


* * * * * * * * * *


Mary and Yugi soon reached an entertainment district. They passed a record store, a comic book store, and a video store, as well as a nightclub (closed for the day) and many restaurants (also closed, being morning). Still, there were people around, and even a duel or two in progress.

“There are a lot of potential challengers around,” mentioned Yugi.

“Yeah,” answered Mary. “But I’ve just got to find the right one. My intuition will tell me when I’ve found a worthy opponent. After all, I defeated Lady Circe… I can’t duel just anyone…”

Yugi sighed. “You have a lot of your father’s pride in you,” he muttered.

“Thank you,” she said. “Hey, look!”

They were in front of a large building. The marquee said “Palace of Machine King,” and it was a video game arcade.

“Hey Yugi,” smiled Mary. “How about we take some time off for a little fun?”

“Well…” said Yugi. “I guess an hour couldn’t hurt… but video games aren’t really my thing.”

They went into the rather crowded arcade, and the first thing they saw was a man-sized change-machine shaped like Machine King himself.

Mary took out a five dollar bill and went up to it.

“Welcome duelist! Prepare to duel!” laughed the change machine.

Mary giggled. She fed the bill into the slot on Machine King’s chest. Twenty quarters fell out of a slot.

“Enjoy yourself,” said the King.

Mary pocketed the quarters and went in. Her eye immediately caught a long row of games she recognized.

“Cool!” she exclaimed. “My favorite game! Legendary Heroes!”

“What’s that?” asked Yugi.

“A fighting game,” answered Mary. “A very complex one.”

She sat down at one of the consoles and fed it a quarter. Ominous music started, and a screen came up.

“ENTER NAME,” said the machine.

Mary entered “MARY”.

A selection of about twenty-five character faces appeared on the screen.

“Now comes the fun part,” smiled Mary.

“CHOOSE YOUR HERO,” said the machine.

Mary highlighted a face and hit a button.

A full view of the character came into view. It was a female warrior with maroon armor and a helmet. Highlighted overhead was her name – “Mercuria the Knight Princess”.

“Hey,” noticed Yugi. “She looks sort of like Flame Swordmistress.”

“Why do you think I like this game so much?” smiled Mary.

A new selection came up.

“CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON,” said the machine.

Mary highlighted a weapon – the longsword. It appeared in Mercuria’s hand.

“PREPARE TO BATTLE,” said the machine.

The background faded away, and was replaced by an arena, which looked like an old fashioned gladiatorial stadium.

“Good,” chuckled Mary. “We could use some cheering fans.”

They saw Mercuria’s first opponent. A hulking barbarian with a huge club.

“Uh oh,” said Yugi.

“Don’t worry,” assured Mary. “The first fight is always the easiest.”

“FIGHT!!” shouted the machine.

Mary started to play, and Mercuria started to clash with the bruiser.

“In this game,” grinned Mary. “There are no life bars, and no time limit. You fight until you find a way to kill your foe! Course, wounding him makes him weaker…”

As she said that, Mercuria slashed through the enemy’s chest.

“I’ve got him now,” grunted Mary.

Mercuria leapt, and stabbed the barbarian through the chest with both hands. He fell dead.

“MARY WINS,” said the machine.

“Well, this certainly isn’t Duel Monsters,” sighed Yugi.

“Yeah,” said Mary. “Well, let’s see what the computer throws at me next… I wonder… huh?”

A message flashed on the machine:

“YOU HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED!!”

“What does that mean?” asked Yugi.

“Heh,” smiled Mary. “Someone at another Legendary Heroes machine must want to play me! Consider your challenge accepted pal!

“I love these interactive machines… you never know who you’re playing against…”

The arena changed, revealing a jungle canopy with waterfalls, and a new opponent. The opposing warrior this time was a woman in a chainmail bikini with a mane of blonde hair, also armed with a longsword.

The name on the opposing side was just “M.M.”

“This guy is using the other female hero,” noticed Mary. “Alla the Amazon.”

“Where’s she get that outfit?” mused Yugi. “Fredrick’s of Camelot?”

“She’s a very agile fighter,” noted Mary. “But she lacks strength.”

“FIGHT!!” said the machine.

Alla charged at Mercuria, and a clash of swords ensued. Alla tried to run Mercuria through, but Mary was too good.

Mary had Mercuria back up. “That’s it,” goaded Mary.

As Alla swung, Mercuria ducked, and then thrust forward, driving her sword through Alla’s torso! Alla screamed, and fell to her knees.

“MARY WINS,” said the machine.

“You sure showed that guy,” chuckled Yugi.

“Now to…” said Mary.

Then the message flashed on the screen again:

“YOU HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED!!”

“Huh,” said Mary. “It’s the same guy. He must have continued.”

A new arena appeared, and Alla appeared before Mercuria again, this time with a new weapon – a battle axe.

“What an idiot,” sighed Mary. “The battle axe has a lot of strength, but it has lousy reach!”

“FIGHT!!” said the machine.

Mercuria charged into Alla and swiped with the sword, inflicting a deep cut. Alla tried to fight back, but she couldn’t reach her foe.

“This is too easy,” laughed Mary, as the fight progressed. She punched in the “Taunt” command to get her opponent to fight back.

After about a minute of this, Mary executed a complex move, and with one swift stroke, beheaded Alla.

“MARY WINS,” said the computer.

“Almost hated to do that,” sighed Mary. “Almost.”

“Think he learned his lesson?” asked Yugi.

“YOU HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED!!” said the machine.

“Guess not…” answered Mary.

It went on for about a half an hour. Again and again, Mary’s Mercuria the Knight Princess made short work of “M.M.’s” Alla the Amazon. The best part of all this was that Mary was still on her first quarter!

“YOU HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED!!” said the machine again.

“Again?” gasped Yugi. “This guy must have put twenty quarters in there!”

A very frightening arena appeared. It was surrounded by lava pools and lava-falls. Alla appeared, brandishing a huge spear-like weapon.

“Okay,” muttered Mary, “she’s got the pole-axe. That’s a difficult weapon to use…”

“FIGHT!!” said the machine.

Alla charged, and this time Mary’s opponent seemed to do some good. Mercuria deflected Alla’s blows, but they came down fast.

Then, with a savage blow from Alla, Mercuria’s sword flew from her hands.

“Looks like you’re in trouble now,” said Yugi.

“Not if I know this particular arena,” said Mary.

She punched in a command. Mercuria leapt up and did a backflip. She backflipped all the way to the edge of the arena and crouched down in a squatting position.

Alla charged at her. “That’s it you bimbo,” goaded Mary. “Come on.”

As Alla charged, Mary punched in a command, and Mercuria sprang up. She grabbed the Amazon, and threw her! Alla screamed, and fell into the lava behind Mercuria!

“Take a bath, chump,” laughed Mary.

“MARY WINS,” said the machine.

Yugi laughed. “Hey Mary, you want an ice cream cone? There’s a place just a block away…”

“Sure. Make mine rocky road.”

As Yugi left, Mary waited.

“Well?” asked Mary. “I’m waiting, M.M. Got any more for me? You didn’t give up, did you?”

Mary was so concentrating on the screen that she didn’t see a large shape approaching her.

“Well, M.M.,” laughed Mary. “I guess it’s game over for you!”

And then, someone grabbed her pigtail and threw her to the ground.

“Hey!” shouted Mary.

She looked up, and saw an almost five-foot-eight muscular girl wearing a blue halter-top and a skirt. She had blonde hair, green eyes, and she was furious.

“Wrong, squirt,” she growled. “The only thing over is going to be your ability to feed yourself!”

“M.M., I presume?” asked Mary.

“Yeah,” snarled the girl. “Minerva Medea. And I’ll let you know I never lose!”

“What are you talking about?” frowned Mary. “I just beat your Amazon’s ass over twenty times!”

“Yeah, well your ass isn’t going to be is such great shape either when I get through with it!” snarled Minerva, cracking her knuckles.

The other inhabitants of the arcade started to gather.

“Didn’t you hear what the Master of Games said?” sneered Mary, getting up. “Fighting is forbidden. If you strike me, you’ll be arrested. Is that really worth a video game, you sore loser?”

Minerva stopped.

She looked at the Dueling Disk on Mary’s arm.

“Yellow status I see,” she said.

She took off her knapsack and pulled out a Dueling Disk of her own. It was Green Status.

“Fine,” smiled Minerva. “Video games are one thing, but we’ll see who’s truly better with a real duel!”

“You’re on!” dared Mary.

“All right!” said a kid at one of the other machines. “They’re gonna duel!”

“We’re lookin’ at a catfight!” said another. “This I gotta see!”


* * * * * * * * * *


Outside, they took their positions in the middle of the street, as the crowd started to gather.

“I should warn you, Mary,” warned Minerva. “I was the regional champion of Boston!”

“Well I hope you don’t expect this to be a Tea Party!” frowned Mary.

She activated her Disk, and Minerva did the same.

“LET’S DUEL!!” they both shouted.

The scores set to 8,000 apiece.

Man, I hope I can do this without Yugi backing me up, thought Mary. There must be a long line in that ice cream parlor!

Minerva made her draws. “I hope you aren’t looking for a friendly duel, Mary,” she sneered, “because this is going to be a battle like none other!

“I play one card facedown…”

She set the card, and it appeared in front of her.

“… and I summon Amazoness Fighter, in Attack Mode!”

She put the card down, and a bulky female Warrior appeared. She was muscular, and wore a blue bikini top, loincloth, and a pair of belts around her abdomen. She was unarmed, aside from her fists. (1,500/1,300)

An Amazoness? thought Mary. I’ve heard of Amazon Monsters before, but I’ve never seen them. I wish I had a better idea of how they worked… before I had to put my skills against one…

She drew.

Ah, here we go…

“I play the Magic Card Scapegoat!” said Mary.

She slid the card into the slot, and four fluffy sheep appeared.

“You think those puffballs can threaten my Amazon?” said Minerva.

“No, but this guy can!” smiled Mary. “Panther Warrior, in Attack Mode!”

A huge, panther-like Beast-Warrior carrying a sword and wearing a breastplate and a cape came forth. (2,000/1,600)

“Panther Warrior needs a Tribute in order to attack,” said Mary. “So I’ll just Tribute one Scapegoat for him and attack your Fighter!”

One of the Scapegoats vanished, and Panther Warrior charged. Amazoness Fighter screamed, and was cut down.

“Impressive,” smiled Minerva. “But a waste of time. Due to the Amazoness Fighter’s effect, I take no Life Point Damage at all from her destruction! And, you just activated my Trap…”

The facedown card revealed itself.

“Dramatic Rescue!” exclaimed Minerva.

“Dramatic Rescue?” said Mary. “That doesn’t sound good…”

“Dramatic Rescue can spare any Amazon Monster who’s defeated from the Graveyard,” explained Minerva, “delivering her card back to my hand instead. And it also lets me special summon any Monster I want from my hand right now. And here’s who I chose to summon…

She threw a card down.

“Amazoness Paladin, in Attack Mode!” she pronounced.

A new female warrior appeared. This one was wearing a white bikini top and loincloth, as well as a cape and golden tiara. She held a longsword menacingly. (1,700/300)

“And I’ll tell you how this one works,” said Minerva. “She gains 100 extra Attack points for every Amazon Monster I have on the field. Of course, since she’s the only Amazon Monster I have on the field, her Attack only goes up to 1,800.”

Her score changed.

No wonder she used Alla the Amazon in that video game, thought Mary. Her deck must have a whole army of Amazons!

“And guess what, Mary?” smiled Minerva. “I have two more Dramatic Rescue Trap Cards in my deck ready in case you manage to destroy my Warriors!”

“I’ll end my turn,” stated Mary.

Minerva drew.

“I believe my turn will consist simply of laying this card facedown,” she said.

She lay a card facedown, and it materialized.

“It’s your move.”

She’s playing with me, thought Mary. That card is obviously another Dramatic Rescue so she can protect her Paladin.

She drew.

Well I’ll still take a hunk out of her Life Points.

“I summon Double Pinaska in Attack Mode!” said Mary

She put the card down, and the machete-armed bandit appeared. (1,500/1,500)

“Now I’ll Tribute another Scapegoat,” said Mary. “And my Panther Warrior will destroy your Paladin!”

The second Scapegoat vanished, and the Panther Warrior raised his sword.

“Sorry Mary,” laughed Minerva, “But you just activated my new Trap… Amazoness Archers!”

The card flipped up, and a team of scantly-clad Amazons armed with bows appeared. “Go my archers!” shouted Minerva.

The Archers fired, peppering Panther Warrior and Double Pinaska with arrows! They grunted and reeled back.

“What’s the point of this?” said Mary, aghast.

“When Amazoness Archers is activated,” said Minerva, “two things happen. First, all your Monsters have their Attack scores reduced by 500 points.”

Panther Warrior’s Attack went down to 1,500, and Double Pinaska’s went down to 1,000.

“And second,” continued Minerva, “both of them are forced to attack!”

“No!” gasped Mary. “If they attack the Paladin, they’ll both be destroyed!”

“Bingo!” laughed Minerva.

Panther Warrior and Double Pinaska charged Amazoness Paladin. She grinned and cut them down with her sword. They vanished, and Mary’s Life Points fell to 6,900.

Mary growled. “That’s all I can do,” she said.

At least I have two more Scapegoats acting as a shield, she thought.

Minerva drew.

“In that case,” said Minerva, laying a card down, “you remember Amazoness Fighter, don’t you?”

The Fighter reappeared. (1,500/1,300)

“And now that I have two Amazons,” chuckled Minerva, “my Paladin’s Attack power is 1,900!

“Amazoness Paladin, attack her Scapegoat! Amazon sword slash!”

The Paladin smote the third Scapegoat.

“Amazoness Fighter, finish the last one! Amazon fist of fury!”

The Fighter punched the Scapegoat, blowing it away.

“How’s that for girl power?” laughed Minerva.

Great, thought Mary. With two of them on the field, I have to protect my Life Points…

She drew.

And with this combo, maybe I can do just that…

“I first play the Mystical Elf, in Defense Mode,” she said.

The beautiful Elf appeared, chanting her spell. (800/2,000)

“And next,” continued Mary. “I’ll use my special Field Magic Card, Chorus of Sanctuary!”

She plugged the Field Card in, and the surroundings changed to a blue sky with fluffy clouds. An adorable little angel flew into view, and sang an angelic hymn.

“This cherubim’s song increases the Defense of all Defense Position Monsters by 500 points,” said Mary, “making my Elf’s Defense power a considerable 2,500! And that ends my move.”

Minerva drew.

Hmmm, she thought. Mary is a better duelist that I imagined. With that Elf in place, it will be harder to get at her Life Points. But my Amazon army has never failed me… they’re full of surprises. And I can use that little cherub’s power to my advantage…

“I summon Amazoness Blowpiper in Defense Mode!” she exclaimed.

She put the card down, and a scantly clad Amazon with short hair holding a long blowpipe appeared next to the Fighter, in a sitting position. (800/1,500)

“I can see you’re confused,” said Minerva, “but this Warrior’s purpose will come clear in a moment. But since your Chorus of Sanctuary is a Field Card, the Blowpiper benefits from it as well.”

The Blowpiper’s Defense score went up to 2,000.

“And don’t forget,” noted Minerva. Now with three Amazons on the field, my Paladin’s Attack power becomes 2,000! And it’s your turn.”

Mary drew.

I could take out that Fighter with this one, she thought, but where would that get me? I think I’ll just lay a little Trap of my own for these Amazons…[/I]

“I’ll lay one card facedown,” said Mary, fitting the card into the slot. “And I’ll summon Flame Swordmistress in Attack Mode!”

The facedown card appeared, and Flame Swordmistress leapt up with a war cry! (1,600/1,500).

“I think I’ll leave it at that,” said Mary.

Come on, thought Mary. Attack me if you have the guts…

“Sorry Mary,” said Minerva, making a draw. “But I’ll not only destroy your Swordmistress, I’ll do so in a much more painful way! Go my Amazoness Blowpiper!”

The Blowpiper loaded a dart into her blowpipe and but it to her lips. She fired, hitting the Flame Swordmistress in the neck! She yelped!

“My Blowpiper’s poison dart can weaken any enemy Monster once during each of my Standby Phases,” smiled Minerva, “lowering her Attack Score by 500 points until the end of my turn!”

The Flame Swordmistress pulled the dart out of her neck, and her Attack score dropped to 1,100.

“Next,” said Minerva. “I’ll summon Amazoness Swords Woman in Attack Mode!”

She put the card down, and a fierce Amazon with wild hair dressed in a purple bikini appeared, holding a huge sword. (1,500/1,600)

“Don’t your Amazons have any decency?” said Mary. “They’re supposed to be Duel Monsters, not Duel Models!”

“Har, har, very funny,” said Minerva. “But now my Paladin has a total of 2,100 Attack points! Now, my Paladin, destroy Flame Swordmistress with Amazon sword slash!”

Amazoness Paladin charged.

“Not so fast, babe,” said Mary. “Take this!”

She pushed a button on her Disk, and the Trap card lifted; the Kunai with Chain appeared in the Swordmistress’s hand! She tossed it, and it ensnared the Paladin!

“Gotcha!” laughed Mary. “And I’ve not only captured your Paladin, but my Swordmistress gets her lost Attack power back!”

Flame Swordmistress’s Attack went back up to 1,600.

“Any other dumb moves you’d like to make?” said Mary.

“No,” frowned Minerva. “Just move.”

Mary drew.

Oh yeah, she thought. That’s what I’m talking about…

“Then now that’s it’s my move,” said Mary, drawing, “your Blowpiper’s poison wears off, and my Flame Swordmistress’s Attack rises to 2,100. That isn’t enough to defeat your Paladin, but I have someone who can…”

She lay a card down.

“Meet my mighty superhero, Zombyra the Dark, in Attack Mode!” shouted Mary.

A flash of light appeared, and a Warrior wearing a black costume with a cape and a skull-like, demonic mask appeared. He struck a heroic pose. (2,100/500)

“And,” continued Mary. “Since he’s a Warrior, with Flame Swordmistress on the field, his Attack is boosted up to 2,400!

“Now, Zombyra the Dark, attack the Amazoness Paladin with super-powered punch attack!”

Zombyra’s fist glowed. He charged forward, and socked the Paladin hard, blowing her away. Minerva’s Life Points fell to 7,700.

“Of course,” continued Mary, “with every attack Zombyra makes, he loses 200 Attack points, but that still leaves him with 2,200 Attack points. And I think I’ll end my move by... um…”

She looked at the card she just selected from her hand.

“I think I’ll…” she stuttered, looking at the card.

“Yes?” frowned Minerva, tapping her foot impatiently.

“Um, I’ll end my move by laying this card facedown…” she said, feeling somewhat unsure of herself for some reason.

She slid the card into the slot.

Humph, thought Minerva, drawing. She could have attacked my Fighter or my Swords Woman. But it’s too late now…

Minerva drew.

Well, she thought. This will give Mary something to chew on…

“Blowpiper,” said Minerva. “Shoot your dart at Zombyra!”

Amazoness Blowpiper loaded her dart, and shot it at Zombyra. He gasped, and his Attack points fell to 1,700.

“Now,” continued Minerva. “I’ll play a Magic Card… The Warrior Returning Alive. It allows me to return one Warrior, and I chose the Paladin you just destroyed, from the Graveyard to my hand.”

She set the card, and retrieved the Monster Card.

“But I won’t summon her just yet,” stated Minerva. “Prepare to meet the Amazon Tribe’s faithful pet and guardian… Amazoness Tiger, in Attack Mode!”

She set the card down, and a huge tigress appeared and roared! (1,100/1,500)

“Sweet as a kitty cat,” smiled Minerva. “And while her Attack Score might not look impressive, she gains 400 points for every Amazon Monster on the field, including herself. That’s 1,600 extra points!”

Amazoness Tiger’s score shot up to 2,700!

“And she has another power,” said Minerva. “So long as she’s on the field, you can’t attack any other Amazon!”

“Aw, no,” gasped Mary.

“Now my Tiger,” shouted Minerva. “Lunch time! Attack Zombyra the Dark with tiger maul attack!”

Amazoness Tiger leapt up roared, tearing Zombyra apart!

Mary’s Life Point’s fell to 5,900.

Minerva chuckled.

“Just so you know, Mary,” she said. “I’m taking out your Elf next turn, and then my Amazons can attack you with everything at once! Doesn’t look very pretty, does it?”

Mary looked at the three Warrior women and their pet Tiger in front of her. Minerva was certain to summon the Paladin back the next round and she’d have 2,200 Attack points, more than enough to destroy the Swordmistress, especially once that Blowpiper got off a shot.

She had her facedown card, but she was scared to use it. What would the crowd think of her if she used this particular Trap Card? It wasn’t… pleasant.

“Man, I wish Yugi were here…” she whispered softly.

“I am here,” said a voice behind her.

Mary spun around, and saw Yugi watching her. She saw that the Spirit was fully merged with him.

“How long have you been there?” asked Mary.

“Long enough,” answered Yugi. “I gave your ice cream cone to a kid, by the way, because I was sure it would melt before you were done, but I’ll buy you another later.

“But come on, Mary. You aren’t going to let a bunch of swimsuit models beat you, are you? You’ve beaten worse.

“And by the way, I saw that facedown card you put down. Go ahead and use it. It was made for situations like this.”

His voice lowered to a whisper.

“Show me the Mary who helped me through the City of Souls!”

Mary’s eyes narrowed. She drew.

“I play… the Pot of Greed!” she announced, putting a card down.

The smiling Pot of Greed appeared before her, and she drew two more cards.

Oh yeah, she thought.

“First,” exclaimed Mary. “I’ll activate this Trap Card…”

The card revealed itself.

It was the dreaded Just Desserts!

“NO!” gasped Minerva.

A pair of ghostly arms floated out of Mary’s Disk and locked themselves around Minerva’s neck! They squeezed!

“Just Desserts drains 500 Life Points from you for each Monster you have on field,” laughed Mary. “And you have four of them! Didn’t expect that, did you?”

The hands released Minerva, and she fell to her knees. Her Life Points fell to 5,700.

“Wow!” shouted a spectator. “What a move! She just nailed her!”

“Thought you had her there, huh?” laughed another spectator at Minerva.

“My turn is just starting!” grinned Mary. “I’ll use a Magic Card… Brain Control!”

She fit the card into the slot, and the huge brain appeared.

“I’ll use it to grab your Amazoness Blowpiper,” said Mary, “brainwashing her for one turn!”

The brain seized the Blowpiper, pulling her over to Mary’s side.

“You’re going to Tribute my Blowpiper!” growled Minerva, angrily.

“Bingo!” grinned Mary. I’ll Tribute Amazoness Blowpiper to bring out my Flame Swordmistress’s powerful mentor, Flame Swordsman, in Attack Mode!”

The Blowpiper vanished, and Flame Swordsman arose. (1,800/1,600).

The Swordsman and the Swordmistress looked at each other, nodded, and turned to face the enemy.

“Now,” said Mary. “Without the Blowpiper, your Tiger’s Attack power falls to 2,300!”

“So?” stated Minerva. “Neither of your Warriors are strong enough to defeat him.”

“Did you forget about my Swordmistress’s special ability?” asked Mary. “She raises the Attack power of all allied Warriors by 300 points!”

The Flame Swordsman’s Attack rose to 2,100.

“That still isn’t strong enough!” shouted Minerva.

“Observe this Equip Card,” stated Mary, holding a card up.

“What?” gasped Minerva. “Salamandra?!”

“Yup, Salamandra,” affirmed Mary, placing it into the slot.

Flame Swordsman’s blade blazed with fire, and his Attack rose to 2,800!

“Flame Swordsman, attack the Amazoness Tiger!” yelled Mary. “Flaming sword of battle!”

Flame Swordsman sung his blade, and incinerated the Tiger.

“Your turn, Flame Swordmistress,” shouted Mary. “Attack Amazoness Fighter!”

The Swordmistress charged, and smote the Fighter, blasting her out of existence.

Minerva’s Life Points stood at 5,200.

Minerva was steamed.

I’ve got to do something, she thought, or this slut will beat me.

She drew.

Ah, maybe this…

“First,” she said, “One card facedown.”

She set the card.

“Now I’ll summon the Amazoness Paladin back,” she said, putting the card down. The Paladin appeared again. (1,700/300)

“And as you probably know by now,” said Minerva. “With two Amazons on the field, the Paladin’s attack power becomes 1,900.

“Now, I’ll play a Magic Card… Amazoness Spellcaster!”

She fitted the card, and an aged gypsy appeared, chanting a spell. Strange symbols appeared in the air.

“I don’t like this…” muttered Mary.

“Don’t give up, Mary,” said Yugi.

“Amazoness Spellcaster allows me to switch the Attack power of one of your Monsters with one of my Amazons until the end of my turn,” explained Minerva. “And I think I’ll use it to switch the Attack power of your Swordmistress with that of my Swords Woman! Thus, your Monster’s Attack becomes 1,500, while mine’s becomes 2,100!

The switch was made.

“Amazoness Swords Woman, attack Flame Swordmistress with Amazon great sword slash!”

The Swords Woman waved her huge sword menacingly, and cut the Flame Swordmistress in half!

Mary’s Life Points fell to 5,300.

“How do you like that?” smiled Minerva. “Now you can’t power up your Warriors anymore, and your Swordsman loses 300 Attack points.”

Flame Swordsman’s Attack went down to 2,500.

“Yeah?” growled Mary. “Well it’s my turn now, meaning your Spellcaster’s spell has worn off. And reduced as his strength may be, my Swordsman will avenge his protégé!

“Flame Swordsman, attack the Amazoness Swords Woman! Flaming sword of battle!”

Flame Swordsman charged, and ran the Amazoness Swords Woman through. She gasped and fell.

Minerva laughed out loud.

“What’s so funny?” said Mary.

“I was hoping you’d do that,” smiled Minerva. “True, you managed to slay my Swords Woman, but when she’s destroyed, my opponent takes any resulting damage! So you just lost 1,000 Life Points!”

Mary’s Life Points fell to 4,300.

“Aw, crud!” exclaimed Mary.

“Besides,” smiled Minerva. “You just activated my Trap…”

The facedown card lifted up…

“My second Dramatic Rescue!” said Minerva. “Which, as you know, transfers the Swords Woman to my hand rather to the Graveyard, and lets me special summon another Monster from my hand. And I chose to summon Amazon Archer, in Attack Mode!”

She set the card down, and a new Amazon appeared. She wore a brown halter, jacket, and skirt, and was armed with a bow and arrows. (1,400/1,000)

Mary looked at the Archer hard.

I don’t like that, she thought.

“I’ll end my turn by summoning Alligator’s Sword in Attack Mode,” she said.

She put the card down, and the gator warrior appeared. (1,500/1,200)

Minerva drew.

“Excellent,” she grinned. “Now I’ll re-summon Amazoness Swords Woman to the field, in Attack Mode.”

The Swords Woman reappeared. (1,500/1,600)

“But, since you already know what her ability is,” said Minerva, “I’ll activate the Amazon Archer’s Effect right now…”

The Archer raised her hand, and a nimbus of energy surrounded the Amazoness Paladin and the Amazoness Swords Woman! After a few seconds, they vanished, and a golden arrow appeared where they had been.

“What the…” said Mary.

“With the Archer on the field,” explained Minerva. “She can turn two Monsters into a magic arrow, and with this arrow…”

The Archer took it and fitted it into her bow.

“…she can bypass your Monsters and make a special direct attack on your Life Points!”

“WHAT?” gasped Mary.

“Amazon Archer,” shouted Minerva, “attack Mary with enchanted Amazon arrow attack!”

The Archer fired, and with a spray of blood, the arrow impaled Mary! She fell over. Her Life Points dove to 3,100.

“That took you down a notch,” giggled Minerva. “About 1,200 notches, to be exact! And finally, two cards facedown.”

She placed her cards, and they appeared in front of her.

As Mary got up, everyone stared in disbelief. The arrow was sticking right through her!

“Mary! Are you hurt?” gasped Yugi.

“Yeah,” said Mary, drawing. “But it’s a good kind of hurt…”

She drew.

“Sorry, Minerva,” she sneered, “But my Swordsman will slay your Archer! Flame Swordsman, flaming sword of battle!”

Flame Swordsman charged…

“Bad idea…” chuckled Minerva, pushing a button on her disk.

One of her facedown cards rose…

The Flame Swordsman stopped short, as he was surrounded by a ring of energy!

“A Spellbinding Circle!” gasped Mary.

“You got that right,” said Minerva, as the Swordsman’s Attack went down to 1,800.

Mary thought for a minute. I could attack with Alligator’s Sword, but it wouldn’t do much good…

She looked at her hand.

Nothing that can help me out now, she thought. I think I’ll wait…

“I end my turn,” she said.

Minerva drew.

“I think I’ll just pass for this turn,” she said. “Your move again.”

What is she planning? thought Mary, as she drew.

She looked at the card she just drew.

Well what do you know? she thought.

“All right!” she shouted. “Time to get serious, Minerva! Time to meet the master of disaster! I Tribute both Flame Swordsman and Alligator’s Sword to bring forth the most legendary beast in my deck… A card used by both my father and my friend’s father…”

She threw the card down.

“Meet Red Eyes Black Dragon!”

The two Warriors vanished, and the huge, dark dragon arose, his eyes burning with fiery light! (2,400/2,000)

The crowd gasped. Some of the younger kids screamed.

“Red Eyes Black Dragon?” gasped Minerva. “Where the hell did you get a card that rare?”

“Like I said,” smiled Mary. “It’s sort of a family heirloom. Now, Red Eyes, inferno fire blast!”

Red Eyes blasted its breath weapon, and incinerated the Archer.

Minerva’s Life Points fell to 4,200.

“Very pretty,” said Minerva, now angry. “But I can still recover.”

She pressed a button on her Disk, and her facedown card revealed itself.

“Your third Dramatic Rescue card,” said Mary. “So now you can return the Archer to your hand and summon another Monster.”

“Exactly,” said. Minerva. “And I choose to summon Warrior Dai Grepher, in Attack Mode!”

She put the card down, and the black-armored warrior with his greatsword appeared. (1,700/1,600)

“That isn’t an Amazon,” frowned Mary.

“The rules of Dramatic Rescue say I can special summon any Monster, not just an Amazon,” explained Minerva. “And true, he isn’t an Amazon… not yet.”

Not yet? thought Mary. What did she mean by that? Well I doubt anything she summons will be a match for my Red Eyes…

“I’ll end my turn,” said Mary.

“And I’ll start mine,” said Minerva, drawing.

She looked at her card.

“I’ll play… Pot of Greed!”

She put the card in the slot. The wicked jar appeared, and two cards popped out.

She made two draws.

“Perfect!” she exclaimed. “Now watch as I summon my greatest Warrior! I’ll summon a second Amazoness Paladin in Attack Mode to join Warrior Dai Grepher!”

She put the card down, and another Amazoness Paladin appeared. (1,700/300)

“And now,” smiled Minerva, raising a card, “Time to destroy your Dragon! I’ll bring them together! Polymerization!”

She threw the card into the slot, and the male Warrior and the female one formed into a swirl of white and black light.

“Forming the mightiest of the Amazons,” said Minerva, “the one known as the all-powerful Amazoness Queen!”

A tall Amazon appeared; she was wearing an armored one-piece, a large red cape, a golden crown and a gorgeous necklace. She bore two razor-sharp scimitars. (2,500/1,400)

“Next round,” gloated Minerva, “my Queen will slay your Dragon, and there’s nothing you can do about it!

“My turn is over.”

Mary looked at her deck.

So now what? she thought. There’s gotta be something in here that can help…

She drew.

Unreal! she thought.

“Feeling lucky, Minerva?” said Mary. “Because I just drew the Monster that could make or break this duel for me! Meet the master of the space-time continuum… the Time Wizard!”

She slapped the card down, and the Time Wizard leapt up. (500/400)

Minerva gasped.

“Wait a second, Mary, let me do the math for you,” she warned. “You have a Red Eyes in Attack Mode who has 2,400 Attack Points. You also have a Mystical Elf in Defense Mode that has 800 Attack Points. Add the Time Wizard’s 500 Attack Points, and that adds up to 3,700!

“If that Time Wizard’s spinner lands on a skull, you’ll lose half of that total, bringing your Life Points down 1,250! Not to mention the fact that it will wipe all your Monsters out, and my Amazoness Queen will finish you off on my next turn!

“And you’re actually going to take that big a risk on one spin?”

Mary chuckled.

“Let me tell you something, Minerva,” explained Mary. “My father was the same way. He used this card several times. He also used many other cards where risk was involved… and yet, almost without exception, they never failed him. His luck was legendary. He continually left things to chance, and time and again, fate smiled upon him. That luck flows in my veins, Minerva, the luck of the Wheelers!”

“Wheelers?” said Minerva, aghast. “You’re… you’re Joey Wheeler’s daughter?”

The crowd started to mutter, some starred with their mouths agape.

“His fame precedes me, I see,” smiled Mary. “And like I said, his luck lives inside me! Go Time Wizard, time roulette now!”

The spinner on the Time Wizard’s staff started to spin…

Minerva started to sweat.

Joey Wheeler’s daughter… she thought. What have I gotten myself into?

It continued to spin. Mary was sweating now.

C’mon, she thought. After a speech like that, I just can’t strike out!

The spinner stopped on the right skull, then the left skull, and finally stopped with a clang on the top crown!

The crowd cheered.

“Time Magic!!” shouted the Time Wizard, leaping up.

The Red Eyes Black Dragon and the Mystical Elf vanished, and a huge time warp opened above the field.

“What’s happening?” screamed Minerva.

“The Time Wizard has torn a hole in the fabric of time,” said Mary. “Causing a million years to pass on the field! And your Amazoness Queen is past her expiration limit!”

It was true; the Amazoness Queen crumbled into a pile of dust.

The Time Wizard vanished, and Red Eyes Black Dragon and Mystical Elf reappeared.

“And now that that’s done with,” said Mary. “Red Eyes Black Dragon, torch Minerva!”

Minerva screamed as the Red Eyes blasted her with fire, sending her hurtling backwards!

Her Life Points now stood at 1,175.

Minerva got up with her clothes and most of her hair reduced to ashes. Her hand shook as she drew.

Got to do something, or its curtains for me! she thought. Aha!

“I’ll summon another Amazoness Swords Woman in Attack Mode!” she said.

She put the card down, and a new Swords Woman appeared. (1,500/1,600)

Just try to attack her, she thought.

Mary drew.

“You must think I’m stupid,” she said. “I haven’t forgotten what happens when I attack that Monster. So…

“I play Monster Reborn, to bring back Flame Swordmistress!”

She plugged in the Magic Card, and Flame Swordmistress returned. (1,600/1,500)

“Attack!” shouted Mary. “Blazing saber of battle!”

Flame Swordmistress attacked, cutting down the Swords Woman. Minerva drew back in fear. Mary’s Life Points were reduced to 3,000.

“Yeah, I know,” sighed Mary. “I take one hundred Life Points of damage for destroying her. But it’s a small price to pay to be able to finish you off!

“Red Eyes Black Dragon…”

“Not again…” gasped Minerva. “No…”

“…inferno fire blast!” shouted Mary. “Burn her up!”

Minerva screamed, as she was engulfed by fire. She fell flat on her back, and the last of her Life Points were depleted.

The crowd cheered again.

“Good job Mary,” said Yugi. “That was an excellent duel.”

Mary looked down. The arrow through her chest vanished.

Minerva slowly got up. The burns vanished and her clothes were restored.

“I never dreamed you were the daughter of such a legend,” she shivered. “Say, you don’t suppose you might be The Mole?”

Mary chuckled. “Dunno,” she said. “It could be anyone here.”

She looked at her Disk. The gem had changed to Green.

Minerva looked at hers. It was Yellow now.

“Sorry I almost beat you up in that arcade,” sighed Minerva, rather ashamed. “I guess I can’t be such a sore loser.”

“Yeah, well, I could have turned you in to the Centurions for what you already did,” scolded Mary. “Be careful, because if you do it again, the next person might not be as merciful.”

“So now what?” asked Minerva.

Yugi stepped in.

“Keep dueling,” answered Yugi. “You aren’t out of this tournament yet, and your Amazons are a potent force.

“As for the two of us, I have to get Mary another ice cream cone.”

As Yugi and Mary held hands and walked towards the ice cream parlor, Mary spoke up.

“You know Yugi, maybe I should taper off video games,” she mentioned.

“Oh?” said Yugi.

“Yeah,” sighed Mary. “I found out today more than ever, that they can be quite addictive. And it isn’t true what they say… they don’t burn off stress. Quite the opposite. “


* * * * * * * * * * *


From the roof of the arcade, two figures appeared, dressed in black overcoats and sunglasses – one male, one female. They were in fact dressed the same way as the ones who were spying on the team when Peter had dueled with Brick.

The male one waved his hand, and the white sphere appeared in his hand. Again, the two red eyes appeared in it.

“Master,” he said. “The one named Mary has progressed further. It seems that Yugi’s disciples may become a significant threat.”

“That is indeed a concern,” said the voice from the sphere. “I must ponder this matter more. In the meantime, do not let any of them out of your sight.”

“As you wish, Master.”




AMAZONESS QUEEN (Monster Card)

Type: Warrior/Fusion
Attribute: Earth
Level: 7
ATK: 2,500
DEF: 1,700

Card Description: Amazoness Paladin + Warrior Dai Grepher.

This fierce warrior is the ruler of the Amazon Tribe. She rewards anyone brave enough to challenge her with a quick death.

[Shuppet Master]

That was a pretty awesome duel. For a moment,I thought that the opponent would be a cat-related duelist. :)

Oh yeah,the Amazoness Queen sounds pretty interesting,but being a non-effect monster formed by the fusion of an effect monster seems a bit ridiculous. What can I say,it's your fanfic. :lol:

Can't wait for more stuff. ;)

[mr_pikachu]

This was pretty good. Nicd duel, and way to put some self-doubt in Mary. After all, even heroes aren't perfect. Try to describe the monsters a bit more, though (especially the new ones). That'll make it easier for your readers to visualize.

One thing I thought I should mention...


“Okay,” said Mary. “Mary and I will take the north. Clive and Peter, you take the south. We’ll meet at two o’clock in that square where Mary dueled Clover.

Edit before you post chapters! ;) You also need to change "chose" to "choose" when it is in the present tense. (You used "chose" for both forms, I believe.)

Otherwise, that was nice. I'll see you next chapter! :wave:


EDIT: Edited to get my message across better... .hack didn't seem to grasp what I was talking about.

[Shuppet Master]

You the pot calling the kettle black - you didn't close the italics bracket in your quote and thus the tags appeared. :D

[The_Missing_Link]

All of the chapters have been good so far and I can't wait for the next one but I have a request to make:

“Kid gloves are off"

Can you please stop using that phrase? I've seen that in every other chapter since probably the Labrynth fic (well, maybe not that often but I see it a lot) and it just irks me when people use the same thing over and over. Obviously, all your fics have been very creative and maybe you haven't noticed it or it's there intentionally but it's just off-putting to me

[Dark Sage]

Missing Link! I didn't know you were reading.

Okay, I'll stop with that phrase. I guess I have been using it too much. I'll try to be more creative.

By the way, so long as I'm here, perhaps I should restate what I said when I started this fic...

If anyone has a favorite card or two that they'd like to see, don't hesitate to suggest it. I'm willing to take suggestions to make the fans of this fanfic happy.

And I'm also inviting people to read Hack/Bellossom's new Yu-Gi-Oh fic, which is sort of a spin-off of mine. He's already off to a good start - in his first chapter, the main character meets up with an important character from Episode One! And in chapter two (so I've heard), you'll see the origins of a character that has been a major hit in this particular episode...

So see what you think.

- Venusaur

[The_Missing_Link]

If I read Pokemonese, why wouldn't I read this? ^_~ I posted once in the City of Souls (or at least I think I did). Your character dialogue/development is too good to pass up

[Shuppet Master]

Thanks for the plug,Venusaur. :D

And I promise everyone that I will do my best to update my fanfic thread as often as possible. Maybe not daily,but you will see a new chapter per week. I rarely leave my house except for school and church(or when I go shopping,and rarely do I go farther away than the range of the new GBA wireless adapter!),so if I don't update within in a week,feel free to prick my brain and remind me,okay? ;)

I'm also eager to see what Venusaur has up his sleeve. From what the teaser said,it looks like we're going to see a remake of the legendary Lumis/Umbra duel in Battle City.

[Dark Sage]

Hello everyone time for a new chapter.

A warning - this chapter was a killer to write, and it is confusing to read, so be careful reading it.

I apologize in advance for any typos I might have made. I tried to go over it with a fine-toothed comb.

Barring that, enjoy!

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

My name is Siegfried Kaiba, aka The Master of Games. As the head of the Duelatopia tournament, it is my duty to keep tabs on the backgrounds of the contestants.

Two of them who interest me are the companions called Clive Marris and Peter Ramset. One of them is logical and analytical, or “left-brained” if you like that term. The other is artistic and creative, or “right-brained.” Some would say they’d make unlikely friends. I say they make two sides of the same soul.

From the time they were in kindergarten together, Clive and Peter have been best friends, and have remained such without the slightest reprieve. No friendship is perfect, but they come awfully close. I’m willing to wager that if push came to shove, one would gladly give his life for the other, though I’m not sure how the other would survive with his friend gone after that.

And in the duel I am about to watch, I know that the their friendship is about to be put to the test in a big way…



CHAPTER NINE



Double Coston



Before Mary even started playing her video game, Clive and Peter were walking through another well-populated section of Duelatopia. Here and there a duel was in progress, but they too were looking for just the right challenge. They started talking about old times, when Peter brought something up.

“Clive,” he mentioned. “You ever wonder what would have happened if we never met Yugi and Mary?”

“Yeah,” said Clive with a chuckle. “We’d have never risked our lives in the Duelist Labyrinth or the City of Souls!”

“And you’d never have met Phoebe,” countered Peter. “You and she met while in Yugi’s game store while she was looking for a present for her dad.”

“Um, touché,” muttered Clive. “I guess we can thank them for this whole vacation. Remi was a monster, but he did give us some good practice.”

“It isn’t like the Labyrinth was the first time we were in trouble,” sighed Peter. “Helped each other out. I warmly remember the time we were six, and I tried to climb that tree, despite your warning. I fell, breaking my leg, and you carried me all the way to the emergency ward.”

“And you cried the whole way,” smiled Clive. “I have to say I’m sorry for the time during the next month while you were laid up in bed; I tried to make you breakfast in bed, and I spilled it all over you!”

Peter chuckled.

“You repaid the favor two years later,” continued Clive. “I picked a fight with the wrong guy at school, and he tried to rearrange my face. Who’d have known that you’d be the one to come to my rescue? Sure, you sucker-punched him on the back of his neck, but you saved me a great deal of hurt.”

They sat on a bench and sighed.

“You know Clive,” sighed Peter. “We’re going to be going to college soon, and more likely than not, it won’t be the same one. We can’t be together forever.”

An idea came to Clive. “Yes we can,” he said. “Listen. Do you have any cards in your bag there that you never intended to use?”

“I think so,” started Peter, opening up his dufflebag.

He opened up the case where he kept spare cards and leafed through them.

“Will this do?” he asked.

The card was called “Griggle.” It depicted a tiny creature with a mop of green hair and blue shoes. It was a Plant/Earth Monster, and its stats were 350/300.

“Sure you don’t need it?” asked Clive.

“Positive,” said Peter. “The only power it has is the ability to bestow 3,000 Life Points on the user when somebody steals it with Change of Heart or something similar, but since everyone knows it can do that, it’s useless.”

“Okay,” said Clive, taking it.

He took his Swiss army knife out of his pocket, and folded out the scissors. He began to cut the card in half lengthwise, in a jagged pattern.

“There,” he stated when he was done. “You keep one half of Griggle, and I’ll keep the other. Even if we’re apart, any time you look at it, you’ll remember that the other half is with someone who’s your best friend. And just like Griggle’s power warns, it will remind you never to have a Change of Heart.”

“Thanks old friend,” smiled Peter, taking it.

They reclined on the bench.

“So what do we do now?” asked Peter.

They looked across the street at a large juice bar.

“I vote we stop for smoothies!” exclaimed Clive.

“I second the motion!” exclaimed Peter.


* * * * * * * * * *


They went into the brightly lit juice bar, where old-fashioned rock music was playing on a jukebox. They went up to a bar, where a young woman was behind the counter.

“Hi!” she said in a sweet voice. “I’m Penelope… what can I get you boys?”

“Everything looks so good,” smiled Peter. “How about two strawberry and banana smoothies?”

“Coming up,” she said, going over to the blender.

“I must say,” said Clive. “I like most of Duelatopia so far… pleasant atmosphere, pleasant places, pleasant people… the only things that weren’t pleasant was Shelob and her lair…”

“You really think she’d have eaten Yugi if he lost?” said Peter with a shudder.

“We may never find out,” sighed Clive. “Still, I don’t think Siegfried is that nuts…”

Penelope came back with the smoothies.

“Now if y’all need anything else,” she said, “just…”

“Out of the way!” growled a burly voice.

“Duelists coming through!” shouted another.

“Oh no,” moaned Penelope. “Not them again!”

Two muscular bodybuilders wearing Dueling Disks pushed their way into the bar. They wore t-shirts and gym shorts. One was Caucasian, had blonde hair, and a headband. The other was African-American, and was bald. The gems on their disks indicated Green Status.

“You heard us,” demanded the blonde one to someone they had just pushed aside, “if you don’t want to get run over, get out of the way!”

“They’ve come in here twice every day since the tournament started,” growled Penelope. “They call themselves Flint and Steel. They’re rude, they scare away my customers, leave a mess, and never leave a tip!”

“Flint and Steel?” asked Peter.

“I think they both play Rock and Earth Monsters,” answered Penelope.

“Yo, Penelope!” yelled Flint (the blonde one). “Get us two chocolate milkshakes and make it snappy!”

“Yeah, we just made Green, and we want to celebrate!” laughed Steel.

“Yes, sir,” groaned Penelope, washing out the blender.

“Where I come from, people talk to women with more respect than that,” muttered Clive.

Flint and Steel turned to him.

“You people have manners comparable to a certain type of barnyard animal who eats and defecates in the same place,” continued Clive, sipping his smoothie.

“What do you mean by that?” asked Flint, somewhat puzzled.

“He means a pig, stupid,” responded Peter.

“Who you callin’ stupid?” snapped Flint.

“I’m calling both of you stupid,” answered Peter. “And I think my friend here would concur.”

The two bullies got angry.

“Either of you care to put your deck where your mouth is?” dared Steel, raising his Disk. “I’ll show you just how stupid I am!”
“That’s right!” growled Flint. “We ain’t as stupid as we really are!”

“That didn’t even make sense,” chuckled Peter.

“I’ll take you both on!” shouted Clive, raising his Disk.

“Easy, Clive, easy!” eased Peter. “You know as well as I do that you can’t duel them both!”

“Fine,” said Clive. “You take one and I’ll take the other.”

“I’m game with that,” said Flint. “But who will duel who?”

“Um, if I may butt it,” started Penelope.

They all looked at her.

“Why don’t you four all make this a tag-team duel?” she suggested. “I’m sure that would make quite a show!”

“What?” stuttered Flint. “Well uh…”

He looked at Steel.

“Fine!” answered Steel. “Tag-team it is!”

“Just give me an hour to draw a good crowd,” smiled Penelope. “I’m sure a lot of people will want to see this!”


* * * * * * * * * *


In the command center, a technician was on the phone.

“Yes, I’ll tell him,” she said. She hung up.

“Master of Games!” she said, calling over to Siegfried.

“Yes?” he said.

“You know Penelope, that undercover Centurion you put in charge of the juice bar in sector F9?”

“Yes?” he asked.

“She just reported that an official challenge has been made for a tag-team duel, which will be starting in half an hour.”

“Who are the participants?” asked Siegfried.

“Sylvester ‘Flint’ Ronald and Andrew ‘Steel’ Wright versus Clive Marris and Peter Ramset.”

Peter and Clive in a tag-team duel, thought Siegfried. Well, I guess it was only a matter of time.

“Call back Penelope,” he ordered, “and tell her when the duel starts to beam the feedback here. This will be interesting to watch…”

It will be interesting to see, thought Siegfried, what happens when the Archfiends and the Dark Scorpions join forces!


* * * * * * * * * *


Penelope was good to her word. By the time the hour was up, a crowd had assembled outside the juice bar unlike any Peter and Clive had seen yet. They didn’t know how she had done it. (Truthfully, Penelope had contacted her fellow Centurions to spread the word.)

The four duelists stood in a square-pattern, twenty feet apart from each other.

“Okay, you two lightweights,” growled Flint. “Ready to lose?”

“Hold on,” started Peter. “I’m not exactly even sure how this tag-team stuff works.”

“Well,” said Steel, “you just… I mean you just… first you… um… say, how does a tag-team work?”

“It’s incredibly simple,” explained Penelope, walking into the center of the square. “I’ll review…

“All four of you start with 8,000 Life Points, as in a standard duel. You will alternate turns: First Flint will go, followed by Clive, then Steel, then Peter, and then back to Flint. No one may actually attack until all four of you have made a draw, and then the duel goes like it normally would.

“You must defeat both members of one team for a victory to be announced, but anyone with no Life Points remaining at the end is considered having lost.

“In most cases, any Monster you summon is considered yours alone; you can only attack with it yourself, but you can use it to defend your partner if he has no Monsters on his side of the Field. You can make a Tribute, Fusion, or Ritual using your partner’s Monster, but when that happens, the Monster is considered belonging to both partners. It can be used offensively and defensively by both, but if destroyed, both of you receive any Life Point damage.

“Your Trap and Magic Cards and Monster Effects can be used for both yours and your partner’s benefit. Of course, effects that target multiple Monsters affect any or all Monsters on one or both side of the field. Other effects you may discover during the duel.

“Any questions?”

She paused.

“Uh,” muttered Clive, “can you repeat the things you said about… the things?”

She sighed. “Let’s get this tag-team party started!” she shouted, moving aside.

All four of them made their draws.

“LET’S DUEL!” yelled all four at once.

Penelope felt her dress, under which was a portable weapon.

And if these two muscleheads try to cheat, she thought, it will be my pleasure to throw them in the slammer!

“Hey you two,” sneered Clive. “Care to make a little wager? If we win, you two leave Penelope and her bar alone, permanently!”

Penelope was taken aback in surprise. She didn’t expect that.

“Fine,” chuckled Steel. “And if we win, you lightweights buy shakes and smoothies for everyone here!”

Clive paused for a minute. He looked a Peter.

“It will cost us some cheers,” sighed Peter, “but I’m jack with that.”

“Good,” smiled Flint. “Then for my first brilliant move, I summon Giant Soldier of Stone, in Defense Mode.”

He set the card down, and the huge Soldier appeared, assuming a kneeing position. (1,300/2,000)

Clive drew.

“I’ll summon Double Pinaska, also in Defense Mode,” he stated.

He lay down the card. The Spaniard appeared, and crossed his machetes defensively. (1,500/1,500)

Steel drew. His eyebrows perked up. He added the card to his hand.

“I’ll summon Spherous Lady, in Attack Mode!” he exclaimed.

He lay the card down, and a vicious looking woman wearing a turban with a rocky snake-like tail in place of legs appeared, ready to strike. (400/1,400)

Peter looked at the creature strangely.

Why’d he play a Monster that weak in Attack Mode? he thought. It must be a trick…

He drew and looked at his hand.

Nuts, he thought. Can’t summon anything that WON’T cost me a Life Point payment. But not defending myself will cost Clive a Monster... So…

“Infernalqueen Archfiend, in Defense Mode,” he stated.

The flames erupted in front of him, and Infernalqueen Archfiend appeared. She shrieked. (900/1,500)

Now it really begins, thought Peter.

“I end my turn,” he stated.

“My turn again?” chuckled Flint, making a draw. “Then I’ll Tribute my Giant Soldier for Metal Fish!”

He put the card down and Giant Soldier of Stone vanished. A huge fish with legs made out of iron appeared. (1,600/1,900)

“Metal Fish,” ordered Flint. “Attack Infernalqueen Archfiend with metal piranha bite!”

Metal Fish lumbered forward.

“Double Pinaska, counter the attack!” shouted Clive.

Double Pinaska leapt up, and blocked the Fish’s attack with his machetes. He gave a kick, and Metal Fish tumbled backwards.

“Thanks, Clive,” sighed Peter. “You saved my Queen.”

“You’d have done the same for me,” said Clive.

Flint growled. “Your move then,” he said.

Clive drew.

Oh yeah, he thought.

“First,” he said, “I’ll switch Double Pinaska into Attack Mode.”

Pinaska formed a fighting stance.

“Then, I summon Marauding Captain, also in Attack Mode,” he pronounced, placing the card down.

A young Warrior in battle-worn armor carrying a longsword appeared next to Double Pinaska. (1,200/400)

“And just by summoning him,” continued Clive, “I can summon another Warrior from my hand. Meet Dark Scorpion Meanae the Thorn, in Defense Mode!”

Meanae appeared, and knelt in defense. (1,000/1,800)

“I’ll also Equip my Captain with this accessory card,” said Clive. “Fusion Sword Murasame Blade!”

The Marauding Captain’s normal sword vanished, and huge, nastier sword appeared in his hand. His Attack score went up to 2,000.

“Now, Marauding Captain,” he said. Attack Metal Fish with marauding rush attack!”

The Captain charged and sliced Metal Fish in half! Flint’s Life Points fell to 7,600.

“Your turn Double Pinaska!” said Clive. “Attack the Spherous Lady with double machete slash!”

Double Pinaska ran up, and cut Spherous Lady in twain. Steel’s Life Points dropped to 6,900.

“And I’ll end my turn,” grinned Clive.

So why are they smiling? he thought.

“Sorry, Clive,” smiled Steel, drawing, “but I wanted one of you to destroy Spherous Lady. You see, the Monster I’m about to summon can only be summoned by removing one Rock Monster from my Graveyard. So I’ll remove Spherous Lady from play, and summon The Rock Spirit!”

He set the card down, and a huge Monster appeared. It looked like a stone statue in Spartan armor, holding a staff. (1,700/1,000)

“This big guy,” said Steel, “will gain 300 Attack points during each of my opponent’s turns. And since I have two opponents, he’ll have 2,300 attack points by the time it’s my next turn! But I can still use him… Rock Spirit, attack Double Pinaska with tremor blast!”

The Rock Spirit aimed his staff at Pinaska and fired a beam of brown energy…

“I don’t think so…” smiled Clive.

The Marauding Captain stepped in between them and deflected the blast!

“Did I tell you about Marauding Captain’s effect?” grinned Clive. “With him on guard, no other Warrior on our side of the field can be attacked!”

Steel frowned. “I’ll lay one card facedown,” he said, putting a card in the slot.

The card appeared behind The Rock Spirit.

“Now it’s your turn, curls,” he said to Peter.

Peter drew, and The Rock Spirit’s Attack score rose to 2,000.

At that, Infernalqueen Archfiend gazed at Peter and bore her fangs. Peter groaned, and it seemed like energy was pulled out of him. His Life Points fell to 7,500.

“Peter!” exclaimed Clive. “You just lost Life Points!”

“Didn’t I tell you about that Clive?” groaned Peter. “When not in Pandemonium, the major Archfiends demand a price for being summoned…”

“Then play Pandemonium!” shouted Clive.

“It isn’t in my hand!” protested Peter.

“Then why did you summon her in the first place?”

“It was that or nothing!”

“Ha! Look at these guys, Flint!” laughed Steel. “They’re already arguing!”

Peter grimaced.

“I’ll use Infernalqueen’s effect, to raise her Attack score to 1,900!” said Peter.

Flames erupted around Infernalqueen, and her score rose.

“I’ll switch her to Attack Mode,” growled Peter. “Now attack Flint directly, my Queen! Cross-the-board capture attack!”

“Wait, Peter!” shouted Clive.

Infernalqueen blazed with fire…

“I could intercept your attack with my Rock Spirit,” smiled Steel, pressing a button on his Disk. “But this is much more fun! I activate my Trap… the powerful Quicksand!”

The card lifted, and suddenly, the ground on Clive and Peter’s side of the field changed into a mire! Infernalqueen roared, and Double Pinaska, Marauding Captain, and Meanae the Thorn screamed, and they sank up to their waists.

“What in blazes?” gasped Peter.

“Quicksand affects all opposing Monsters currently active on the field,” explained Steel. “Now all four of them are helpless to attack or change position, nor can you Tribute them, and the effect lasts for three full turns!”

“Sorry, Clive,” moaned Peter.

“Aw, you gave it your best shot,” assured Clive.

“I’ll end my turn by placing a card of my own facedown,” said Peter.

The card appeared in front of him.

“My turn now,” smiled Flint. “I’ll lay one Monster facedown in Defense Mode, and that will do it for me.”

The hidden Monster, in card form, appeared before him.

Clive drew, and The Rock Spirit’s Attack Score went up to 2,300.

Not much I can do, he thought.

“I’ll lay two cards facedown,” he said, “and end my turn.”

The two cards appeared.

Steel drew.

“My Rock Spirit is strong enough to destroy your Marauding Captain,” he grinned. “But if you think I’m gonna fall for your Trap, you’ve got another thing coming! I’ll just summon Prevent Rat, in Defense Mode.”

He lay a card down, and a large Monster that was a cross between rat and armadillo appeared. (500/2,000)

Peter drew. Again Infernalqueen cast her draining glare at him! His Life Points fell to 7,000.

“Peter, your dumb Archfiend is going to do you in!” warned Clive.

“Fine, I’ve got it covered!” said Peter. “I play the Field Magic Card Pandemonium!”

He inserted the card, and again, the results were dramatic. The city around them changed to the infernal city of Fiends. Some people in the crowd looked around in fear.

“Keep calm folks,” chuckled Peter. “In Pandemonium, a surprise lurks around every corner, but they treat their guests well.”

He cackled evilly. His two opponents looked nervous.

“Now, I’ll use Infernalqueen’s power on herself again!”

Infernalqueen lifted her hand out of the mire and flamed up, bringing her Attack score to 2,900.

“And finally, I’ll summon Shadowknight Archfiend, in Attack Mode!” he said, putting a card down.

A gust of foul wind blew, and Shadowknight appeared. (2,000/1,600)

“But since I don’t trust that facedown Monster, I’ll end my turn,” said Peter. “And by the way Clive, don’t call my Monsters dumb…”

“Sorry,” muttered Clive.

“What, this little thing?” laughed Flint. “Well why don’t I just flip-summon it!”

He flipped the card, and a Morphing Jar appeared! It cackled.

“All right everyone,” laughed Flint. “You know the rules…”

“Flint, you spongehead!” shouted Steel. “Ever consider that I had something in my hand that I intended to use?”

“Oh…” muttered Flint. “Sorry?”

“Too late now…” growled Steel.

All four of them discarded their hands and drew five new cards.

Flint laughed out loud.

“Now prepare to meet the true fury of flint and steel!” laughed Flint. “I Tribute my Morphing Jar to summon the incredible Blowback Dragon, in Attack Mode!”

The Jar vanished, and a dark shape arose. It came into view, resembling a cross between a dragon and a furnace. Flame and steam shot out of pipes and vents. (2,300/1,200)

“Let me explain how Blowback Dragon works,” explained Flint. “When I give the order, it will release three special dice, with red spaces on half their faces, and blue on the others. If at least two of the dice come up red, then it can vaporize one opposing Monster!

“Blowback Dragon, release dice!”

A hatch opened in the Dragons chest, and three dice shot out.

“C’mon…” urged Peter, as they rolled.

The first one stopped… red.

The second one stopped… blue.

The third one stopped… red!

“Yes!” shouted Flint. “Blowback Dragon, destroy Infernalqueen Archfiend!”

A blast of flame spewed forth from the Dragon’s “mouth” incinerating Infernalqueen. Peter’s Life Points fell to 6,175.

“Now I can make its regular attack!” said Flint. “Attack Marauding Captain with blowback breath!”

Blowback Dragon breathed its flame again, burning up Marauding Captain. Clive’s Life Points fell to 7,700.

“Heh, heh,” cackled Flint. “Your move, sucker.”

Clive drew. The Rock Spirit’s Attack Score went up again, to 2,900.

I certainly hope that Peter has something that can take down that Spirit, thought Clive, ‘cause the Trap I laid down can only protect me from it once.

“I’ll first use Dust Tornado!” said Clive, as one of his facedown cards lifted. “To release Double Pinaska and Meanae from the Quicksand!”

The Tornado blew Steel’s card to pieces, and Double Pinaska and Meanae the Thorn sprang up (in Attack and Defense Mode, respectively).

“Now,” exclaimed Clive. “I’ll Tribute Double Pinaska to summon Dark Scorpion Gorg the Strong, in Attack Mode!”

Double Pinaska vanished, and the huge, bald member of the Dark Scorpions appeared, brandishing his mace. (1,800/1,500)

“And I’ll end my turn,” said Clive.

“Perhaps you didn’t notice,” chuckled Steel. But The Rock Spirit’s Attack Score is now 1,100 more than his! Rock Spirit, attack Gorg the Strong with tremor blast attack!”

The Rock Spirit aimed his staff at Gorg.

“Not on this turn!” shouted Clive. “I activate my Trap Card! Great Escape!”

The facedown card lifted. Gorg produced a grappling hook and threw it, securing it to an overhead building of Pandemonium. He pulled himself to safety, avoiding The Rock Spirit’s blast!

“What the…” said Steel.

“Being some of the greatest thieves in the world,” explained Clive, “the Dark Scorpions are always being hunted by the law, so they have mastered the art of escape. The Trap Card Great Escape allows one of them to avoid all attacks for one round.”

Gorg slowly lowered himself back to the field.

“Yeah, well,” grumbled Steel, “when it’s your partner’s turn again, The Rock Spirit will have 3,200 Attack points! And let’s not forget that my partner’s Blowback Dragon has a two-out-of-three chance of blowing away any of your Monsters on his turn! This duel is looking up… for us!

“I’m ending my turn by laying one card facedown.”

He slid a card into a slot, and it appeared.

Peter drew, and as Steel had warned, The Rock Spirit’s Attack went up to 3,200.

But Peter grinned.

“Now I’m going to kill two birds with one stone!” he exclaimed. “Or should I say, kill two stones with one bird! I play the Magic Card Falling Down!”

He slid it into the slot.

“What?” gasped Flint and Steel at once.

Shadowknight Archfiend flew over to Steel’s area of the Field, and grabbed hold of The Rock Spirit, dragging it back to Peter’s side!

“Falling Down is sort of an Archfiend’s version of Snatch Steal,” exclaimed Peter. “I can only use it when an Archfiend is on my side of the field, but it lets the Archfiend enslave an enemy Monster, so long as I’m willing to pay 800 Life Points for every further round I intend to use the card. A nifty trick for an Archfiend deck.”

“Now, Rock Spirit, destroy the Blowback Dragon!” commanded Peter.

The Rock Spirit thrust his staff forward and fired hitting the dragon-shaped furnace. It exploded! Flint’s Life Points fell to 6,700.

“And now to get rid of the Spirit,” continued Peter, “since I’m not too keen on losing Life Points. I’ll use it as a Tribute, to bring out Skull Archfiend of Lightning!”

The Rock Spirit vanished, and the field erupted in electricity. Skull Archfiend of Lightning arose! (2,500/1,200)

“And I’ll end my turn by laying one card facedown,” stated Peter.

The facedown card appeared behind Shadowknight Archfiend and Skull Archfiend of Lightning.

Flint was noticeably angry. He drew.

“Okay, Clive,” he snarled. “I’m going to wipe out both of your Dark Scorpions, and use the raw power of an earthquake to do so! Although I guess in this locale, it would be more of a Hellquake!”

“You do you intend to do that?” asked Clive.

“First,” started Flint, “I’ll use the Magic Card Smashing Ground!”

He threw the card into the slot.

“It destroys the opposing Monster with the highest Defense Score, meaning Meanae!”

The ground around them shook, and Meanae the Thorn screamed as she was buried under a rain of boulders.

“Next,” continued Flint, throwing another card into a slot, “I’ll use the Magic Card Fissure, which wipes out the opposing Monster with the lowest Attack Score, meaning Gorg!”

The ground shook again, and a crack opened beneath Gorg the Strong’s feet. He plummeted into it.

Clive score stood at 6,800.

“And I’ll end my turn by summoning Big Shield Gardna in Defense Mode!” he stated. “Just try to get past him!”

He put a card down, and a Warrior appeared kneeling down with a huge shield in front of him. (100/2,600)

Clive drew.

Got to summon something, he thought. And this is the strongest guy I can summon.

“Dark Blade, in Attack Mode,” he said.

The dark armored Warrior appeared, and raised his two swords. (1,800/1500)

“That’s all I can do,” he said.

“Then it’s my turn,” said Steel, drawing. “And I’m going to Tribute my partner’s Monster to summon the strongest defense imaginable. It’s time for a new structure to be added to Pandemonium… arise, Labyrinth Wall!”

Big Shield Gardna vanished, and a rumbling was heard. On Flint and Steel’s side of the field, a maze of stone walls rose from the ground, completely covering the area behind them. (0/3,000)

Flint, Steel, and Prevent Rat came out from two entrances.

“How do you like that?” laughed Steel. “With the Wall in place, you can’t touch me! And since I used my partner’s Monster as a Tribute, it will shield both of us!

“I’ll end my turn by laying one card facedown.”

He did so. It appeared.

Nuts, thought Peter, drawing. That was a good team strategy. Not much we can do.

“Skull Archfiend of Lightning, destroy Steel’s Prevent Rat!” he ordered.

The Archfiend powered up, and blasted the Rat into oblivion.

“And I’ll summon Darkbishop Archfiend in Defense Mode,” he continued, placing a card down.

A column of dark water rose up, and a winged fiend dressed like a bishop carrying a skull-topped staff arose. (300/1,400)


[continued…]

[Dark Sage]

[continued from last post:]



Flint drew.

He laughed out loud.

“Now begins our road to victory,” he laughed. “I summon Tribe-Infecting Virus, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a trio of gloppy humanoids appeared in front of him. (1,600/1,000)

“Now then,” continued Flint. “All I have to do is discard one card from my hand, like so…”

He discarded his last card.

“…and I can destroy all of one Type of opposing Monster! So what will it be, Warriors, or Fiends? I think I’ll start with… Warriors! Tribe-Infecting Virus, infect Warriors!”

Dark Blade dropped his swords and fell over. He dissolved into a puddle of goo.

“And I won’t bother attacking you, because I know your partner’s Skull would just destroy it,” said Flint. “Thought I was stupid, huh?”

Clive’s score stood at 6,050.

“Yeah,” growled Clive, drawing. “That’s exactly what I think.”

He looked at the card.

This should do it.

“Mad Dog of Darkness, in Attack Mode!” he proclaimed.

A huge, ferocious dog leapt onto the grid. (1,900/1,400)

“Go Mad Dog!” shouted Clive. “Tear apart Tribe-Infecting Virus!”

Mad Dog of Darkness pounced.

“I don’t think so…” said Steel, pushing a button on his Disk.

“Another team strategy!” exclaimed Clive, as the card lifted.

Tribe-Infecting Virus fled, and ran into the Labyrinth Wall. Mad Dog of Darkness looked around, puzzled.

“This is a useful Trap called Labyrinth Defense,” said Steel. “It allows any Monster on our side to hide in the Labyrinth Wall for one full turn, completely protected from attacks, unless you can destroy the Wall!”

Methinks these guys aren’t as dumb as they look, thought Clive.

“Your move then,” he grumbled.

“I don’t think you guys can possibly hurt us,” laughed Steel. He looked at Peter. “So to speed up your Fiends’ demise, I’ll simply draw and pass for this turn.”

Crud, thought Clive. Flint is going to use that Virus on Peter’s Fiends next, and there isn’t a blasted thing I can do about it!

Peter drew.

“I summon Terrorking Archfiend, in Attack Mode!” shouted Peter.

Thunder struck over Pandemonium, and the King of the Archfiends appeared beside the Darkbishop, Shadowknight, and the Skull. (2,000/1,500)

“Now I’ll activate my Trap Card,” exclaimed Peter. “A staple of Pandemonium, something called Altar of the Archfiends!”

The card in front of him lifted, and an infernal altar appeared behind the Archfiends.

“What’s that?” asked Flint.

“To activate the power of this Altar,” said Peter. “I have to sacrifice one Archfiend, so I’ll sacrifice my Skull Archfiend of Lightning.”

The Skull mounted the Altar, and he vanished. Thunder rolled again.

“And in return for that,” said Peter. “I receive Life Points equal to one-half his current Attack Score. Normally, that would give me 1,250 Life Points, but since this is tag-team, I can split it with Clive!”

Two bursts of energy flowed from the Altar, striking Peter and Clive. Peter’s Life Points rose to 6,800, and Clive’s rose to 6,875.

“Heh,” chuckled Clive. “Feels kind of good! Thanks!”

“Don’t mention it,” said Peter, giving him a thumbs up. “I think I’m getting the hand of this tag-team thing! I’ll end my turn.”

“Fool,” mocked Flint, making a draw. “What your Altar gave you, my Virus will take away, and then some! Emerge from the Labyrinth Wall, Tribe-Infecting Virus!”

The three gloppy germs appeared out of the Labyrinth Wall.

“All I have to do is discard this card from my hand, like so,” said Flint, doing so, “and Tribe-Infecting Virus will be able to destroy all three of your Monsters! Tribe-Infecting Virus, infect Fiends!”

“That depends entirely on how lucky your germs are,” said Peter. “Go, Darkbishop!”

Darkbishop Archfiend raised his hand, and slowly, a clock with the numbers one through six appeared above him. A skeletal hand rested on the one.

“What?” said Flint. “What is this?”

“All of the major Archfiends have the power to potentially nullify any card effect that is aimed at them,” said Peter. “And Darkbishop is the best at doing it! This clock is going to go for a spin – if the bone pointer lands on two, four, or five, your Virus’s effect might succeed. Any other number, and it will fail, and Tribe-Infecting Virus will be destroyed! Darkbishop, Bone Roulette now!”

With a cackling noise, the clock’s spinner started to spin.

“You just had to provoke them!” shouted Steel, angrily.

The spinner slowed, and stopped.

“Well, a six!” laughed Peter. “Guess your Virus loses!”

Tribe-Infecting Virus burst in a spray of filth. Flint’s score dropped to 6,300.

“Any more moves you’d like to make before it’s my partner’s turn?” asked Peter.

“You know I can’t!” shouted Flint. “But you still can’t bring down our Labyrinth Wall!”

Clive drew.

Well now I can, thought Clive.

“Watch my combo,” smiled Clive. “First, I use Monster Reborn to bring back Dark Blade. Return!”

Dark Blade reappeared in Attack Mode, brandishing his swords. (1,800/1,500)

“Second,” continued Clive. “I Tribute Mad Dog of Darkness to bring forth the powerful Kiryu!”

Mad Dog of Darkness vanished, and a large, orange dragon appeared next to Dark Blade. (2,000/1,500)

“Your loyal steed awaits, Dark Blade,” said Clive.

Quickly, Dark Blade mounted the dragon, and Kiryu roared.

“What’s happening?” gasped Steel.

“Together, these two Monsters form a Union, a Monster that is two in one!” said Clive. “While mounted on Kiryu, Dark Blade’s Attack Score goes up to 2,700!”

“That still isn’t enough to scratch the Labyrinth Wall!” mocked Steel.

“Wanna bet?” laughed Clive.

He showed them the Magic Card he just drew.

“A STOP DEFENSE CARD?” they both gasped in panic.

“Yup, a Stop Defense Card,” chuckled Clive, sliding it into the slot. “Which will bring your Wall into Attack Mode, where its Score is nonexistent!”

The Wall started to shake, as if it were about to crumble.

“Dark Blade,” ordered Clive, “demolish the Labyrinth Wall!”

Dark Blade flew forward on his mount, and swung his sword; the Labyrinth Wall came tumbling down.

“And since that Wall counted as belonging to both of you,” said Clive. “I just took a major chunk out of both of your Life Points. And there’s more to come! Kiryu, Attack Steel with dark fire blast!”

Kiryu opened his jaws and spewed a gout of black flame at Steel, knocking him over. When he got up, he was charred from head to toe.

Flint’s Life Point total now stood at 3,900, while Steel’s stood at 2,200.

By now the crowd was cheering and screaming Clive and Peter’s names. The two of them guessed that now they didn’t mind missing out on free shakes.

“You’re in trouble now, meatheads,” laughed Peter. “You have no Monsters
On your side of the field, while we have five powerful ones of our own! But that’s what you get for putting all your trust in a high defense Monster and what you thought was a powerful Effect Monster.”

“Steel, you big idiot, do something before they make complete fools of us!” yelled Flint.

“You’re doing a good job making a fool of yourself!” yelled Steel.

“Don’t make me come over there!” cursed Flint.

Steel drew.

“I’ll play the Magic Card Bones of the Earth!” he exclaimed. “It will heal me of 400 Life Points for each Earth Monster I have in my Graveyard! And there are three of them!

His Life Points went up to 3,400.

“Steel you selfish…” cursed Flint. “You could have shared that Life Point gain!”

“I needed it more than you did,” growled Steel. “We have to beat these lightweights!”

“You two are unbelievable,” mumbled Peter. “My Archfiends are demons, Clive’s Dark Scorpions are criminals, and yet each of our groups can work better as a team than you two can. You are pathetic.”

“You want to see teamwork?” said Steel. “I’ll finish my turn by laying a Monster facedown in Defense,”

He placed down the card. It appeared in front of him.

“Now make your move, curls!” he said.

Peter drew.

“Shadowknight Archfiend, attack what Steel has in Defense Mode! Knight’s four-square fury attack!”

Shadowknight Archfiend charged. The Monster appeared on the card…

It was another Morphing Jar!

“No!” gasped Peter. The Jar cackled before it was smashed.

“See?” grinned Steel. “We both had one.”

They all discarded their hands and drew new ones.

“Yeah?” growled Peter. Well I have another Monster to attack with! Terrorking Archfiend, attack Flint Directly, with charging checkmate attack!”

Terrorking leapt forward and socked Flint in the face! He crawled to his feet, bearing a black eye. His Life Points fell to 1,900.

Steel looked at Flint. He nodded, and Flint nodded back.

“I’ll end my turn,” said Peter.

“Are you two hungry?” snarled Flint drawing. “Well I hope you like candy… as in BARS! I play the Magic Card Nightmare Steel Cage!”

The ground erupted around Clive, Peter, and their Monsters, and a dome-like cage formed around them, studded with spikes!

“Hey!” shouted Peter.

“That will keep you and your Monsters from attacking us for two full turns, which should be long enough for us to implement our ultimate strategy!” laughed Flint.

“First,” he continued, “I summon Alpha the Magnet Warrior in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a grey, stone warrior with a sword and shield, decorated with magnets, came forth. (1,400/1,700)

“Your turn, Clive, not like it will matter,” laughed Flint.

“Peter, I know what they’re planning!” whispered Clive. “That Medulla Oblongata woman used this trick on Yugi in the Labyrinth!”

“I know!” assured Peter. “Calm down!”

Clive drew. He looked at his card.

“I order Dark Blade and Kiryu to separate, and shift them into Defense Mode,” said Clive.

Dark Blade dismounted his steed. He kneeled in Defense, and Kiryu curled up. Dark Blade’s Attack returned to 1,800.

“And I also summon Cliff the Trap Remover, also in Defense Mode,” he continued, “ending my turn.”

The trap-master of the Dark Scorpions appeared, and knelt in Defense. (1,200/1,000)

“Heh, heh,” chuckled Steel, drawing. “I summon Beta the Magnet Warrior, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a cute yellow creature with a magnet on his head appeared. (1,700/1,600)

“And I’ll place one card facedown,” he continued.

The facedown card appeared.

“Your move, curls,” chuckled Steel.

“Stop calling me that!” yelled Peter, drawing.

“I’ll shift all my offensive Monsters into Defense Mode,” he said, “and end my turn.”

Terrorking Archfiend and Shadowknight Archfiend knelt in Defense and folded their wings.

“And I’ll end my turn,” said Peter.

Flint drew.

“I summon Gamma the Magnet Warrior, in Attack Mode!” he shouted, slapping the card down. Another Magnet Warrior appeared, this one red with a blocky body and wings. (1,500/1,800)

“Clive, this is looking bad…” muttered Clive.

“Don’t panic yet,” whispered Peter.

“Your turn, Clifford,” laughed Flint.

Clive drew.

“I’m just going to pass for this turn,” he said.

Steel drew.

“Then it’s time to meet the rocky face of defeat,” he smiled.

He put a card down.

“I command all three of the Magnet Warriors to come together! Unite!”

Alpha, Beta, and Gamma clasped their left hands and leapt into the sky in a spinning pattern. A huge burst of light flashed overhead…

And a huge form leapt down. It was another Magnet Warrior, twice the size as the others, combining all the features of the first three.

“Presenting,” yelled Flint and Steel, ”Valkyrion the Magna Warrior!”

(3,500/3,850)

“And since we both contributed to building this creature,” continued Steel, “we can both attack with him! Of course, just as you can’t attack until the Nightmare Steel Cage vanishes, which it will after Peter’s next turn, we can’t attack you until then either. But I can prepare for that time…”

He hit a button on his Disk and his facedown card appeared.

“I play the Magic Card Destroy Defense!”

And with that, all six of the Monsters on Peter and Clive’s side leapt up into Attack Mode!

“This forces all your Monsters into Attack Mode, and prevents anything you summon from defending itself for three full turns!” laughed Steel. “But I doubt you’ll even last that long!”

“Now can we panic?” asked Clive.

“No!” shouted Peter.

I know I have a guy in here that can defeat Valkyrion, thought Peter, but first I have to draw him.

He drew.

And this isn’t it!

“I pass this turn,” he said.

The Nightmare Steel Cage crumbled and fell.

Flint chuckled. “I doubt you lightweights can do anything that can threaten Valkyrion,” he said. “But just in case… I summon Battle Footballer, in Defense Mode.”

He put the card down, and the armored football player appeared, crouching down in Defense. (1,000/2,100)

“Now, who to chose?” pondered Flint. “I’ll start out with that Warrior of yours who brought down our Labyrinth Wall. Valkyrion, attack Dark Blade with magnetic sword slash!”

Valkyrion flew forward and cleaved Dark Blade in two! Clive’s Life Points fell to 4,875.

Clive drew.

“I’ll play the Pot of Greed!” he said, inserting the card into the slot.

The smiling jar appeared on the field.

“Oh sure, like that will help,” laughed Flint.

Clive made two draws. He looked at one of the cards strangely.

This might just work, he thought. What did he say about those two Magic Cards he used?

Got it!

“I place one card facedown,” said Clive, “and I end my turn.”

The card appeared in front of him.

“Trying to fool us with a bluff, huh?” laughed Steel. “You’d try anything now! I’m going after you next, curls! Valkyrion, attack Darkbishop Archfiend!”

Valkyrion flew forward, and swung! Darkbishop Archfiend dissolved into a puddle of water. Peter’s Life Points fell to 3,600.

“Why don’t you two just give up?” chuckled Flint.

“Yeah,” laughed Steel. “Our Magna Warrior is indestructible!”

Peter drew. He glared at the card.

“Nothing is indestructible,” growled Peter. “And I’m going to prove it right now! Behold!”

He held up a Magic Card.

“Contract With The Dark Master?” asked Steel. “What the Hell is that?”

“Interesting choice of words, my friendless friend,” grinned Peter. “It’s a Ritual Card, which I can use to bring out the mightiest Fiend in my deck!”

He fit it into the slot.

“To invoke its great summoning power, I offer as sacrifice my Terrorking and my Shadowknight!”

Fierce lightning struck over the skies of Pandemonium, and the sky grew black as pitch. The two Archfiends stood back-to-back, and suddenly, a mass of black, wiry ribbons started to wrap around them.

“Steel, this is creepy,” muttered Flint.

The two Archfiends were encased in a cocoon… after a few seconds, the cocoon burst, and a huge form stepped out. He looked like a cross between a Fiend and a Zombie, with slimy hair and huge wings. The winds in the fiendish city started to pick up.

“I give you… the undisputed ruler of all things fiendish, Dark Master Zorc!” said Peter.

(2,700/1,500)

Flint and Steel looked at the creature. Then they laughed out loud.

“Dark Master?” chuckled Steel, sarcastically. “Names mean nothing. That Fiend may be powerful, but Valkyrion is still stronger!”

“Want a bet?” smiled Peter. “I’m activating Zorc’s effect right now!”

The ground behind Dark Master Zorc erupted, and a huge, fiendish grandfather clock burst out of the ground. It was decorated by hideous gargoyles, and its black face had the numbers one through six on it, with a sharp pointer resting on the one.

“Huh?” said Flint.

“You won’t find this kind of clock in any antique store!” said Peter. “Here’s how it will work. When the hand on the Demon Clock goes for a spin, if it stops on the one or two, Zorc can destroy both your Monsters. Three, four, or five, and he can destroy one Monster, and I’ll bet you can guess which one he’ll aim for!”

“And if it lands on the six?” gasped Steel, starting to sweat.

“Then all our Monsters will be destroyed, and you’ll likely win this duel,” said Peter. “But you must admit, the odds are against you! Dark Master Zorc, Demon Roulette now!”

The hand on the Demon Clock started to spin. All four of the duelists started to sweat. Every pair of eyes in the crowd was on the clock…

It slowed…

And it landed… on the four!

“Not bad!” smiled Peter.

The gargoyles on the clock breathed forth tremendous flames, roasting Valkyrion the Magna Warrior! Within seconds, he was reduced to ashes!

“NOOO!” shouted Flint and Steel.

“And since that Monster counted as belonging to both of you,” said Peter. “You both take damage from his destruction!

“And I can still make a normal attack with Zorc! Time to destroy your last line of defense! Dark Master Zorc, destroy Battle Footballer with unholy blight attack!”

Zorc raised his arms and shot a beam of pure darkness at Battle Footballer, obliterating him.

Now Flint’s Life Points stood at 975, while Steel’s stood at 2,425.

“That ends my turn,” smiled Peter.

“Do something you big jerk!” yelled Steel to his partner.

Flint’s hand shook as he drew.

“I summon Rock Ogre Grotto in Defense Mode!” he said, placing a card down.

A blocky humanoid made of stone appeared. (800/1,200)

“I meant something better than that!” yelled Steel.

Clive drew. He smiled as he looked at the card.

“It really wouldn’t have mattered, guys,” said Clive. “Activate Trap… Dark Scorpion Pilfer!”

The card revealed itself.

“This Trap allows any member of the Dark Scorpions, like Cliff the Trap Remover there,” grinned Clive, “to steal from either of your Graveyards any Magic or Trap Card that he wants!”

A card appeared in Cliff’s hands.

“And it looks like he just swiped your Smashing Ground card, Flint,” he continued.

The card magically appeared in Clive’s hand, and he placed it into his slot.

“So this card destroys the opposing Monster with the highest Defense, right? Doesn’t really matter, because your Rock Ogre Grotto is the only Monster you guys have there.”

The ground shook again, and Rock Ogre Grotto was smashed into rubble. Flint’s Life Points fell to 575.

“Now to finish the both of you off!” yelled Clive. “I Tribute both Cliff the Trap Remover and Kiryu to summon the mightiest Monster in MY deck!”

He placed a card down, and his two Monsters vanished.

“Meet her royal majesty, Crescent Moon Queen!”

She came out of the darkness, a lovely but dark female warrior dressed in armor and a cloak that resembled the night sky. On her head of flowing dark hair was an obsidian crown set with a white diamond. She drew two curved scimitars. (2,600/1,700)

“With her two Crescent Blades, she can attack twice, not once,” said Clive. “And she packs enough power to finish the both of you off!

“Crescent Moon Queen, attack those two louts with crescent sword slash!”

The two of them screamed as the Queen charged at them. She cut down both Flint and Steel with two savage swipes! They collapsed, and their Life Point scores both fell to zero.

The crowd cheered. Crescent Moon Queen sheathed her swords. She and Dark Master Zorc looked at each other.

The two Monsters clasped hands, just as Clive and Peter clasped theirs.

As the city of Pandemonium faded away, they looked at their Disks. Both had been upgraded to Green.

“Well folks,” smiled Penelope, coming up to them, “that was one Hell of a duel. Literally.”

“Uh huh,” said Peter.

He and Clive went up to Flint and Steel who were cowering and shivering on the ground in fear.

“And you muscle-bound jerks had best keep your end of the bargain,” demanded Clive. “Leave this juice bar alone.”

“You’d better,” warned Penelope. “In Duelatopia, not honoring a wager is considered cheating. Show up in my place again, and I’ll have the Centurions on you faster than that Queen was!”

She turned to Clive and Peter.

“So how about some complimentary chocolate malteds?” she asked.

“Sure,” said Peter, “But we have to leave in forty minutes. We’re meeting some friends at two.”


* * * * * * * * * *


Siegfried turned off the main screen.

“I’ll be back in an hour, everyone,” he said. “I’m going for lunch. Be sure to keep me posted on any significant changes in what I wanted monitored.”

“Yes Master of Games,” they said.

Siegfried sighed.

“So many duels going on,” he said. “I wish I could participate in a few, rather than just watch. But I can’t compromise my identity to anyone but those I’ve already trusted.”

He took from his armor his deck and leafed through it. His three favorite cards, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon cards, the only three in world, were in front of him.

“It will be revealed eventually,” he said. “But until then, I have to hide behind this stifling armor and special machinery. It is a necessity… and in little more than a week or two, it will be over…”



QUICKSAND (Trap Card)

Card Specs

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a warrior sinking in a dark mire. When you activate this Trap, for three full turns, counting from your opponent’s next turn, none of the opposing Monsters currently on the field can attack, change position, or be used as a Tribute.



GREAT ESCAPE (Trap Card)

Card Specs

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a laughing Meanae the Thorn carrying a bag of loot escaping from angry guards with a grappling hook. You can only activate this Trap when one or more Monsters with “Dark Scorpion” in its name or has the name “Don Zaloog” or “Cliff the Trap Remover” is face-up on your side of the field. For the duration of the turn after you activate this Trap, one of these Monsters of your choice cannot be attacked by opposing Monsters.



ALTAR OF THE ARCHFIENDS (Trap Card)

Card Specs

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a fiendish altar decorated with skulls and bones. When you activate this Trap, you can sacrifice one Archfiend Monster. Restore your Life Point total by half of the current ATK points of the sacrificed Monster.

Note: “Altar of the Archfiends” first appeared in “City of Souls”



LABYRINTH DEFENSE (Trap Card)

Card Specs

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of several Monsters wandering through a labyrinth. You can only activate this Trap when “Labyrinth Wall” is face-up on your side of the Field. When activated, chose one other Monster on your side of the Field. The chosen Monster cannot be attacked for one round, unless “Labyrinth Wall” is first destroyed.



BONES OF THE EARTH (Magic Card)

Card Specs

Type: Magic
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of an earthen burial ground. Increase your Life Points by 400 for every EARTH Monster in your Graveyard.



NIGHTMARE STEEL CAGE (Magic Card)

Card Specs

Type: Magic
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a steel mesh with a grasping hand reaching out of it. When you activate this card, for two full turns starting from your opponent’s next turn, neither player’s Monsters can attack.

Note: “Nightmare Steel Cage” is a Japanese promo card that has not yet been released in the United States. It first appeared in the anime in the episode “Mime Control (Part One)”.



DESTROY DEFENSE (Magic Card)

Card Specs

Type: Magic
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a sword smashing a shield. When you play this card, all opposing Monsters are forced into Attack Mode. Your opponent cannot shift a Monster into Defense Mode or set a Monster in Defense for three turns.

Note: “Destroy Defense” appeared in “Legacy of the Duelist”.

[Shuppet Master]

Like the duel,it was pretty interesting. Peter and Clive lost it for a moment there,utnil Pandemonium came up. Honestly,Peter should have monsters which don't require a life point payment. :D

Venusaur,I wish to correct an error I made. I told you that Amazon Queen was stupid because it fused a normal monster with a monster which had an effect and the fusion monster had no effect. But I recently checked the Japanese lists for the newest card boosters,"Soul of the Duelist" and "Rise of Destiny",and in the first pack,there are TWO fusion monsters which have no effects but are fused with effect monsters. One of them was a fusion of the two searcher cards(Sangan and Witch of the Black Forest) and it had no effect,it was merely a Level 6 Spellcaster. My bad. :)

[Dark Sage]

No apologies necessary, Hack.

That isn't the only example. Witch of the Black Forest is also part of the Fusion (along with Lady of Faith) to create Musician King, who's somewhat strong, but has no effect.

But fans of the anime know that in this world, Musician King can be used to create an even stronger Monster...

And yes, that is a hint.

Also, Thunder Dragon is an Effect Monster, but when you combine two of them in a Fusion, you get Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon, who is very powerful, but has no effect, not even that of the regular Thunder Dragon.

As for Amazoness Queen, she was a level 7 Monster with 2,500 ATK. I knew I needed to use an amazon as part of the fusion, but I didn't think she needed an effect. She was strong enough.

- Venusaur

[Oakbark]

I havent time to reply fully because of schoolwork, etc, but that chapter was very well written and interesting, and keep it up cos im always reading!

Damien.

[Shuppet Master]

Oh yeah,forgot all about Musician King! He was such an old monster,I forgot about him. :lol: An Amazon with an attack score equal to Dark Magician,hmmm....

[mr_pikachu]

Pretty good. I liked how Clive's and Peter's emotions wavered; it made it realistic. I thought one of them might lose, for an interesting twist. But this was good. I think you should mention Life Point totals more frequently, though. It's hard to tell who stands where, especially in a double duel. Otherwise, I don't remember much to criticize, although in all honesty I wasn't really paying much attention to that this time. I'm tired... getting up at 5:30 AM is not fun. :P

Well, see you next chapter! :wave:

[Dark Sage]

Okay guys, time for a new chapter.

Once again, I've taken a few liberties, and I've included a few cards from "Ancient Sanctuary". If you want to know the location of the website that explains the Ancient Sanctuary cards, PM me.

Otherwise, enjoy.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

No-one ever forced me to follow the strict and disciplined Code of Bushido… I chose to follow it via my own free will.

And some would say that I was insane to do so. It is a hard, tiring, demanding life, one that would make the life of a U.S. Marine seem tame.

And there are few tangible rewards. The Samurai cannot look forward to wealth, material goods, or great fame. The rewards that the Samurai does receive are satisfaction, honor, and spiritual perfection – to most folks like me, those are the greatest of rewards.

But to some few who choose to follow the path, they find such rewards unsatisfactory, and decide to take shortcuts, throwing away their honorable methods and disgracing themselves by using their skills for evil. These people, these failures, can never know the true meaning of bushido.

I know one of the worst of the lot. I had hoped Yugi would never have had to meet him… but it is too late now…



CHAPTER TEN



Rivalry of Warlords



An hour after Mary’s and Peter and Clive’s duels had finished, the clock struck two. Ten minutes later, the four members of the Team Supreme met up again. They were all happy to see that most of them had advanced.

As they walked towards the east part of Duelatopia, they began discussing the duels they had fought.

“You’re kidding,” laughed Mary. “You two in a tag-team duel? Well, what team could have done better?”

“Thanks,” answered Peter. “And this Minerva character used an Amazon Deck? Man, I’d wish I had been there to see it!”

“Only one who hasn’t dueled yet today is Yugi!” chuckled Clive.

“I’m still one level ahead of all of you,” noted Yugi. “You still need to catch up.”

“Maybe,” assured Mary. “But we’re all on a roll!”

“STOP, PLEASE!” shouted a girl’s voice suddenly.

At that moment, a tall teenager in punk-like attire wearing a Duel Disk nearly ran into them. He was clutching a card in his hand. He skidded when he saw them, and made a sharp turn, fleeing in another direction.

A younger girl, also wearing a Dueling Disk, came into view. She stopped, almost out of breath.

“Please!” she begged. “My father gave me that card!”

“Come and get it!” mocked the punk.

The girl tried to run after him, but she was much slower than him.

“Hey!” shouted Mary. “Give it back!”

“Who’s gonna make me?” dared the punk.

As if to respond, a dark shape appeared out of the corner of a building.

“Open fire!” said an amplified voice.

Two Duelatopian Centurions appeared from the corner, one of them carrying a strange looking rifle. He fired, and a blast resembling blue energy struck the punk. He screamed and fell over.

The two Centurions walked over to him.

“He’ll be all right,” said one of them. “Inform Central Command that we have a thief.”

Yugi, his friends, and the girl stared with amazement.

The Centurion handcuffed the thief’s hands behind him, and picked up the stolen card from the ground. Yugi could see what card it was – the secret-rare Magic Card Diffusion Wave-Motion.

The Centurion went over to the somewhat frightened girl, and handed it back.

“I believe this is yours,” he said.

“Th-thank you,” she stammered. “This was my father’s prize card… I don’t know what I would have done if…”

“No thanks are necessary ma’am,” assured the armored man. “The Duelatopian Centurions exist to protect and serve.”

As the Centurions led the dazed thief away, Yugi and his friends started talking quietly amongst themselves.

“I guess the ‘no stealing, fighting, or cheating’ rule is pretty much non-negotiable,” mumbled Peter.

“Yeah,” sighed Yugi. “Siegfried means business.”

“Well,” muttered Mary, “let’s see if at least one of us can find a challenge.”

Yugi smiled as he saw the girl walk away. He never told Persephone when she offered to trade a Diffusion Wave-Motion for his Guardian Angel Joan, but he already had that card. It was good to see someone else who played decks that centered on Spellcasters.


* * * * * * * * * *


As they entered the east part of Duelatopia, they stopped in front of a large place. They had not been in this area before.

They were standing before a large park, but not one like the park where Peter had dueled Brick. The trees, shrubs, and architecture of the monuments gave the place a serene Japanese feel. A large structure that looked like a Shinto temple stood far away beyond the trees (they’d later learn that it was a fancy Japanese restaurant). A babbling stream with a wooden bridge spanning it was before them, amid the hanging trees. The whole place looked peaceful and idyllic.

Curious, they walked into the park, crossed the bridge and followed the river. This beautiful place obviously was a great place for romantic couples. Many teenagers were in the process of spreading picnic lunches out on blankets, their Duel Disks put aside for now.

They noticed a group of people watching something in an area up ahead. Curious, they went to join them.

The first thing they saw was Amber, trying to hold the people back and motioning for them to be quiet. Then they saw the main attraction. Jade was standing in the center of the gathering, with her katana out. She made a dramatic swing with it, cutting the air as if she were fighting an invisible opponent. Her Duel Disk was on the ground. Yugi could see from the gemstone that she was at Green Status.

“Amber,” whispered Yugi. “What’s going on?”

“Jade came here to practice,” whispered Amber. “Our hotel was a little cramped. But she seems to have obtained quite a fan following. She doesn’t like it… Samurai aren’t show-offs.”

Jade continued, and swung her sword through the air deftly. Again and again, she thrust, swung, and parried.

Finally, she held it silently in front of her. She leapt and made one more dramatic swing, and the crowd gasped.

She slowly sheathed the sword. The crowd clapped. Jade made a polite bow.

She removed her helmet and Amber brought up a handkerchief and a bottle of water.

“Killer moves, Jade,” commented Mary.

“Killer,” stated Clive.

“Thank you, old friends,” answered Jade, drinking from the water bottle. “How goes the tournament for you?”

“See for yourself,” answered Peter. They all lifted their Disks.

“Yes,” said Jade, strapping her own Disk on. “I might have had more luck, if so many duelists were not intimidated by my armor and sword. They often simply run from me.”

“Well, you could just leave them at your hotel…” suggested Mary.

“No, I would feel naked without them,” sighed Jade. “Anyway, I…”

“VALENTINE!” screamed a voice.

“What the…?” said Yugi.

A rustling in the trees came from above, and a black shape darted overhead.

“Oh, no,” moaned Jade.

Suddenly, a dark form leapt down from the trees. He wore a suit of armor similar to Jade’s, but it was black and glossy, and covered with sharp edges. He carried a similar sword on his back, and a Duel Disk, which was also of Green Status, on his left arm.

He glared at Jade. Then he removed his helmet. He was a young man, with long black hair, tied in a long ponytail. He also had the darkest eyebrows they had ever seen.

“Naga…” sneered Jade, obviously somewhat angry.

“So, you remember me Jade,” he growled. “Then you obviously remember that I told you it wasn’t over…”

“They invited you to Duelatopia?” frowned Jade. “Someone obviously made an error in the registration…”

“I have been winning dozens of tournaments in China since we last met,” said Naga. “Obviously Kaiba recognizes my skill.”

“You know this guy, Jade?” asked Mary.

“Do you remember my letter telling you about the crisis at my dojo?” she frowned. “It was this one’s fault…

“Naga was another of my sensei’s pupils, one which I never liked. He was brutal and condescending, and always tried to take shortcuts. He understood the physical aspects of the teachings, but not the mental or spiritual ones. I knew he would ultimately become nothing but a failure. And I think you knew that too, did you not Naga?”

Naga scowled.

“Eventually, Naga decided to abandon the order in a most dishonorable way. One night, he broke into the sensei’s main chambers, and attempted to steal an ancient katana – that weapon had been in my sensei’s family for centuries, but Naga cared only for how much money it was worth. Luckily, I had stayed up late to train, and saw him sneaking in – I caught him in the act.

“Naga was disgraced, and expelled from the order. I would have suggested prison for you Naga, but fortunately for you, that is not how the master did such things.”

“And like I told you the day I was expelled,” scowled Naga, “this is not over. I will avenge my disgrace here and now!”

He lowered his helmet over his head, and drew his sword.

“Truly you are a sad case, Naga,” said Jade, drawing her own sword. “Attacking me out of revenge will only bring you more dishonor…”

The two warriors raised their swords…

“WAIT!” yelled Mary.

She ran between them. They halted.

“Stand aside, girl!” demanded Naga.

“Don’t you two remember what the Master of Games said?” she yelled. “Fighting is forbidden in Duelatopia. Trust me, you do NOT want to mess with those Centurions!”

“I see no Centurions here,” snarled Naga.

“Half of them are undercover,” stated Peter. “And there might be some watching right now!”

“I have to agree with Mary and Peter on this, Jade,” warned Yugi. “It would break my heart if you were arrested and had to spend the rest of this tournament in Duelatopia’s prison.”

Jade looked at Naga. Naga slowly sheathed his sword.

“In that case,” he sneered. “Our true duel will have to wait. But I will not be denied a chance to avenge myself. I challenge you Jade, to a battle of Duel Monsters!”

“I accept!” responded Jade, sheathing her sword.

“Aw man,” said an onlooker. “Dueling Samurai! This I gotta see!”


* * * * * * * * * *


The crowd which had watched Jade practice gathered again. Amber stood beside Yugi, Mary, Clive, and Peter, as the two duelists readied their decks.

“Think Jade can beat this guy?” asked Amber.

“Come on!” assured Clive. “Jade came in second in the Duelist Labyrinth! No way this guy can beat her!”

“I hope you are ready for a more public humiliation this time, Naga,” smiled Jade.

“Less talking, more dueling,” scowled Naga.

The holo-imagers shot out, and the Disks swung into position. The numbers set to 8,000 apiece.

“DUEL!” they both shouted.

Jade made her draws.

“For my first move,” she said, “I summon Water Magician, in Attack Mode.”

Jade put the card down, and a pretty young female Spellcaster dressed in blue with a long cape and porkpie hat with feather, carrying a staff appeared. (1,400/1,000)

Hmm! thought Yugi. Jade must be planning something. Water Magician isn’t exactly a powerful Monster...

Naga drew.

“If that’s your best opening move, I’ll have this duel won sooner than I thought!” he laughed. “Strike Ninja, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a black-garbed ninja armed with two daggers appeared. (1,700/1,200)

“Figures,” muttered Yugi.

“Huh?” asked Mary.

“The Samurai are warriors of virtue, justice, and righteousness,” explained Yugi. “They are motivated by honor and loyalty. Ninja, however, are thieves and assassins whose only motivations are greed. They have no honor. Naga has turned his back on bushido in a vile way by putting that Monster in his deck…

“And I’d wager that isn’t the worst of it…”

“Attack, my Ninja!” shouted Naga. “Strike daggers attack!”

The Strike Ninja blazed forward and cut down Water Magician. He flipped back into position. Jade’s Life Points fell to 7,700.

“Sorry Naga,” said Jade, drawing, “But Water Magician was just a decoy to fool you into bringing out a stronger Monster. She will be honored for her sacrifice, but now your Ninja will go down. Shugenja Sorceress in Attack Mode!”

She put the card down, and a different Spellcaster appeared. She was wearing a white gi with a straw hat; several scroll tubes appeared on her belt, and her feet were bare. (1,900/800)

“Shugenja Sorceress, attack the Ninja!” shouted Jade. “Ki magic attack!”

The Shugenja Sorceress let lose a blast of brilliant light, which vaporized Strike Ninja. Naga’s Life Points fell to 7,800.

“What?” gasped Naga. “No fair!”

“Your move,” said Jade.

Naga drew.

Good, he thought. I may not be able to destroy that Sorceress, but she can’t destroy this!

“I summon Serpentine Princess in Defense Mode!” he announced.

He put the card down, and an evil looking woman with a long snaky tail in place of legs appeared, reclining on her coils. (1,400/2,000)

“There,” smiled Naga. “Her Defense is stronger than your Sorceress’s Attack.”

“Not for long,” said Jade, drawing.

She looked at the card, and smiled.

“I first summon Goddess of Whim, in Attack Mode,” she said, putting it down.

A beautiful woman covered with leaves and ivy appeared. (950/700)

I remember that one! thought Yugi. She used Goddess of Whim against me…

“And now,” continued Jade, “I Equip Shugenja Sorceress with Sacred Bow!”

She put a card in a slot, and a golden bow and arrow appeared in the Sorceress’s hands. Her attack went up to 2,300.

“What? No!” gasped Naga.

“Shugenja Sorceress,” ordered Jade, “attack with sacred arrow attack!”

The Sorceress pulled back the bowstring and fired, hitting Serpentine Princess in the chest. She hissed and fell dead.

“Now, my Goddess of Whim…” said Jade.

“No!” screamed Naga. “I’m wide open for a direct attack!”

The Goddess walked up to him with a smile.

“My Goddess is going to attack you all right,” said Jade, “but you can lower the intensity of the attack if you are lucky.”

The Goddess raised her fist. She was only five feet from Naga.

“What to you mean?” asked Naga. He didn’t like the look in the Goddess’s eyes.

“A little game of ro-sham-bo,” exclaimed Jade. “If you win this toss, her Attack power will be halved. If you lose, it will be doubled. Simple enough?”

Naga hesitated.

“Come now, Naga,” said Jade. “She is waiting. If you refuse, she wins automatically.”

Naga snarled and raised his fist. They shook.

One, two, three…

Their hands both stayed closed, rock.

“Again!” ordered Jade.

One, two, three…

Naga’s hand opened, paper. The Goddess’s fingers jutted out, scissors!

“Scissors cuts paper!” smiled Jade. “My Goddess wins!”

The Goddess of Whim’s attack score doubled to 1,900!

“No!” gasped Naga, as she reached for him.

“You had best pucker up, Naga!” grinned Jade.

The Goddess seized him and planted a deep wet one on his lips. Naga screamed as best he could, and when she let go, he fell to his knees, gasping for breath. His Life Points plummeted to 5,900.

Everyone laughed at Naga as he gasped for air and the Goddess backed up.

“What was wrong, Naga?” asked Jade. “Did you not like my Goddess’s Kiss of Whim?”

“You will pay for this humiliation…” sneered Naga, drawing.

He looked at his card.

“I play the Magic Card Soul Exchange!” he said, placing it into the slot.

Goddess of Whim screamed and vanished.

“This Magic Card lets me Tribute one of your Monsters in place of one of mine,” he said. “So I’ll Tribute your Goddess of Whim to bring out the dreaded Hebi-No-Ona, in Attack Mode!”

A woman in a fancy kimono and exotic hairstyle appeared in front of him. She lifted up her long sleeves, and they saw that, in place of arms, she had huge snakes, asps to be specific. (1,900/1,200)

“That… doesn’t look good,” muttered Clive.

“Of course, since I just used Soul Exchange, I must end my turn there,” he said. “But you must admit, it was clever.”

“Clever?” said Jade. “More like stupid. That Hebi-No-Ona thing might look scary, but my Sorceress outranks her by 400 Attack points with the Sacred Bow. Plus, if that Monster is a Dark Monster, and I am guessing it is, the Bow grants the Sorceress a further 500 point bonus.”

Naga sighed.

“Looks like you got me!” he shrugged.

“Indeed,” said Jade, drawing. “Beautiful Headhuntress, in Attack Mode.”

She put the card down, and a lovely young girl dressed in a kimono and carrying an executioner’s cleaver appeared. (1,600/800)

“Just a warning,” warned Jade. “Once my Sorceress disposes of your Hebi-No-Ona, my Headhuntress’s blade will come down on your neck.

“Shugenja Sorceress, sacred arrow attack!”

The Sorceress pulled back her bow…

And at that moment, the Hebi-No-Ona’s two snake like mouths and her true mouth – which was fanged – opened, and her eyes glowed red. Shugenja Sorceress froze in place.

Naga chuckled. “Did I mention the Hebi-No-Ona’s special Effect?” he laughed. “While she is on the field, she can hypnotize one Monster of my choice, and keep that Monster from making any attacks! She may not be strong enough to defeat your Sorceress, but she can keep her from attacking!”

“I was right,” mumbled Clive. “That isn’t good.”

Jade paused. So he is not so stupid, she thought.

“I will end my turn,” she said.

“Good,” said Naga, drawing.

Hmm, he thought. This will be good for “insurance”…

“I’ll first play one card facedown,” he said, fitting a card into a slot.

“Now, despite the fact that my Hebi-No-Ona is keeping your Sorceress at bay doesn’t mean she has to attack her,” her said. “Hebi-No-Ona, attack the Beautiful Headhuntress with asp spit attack!”

The Hebi-No-Ona raised her “arms” and spit a stream of venom at the Beautiful Headhuntress; she screamed and was melted into goo. Jade’s Life Points fell to 7,400.

“And I’ll end my turn by summoning Gagagigo in Attack Mode,” he said.

He placed the card down, and a tall, humanoid lizard dressed in a loincloth appeared. (1,850/1,000)

Jade drew. She looked at the card.

Could this possibly work? she thought. Could there be limits to that thing’s powers?

One way to find out…

“I Tribute my Sorceress to summon Robo-Ronin, in Attack Mode!” she said.

She put the card down. The Shugenja Sorceress vanished, and the large, mechanical Samurai appeared. (2,000/1,000)

“Robo-Ronin,” she shouted, “attack the Hebi-No-Ona with energy blade slash!”

The Machine raised his glowing sword.

“Have you forgotten my Hebi-No-Ona’s power?” laughed Naga.

The Hebi-No-Ona opened her three sets of jaws again, and her eyes glowed…

But the Robo-Ronin wasn’t impressed. It brought its sword down on the creature, obliterating her!

“What?” gasped Naga.

Naga’s Life Points fell to 5,800.

“Seems you did not study your Monster’s powers fully,” said Jade. “Your Hebi-No-Ona was able to entrance and enspell ordinary creatures, but when faced against a soulless, emotionless Machine, her hypnotic gaze was useless.”

“You’re a bigger fool than I thought, Naga,” said Yugi. “You should have known that Machines can’t be hypnotized!”

“You be quiet!” snapped Naga.

“I’m ending my turn,” said Jade. “But your Gagagigo is next.”

“Really?” said Naga. “Think again. I was prepared in case you found a way around my Hebi-No-Ona…”

He drew.

“Ah, perfect!” he chuckled. “I summon Lady Ninja Yae, in Defense Mode!”

He put the card down, and a beautiful woman with green hair in a purple leotard, armed with a long knife appeared. (1,100/200).

“And now, I reveal my facedown Magic Card!” exclaimed Naga.

The card revealed itself, and a huge shape appeared over the field. It resembled a huge altar with a circular portal of multicolored lights on top of it.

Lady Ninja Yae screamed as she and Robo-Ronin were sucked into it.

“Uh, someone want to explain to me what just happened?” asked Peter.

“It’s a Magic Card called Different Dimension Gate,” exclaimed Naga. “I play it, and one of your Monsters, and one of mine, is banished to the Different Dimension. And they’ll stay there until you find a way to destroy the Magic Card!”

“You would imprison one of your own Monsters to get rid of one of mine?” said Jade. “That is low, Naga.”

“I do what it takes,” said Naga. “In the meantime, Gagagigo, attack Jade with a direct attack on her Life Points!”

Gagagigo charged forward, punching Jade, and making a huge dent in her armor! She fell over, and her Life Points were reduced to 5,550.

“Jade!” screamed Amber.

“Don’t worry,” said Jade. “It isn’t over yet…”

She got up and drew.

This will help get rid of that lizard, she thought.

“First, one card facedown,” she said, putting a card down.

The card appeared in front of her.

“And then, Usagi Warrior in Attack Mode!”

She put the cards down; first the facedown card appeared, and then the rabbit-like Beast-Warrior in a gi materialized. (1,500/1,000)

“My lizard man will make hasenpfeffer out of that rabbit!” said Naga.

“Not when I Equip him with this,” said Jade, selecting a card. “The Blade of Bushido!”

She set the card into a slot, and a sword of pure light appeared in Usagi Warrior’s hands.

“This special Equip is only usable by Warriors and Beast-Warriors of the Light Attribute,” explained Jade. “But it boosts their Attack power by a considerable 800 points!”

Usagi Warrior’s Attack Power went up to 2,300.

“Looks like Jade traded in her Ancestral Daisho card for something better,” observed Mary.

“Now,” said Jade. “Attack, my Warrior! Way of Bushido strike!”

Usagi Warrior leapt up into the air and brought the glowing sword down on Gagagigo, vaporizing him. Naga’s Life Points fell to 5,350.

“Alright!” yelled Clive. “It’s still close, but Jade has just taken a slight lead.”

“Let’s hope she can keep it,” said Peter.

Naga drew.

Interesting, he thought. With this I can bring out one of my most powerful creatures!

“I summon Giant Soldier of Stone, in Defense Mode,” he said.

The huge stone statue appeared and assumed a sitting, defensive position. (1,300/2,000)

“And I also lay two cards facedown,” he said, putting two cards into his slots. They appeared behind the Soldier.

“And that will end my turn,” he said.

Jade drew, and looked at the card.

This creature could come in handy, she thought. Problem is, I need another card to activate his effect.

“Very well,” said Jade. “Now I will destroy your Gate! Activate Dust Tornado!”

Her facedown Trap Card revealed itself, and a tornado encircled the Different Dimension Gate. It was blown to pieces!

Naga smiled. Apparently he was waiting for that.

Two forms leapt out of the explosion. Robo-Ronin leapt back to Jade’s side, and Lady Ninja Yae leapt back to Naga’s side. They were both covered with green slime.

Naga chuckled. “I don’t think your robot liked getting Different Dimension goo all over him!” he laughed.

“Your Lady Ninja likely didn’t enjoy it either!” snarled Jade. “I would be mad at you if I were her!”

“Right, like a Duel Monster can get mad,” chuckled Naga. “It won’t matter in a few minutes anyway. Just finish your move!”

Well, seeing as both of his Monsters are in Defense Mode… thought Jade.

“Usagi Warrior,” said Jade. “Attack his Giant Soldier of Stone!”

The Beast-Warrior charged forth…

“I don’t think so Jade!” laughed Naga, hitting a button on his Disk.

“No!” gasped Jade. “A Trap?”

“A powerful one called Really Eternal Rest!” said Naga, as the Trap revealed itself. “This Trap can destroy all Monsters on the Field who are armed with Equips, such as that Usagi Warrior!”

Usagi Warrior gasped and fell dead. Jade’s Life Points fell to 4,975.

“You see, Jade,” said Naga. “I knew you used a lot of Equips, so I came prepared!”

Jade looked at his other facedown card.

“Rather than tempt fate, I’ll end my turn,” she said.

“Good,” chuckled Naga. “You really should have attacked, by the way, but since you didn’t, I can put my master plan into action!”

“Master plan?” stammered Mary. “I don’t like the sound of that…”

“First,” said Naga. “I’ll shift both my Monsters into Attack Mode!”

Giant Soldier of Stone and Lady Ninja Yae moved up into attack position.

What’s he doing? thought Yugi. Neither of them can defeat Robo-Ronin.

“And now, I reveal my second Trap Card…” he said.

The card lifted. It had the picture of Lady Ninja Yae surrounded by magical energy.

“It’s called Ninjitsu Art of Transformation,” explained Naga. “As she is, Lady Ninja Yae is a Warrior of Level Three. But with this Trap Card, I can transform her into a ravenous Beast, Winged Beast, or Insect of Level Six or lower!”

At these words, Lady Ninja Yae drew back. She apparently did not approve of Naga’s “master plan.” She looked back slightly at him with an expression of fear.

“What?” gasped Jade. “That is monstrous, Naga! You’ll be stealing her humanity and destroying her mind!”

Yae started to sweat. Naga chuckled.

“A true warrior needs no mind,” he laughed. “Just a powerful body! Besides, who cares what befalls my Monsters? All they are are playing cards… they’re nothing more than tools!”

“I can see now why you failed as a Samurai, Naga,” muttered Yugi, speaking up. “Your soul is too twisted to ever comprehend what the Heart of the Cards means. If you can’t master that, you had no chance of mastering bushido.

“I’d almost feel sorry for you, but you’re such a big piece of walking fertilizer that I simply can’t.”

“I don’t need anyone to feel sorry for me!” yelled Naga. “Ninjitsu Art of Transformation, transform Lady Ninja Yae!”

Lady Ninja Yae screamed and keeled over. She started to grow and her clothes burst. Within a minute, she grew fur, a tail, and huge wings. After about a minute, she had transformed into a huge, lion-like beast with vast, feathered wings, huge jaws, and razor sharp claws! The Beast roared.

“The Manticore of Darkness!” gasped Mary.

(2,300/1,000)

“Manticore of Darkness,” said Naga. “Destroy Robo-Ronin with primal rage attack!”

The Manticore breathed forth a wave of fiery energy, melting the Robo-Ronin.

“Now my Giant Soldier of Stone,” said Naga. “Make a direct attack on Jade’s Life Points!”

The Giant Soldier raised his giant sword and smashed it down on Jade, sending her falling to the ground.

Jade’s score stood at 3,375

“Man, now what?” gasped Amber, somewhat scared. “Jade will never bring down that thing!”

“Give your sister some credit,” assured Yugi. “You didn’t see most of what happened in New York.”

“Hang in there, Jade!” called Mary. “You can beat this creep!”

Jade drew.

Finally, she thought. Just what I needed.

“I summon Avatar of the Pot, in Defense Mode!” she said.

She lay down the card, and a large green genie appeared, sitting in the lotus position. He wore a brown breechcloth, and his head resembled the Pot of Greed. He let out a throaty chuckle. (1,200/1,300)

“What are you going to do with that joker?” laughed Naga.

Jade showed him the card she had just drawn – the Pot of Greed.

“With him on the Field, I can send the Pot of Greed to the Graveyard…” she said.

She did so.

“…and in return, I can draw three new cards.”

She made three draws.

Excellent, she thought.

“I will end my turn by laying one card facedown,” she said, putting one of the new cards into a slot. It appeared behind the Avatar.

“You don’t scare me, Jade,” said Naga. “Manticore of Darkness, destroy the Avatar!”

Manticore of Darkness breathed forth his deadly energy… Jade pressed a button on her Disk.

“Ancient master says, look before you leap,” said Jade. “The Avatar was also bait for my Trap!”

The Manticore halted. It was snared in the Spellbinding Circle!

“All right!” shouted Mary.

The Manticore’s Attack went down to 1,600.

Naga growled.

“I’ll switch my Giant Soldier back into Defense Mode,” he said. “And end my turn.”

Giant Soldier of Stone knelt in Defense.

Jade drew.

“I’ll Tribute my Avatar of the Pot,” said Jade. “Prepare to meet the driving force of my deck…”

The Avatar chuckled again and vanished; a beam of light struck from the heavens. A form materialized. He stepped out of the light, a powerful Samurai clad in golden armor and wielding a mighty katana blade…

Standing ready to attack was Yamoto the Noble Samurai! (2,200/2,000)

“All right!” smiled Peter. “It’s about time she brought out the heavy artillery!”

“Yamoto,” shouted Jade. “Demolish his Giant Soldier of Stone with katana blade slash!”

Yamoto hollered a war cry and brought his sword down on the Giant Soldier, reducing it to pebbles.

“It’s your move, Naga,” said Jade.

Now why didn’t she attack the Manticore? thought Naga.

He drew.

Well, if she waits another round, I’ll be able to shatter her Spellbinding Circle!

“For my move, I will simply place one Monster facedown in Defense Mode,” said Naga.

He put the card down, and it appeared next to the Manticore.

Jade drew.

“Time to put your poor transformed ninja out of her misery,” said Jade. “I summon the eager young pupil of Yamoto, Sashia the Samurai Squire, in Attack Mode!”

She put the card down, and another beam of light struck. A young girl dressed in leather armor, holding a short sword and wearing a bow and a quiver of arrows, appeared next to Yamoto. (1,700/1,500)

The two Warriors nodded to each other, and turned to face Naga.

“These two Samurai believe in the one thing you could never comprehend, Naga,” said Jade. “Loyalty. Yamoto is such a powerful influence on Sashia, that her Attack power goes up by 300 while he is on the field.”

Sashia’s Attack went up to 2,000.

“And furthermore,” said Jade. “While together, they can forgo both of their attacks to make a cooperative attack at a 2,600-point intensity!

“Yamoto! Sashia!” ordered Jade. “Combine your attacks! Destroy Manticore of Darkness with ki energy blast attack!”

Yamoto and Sashia clashed their swords together and a beam of light flashed from them, enveloping the Manticore. It howled, and was obliterated.

Naga’s Life Points fell to 4,350

“And I will end by laying one card facedown,” said Jade.

She put the card into the slot, and it appeared behind her warriors.

Naga snarled, and he drew.

“That facedown card had better not be a Trap Card, Jade,” he said, “because if it is, I’m about to destroy it! I’ll flip-summon my facedown Monster, Crimson Ninja!”

He pressed a button on his Disk, and a sword-wielding ninja dressed in scarlet emerged. (300/300)

And at the same time, Jade’s facedown card shattered.

“Crimson Ninja, when flipped, can destroy any Trap Card,” said Naga. “I was going to use it to destroy your Spellbinding Circle, but now I’ll make do. I’ll just Tribute the weak Crimson Ninja to summon the powerful Ghostfaced Ninja, in Attack Mode!”

He placed a card down, and Crimson Ninja vanished. In his place arose a frightening figure in a dark robe, with tangled white hair, wearing a frightening oriental mask. He was carrying a large Japanese spear. (2,000/1,500)

“Eesh, what is that?” gasped Mary.

He looks like something out of bad kung-fu movie,” said Clive.

“And I’ll end my turn there,” said Naga.

“That Ghostfaced Ninja might look tough,” said Jade, drawing. “But my Warriors will make short work of him!”

“That depends entirely on how lucky they are!” dared Naga.

Now what does he mean by that? thought Jade.

She put a card down.

“Nin-Ken Dog, in Attack Mode,” she said.

A gust of wind appeared in front of her, and a dog-like beast-warrior in a red kimono appeared, holding a shining katana. (1,800/1,000).

“Once Yamoto destroys your Ghostfaced Ninja,” said Jade, “Sashia and Nin-Ken can both attack you.”

“Bring it on,” dared Naga.

“Yamoto,” ordered Jade. “Destroy his Ghostfaced Ninja! Katana blade slash!”

Yamoto charged. Naga gritted his teeth…

As Yamoto swung his sword, Ghostfaced Ninja vanished in a puff of smoke. As Yamoto passed by, he reappeared in another puff of smoke.

“What?” said Jade.

“What?” said Clive.

Yugi stared at the creature. He kind of expected that the Ninja was hiding a secret…

“Looks like your Samurai… missed!” laughed Naga.

“Duel Monsters do not just ‘miss’!” snarled Jade.

“As his name suggests, Ghostfaced Ninja possesses the power to slip in-between this reality and the ethereal plane, like a spirit,” explained Naga. “Thus, he has a fifty percent chance of completely avoiding any attack! And your other two Monsters are too weak to try taking him down… well, Sashia could try it, but if she were successful, she’d kill herself in the process.”

“I’ll end my turn then,” said Jade, “by laying one card facedown.”

She did so, and the card appeared in front of her.

“In that case, I’ll draw,” said Naga.

He drew a card.

Hmm, this might come in handy later, he thought, adding it to his hand.

“Now,” he said, “I’ll use a ninja’s favorite Equip card! The Fuhma Shuriken!”

“Yugi, what’s that?” asked Amber.

“Fuhma Shuriken is an Equip card that can be used by any Monster with the word ‘Ninja’ in the name,” replied Yugi. “A powerful one.”

“You’re so right, Yugi,” agreed Naga. “And I’ll Equip it to my Ghostfaced Ninja!”

The Ninja’s spear vanished and a large shuriken appeared in his hand.

“This Equip brings his Attack all the way up to 2,700!” gloated Naga. “Now, he’s stronger than all three of your Monsters, and he’ll take them down one by one! Ghostfaced Ninja, attack the Nin-Ken Dog with flying shuriken of death attack!”

The Ghostfaced Ninja threw a flurry of shuriken at the Nin-Ken Dog, nearly slicing him apart. Jade’s Life Points slipped to 2,475.

“Think I’ll end my turn by laying a card facedown,” said Naga, placing a card in a slot.

It appeared behind his ninja.

“But how will you defeat my super-charged ninja?”

“It all depends on whether or not he’s lucky twice!” shouted Jade. “I activate my Trap Card: Book of Tao!”

Her facedown card revealed itself, revealing a Trap Card depicting a glowing book with Chinese writing.

“What on earth?” gasped Naga. “Isn’t that...”

“The ancient Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu, ignoramus,” sneered Jade. “Did you not ever read it? It is kind of required reading for a Samurai! Anyway, its arcane power of wisdom is such that for one round, all Light Monsters on the Field have their Attack Scores doubled! And that means both Yamoto and Sashia!”

The two Samurai on the Field started to glow. Yamoto’s Attack score went up to 4,400, and Sashia’s went up 4,000!

“Now, let’s see if your Ghostfaced Ninja can avoid both of their attacks… but I warn you, if the first one hits, you lose this duel!”

Naga drew back in fright.

“Sashia, attack!” commanded Jade.

Sashia lunged forward with her sword. But again, the Ghostfaced Ninja vanished into mist and reappeared.

“Ha! She missed,” laughed Naga.

“Yamoto, attack!” said Jade.

Everyone on Yugi’s side started to sweat as Yamoto charged…

Yamoto drove his blade deep into the Ghostfaced Ninja! He screamed and burst.

“Yay! Go Jade!” shouted Amber.

“I knew she’d beat that creepy Ninja!” said Mary.

“Well don’t get too self confident,” gloated Naga. By destroying the Ghostfaced Ninja, you sent the Fuhma Shuriken to the Graveyard, and by doing that, you lose 700 Life Points!”

“Aw, crud!” moaned Amber. “Can’t we ever catch a break?”

Jade’s Life Point’s now stood at 1,775, while Naga’s stood at 2,650.

The Trap Card vanished, and Yamoto’s and Sashia’s scores returned to normal.

“Make your move,” dared Jade.

Naga looked at his cards.

I have a powerful Monster in my hand, he thought, but it needs a two-Monster Tribute to summon! And with her cooperative attack, two weak Monsters would never last long enough.

He drew.

Then he looked at his facedown card. He looked at the card he just drew.

Of course, he thought. It’s obvious…

“I play the Magic Card known as… Card Destruction!” he exclaimed.

He placed a card in a slot.

“Now both of us must discard our entire hands and draw new ones!” he laughed.

“I know how Card Destruction works!” snarled Jade.

They each discarded their hands and drew an equal number of cards.

“Now,” Naga laughed, “I reveal my facedown card…”

It lifted up…

Monster Reborn.

“And now,” he cackled. “I’ll use it to summon one of the Monsters I just discarded!”

The sky above them grew dark. A sinister shape appeared on the field. Standing almost seven feet tall, it was a ninja dressed in dark clothing with golden trim, and fiendish raiment, carrying two wicked swords.

“Meet the incredible Ninja King!” shouted Naga.

(2,600/1,900)

“That creature is even stronger than Dark Magician!” gasped Mary.

“Ninja King,” commanded Naga, “attack Sashia with Ninjitsu furry attack!”

Sashia screamed as the Ninja King leapt up and brought his swords down on her, cutting her to shreds. Yamoto glared at him and Naga with hate.

Jade’s Life Points fell to 1,175

“Well,” smiled Naga. “It’s your move.”

Jade drew. She slowly added the card to her hand.

“Well Naga,” she said, taking a different card from her hand, “this card worked for you… so I’m using my own Monster Reborn to bring Sashia back.”

She put the card down, and Sashia reappeared, in Attack Mode.

“What good will that do you?” chuckled Naga.

“Remember your Ghostfaced Ninja?” said Jade, choosing a card. “You said that he depended on luck. I don’t depend on luck. In matters like that, I depend on faith… the faith that has guided me for so long… the faith that you rejected when you tried to steal via your dishonorable ways.”

“Stop talking in riddles!” demanded Naga.

“I have faith that the being I am about to summon will guide me to victory in this duel,” said Jade. “I summon Time Wizard!”

She threw the card down, and Time Wizard leapt up, brandishing his staff. (500/400)

“Oh!” gasped Mary.

“It all comes down to this, Naga,” said Jade. “If the Time Wizard’s spin misses, you will win this duel… if he succeeds, you will lose. Time Wizard, time roulette now!”

The pointer on the Time Wizard’s staff started to spin.

“Come on, Time Wizard,” pleaded Clive.

“Don’t land on a skull,” begged Amber.

The spinner slowed…

And it landed with a “ding” on the top crown!

“YES!” cheered Amber.

“Time Magic!!” shouted the Wizard. The time warp opened overhead, and the Ninja King gasped. He dropped his swords.

When the warp stopped, the Ninja King’s Attack score had been reduced to 1,900.

“A thousand years has passed,” said Jade. “The Ninja King has been aged into a crippled old man!”

“Yes,” smiled Yugi. “And that isn’t the only effect that the Wizard’s spell has had.”

“Huh?” said Mary.

Yamoto the Noble Samurai started to glow.

“Oh yeah,” smiled Mary. “When Yamoto is exposed to Time Magic, he gets stronger!”

Yamoto glowed like a miniature sun. Sashia stepped back, looking overjoyed. After a few seconds, Yamoto stepped out, his eyes glowing golden, his armor a brilliant white, and his sword shining a radiant glow.

Yamoto the Noble Samurai was now Yamoto the Celestial Avatar! (2,800/2,400)

“Now Yamoto,” shouted Jade, “smite the Ninja King with burning celestial blade attack!”

The Celestial Avatar ran forward in a blur, and the Ninja King was vaporized. Naga’s Life Points fell to 1,950.

“Finish him off Sashia!” shouted Jade. “Show Naga the true power of the Samurai, with a direct attack on his Life Points!”

Sashia raised her sword, and leapt into the air. She brought her blade down on Naga, and he screamed, falling to the ground.

It was over.

Everyone applauded. Jade’s busted armor repaired itself. She looked at her Disk, and the gem on it changed color to Blue. She looked at Naga. His Disk was downgraded to Yellow.

“No, no!” shouted Naga. He leapt to his feet.

“This still isn’t over Jade,” he cursed. “Someday our true duel will commence. Someday soon, you will face my wrath, and you will not survive!”

He bowled through the crowd and fled.

Jade removed her helmet and slowly shook her head.

“I almost pity him,” she said.


* * * * * * * * * *


Jade, Amber, and their friends spent a lot of time talking; mostly about the tournament thus far. It was almost five o’clock when Jade got up.

“I would love to stay longer in these peaceful surroundings, my friends,” she said. “But I have to eat… and then I have to take a bath. I’m certain we’ll cross paths again. Come along Amber.”

As she started to get up, a realization came over Yugi.

“Jade, wait!” he called.

“Yes?” she asked.

“This bath…” he asked. “Would it happen to be the mizu-ken-kasai ritual?”

“Um, actually, yes,” said Jade. “Why?”

They all knew what that meant. Jade had mentioned the mizu-ken-kasai ritual last year when they were in the City of Souls. It was a procedure where a trained Samurai could meditate while immersed in water that had been heated to the boiling point, and could strengthen both the body, mind, and spirit. It was naturally dangerous for a beginner, and for such novices could only be done with the aid of a Samurai who was experienced in it.

Jade had later half-jokingly told them that she was authorized to aid a novice in mizu-ken-kasai, and that any of them were welcome to join her in it someday – a proposal which Yugi had become very curious about.

“Um, Jade,” muttered Yugi. “Remember when you said that any of us could try it if we wanted? I… well… I might want to take you up on that offer…”

Jade gave him a long look.

“You are certain?” she asked.

Yugi paused.

“Yes,” he said.

Jade gave him a long look again.

She took a piece of paper out of her satchel, and started writing down something on it.

“Come to the Wingweaver Hotel at seven-thirty, and give this to the doorman,” she said. “I’ll be waiting.”

“Um, you do have a bathing suit, right?” mentioned Yugi.

Jade smiled. “I will wear one if it will make you feel better,” she assured him.

As she and Amber walked off, Clive went over to Yugi.

“Yug’, are you nuts?” he asked.

“Dunno,” said Yugi. “Maybe I am.”


* * * * * * * * * *


Outside the park, someone was watching as Yugi and his friends exited. One of the strange men dressed in an overcoat and sunglasses watched their every move.

He felt a strange sensation. He raised his hand, and the white sphere appeared in his hand. Again, the fiendish red eyes appeared in it.

“Yes master?” he said.

“I have given the matter some thought,” said the form in the sphere. “Perhaps it is time we should test one of Yugi’s disciples. Which of them do you believe is the strongest?”

“I would say Mary,” answered the cloaked man. “After all, she is the most experienced.”

“Very well,” said the form. “Wait until she lies down to sleep, and then slip her the special item you procured. We will soon see if she is as brave as her mentor… and if so, if she is anywhere near as powerful…”




HEBI–NO–ONA (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Spellcaster/Effect
Attribute: Dark
Level: 5
ATK: 1,900
DEF: 1,200

Card Description: This once human woman used evil magic to be granted the power of snakes, but ended up cursed with some of their traits. While this Monster is on the field, one opposing Monster of your choice other than a MACHINE cannot attack.



BLADE OF BUSHIDO (Magic Card)

Card Specs

Type: Magic/Equip
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: This powerful blade is the source of the Samurai’s power. This card can be Equipped to any WARRIOR or BEAST-WARRIOR with the LIGHT Attribute. Increase the ATK of the Equipped Monster by 800 points.



GHOSTFACED NINJA (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Warrior/Effect
Attribute: Dark
Level: 5
ATK: 2,000
DEF: 1,500

Card Description: This sinister Ninjitsu master has practiced the art of intangibility, such that he is more spirit than man. When this Monster is attacked
by an opposing Monster, before damage is calculated, flip one coin (this effect is not optional). If the coin lands on heads, the attack is automatically negated.



BOOK OF TAO (Trap Card)

Card Specs

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: An image of the ancient Chinese book of wisdom, the Tao Te Ching. When this card is activated, all LIGHT Monsters on the Field (both yours and your opponent’s) have their Attack scores doubled for one round.



NINJA KING (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Warrior/Effect
Attribute: Dark
Level: 7
ATK: 2,600
DEF: 1,900

Card Description: This evil warrior of darkness is unmatched in the arts of Ninjitsu. When this Monster is on the Field, all allied Monsters with “Ninja” in their name (aside from this one) have their ATK scores doubled.



YAMOTO THE CELESTIAL AVATAR (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Warrior/Effect
Attribute: Light
Level: 8
ATK: 2,800
DEF: 2,400

Card Description: After centuries of training, Yamoto has gained ultimate perfection in spirit, mind, and body. This card’s name is treated the same as “Yamoto the Noble Samurai.” This Monster cannot be Normal Summoned. If you or your opponent activates the Effect of “Time Wizard” and guesses correctly, you can special summon this Monster from your Deck or your hand by offering one “Yamoto the Noble Samurai” as a tribute. This Monster gains a 500-point bonus to its ATK score while battling FIEND Monsters.

Note: “Yamoto the Celestial Avatar” appeared in “Legacy of the Duelist.”

[starjake]

Huh. I've always wondered what would happen in a battle between Ninja and Samurai. I guess we found out, didn't we?
Anyway, great chapter, as are all the others. The only things I noticed here and there is that when you type 'an', you like to make it 'and'. Just beware of that 'd'.
Other than that, keep it up!

[Shuppet Master]

Whoo hoo! I loved that chapter! Jade is one of my favorite characters,a female samurai is just awesome,and she's Mai's daughter! :D I was sure you would throw in some wicked dark samurai thing. I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Naga. :)

Oh,and the ritual will be...*ahem*,intersting. (Wishes there was an emoticon for a shifty-eyed look in the forum smilies)

Seems the Mandate gets a hint(I looked up the word,it means "law" or "contract"). And Mary is about to be challenged by the villians. This should be fun.

To everyone: I'm working on my own story,and should have the second chapter out by tomorrow. Lina meets Diane and learns about the horror that was Anastasia. Any more would be a spoielr. See you later!

[mr_pikachu]

Well, I suppose that was to be expected. Dueling is all about the Heart of the Cards... and it appears that Naga has no heart at all. Such cruelty!

I should've known the Mandate of Heaven would involve a spiritual ritual of this sort, especially after Yugi expressed such interest in this particular one during the City of Souls. It should be interesting to see what happens. But Jade wasn't going to wear a bathing suit? That's... um... er... words fail me. But you get the point.

And what's with this item that'll be given to Mary? More importantly, will it be slipped to her deck... or to her? This should be very interesting.

You might want to slow things down just a bit in your duels. It's a little hard to keep up with at times. Not too bad, but it's noticable. starjake already mentioned the typos, but watch your use of quotes as well. You frequently leave one out or add an extra in improperly.

Other than that, this is good so far. I'm looking forward to seeing the next chapter, where at least part of the mystery will be revealed! Until then! :wave:

[Dark Sage]

Pik -

Jade usually doesn't use a bathing suit for the mizu-ken-kasai because she usually does it alone. In the next chapter, you'll see how this odd ritual works. I'll spill right now that's it's a sort of sensory deprivation and meditation empowered by ki. (I made the whole thing up by the way - there is no real-life counterpart. And just so you know, "mizu-ken-kasai" is Japanese for "fire and water."

I'm glad everyone was impressed by Naga. Maybe we'll see him again...

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

Ah yeah,for a moment I thought it was real. Once again,your storytelling skills are awesome. :D

By the way,I think you've struck my heart twice,Venusaur. :love2:

(1) You named Mai's daughter Jade,which is the name of the little niece of Jackie Chan in Jackie Chan Adventures. That Jade however is a mischief-maker,but both are martial artists.

(2) When you created the Giant Spitting Cobra for a made-up card,you must have been inspired by Arbok. In the Rubyverse,sometimes Arbok has a special innate trait called Intimidate,which drops the attack of a Pokemon called into battle by one level,just like how your Giant Spitting Cobra weakens the opponent's monster attacks. :)

EVERYONE: I apologize for not bringing out my second chapter of "Sister of Anansi",but it's taking a while and I have schoolwork to worry about too,so be patient.

[Dark Sage]

Actually both are coincidences.

When I created Jade, I knew I wanted a female Samurai who wore shining green armor, green like Mai's eyes. So I named her Jade, after the precious stone, which is considered a good luck charm in the East. Yeah, Jackie's niece has the same name in Jackie Chan Adventures, but Jade Valentine is very different than the fictitious Jackie's prankster niece.

When I created the Giant Spitting Cobra in "Legacy of the Duelist", I did not know that Arbok would have the move Intimidate. Back then, Fire Red/Leaf Green was little more than a myth. So it is a major coincidence.

Anyway, look for the next chapter next week sometime around Tueday or Wednesday.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

Well, everyone has been waiting for this chapter, so I decided to post it.

I haven't been getting as many reviews as I did when this fanfic started, so I'm asking readers, please review! It won't hurt!

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

Over the past year, I’ve been incredibly curious about the mizu-ken-kasai ritual that Jade regularly undergoes. Jade has told me that during this special meditative ritual of sensory-deprivation, one might experience visions of the past, present, and even the future, not all of it concerning the participant. Of course, she told me that a beginner shouldn’t expect much on his first few attempts.

Well, I don’t have enough time to tell you how wrong Jade was in that last part! Right now, the two of us are experiencing a vision that would likely be the blockbuster event of the summer if it were shown in theaters! I feel like I should be spending a fortune just watching what is happening.

And since this is a ritual that was designed in ancient times by powerful Samurai, I know I’m supposed to learn from it… exactly what, I’ll just have to wait and see…



CHAPTER ELEVEN



Horn of Heaven



In Mary’s hotel room, she was watching a movie on the television. Having free premium channels was a good change of pace. She was worried a little about Yugi and what he had gone off to do… and maybe a little a jealous because what he was doing involved bathing with another woman… but she trusted Jade’s judgment.

In Clive’s room, Peter was working on something with him. He took two slender chains, and threaded them through holes he had punched in the two halves of the Griggle card they had split.

“There,” stated Peter, lowering one of them around his neck. “That will keep them from getting lost.”

“Wonder how Yugi is doing,” wondered Clive, putting his on. “It’s almost seven-fifteen…”


* * * * * * * * * *

Yugi was walking down the hotel strip. He wore his bathing suit under his regular clothes.

He walked down the strip until he found the Wingweaver hotel. It was a modest place, with a large mural depicting – who else? – Wingweaver over the front entrance. The sun was slowly setting in the west – it got dark late this time of the year in this region.

Yugi walked up to the doorman. “Can I help you sir?” he asked.

Yugi handed him the note that Jade hade given him.

“Oh, yes, Yugi Mouto,” he approved. “Miss Valentine is waiting for you in the main courtyard… just take the second hallway to the left.”

“Thank you,” said Yugi.

He entered and made his way to the door that entered into a large courtyard. On the door was a sign:

RESERVED FROM 7:30 to 9:30

Okay Yugi, he thought. You’ve faced things much scarier than this. You aren’t going to back out now.

He entered the courtyard.

The first thing he saw startled him – a large cauldron, twice the size of a Jacuzzi, was set up in the center of the courtyard, which was full of trees and exotic plants. The cauldron had a lid which was made up of two pieces, hinged on each side. A short stairway had been set up to reach the lid.

He then saw Amber, who was tending a fire pit underneath it. It was lit by blazing hot coals, and steam was already pouring out of the top.

“Hi,” smiled Amber.

“Um, hello,” said Yugi.

“You know Yugi,” muttered Amber, “I get nervous enough when Jade does this by herself. The thought of her inviting a friend for it…”

“I kind of invited myself,” mumbled Yugi. “Say, have you ever…?”

“Tried it once,” sighed Amber. “Didn’t like it. Didn’t get much out of it.”

Yugi changed the subject. “How did you set all this up?” he asked.

“Siegfried was very kind,” answered Amber. “He provided all the tools… although he did say his insurance didn’t cover accidents caused by ancient martial arts rituals… So I guess we’re very lucky he’s even letting you two do this here.

“You’d best change into your bathing suit.”

“It’s under my…” started Yugi.

At that point, Jade came in… wearing a green string bikini. Yugi’s eyes opened wide.

“Hello Yugi,” she said.

Yugi was speechless.

Not even Naga could have withstood the power of Jade’s dynamite body! he thought.

“Last chance to reconsider, Yugi,” cautioned Jade, “because once the mizu-ken-kasai starts, I cannot stop it until it reaches completion.”

“I’m not afraid,” stated Yugi.

“That may soon change,” warned Jade.

Yugi removed his Puzzle.

“Amber, guard that Puzzle with your life,” ordered Jade, as Yugi removed his outer garments. “And do not put it on.”

Jade understood the power of the Millennium Puzzle. During the City of Souls incident, Remi had captured Jade and taken over her mind, and had forced her into mortal combat with Yugi. Yugi had freed Jade from his evil control, but Jade sank into depression, feeling that what she had done was unforgivable. She was ready to kill herself with the ritual suicide known as seppuku, but Yami instructed Yugi to give her the Puzzle, and he used it to enter Jade’s soul chamber, where he was able to talk the Samurai into a more reasonable solution. Much later, Jade realized that the strange and wise Spirit she had encountered was the same one that guided her friend when he dueled. She didn’t quite know who Yami was, but she trusted him – and knew that the Puzzle was more powerful than any relic she had ever known.

“Don’t worry,” assured Amber. “I’ll keep it safe.”

“Now Yugi,” explained Jade, “the first rule is the most important. Once we are submerged, we must never break contact. If that happens, you will likely burn or drown before I can save you.

“Don’t try to hold your breath – once the ritual starts, breathing will be unnecessary. The water itself provides all the needed life support.

“Now, during the ritual, one might catch glimpses of things that were, things that are, and things that might be. But since this is your first time, do not expect much.

“Any questions?”

“No,” said Yugi.

“The water is at a full boil, sis,” said Amber.

“Very well,” said Jade. “Take my hand Yugi.”

They clasped hands and walked to the stairway.

“If you are going to say anything, you might as well do so now,” mentioned Jade. “Usually, words cannot carry in this ritual. Only the mind and the ki can function during this experience for the most part.

“And remember, if you do see anything threatening, don’t worry, they are only visions. They may be frightening, but they cannot harm you.”

Yugi searched his mind for something to say, but he couldn’t find anything.

They ascended the stairs. Yugi saw the boiling pit before him, and his first thought was that he was out of his mind.

Trust Jade, he thought. She knows what she’s doing…

Jade guided him down. It seemed that the interior of the cauldron had steps inside it as well. At first, Yugi felt a twinge of pain… but it went away in a second or two.

Jade guided him until they were up to their necks… and then fully submerged. The light slowly vanished – Yugi guessed that Amber had closed the lids. They were in total darkness.

Contrary to what Jade had said, Yugi couldn’t help but hold his breath. But after a few seconds more, he felt the air slowly leave his lungs. It was a strange sensation – a sensation of no breath at all.

He felt Jade’s strong arms wrapping around him. Jade was embracing him. It was likely to keep him safe – at least he hoped that was the only reason.

Well, he thought, after a few minutes. This is kind of relaxing… tingly. Sort of like a Jacuzzi for your whole body. I just wonder if…

Okay, he thought, getting his bearings. Concentrate, focus, find your center…

He closed his eyes.

And then he saw a light coming at him. It was small at first, but then it started to grow. It grew until the darkness surrounding him was replaced by light…

A void of light.


* * * * * * * * * *


Yugi turned his head, and before he knew it, he was someplace else. He was in another realm.

The ground below him seemed to be like clouds. Above him was a vast sky, also full of clouds. A shining orb of light was far in the sky, but it didn’t seem to be the sun he was used to. Looking at it didn’t burn his eyes – it emitted a silvery soft light.

He then saw that he was wearing his normal clothes, Puzzle and all – but he couldn’t sense Yami’s presence.

Then he noticed Jade next to him, wearing her armor and sword.

“Jade?” he asked. “Where are we?”

“I don’t know,” she answered. “The ritual has never done something like this before. I think were having a vision of some sort. And we’re sharing it. Two people with two minds… sharing the same vision. It is incredible.”

Then they noticed that they were not alone. Shapes began to appear around them.

The first thing they saw was what seemed to be a woman. She was beautiful, more gorgeous than anything they had ever seen. She wore a long, white robe… and she had large, brown, feathered wings on her back.

They noticed that similar creatures were in the distance.

“Jade,” asked Yugi, “do you suppose these are… angels?”

“It is possible,” answered Jade. “But this one looks rather worried…”

They followed the woman, and eventually she came to a large crystal table, where a man was seated. This figure had silvery skin, was dressed in bronze armor, and had pure white wings. He was writing something down with a quill pen.

“What troubles you Shanalla?” he asked in a strong voice.

“Lord Zaphikiel,” she stated. “It is what the Archlords said. It worries me… do you think a traitor truly exists among the hosts? Never before has conflict occurred, and if it should come to that…”

A tear started to form in her eye. The male figure stood up to comfort her.

“There, there, Shanalla,” he said, comforting her. “The Archlords are seldom wrong. You are my most trusted advisor, and should a traitor exist, you must be strong for what is to come. I assure you, if conflict comes, you will find the strength to combat it. I myself must find my own strength… all of us must. But I swear by the Almighty that no traitorous plans will succeed.

“Now we must remain alert. Continue as the Archlords have commanded. Remain alert.”

He turned away, and Shanalla started to weep.

“It’s okay… Shanalla was it?” said Yugi, going up to her. “You heard what he said… whatever happens, you can handle it.”

Shanalla ignored him.

“Hello?” said Yugi.

She made no notice.

“I’m just trying to help,” continued Yugi.

Still no response.

“Okay, fine, be that way!” said Yugi, angrily.

“Yugi,” interrupted Jade, “this is only a vision of another time. You cannot interact with the creatures here. It is sort of like we are watching a movie firsthand.”

“But… it’s so real…” muttered Yugi.

Suddenly, the clouds around them started to rise, and lights started to play.

“Now what?” asked Yugi.

“Like I said,” said Jade. “This is like a movie… we are being transferred into the next scene…”


* * * * * * * * *


When the clouds had lifted, they were in the same place, but the sky was gray. Thunder was rumbling in the distance.

The angel that had been called Lord Zaphikiel was watching the approaching storm.

“So it has started,” he pondered. “I hoped it would never have had to come to this… but it sadly has…”

“What?” shouted Yugi, forgetting he couldn’t hear him. “What’s started?”

Then the clouds parted, and a figure staggered out. It was Shanalla. Her robes were soiled and burned.

“Shanalla!” exclaimed Zaphikiel. “What has…”

“He came to me,” stammered Shanalla. “He wanted to… recruit me. I refused, and he tried to use force. I just managed to escape. Oh Zaphikiel, what has happened? He was one of the greatest of the Archlords!”

Zaphikiel hugged her.

“There is no time to worry about reasons now, my friend,” he muttered. “The other Archlords have ordered a call to arms…

“And I swear that Lucifer and the rest of his traitorous band will not succeed!

“We must prepare…”

At that moment, the skies began to fill with armed soldiers on wings.

“Come, Shanalla,” urged Zaphikiel, “all must stand against the dark tide for victory to be assured!”

And with that, the two rushed off.

“Lucifer?” gasped Yugi, in surprise. “That’s another name for… Jade, what this is… what we’re seeing…”

“We’re seeing the most ancient of ancient history,” gasped Jade. “Things that occurred before the birth of humanity. We are before The Beginning. We are seeing the events that led to the fall of Satan and the birth of Evil!”

The two mortals shivered.

“Yugi,” stammered Jade. “I fear that whatever we see, we must stay and watch… the ritual must be taken to its termination! We have no choice…”

The clouds surrounded them again.

Act Three was starting.


* * * * * * * * * *


A fierce lightning storm was now erupting over the realm, and the two mortals were in the middle of a battlefield. This was a larger scale battle than any they had ever seen waged on earth.

It was easy to see the two sides of the struggle. On one side was an army of angels who radiated light and emitted an aura that pierced the darkening sky. The other army was no less handsome than the other angels, but their aura was darkness that seemed to negate the light from around them. Both sides were armed with swords, bows, and other weapons of war.

And Yugi and Jade were right in the middle of them!

“Onward!” shouted a voice from the side of Light. Yugi could see that it came from Zaphikiel, raising his glowing sword high. Shanalla was by his side, her wounds healed and wielding a glowing sword of her own. Her doubts were gone, and determination was on her face.

Yugi turned, and saw that the forces of Darkness were led by an angel with eight glorious wings – but in his beauty was a look that hid great evil. By his side were angels of similar demeanor – handsome and beautiful, but unable to hide the wickedness in their souls.

The two armies charged towards each other.

“Stand firm Yugi,” assured Jade. “Just remember that this is just a movie…”

“Fine,” stated Yugi. “It’s just a movie… it’s just a movie…”

War cries came from both sides that split the world apart.

“Aw geeze, we’re gonna die!” yelled Yugi, covering his eyes.

The clouds lifted again…


* * * * * * * * * *


Yugi slowly uncovered his eyes. He and Jade were standing in front of a whole host of angels who were kneeling. A lot of them were bruised and battered, and a few of them were outright wounded. He could see Zaphikiel in the front, and his wings were a mess.

They turned around and saw whom they were kneeling before. A council (of sorts) of powerful looking angels with robes of the purest white, golden wings, and shining haloes were overlooking the hosts.

“Gee,” said Yugi to Jade. “Maybe we should kneel with them.”

“Technically, that isn’t necessary,” answered Jade. “But given the situation…”

She slowly knelt, and Yugi followed suit.

One who seemed to be the leader of the council came forward.

“Everyone, we have won a great victory,” he proclaimed. “Lucifer and his traitorous host has been defeated, and have been banished to the infernal realms. I am proud of all of those who helped turn back the darkness…

“And I implore you all to learn from Lucifer’s mistake. The temptation to fall to evil is strong. It would sadden us greatly if another one of you should fall…”

“Yes Archlord,” they all answered.

He spoke again.

“We must no longer remain passive. Our hosts must form armies should the Fallen ever decide to strike again. Lord Zaphikiel…”

“Yes, Archlord?” answered Zaphikiel.

“You will be in charge of the first army, at least while we are still developing them.”

He chuckled.

“Oh course, we will have to get your wings fixed up first…”

“They will heal themselves,” said Zaphikiel. “Save the healing for those who need it most.”

“Nonsense,” replied the Archlord. “There is plenty to go round. And we may need everyone at full strength as soon as possible…

“Plans are being made… important plans…”

The clouds lifted again…


* * * * * * * * * *


When Yugi and Jade came back to awareness, they saw Zaphikiel – now healed – at a large item that looked like a glass sphere cut in half. He was looking through it, and images were being shown inside it. He rubbed his chin intently.

Yugi and Jade looked into the sphere. He was looking down at the mortal Earth, and evidently, a lot of time had passed. Ancient Egyptian civilization was starting to flourish, and towns were forming on the base on the Nile.

Shanalla walked up to him.

“You find interest in the mortals?” she asked.

“Don’t you?” asked Zaphikiel.

“They are… interesting,” replied Shanalla. “Delicate. Fragile. They have few cares as yet. Hopefully, this plan that the Archlords speak of will involve them in some way.”

“Isn’t it obvious?” smiled Zaphikiel. “Soon we will reveal ourselves… soon the mortal beings will see the glory that is Heaven. We will finally be rewarded for all our work Shanalla. We will exist among the mortals as gods…”

Shanalla drew back in surprise.

“That is… not quite what I imagined,” she muttered.

“What else could it be?” said Zaphikiel. “As you said, they are fragile… once they see the strength of ultimate glory, we will be worshipped…”

He turned to her.

“And all our hard work will be appreciated at last…”

“Man,” mumbled Yugi. “This guy is getting a little full of himself…”

“I fear that he is succumbing to the same thing that spelled doom for Satan,” sighed Jade. “Namely, Pride.”

The clouds lifted again…


* * * * * * * * * *


Again, Yugi and the angelic hosts were before the council of Archlords. The leader stood before them as the hosts kneeled.

“My subjects,” announced the leader. “The Almighty has decreed that the plan is to enter the first stage, so listen well…

“The mortal beings are advancing more with each cycle. They are growing smarter with each passing year, and are growing more and more curious about their origins. Already, crude yet dedicated faiths are forming among them.

“We have no doubt that the Fallen will attempt to corrupt the poor souls to Evil in order to further their gains. Thus, our duty is clear.

“We must act to serve and protect. To fulfill the ultimate plan, they must be guided. They must not fall into Lucifer’s grasp. For each one we lose, Heaven grows weaker, and Hell grows stronger.

“Thus, I ask of you, do your best to protect them. But we must remain silent protectors, working from beyond. Sad as it is to say, the mortals must be given free will. But if we can prevent the Fallen from denying them that, and attempt to spread our word, we can perhaps nudge them away from Evil’s grasp…”

Yugi looked upon the crowd of angels and saw Zaphikiel.

A look of discontent crossed his face…

The clouds lifted again…


* * * * * * * * * *


Yugi and Jade appeared before Zaphikeil’s viewing globe. Time had passed again – the Great Pyramids had been erected, and cities were growing larger.

Zaphikiel had a look of disgust on his face.

Shanalla came up to him from out of the clouds.

“Something troubles you?” she asked.

“It’s all a waste,” he growled. “We are a thousand times more powerful than they, and yet we must act as servants? Would you ask the Archlords to serve the lowly Cherubim because the Cherubim need aid?”

“It is a whole different situation, Zaphikiel!” exclaimed Shanalla. “The mortals are easily corruptible… they need our aid!”

“We could aid them better with direct leadership,” snarled Zaphikiel. “This state the Archlords has put us in is a travesty!”

He turned to leave.

“Where are you going?” asked Shanalla.

“Don’t you order me about too…” replied Zaphikiel.

“I’m kind of interested in where he’s going myself,” muttered Yugi.

“Indeed,” answered Jade.

The clouds started to lift.

“Guess we’ll find out!” said Yugi


* * * * * * * * * *


The clouds lifted. They were no longer in the cloudy realm – they seemed to be on terra firma – in an oasis-like area surrounded by palm trees. In the distance, they saw a river, next to which was a large town.

“We seem to be on Earth now,” said Jade. “But it’s still ancient times…”

Then, Zaphikiel appeared before them in a beam of light. He had a vile look on his face.

“Man,” stammered Yugi. “I don’t think I like this guy much anymore!”

He started to wander though the oasis. Yugi and Jade followed him.

They came across an old man who wore the trappings of a priest. He was meditating on the ground.

His eyes opened as Zaphikiel approached.

“W-who are you?” stammered the man.

“I am a being of immense power, mortal,” growled Zaphikiel. “Something beyond your wildest dreams. Someone who could crush the very life out someone like you with a flick of my thumb!”

The man drew back in fear.

“What do you want?” he gasped.

“Just what I deserve,” snarled Zaphikiel in anger. “But it seems I can’t get what I deserve. I’ll just have to settle for a small iota of satisfaction!”

He approached the old man.

“Mercy, please!” shouted the man.

Zaphikiel grabbed him by the neck.

“Sorry,” he said. “Not interested.”

There was a loud snap, and the old man fell to the floor, dead.

Yugi and Jade looked on, horrified.

“I know this happened in the past,” shouted Yugi, “but I’m starting to get mad right now!”

“As am I,” snarled Jade, drawing her sword.

Yugi lunged at the angel, but he fell through him as if he weren’t there. Jade slashed with her sword, but had no more luck.

Ignoring them completely, Zaphikiel turned to the town in the distance.

“Get ready, mortals,” he sneered. “I’ll show you who is fit to serve who!”

He walked off.

At that point, Shanalla appeared, a look of horror on her face. She ran up to the dead man, and cradled him in her arms.

“Why, Zaphikiel, why?” she gasped, starting to cry. “He never did you any harm! He couldn’t have! How could you strike him down in cold blood?

“I never dreamed that you of all people, even with your arrogance, could have actually…”

At that moment, an explosion erupted in the town nearby.

“NOOO!!” shouted Shanalla.

“What’s happening?” gasped Yugi.

“It has already happened,” whispered Jade. “It is all history now. We can only now see how it turned out…”

The clouds began to rise again…


* * * * * * * * * *


Within a moment, they were back in the cloudy realm, and the council of Archlords was again before the hosts of angels. But the Archlords did not look very happy, and neither did anyone else.

As Yugi and Jade watched, Zaphikiel was dragged before him by two other angels, bound in chains. His armor was gone, his clothing reduced to a breechcloth.

The leader of the council came forward. Zaphikiel was thrown on the ground.

“Zaphikiel,” muttered the leader. “I knew of your arrogance and resentment a long time ago, but who would have known it would have led to this?”

Thunder rolled in the distance.

“The murderous crimes you have committed among innocent mortals are unforgivable,” continued the Archlord, angrily. “Did you actually think you would get away with it?”

Zaphikiel didn’t respond. He didn’t even raise his head.

“Do you have anything to say at all, murderer?” demanded the Archlord in rage.

The former hero was silent.

“Fine,” snarled the Archlord. “Your beautiful form hid a vile one within. Let the hosts see your true shape now, Zaphikiel!”

Zaphikiel screamed. His skin turned coal black, and his wings turned from white to dark grey. Claws grew from his hands. His eyes turned blood red, and finally, large, ram-like horns sprouted from the sides of his skull.

He fell to the ground, gasping.

“Enough!” shouted the Archlord, waving his hand. “Go and join Lucifer and the others to burn for eternity!”

He raised his hand. Zaphikiel screamed, and he vanished in a burst of flame.

Murmurs broke out among the crowd.

“My friends,” sighed the Archlord, “do not mourn for Zaphikiel – he sealed his own fate. Instead, I remind you again, learn from his fall. Never succumb to sin, or you will risk his horrible fate.”

He turned to another part of the crowd.

“Shanalla,” he urged.

Shanalla came forward, shaking in fear.

“Y-yes, Archlord,” she stammered, nervously.

“If not for your brave and selfless acts,” continued the Archlord, “Zaphikiel’s reign of terror would have lasted much longer before he could have been brought to justice. It was hard for you… you and he were friends for so long, is that not right?”

“Yes Archlord,” she said, with tears flowing down her face. “But I couldn’t let any more innocents suffer because of him. He had… changed.”

“You chose to serve the greater good rather than continue to serve a friend who had turned to evil,” sighed the Archlord. “Many in your position would have chosen to share Zaphikiel’s horrid destiny, but you accepted Good, and rejected Evil. Do not think of it as betrayal on your part, Shanalla. In truth, he betrayed you. You are to be commended – and you will be rewarded…”

She knelt. He touched Shanalla’s shoulder, and a glow enveloped them.

“So now what?” asked Yugi.

“I feel there is one more scene to see,” replied Jade.

Indeed. The clouds began to lift…


* * * * * * * * * *


Before the two mortals knew it, they were on a tropical island. They were surrounded by the council of Archlords, arranged in a circle.

Then they noticed that Shanalla was there too – but her wings were now golden, and she wore a brilliant halo like that of the other Archlords. Yugi assumed that it meant that she was now an Archlord herself. Obviously, a great deal of time had gone by again.

The head of the council stepped forward.

“Fellow council members,” he started, “mortal civilization is becoming more advanced than ever. Satan’s more ambitious followers will likely become unsatisfied with their attempts to tempt and corrupt mortals, and try the unspeakable…

“I am talking, of course, about an attempt at invasion. That must not happen.

“Thus, we must do what we have been all planning for centuries. We must prevent all chances of invasion. With me now, focus all of your power to create the item…”

The Archlords concentrated, and emitted holy magic from their being. At the center of the circle, a nimbus of light formed, and finally, the nimbus formed into a disk made of platinum.

An ivory chest formed below the disk, and the disk slowly lowered into it. Finally, the chest sank into the ground.

The head of the council spoke up again.

“Let it rest in this hidden location,” he pronounced, “where the Fallen cannot find it. No one will know about it’s location but us and the greatest of Powers. And when it comes time for us to reach Glorious Union, we will pass on the secret to those among the mortal world who we each choose are most worthy of knowing it.”

The Archlords clasped their hands in prayer, and then vanished, leaving Yugi and Jade alone.

And then, time seemed to speed up. Days flew by, and the phases of the moon rushed by. Years seemed to pass within second. The island around them changed. Eventually, the wilderness they were on was cleared, and buildings started to rise.

Soon, they were standing amid the structures of Duelatopia.


* * * * * * * * * *


Yugi woke up. Jade grabbed hold of him and carried him to the surface of the cauldron. The water was still a little hot, but it was no longer boiling.

“Wow,” said Yugi, as they climbed out. “That was… hard to describe.”

“Indeed,” said Jade, grabbing a pair of towels. “I never imagined something so vivid on your first try.”

“What can it mean, Jade?” asked Yugi. “It must mean something, right?”

“All visions of the mizu-ken-kasai mean something,” explained Jade. “We saw the Fall of Satan… but who this Zaphikiel creature is, I do not know, nor do I know what our part in it is.”

“Have a nice bath, people?” asked Amber.

“You wouldn’t believe it,” replied Yugi.

After they had dried off and gotten dressed, Amber came up to Yugi.

“Uh, Yugi,” she mentioned. “A guy gave me these three cards the other day… I figured they were useless, but if they mean anything, I thought maybe you could use them…”

She handed them to him. Yugi looked at the three cards.

They were strange-looking cards. All three were Monsters Cards, and as far as Monsters went, they were very weak. One was called “People Running About.” The second was called “Oppressed People.” The third was called “United Resistance.” All were very low in Attack power, and only Oppressed People had a decent Defense. None had any Effect.

“I figured they were no more than junk cards,” said Amber. “But Jade once told me that no card is worthless. I figure that if any of them had a hidden secret, you could figure it out.

“Uh, sure, thanks Amber,” said Yugi.

He opened the pouch where he kept his spare cards and put them in there. He turned to Jade.

“Anyway Jade, maybe we can do it again sometime,” he said.

He left. It was almost ten o’clock. He’d have to get some sleep if he wanted to do any serious dueling tomorrow.


* * * * * * * * * *


At midnight in the Cosmo Queen’s Castle, Mary was sleeping peacefully in her room.

The window slowly opened, and a dark shape entered. Mary’s dreams began to turn ugly.

Slowly, the dark shape inched towards her bed. It carefully placed an envelope on her, and slowly inched away.

Once out, it closed the window with a slam.

“WHAT?” shouted Mary, waking up with a start. “Who the…”

She turned the light on and noticed the letter. It was sealed with a piece of wax that had been stamped with a signet ring that imprinted the letters GK.

Mary broke the seal, and looked at the letter inside. It had been written in red ink, with a quill pen.


Duelist,

You are strong in skill, strategy, and luck. If you dare to take the ultimate test, I challenge you to meet me for a duel like none other.

Tomorrow morning, go to the library in front of the place where you first saw Clover. In the basement, you will find a secret door next to the display case on the east wall by pushing a button under it. It will lead you to my sanctuary.

Come only if you are sure of your capabilities, for as you may know, the punishment for defeat is dire.

- GK, the Eliminator


Mary was certainly surprised. She read the crazed letter several times. Was this for real?


* * * * * * * * * *


Outside, one of the strange men in trenchcoats and sunglasses was watching the hotel from an adjoining building.

He gestured with his hand, and the white orb appeared in his hand. The two glowing eyes appeared inside it.

“It is done, master,” he said. “Mary has been given the note with the instructions. She’ll have no idea that it was someone other than the Eliminator who ‘invited’ her.”

“Very good,” came the hissing voice from the sphere. “By noon tomorrow, we’ll see just how strong Mary is, and we’ll see whether she’ll be a threat, or whether she’ll be out of the picture…”

[Dark Sage]

Sorry I couldn't provide a duel in that chapter, but there wasn't room for one.

The next chapter will be up next Tuesday.

And now you can see my new and improved singnature! :)

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

So the Mandate of Heaven is a magical relic created by the Angels of God to prepare for the end of the world,right,and once the finals of Dueltopia begin,the world will come to an end,right? Maybe I'm being too apocolyptic,but...I bet this fallen angel,Zaphakiel,will be the one Yugi and his friends face in the end,and those guys in robes are his minions. :)

Can't wait to see who the winner of the second contest is. When's the third trivia contest,and what will be it about? Sorry you're not getting many reviews.

[Dark Sage]

Um...

Yes, Hack, you're being too apocolyptic. That is not what the Mandate is. It is more benign than that.

All will be revealed in time.

- Venusaur

[Hypotenuse Man]

Actually, that was my guess too. Oh well.

Anyway, I thought that was a good chapter, and despite the lack of a duel, it was exciting. I also liked your (maybe unintentional) reference to the Yu-Gi-Oh manga - at one point, Yugi Sr. says that Anzu has a dynamite body and that even the Card Bomber could not stand up to it. ...Maybe I'm reading too much into this...

[mr_pikachu]

I also liked your (maybe unintentional) reference to the Yu-Gi-Oh manga - at one point, Yugi Sr. says that Anzu has a dynamite body and that even the Card Bomber could not stand up to it. ...Maybe I'm reading too much into this...

Actually, that was going to be one of my negative comments... Venusaur, you've reused quotes yet again! Argh! ;)

Other than that, though, this was pretty good. The ritual sure brought about an interesting vision. I bet Mary will be happy to hear that for most of the time, Yugi wasn't seeing Jade in her string bikini. Although she may well be a bit miffed about the bikini being worn at all, and about her boyfriend noticing it. :scared: Run, Yugi! RUN!

(There's no safe answer for guys... *sighs*)

This was certainly stimulating. Edit a bit more, because I did notice a few typographical errors. Anyway, you're doing a great job of this so far. I'm looking forward to the next chapter! Until then! :wave:

[Shuppet Master]

One day,my sig is gonna have neat picture of Trinity(the Matrix),Rebecca(the glass-wearing one from YuGiOh),and many other sexy women... :lol:

Anyways,I'm sorry I read too much into the vision,Venusaur. My family is devout Catholic and I've read the Bible's Book of Revelation. By the way,when you said Naga couldn't stand up to a sexy body,were you talking about Slayers-Naga,the one with huge breasts and a wicked laugh? Or was there a Naga in your stories?

Ah whatever,I'm being a perv now. :laugh:

SIDE NOTE: I'm almost finished with Chapter 3 of my side-story. I just have to add in the duel with a snotty boy and it should be finished. ;)

EDIT: mr_pikachu reminded me to point out a couple of errors in your fanfic. First,you put two "a" in one sentence,one right after a word. Then I think you mispelled a word or something. I can't remember where it was. :(

[Dark Sage]

The reference to the manga was entirely intentional. I wanted people to take notice. I'm glad to see that more people enjoy the "darker side" of Yu-Gi-Oh!, and I'm sorry if anyone didn't like it.

And as for how Mary will react - Yugi will probably lie.

As for what the vision means, more clues will come up in Chapter 15 (I think). Hack, I can't give away much, but I'm not taking much from the actual Bible (or any other sacred work) to base any characters or situations. You won't see any references to any real religious figures. This is a work of pure fiction, which I was aided by with some sources. (Anyone who has read Milton's Paradise Lost might find similarities between the first part of Yugi's vision and some parts of that epic poem.)

But anyway, this isn't a religious tract - this is a Yu-Gi-Oh fic (one that is admittedly rated PG-13) and you can expect to see some strange things.

But enjoy while you can.

- Venusaur

[Loupeitak]

yeah, sorry to hear your story is not getting many replies. I haven't really replied coz i didnt have anything to say.

And i dont either now except to say i love this story...

*imagines how Yugi's face looked like when he saw Jade in her bikini*

uhh... nevermind :p

[Oakbark]

Wow, that chapter was quite thought-provoking. It's very different to the usual type of writing i read, but i liked it. Is that platinum disk a portal to the Heavens, and if so, is the Mandate of Heaven the command to tell only the select few mortals of its location when the Glorious Union happens? I hope that makes since in a weird way.

Hmm...i wonder how Yugi felt as Jade 'clasped' him in the pool as they bathed - it would be interesting to see his human side.

I thought it was strange that Yugi left Yami out of the ritual, i was sure he would have brought him with him. I wonder what those cards of Amber's do?

Finally, an Eliminator battle for Mary! I wonder what's the deal with the 'bad-guys'? Are they under the command of Lucifer or Zaphikiel? After all it seems like these 'angels' are immortal.

Looking forward to the next chapter, later!

Damien.

[Dark Sage]

Oakbark:

All will be expained in time. All will be explained in time. What the Mandate is, what "Glorious Union" means, and who knows what. The biggest revelation will come around chapter 15 (I think).

As for the cards Amber gave Yugi, they are real cards in the real game, but are seldom used, because the secret they hold is so hard to pull off that... well, only someone like Yugi could manage it. I won't slip what they do, leaving true card game fans to figure it out for themselves.

As I said, I know of a website that has a very good cardlist database. It's against the rules to put it here, but PM me if you want it.

And if you want the spoiler as to what those cards do, well I might be inclined to explain that in a PM as well.

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

Those cards Amber gave Yugi are needed to activate a trap card that,essentially,acts as a field-clearing trap - once it activates,all your opponent's cards are wiped from the field. However,you need those three monsters on the field to activate it,which can be troublesome to say the least. I won't say the name of the trap card,because I think that Venusaurr wants to surprise us. :)

[mr_pikachu]

Err... I think Venusaur wanted to leave that as a surprise, as well... :sweat:

I just thought of something that seemed odd to me, but may have a serious bearing on two of our main characters. Here's the quote in question:


In Mary’s hotel room, she was watching a movie on the television. Having free premium channels was a good change of pace. She was worried a little about Yugi and what he had gone off to do… and maybe a little a jealous because what he was doing involved bathing with another woman… but she trusted Jade’s judgment.


Note the utter lack of her mentioning her trust in Yugi. Is this a hint at something, or merely a slip? This could be very interesting indeed... especially if Yugi does decide to lie about what happened... and what he was thinking when he saw the Samurai. Run, Yugi, RUN! :scared:

Also, a lot of you have theories about the "Mandate of Heaven"... but you seem to be missing something that's so obvious, no one would think of it. Look up the word "mandate" in any decent dictionary, and that should help you with your theorizing. :yes:

[Shuppet Master]

Note the utter lack of her mentioning her trust in Yugi. Is this a hint at something, or merely a slip? This could be very interesting indeed... especially if Yugi does decide to lie about what happened... and what he was thinking when he saw the Samurai. Run, Yugi, RUN!

Please don't get angry at me,but I feel that Venusaur might be gearing up to have Yugi and Mary not get together at the end and instead,Yugi will become a couple with Jade and Mary might find love elsewhere(like Siegfried). But this is just a theory,and I'm sure Venusaur will deny it. I'm sure that Mary will find out that Yugi asked to do that again,and that Jade wore an...*ahem*...immodest swimsuit while touching him,which will lead to angry words and tension. But whatever happens happens,as these are Venusaur's characters. ;)


Also, a lot of you have theories about the "Mandate of Heaven"... but you seem to be missing something that's so obvious, no one would think of it. Look up the word "mandate" in any decent dictionary, and that should help you with your theorizing.


Mandate means "law" or "command." So obviously,someone is going to be ordered to do something,maybe find and capture that disc that the angels buried under Dueltopia.

[Dark Sage]

Yugi and Jade? And intersting concept...

Nah!

But in much later chapters, you'll see just how close Yugi and Mary become. I can't give away too much now, but I'm planning something special for down the road.

Catch the next chapter on Tuesday.

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

I knew you were going to say that. I think you did that part to really get readers the wrong idea,so you could say "Gotcha! Surprise! That wasn't intended at all!" and laugh at their "WTF?" reactions. :lol:

Anyways,as soon as I post this,I'm going to work on my first trivia contest. Could you PM me with some trivia about Maxmillion Pegasus,because the contest will be about him?

[Oakbark]

Yeah Mr.Pikachu, i checked out what "mandate" meant in the dictionary, but my idea was one of a few i can think of, and even then they're kinda screwed up when i try to pin them down. Hopefully one of my thoughts are on the right track....

Hmm...i think Yugi and Mary are going to be a couple if there ever is one. It would be nice to develop their characters outside of the duels (like the previous chappie) as well as inside them.

Damien.

[Dark Sage]

Time for a new chapter, and with it, the results of my second trivia contest winner!

I'd like to thank Mr. Pikachu for dreaming up the information on the Eliminator duelist who appears in this chapter.

With that in mind...

[Dark Sage]

In all my years as a duelist, I’ve faced some pretty frightening and difficult situations.

Take the time I faced Panik in the Duelist Labyrinth. A ghost who had mastered the art of intimidation. Winning that duel wasn’t easy.

In the City of Souls, I had to face a mad scientist named Jezebel, and I had to do so while an IV strap was locked to my arm, feeding poison into my bloodstream. That wasn’t exactly easy.

And just a couple of days after that, I had to face the evil sorceress Lady Circe. The rules were quite clear – if I had lost that duel, I’d have to spend God knows how long as a caged animal, and at her mercy. It wasn’t what I would call easy.

But now, I’m about to duel a man in a creepy outfit who looks like a living corpse; we’re deep below the surface of Duelatopia, and while I have a cheering section, he has his own, a bunch of guys who look they came out of an old Wes Craven movie.

And I have a feeling that this is definitely not going to be easy…



CHAPTER TWELVE



Skull Invitation



The sun rose upon Day Four.

Early the next morning, as he was getting dressed, Yugi silently discussed his vision with his spiritual partner.

“Yugi,” said Yami in a sullen voice. “I’m afraid I can be of no help in explaining what you saw. The events that you describe are long before even my time, and I have never even heard of anyone named Zaphikiel. No participant of the ancient Shadow Games ever went by that name, as far as I know.”

“Duelatopia was in that vision,” sighed Yugi. “I have a feeling that this island has a secret that we’re supposed to find… or maybe something that Siegfried wants to find.”

“I think it’s best we not pester him with this,” replied Yami. “I believe we can trust him – at least for now. Like you said, I doubt he’d try to attack us…

“At least, he wouldn’t do so on purpose…”

Yugi was very surprised that that council he saw was referred to as “Archlords.” He knew of a powerful Duel Monster of the Fairy Type who’s name was Archlord Zerato. Could someone who worked for Industrial Illusions have had the same vision (or a similar one) and been inspired to create Zerato?

Yugi finished getting dressed with that on his mind, and went to meet his friends for breakfast.

He was surprised, as were Peter and Clive, when he got there.

Unlike Yugi, Mary was more than willing to share the strange message that had been delivered to her the night before. As she passed it around the table, she explained.

“I don’t know how it happened,” she explained, “but this was just dropped into my lap!”

“An Eliminator invited you to a duel?” asked Clive.

“Some people have secret admirers,” muttered Peter. “You have secret challengers.”

“You aren’t actually going to try to find this Eliminator, are you?” asked Yugi.

Mary took a long drink from her orange juice.

“Sure,” she said. “Why not?”

“Why not?” gasped Clive. “Mary, need I remind you that Shelob threatened to eat Yugi if he lost? Sure, she may have been bluffing, but then again, she may not have! And even if she wasn’t, you’ll get booted out of the tournament if you fail! Let’s not forget that these Eliminators are tough!”

“I’m not afraid,” proclaimed Mary. “And just like you did Yugi, I want to make a name for myself while I’m here.”

“It’s one thing not to be afraid,” answered Yugi, “and another thing to be foolish. Your dueling skills are good, but Siegfried has likely chosen these Eliminators from the crème de la crème.”

“I’ve beaten the crème de la crème!” exclaimed Mary. “Remember Lady Circe?”

“Mary, are you certain you want to take this risk?” asked Yugi.

Mary paused for a moment.

“Yes,” she said. “It’s my choice, and you don’t have a right to stop me.”

“I guess we don’t,” sighed Clive.

“Agreed,” said Peter. “But we’ll all be there to support you.”

“You’re just as gutsy as your father was,” sighed Yugi.

“Thank you,” said Mary. “Now pass me that syrup.”

As Yugi passed it, Mary changed the subject.

“So, what was it like bathing with Jade?”

Yugi almost choked.

“I think those sausages over there look good,” said Clive, getting up.

“Yeah,” said Peter, “why don’t we get a few…”

As they left the table, Yugi blushed.

“Mary, it was a sensory deprivation tank,” he explained. “I couldn’t see her most of the time.”

“Were you touching?” she asked.

“We had to be,” stated Yugi. “Otherwise I couldn’t survive it. Mary do you think I have a thing for Jade?”

“I dunno,” muttered Mary. “It seems a little kinky to me…”

Yugi sighed.

“So does this,” he said.

He moved over to Mary and kissed her on the lips. Deeply.

Mary was surprised at first. She closed her eyes…

Yugi was surprised himself. He had never kissed her like this before.

After about thirty seconds Yugi let go.

Mary giggled. “Well,” she said. “Let’s find that Eliminator, huh?”

Deep in Yugi’s soul chambers, Yami reclined on a chair.

He smiled slightly.


* * * * * * * * * *


One hour later, at about nine AM, the Team was walking through the streets of Duelatopia, among duelists who were struggling against one another. They quickly found the large promenade where they had seen the Toon duelist Clover finish off an unlucky opponent.

Standing in front of them was a large library, decorated in Duel Monsters style. Flanking the steps were two marble statues of Leogun, and at the peak was a mosaic depicting the bird-like Spirit of the Books. Yugi had read about this place in the guide – book, video, and DVD rental was available to all guests free of charge here. It naturally contained many copies of Duel Monsters manuals and strategy guides.

They walked inside, past the checkout table. They were surrounded by shelves full of books. A door in front of them led to a stairway with stairs going both up and down.

“I’ll say it again,” whispered Yugi. “Are you sure?”

“Positive,” assured Mary.

They entered the stairway, and proceeded to the lower floor.

The “basement” was actually just another floor where books were kept, but it was dimmer and mustier. This was where more educational books were held, so the average guest didn’t come down here too often. After getting their bearings, they went to the east wall, where sure enough, there was a display case by the brick wall. It contained some old books inside – strange books with names like Libram Malificous and Vacuous Grimoire.

Mary felt around under the case, and sure enough, there was a button there. She pressed it, and a secret door opened in the wall.

A stone stairway leading down into the darkness appeared before them.

“Well,” said Peter to Mary. “This was your idea.”

Mary bravely walked forward and started down the staircase. Her friends followed.

The stairway led down, down, and down, deep under the library. Eventually, they came to a door with no apparent knob or hinge.

There was writing in fancy letters on it.

Mary looked up and read:

”Let your closest comrade in arms lead the way.”

“Well,” said Yugi. “I had to use a Monster Card to open Shelob’s lair…”

“Comrade in arms, huh?” noted Mary, raising her Disk.

She drew a card from her deck – Flame Swordsman. She slipped it into a slot.

The Disk came to life, and Flame Swordsman appeared before them. He lifted his head and looked at Mary.

“Mary,” he pronounced, in a strong, commanding voice. “I’ve stood by you for some time. But the way ahead from here is deadly and fraught with perils. I can lead you to the place you seek, but I can only help you so much. Are you sure you want to take this risk?”

Very little could have prepared Mary for this. She had summoned Flame Swordsman many times, but talking to him was something else entirely.

“I’m as sure as I’ll ever be,” she answered.

“Very well,” he said.

He gestured, and the door lifted open, revealing a cave-like network beyond.

“Stick close to me,” warned the Swordsman. “If you wander off, you could be lost forever.”

He walked inside, and the Team followed him.


* * * * * * * * * *


They wandered through a strange cave complex that brought to mind a sort of catacombs. Flame Swordsman led the way, the glow from his blade illuminating the place.

“This is crazy,” muttered Peter to Clive. “We’re actually following a Duel Monster through some creepy tunnels.”

“I dunno,” answered Clive. “I think it’s kind of fun.”

“It won’t be ‘fun’ if Mary doesn’t live though this!” whispered Peter.

They entered a darker part of the catacombs, and were shocked to see moldering old skeletons lying in niches! This was like some ancient burial ground!

“I go no further,” said Flame Swordsman. “Until the next time you summon me, Mary, good luck.”

He vanished.

“He ditched us!” yelled Peter, as Mary put the card back in her deck. “I can’t believe he ditched us!”

“That should be the least of your worries,” mumbled a sinister voice.

Two glowing eyes appeared in front of them. Mary stood firm, but sweat was starting to run down her face.

A figure appeared out of the shadows. He looked like an incredibly old man, his skin covered with liver spots, and his hair long and stark white. His hands were deformed and withered. He wore an outfit that looked like Skull Knight’s, but it was cloth, rather than armor.

“Who is this guy?” muttered Peter. “He looks like he needs a wheelchair.”

“That or a hospital bed,” agreed Clive.

The old man chuckled a sinister chuckle.

“Don’t let my frail appearance fool you, young ones,” he warned. His voice was deep and had a lisp and a strange accent. “Many who have come before have made that same mistake, and they paid for it dearly.”

He turned to Mary.

“Welcome Mary,” he announced. “I am the Gatekeeper.”

Mary chuckled a nervous chuckle. “The Gatekeeper, huh?” she replied. “Well if you’re looking for the Keymaster, there’s an old movie you should rent. It’s called Ghostbusters.”

Her three friends chuckled.

The Gatekeeper sighed. “I hate the living,” he said under his breath.

He spoke up. “You must be awfully brave or awfully foolish to make such jokes,” he warned. “But then, you don’t know the nature of what you face. We Gatekeepers are called such because we exist upon a certain threshold – the gate that bridges the gap between life… and death. I was just the type of man that Kaiba was looking for, as I was the only Gatekeeper who could duel.

“Anyway, with your holographic guide gone, only I can show you the way out of these twisted catacombs, and that won’t happen until we duel… of course, if you lose, only your friends will be leaving…”

Mary started to get nervous.

“But this hallway is a little to narrow, wouldn’t you say?” he continued. “I know the perfect place. Follow me.”

“I suppose you were the one who sent me this ‘invitation’,” asked Mary, holding up the note.

He gave her a look. “I don’t recall sending out invitations to Duelatopia guests,” he answered. “Now either follow me or you’ll wander these tunnels until you starve.”

He didn’t send it? thought Mary. Then who did?

He turned, and walked forward. Having little choice, they followed him, with Mary in the lead.

“You know,” started the Gatekeeper, “I wasn’t always the guardian I am now. I used to be the greatest doctor in Switzerland. Dueling was just a hobby. I was great, that is, until I made a breakthrough discovery of a serum that I thought could raise a recently deceased body.”

The four friends drew back.

“Thought that might get your attention,” he continued. “But when I tried to use the miracle serum, it went horribly wrong – it reanimated the body of the recipient, but it didn’t restore true life. What I had was an undead mockery of a true human. I was banished from the establishment for the blasphemous mistake… but it was this new ‘skill’ that attracted the attention of the Gatekeepers; creatures who guard places that serve as gateways to the great beyond. Some are human, some are… darker creatures.

“Life doesn’t interest me any more. Only death keeps me company.”

“We found a loony,” muttered Peter to Yugi.

Hmmm, thought Yugi. I’m guessing this guy plays a Zombie deck… but that would be too obvious… he might have some hidden surprises up his sleeve.

I hope his name doesn’t mean he has Gate Guardian somewhere in his deck! That Monster is almost impossible to summon with Mach 3 rules – but if he’s an Eliminator, he might find a way…

They entered a large circular room. Coffins lined the walls, and skulls and bones littered the ground.

“Cozy, isn’t it?” asked the Gatekeeper.

“Depends on your definition of ‘cozy’,” muttered Mary.

“Let’s get this started,” sneered the Gatekeeper. “The sooner this is over, the sooner I can get my prize.”

“The only thing you’re going to get is your adult diapers kicked!” shouted Clive.

“Yeah!” yelled Peter. “Mary’s going to beat you senseless!”

“So unfair,” muttered the Gatekeeper. “You have a cheering section and I don’t… Oh wait, yes I do…”

He put his fingers to his mouth and whistled.

Five of the coffins opened up, and five forms stepped out they all glared at Mary.

They looked like teenagers – down to the clothing – but their skin was gray and looked like it was starting to decay. Their hair was a mess, their teeth were sharp, and their eyes were blood red.

They grinned at Mary, and walked to gather around the Gatekeeper.

“Good lord!” gasped Mary. “Are those…”

“Yes,” answered the Gatekeeper. “Zombies. Formerly they were guests of this tournament who tried to challenge me and lost. Now they serve me loyally and unquestionably.

“You can probably guess what the penalty for losing this duel now is Mary,” he continued. “And don’t try to get away – they may be undead corpses but they are far stronger and faster than you are.”

Mary gulped.

“Yugi,” whispered Clive, slowly. “This is even worse than Shelob!”

“Don’t panic, Clive,” whispered Yugi. “I’d wager that those ‘zombies’ – and the Gatekeeper himself – are probably just phonies with a lot of makeup.

“At least, I hope so…”

“Sonja!” ordered the Gatekeeper. “My weapon, please.”

A female zombie wearing a mini and a tank top handed him a Duel Disk with a deck inserted. He slipped it onto his left hand.

“Good girl,” he said, starting to shuffle. “Now then Mary, should we?”

“I think we should!” she responded.

The Duel Disks flipped into position, and the holo-imagers shot out. The scores set to 8,000 apiece. The five zombies groaned.

“LET’S DUEL!” they both yelled.

“Good luck, Mary,” whispered Yugi, as he secretly hoped he wasn’t wrong.

“You make the first move, Mary,” stated the Gatekeeper. “I can at least give you that.”

Mary made her draws.

Hmmm, she thought. Not much. Better defend for now.

“I summon Swordsman of Landstar in Defense Mode,” she announced, laying a card down.

The Disk whirred, and the toy soldier appeared in front of her and knelt in Defense. (500/1200)

“Humph,” said the Gatekeeper drawing. “Childish Monsters won’t get you very far against me.”

He selected a card.

“I’ll set one Monster facedown in Defense Mode and end my turn,” he said.

He set the card, and it appeared in front of him.

Strange, thought Mary, drawing. Don’t tell me he didn’t have anything that he could have attacked with…

She looked at the card she had drawn. Giltia the Knight.

Oh yeah, she thought.

“I’ll Tribute my toy Swordsman to bring forth the powerful Giltia the Knight, in Attack Mode!” she shouted, putting the card down.

Swordsman of Landstar vanished, and the armored, green-cloaked Warrior appeared, swinging his spear! (1,850/1,500)

“Okay, Giltia, take care of that facedown Monster!” she commanded. “Soul spear attack!”

Giltia pointed his spear and fired. A small creature that looked like a hamster appeared, and exploded.

“Dramatic,” smiled the Gatekeeper. “But you just destroyed my Bubonic Vermin. And when it’s destroyed, I get to summon another one, in Defense Mode!”

Another hamster-like creature appeared on the Gatekeeper’s side. (900/600)

Nuts, thought Mary. Now he’s got something to Tribute.

“Now that it’s my turn,” said the Gatekeeper, drawing, “I’ll lay another Monster facedown in Defense Mode.”

He put the card down, and it appeared next to Bubonic Vermin.

Odd, thought Mary. What is he planning?

She drew.

Monster Egg, she thought.

She looked at her hand.

And I have Insect Imitation too. Time to test my luck like I did in the Labyrinth…

“I summon Monster Egg, in Attack Mode,” she said.

She put the card down. A huge egg appeared over the field. It sprouted legs and then eyes peered out of it. (600/900).

“And then,” continued Mary. “I’ll use the Magic Card Insect Imitation! This card can hatch Monster Egg into a random Beast-Warrior! Let’s see what turns up this time!”

She fitted the card into the slot, and Monster Egg exploded in a bust of eggshells standing in its place was a huge, wolflike humanoid holding a huge axe. (1,650/1,000)

“Wolf Axewielder, huh?” said Mary. “We’ll, could be worse. Wolf Axewielder, attack the Vermin!”

The Beast-Warrior swung his axe and cut the vermin in two!

“Now Giltia,” she shouted, “Attack the facedown Monster!”

Giltia aimed his spear, and the Gatekeeper grinned. A strange Monster appeared. It looked like a face with a huge nose and a feathered headdress, with two arms carrying a scythe.

Giltia fired and it was vaporized.

“Sorry, Mary, but you just flipped my Hane-Hane,” he smiled. “And when that happens…”

Giltia vanished.

“One of your Monsters is returned to your hand! Never assume a Monster is harmless just because it’s facedown!”

Mary sighed.

“Move then!” she snarled.

The Gatekeeper drew.

“Prevent Rat, in Defense Mode,” he said.

He placed the card down, and a cross between a rat and an armadillo appeared. (500/2000)

The zombies behind him started to moan, but they were silenced when their master raised his hand.

This is nuts, thought Yugi. This guy is an Eliminator? All he’s done so far is make defensive moves to protect himself. There’s got to be something special he’s planning… something unpleasant…

Mary had the same idea.

“All your doing is hiding behind defenses, Gatekeeper,” said Mary. “If you want to beat me, you’re going to have to shift into offense eventually.”

“Gatekeepers have infinite patience,” replied the Gatekeeper. “I will strike when I feel the time is right. In the meantime, it is your move.”

Mary drew.

Alright! she thought. Polymerization!

“Watch this, buddy,” smiled Mary.

She selected a card.

“I tribute Wolf Axewielder to summon the mythical Berfomet!”

She put the card down. Wolf Axewielder vanished, and the hairy, four-armed, horned fiend appeared. (1,400/1,800)

“Now watch what happens,” grinned Mary.

Berfomet breathed a gout of flame, and from the flame pounced Gazelle, the King of Mythical Beasts! (1,500/1,200)

“And now,” continued Mary, “Polymerization!”

She threw the card into the slot, and the two Monsters swirled together like brown light. In a flash, Chimera the Flying Mythical Beast landed and roared with her two heads! (2,100/1,800)

“Alright!” cheered Peter. “I love that move!”

“Impressive,” smiled the Gatekeeper. “But I think you’ll have to end your move there.”

“Go on…” said Mary.

The Gatekeeper drew.

“Think I’ll summon… Grappler, in Defense Mode,” he said.

He put the card down, and the humanoid lizard with blue scales appeared. (1,300/1,200)

Still doing nothing but defending, thought Mary. What’s he up to?

“Your move,” he dared.

Mary drew.

“I summon Alligator’s Sword, in Attack Mode!” shouted Mary.

She put the card down, and the gator warrior leapt up holding his sword. (1,500/1,200)

“Alligator’s Sword, destroy Grappler!” commanded Mary.

Alligator’s Sword swung his blade, cutting Grappler apart.

“Your turn Chimera!” she yelled. “Demolish the Prevent Rat!”

Chimera leapt forward, and smashed the Prevent Rat to pieces.

“You’ve got no Monsters on your side now,” smiled Mary. “I think I’ve got you right where I want you!”

The five zombies behind the Gatekeeper started to chuckle.

He drew.

“So you’d like to believe,” he smiled.

He slid a Magic Card into a slot, and discarded one card.

“I play Tribute to the Doomed!” he shouted. “To destroy your Alligator’s Sword!”

A loud moan echoed over the field, and a swarm of wrappings grabbed Alligator’s Sword, wrapping him up! A huge hand grabbed him!

Mary’s Life Point’s fell to 7,625.

“Uh…” stuttered Mary.

“And now I’ll play a second Magic Card,” said the Gatekeeper. “Megamorph!”

He slid it into the slot.

“Since I’m slightly ahead on points, I’ll Equip this card to your Chimera, which will reduce her Attack score from 2,100 to 1,050!”

Chimera roared, as she weakened.

“Now then,” continued the Gatekeeper. “I summon Dragon Zombie, in Attack Mode!”

He placed the card down, and a rotting undead dragon appeared. (1,600/0)

“Attack Chimera!” ordered the Gatekeeper. “Noxious zombie breath!”

Dragon Zombie exhaled a foul stream of mist, and Chimera was disintegrated.

Mary’s Life Points fell to 7,075. The five zombies laughed out loud.

“Silence!” ordered the Gatekeeper.

“Crud!” gasped Clive. “He just wiped out two of Mary’s Monsters in one round!”

“Don’t worry,” assured Peter. “Dragon Zombie is exactly the most powerful Monster around.”

Maybe not, thought Yugi, but I think that the Gatekeeper has been playing with Mary this whole time… he has a big plan in the works…

Mary drew.

This will take a chunk out of his score, she thought.

“I summon Goblin Attack Force!” she yelled, putting the card down.

Five goblin Warriors appeared in front of her, waving clubs. (2,300/0)

“Get ‘im!” ordered Mary. “Goblin rush attack!”

The goblins charged forward and tackled Dragon Zombie, tearing it apart.

The Gatekeeper’s Life Points fell to 7,300.

The Goblins backed up and knelt in Defense.

“Your move,” smiled Mary. “So what’s it gonna be now?”

The Gatekeeper drew.

He chuckled. And then he laughed out loud.

“I just drew the card that will seal your fate!” he laughed. “The Magic Card known as Restless Souls!”

“Restless Souls?” stammered Clive. “I don’t like the sound of that…”

“Let me explain,” smiled the Gatekeeper, placing the card into the slot. “I first have to pay 1,000 Life Points to activate this card…”

His Life Points fell to 6,300.

“And then,” he continued. “Each of us can resurrect as many Monsters from our respective Graveyards as space permits… only their type is changed to Zombies!”

What good will that do him? thought Mary. He only has weaklings in his Graveyard. I’ll wipe them out in one round!

“Since I played the card, I have to send them out first,” he said. “First, Dragon Zombie in Defense Mode.”

He put the card down, and Dragon Zombie reappeared. (1,600/0)

“Then, Prevent Rat in Defense Mode,” he continued.

He put another card down, and a rotting, Zombie version of the Prevent Rat appeared. (500/2,000)

“Grappler in Defense Mode.”

A Zombie Grappler appeared in Defense. (1,300/1,200)

“Bubonic Vermin, in Defense Mode.”

The small vermin, now looking more like a vermin than ever, appeared. (900/600).

The Gatekeeper whipped out one more card.

“And finally,” he smiled. “The card I discarded to activate Tribute to the Doomed… Sengenjin, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a huge, shadowy shape appeared. It was unreal. The huge, ogre-like creature had gray skin, sharp teeth, one eye in the center of its forehead, a mane of red hair, wore boots, trunks, and a spiked harness, and carried a small arsenal of weapons on its back! (2,750/2,500)

The former Beast howled in pure bloodlust, and Mary drew back in fright.

“No!” gasped Peter.

“I’ve heard of the legendary Sengenjin… but I never thought I’d see it!” gasped Clive.

Yugi was strangely silent.

“Now you can resurrect four Monsters from your Graveyard,” dared the Gatekeeper.

Mary’s hand shook as she reached for her discard pile.

“I summon Swordsman of Landstar in Defense Mode,” she started.

She put the card down, and the Swordsman, now a Zombie, appeared. (500/1,200)

“Berfomet, in Defense Mode.”

She put the card down, and a Zombie Berfomet appeared. (1,400/1,800)

“Gazelle, in Defense Mode.”

Zombie Gazelle appeared in Defense. (1,500/1,200)

“And Chimera, also in Defense Mode.”

Chimera, looking as decayed as the rest, appeared. (2,100/1,800)

That’s all I can do for now, thought Mary. I can only hope I find some way out of this mess…

“And it’s still my turn,” smiled the Gatekeeper. “So many possibilities… Sengenjin, destroy Chimera with bestial rage attack!”

The ogre lumbered forward and leveled a punch at Chimera, blowing her away.

“Is it my move yet?” said Mary, sarcastically.

“Uh huh,” grinned the Gatekeeper.

Mary drew. She looked at the card carefully.

“My turn will consist solely of laying this card facedown,” she said, fitting a card into a slot.

The card appeared behind her Monsters.

The Gatekeeper drew.

“Ah, perfect!” he laughed.

He placed a card down.

“I Tribute my Bubonic Vermin and my Grappler,” he shouted, “to summon Despair From The Dark in Attack Mode!”

Grappler and the Vermin vanished in puffs of smoke, and out the darkness, a huge shadow arose! It had claws, teeth, and wicked red eyes! (2,800/3,000)

“Despair From The Dark!” shouted the Gatekeeper. “Obliterate Swordsman of Landstar with dark shadow attack!”

Despair From The Dark fired a blast of dark energy, vaporizing Swordsman of Landstar!

“Sengenjin!” he yelled. “Destroy Gazelle! Bestial rage attack!”

Sengenjin lumbered forward and smashed Gazelle out of existence.

The five real zombies were beside themselves with excitement.

“Calm down, my children, calm down,” said the Gatekeeper.

“Oh, Mary’s a goner!” gasped Clive.

Even Yugi was getting worried. He didn’t know how Mary was going to defeat these two behemoths, outside of using Time Wizard, which was a risky venture in itself. And the Gatekeeper still had another weak Monster to Tribute.

Come on, deck, be good to me, thought Mary.

She drew.

A sly smile came over her face.

This will be a risk, she thought, but this combo might just do the job…

“I’m using the Ritual Card Garma Sword Oath!” shouted Mary, throwing the card into the slot. “And I’ll sacrifice Berfomet and Goblin Attack Force to do it!”

Goblin Attack Force raised their clubs… Berfomet howled. They both vanished, and a large shape appeared out of a dark cloud.

“I summon Garma Sword, in Attack Mode!” yelled Mary.

The huge Warrior appeared, and drew his six giant scimitars! (2,550/2,150)

“And that will end my turn,” said Mary.

Hope this works, she thought.

The Gatekeeper looked at Mary and Garma Sword. And then he and his zombies laughed out loud.

“What’s the matter, Mary, can’t do math well?” he mocked. “That Warrior may be strong, but both Sengenjin and Despair From The Dark are even stronger! Once one of them destroys your Warrior, the other will be able to attack you directly! And I promise you, it’s going to hurt!”

Mary shrugged. “Well, I guess that’s what I get for my boneheaded move,” she sighed. “Your move, by the way.”

“Is Mary crazy?” gasped Peter.

“Shhh!” said Yugi. He pointed towards Mary’s side.

“Oh…” said Peter.

The Gatekeeper drew.

I’ll save this he thought.

“Despair From The Dark,” ordered the Gatekeeper, “attack Garma Sword!”

Despair From the Dark prepared to fire its blast.

“You wrinkled old worm,” laughed Mary, “that’s exactly what I wanted you to do! Activate Trap!”

She pressed a button on her Disk, and the facedown card lifted. It was the Skull Dice!

“What?” gasped the Gatekeeper. “Skull Dice?”

The imp with his red dice appeared.

“Forgot all about this card, didja?” smiled Mary. “This dice roll will multiply by one hundred and deduct that total from the Attack and Defense scores of all three of your Monsters… to counter Despair From The Dark’s attack, I need a three or higher! And I’m feeling very lucky right now! By the way, I always got A+’s in math!”

The imp threw the dice… it bounced on the floor…

C’mon, thought Mary. Don’t let me down…

And it came up… a six!

“YES!” said Mary.

Despair From The Dark’s stats fell to 2,200/2,400, Sengenjin’s to 2,150/1,900, and Dragon Zombie’s to 1,000/0.

“Garma Sword, counter-attack!” shouted Mary.

Garma Sword drove three blades through the ghostly shadow, and it vanished with a cry. The Gatekeeper’s Life Points fell to 5,950.

The Gatekeeper’s zombies moaned.

“Quiet!” he commanded. “I’ll end my turn by switching Sengenjin into Defense Mode!”

He growled, as he turned his card and Sengenjin knelt in Defense.

“Lovely,” smiled Mary. She drew.

Heh, my old friend Double Pinaska, she thought. Could have used him before, but I might as well use him now…

“I summon Double Pinaska, in Attack Mode!” she yelled.

The leather-clad Spaniard leapt up, bearing his twin machetes. (1,500/1,500)

“Garma Sword,” yelled Mary, “attack Sengenjin with sextuple scimitar slash!”

Garma Sword raced forward and leapt on Sengenjin! The ogre howled and exploded.

“Double Pinaska, attack Dragon Zombie!” shouted Mary.

Double Pinaska leapt up and cut Dragon Zombie to pieces!

The zombies surrounding the Gatekeeper snarled.

“You’re in trouble now, you old geezer,” grinned Mary. “I’ve just sent your best Monsters to the great beyond!”

“Those weren’t my best Monsters…” said the Gatekeeper, slowly.

Mary’s eyes opened wide as he drew.

“And as for me being in trouble, I wouldn’t say so just yet. A good Gatekeeper is always prepared. I play Swords of Revealing Light!”

He fit the card into his slot, and a cage of shimmering blades fell around Mary!

“No!” gasped Mary. “Not the Swords!”

“Better not touch them Mary,” warned the Gatekeeper. “they’re sharp! And they’ll keep your Monsters from attacking me for three full turns.

“And I’ll end my turn there.”

He has a Monster even stronger than Sengenjin and Despair From The Dark? thought Yugi. But what? Despair From The Dark is the strongest Zombie in Duel Monsters… it’s Level Eight for pete’s sake.

[I]It must be something other than a Zombie… the question is, what is it?

Mary drew.

Her eyes opened wide at the card that she drew.

“I’ll summon Battle Warrior in Attack Mode,” she said, “and leave it at that.”

She put the card down, and the blue-garbed, helmeted boxer appeared in front of her. (700/1,000)

Hmm, she’s planning something, thought the Gatekeeper.

He looked at his hand.

But it won’t matter once I unveil my master strategy. I already have one of the required cards in my hand, and I just need two more… then I’ll give Mary a big surprise…

He drew.

Ah, the second card! he thought. I could set it up partially now, but with my Swords of Revealing Light still in place, I can afford to wait…

“I’m going to pass this turn,” he said, with a wicked smile.

“I don’t like the look in his eye…” muttered Clive.

Mary drew.

“Well, then,” smiled Mary, “I’ll just use this!”

She thrust a Magic Card out.

“It’s another Ritual Card, GK,” she explained, fitting it into the slot, “one called War Lion Ritual! For this ceremony, I’ll just sacrifice Double Pinaska and Battle Warrior!”

A fiery shape appeared on the field, resembling a great beast. The two Warriors were consumed by it. And out from the flames, a huge lion-man with a flaming mane leapt out!

“I summon Super War Lion in Attack Mode!” she shouted.

(2,300/2,100)

“Once your Swords wear off, my two divine creatures can hit you with all they’ve got!” she mocked.

“My turn is over.”

“I think she’s gonna do it!” laughed Peter.

“I don’t know,” muttered Yugi. “For someone with no Monsters at all on his side of the field, the Gatekeeper doesn’t seem the least bit worried…”

The Gatekeeper drew.

“I play Graceful Charity!” he said, putting the card into the slot.

The lovely angel appeared, and flew into his deck. He drew three cards.

Finally, he thought.

He discarded two cards.

“I’m laying one card facedown,” he said, “and ending my turn.”

The card appeared in front of him. His gang of zombies started to chuckle.

“Quiet, dust-for-brains,” he ordered.

Now what could that be? thought Mary. I can’t attack anyway with these blasted Swords…

She drew.

“I’m just going to pass this turn,” she said. “But I’ll be free to attack next turn, so watch out!”

The Swords vanished. Garma Sword and Super War Lion readied themselves in anticipation.

The Gatekeeper chuckled. “That’s what you think,” he said. “See if you can guess just what this Trap Card is. Want a hint?”

He pushed a button on his disk, and the card slowly lifted.

“I activate Pyramid of Light!” he yelled.

The strange Trap Card cast a glow over the entire arena. It depicted a golden pyramid radiating light.

“What does it do?” continued the Gatekeeper. “I’ll explain. When the Continuous Trap Card Pyramid of Light is activated, I can summon not one, but two of the mightiest Beasts in the Duel Monsters game, without so much as a Tribute!

“I simply pay 1,000 Life Points, 500 for each…”

His score fell down to 4,950.

“…and prepare to meet two of the most legendary Gatekeepers of all time!”

He took two cards from his hand.

“First, Sphinx Teleia, in Defense Mode!” he shouted.

He put the card down, and a huge Beast appeared. She had the body of a lion with grey fur, large eagle’s wings, the head of a beautiful woman with flowing red hair, and wore a collar with a chained leash attached. She sat in Defense. (2,500/3,000)

“And secondly,” he continued. “Her companion, Andro Sphinx, in Attack Mode!”

A second Beast appeared, this one just as large, but more humanoid in shape. He wore a blue armor and tunic combination, his hands were clawed, and his face was lion-like, and surrounded by a wild mane of golden hair. (3,000/2,500)

“Of course,” smiled the Gatekeeper, “these two creatures can’t attack on the round in which they are summoned, so you have one round to prepare. Use it wisely…”

The five zombies snickered. The two huge Sphinxes looked at Mary with evil smiles…

“Clive, have you ever seen these… monstrosities?” gasped Peter. He was terrified and he wasn’t even the one dueling – these Sphinxes were each four times the size as he was!

“No!” stuttered Clive. “Yugi, have you…”

Yugi didn’t answer, but a lot was going on in his mind.

I’m such a good duelist, he thought, you’d think I’d read up on the game and its additions more. I had no idea that Industrial Illusions ever decided to make real cards based on the ones that the demon Anubis created in that horrible Shadow Game he and Seto Kaiba had with my father. I wonder who decided to greenlight these cards? Was it Maximillion, or Anastasia?

He sighed.

I’d warn Mary about what those creatures can do, but telling her would be outright cheating! I can only hope she’s heard enough about Anubis to figure it out on her own…

Mary was sweating heavily. This was way out of her league.

She drew.

Okay, she told herself, looking at the two giant Monsters. Get a grip. Panicking about this is only going to make this worse. I’ve got nothing in my hand that can defeat those two abominations….

I’d better defend…

“I’m switching Garma Sword and Super War Lion to Defense Mode,” she said.

Garma Sword knelt in Defense, and Super War Lion sat the same way.

“Oh, no,” muttered Yugi.

The five zombies behind the Gatekeeper laughed more than ever.

“That was a mistake Mary!” he cackled, making a draw. “First, I’ll switch Sphinx Teleia into Attack Mode…”

He turned the card, and Teleia sprang up.

“Now…” he ordered. “Andro Sphinx! Attack Garma Sword! Sphinx Teleia! Attack Super War Lion!”

The two Sphinxes roared and pounced, tearing both of Mary’s Monsters to shreds!

Mary’s Life Points plummeted all the way to 4,950!

“Wha?” gasped Mary. “How? They were in Defense Mode!”

“When a Sphinx destroys a Monster in Defense Mode, the owner loses Life Points equal to half the destroyed Monster’s Defense Score!” laughed the Gatekeeper. “You’d have been better off keeping them in Attack Mode!

“Time to make your move.”

“Crummy, no good, sonova…” cursed Mary under her breath.

She sighed. He’d made a legal move, and there was no sense complaining about it. Still, she was getting more scared by the minute. She reached for her deck…

Hold on… she thought. I remember now… Yugi’s dad once told me something about Sphinxes… something about a Shadow Game. Boy, he did a lot of those…

She thought for a minute.

Yeah, she thought. Their power is tied to that Pyramid of Light. If I could somehow get rid of the Pyramid, I’d get rid of the Sphinxes. But how…

She drew. She looked at the card.

“I’ll play my own Graceful Charity,” she said, throwing a card into a slot.

The graceful angel appeared and flew into her deck. She drew three cards.

She looked at them.

Yes! she thought. So long as he doesn’t find a way around Trap Cards, this combo will do the trick!

She discarded two cards.

“I’ll place one card facedown,” she said.

She slid the card in the slot, and the facedown card appeared.

“And,” she continued, “I’ll summon Baby Dragon in Defense Mode!”

She put the card down, and the cute infant dragon appeared. He squeaked. (1,200/700)

“And I end my turn,” she smiled.

The Gatekeeper drew back in surprise. His zombies started murmuring. He raised his hand to silence them.

I know her strategy, he thought. On her next turn, she’ll summon Time Wizard, in an attempt to strengthen that Dragon and weaken my Sphinxes! That facedown card is either a bluff or a Trap designed to protect the Dragon.

He drew.

Nothing I can use right now, he thought. This will be a risk, but I have to try to stop her!

“Sphinx Teleia,” he ordered, “attack Baby Dragon!”

Teleia roared and pounced forward…

Mary pushed a button on her Disk and the facedown card activated! It was Negate Attack! Teleia bounced off an invisible shield.

“Humph,” muttered the Gatekeeper. “Very well Mary, I’m ending my turn. But beware, for Time Wizard’s spin is always a matter of luck…”

Mary drew.

“Who ever said I was going to use Time Wizard?” she smiled. “You just assumed that.”

“Huh?” said the Gatekeeper.

“I placed Baby Dragon on the field for a different reason,” she continued, “so I could Tribute him for a Monster that will blow your Sphinxes away!”

She took a card from her hand and placed it down.

“I Tribute Baby Dragon to summon the legendary Jinzo, in Attack Mode!”

Baby Dragon vanished with a squeak, and a tall shape arose on the field. The large, imposing, armored form of Jinzo appeared in front of Mary and gazed at the Gatekeeper, his optic sensors glowing red! (2,400/1,500)

“When Jinzo is on the field,” explained Mary, “the effects of all Trap Cards are instantly negated! Even ones as powerful as your Pyramid of Light!”

A laser beam shot from Jinzo’s eyes, and the Pyramid of Light card was incinerated.

“No!” gasped the Gatekeeper. “That means my Sphinxes…”

“Are gone!” smiled Mary.

Andro Sphinx and Sphinx Teleia roared and then burst into fragments. The Gatekeeper’s Life Points fell to 3,575.

“All right!” yelled Clive.

“Mary blew those nasty Sphinxes away!” cheered Peter.

Only Yugi looked worried. He held his chin and looked on.

“A foolish choice, lass, very foolish!” the Gatekeeper angrily said. “You know something about the way Sphinxes work, but you apparently don’t know all…”

He reached for his deck.

“When both of the lesser Sphinxes are destroyed at the same time,” he explained, “I can pay 500 Life Points to summon an even stronger creature from my deck!”

“Stronger?” gulped Mary, aghast.

His Life Points fell to 3,075.

“Prepare to meet the greatest of all Gatekeepers,” he shouted. “Theinen the Great Sphinx, come forth!”

He slapped the card down, and a gargantuan Beast appeared on the field. It was beyond belief. Half-again as big as one of the previous Sphinxes, it was centaur-like in shape, with a lower body resembling that of a more muscular Sphinx Teleia (complete with wings), and an upper body of a powerfully muscular man with brown skin. His head had two fierce faces, one on the front and one on the back – the front resembled Andro Sphinx, and the back resembled Sphinx Teleia! (3,500/3,000)

The Great Sphinx roared from its two mouths, and the chamber shook. Even the Gatekeeper’s five zombie supporters looked scared. The only creature unnerved in the room was the Gatekeeper himself.

“I…I end my turn…” gulped Mary, who was quivering like a leaf.

“Good…” said her opponent.

“Theinen,” commanded the Gatekeeper, “attack Jinzo with Roar of the Sphinx attack!”

The Great Sphinx let out an ear-splitting roar, and Jinzo exploded with such force that Mary fell down on her rump! Her Life Points fell all the way to 3,850.

“My turn is over, Mary,” snarled the Gatekeeper. “But unless you have some special card in your deck that can defeat my ultimate Gatekeeper, things don’t look good for you…”

Theinen chuckled loudly.

Mary looked at her hand, which only had two cards in it. No Monsters, only Graceful Dice and Monster Reborn.

She had plenty of Monsters to choose from to bring back with Monster Reborn, but even with the maximum boost from Graceful Dice, none of them could stand up to this goliath who was in the same class as Gate Guardian and Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth. And if the Gatekeeper summoned something else on his next turn, he could destroy whatever she summoned and then hit her with a direct attack – she would lose in two turns!

She reached for her deck.

Whatever I draw next better be the best draw ever… she thought.

She drew. She looked at the card.

“Well Mary,” said the Gatekeeper, sarcastically, “did you get the card you needed?”

“Actually, yes,” smiled Mary, taking a card from her hand.

“I first play Monster Reborn, to bring back Garma Sword, in Attack Mode!” she announced.

Garma Sword arose again, brandishing his six curved blades. (2,550/2,150)

“That’s your plan?” laughed the Gatekeeper. “My lesser Sphinxes have already defeated that Monster. That Warrior will never stand up to the Great Sphinx!”

“We’ll see,” said Mary. “I play a card facedown and end my turn!”

She fit a card into a slot. The facedown card appeared, behind Garma Sword.

“Very well, Mary,” he said. “I draw…”

He drew.

“And I activate a Trap!” shouted Mary. “Meet a favorite of my father’s – Graverobber!”

Her facedown card activated, and the giggling gremlin appeared.

“What?” gasped the Gatekeeper. “You’re going to rob my Graveyard?”

“Uh huh,” smiled Mary. “This may cost me 2,000 Life Points…”

Her Life Points went down to 1,850.

“But now I get to swipe a Magic Card from your discard pile and use it right now!” exclaimed Mary.

A card appeared in the Graverobber’s hands and he cackled.

“Looks like he just swiped your Tribute to the Doomed card!” chuckled Mary.

“No!” shouted the Gatekeeper.

“Ironic,” sighed Mary, “that a guardian of death was done in by a Graverobber…”

She discarded her Graceful Dice card, as the Gatekeeper drew back in fear. A moan emitted over the field, as a blizzard of mummy wrappings entangled Theinen the Great Sphinx! A huge hand grabbed him, and the Gatekeeper’s Life Points fell down to 2,250.

“Guess your Great Sphinx isn’t so great anymore!” said Mary. “So finish your turn…”

The Gatekeeper looked at his hand…

“Uh…” he stammered. “I uh… I set a Monster facedown in Defense Mode…”

The hidden Monster appeared.

Mary drew.

“Right,” she smiled, putting the card down. “That wasn’t much of a bluff. Gearfried the Iron Knight in Attack Mode!”

The mighty Gearfried arose, holding his bladed arm out in front of him. (1,800/1,600)

“Gearfried, attack that facedown Monster!” shouted Mary.

Gearfried charged forth. Armored Zombie appeared, before being cut to pieces.

“Let’s finish this Garma Sword! Attack the Gatekeeper with sextuple scimitar slash!”

Garma Sword leapt up, and smote the Gatekeeper! He screamed and fell, his Life Points reduced to zero.

Mary’s friends cheered, while Mary wiped sweat from her face. The zombies surrounding the Gatekeeper helped him up, all looking sad and morose.

The Gatekeeper bowed his head. Then he looked up.

“Truly you are a great duelist, Mary.” he sighed. “We Gatekeepers surround ourselves with death, but you are fuller of life than any opponent I have yet to see! I do not mind admitting defeat to one as skilled as you.”

He raised his hand.

“And so, via the rules of Duelatopia, you are hereby promoted from Green to Violet. Wear the badge well.”

The gem on Mary’s disk turned to Blue, and then to Violet. Mary smiled.

“And of course,” continued the Gatekeeper, “another award is in order. Sonja…”

The zombie who had given him the Disk at the start of the duel produced a small pine box and walked up to Mary. She flinched.

“Don’t be scared,” assured the Gatekeeper. “She won’t bite. This is something to add to your deck. A little memento from the days when I was a doctor…”

Sonja opened the box, and a Monster card was resting inside it on a cushion.

Mary took it. “Injection Fairy Lily?” she said.

“A rare card, and a powerful one, if used right,” said the Gatekeeper. “You must pay 2,000 Life Points to activate her mighty effect, but if you do so, it could deliver the finishing blow to your opponent.”

He motioned to the five zombies. They retreated back to their coffins and closed the lids.

“But Mary, remember the rules,” he said. “You are no longer allowed to confront any more Eliminators. I’ll think you’ll agree that one was indeed enough.”

He turned to Yugi, Clive, and Peter.

“And I must remind the three of you that you are no longer welcome here,” he said. “I will not duel you now that you know my strategy. The doors to these catacombs will no longer open for you. But as you no doubt know, other Eliminators lurk in hidden places of this city… find them if you dare.”

He motioned, and a doorway opened, revealing a stairway.

“Those stairs will take you back up to street level,” he said. “Now go. I do not think we will meet again.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” muttered Clive.

As they started to climb the stairs, Yugi put his arm around Mary.

“Good work Mary,” he said. “Just when I think I have you all figured out, you surprise me all over again. I hope those Beasts didn’t scare you too badly.”

“Scared?” sighed Mary. “I wasn’t scared…

“Well, okay, maybe I was scared… okay, I was petrified!”

“Mary…” said Yugi. “Remember what I said at breakfast about not being afraid? Let me tell you something. True courage is when you’re scared, but you act anyway. My father knew that only too well. It is a lesson that a true duelist must learn if he or she is to succeed.”


* * * * * * * * * *


As they ascended the last of the steps, they opened a set of doors, and walked into the city proper.

“Ah, fresh air!” exclaimed Peter.

“You rock, Mary!” shouted Clive. “Keep dueling like that, and you’ll be in the finals before you know it.”

“Indeed,” said Yugi. “I think now she’s ahead of all three of us!”

“Why don’t we all go to lunch and celebrate?” asked Mary.

They looked around, and saw a restaurant called Slice of the Pie down the street.

“How about some pizza?” she suggested.

“Sounds good to me!” approved Clive.

As they walked down the street, two of the figures in trenchcoats and sunglasses walked out of the alley.

One of them gestured, and the globe of light appeared in her hand. The two red eyes appeared in it.

“Master,” she said. “Mary has proven triumphant. She has defeated the Eliminator.”

“That is dire news indeed,” said the hissing voice from the sphere.

“What should we do?” said the figure.

“Nothing, yet,” said the voice. “We will all continue to watch Yugi and his disciples. The time is not right to strike. Let this silly game continue as it is, and await further instructions.”

The sphere vanished.


* * * * * * * * * *


As Yugi and his friends entered the restaurant, another shadowy figure appeared in another alley. It peeked around and looked towards them.

“I must gather Yugi and Mary,” it said, “but I must wait until nightfall to do so…”




RESTLESS SOULS (Magic Card)

Card Specs

Type: Magic
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a dark cemetery with zombies crawling out of the ground. Pay 1,000 LP to activate this card. Both you and your opponent special summon from your Graveyards as many Monsters as you have room for on the field, in Attack or Defense position. All Monsters special summoned in this manner have their type changed to ZOMBIE if they were not so already.

[Dark Sage]

And now, an announcement:

The third trivia contest will take place this Friday evening, sometime between six and eight PM, Eastern Standard Time.

Don't miss it!

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

Words cannot describe what your second quiz winner did.

I mean,using the infamous monsters of the dark sorcerer Anubis from the Yu-Gi-Oh movie? That was just majorly shocking! I'm surprised you didn't mention that,had Mary not been able to stop Thinen the Great Sphinx from attacking,the Gatekeeper would have pumped up its attack by 3000 points and annihilate all of Mary's life points in one blow! :eek:

Great duel,mr_pikachu did a great job. :D

Can't wait for the next duel and the next contest. ;)

[Dark Sage]

Hack -

That wouldn't have worked.

The rules for Theinen say that you can only boost his ATK by 3,000 on the round in which he is summoned. And the effect only lasts until the end of that turn. And he can only be summoned on the round in which the two lesser Sphinxes are destroyed.

Usually, you use this effect when you destroy the two lesser Sphinxes on you own, on your turn, like by using Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your own Pyramid of Light.

Since the Gatekeeper had to summon him on Mary's turn, he didn't enact the effect, because it would have been useless.

So now you know.

- Venusaur

[dragon684]

I am surpriced that you didn't use the real effect of copycat which would have worked to with that gracefull dice. Anyway great chapter as always and please, please, please consider starting a new Yu-gi-oh fanfic(doesn't have to be about yugi jr.) please please please.

[starjake]

Dagnabit!
You always seem to make trivia contests at the least convenient times...and I'm even in the same time zone...
Oh well, nothing I can do. Whoever wins, make a good creation! (Tell me there's going to be another Trivia Contest...please...)

BTW, Venusaur, another AWESOME chappie. I thought the same as Yugi; as soon as the "catacombs" was used, I assumed a Zombie-only deck and that the main menace was going to be Fushioh Richie. Boy was I wrong!

[FusionSonicX]

You do seem to make contest at the worst time. Anyway, that was a great chapter! I loved Mary's "kinky" line. I also liked when Yugi kissed Mary. That was the most important part in the chapter! Good job!

[Dark Sage]

Starjake/Fusion -

Would it be better if I had the contest on Saturday at that time?

If you can make it then, I'll change it.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

Announcement -

I'm changing the date of the next Trivia Contest.

It will now be held on Saturday the 2nd, sometime between 6 to 8PM, EST.

Be there!

- Venusaur

[mr_pikachu]

Hehehe... That worked even better than I thought. Good job with the implementation, Venusaur. :yes:

Interesting how the relationship between Yugi and Mary is developing. I wonder what she'd think if she knew the truth about what happened in the boiling cauldron! Especially right before the ritual began... :eek:

The duel was done well. Yugi's shock about the Sphinxes being used in regular duels was good, as was the fright displayed by his three friends at Theinen! That creature is truly a powerful beast.

I think you need to spend more time editing, though. I noticed a bunch of places where punctuation marks were left out and letters were switched or forgotten. It would really help the fic if more time was spent on the editing process. I certainly wouldn't mind if the chapters were delayed by a day or two more, as long as you spend that time to make them as good as possible.

Well, this was good. The creeps with the sphere are at it again, and the figure in the shadows lurks ominously. What fate truly awaits our heroes! I guess we'll find out soon enough... See you next chapter! :wave:

[Mystic_clown]

Great chapter! But I can't help wondering why the Gatekeeper reminds me of Faust VIII from "Shaman King".

[Dark Sage]

I'll address all the responses:

Dragon: I used the anime version of Copycat. Joey uses it to copy the effects of one Magic card his opponent has used.

Fusion: Glad you liked that part. Yugi and Mary's relationship will continue to grow in ways you might never have imagined.

Starjake: There was a duel in "City of Souls" where Fushioh Richie was used - I did that already.

Pikachu: Before I submit a chapter, I go over it with a fine-toothed comb about ten times. But even so, I sometimes make a few mistakes. Nobody is perfect, even though I try to be.

Mystic Clown: Haven't seen you here before - welcome aboard! Anyway, I have never seen "Shaman King", so it must have been a coincidence.

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

Perhaps someone should proofread the work for you? I noticed a few errors in your archived stories as well,including a place were you forgot to close the Italics tag,making the rest of the chapter get put in italics. :(

[Oakbark]

Hey Brian, that was a great chapter!

The eliminator was very well described and portrayed, and i actually warmed to his character a lot, even if he was an undead human! I was kinda sad to see him go.

Mary showed skill and determination, and it was interesting that you stuck with the TV portrayal of Copycat as opposed to it's effect in real life.

This new and mysterious figure intrigues me, and i cannot wait for the next chapter! I have a feeling it's gonna be the best yet!

I also noticed that Clive and Peter are like two slapstick comedians, always ready with the quirky comments and jokes, and always commenting on things at the same time. I like it!

Gotta go, can't wait for Fiend vs. Archfiend!!!

Damien.

P.S: Gasp! The kiss! That was unexpected, but a very nice touch. Yugi's a sly old fox!

[Dark Sage]

Guest Starring Role Trivia Contest


Hello fanfiction fans, and welcome to the third trivia contest, and another chance for you to contribute to this vastly popular fanfic, as Yugi and his team battles through the mysterious city of Duelatopia!

For this trivia contest, I am not drawing solely on the anime for questions, although each question will be tied somewhat to the anime. Most of it will have to do with the card game itself.

But let’s go over the rules first:

The first two winners of the previous contests, 2ra and Mr. Pikachu, are not eligible.

To have some fun, this time I’m having five questions! But you only need to get four out of five correct! (It’s best to answer all five, so you have a better chance). PM me the answers, and the first one to get four out of five wins. If you get any wrong, you can try again, and this time I will tell you which you got wrong. I repeat, PM me the answers, don’t clutter up the board.

Here’s how the questions – or rather clues – work. I simply give you a description of how a card works, and some other info on it, and you name the card. Simple enough? Good!

So let’s get started. The five clues:


1. Warrior/Dark, 2,200/1,200. Is Level 6, but due to its effect, under certain conditions can be summoned with no Tribute. Used by Espa Roba in the anime, but its effect was not used.

2. Card from “Soul of the Duelist” booster pack. Fiend/Dark, 1,600/1,700. When sent to the Graveyard due to a Continuous Magic Card, you can bring it back. Used by one of Yugi’s Battle City opponents early in the tournament, but the effect was not used. (Note: This Monster’s real name is slightly different than its anime name – I will accept both)

3. Magic Card. If you summoned Mystical Elf in Attack Mode and used this card, she could defeat Summoned Skull and do 800 points of LP damage to the owner of Summoned Skull. Used by Joey.

4. Although produced by Konami, it is illegal to use this Monster Card in tournaments. According to the rules of casual play, three Monsters are needed as Tributes to summon it, and two more are needed as Tributes to activate its effect. Used by Kaiba and Yugi.

5. Machine/Dark, 2,600/2,200. To use this Monster’s effect, flip three coins, and if exactly two come up heads, you can automatically destroy one of your opponent’s Monsters. Has a different effect in the anime. Used by Bandit Keith.



The Prize: Who was that shadowy figure lurking outside the pizza place who wanted to “gather” Yugi and Mary? I’ll tell you… it’s whoever wins this contest!

The winner of this contest will have himself written into a future chapter of this fanfic, but NOT as a duelist! That shadowy figure has more important things to do than duel, and the chapter in which he or she will appear will reveal a great deal and act as a turning point for the whole saga!

I can’t give away much right now as to the role the guest star will play, not even if he or she will be a good guy or a villain. But stardom is stardom! (I can assure the winner that the character will not be killed, or meet any other horrible fate.)

I’ll PM instructions to the winner, because some adjustments – on his or her part – will have to be made, and at that point he’ll know the role. So long as he keeps quiet about it until Chapter Fifteen, when the debut is made!

So get cracking – now’s your chance to win immortality in the Mandate of Heaven!

[Dark Sage]

No more responses please - we have ourselves a winnuh!

Sorry for everyone who didn't get here on time, but I had to be fair.

The answers:

1. The Fiend Megacyber. If your opponent has two more Monsters on the field than you do, you can summon this guy with no Tribute.

2. Malice Doll of Demise. Called simply the Doll of Demise in the anime, and used by Arkana. (Not coincidently, in the Soul of the Duelist pack, this Monster is meant to work with the Ectoplasmer card, which is a Continuous Magic Card.)

3. Shield and Sword. In the above situation, Mystical Elf's ATK would become 2,000, while Summoned Skull's would become 1,200.

4. Obelisk the Tormentor. All three of the promotional Eqyptian God Cards are not tournament legal, but in casual play, three Tributes are needed to summon them. With Obelisk, two other Monsters are needed to activate its effect, destroying all opposing Monsters.

5. Barrel Dragon. In the anime, this Machine could make three attacks at once, but has a wholly different effect in the actual game.

Congratualtions to the winner. You'll see him personally in Chapter 15 - but you may not recognize him...

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

Hello everyone. Time for a new chapter.

A little bit of warning. Many "Ancient Sanctuary" cards are included in this duel. There are also one or two from "Soul of the Duelist," and there will be more of them in later chapters.

I also may have taken a liberty or two, but you're used to that.

So enjoy.

This is a long chapter, by the way.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

When I first decided to construct a deck, I knew I had to decide on a theme, so I decided on an Archfiend deck – not because I’m at heart an evil or sinister person (as some might think, due to that choice), but because the Archfiend cards are so exotic and artistic. I always like things that are works of art. It’s the way I am.

Yugi at first warned me about my choice, telling me that Archfiends were some of the most complicated Monsters in the game, and are hard to handle. But I never said no to a challenge. When I started, I lost more often than I won… but with Yugi’s help, I eventually got the hang of it, and became a true master of this unique brand of Fiends. And I’ve used them to defeat some skilled duelists, like Mantra, and the Evil Spirit of the Ring.

A wise man once said that no matter how good at a thing you get, there’s always going to be someone who wants to prove he’s better. I knew from the start that someone would eventually want to challenge me with a Fiend deck of his own…

I say, bring it on!



CHAPTER THIRTEEN



Archfiend’s Oath



As the team walked into the restaurant, they saw a sign that said, “PLEASE SEAT YOURSELF.” The pizza place was a cozy affair, with Italian artwork adorning the walls. The smells of tomatoes and garlic filled the place.

As they walked to a table near the center of the dining room, they failed to see a figure at a table in the corner, watching them.

Well, well, thought Persephone Amore, eyeing them. Yugi Mouto and his team of twerps.

She examined their Disks. When she saw Mary’s she grinned.

Your girlfriend is ahead of you, Yugi? she thought. Hilarious. You’re going to have to step up a little if you want to get any further.

She looked at her own Disk (which was also Violet), and then looked at Yugi. She rubbed her chin.

No, she thought, not yet. I’ll take him on when I’m good and ready. And I’m not ready now. I’ll save him for a special occasion.


* * * * * * * * * *


Yugi and his friends were looking at the menus.

“So many toppings they have here,” sighed Mary. “Can you really put artichoke hearts on pizza?”

“How about pepperoni and green peppers?” suggested Clive.

“Green peppers give me gas,” muttered Peter. “I don’t want to get gas in the middle of a duel!”

“Mushrooms?” asked Mary.

“I don’t eat fungus,” said Clive. “Why don’t we just get double pepperoni?”

“Are you asking for heartburn?” sighed Mary. “How about onions?”

“Onions give me bad breath in the morning,” said Clive.

“You always have bad breath in the morning!” moaned Peter. “I should know! You ever consider using a different mouthwash?”

“People,” complained Yugi. “In the entire history of Italy, has there ever been a group of people who could decide on pizza toppings?”

They all looked at each other for a minute.

“That’s what I figured,” frowned Yugi.

He looked at the specialty pizzas.

“How about this?” he suggested. “The bacon cheeseburger pizza – three types of cheeses, beef topping, and bacon, with spicy sauce, on a deep dish crust.”

They all looked at the entry.

“Sounds good to me,” approved Clive.

The other two nodded.

“Okay,” said Yugi. “You guys order. I’ve got to go do number one.”

He got up and headed for the rest rooms.

Once there, he passed by the door to the ladies room, which had an “Out of Order” sign on it.

A chill passed down his spine. He paused.

“Did you feel that?” he said.

Yami appeared before him.

“Yes,” said the Spirit. “Something strange is happening here… something is not right…”

Yugi pushed on the ladies room door, but it seemed locked tight.

“I can’t just break it down,” he muttered.

“Well, the feeling is gone now anyway,” said Yami. “Maybe it was a fluke.”

“Maybe…” said Yugi.


* * * * * * * * * *


A little while later, the pizza came to the table.

“Everyone eat slow, people,” said Yugi. “Like Peter said, we don’t want to be sick when we’re dueling.”

At that point, the door to the restaurant opened, and a teenager walked in.

He looked bizarre.

He had straight blonde hair and large, sea green eyes, but what really set him apart was his clothes. He was dressed all in black – not Goth-black, more like the type of outfit evil sorcerers from fantasy movies wore. He even had a cape, which was green. His Dueling Disk registered his status as Blue.

He strut in and spoke in an accent that suggested Irish: “Where’s the jerk who calls himself Peter Ramset?”

“I am that jerk,” announced Peter, standing up. “I mean, who the hell are you?”

“Call me Maligno,” answered the boy. “Word has gotten around, Peter. People are saying you have a powerful Fiend deck.”

“Archfiend deck, pal,” corrected Peter. “They’re special Fiends.”

“All Fiends are special,” smiled Maligno. “I should know. My own Fiend deck made me the national champion of Ireland. And I’m willing to bet that my Fiends can beat yours any day of the week!”

“Are you challenging me?” asked Peter.

“Doesn’t it look that way?” replied Maligno.

“Fine,” answered Peter. “Just let my friends and I finish lunch first.”

“I have nowhere to go,” shrugged Maligno. “And when you finish, the ultimate battle of Fiends will begin!”

He said it loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear. He went to a table to sit down.

“You’d best watch it,” warned Mary. “If he is the national champion of Ireland…”

“Ireland is a small country,” said Peter, reaching for a slice. “Besides, I always wondered what it would be like to try out my deck against another Fiend deck.”

Secretly, though, he was worried. Mantra had been a tough opponent, but his deck didn’t really have a theme aside from Gate Guardian. This Maligno guy was a national champion, who had likely made a powerful deck from a more solid theme.

But if there was one thing he wasn’t, it was a coward.

In the corner, Persephone pondered.

This might be fun to watch, she thought.


* * * * * * * * * *


After the pizza was finished, a small crowd gathered outside the restaurant. The idea of two Fiend decks going against each other had caught a lot of interest.

Persephone was careful to hide herself in the crowd. She had every right to watch, but no sense in letting Yugi know she was spying on them.

And in the alley next to the restaurant, the shadowy figure silently viewed.

“Scared, Peter?” warned Maligno.

“Don’t count on it, Damien,” answered Peter. “I hope you aren’t counting on the Luck of the Irish to help you win this duel!”

“We’ll soon see,” replied Maligno. “But don’t expect this to be a friendly competition. This will be a match made in Hell – literally!

“Activate!”

The holo-imagers shot out of his Disk, and the two sides snapped into place. Peter did the same with his own Disk.

“DUEL!!” they both yelled.

“What do you think?” asked Mary. “Can Peter do it?”

“Well,” answered Yugi, “on one hand, Peter’s Archfiends have some powerful effects that give him a slight edge. But on the other hand, all Fiends tend to be powerful in general, and I’ll wager Maligno knows how to use them well. We’ll just have to see how well Maligno has put together his deck…”

“I’ll start this off,” said Maligno, making his draws. “And for my first move, I’ll summon Malice Doll of Demise, in Attack Mode!”

He placed a card down, and a cackling noise erupted over the Field. An evil-looking puppet materialized, holding a huge axe. (1,600/1,700)

“Now that’s creepy,” shuddered Mary.

Peter drew.

Creepy, maybe, he thought, looking at his cards, but easily taken care of…

“I summon Thunder Nyan Nyan, in Attack Mode!” he announced.

Thunder struck, and a cat-like woman with red hair and horns appeared, dressed in a leopard-skin pelt, sitting behind a set of drums. (1,900/800)

“Thunder Nyan Nyan,” shouted Peter. “Attack the Doll! Drum solo of death attack!”

Thunder Nyan Nyan beat on her drums, and when she hit the cymbal, a bolt of lightning blasted forward, blowing Malice Doll of Demise to pieces!

Maligno’s Life Points fell to 7,700.

“All right!” cheered Clive. “Thunder Nyan Nyan plays a mean percussion section!”

Maligno drew.

Thunder Nyan Nyan is a powerful Monster, he thought, but I know her weakness – she’ll be destroyed if Peter summons a non-Light Monster… and there are precious few Light Monsters in Fiend decks. Given that, I think I’m safe defending for now…

“I summon Witty Phantom in Defense Mode,” he said, putting a card down.

The tall gentleman Fiend in a purple tuxedo appeared in front of Maligno. (1,400/1,300).

Hmm, thought Peter.

He drew.

Desrook Archfiend! he thought. Desrook is a Light Monster, so Nyan Nyan can fight alongside him!

This might cost me some Life Points until I draw a Pandemonium card, but I can’t give up this chance to get an early lead…

“Desrook Archfiend, in Attack Mode!” he shouted, putting the card down.

A beam of light stuck the field, and the demonic chess rook with tentacles appeared. (1,100/1,800)

“What?” gasped Maligno. “That Fiend is Light?”

“The major Archfiends represent ALL Attributes!” smiled Peter. “Light included! Thunder Nyan Nyan, destroy the Phantom!”

Nyan Nyan pounded on her drums, and the lightning bolt blasted towards the Witty Phantom! He screamed and burst.

“Now, Desrook Archfiend, attack Maligno Directly with king’s castling attack!” ordered Peter.

Desrook shot one of his sharp tentacles forward and struck Maligno! He screamed and fell over.

Maligno got up, his chest bleeding from a deep wound. His Life Points had been reduced to 6,600.

“All right!” yelled Mary. “Peter nailed him good!”

“Yeah, but he took a risk sending out that Desrook without Pandemonium,” warned Clive. “Next time it’s his turn, the Desrook will nail him.”

Maligno drew.

Well, he thought. Let’s see if luck is with me.

“Now here’s a Monster that’s very popular in my country, Peter,” he stated. “I summon Wailing Banshee, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a beautiful, ghostly woman in a green dress with a look of anguish on her face appeared. (1,200/1,100)

“That doesn’t look very impressive,” said Peter.

“What she lacks in power, she makes up for in effect,” smiled Maligno. “Every Battle Phase, starting with this one, Wailing Banshee wails, which destroys one random Monster on the field other than herself. Since I have no other Monsters on the field other than her, that means one of yours is doomed!”

At that, Wailing Banshee let out a bloodcurdling scream! Thunder Nyan Nyan covered her ears, and she burst! Her drums fell in a broken pile.

“Well, how fortunate,” grinned Maligno. “Now she can make her normal attack – Wailing Banshee, attack Desrook with fiendish scream!”

Wailing Banshee screamed again, and Desrook Archfiend exploded.

Peter’s Life Points were now at 7,425.

Peter looked at his cards.

Nuts, he thought. If I don’t draw something that can defeat that Banshee, he might be able to attack ME next!

He drew.

Good! he thought.

“I summon La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp, in Attack Mode!” he shouted, placing a card down.

A small lamp appeared on the field, and the huge green genie floated out of it. He chucked. (1,800/1,000)

“Attack Wailing Banshee, La Jinn!” yelled Peter. “Mystical magic attack!”

La Jinn cast a spell and shot a bolt of magic forward. The Banshee screamed and was obliterated. Maligno’s Life Points fell to 6,000.

Hmm, thought Persephone. For a guy who uses Fiends, Peter isn’t doing half bad. Still, what I’ve seen is nothing I can’t handle.

Maybe it would be a more crushing defeat to Yugi if I kicked one of his three pals’ butts in front of him… that would certainly be fun.

I have to know more about all four of them. Study up… the more I know, the better advantage I’ll have when I finally choose a victim…

And maybe I can get Yugi to wager his Guardian Angel Joan in the process…

“It’s your move, Maligno,” stated Peter.

Maligno drew.

“I summon Witch of the Black Forest, in Attack Mode!” he announced.

He put the card down, and a dark woman in a long, black cloak appeared. (1,100/1,200)

“And I end my turn,” said Maligno.

“Uh oh,” said Mary.

“Sorry, Mal,” said Peter. “But I know what happens when Witch of the Black Forest is sent to the Graveyard, and I’m not ready to meet whatever low-Defense Monster you have lurking in your deck.”

He drew.

“So for my turn, I’ll simply change the terrain, and play the Field card Pandemonium!”

He fit the card into the slot, and the streets around them changed. The sky turned red and hazy, and the buildings turned horrid and fiendish. Wisps of smoke floated through the street.

“All right!” yelled Clive. “Now he can really break out the Archfiends!”

“I hate this place…” sighed Mary.

You aren’t the only one, thought Persephone. This Field doesn’t hold a candle to The Sanctuary in the Sky! At least there they have a nice smell…

Maligno chuckled.

Sorry Peter, he thought, drawing, but I knew you knew how Witch of the Black Forest works…

He placed a card down.

“I’ll first summon Sangan, in Attack Mode!” he said.

The spherical, three-eyed, four-clawed Fiend with a toothy mouth appeared. (1,000/600)

“If you think I’m attacking either of them…” snarled Peter.

“Don’t need you to!” smiled Maligno. “Because I have THIS!”

He held a card out.

“A Polymerization card?” gasped Peter.

“Indubitably,” said Maligno, fitting it into his slot.

Witch of the Black Forest and Sangan melted together and formed a swirl of dark energy.

“Fused together,” explained Maligno, “they form the deli-counter combination known as… Sanwitch! In Attack Mode.”

A strange Spellcaster stepped out of the swirl. He was dressed in a white robe with a built in veil and brown pants, and wore a hat which seemed a cross between a turban and an Arabian headdress. He held a crooked staff. The only part of his face you could see were his eyes surrounded by green skin, and his eyes resembled Sangan’s. (2,100/1,800)

“And the best part is,” said Maligno, “since I sent both Monsters to the Graveyard to create Sanwitch, I get to enact both their Effects, and search for two Monsters, one with low Attack, and one with low Defense!”

He got the cards he needed and plugged his deck back in. The Disk whirred and reshuffled it.

“There,” he smiled. “Unfortunately, since my Fusion Monster can’t attack on the round he is created, I’ll end my turn now.”

“That WAS a clever strategy,” sighed Mary.

“Don’t worry,” said Yugi. “Peter can handle it.”

Peter was surprised. He’d never even heard of Sanwitch. He drew.

“I’ll shift La Jinn to Defense Mode,” he said.

La Jinn folded his arms.

And I’ll summon Baron of the Fiend Sword, also in Defense Mode,” he said.

A Fiend with a demonic yellow face, wearing a grey tuxedo and carrying a sword made of red crystal appeared. (1,550/800)

He knelt and leaned on his sword.

“That’s all I can do,” he said.

Maligno drew.

“Now I’ll summon Sangan’s contribution,” he smiled. “You liked Wailing Banshee? Say hello to Leprechaun Thief, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a vicious little leprechaun in a green suit carrying a sack on his shoulder appeared. (1,000/1,000)

“What the…” said Yugi.

“That’s something you don’t see in every duel,” said Mary.

“Now, Sanwitch, turn that genie into lunchmeat!” laughed Maligno.

Sanwitch aimed his staff and fired a beam of rainbow-colored light, blowing La Jinn away.

“Go, Leprechaun Thief!” yelled Maligno. “Attack the Baron with gold rush attack!”

Leprechaun Thief reached into his sack and hurled a fistful of gold coins at Baron of the Fiend Sword. Peter’s Fiend moaned and was eroded into dust.

“Man, that’s expensive ammunition,” muttered Clive.

“Come on, guys, Peter’s in trouble!” exclaimed Mary.

A light flashed on Peter’s Disk.

“More than you know,” smiled Maligno. “Because when Leprechaun Thief destroys one of Peter’s Monsters, I get to take one card at random from his hand!”

Peter looked down at his Disk. Maligno was right.

“Okay, fine, come here,” he growled, holding his cards out.

Maligno’s two Monsters stepped aside so he could move forward. Maligno came up to Peter and deftly snatched a card.

“Ha, ha!” he laughed, looking at it. “A Dark Energy Equip card! You could have Equipped this to La Jinn and stood up to Sanwitch, stupid!”

“I didn’t want to waste it on La Jinn,” snarled Peter.

“Well, too late now,” chuckled Maligno, walking back. “Your move now.”

Peter drew.

“I’ll play my Pot of Greed!” he exclaimed.

He placed the card, and the large jar appeared in front of him with a chuckle.

He drew two more cards and looked at them carefully.

“I place one card facedown,” he said. “And then I summon Vilepawn Archfiend, in Attack Mode!”

The ground rumbled, and Vilepawn crawled out of the ground, raising his sword and claw high. (1,200/200)

The facedown card appeared behind him.

“Vilepawn Archfiend,” shouted Peter. “Attack Leprechaun Thief with en passant strike attack!”

Vilepawn charged forward and the leprechaun covered its eyes. The Archfiend smote Leprechaun Thief, and coins flew all over the place. Maligno’s Life Points fell to 5,800.

“I’ll end my turn,” smiled Peter.

Maligno drew.

He’s up to something, thought Maligno. That Overfiend, or whatever it is, is weak. He knows Sanwitch can blow him away. That facedown card must be something dangerous… can’t risk it…

“I’ll summon Feral Imp in Defense Mode and end my turn,” said Maligno.

The little green imp appeared next to Sanwitch and squatted in Defense. (1,300/1,400)

“Okay,” said Peter, drawing.

“Infernalqueen Archfiend, in Defense Mode!” he pronounced.

He put down the card, and Infernalqueen appeared in a burst of flame. (900/1,500)

Oh, I see Peter, thought Persephone. Clever.

“Your move, Maligno,” announced Peter.

Maligno drew.

Wait a minute, he thought. I’ve heard about that Infernalqueen! She has the power to strengthen other Fiends!

Trap or no Trap, I’ve got to try to take her out!

“Sanwitch!” he ordered, “attack Infernalqueen!”

Sanwitch fired his colored blast… Infernalqueen screamed and covered her eyes…

But then Vilepawn reached out with his claw and halted it. Infernalqueen wiped her brow.

“What?” stammered Maligno. “How the… your other Fiend protected her?!”

“I told you, Maligno,” explained Peter. “Archfiends are special Fiends. They’re meant to work together as a team. So long as Vilepawn is on the field, he protects all other Archfiends, so you can’t touch my Infernalqueen!

“If you hadn’t been in such a rush, you could have attacked Vilepawn with that Imp, but it’s too late to shift him into Attack Mode now.”

“Fine,” growled Maligno. “Your turn.”

“Then here’s another example of teamwork,” said Peter. “Infernalqueen, cast your spell on Vilepawn!”

Infernalqueen gestured, and flames enshrouded Vilepawn. His Attack went up to 2,200.

“Vilepawn, attack Sanwitch!” said Peter. “En passant strike attack!”

Vilepawn charged forward and smote Sanwitch with his sword. The strange Spellcaster was vanquished.

The score stood at Peter: 7,425, Maligno: 5,700.

“Peter’s got a good lead,” said Mary.

“I don’t know,” said Yugi. “I have a feeling that the hellfire is about to get a lot more hellish…”

Maligno drew.

Hmm, he said, looking at the card. This will be a risk, but I have to take the chance…

“Peter!” he exclaimed. “Remember how you said you hoped I wasn’t counting on the Luck of the Irish? Well there’s a chance that right now, that’s what’s going to help me out!”

“Meaning?” asked Peter.

“I just drew a Magic Card,” said Maligno. “The powerful Lucky Shamrock!”

“Huh?” said Peter.

“It’s a risky card to play,” said Maligno, “but if you’re lucky, it pays off…”

He slid it into the slot, and a huge three leaf clover appeared over him, with one orange leaf, one purple leaf, and one green leaf.

“To activate this card, I need to first pay 1,000 Life Points,” he explained.

His Life Points fell to 4,700.

“Then,” he continued. “I’m allowed three draws from my deck. Now, as even a novice duelist knows, there are three types of cards in this game, Monster, Magic, and Trap.

“If the three cards I draw happen to be of all three types, I get the 1,000 Life Points back, plus an extra 1,000 added to my score!”

He reached for his deck.

“One, two, three,” he said drawing.

He looked at the three cards. Everyone looked at him.

“Well look at that!” he smiled, holding them up. “Lucky me!”

The orange, purple, and green borders of the cards proved that he had been successful.

“Crud,” snarled Peter.

Maligno’s score went up to 6,700.

“Man, Mary,” gasped Clive. “I don’t think even you could have lucked out that much!”

“And it’s still my turn,” chuckled Maligno. “I’ll Tribute my Feral Imp to summon the mighty Summoned Skull, in Attack Mode!”

The Feral Imp vanished, and lightning erupted in front of Maligno. Yugi’s favorite Fiend rose up into Attack position. (2,500/1,200)

“And now,” smiled Maligno, “I’ll Equip my Skull with the Dark Energy I took from you!”

He put the card into the slot, and a hand appeared on the field, holding a dark sphere. It hurled the sphere at Summoned Skull, and his attack rose to 2,800.

“Good lord,” gasped Mary.

“And now that I know who to attack,” said Maligno, “Summoned Skull, attack the Vilepawn with lightning strike!”

Summoned Skull howled, and shot forth his lightning at Vilepawn!

“Not this round!” said Peter, pressing a button on his Disk.

His facedown card rose up, and the three Waboku priests sprang up, blocking the blast.

“Forgot all about that, did you?” asked Peter, as they vanished.

“Then I’ll end my turn by laying a card facedown,” stated Maligno.

And next round I’ll have a big surprise for you, he thought. And I emphasize “big.”

Peter drew.

Careful, Peter, thought Yugi. Don’t get too full of yourself.

“Infernalqueen Archfiend,” ordered Peter. “Cast your spell on Vilepawn again!”

Infernalqueen gestured, and flames erupted around Vilepawn, raising his Attack score to 3,200.

“Vilepawn Archfiend,” ordered Peter. “Destroy his Summoned Skull!”

Vilepawn charged…

“You dumb bloke,” said Maligno, pressing a button on his Disk. “You knew that I had drawn a Trap card…”

The facedown card rose, and a Spellbinding Circle snagged Vilepawn! His attack score fell to 2,500.

“Nuts,” snarled Peter. He looked at his hand.

You should be ashamed of yourself Peter, thought Persephone. I saw a Trap coming a mile away. I’m surprised you’re even at Green status.

“I’ll end by laying one Monster facedown in Defense Mode,” said Peter.

He put the card down, and the card appeared, facedown.

“Good,” smiled Maligno drawing. “Now I’m going to Tribute my Summoned Skull. Has he gone insane, you might all ask? Tributing a Monster who has 2,800 Attack points? No! The Monster I’m about to summon is going to be almost twice as powerful!”

He doesn’t mean… thought Peter.

He put a card down, and Summoned Skull vanished with a howl. A large, dark shape arose in front of Maligno. It came into the light, revealed to be a hulking, horned fiend in purple armor, covered with patches of hair. (00/00)

“Great Maju Garzett!!” yelled Peter, in shock.

“So you’ve heard of him,” grinned Maligno. “Then there’s still hope for you. This lovable bloke’s Attack score becomes twice the original Attack score of the Monster I used as a Tribute to summon him! And since Summoned Skull’s original score was 2,500…”

“Maju’s score is now 5,000…” muttered Peter.

“You got it,” grinned Maligno.

“Five-thousand Attack points?” gasped Mary. “That’s even more than Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!!”

“Tell me about it,” said Yugi. “Like I said, Fiends can be powerful…”

“Great Maju Garzett,” cackled Maligno. “Obliterate Vilepawn with hellfire blast attack!”

A ball of flames appeared in Maju’s hand and he threw it, blowing Vilepawn to atoms! Peter’s Life Points took a nosedive to 4,925.

Damn, thought Peter. I have a way to get rid of that thing, but first I have to draw it…

He drew.

Not the right card, but this might help…

“I’ll flip-summon my facedown Monster,” shouted Peter. “The Mask of Darkness!”

A frayed, yellow mask appeared where the facedown card was. (900/400)

“That lets retrieve one Trap Card from my Graveyard,” said Peter, as his discard pile became accessible.

He got what he wanted, and added it to his hand.

“Now,” he continued, “I’ll Tribute the Mask to summon another Monster, which I’ll put facedown in Defense Mode.”

The Mask of Darkness vanished, and was replaced by a facedown Monster.

“And I’ll end my turn,” he said.

Hmm, thought Persephone. An odd strategy if I’ve ever seen one. But seeing how much he likes Fiends, I think I know what that facedown Monster is…

Maligno was thinking.

He only had one Trap Card in his Graveyard, he thought. Waboku. But why didn’t he set it? He could have used it to protect Infernalqueen. And what sort of Tribute Monster do you put in Defense Mode AND try to conceal? It doesn’t make sense!

He drew.

Cost Down! he thought.

“I play the Magic Card Cost Down!” he announced. “Which I’ll use to summon my next Monster without a Tribute!”

He slid the card into its slot, and discarded a card.

“Arise, King of Yamimakai!” he shouted.

A large, blocky fiend with claws, huge muscles, a fang-filled mouth, and no eyes appeared. (2,000/1,530)

“King of Yamimakai, destroy Infernalqueen with electroshock attack!” commanded Maligno.

Electricity shot from the demon’s hands. Infernalqueen screamed, and vanished in a burst of flame.

“Great Maju Garzett!” said Maligno. “Destroy what he has in Defense Mode! Hellfire blast attack!”

Great Maju Garzett shot forth his flames…

On the facedown card, a female fiend with dark skin and feathered wings, dressed in a peasant’s outfit appeared. As the flames engulfed her, she screamed, and vanished.

I was right! thought Persephone.

“What?” gasped Maligno. “Marie the Fallen One?”

“Uh huh,” smiled Peter. “Since you’re such an expert on Fiends, you must know all about Marie the Fallen One! Despite the fact that you destroyed her, she can still help me; now that she’s in my Graveyard, she’ll raise my Life Points by 200 on each of my turns.”

“Ha!” laughed Maligno. “Doesn’t matter. There’s nothing you can summon now that my King of Yamimakai can’t destroy. And then a 5,000-point Direct Attack from Great Maju Garzett will end this duel!”

We’ll see, thought Peter, drawing.

Gotcha!

His score rose to 5,125.

“I summon one Monster facedown in Defense Mode,” he said, placing the card down. “And also, two cards facedown. And I’ll end my turn.”

The three facedown cards appeared, two behind the Monster card.

Maligno drew back in surprise.

One of them HAS to be Waboku, he thought. But what the heck is the other one?

Yugi pondered

Peter can’t destroy that Great Maju Garzett in a frontal attack, he thought. He must have some other idea to get rid of him… and I think I see his plan…

Maligno drew.


[Continued…]

[Dark Sage]

[Continued from last post:]

“Giant Orc, in Attack Mode!” he said.

The huge, white-skinned giant carrying his bone club appeared. (2,200/0)

“King of Yamimakai,” ordered Maligno, “attack the facedown Monster!”

Sparks flew from King of Yamimakai’s hands.

“I don’t think so…” said Peter, as one of his facedown cards lifted up.

The Waboku appeared again, and when the blast shot forward, they intercepted it.

“Okay fine,” said Maligno. “I end my turn. But what are you going to do now?”

Peter’s score went up to 5,325.

“I’ll show you,” smiled Peter. “Prepare to meet the most beautiful of all the Archfiends… I flip-summon my Shadow Tamer!”

A beautiful woman with an exotic white costume, long blue hair, and fancy makeup, holding a whip appeared where the facedown card was. (800/700)

“NO!” screamed Maligno. “Her flip-effect lets you seize control of one opposing Fiend for one round!”

“You do know a lot about Fiends,” said Peter. “Shadow Tamer, take control of Great Maju Garzett!”

Shadow Tamer cracked her whip, and Great Maju Garzett’s eyes glowed blue. He lumbered over to Peter’s side.

“Now let’s see how you like it,” chuckled Peter. “Great Maju Garzett, attack King of Yamimakai with hellfire blast attack!”

Great Maju Garzett threw his mighty fireball and reduced King of Yamimakai to ashes! Maligno screamed as his Life Points fell to 3,700.

“Now to get rid of him,” smiled Peter. “And I’m going to do it in a way that will benefit me greatly. You see, Maligno, you may not know this, but according to the rules of Duel Monsters, Great Maju Garzett is considered an Archfiend, even though I don’t have one myself.”

“What?” gasped Maligno. “I mean, what good will that do you? It doesn’t matter what titles he has. If you’re going to Tribute him, just do it!”

“You just don’t get it do you?” explained Peter. “My whole deck is designed to take advantage of Archfiends! Take this Trap for instance…”

His facedown card lifted up.

“Altar of the Archfiends!”

The infernal altar appeared, surrounding Great Maju Garzett.

“With this Trap Card, I can sacrifice one Archfiend, and add half of his current Attack points to my Life Points! And since you did such a good job making sure Maju here had an astronomical Attack Score, I can sacrifice him and get a LOT of Life Points! About 2,500 to be exact!”

Great Maju Garzett vanished, and Peter’s Life Points went up to 7,825.

“And now, I’m ending my turn,” said Peter.

“YES!” cheered Mary. “Go Peter!”

“Show that weasel who the real Master of Fiends is!” yelled Clive.

I’m going to lose a few Life Points when that Giant Orc attacks, thought Peter. But I have enough to spare, and when he shifts into Defense Mode, I’ll destroy him easily.

Persephone slowly rubbed her chin.

This guy is awfully good, she thought. I personally would have replaced that Trap Card with Mystic Wok, but whatever floats his boat I guess.

Maligno drew.

“I summon Second Goblin in Attack Mode,” he said.

He put the card down, and a little Monster appeared. It was little more than a pipsqueak with a bald head and a wicked grin. (100/100)

What the… thought Peter. And I thought Kuriboh was the weakest Fiend in the game. That runt has got to have some sort of powerful Effect…

“Do your stuff, Second Goblin!” shouted Maligno.

Second Goblin leapt up, and landed on Giant Orc’s shoulder’s riding piggyback on the ogre.

“Huh?” asked Peter. “What’s the point of this?”

“Second Goblin is a Union Monster,” explained Maligno. “Designed to work specifically with Giant Orc. With the two combined, they are two in one, and with Second Goblin’s help, Giant Orc doesn’t have to shift into Defense Mode after he attacks!

“Giant Orc, attack Shadow Tamer with bone club bash!”

Shadow Tamer screamed as Giant Orc bore down on her with his club. After a few seconds, she was gone, and both Giant Orc and Second Goblin laughed.

Peter’s Life Points fell to 6,625.

“Your move,” dared Maligno.

Peter drew; his Life Points rose to 6,825.

Okay, that was a big bust, he thought.

“I summon Archfiend Soldier, in Defense Mode,” he said.

The demonic soldier appeared in front of him, and knelt in defense (1,900/1,500)

“That will end my turn,” he said.

“Thank you,” smiled Maligno, drawing. “You’re too kind.”

“Huh?” asked Peter.

“I’ll first play the Magic Card Dark Blessing!” announced Maligno, placing a card into a slot.

A figure in a dark robe appeared over the field.

“This card heals my Life Points by an amount depending on the Attributes of the Monsters you have on the field,” he explained. “And since you have a Dark Monster, I get 1,000!”

His Life Points went up to 4,700.

Yugi gasped. He had seen this card twice before, but this was the first time he hadn’t seen it in a Shadow Game. Anastasia had used it against him in the Duelist Labyrinth in a duel on her lethal Pain-Splitter, and the Evil Spirit of the Ring had used it against him and his friends in the City of Souls. That card brought back bad memories.

He guessed he couldn’t blame Maligno… he likely had no idea about either event.

“Also, I’ll put one card facedown,” he said, placing another card in a slot. The facedown card appeared.

“And that will conclude my turn,” he said.

Huh? thought Peter. He didn’t attack? What’s he up to?

He drew. His Life Points went up to 7,025.

“I summon Shadowknight Archfiend in Defense Mode,” he said.

A gust of wind blew around him, and the armored, winged Shadowknight appeared. He knelt and folded his wings. (2,000/1,600)

“And I’ll end my turn there,” he said.

His hand moved to his stomach.

Ooh, he thought. That pizza is really starting to digest. That’s the last time I let Clive convince me to take the last piece! I hope I can beat this guy fast…

“Something wrong pal?” asked Maligno. “The fires of Pandemonium starting to get to you?”

“No,” groaned Peter, “just move.”

Persephone was smiling from ear to ear. She guessed what was wrong with Peter – after all, she had seen the problem among tourists to her country several times.

What’s the matter, Peter? she thought. Italian food a bit too spicy? Heh, heh, if indigestion is going to be an issue with you, your career in dueling is going to be very short!

Maligno drew.

“First,” he said, “I’ll activate my Trap Card…”

He pushed a button on his Disk, and hid facedown card lifted.

“The dreaded Shadow of Eyes!”

A pair of fiendish eyes appeared on the ground, and both of Peter’s Monsters leapt up into Attack Mode!

“No!” gasped Peter. “Now I can’t summon anything in Defense Mode!”

“Correct!” said Maligno. “And have your Shadowknight try this on for size – the terrible Mask of the Accursed!”

He put a card into a slot, and a beam of energy flew towards Shadowknight! A fiendish black mask materialized on his face.

“With that in place,” said Maligno, “he can’t attack, and you’ll lose 500 Life Points every one of your turns. Of course, with Marie’s help, it’s only 300.”

Peter grimaced.

“Now,” laughed Maligno. “I summon Goblin King, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a dark throne arose on the field. Seated on it was a small, green-skinned goblin with a royal robe and a small crown. (00/00)

“Okay…” sighed Peter. “What’s this guy’s story?”

“Goblin King’s Attack score and Defense score is 1,000 for every Fiend on the field aside from himself,” said Maligno. “With four fiends on the field, two on my side and two on yours, that gives him an Attack and Defense of 4,000 each! Plus, you can’t attack him so long as there are other Fiends on my side of the field. Not that you could, anyway!

“Goblin King, destroy Archfiend Soldier with royal blast attack!”

Goblin King fired a blast of red energy from his hand, and vaporized Archfiend Soldier. Peter’s Life Points fell to 4,925.

Goblin King’s Attack slipped to 3,000.

“This is crazy!” gasped Clive. “The more Fiends that are summoned, the stronger that creature will become!”

“Don’t count our boy out yet,” assured Mary.

Man, thought Peter, the more Monsters I have on the field, the more I’ll be helping Maligno! How can I take him down?

He drew, as his Life Points fell to 4,625.

Hmm, he thought, looking at the card. Might as well…

“I first play one card facedown,” he said, setting the card.

It appeared before him.

“And now,” he continued. “I Tribute my Shadowknight for Skull Archfiend of Lightning, in Attack Mode!”

The Mask of the Accursed shattered, and Shadowknight vanished. A thunderstorm erupted above Pandemonium, and the darker version of Summoned Skull appeared in a rage. (2,500/1,200)

“Eh?” said Maligno.

“Skull Archfiend of Lightning,” said Peter. “Attack the Giant Orc with Archfiend lightning attack!”

The Archfiend howled and shot forth a storm of lightning, blasting both the Giant Orc and the Second Goblin out of existence. Maligno’s Life Points fell to 4,400.

“Looks like I got both of them,” said Peter. “And now, with only one other Fiend on the field, your Goblin King has only 1,000 Attack and Defense points!”

He’s right! thought Maligno. My King is doomed unless I draw something good…

He drew.

“Ah, perfect!” he laughed. “I play Monster Reborn, to bring back my Summoned Skull!”

He fit the card into the slot, and Skull Archfiend of Lightning’s lesser counterpart appeared before Maligno. (2,500/1,200)

“True, this only brings Goblin King’s scores up to 2,000,” laughed Maligno. “But like I said, he can’t be attacked when I have other Fiends on my side of the Field, and if you attacked my Summoned Skull with your Skull Archfiend, all you’d get is a draw.”

“Indeed,” said Peter. He drew.

His score went up to 4,825.

“With one Archfiend on the field, I am able to summon the mighty king of the Archfiends!” he said. “Terrorking Archfiend, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and the huge, royal fiend appeared, and struck a pose. (2,000/1,500)

“Fool,” laughed Maligno. “Now my Goblin King’s scores are 3,000!”

“Not for long,” said Peter. “I activate my Trap. A little thing called Archfiend’s Curse!”

The Trap Card lifted.

“To activate Archfiend’s Curse, I have to pay 1,000 Life Points,” he explained. “But in return, the Attack score of all opposing Monsters is cut in half!”

His Life Points fell to 3,625, while the Summoned Skull’s Attack power fell to 1,250, and the Goblin King’s fell to 1,500!

Maligno gasped.

“Skull Archfiend of Lightning,” said Peter, “attack Summoned Skull! Archfiend lightning attack!”

The Archfiend crackled with electricity and shot it forward, obliterating his counterpart.

“And now,” smiled Peter, “your Goblin King’s Attack score is a measly 1,000 again! Terrorking Archfiend, destroy Goblin King with charging checkmate attack!”

Terrorking flew forward and punched Goblin King, smashing him and his throne to pieces.

Maligno’s Life Points now stood at 2,350.

“When did Peter get that card?” asked Mary.

“I dunno,” shrugged Clive.

Peter clutched his stomach. No doubt about it. He was getting a bad case of heartburn. He hoped he could finish this soon. But he wasn’t about to quit because of a tummy-ache.

Maligno was starting to panic. Some of is best Monsters had all been taken out, and he was facing some of Peter’s best. He had never dreamed that Archfiends could be so formidable.

He drew.

And then he laughed. He laughed out loud.

“What’s so funny?” asked Peter.

“I just drew my trump card,” laughed Maligno. “The rarest card in my deck! Oh, I had to fight to get this one… but it was worth it. The Ritual Card known as Zera Ritual!”

He put the card in the slot, and a man in strange, dark armor, seated on a horrible, evil throne appeared before him, shaped like a gaseous fiend with glowing eyes.

“To complete this ceremony,” said Maligno. “I offer as sacrifice from my hand a second King of Yamimakai, and a second Giant Orc…”

The two Fiends appeared on the Field. Two beams from the throne’s eyes struck them, and they vanished.

“Yugi,” asked Mary. “What does this Ritual summon?”

“Something bad,” replied Yugi. “Something really bad…”

The throne disappeared.

“And now,” cackled Maligno, “the skies will darken, the storm will commence, and the face of ultimate Evil will show itself! Look into the face of… Zera the Mant!”

A storm erupted over Pandemonium, and a dark shape arose. It looked like a cross between a skeleton and a humanoid crocodile, with sharp horns, a toothy mouth, and a long red cape with a very high collar. (2,800/2,300)

Zera the Mant roared, and lightning flashed.

“Zera the Mant,” laughed Maligno. “Attack Terrorking Archfiend with jagged claws attack!”

Zera leapt forward and swiped at Terrorking, cutting him to pieces. Peter’s Life Points fell to 2,825.

“Your move,” smiled Maligno.

All right, thought Peter, now what? I can’t even shift into defense thanks to his Shadow of Eyes…

He drew. His Life Points rose to 3,025

Monster Reborn, he thought. A fat lot of good THAT will do me. There’s nothing to resurrect that can defeat Zera.

“I pass this turn,” he said.

“Heh, heh,” cackled Maligno. “Thought you might. Zera, destroy Skull Archfiend of Lightning!”

Zera struck, and tore Skull Archfiend of Lightning apart. Peter’s Life Points fell to 2,725.

“Your move again,” smiled Maligno. “So what will you summon next?”

Peter drew, as his Life Points went up to 2,925.

His eyes opened wide!

“I first summon Darkbishop Archfiend, in Defense Mode,” he said.

A column of water erupted on field. The demonic bishop appeared. (300/1,400)

And now I play Monster Reborn,” he proclaimed, “to bring back Terrorking Archfiend!”

He put the card down, and Terrorking Archfiend reappeared. (2,000/1,500)

“What?” asked Maligno.

“And now,” shouted Peter. “I Equip him with an Archfiend’s favorite weapon… Axe of Despair!”

He fit the card into the slot; the big ugly axe appeared and Terrorking grabbed it. His Attack power rose to 3,000.

Maligno drew back in fright.

“Now my Terrorking,” ordered Peter, “destroy Zera the Mant!”

Terrorking charged forward and brought his axe down on Zera the Mant, cutting him in two!

Maligno’s Life Points fell to 2,150.

“Yes!” cheered Mary. “Peter’s going to do it! Maligno can’t have another Monster that powerful, and he can’t use Monster Reborn again!”

Maligno reached for his deck.

He’s going to beat me if I don’t draw the right card now…

He drew.

Premature Burial! he thought. This will be risky, but it may just do the job.

“First,” he announced, “I’ll play the Magic Card Heavy Storm!”

He fit the card into the slot, and a storm erupted over the field.

“This card destroys every Magic and Trap card on the field,” said Maligno. That includes Pandemonium and your Axe of Despair! It includes my Shadow of Eyes too, but it’s a small price to pay!”

The Axe of Despair flew from Terrorking’s hands, and the streets around them changed back to Duelatopia’s normal form. The fiendish eyes vanished.

Phew, thought Persephone. I was getting sick of that place.

“Now,” continued Maligno. “I play the Continuous Magic Card Premature Burial!”

He slid the card into a slot.

“I have to pay 800 Life Points,” he said, “but I get to bring back Zera the Mant for one more go!”

His Life Points slipped to 1,350, as Zera the Mant reappeared! (2,800/2,300)

“Zera the Mant,” ordered Maligno. “destroy Terrorking again!”

Zera slashed forward with his claws, and Terrorking Archfiend was eradicated. Peter’s Life Points fell to 2,125.

“Aw, no,” moaned Mary. “Peter’s a goner…”

“And that Darkbishop is going to drain him every round now that Pandemonium is gone!” gasped Clive.

Peter drew. His Life Points went up to 2,325. Darkbishop turned to him and raised his staff, sucking red energy out of his body. His Life Points fell to 1,825.

“I play Graceful Charity!” he panted.

He fitted it into the slot, and the angel appeared. She flew into his deck.

He drew three cards.

Huh, he thought.

A strategy started to form.

I was able to fool Mantra with this trick, he thought. This is going to be very risky. If this doesn’t work, I’ll lose the duel for sure…

He discarded two cards.

“I play two cards facedown,” said Peter.

He set the last cards in his hand. The two facedown cards appeared.

“I end my turn,” he said.

“He’s crazy!” gasped Clive. “Even if Maligno doesn’t attack… Without Pandemonium, that Darkbishop will keep draining his Life Points every turn, and his score is already low enough as it is!”

“Quiet!” ordered Yugi.

This strategy is strangely familiar, he thought.

Maligno started to sweat as he drew.

Two cards facedown, he thought. If I lose Zera again, I can’t bring him back, and he’ll be destroyed if my Premature Burial card is destroyed!

This is the hardest decision I’ve had to make this entire duel! To attack, or not to attack?

He looked at Peter. Despite the pains in his stomach, Peter was stone-faced.

“Zera the Mant…” started Maligno.

Zera raised his claws.

“No, wait!” shouted Maligno.

Zera lowered them.

“I’m just going to pass this turn,” said Maligno.

Peter smiled, and drew. His score went up to 2,025.

Then Darkbishop Archfiend turned to him again and waved his staff. Peter gritted his teeth as his energy was sucked out of him. His Life Points fell to 1,525.

“Why is your own Monster attacking you?” asked Maligno.

“None of your business,” gasped Peter, sweating. “You really should have attacked me there, pal; you would have won.”

“But your Traps…” started Maligno.

“With this Trap Card/Magic Card combo, you would have benefited from attacking the Darkbishop,” explained Peter. “First, I use the Trap Card – Archfiend’s Roar!”

The Trap Card revealed itself.

“I have to pay 500 more Life Points,” explained Peter, “and in return, I get to Special Summon one Archfiend from the Graveyard for the duration of this turn. So I’ll choose Terrorking!”

His Life Points fell to 1,025, and Terrorking reappeared, in Attack Mode. (2,000/1,500)

“Now,” yelled Peter. “My Magic Card – Checkmate!”

The Magic Card lifted.

“To activate this card, I have to send one Archfiend other than the Terrorking to the Graveyard, so I’ll send my Darkbishop.”

The Darkbishop vanished.

“If I had attacked,” said Maligno, aghast, “you’d have had no one to use!”

“Bingo!” smiled Peter. “And by using Checkmate, my Terrorking can bypass your Monster, and hit you for a direct attack!”

Terrorking Archfiend roared!

“Terrorking Archfiend,” ordered Peter. “Attack Maligno with ultimate charging checkmate attack!”

Terrorking sped forward, and hit Maligno with a savage uppercut! Maligno gave a cry, and flew backwards, as his Life Points fell to zero.

The spectators cheered, as the holographic platforms slowly shut down.

Hmph, thought Persephone. Peter may have been able to defeat that Fiend duelist, but he’ll never be able to defeat me.

She gave her cape a twirl and walked off, but she would be back soon…

Back at the center of the excitement, Peter eyed his Disk; it had been upgraded to Blue. His friends rushed around him. Clive grabbed him in a headlock.

“Way to go, Pete!” yelled Clive, giving him a noogie. “Who’s the master of Fiends?”

Then they heard laughter. It was coming from Maligno, who was still on the ground.

“Maligno?” asked Peter. “You all right?”

“Yes!” laughed Maligno. “That was an excellent duel! You showed me things about Fiends that I had never even imagined. Come, let’s go in and discuss this further!”

“Uh, sure,” groaned Peter. “But before that, does anyone have an Alka-Seltzer?”


* * * * * * * * * *


In the restaurant, over sodas, Peter and Maligno had a brief discussion over Archfiends and their talents.

“So if the Terrorking is destroyed, the Desrook can restore him?” asked Maligno.

“Yes,” answered Peter. “But you have to send Desrook to the Graveyard. Like I said, the Archfiends work as a team.”

“Perhaps once the tournament is over I should study up on Archfiends,” pondered Maligno. “Maybe I could make them into a strong deck of my own.”

“I warn you,” said Yugi. “Archfiends decks are among the hardest decks to manage. They take a good deal of smarts and strategy.”

“Yes,” said Maligno. He opened up a pouch. “Say, Peter, would you be interested in an even trade?”

He took out a card. “I have a spare Great Maju Garzett, and you said he is an Archfiend.”

Peter thought for a minute. He knew that the card would make a good addition to his own deck…

He took out the pouch where he kept his own extra cards and leafed through them.

“Sure Maligno,” he said. “Let’s see…

“I have a spare Marie the Fallen One, in case you’re interested in that.”

“Okay,” smiled Maligno, “It’s a deal!”

They swapped cards.

“Well, so long,” smiled Maligno, finishing his soda. “If either of us gets to the finals, let’s hope the other is there to cheer for him.”

“Count on it,” grinned Peter.

When the team started out again, it was two PM. They were in search of more challenges, and didn’t know that they had picked up two stragglers.

One, Persephone, who was interested in studying them.

And two, a shadowy figure who’s interests were entirely different…



WAILING BANSHEE (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Fiend/Effect
Attribute: Wind
Level: 3
ATK: 1,200
DEF: 1,100

Card Description: This ghostly woman of the night emits a scream that foretells death to those who hear it. Every Battle Phase after this Monster is summoned, starting the one after this Monster is summoned, one Monster on the field chosen at random (aside from this one) is destroyed. Use a dice to determine which, after assigning each available Monster a number.



LEPRECHAUN THIEF (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Fiend/Effect
Attribute: Earth
Level: 3
ATK: 1,000
DEF: 1,000

Card Description: This nasty little goblin is the embodiment of greed. When this Monster destroys an opponent’s Monster in battle, regardless of the destroyed Monster’s attack position, you get to take one card at random from your opponent’s hand and add it to your own.



LUCKY SHAMROCK (Magic Card)

Card Specs

Type: Magic
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a three-leaf clover, with one orange leaf, one purple leaf, and one green leaf. Pay 1,000 Life Points to activate this card. Draw three cards from your deck. If the three cards you draw are a Monster, Magic, and a Trap card, you gain 2,000 Life Points.



ARCHFIEND’S CURSE (Trap Card)

Card Specs

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a laughing Infernalqueen Archfiend casting a spell on hapless foes. You can only activate this card when at least one Archfiend Monster is face-up on your side of the field. Pay 1,000 Life Points to activate this card. Cut the ATK of all opposing Monsters currently face-up on the field in half.

[Oakbark]

Wow, that was an interesting chapter!

For someone that started off as somewhat of a jerk, the Irish duelist really came good at the end! I hope we see more of him in the future.

Persephone's little side commentary was interesting, i enjoyed having her thoughts voiced during the chapter. What's she gonna do now??

The card creation's were interesting, especially Leprachaun Thief! Interesting effect...

You've have thought one of them would have had an Exile of the Wicked card with them, wouldn't it have been handy?

I have a feeling an Eliminator is approaching, but with the winning streak Team Supreme has had, someone is surely going to lose a duel soon. But who?

That's it for now. Later!

Damien.

[Shuppet Master]

Oakbark,Exile of the Wicked is a BAD idea for two fiend duelists fighting each other. It says that Exile of the Wicked destroys ALL fiends,including your own! That means if one of them used it,it would have been like a Dark Hole,both fields would have been cleared. :lol:

I have to reread the chapter again,because I rushed through it - I had to go to church (laughs at the whole idea of reading about Fiends before going to holy mass) - but I think Venusaur scored a great one once again! I was wondering if Ireland was going to have a Duelist Champ. Oh,and I can guess who the 'old friend from Duelist Labyrinth' is,thanks to the title. ;)

For everyone,I've posted up my third chapter of "Sister of Anansi",which is tense and filled with tough dueling action! Go read it,go read it! :drool:

EDIT: NEVER rush through creating a message. You'll ruin smilies. :nut:

[Dark Sage]

Yes indeed. Exile of the Wicked is not something a Fiend deck should carry.

And everyone, do try to review Hack's fanfic. It's good.

- Venusaur

[mr_pikachu]

Interesting. I liked that Fiend deck; it seemed to work very well. Great Maju Garzett was a nice addition, and a brilliant card for any Fiend deck. I was rather surprised that Peter could use it against Maligno.

I did notice one dueling rules error, though. Early in the duel, you mentioned that Desrook would drain Peter of 500 LP, since he hadn't played Pandemonium. But he never lost that 500, even though he should have. You should probably edit that in, and change the following Life Point totals accordingly. Also, I still think you should show thoughts in italics, so that they become more distinguished from the narration. Either that, or put them in quotes (and specify afterwards that they are thoughts rather than speech).

I like the small additions you put into your chapters, like the pizza indigestion. Little things like that make fics much more fun to read.

I noticed one question in your contest that was particularly interesting...

3. Magic Card. If you summoned Mystical Elf in Attack Mode and used this card, she could defeat Summoned Skull and do 800 points of LP damage to the owner of Summoned Skull. Used by Joey.

Oddly enough, there is a Trap card that also meets all the criteria (other than being a Magic card, of course). Remember Fairy Box? With its actual effect, and Mystical Elf in attack mode, it would stand a 50/50 chance of dropping the Summoned Skull's attack power all the way to 0 if it attacked. If the effect was successful, the Skull would be destroyed, and the Skull's owner would lose Life Points equal to the Mystical Elf's attack score: 800.

Anyway, this was a fun chapter. I look forward to the next one! :wave:


P.S. And yes, it will be interesting to see that duelist again... it's been awhile!

[Dark Sage]

Mr. Pikachu:

A number of points:

1. The rules of the the major Archfiends state that, if on the field without Pandemonium, you must pay a Life Point bonus at the beginning of each of your Standby Phases after they are summoned.

Like all summonings, Peter summoned the Desrook in his first Main Phase, which is after the Standby Phase; but the Desrook was destroyed before his next turn, and thus didn't make it to his next Standby Phase. Thus, Peter took no Life Point damage from the Desrook.

So that wasn't a mistake.

2. True, Fairy Box can do that, and Joey has used that card. But seeing as Fairy Box is a Trap, and I said clearly "Magic Card." My question's answer was the right one.

3. If you want it so much... from now on, thoughts will be put in italics. Maybe that would be a good addition.

4. I'm guessing at least two people know who the duelist is whom Clive will be facing next chapter. Well don't worry, this chapter - and the duelist - won't diappoint. Prepare to see one of the most unlikely Monsters of all!

Thanks for the feedback. And I am still asking everybody to critique Hack's fic, because it's pretty good.

- Venusaur

[FusionSonicX]

Great chapter Venusaur. I for one use Archfiends when I duel in real life. They allowed me to win two tournaments! BUt anyway, I hve some information about the "Mandate of Heaven". I looked it up and it said that the Mandate of Heaven envolved the chinese and their gods. Could I be wrong, probally am... but I could be right...


Later Days,
FusionSonicX

[Shuppet Master]

Wow! Fusion-X,that is one awesome duel disk! And the character on the front,it wasn't Yugi! So does that mean that some group is going to continue the Yu-Gi-Oh anime after Yami Yugi gets his memories back? That would be just plain awesome! :D

[Perfect Chaos]

Yeah, sorry for not being able to review your story for a while Venusaur. The reason being is that I've been grounded from my computer until about the end of October, and thus won't be able to get online for a while (I'm sneaking on right now).

Anyways, back to your story. I've read your past few chapters and they, as always, were some quality work. Of course, I enjoyed this chapter the most so far (gee, wonder why ;)) and hopefully, we get to see of Maligno later on your story

Peace out

-$∑@π

[FusionSonicX]

.hack//BELLOSSOM, I have no idea. I'll PM you tomorrow when it airs and tell ya.

[Dark Sage]

Before I start on this new chapter, some words of explanation for future reference.

The cards which I have formerly referred to as "Retrained Celtic Guardian" and "Swift Gaia of the Gale" have recently been released in the United States with the names "Obnoxious Celtic Guardian" and "Swift Gaia the Fierce Knight." Thus, from now on, I will use the new American names.

Also, this next chapter contains a few "Soul of the Duelist" cards. It seems like these cards will become a permanent fixture in this fanfic starting now (mainly because they're so cool). But don't worry, enough info will be given to make it understandable.

Anyway, enjoy the next chapter.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

Anastasia’s Duelist Labyrinth may have been a mad trap meant to lure us to our doom, but I have to admit, it was fun for most of the time. I saw a lot of great dueling action and met a lot of interesting duelists.

One duelist tended to stick out. She was certainly interesting.

She was insulting, condescending, egotistical, vain, an exhibitionist, and probably missing a few marbles, but she sure was interesting.

Mary defeated her then, and now I have to do the same thing now or I’m never going to hear the end of it.

And just listening to her, she’s gotten a whole lot more interesting, but other than that, she hasn’t changed a bit…



CHAPTER FOURTEEN



Tremendous Fire



Three o’clock in the afternoon.

It started to get unusually warm over Duelatopia. The team rested by a large fountain, which was dominated by a statue of Water Omotics spilling water from her jar into the large basin.

The team sat down. Mary took a coin from her pocket and tossed it into the fountain.

“So what did you wish for?” asked Clive.

“Uh, uh!” smiled Peter. “Don’t tell anyone, or it won’t come true!”

Mary grinned.

Yugi glanced over his shoulder for the third time in the past half hour. Persephone may not have known it, but he knew she was following them. He didn’t know exactly why.

If she’s going to throw the gauntlet, he thought, why doesn’t she do it already?

But that wasn’t all he was concerned about.

A couple of times, he was almost certain that someone else was following him… some strange and mysterious presence. He sensed a source of power – not the evil power he had sometimes sensed when he was in the City of Souls or the Duelist Labyrinth. It was just something powerful. But whoever this mysterious tracker was, he or she was too elusive to be seen.

He had consulted with his soul-partner on it once or twice, but Yami was clueless.

“I sense it too, Yugi,” pondered Yami, “but it’s different than anything I’ve ever encountered. Something so strange and alien that I can’t even picture it, let alone locate it.”

“Is their any risk?” asked Yugi.

“I don’t know,” replied Yami. “It may well be that this being means us no good, but can we be sure of it?”

“Should we tell the others?”

“Let’s wait,” answered Yami. “Wait until I can at least see this phantasm and try to deduct what it is. Then we may know whether it is a threat or not.”

As they were sitting by the fountain, a duelist passed by. She turned to them in shock.

She was a bizarre looking figure. She had black hair tied in a very long braid, and olive-green eyes. Her skin was a rich tan. She was well-endowed, and wore a red halter that showed off a lot of cleavage, a short red skirt, gilded sandals and a red bandana.

She gazed at Mary with an angry look.

“Yes?” asked Mary.

“Mary Wheeler?” she sneered, in a thick Mediterranean accent. “I should have figured you’d be here…”

“Do I know you?” asked Mary.

“Have you so soon forgotten the great Etna Prometheus?!” she snarled.

“Etna Pro…” started Mary. “Oh… wait… From Duelist Labyrinth right? The Fire duelist… The nutcase from Sicily who thought that Mount Etna was her father. Right… Didn’t recognize you without the string bikini!”

“Nutcase?” growled Etna. “You doubt my origin? Mount Etna erupted hours after I was born! It erupted again on my fifth birthday, killing all within two miles except for me! My skin is completely fireproof. The volcano WAS the one who spawned me!”

“Uh huh,” said Peter with a nervous chuckle. “So when do the men in white coats come to take you to the happy hotel?”

Etna snarled.

“I haven’t forgotten how you humiliated me, Mary!” she shouted.

“What’s wrong with you, anyway?” asked Clive. “Do you have one of those strange ‘female problems’?”

Etna raised her Disk. It was at Red status.

“I’ve had a bad day,” she snarled. “Three defeats in a row by three Orange-status duelists who got lucky. And I’m going to take it out on you, Mary.”

Mary whistled, and held up her Disk.

“Violet?” yelled Etna, in shock.

“Uh huh,” smiled Mary. “I’ll duel you if you want; I’d love to get to Silver. But if you want to get booted out of the tournament over some crazy thoughts of revenge, I’d say that you’re even more nuts than I used to think.”

Etna seethed in rage. But then she calmed down. She looked over the other three of them and their Disks.

She noticed Clive was only Green.

“You!” she exclaimed, pointing to Clive. “You in the leather jacket! I’ll take the path of least resistance and duel you! I’ll save Mary for later!”

“Huh?” said Clive. “Hey, just because I’m not as experienced as they are in this particular tournament, doesn’t mean I’m unskilled.”

“Do you accept or don’t you? dared Etna.

Clive sighed. “Fine,” he said. “But only to teach you a lesson.”

How tough can this psychopath be? he thought.





Across the street from where they were standing, Persephone was watching the whole thing.

Oh, Etna Prometheus?! she thought. What was Kaiba thinking inviting that kook?

She had met Etna several times, most recently in a small tournament in Rome. They had even faced off a couple of times, and Persephone knew that Etna was a few noodles short of a full lasagna. She may have been the Southern European champion at one time, but after the Duelist Labyrinth she had gotten more eccentric and had lost her touch. Persephone had kicked her butt good in their brief encounter.

I can’t believe this, she thought, but now I hope Clive mops the floor with that screwball.

Besides, this will give me a chance to study up on Clive a bit…


[center]* * * * * * * * * *


The holo-imagers were in place, and Clive and Etna stood face to face.

“Okay Clive,” warned Etna. “Prepare to feel the fury, as this volcano erupts!”

She made her draws.

“I’m going to render you extinct,” growled Clive, making his.

Not bad, thought Clive, looking at his cards. I got the Scorpion’s Den Field Card on my first draw! That should tip the advantage.

“You make the first move, gorgeous,” he smiled, sarcastically.

“Whatever you say,” she said.

“LET’S DUEL!!” they both yelled.

“For my first move,” she said. “I’ll play a Magic Card… Yellow Luster Shield!”

She fit it into her slot, and the card appeared in mid-air.

Huh? thought Clive. That increases the Defense of all her Monsters by 300 points. But why?

“And now?” continued Etna. “I summon Bronze Sentinel in Defense Mode!”

She put the card down, and a huge, hulking shape appeared. It looked like a bronze statue in Spartan armor. (00/2,200) –> (00/2,300)

So that’s why, thought Clive. She’s set up a wall. But she can’t beat me by defending…

Clive drew.

“I’ll play my Field Magic Card,” he said, opening the Field slot. “Scorpion’s Den!”

The streets around them changed dramatically, forming a cavern-like roof over their heads. Chests, crates, bags, and barrels brimming with treasure appeared around them.

“You’re in for it now, Etna!” warned Mary.

“Welcome to the hidden lair of the Dark Scorpion Gang,” said Clive. “In this place, these special Warriors gain a 500-point bonus to both their Attack and Defense!

“And I warn you Etna, once they find you here, they won’t let you live…”

He took a card from his hand.

“And it looks like one of them has found you already! I summon Chick the Yellow, in Attack Mode!”

The young, blonde-haired, teenage member of the Dark Scorpions appeared, twirling his quarterstaff. (1,000/1,000) –> (1,500/1,500)

“If you think I’m scared of some kid with a stick, you’re sorely mistaken,” mocked Etna.

She drew.

“Besides, I have all the cards I need for a killer combo. I summon Restorative Furnace, in Attack Mode!”

She lay the card down, and a huge furnace with a robotic face taking up the front appeared. It had a smokestack on the side, and flames were roaring inside it. (00/00) –> (00/300)

“What the…” muttered Peter.

“So long as this Machine is in Attack Mode,” explained Etna, “my Life Points will be increased by 500 points during each of my Standby Phases!”

“I hate to break this to you,” chuckled Clive. “But that thing is in Attack Mode, and has zero Attack points. My Monsters will wreck it without breaking a sweat!”

“Think so?” dared Etna. “Try.”

Okay, thought Clive, something’s very amiss here.

She has no facedown cards on the field, only that Yellow Luster Shield. What’s to stop me from destroying that Furnace and taking a big chunk out of her Life Points?

He drew.

Best find out…

“Getsu Fuhma, in Attack Mode!” he yelled, putting a card down.

A red-haired, female Warrior with blue armor and a red skirt, holding a long, glowing sword appeared. (1,700/1,200)

“Getsu Fuhma, break that Furnace!” shouted Clive. “Whirlwind blade attack!”

Getsu Fuhma swung her sword and leapt at Restorative Furnace.

And then, the Bronze Sentinel blocked her path. He landed a punch, sending her flying backwards with a cry.

Etna chuckled as Getsu Fuhma got up. “See?” she smiled. “Bronze Sentinel is a guardian. So long as he’s on the field, you can’t attack any Fire Monster except him. And seeing as his Defense is now 2,500, that’s going to be pretty hard.”

Okay, thought Clive. So she’s learned a new trick.

“I’ll end my turn,” said Clive.

Etna drew.

Fire poured out of the Restorative Furnace, and flowed into Etna! Her Life Points went up to 8,500.

“Mmm!” smiled Etna. “Feels good! Now to complete my three-card combo! I summon Fire Princess in Defense Mode!”

She put the card down, and a beautiful woman in a red dress carrying a wooden staff appeared. (1,300/1,500) –> (1,300/1,800)

“No!” gasped Yugi. “That Princess can hurt Clive every time Etna increases her Life Points!”

“And she can increase them every round with the Furnace!” gasped Peter.

“And Peter can’t touch either of them due to the Sentinel!” moaned Mary.

“Now you’re getting the picture!” grinned Etna. “Do I know how to combo, or do I know how to combo? You’re going down in flames, Clive!

“And it’s your move.”

Clive frowned. He drew.

“Meanae the Thorn, in Attack Mode!” he exclaimed.

The lovely female member of the Dark Scorpions appeared, and cracked her whip. (1,000/1,800) –> (1,500/2,300)

“Your move,” he said.

“Doesn’t matter how many Monsters you summon,” mocked Etna. “You can’t break up my strategy.”

She drew.

The Furnace flared again, feeding its flames into Etna. She laughed. Her Life Points went up to 9,000.

“Let him have it, Fire Princess!” cackled Etna.

Fire Princess aimed her staff at Clive, and shot forth a stream of flames, striking him! He screamed, and his Life Points fell to 7,500.

“And I’ll just pass for this turn,” said Etna.

Aw, Clive, thought Persephone. Don’t tell me you’re going to let her beat you with three Monsters? Don’t you have a Raigeki or a Dark Hole in that deck of yours? Those Dark Scorpions aren’t going to cut it in this business…

“You’re really starting to burn me up,” snarled Clive, drawing.

He looked at the card.

Hey… he thought.

“First,” he said, “I’ll lay this card facedown.”

He put the card in the slot, and it appeared behind his three Monsters.

“Then,” he continued, “I’ll shift all my Monsters into Defense Mode.”

Chick the Yellow, Meanae the Thorn, and Getsu Fuhma knelt in Defense.

“And finally,” said Clive. “I’ll summon Mad Dog of Darkness, also in Defense Mode.”

The vicious, orange dog appeared, and sat in Defense. (1,900/1,400)

“Why did you do THAT?” snarled Etna.

“It will become clear in a minute,” said Clive.

“Um, Yugi,” asked Mary, “why did Clive do that?”

Yugi thought for a minute.

“I think I might have seen a card in Clive’s deck at one point that he said was useful for getting rid of defensive walls – maybe this is part of using that card. But as to why he put all his Monsters in Defense Mode to do it, I have no idea.”

He’s up to something, thought Etna.

She looked at her cards.

I’d best have my Plan B set up in case something goes wrong…

She drew.

Restorative Furnace blew its flames at Etna again, raising her Life Points to 9,500.

Again, Fire Princess cast her fiery spell at Clive, and he struggled to remain standing. His Life Points fell to 7,000. Sweat poured down his face.

“I’ll play these two cards facedown,” stated Etna. “And end my turn.”

She put the cards in the slots, and they appeared.

It’s now or never, thought Clive.

He pushed a button on his Disk, and his facedown card rose.

“I activate my Trap,” he said. “Zero Gravity!”

All of the Monsters on the field moved. All four of Clive’s Monsters leapt up, ready to attack. At the same time, Bronze Sentinel and Fire Princess formed attack stances, while Restorative Furnace’s flames died down.

“WHAT?” shouted Etna.

“Zero Gravity is a potent Trap in certain situations,” said Clive. “It changes the positions of all Monsters on the field, switching those in Defense Mode to Attack Mode, and vice versa!

“Now, my Monsters are all in Attack Mode, while your three Monsters are easy for them to destroy!”

“No…” gasped Etna.

“Meanae the Thorn!” shouted Clive. “Attack Bronze Sentinel with scorpion lash attack!”

Meanae cracked her whip, hitting the Sentinel. It exploded in a burst of flame!

“Chick the Yellow! Attack Fire Princess! Scorpion smash attack!”

Chick twirled his quarterstaff and brought it down on Fire Princess’s head. She fell down and blood poured from her skull before she vanished.

“Getsu Fuhma! Destroy Restorative Furnace! Whirlwind blade attack!”

Getsu Fuhma leapt up with a cry and brought her sword down on the huge Machine. She leapt back as a huge explosion rocked the field.

Clive grinned.

“Mad Dog of Darkness,” he smiled, “attack Etna directly! Jaws of darkness attack!”

“NO!” gasped Etna as Mad Dog of Darkness pounced. The Beast tackled her and sank its fangs into her neck. She screamed.

“That’s it, Mad Dog!” shouted Mary. “Go for the jugular!”

Mad Dog of Darkness backed away, as Etna got up, clutching her neck. Her Life Points had dropped to 5,900.

“Okay,” growled Etna. “Now I’m steamed!”

All right! thought Persephone. Chew her up and spit her out, Clive! I’ll have to write that strategy down in my logbook later…

“Well it’s still my move,” smiled Clive. “Since Chick damaged your Life Points, one of your facedown cards is returned to your hand…”

One of the facedown cards in front of Etna vanished.

“And since Meanae damaged them, I get to search my deck for another member of the Dark Scorpions and add him to my hand.”

He reached for his deck, and looked through it.

Cliff the Trap Remover, he thought, taking the card. He’ll come in useful later…

“Now I reshuffle,” he said, as his Disk reshuffled his deck, “and it’s your move. But things don’t look too good for you Etna. I have four Monsters on my side of Field, and you can probably only summon one.”

“One will be more than enough,” snarled Etna. “I can still use my other facedown card…

“But first, I’ll re-set the one that was sent back to my hand…”

She set the card down, and the card reappeared.

“And then I’ll activate this Trap… DNA Transplant!”

The card lifted, and a large, purple double helix appeared over the field. Suddenly, the clothing of all three of Clive’s Warrior’s and the fur of his Mad Dog of Darkness turned bright red.

“DNA Transplant?” said Mary. “I know what DNA Surgery does, but DNA Transplant?”

“DNA Surgery changes Types,” explained Etna. “This Trap changes Attributes. From now on, every Monster on the field will be of the Fire Attribute.”

“Uh, I’m guessing this isn’t good,” muttered Mary.

“Now then…” said Etna, taking a card from her hand.

She looked at Clive and smiled.

“Tell me something, Clive,” she said. “You look like the athletic type. When you were small, did you ever play little league sports? Baseball, perhaps?”

“As a matter of fact, I did,” sneered Clive. “What’s your point?”

“Then the Monster I am about to summon might bring back nostalgic memories…” she said.

“I summon, in Attack Mode, the incredible, unstoppable, ULTIMATE BASEBALL KID!!”

She put the card down, and the most unlikely Monster of all appeared. He looked like a ten-year-old child with freckles and a mean expression, dressed in a red little league outfit and batting helmet. He carried a metal bat covered with spikes. (500/1,000) –> (500/1,300)

Ultimate Baseball Kid tapped his shoe with his bat, spit on the floor, and assumed a batter’s stance.

Clive just stared for a minute. And then he burst out laughing. Peter and Mary laughed too, but not Yugi.

“That’s a Monster?!” said Clive. “He looks like my girlfriend’s kid brother! Oh, look out, it’s the attack of the sandlot slugger!”

“You won’t be laughing for long,” said Etna, who was still smiling. “He may not look impressive, but Ultimate Baseball Kid gains an impressive 1,000 Attack Points for every face-up Fire Monster on the field other than himself.”

Clive paused.

“You have no other Fire Monsters on the field!” he exclaimed.

“Didn’t you hear me correctly?” smiled Etna. “I said every face-up Fire Monster on the field, yours included!”

Clive paused again.

“Your DNA Transplant Trap made all of my Monsters Fire Monsters…” he muttered.

“And you have four of them!” exclaimed Etna. “That brings this little tyke’s Attack score all the way up to 4,500! A score matched only by the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!”

“For the love of…” gasped Mary.

“Ultimate Baseball Kid,” shouted Etna, “attack that lousy Mad Dog of Darkness with flaming line drive of death attack!”

Ultimate Baseball Kid held out his hand, and a ball of fire appeared on it. He tossed it into the air, and hit it with his bat, sending it towards Mad Dog of Darkness, incinerating it with a deafening explosion!

Clive’s Life Points fell all the way to 4,400. Ultimate Baseball Kid’s Attack score slipped to 3,500, but he didn’t seem to care.

“Looks like this game is going to be a total shutout,” said Etna. “I’m going to do it! Etna Prometheus will make a comeback in Duelatopia!”

“Yugi!” yelled Mary. “What is Clive going to do! He’ll never stop that Monster!”

“Get ahold of yourself Mary!” shouted Yugi. “No Monster is without a flaw. Clive has a chance if he finds it.”

I just wish I could find it… he told himself.

Clive drew.

“I play the Pot of Greed!” he exclaimed.

He put the card down, and the laughing pot appeared in front of him.

He made two draws.

Negative Energy, and Reinforcement of the Army.

Oh, those are big helps! he thought. Negative Energy only works on Dark Monsters, and my Monsters aren’t Dark anymore! And even if I use Reinforcement of the Army to pull something out of my deck, it will never stand up to that slugger!

“I’ll simply shift all my Monsters to Defense Mode,” he said, “and end my turn.”

His three Warriors knelt in Defense.

Etna drew.

“Well,” she said. “You wisely didn’t summon anything to keep my Kid from getting stronger. But I can still summon. Fireyarou in Defense Mode!”

A flame-shrouded man in a loincloth appeared, sitting in the lotus position. (1,300/1,000) –> (1,300/1,300)

Ultimate Baseball Kid’s Attack rose back to 4,500.

“And secondly,” said Etna, pushing a button, “this Continuous Trap will now be in place… Backfire!”

The facedown card lifted.

“Now, even if you do manage to destroy one of my Fire Monsters, doing so will cost you 500 Life Points!” she explained. “But I can safely destroy yours! Ultimate Baseball Kid, attack Meanae the Thorn!”

Ultimate Baseball Kid batted forth his fiery line drive, and struck Meanae. She screamed, and was vaporized. The batter’s Attack score lowered to 3,500 again.

“We’re entering the top of the ninth!” smiled Etna.

“But we’re going into extra innings,” sneered Clive. “You can count on it!”

He drew.

Giant Spitting Cobra, he thought, looking at the card. It can intimidate a Monster and lower its Attack score, but with that kind of firepower it would barely matter…

“I’m going to pass this turn,” he said.

“What else can you do?” laughed Etna, drawing.

“I summon Flame Dancer, in Defense Mode!” she said.

She put the card down, and a weird, one-eyed imp with fire shooting out of a spout on the top of its head appeared. (550/450) –> (550/750)

Ultimate Baseball Kid’s Attack went back up to 4,500 again.

“Now my flaming batter,” ordered Etna, “destroy Chick the Yellow! Flaming line drive of death attack!”

The batter swung, and his fiery baseball obliterated Chick the Yellow.

Ultimate Baseball Kid’s Attack went down to 3,500 again.

“Your move,” said Etna, grinning from ear to ear.

I’m going to run out of Monsters before she does, thought Clive. And if that Ultimate Baseball Kid hits me with a direct attack at that power level, I’ve had it. There’s got to be something in this deck that can take him down…

He drew.

Giant Trunade! he thought, looking at the card.

This Magic Card will return all of her Trap and Magic Cards to her hand, including that DNA Transplant card…

He looked at his other cards. A strategy started to form.

“Okay, Etna,” he stated. “I’m going to send your Ultimate Baseball Kid to the showers!”

“Yeah, how?” she said, mockingly.

“By sending out my relief pitcher!” said Clive. “First, I shift Getsu Fuhma to Attack Mode!”

Getsu Fuhma rose up and prepared to attack.

“What’s Clive doing?” gasped Peter. “She won’t be able to touch that Kid!”

“Clive knows what he’s doing,” said Yugi.

I hope, he thought.

“Next,” said Clive, “I use the Magic Card Reinforcement of the Army.”

He slid the card into the slot.

“This lets me search my deck for one Warrior of Level 4 or lower and add it to my hand.”

He reached for his deck and searched through it.

Good old Don Zaloog, he thought, taking the card.

He put his deck back, and the Disk reshuffled it.

“Now,” he continued. “Another Magic Card – Giant Trunade!”

He fit the card into the slot, and Etna’s Backfire, Yellow Luster Shield, and DNA Transplant vanished. The Defense scores of all of Etna’s Monsters returned to their original scores.

“That forces all your Magic and Trap Cards back to your hand,” said Clive. “It will also send my Scorpion’s Den card back to my hand, but I don’t need it for now.”

He retrieved his Field Card, and Scorpion’s Den vanished from the field.

“And now I summon my relief pitcher, the fearless leader of the Dark Scorpions, Don Zaloog!”

He put the card down, and the white-haired, eyepatched, dagger-wielding bandit appeared, in Attack Mode. (1,400/1,500)

“What good will that do you?” said Etna.

“I’m not done!” said Clive. “Since your DNA Transplant is gone, Don here is his normal Attribute, Dark. That means I can use this third Magic Card on him, Negative Energy!”

He put the card down, and black waves of energy flowed into Don Zaloog.

“Negative Energy doubles the attack of all Dark Monsters on the Field, making Don Zaloog’s Attack score 2,800!”

“So?” said Etna. “Ultimate Baseball Kid is still stronger!”

“Not for long,” said Clive. “Getsu Fuhma, attack Fireyarou!”

Getsu Fuhma swung her sword, cutting Fireyarou in twain. He vanished. Etna gasped.

“With only two additional Fire Monsters,” said Clive. “Your Ultimate Baseball Kid’s Attack Score is only 2,500, and Don Zaloog is just strong enough to handle him! Don Zaloog, attack Ultimate Baseball Kid with Sting of the Scorpion attack!”

Don Zaloog leapt up, and swiped with his daggers! Ultimate Baseball Kid dropped his bat and fell over… he exploded in a fiery blast!

Etna’s Life Points fell to 5,600.

“Your Ultimate Baseball Kid struck out,” shouted Clive. And since he damaged your Life Points, Don Zaloog gets to swipe a card from your hand!

Don Zaloog snatched a card from Etna’s hand and shoved it into her discard pile. Etna cringed. That had been her Backfire card.

I’ve got to admit, thought Persephone, that was a clever bit of strategy. Much as I don’t like either of them, I’d feel sorry for Clive if that pipsqueak had beaten him. Still, this duel isn’t over yet…

“You make my blood boil,” growled Etna, drawing. “Well, I’m still in the lead, and I still have a few tricks up my sleeve. I’m going to burn you to the ground!”

“I play a Magic card,” she said, “the powerful Hammer Shot!”

“Hammer Shot?” said Clive.

Etna slid the card into the slot. “This Magic Card can destroy the Monster with the highest Attack Score on the field!” she cackled.

An enormous hammer materialized out of the air and came down on Don Zaloog, crushing him flat! Etna laughed. Clive’s Life Points fell down to 3,700.

“Now,” continued Etna. “I Tribute my Flame Dancer for my favorite Monster, Mr. Volcano in Attack Mode!”

The Flame Dancer vanished, and a sorcerer with red hair, blue clothing, and a red cape appeared in his place. Flames appeared in his hands. (2,100/1,300)

“Face it, Clive,” smiled Etna, “Getsu Fuhma has nowhere to go but up in smoke!

“Mr. Volcano, attack Getsu Fuhma with volcanic blast attack!”

Mr. Volcano shot forth a stream of flames at the warrior maiden. She screamed and fell to the ground, burning, before vanishing. Etna laughed cruelly.

Clive’s Life Points were now at 3,300.

“Come on Clive,” muttered Peter. “You can still recover…”

Clive drew.

“I’ve had enough of your mocking,” sneered Clive. “Time to quench this fire.

“First, let’s bring Scorpion’s Den back!”

He opened his Field slot and re-inserted his Scorpion’s Den card. The dark cavern covered the field again.

He put a card down.

“Now, I play Monster Reborn, to bring back Mad Dog of Darkness,” he said.

The Beast reappeared on the Field. (1,900/1,400)

“Since that counts as a special summon,” he continued, “I can now make a normal summon, and Tribute Mad Dog of Darkness for Giant Spitting Cobra!”

He put the card down. Mad Dog of Darkness vanished, and a huge, hooded snake arose in front of him. It hissed and bore its fangs! (2,000/1,900)

“Where did Clive get one of those?” asked Mary.

“Siegfried sent him one last Christmas,” replied Peter. “It was awfully nice of him…”

“Sorry, Clive,” chuckled Etna, “But Mr. Volcano is still 100 points stronger…”

“Think so?” said Clive. “Giant Spitting Cobra instills fear in its foes, dropping their Attack power by 400 points!”

It was true. Mr. Volcano’s Attack dropped to 1,700 as he shivered in fright.

“Now, my Cobra,” ordered Clive. “Attack with vile venom spit attack!”

Giant Spitting Cobra opened its jaws and spat forth a stream of venom at Mr. Volcano! The Pyro screamed and was melted into goo. Etna’s Life Points fell to 5,300.

Talk about a pain in the asp, thought Persephone.

She chuckled.

Heh, that was very funny. I wish someone could have heard that…

Etna drew, and she was starting to get very worried.

He’s taken out both my Plan A and my Plan B, she thought. I have a Plan C, but I have to draw the right cards before he finishes me! If I lose this duel, I’m extinguished for good!

“Darkfire Soldier, in Defense Mode!” she said, putting a card down.

A bare-chested Warrior holding a flaming scimitar appeared and knelt in defense. (1,700/1,150)

The huge snake hissed and Darkfire Soldier looked up. He drew back, and his Attack fell to 1,300.

“My turn?” asked Clive, drawing.

“I summon Double Pinaska in Attack Mode!” he shouted.

He placed the card, and the leather-clad Spaniard leapt up, menacingly holding his two blades.

“Go, Double Pinaska!” yelled Clive. “Attack Darkfire Soldier with double machete slash attack!”

The dark highwayman leapt up, and cut Darkfire Soldier down. He vanished in a puff of smoke.

Giant Spitting Cobra hissed. Venom started to drip from its fangs.

“Tell me something, Etna,” asked Clive. “Does this guy scare you?”

“Uh…” mumbled Etna. It was clear that it did.

“Well, even if he doesn’t,” continued Clive, “Giant Spitting Cobra…”

“Wait! Don’t!” shouted Etna.

“Attack Etna directly!” commanded Clive.

Giant Spitting Cobra spit forth its stream of venom, dousing the Fire duelist! Etna screamed and fell to her knees.

Her Life Points fell to 3,300.

“Ha, ha!” laughed Mary. “How do you like them apples, Etna!”

“The score is tied!” exclaimed Peter. “And Clive has taken control!”

Etna struggled to catch her breath. Toxic vapors rose from her skin and stained clothing.

“And now I smell like snake-spit,” she growled.

She reached for her deck.

He’ll have three Monsters on the field next turn, she thought, and if I don’t manage to implement Plan C now, he’s going to beat me!

She drew.

Maybe this will help.

“I play the Magic Card known as… Reload!” she said, fitting it into the slot.

As the card appeared, she reached for her deck.

“I place my hand of cards into my deck, reshuffle, and draw and new hand,” she said, doing so.

She looked at her new cards.

She smiled broadly.

“I don’t like the look on her face…” muttered Peter.

“That makes two of us,” said Yugi.

“This card will win the match for me!” shouted Etna, holding up a Magic Card. “Incandescent Ordeal!”

She threw it into the slot.

The card showed itself, and an immense bonfire erupted on Etna’s side of the field, surrounding her.

“What in blazes?” asked Clive.

“Good choice of words,” said Etna, picking out two more cards. “Incandescent Ordeal is a Ritual Card that I can use to summon the mightiest Fire Monster the dueling world has ever seen! To summon him, I offer as sacrifice one Blazing Inpachi and one Molten Zombie…”

Two Monsters appeared on the field, one a fiery wooden effigy, and one a lumbering creature made of lava. The great bonfire consumed them.

“…and I summon, in Attack Mode, the master of all fire, Legendary Flame Lord!”

The fires parted, and a tall figure emerged. He was dressed in a purple robe, with a peaked hat, and a red cape. He clutched a staff with a flared end holding three large rubies. Flames surrounded him. (2,400/2,000)

Giant Spitting Cobra hissed, but Legendary Flame Lord seemed more angry than scared. His Attack score went down to 2,000.

“Legendary Flame Lord has exactly the same Attack score as Giant Spitting Cobra!” exclaimed Mary. “It’s a standoff!”

“For now,” said Yugi. “Things just got hotter for Clive, in more ways than one.”

“What do you mean?” asked Peter.

“Legendary Flame Lord can hurt Clive even worse if he isn’t careful,” said Yugi. “Just hope you won’t have to see.”

“With your Cobra there, Legendary Flame Lord isn’t strong enough to defeat it,” smiled Etna, “but he can still attack Double Pinaska!

“Legendary Flame Lord,” she shouted, “attack Double Pinaska with raging inferno magic attack!”

Legendary Flame Lord raised his staff, and thrust it forward! He shot a blast of white-hot flame at Double Pinaska!

“Double Pinaska, counter it!” shouted Clive.

Double Pinaska crossed his machetes, and struggled to keep from being knocked down as the blast hit! He sweated and groaned, but finally, the onslaught ended. Steam rose from his two blades.

“Sorry, Etna,” said Clive. “But once per duel, there’s no assault that Double Pinaska can’t repel.”

“Maybe,” she replied. “But only once. And let me let you in on something… Legendary Flame Lord has a much better effect than that. Once the two of us have played a total of three Magic Cards, I can, at any time, order him to cast a spell that will incinerate ever Monster on the field other than himself. After that, he’ll blow you into oblivion.

“And I’ll even get it started. I play the Pot of Greed.”

She placed the card down, and the Pot of Greed appeared. Etna made two draws from her deck, as one of the rubies on Legendary Flame Lord’s staff lit up.

“And I’ll end my turn by laying one card facedown,” she said.

She put the card in the slot, and it appeared. She looked at the cards she just drew.

Hmm, she thought. Best save this in case he pulls something out of his hat that can defeat the Lord. I have the time…

Clive drew.

Well, well, he thought. If it isn’t my old friend Crescent Moon Queen. Etna may have a Lord, but nobility is no match for true royalty!

“Okay Etna,” he smiled, “take this! I Tribute both Giant Spitting Cobra and Double Pinaska to summon Crescent Moon Queen, in Attack Mode!”

Clive’s two Monsters vanished, and a shadow fell across Scorpion’s Den. She arose from the darkness, the dark-skinned lady in silver armor, wearing a black cape that sparkled like the night sky and an obsidian crown set with a white diamond. (2,600/1,700)

Crescent Moon Queen? thought Persephone. Now that’s a pretty rare card. Yugi and his friends definitely don’t fool around. If I’m ever to beat these guys, I’m going to have to plan some major strategy…

“Yes!” cheered Mary. “It’s about time Clive brought out the heavy artillery!”

“With Giant Spitting Cobra gone, your Legendary Flame Lord gets back the 400 Attack Points he lost,” said Clive. “But my Queen is more than a match for him, and she can attack twice. That means once she’s dealt with him, she can go after you!

“Crescent Moon Queen, double crescent sword slash!”

Crescent Moon Queen drew her two moon-shaped blades, and charged.

“Really?” smiled Etna, hitting a button on her disk.

Her facedown card lifted up, and the three Waboku priests sprang up.

“NO!” shouted Clive. “Crescent Moon Queen! Don’t try to attack twice!”

Crescent Moon Queen finished her first attempt, and then stopped. She withdrew.

Phew, thought Clive. That was close. Waboku reduces the Attack strength of a Monster to zero for a turn. That’s only an annoyance if the Monster attacks once, but if she had tried to do it again on the same turn, she’d have been destroyed!

“Any other move you’d like to make?” asked Etna.

“Now that you mention it…” answered Clive.

He took a card out of his hand.

“One card facedown. And it’s your turn.”

“Splendid,” smiled Etna, drawing. “Now prepare to meet the ultimate Fire accessory! The Continuous Magic Card, Blazing Chains!”

She slid a card into a slot.

“Let’s see how these look on you, your highness!” she cackled.

Suddenly, flames erupted around Crescent Moon Queen! Red hot chains encircled her torso and bound her arms and legs! She dropped her two swords.

Clive gazed in horror. The Queen was clearly in pain.

“What have you done to her?” he demanded.

“Made her totally useless, and a liability to you,” laughed Etna. “When a Monster is inflicted with Blazing Chains, it first loses 700 Attack points.”

The Queen’s attack score fell to 1,900.

“Also, your Queen can’t attack, can’t change position, and can’t be used as a Tribute.

“And that’s not all. She’s going to share the pain she’s in right now with you. Every time your turn starts, you’ll take Life Point damage equal to one fourth of her original Attack score, which I believe is 650 points!”

“You’re insane!” shouted Clive.

“We’re all a little insane, aren’t we Clive?” chuckled Etna. “Anyway, since I used that incredibly powerful card, I have to end my turn now. But now that I’ve played two Magic Cards, take a look at Legendary Flame Lord’s staff. One more Magic Card – played by either of us – and he’ll be able to destroy her and any other Monster you summon.

“Didn’t you hear me? My turn is over.”

Flames erupted over Clive’s skin, and his Life Points fell to 2,650.

“Man, what is Clive going to do?” gasped Peter. “Crescent Moon Queen is the strongest Monster he’s got!”

“And he can’t play any Magic Cards now!” stated Mary. “If he does, he’s finished!”

Yugi looked at Clive intently.

“How many of his Dark Scorpions does he have left?” he asked.

“Uh…” said Peter. “Gorg the Strong, and Cliff the Trap Remover.”

“There might be a way,” said Yugi. “It all depends on three things – whether Clive can summon one of them in time, whether he can set the right Trap Card in time, assuming he hasn’t already set it, and whether he has the sense to use it correctly.”

Clive looked at them. They smiled at him and he smiled back.

He drew, and took another card from his hand.

I knew this guy would come in handy later, he thought.

“I summon, Cliff the Trap Remover, in Attack Mode!” he shouted.

He put the card down, and the Dark Scorpions’ master of disarmament appeared, brandishing his dagger. (1,200/1,000) –> (1,700/1,500)

“Let’s not forget,” said Clive. “The magic of Scorpion’s Den makes him stronger. And by the way, Etna, since you sent a lot of his friends to the Graveyard, he’s going to see to it that you don’t survive your trip here.”

“How’s he gonna do that?” mocked Etna. “He can’t harm Legendary Flame Lord.”

“He can when I activate this Trap,” said Clive. “Dark Scorpion Pilfer!”

The Trap Card revealed itself.

“This Trap Card lets any member of the Dark Scorpions rob your Graveyard of any Trap or Magic Card he desires!” explained Clive. “And I think I know what Magic Card Cliff is going to swipe!”

“Fool,” mocked Etna. “You know what Legendary Flame Lord can do when you play another Magic Card!”

“He can’t do it if he doesn’t survive to your turn!” said Clive. “Show her what you’ve got, Cliff!”

Cliff gestured, and a card appeared in his hands.

“My Hammer Shot card!” shouted Etna.

“That’s right,” said Clive, as a copy of the card materialized in his hand. “Funny really. You made this strategy work. If you hadn’t used Blazing Chains on my Queen, Hammer Shot would have destroyed her if I’d used it. But because she’s weakened due to your Magic Card, the Monster with the highest Attack on the field is your Legendary Flame Lord!”

Clive threw the illusory card into the slot, and the huge hammer appeared, smashing Legendary Flame Lord flat with an earthshaking crash!

Etna’s Life Points fell to 2,700, and she drew back in fright.

“Cliff the Trap Remover,” said Clive, “Attack Etna directly! Scorpion stab attack!”

Cliff the Trap remover raised his dagger and did a flip, burying the weapon in Etna’s breast. She screamed in pain and fell over.

She got up, and tried in vain to extract the dagger. Her Life Points were now at 1,000.

“Curse you, Clive,” she moaned. “This isn’t over yet…”

“Afraid it is,” said Clive. “Because when Cliff the Trap Remover damages your Life Points, he can destroy one of your Trap or Magic Cards, including your powerful Blazing Chains!”

The Magic Card in front of Etna shattered, and Crescent Moon Queen busted free from the burning shackles! She picked up her two swords, and her Attack score returned to normal.

“Crescent Moon Queen,” yelled Clive. “Finish her off!”

Etna screamed, as the Queen leapt at her, and made a great slash across her torso. Etna fell down, a beaten, bloody mess. The Life Point counter on her Disk fell to zero.

Peter and Mary cheered. Yugi smiled and nodded. Clive’s two Monsters turned to him and gave him a thumb’s up sign.

The holographic projectors shut down. Cliff the Trap Remover and Crescent Moon Queen slowly vanished, and Scorpion’s Den faded away.

Good work, Clive, thought Persephone. You beat that egotistical lunatic. I’d almost like to shake your hand, but I don’t want Yugi to see me.

But don’t think I’m going to support you and your friends like this all the time. I’m going to choose one of you four eventually, and if it’s you, kicking your ass is going to be fun.

She turned and walked away.

“Never has a duel that was so hot been so cool!” yelled Peter.

“You really surprised me, Clive,” said Yugi. “And I don’t surprise easily. In fact, the last time I was genuinely surprised was the time when…”

“No… NO!!” shouted Etna.

They looked at her. Her wounds were gone and she was looking at her Disk. The red glow on the gem faded, turning dull black.

“Too bad,” shrugged Clive. “Looks like you won’t be dueling here any more.”

He lifted up his own Disk. “Thanks for helping me reach Blue by the way.”

“Clive, Mary, all of you,” snarled Etna through her teeth. “You can be sure, that if any of you reach the finals, I will be in the stands, front-row-center, cheering loudly for whoever it is you are dueling against!”

She stormed off in anger.

Yugi shook his head.

“Well guys,” he said. “It’s almost four-thirty. Maybe we’ve had enough action for the day, huh? Let’s look for a nice place to relax, and then a good dinner.”

They walked off, arm in arm.


* * * * * * * * * *


Etna Prometheus trudged back on the way to her hotel, full of fury. Losing four duels in one day was bad enough, losing the fourth to one of Yugi’s gang – being disqualified from the tournament in the process – was unbearable.

“Ooh!” she said aloud. “If those Centurions weren’t watching everything, I would have roasted them all on a spit! I’m the daughter of Mount Etna! How dare they!”

“You know, there is another way,” said a voice.

“Who’s there?” she asked.

A figure stepped out of the shadows. It was one of the men in trenchcoats, with dark glasses.

“You’re in the wrong place, buddy,” sneered Etna. “This is a Duel Monsters tournament, not a sci-fi convention.”

The man chuckled.

“No Etna,” he answered. “I do belong here. And I think you may be able to help me – and my employer.”

“Your employer?” asked Etna. “Who? The Master of Games?”

“No,” replied the man, removing his sunglasses. “But I’ll talk about him later. I saw what happened. I also know how Mary humiliated you in the Labyrinth. Cruel. You don’t deserve it. You are the child of fiery Etna after all. Yet people only laugh at you. They don’t laugh at your father – they respect him. Greatly. Why should you not get respect?”

“I wish I did,” sighed Etna. “But respect is something that no-one ever gives me. Every time I tell them of my birth, they say I’m crazy. They call it a fairy tale. It’s not a fairy tale! It’s the truth!”

“Of course it’s the truth,” agreed the man. “How else could your flesh be immune to the hottest flames? I can help you get revenge Etna Prometheus. I can make it so that no-one ever laughs at you again.”

Etna looked at him.

“Really?” she said.

“My employer is very generous,” he assured. “He’s always looking for those who can interact with those he can’t. And as far as you’re concerned, he’s looking for those who can duel.”

“Well, in case you haven’t noticed,” snarled Etna, “I can’t duel any more.”

She raised her Disk, showing the gem at Black Status.

“Well,” said the man, “let’s fix that.”

He gestured, and Etna’s Dueling Disk X-5500 began to change. The metal lost its sheen, turning into a substance resembling black steel. The blue Monster Card slots turned bright red, with the image of a triangle in a circle inside them.

Finally, the gem on the Disk shattered, and was replaced by a small symbol – a pentagram, a five-pointed star in a circle.

Etna paused.

“Lead me to him,” she said.

“Right away,” said the man, putting his arm around her.


* * * * * * * * * *


As soon as Yugi and his friends had left, the shadowy figure that had been following them went up to the spot where Clive had been dueling. He went over to the fountain, where Water Omotics poured forth her cascade.

He waved his arm, and a short rod appeared in his hand. It was topped by a large, perfectly cut sapphire orb, which let out a calm, blue glow.

He looked around, to make sure that nobody was watching, and then waved the rod over the fountain water. Colors swirled in the water.

A pair of eyes appeared in the water. They were a woman’s eyes, large, with lashes. They were beautiful, but a hint of sadness was in them.

“Have you gotten them?” asked a female voice from the fountain.

“Not yet, child, not yet,” assured the figure. “But night will fall soon, and I’ll approach them. Until then, simply have patience.”

A sigh came up from the water.

“What if they refuse to come?” asked the voice. “I mean, after all that happened…”

“Do not show pessimism,” he responded. “I can be very persuasive. They will have a hard time refusing.”

“But…” she moaned.

“Have I ever lied to you?” he asked.

“I guess not,” she replied. “But please, hurry. I must tell them. It’s important. I can’t just…”

“I know it’s important,” he answered. “That is the only reason we are bending the rules the way we are. You should consider yourself lucky we are giving you this privilege. You know you haven’t earned it.”

Another sigh came up, followed by a sob.

“Now just relax,” he assured. “Think positive. I will bring Yugi and Mary in a matter of hours. You can tell them then.”

His rod vanished, and the eyes faded away.

He strode away, in the direction of where Yugi and his team had gone.





BRONZE SENTINEL (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Pyro/Effect
Attribute: Fire
Level: 4
ATK: 0
DEF: 2,200

Card Description: This solid guardian of bronze protects the gates to the Realm of Fire. When this Monster is face-up on the field, your opponent cannot attack any of your FIRE Monsters except for this one.



RESTORATIVE FURNACE (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Machine/Effect
Attribute: Fire
Level: 1
ATK: 0
DEF: 0

Card Description: This enchanted construct can heal its master with the magical Flames of Renewal. During each of your Standby Phases in which this Monster is on the Field in Attack Mode, increase your Life Points by 500 points.



BLAZING CHAINS (Magic Card)

Card Specs

Type: Magic/Continuous
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a demonic figure bound by fiery shackles. You can only activate this card during your first Main Phase, and only when you have at least one FIRE Monster face up on the Field. Choose one opposing Monster. For as long as this card remains active, the chosen Monster has 700 points deducted from its ATK, cannot attack or change position, and cannot be used as a Tribute. Also, the owner of the chosen Monster takes damage equal to one-fourth the original ATK of the chosen Monster during each of his Standby Phases. After activating this card, you must end your turn.

[Shuppet Master]

Nice duel,Venusaur! And it looks like Yugi and Mary and going to go off and do a special little side-quest. And those weirdos made it so Etna would be allowed to duel again,this is too weird! I bet these guys are the ones which Sieg is fighting. :D

Oh,by the way,one thing: If Bronze Sentinel is the only monster which could be attacked,then when Getsu Fuhma attacked it,Clive should have lost life points because it has a much higher defense than Fuhma's attack(800 to be exact). If you didn't want to show that,then the effect should be "No other FIRE monsters can be attacked while this card in face-up on the field."

I'm working on Chapter 5 of my fanfic right now,and I've even created the outline of the first duel. Start watching my space in a couple of days. ;)

[Dark Sage]

Hack -

Thanks. I misworded the effect of Bronze Sentinel, but now I edited it.

See, Getsu Fuhma didn't attack the Snetinel, she tried to attack Restoritive Furnace, but Bronze Sentinel acts as protection for all FIRE Monsters. It wasn't meant to be a magnet like something such as a Monster with Ring of Magnetism. But I changed the wording for Bronze Sentinel's effect now.

Thanks.

- Venusaur

[FusionSonicX]

Cool chapter. When the he turned Etna's Disk into a new and improved one, I reminded me of the Mai and Dartz relationship in the Doom saga. Whatever. Who could the woman in the water be? I most likely know who it is, but...


Later Days,
FusionSonicX

[Oakbark]

Wow, that was a great chapter!

Etna was quite an interesting duelist, and put great planning into her duel. You worded the duel excellently as usual, with a brilliant sequence of events up until the final blow. You always leave me in suspense as to what will happen next!

So, Etna's been brought over to the 'dark side'? And the mysterious shadowy figure by the fountain sounds interesting, if you get my drift Venusaur!

Damien.

[Dark Sage]

I usually don't post a chapter so soon after another one, but this next chapter is short, and was written fast. Anyway, our special guest star - the winner of the last trivia contest - finally makes his appearance, but you might not recognize him completely...

Enjoy.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

Sometimes, late at night, I tend to wonder, what would have happened if Dad had never succeeded in putting this Millennium Puzzle together? After all, he was first person to manage to do so in three-thousand years.

He’d never have taken up dueling, and he’d never have gotten into a bunch of troubles that threatened his life. More importantly, as far as I’m concerned, I’d[/I] never have taken up dueling and gotten into a bunch of troubles that have threatened [/I]my life. I often wonder if he ever thought it was worth it, as I always have.

But then, if not for the Puzzle, he would never have met the enigmatic Spirit who served as his guide, MY guide now. And some of the things that happen as a result of my owning this thing, well, they’re just too wondrous for words. Take the thing that’s happening to Mary and I right now. I never expected ever coming to a place like this.

Whatever the case, I have the Puzzle, and there’s no way for me to ever just throw it away. And now that I’m here in this realm, about to find out something that I just know is going to lead to more perilous situations, I know that the time for reconsideration is long past.

It’s truly sink or swim time…



CHAPTER FIFTEEN



The Sanctuary in the Sky



Dinner was a long, leisurely affair. The group could not have imagined how far they had come.

Only four days had passed in the tournament. Mary was two victories away from being eligible for the finals – her friends only three apiece. They laughed and celebrated over sushi and octopus dumplings, and stopped for banana splits afterwards.

At seven o’clock, the sun was setting, and they made the long walk back. Clive and Peter broke up from Yugi and Mary, saying they were going to check out the Sonic Maid’s Nightclub down the street. So Yugi and Mary walked hand in hand back to the hotel.

“So,” grinned Mary. “Ready to kick some major butt tomorrow?”

“Am I ever,” exclaimed Yugi. “Can’t let you guys have all the fun!”

“Next major duelist we meet is all yours, Yugi,” she assured.

They chuckled as they walked up to the door to Mary’s room.

“Well,” said Yugi, “I’ll see you…”

He listened.

“Did you leave your television on this morning?” he asked.

She listened to the door.

“I’m pretty sure I didn’t,” she replied.

A sensation came over Yugi. It was that powerful presence he had felt before, but now it was much closer!

His Puzzle shined, and the change overtook him.

“Mary,” warned Yugi, “there might be someone dangerous in there. Give me your key…”

She handed it to him.

Yugi opened the door and threw it open.

Sitting on the armchair was a young man watching the television.

He looked up and saw them. He reached for the remote and turned it off.

“About time you showed up,” he stated, in a strong voice.

He stood up, and the two of them could see him clearly. He was nearly six feet tall, with medium build, and richly tanned skin. His hair was shortish and dark brown. He wore a light blue t-shirt and jeans, and a simple gold chain around his neck. He also wore silvery sunglasses.

“Who are you?” demanded Yugi. “How did you get in here?”

“Locked doors are never a problem for folks like me,” explained the youth. “My name is Dane, and you have no need to worry. I come as a friend.”

“You’ve been following us all day,” frowned Yugi. “What do you want?”

“I’m on a mission,” explained Dane. “A mission of importance. And for it, I require the both of you, Yugi and Mary. I realize you have little reason to trust me…”

“You bet we don’t!” shouted Mary. “You’re trespassing, and…”

Dane took off his shades, revealing large, emerald-green eyes.

“Let me explain in terms you can best understand, Mary,” he sighed. “I am of a group that you commonly refer to as… angels.”

Yugi and Mary stood with their mouths agape.

“No wings at the moment,” he chuckled. “But I can’t show my true form right now. If you’ll just come with me, all will be explained…”

“Wait,” started Mary. “I need a little proof here…”

She held up her Duel Disk and drew a card.

“If you’re an angel, what card am I holding up right now?”

“Panther Warrior,” said Dane, with no hesitation.

“Okay, maybe that was a lucky guess,” she frowned, drawing another one. “What about now?”

“Shield and Sword,” said Dane, smiling.

“Now?” stammered Mary, drawing a third.

“Jinzo,” responded Dane. “The very same card which I believe your father won from Espa Roba in his first Battle City challenge.”

“Whoa,” gasped Mary.

“Okay, buddy,” accused Yugi. “Who was the first opponent my father faced in Battle City?”

“One of Marik’s Rare Hunters who didn’t reveal his name,” answered Dane. “He used a poorly constructed Exodia deck, and your father challenged him in order to win back Mary’s father’s Red Eyes Black Dragon card, which the Hunter won from him earlier in an unsanctioned duel – although the guy was a cheater, seeing as his cards were marked.”

“I think this guy is serious,” muttered Mary, ominously.

“But why?” asked Yugi. “What do you need us for?”

“I’m here,” replied Dane, “to take you to see Anastasia.”

That truly shocked the two of them.

“Anastasia?” gasped Mary. “I thought she was serving time in some boot camp in Purgatory! I had no idea visitors were allowed!”

“Normally, no,” replied Dane. “But a matter of great importance has come up, and you must come see her. All will be explained on the way. I promise you, Anastasia is in no position to harm you, and where we are going, there is nothing dangerous.”

Mary shrugged.

“What have we got to lose, Yugi?” she asked.

Yugi was doubtful. This figure claimed to be an angel, but…

“Go ahead,” said Yami, suddenly.

“Huh?” he answered.

“This being is radiating holy power like a beacon,” said Yami. “That cannot be faked. I think we can trust him.”

“Whatever you say,” sighed Yugi.

He came back.

“Okay,” answered Yugi. “We’ll go with you.”

“Then lie down,” ordered Dane.

They looked at him for a minute.

“Why do I feel like I’m Keanu Reeves about to enter a magic phone booth?” asked Mary.

They removed their Disks, and set them aside. They reclined on the bed.

“Just relax,” assured Dane. “Let your muscles go limp. There might be a momentary discomfort…”

His eyes started to glow. And there was a slight discomfort…

But only slight. The next thing Yugi and Mary knew, they were standing up. They looked around, and the first thing they saw was themselves!

They – or rather their bodies, they assumed – were lying on the bed. They were hugging each other in a mild embrace, and seemed to be in a deep sleep.

“What do you do?” demanded Mary.

“Fear not,” assured Dane. “I can’t take you where we are going physically. Your bodies will be safe. In fact, when you return, you will recover with as much rest as a full night’s sleep.

“But we’ll worry about that later,” he continued.

He replaced his shades.

“My friends,” he said. “We’re going to the Great Beyond…”


* * * * * * * * * *


Before Mary and Yugi knew it, the whole world seemed to fall apart. The hotel room seemed to melt away, and was replaced by a void of stars. The stars seemed to rush by, and melted into swirls of colors. They didn’t know if they were flying or if the strange place was rushing past them.

The colors switched to a blue sky-like void full of strange shapes, and finally, they were in a cloudy realm, with clouds above and below, and a strange, gentle sun in the sky.

Yugi gasped as he remembered this place from his vision in the mizu-ken-kasai ritual. Only now this wasn’t a vision.

They turned and saw their host. They gasped in surprise!

Dane had certainly changed. He now stood about seven feet tall. His shades were gone, and his piercing green eyes stood out. His hair was blonde, shiny, and down to his shoulders. He wore a cream-colored, tight-fitting, silken robe, tied together with a navy drawstring rope. Most impressively, he had beautiful snow-white feathery wings growing from his back. He clutched in his hand a short rod topped with a perfectly cut sapphire orb. A light blue aura surrounded him.

If there had been any doubts in their minds before that this being was an angel, all of them were gone now. The beauty that he radiated was beyond words.

They looked at Dane for a moment. Finally, Mary ventured to speak.

“Dane…” she asked. “Are we in…”

“Heaven?” said Dane with a chuckle. “No, Mary. No human souls are allowed to enter the bliss that you call Heaven until they are truly ready to do so, until they are completely cleansed of sin. And no living mortal, not even the most noble and righteous, can truly claim that.

“We are in a sort of in-between place, where all new souls go to cleanse themselves before being allowed to make the big step. Call it Purgatory if you like. It doesn’t matter.”

“So I suppose Anastasia is here?” asked Yugi. “The manifestation of her evil side told me that she was sent to a ‘boot camp’ of sorts…”

Dane gave a stern look.

“Yes, that creature was a true monster,” he frowned. “We don’t call it a boot camp, Yugi, and it isn’t like that at all. Let me explain to you what truly became of Anastasia, after you saved her soul from oblivion.

“Most sinners come here when they die to cleanse themselves, as has already been said. But with some unfortunate cases, sins are too great. We simply cannot let them in. They are evil, and judged unfit for our company. They are condemned… damned if you may. It is sad really, but with some souls, it is not worth the effort to try to rehabilitate.

“Until the fateful day when she dueled you, Anastasia was on that list – blacklisted, so to speak. We knew of her deal with the Grim Reaper, but we also knew that if she ever found a way out of it – if she had defeated you, for instance – she would have been condemned without a second chance. Her heart had been too blackened by sin. She was a murderer, who had caused a lot of pain and anguish to many people. As you know, you were not the first victim of her horrible Pain-Splitter dueling station.

“But when she actually got here, there were… extenuating circumstances.”

“Extenuating circumstances?” asked Yugi.

“Repentance at the time of death, and forgiveness by the one who would be her greatest victim,” explained Dane. “That would be you, Yugi.

“Those facts didn’t excuse what she did, of course, but it warranted a closer look. We had a gathering… something that you might call a hearing.”

“Like a trial?” asked Mary.

“In a way,” continued Dane. “To be granted a hearing in these cases, you have to gain approval from a group of officials, and you have to have sponsors, willing to defend you.”

“Who were…” started Yugi.

Dane smiled. “She had two sponsors,” he said. “One was her father, the other… was you.”

Yugi stared in astonishment. “I don’t remember arguing at any hearing…” he started.

Dane touched his forehead.

“Do you now?” he asked.

Yugi thought for a minute.

“It was…” stammered Yugi. “It was a dream… I had it a few weeks after getting back from the Labyrinth… Yes! I dreamed I was in some sort of court, and she was on trial! It was hard to see who the officials and the jury were, but I remember pleading Anastasia’s case… how I thought she had suffered so much…”

“It wasn’t a dream, Yugi,” replied Dane. “They took you there in your sleep to testify.”

“So Maximillion Pegasus was another sponsor?” asked Mary. “He’s up here too?”

“A long time ago, he completed the same rehabilitation procedure that Anastasia is going through now,” answered Dane. “He had even more sponsors – his wife Cecilia, among them, and your father, Yugi. He granted forgiveness to the elder Pegasus a long time ago.

“But let’s get back to Anastasia. The jury’s vote was not unanimous, but majority ruled. She was given a chance to prove that she was worthy of rehabilitation… and so she was sent here.”

The clouds parted, and a huge structure appeared among the clouds. It looked like a palace that would have put the Taj Mahal to shame. It was huge, studded with jewels and precious metals, and windows made of the finest stained glass.

“What the blankety-blank is that?” exclaimed Mary, in awe.

“You might call it a prison,” explained Dane, as they walked towards it, “although we don’t call it that. Its proper name is the Bastion of the Hopeful. It is where all those who have been given the chance that Anastasia has go, so they can be rehabilitated.”

“A prison this beautiful?” gasped Mary. “It would make the King of England envious!”

“Nothing is ugly here,” smiled Dane. “Here, everything is beautiful. Besides, beauty encourages inmates to reform. We don’t go out of our way to punish like an earthly prison does. Here, rehabilitation is the primary goal.

“You see, it isn’t a boot camp, like that demon claimed. Demons are notorious liars and twisters of truths. The treatment here is mostly spiritual. The inmates are taught how to reflect on their past deeds, learn that what they did was completely inexcusable, and repent every sinful act. Most of their time is spent in meditation and practice of art – art is a good way to express themselves, be it literature, painting, sculpture, or anything else. As you might expect, such things are appreciated up here.

“Anastasia was a model prisoner for the first year. She apologized personally to the souls of all her murder victims, and kept doing so until the apologies were accepted. She did all the tasks and trials almost perfectly. It turned out that she had a knack for poetry as well. In fact…”

“How do you know about her so much?” interrupted Mary.

“Because,” answered Dane. “I am the counselor who was assigned to her. She’s been under my care almost since day one. Why do you think I was sent to get you?”

“I see,” said Mary. “I guess you serve as a type of psychologist here.”

“In a way,” answered Dane. “She isn’t my only charge, but we have enough staff to give adequate treatment to everyone. An inmate always has someone to talk to when he or she needs it.

“But all her hard work nearly fell apart last year,” sighed Dane. “You remember, Yugi, the time you dueled her evil side in the City of Souls…”

He shuddered a bit when he said that.

“Yes,” sighed Yugi. “It was horrible. Remi summoned her, she suspended Siegfried over a pit full of ravenous wolves and made me duel for his life. She claimed that she was the real Anastasia, and that by saving her I had done nothing more than send her to Hell.”

“She was a wicked thing,” agreed Dane. “Remi’s goal was to demoralize you in two ways – the gruesome death of your friend, and the idea that your heroic acts had condemned a soul to eternal damnation. But Remi and the demon underestimated both your willpower and your dueling skills. You saw right though her twisted masquerade.

“Anyway, the real Anastasia knew about it, of course. We were all watching New York at that time. Heaven was in an uproar at the possibility of a demon as powerful as Set being released, and Hell was watching with baited breath. And when Anastasia found out that you were involved and that Remi used her evil side against you… she became a problem.

“She actually started to sneak away during that horrible week, with the intent to try to help you. She felt she owed you something, and maybe in her mind, she did, even though we tried to tell her that it was unnecessary. She had ideas about visiting you in your dreams to give you information, but she never dared stay long, fearing that she’d be caught.”

“You let her sneak away?” asked Mary. “Aren’t you guys… omniscient?”

“No,” smiled Dane. “Only the Almighty himself is truly omniscient. We try hard to watch our charges, but Anastasia, as you both well know, was always crafty.

“Eventually, however, the night before you defeated Remi, she was caught. Normally, such flagrant cases of being AWOL would have resulted in expulsion and being labeled a failure, and you know what that would mean…

“But Anastasia had a very strong argument. She said in no simple terms that she was willing to risk damnation to save you. We had to agree that it was a noble act, so she was allowed to stay. But we still had to punish her…”

“How so?” asked Yugi.

They were now approaching the gates.

“A coating,” sighed Dane. “For one month.”

“I’m not familiar with what a ‘coating’ is,” said Yugi, with a strange look.

“No, of course you aren’t,” sighed Dane. “We never like having to do it, and we don’t do so often. The subject is made to kneel, and then she is encased in a shell of unbreakable metal, rendering her unable to move in the slightest or use any of her senses. It isn’t pleasant, but it leaves the subject’s mind free to reach its true potential.”

“For a month?” exclaimed Mary. “Poor Anastasia!”

“I think that can be classified as ‘cruel and unusual’,” accused Yugi, who was a little surprised.

“It isn’t as if she hadn’t been warned,” shrugged Dane. “Or she hadn’t seen it done to others. And as for it being ‘cruel and unusual’, you are forgetting that this is a wholly different system. It would have been far crueler to have thrown her out. Anyway, when she was released, we warned her that any more flagrant misbehavior would result in her being coated for a year. Since then, she’s been a model prisoner again. We even gave her an off-grounds assignment recently…”

“Doing what?” asked Yugi.

“Better you didn’t know,” said Dane. “But like I said, she’s been a model prisoner…”

They went through the gates and into a long hallway.

“Until last week,” he continued. “While in meditation, she had a vision, a powerful one. It concerned you and your friends, Yugi.

“Now, we could have just delivered the message to you, but she begged to be allowed to tell you personally. When we said that it was impossible, she started to weep, and wouldn’t stop. This went on for days. We eventually concluded that she’d never stop crying, and given the… nature of the vision, we finally gave in, and I promised to bring you here.

“Which brings us to the present.”

They entered a chamber, where several other angels were writing on clipboards that seemed to be made of glass or crystal, using quill pens. A few other figures were there too, speaking to the angels – they resembled men and women, dressed in long white robes. They also wore metal bands that encircled their necks. Yugi and Mary guessed that they were inmates of this place, because they seemed unwilling to look the angels in the face, and didn’t have the same radiance that the celestial beings had.

Dane led them up to an important-looking angel seated at a desk, who was writing something down in a ledger.

“Anastasia,” asked Dane. “Where is she now?”

“Where she’s been for the past two days,” frowned the scribe. “In the east garden crying her eyes out. I take it you’ve brought them…”

Dane motioned to Yugi and Mary.

“Good,” approved the scribe. “Take them to her before she wastes away. This has to stop.”

“This way,” beckoned Dane. “This place may look big, but getting to any place in here is only a short walk. Distances are different in this realm.”

“Well Yami,” said Yugi. “We’ve certainly gotten deep into it this time.”

“Deep?” said Yami. “Deep doesn’t even begin to describe this.”

“What do you think she wants to tell us?” asked Yugi.

“I have a sinking feeling it isn’t just to get reacquainted…”


* * * * * * * * * *


They traveled down a series of sparkling-clean hallways, until they finally came to a set of double doors labeled “EAST GARDEN.” Dane opened the doors.

They entered what looked like a small Garden of Eden. Flowering bushes, fruit trees, and rows of blossoms surrounded winding walkways. Cool fountains and beautiful marble sculptures decorated the place.

“Anastasia?” called Dane.

He walked forward, and the group saw her.

She was sitting on a marble bench, in front of the largest fountain. She was wearing a pure white robe made of a silken substance, and an iron band around her neck. Her platinum blonde hair was the same, and her eyes, so long hidden behind those creepy sunglasses, were now uncovered and a deep sea green. Tears slowly trickled down her cheeks.

“Anastasia,” urged Dane. “Dry your tears, child. I’ve brought them.”

Anastasia looked up. She slowly stood up, as Yugi and Mary approached.

“Yugi!” she said in joy, as she held her arms out. “It’s been so long!”

She hugged him.

“Uh, good to see you too, Anne…” muttered Yugi. He was sort of uncomfortable being so close to her. Memories of what happened in the Labyrinth came flooding back.

“Um, you’re hugging me…” he protested.

She released him, and turned to Mary.

“Mary, uhm,” she mumbled.

Mary looked at her. She fell to her knees.

“Mary, I never got a chance!” she cried. “Please… can you ever forgive me for what I did to you? For what I meant to do? I don’t expect you to…”

“Anastasia…” said Mary.

She looked up.

“You’re forgiven,” said Mary. “At least by me.”

Anastasia stood up, and bowed her head.

“Dane,” asked Mary. “What’s with the thing on her neck?”

“A marker,” answered Dane. “It identifies her as a prisoner. Nothing for you to concern yourselves about. I assure you it’s painless.”

“Yes,” replied Anastasia.

“Anne,” said Yugi. “I’m sorry you got in trouble because of us…”

“Huh?” asked Anastasia. “Oh, the coating. Nothing big. I used the month to compose a whole epic poem in my head, and commit it to memory. Once I could use my arms again, it was easy to write it down.”

“Anastasia,” urged Dane. “We only have one of their nights. I suggest you tell them what I brought them here for you to tell them.”

“Yes,” nodded Anastasia.

She sighed.

“I knew about the Duelatopia tournament for a long time,” she started. “I can view things on Earth from here. I asked permission to watch you and your friends compete, and they said I could. I was overjoyed. I guess I never lost my love of Duel Monsters.

“But then, about a week ago, a few days before the tournament started, it happened. I was meditating, as I always do – like I’m supposed to. And I had a terrible vision.

“I saw him. A monstrous creature. I only saw him in shadow, but I knew that he was a Fallen…”

“A Fallen?” asked Mary.

“A fallen angel,” explained Dane. “I’ll field that one. Very rarely, angels turn to evil, and rebel against us; commit terrible crimes. Satan himself was once one of the council of Archlords that ruled over the hosts, but he succumbed to sin and tried to conquer the celestial realms in what was known as The Great Rebellion. He and his followers became the first Fallen – stricken of their lofty positions and thrown into Hell forever. They believe that they rule the place, but they are as much prisoners of it as the souls of the wicked sinners who go there. Since then, in rare times, other angels have succumbed to the same fate, and been cast out of Heaven. They are our enemies now.

“But continue, Anastasia.”

“I saw him, Yugi,” shuddered Anastasia. “I saw him eyeing something that I recognized, something that I learned about when I came here…”

Tears flowed down her cheeks.

“He seeks to destroy the Mandate!” she cried.

“The Mandate?” asked Yugi.

“The Mandate of Heaven,” sighed Dane. “Let me explain again. Usually, Satan and his minions can only corrupt mortals on a small level, using temptation and the occasional excursion to do their sinister business on the mortal world. But long ago, a council of celestial rulers known as the Archlords knew that some of Satan’s minions would get frustrated at this slow method, and attempt a full-scale invasion of the mortal world.

“So the Archlords created the Mandate of Heaven, a powerful artifact. Legend states that it took the form of a simple disk of platinum, that glowed with a soft light. With the Mandate in place in the mortal world, the forces of Hell are incredibly limited to the amount of power they can manifest on Earth. Small groups of moderate power can travel there at certain times, but the Mandate keeps large forces from coming, and makes a full scale invasion impossible.

“But if the Mandate were destroyed, the armies of Hell would be able to overrun the planet, and then… it would be a practical Armageddon. Before we could respond, millions would perish, and the world would be ravaged by hellfire…

“Not a very pleasant thought…”

Yugi and Mary shuddered.

“We have no doubts that if you had failed in your efforts to defeat Set, his first goal would have been to find the Mandate and destroy it. The Mandate is a wrench in the machinery of all demons’ plans as far as the mortal world is concerned.

“The forces of Hell are blind to the whereabouts of the Mandate, but they try hard to find it. Possibly, this creature whom Anastasia saw is coming close.”

“But there was more, Yugi!” cried Anastasia. “At the end of my vision, I saw you! You were facing the beast, dueling him amid the clouds in a terrible battle! You were both injured and exhausted, but neither of you would yield to the other. Sadly, my trance ended before I could see who the winner was, but I believe that you are the only person who can possibly defeat this creature…

“You are the only one who can save the Mandate…”

There was silence for a few moments.

“Dane,” asked Yugi. “Where IS the Mandate?”

“We don’t know,” said Dane, shaking his head. “Only the Archlords who created it knew – aside from the one who knows all – and they aren’t around anymore.”

“Aren’t around?” asked Mary. “Angels don’t die, do they?”

“No,” explained Dane. “But when they achieve complete perfection, when their souls are at the epitome of purity, they achieve something called Glorious Union. At that point, they merge with the essence of the core of Heaven itself… the ultimate reward. At that point, they have reached a state where they are unreachable.

“The last remaining Archlord who created the Mandate was Archlord Shanalla, and about thirty of your years ago, it became time for her to achieve Glorious Union…”

Yugi’s eyes opened in shock. The angel from his vision! The one who turned in the murderer!

“The Archlords all said that when they had to leave, they would each share the location of the Mandate not with other angels, but with a Chosen One, a mortal being who could be trusted with it, and those mortals would pass on the secret to an heir once they could no longer carry it. However, we have no idea which mortals are carrying the secret now. We can look onto earth and discover most things, but the secrets of the Archlords are beyond our sight.”

There was a long pause.

“Dane,” mentioned Yugi. “If I may speak…”

“Yes?” he said.

“I believe this Fallen may be one named Zaphikiel.”

Dane raised an eyebrow.

“What makes you say that?” he asked.

Yugi hurriedly recounted the vision he has seen when he and Jade partook of the mizu-ken-kasai ritual. Dane listened carefully, and hung onto every word.

“The vision you had must mean something,” pondered Dane. “It lends proof to Anastasia’s belief that you are somewhat intertwined with this demon’s plans. However, I am far too young to remember a Fallen by the name of Zaphikiel, and I have no way of researching that name. The names of all Fallen have been stricken and erased from celestial records. As far as we are concerned, they no longer deserve the names they once had as angels. Besides, he most likely has a different name now.

“But if what you say is true, and this Fallen was among the hosts who fought against Lucifer in The Great Rebellion, his power may be vast. He’d literally be older than humanity.”

“And the other part of the vision I saw,” stated Yugi. “The part where the Mandate was… created.”

“Indeed,” nodded Dane. “If the Mandate is hidden on Duelatopia, the Fallen may be close by. But Duelatopia is a large and complex town. The Mandate may be hidden anywhere – in the sewer system, buried under rock… for all we know, one of the Chosen Ones may have put it in a refrigerator in a candy store.”

“That’s another point,” mentioned Yugi. “Whoever the Chosen Ones are, one of them might have some connection to Duelatopia…”

Mary looked at Yugi.

“Siegfried?” she asked.

“No, he’s too young,” said Yugi. “Archlord Shanalla passed on the secret thirty years ago, so unless he inherited it from someone we don’t know about…”

“Good point,” replied Mary.

Anastasia spoke up.

“Yugi,” she said. “I have faith in you. You defeated the Reaper. You defeated Set. You can defeat this monster that threatens the world. You aren’t a normal duelist – you have unimaginable powers. Up until the point where I dueled you, I never believed in the Heart of the Cards. But I was wrong. You have more Heart than any duelist in the world!”

Dane spoke up again.

“If you have any questions to ask, Yugi,” he said. “Ask them now.”

Yugi thought for a moment.

“Anne,” he said. “You’ve been watching all our duels in the tournament?”

“Of course!” exclaimed Anastasia. “Although, it was hard for me to enjoy them with the vision on my mind…”

“Then you saw Mary face the Gatekeeper?”

“Um, yeah.”

“You used to run Industrial Illusions, Anne,” frowned Yugi. “Who the heck had the idea to produce the Sphinx cards?”

“Oh, those,” muttered Anastasia, trembling.

“Go on,” assured Dane. “It’s all right.”

“I had the idea myself,” she muttered. “After I… killed my father, I read all his journals, and learned about Anubis. I produced the Pyramid of Light and Sphinx cards as part of a limited edition set…”

“Have you any idea what Anubis tried to do to my father?” exclaimed Yugi.

“I… I…” sobbed Anastasia.

“It’s all right,” assured Dane, putting his hand on her shoulder.

“You’re forgetting how much I hated your father at the time,” stammered Anastasia. “Creating those cards was a little way to get back at him. It was a mistake. Believe me Yugi, if I now had the power to destroy every last copy of those four cards, I would…”

She sighed.

“But sadly, I do not. Besides, they were no match for Mary!”

“You have a point!” agreed Mary.

Dane spoke up again.

“Our time here grows short, child,” he said to Anastasia. “Is their anything else?”

“Yugi,” sniffed Anastasia. “I wanted Dane to bring Clive, Peter, Jade, and Siegfried too, but he wouldn’t hear of it. When you see them again, please, tell them I’m sorry for what I did to them. Tell them that there’s a soul here who begs their forgiveness…”

Yugi took her hand.

“I’ll be sure to do so,” he assured.

“And I’ll be watching the tournament, just as I said,” she continued. “Tell your friends that any time they duel, they’ll have at least one more person in their cheering section.”

“Thanks Anne,” said Yugi. “I hope you succeed in this place.”

She nodded.

“Well,” smiled Mary, “when we die, we’ll be sure to look you up.”

Anastasia smiled.

Dane lifted his rod.

“Yugi,” he mentioned. “One more thing. If you do find the Mandate, it would be best to hand it over to us. The current Archlords have greater powers than the ones who created it. If they had the Mandate, they could transform it into a spiritual force which nobody could destroy.”

“But how do I contact you if I find it?” asked Yugi.

“Look to the sun, and think of your greatest desire,” stated Dane. “And when it is in the front of your mind, speak my name. I will hear, and when I see that you have it, I will come.”

A blue glow started to emit from the orb on his rod.

“It is nearly five AM back on your world,” he said. “Time to go home. Remember all that has been said here…”

The blue glow enveloped them, and they felt themselves passing out.


* * * * * * * * * *


Before they knew it they woke up. The sun was rising out of the window in Mary’s room. They noticed that their arms were around each other.

They quickly sat up, blushing.

“Um,” muttered Mary.

“Yeah,” sighed Yugi. “Somehow, things just got a whole lot more complicated…”

“Yugi,” exclaimed Mary, “I just had the craziest thought… I think I may know who the Chosen One is… the person who fits the profile who has even the slightest connection to this place.”

“Yes?” asked Yugi, confused.

“Who saved the world so many times over three decades ago?” asked Mary. “Who was the noblest spirit the dueling circuit ever knew?”

“I dunno?” asked Yugi. “Who?”

Mary pointed to the Puzzle around his neck.

“You don’t mean…” said Yugi.

“Yes,” said Mary, quietly. “Who else would an angel trust with such a secret… than your father?”

[Dark Sage]

I'd like to thank Oakbark for his contribution of his character. Dane might appear in later chapters - it all depends on how the story goes.

And now you can see my updated teaser signature! Woo-hoo!

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

Great chapter. So Oakbark was the winner,huh? I think he did a much better job at inserting himself into the story than I could. I'm not really angel material. :lol:

And when Dane mentioned Anastasia's "off-grounds assignment",you were giving a reference to my side-story,right? :)

I see Terone's going to come back,which means more Harry Potter references. Are you going to use references to the new Order of the Phoenix book that came out recently? I hated that book because it had many painful things in it.

I liked how you told about how sinners repent of their sins. And that coating punishment reminded me of Des Fist. Speaking of Des Fist,I bet that he and his fellows in the Dark Four,if they repent,will probably end up there. I believe Des Fist will be the only one who might end up there. Sorry,I'm getting ahead of myself. :)

It seems you've gotten the whole story planned out already. I'll PM you more ideas for my own story.

[starjake]

As usual, another great chappie. Interesting, that whole spiritual thing. I guess nothing's to extreme to be put into a fic, even a public one!
It's really cool how you and .hack are intertwining your stories...keep it up!

[FusionSonicX]

Wow, I was way off about the people of Chna and their gods, but I got the spiritual part right! Anyway, the story is getting closer to the climax and have a predictions. I'm guess that the Mandate will be destroyed and everyone of Yugi's and his fathers dead enemies will return to earth. Well, keep it up!


Later Days,
FusionSonicX

[Dark Sage]

Close to the climax, Fusion?

Not even close. That was just chapter fifteen. This fanfic will have over fifty chapters in it by the time it reaches the finale. It may take a while, but I'm strapped in for the long haul.

And I hope the rest of you are too.

- Venusaur

[Hypotenuse Man]

Wow. That was a great chapter. The references to previous stories, the reference to other stories (ie .hack//BELLOSSOM), a non-evil Anastasia... You did a really great job there.

On another note, that chapter did not, however, fit in with the very lighthearted music I was listening to at the time. :D (Keeping Pace, if anyone's interested.)

So, um... yeah.

[mr_pikachu]

Hmm... very revealing chapter. Things are finally beginning to be revealed, but is there yet more that our heroes are in the dark about? This could be interesting.

I read this chapter in two parts, split between yesterday and today, so I'm sadly at a loss for good criticisms (I need to learn not to do that!), but there was one point I remembered. You had numerous occasions where you used the word "fragrant" instead of "flagrant". I see Anastasia's had several smelly violations! :no:

This was pretty good, though. Nice method of slowly revealing the plot, and excellent scene with Dane in the hotel room. (Who knew angels enjoyed television?) I have a feeling things will only get more interesting from here on out. Well, I'll see you next chapter, for the return of Terone! :wave:

[Dark Sage]

Mr. Pikachu! Good to see you! You never responded to the chapter before this one.

Sorry for confusing "flagrant" with "fragrant". That was a dumb mistake. You'd think as a former English major, I'd know better. Sigh...

I thought someone might comment on Dane watching television. Anyone want to make some guesses as to what exactly he was watching? (I don't know myself, but it might be interesting to think about.)

As as for what is to come, you ain't seen nothin' yet.

- Venusaur

[mr_pikachu]

...I didn't reply to that, did I? Stupid me. *hits self with hammer* Unfortunately, I don't remember enough of that one to make even decent comments, beyond the fact that it was a very trying duel. Oh, and that I can't believe Etna's EEEEEVIL! :badsmile:

Don't worry about the fragrant mistake too much. You don't slip up like that often, and everyone makes mistakes sometimes. It's cool that you were an English major, btw. Does that mean you've graduated from college, or did you just switch majors?

And what was Dane watching? "Touched by an Angel". No doubt. :)

[Oakbark]

OMG, im so sorry Venusaur - trust me to have interent connection problems at the worst time!


That was a very nice chapter, Venusaur!

It explained the Mandate nicely, but not enough to give away everything. Anastacia has become a likeable character now, which i think is great. She seems to be reforming very well.

Just a quick question, if Dane was here to bring Yugi to Anastacia, then why was he waiting in Mary's room? Just a thought.

Venusaur, i don't know why you're thanking me for my "contribution" to the chapter. You are the one that wrote it in a fantastic way, and i simply accept no credit in the slightest. Although Dane is an interesting character, unless Anastacia re-appears i cannot see him coming back into a later chapter. I guess it depends on how the story goes....

Oh, before i sign off, comeserations to all that lost the contest! I really don't deserve it over some of you guys, but i guess i struck it lucky. Good luck in later contests!

Damien.

[Dark Sage]

Damien -

You designed the character, so you get at much of the credit.

As for why he was waiting in Mary's room, he knew Yugi and Mary would be going there, and he had to get both of them. That's why he chose to wait there.

Dane might reappear - it depends on a lot of factors.

We'll just have to see.

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

Hey,Oakbark! I may borrow your character for my fanfic,since Dane is Anne's(nitpick: It's Anstasia,with two 's's) reform counselor,and Anne is as interested in Lina as she is in Yugi(because she's also related to Pegasus). And Venusaur did give me permission to use the Bastion in my story. ;)

I mean,I really enjoyed the whole chapter and Dane was a great character,reminded me of Morpheus from The Matrix.

[Dark Sage]

A message to all fans of this fanfic.

Hack/Bellossom has just entered his second trivia contest in his fanfic. And like I've said before, his spin-off of my fanfics isn't too bad.

I'd love to win this contest, but I'm ineligible because I won the first.

So if you'd like to contribute to his fanfic, go over there right now, and give it a try. His poetic questions aren't too hard, once you think about them.

And his quizmaster questions are espescially flattering, because they were done in my honor!

- Venusaur

Edit: A winner has been named, but four quizmaster prizes remain. Here's some help - all the cards I created in my fics are still in my fics in the archives section. That should help.

[Dark Sage]

Hidey-ho everyone.

I know it's only been a few days since my last chapter, and I don't like to rush, but since the last chapter was so short, I thought I'd post the next one now.

So enjoy, as a character from "City of Souls" makes his spectacular return!

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

When I first met Terone, two years ago, it was during the Big Apple Duel Monster’s tournament. I didn’t give him much thought then. He was just another opponent in another tournament. His devotion to the works of J.K. Rowling and his self-appointed title, “The Duelist of Hogwarts” made him stand out a little, but I never expected much to come from him at the time.

When I next met him, a year later, it was in the City of Souls. Remi had cast a spell on him to turn his latent resentment into blind anger against me, and turn his pipe dreams into mad delusions. We dueled again, and with some help, I managed to save his life, and his sanity.

Remi is gone now, but you just can’t keep a good duelist down. I suppose I was fated to duel Terone again. And now that he’s totally lucid and in control of his actions, going up against him might be much harder than last time…

Especially if what he claims is true…



CHAPTER SIXTEEN



Mage Power



Yugi didn’t know what to say.

His father? Chosen by a council of archangels with a sacred duty? Was it even possible? His dad had indeed saved the world many times, but this was too incredible for words.

He spoke to Yami about it, but the Spirit could offer no answer. It was slightly more than thirty years ago that he and Yugi Mouto Sr. parted company and Yami had gone into dormancy.

Yugi had half a mind to make a long distance call to his dad and ask – but then, he reasoned that if his father had never told him before, he likely wouldn’t now. He guessed that when the time was right, it would be revealed.

During the continental breakfast, just a couple of hours later, Clive and Peter were shocked to say the least.

“Let me see if I’ve got this straight,” asked Clive. “An angel took you to Purgatory to visit Anastasia?”

“Uh huh,” muttered Mary.

“Dare we ask why?” said Peter.

“It’s sort of complicated,” mumbled Yugi. “She had a message for us that she saw in a vision.”

“Visions,” sighed Clive. “Those are never good.”

“What sort of message?” asked Peter. “We have the time.”

“I don’t want to worry you…” warned Yugi.

“Look,” stated Clive. “If this is something heavy, we’re going to have to help you sooner or later. So spill already.”

“Fine,” said Yugi.

He took a deep breath.

“Millennia ago a council of powerful angels created an artifact called the Mandate of Heaven, which prevents the armies of Hell from invading the mortal world. There’s a fallen angel lurking somewhere on Earth who wants to destroy the Mandate so he can conquer the world. Anastasia believes that I’m the only person who can possibly defeat this fallen angel and save the world from complete destruction. And there’s a good possibility that the Mandate is hidden here on Duelatopia.”

He took a long drink of milk.

“Uh…” muttered Peter. “You want to run that by me again?”

“I was right,” said Clive. “That is heavy.”

“The point is,” sighed Yugi. “We have to be on our guard. This demon may be incredibly powerful, and I’m not even sure if I stand a chance. But if he does choose to strike, I have to try.”

“Then we’ll help,” assured Clive. “We’ll show this guy just like we showed Remi!”

“Thanks guys,” smiled Yugi. “By the way, Anastasia had a message for the two of you.”

Peter and Clive both lifted an eyebrow.

“Yes?” asked Clive.

“She basically said she was sorry,” responded Yugi.

There was a long pause.

“Was she sincere?” asked Peter.

“I’ve never seen more sincerity,” affirmed Yugi.

“Fine,” stated Peter. “Apology accepted.”

“And you, Clive?” said Mary.

Clive sighed. “Well, you know what someone once said,” he mused. “To err is human, to forgive divine. Who said that?”

“I think it was Christ himself,” answered Yugi.

“I guess I can accept her apology,” sighed Clive. “After all, you did.”

“Fine,” said Yugi, pushing his plate aside.

He strapped his Duel Disk to his arm.

“Now it’s Day Five,” he said. “Who’s ready?”


* * * * * * * * * *


They spent most of the morning exploring the northeast part of Duelatopia, a section that they hadn’t spent much time in. Peter and Clive were talking the whole time about the conversation at breakfast.

“Fallen angels?” muttered Clive. “Holy artifacts? This is all so… intense!”

“I know,” sighed Peter. “Still, we’ve seen a good deal of weird things. I still have nightmares about Set sometimes.”

“You think Yugi’s dad ever had to deal with this stuff?” asked Clive.

“His dad told me a few things about some of the duelists he faced,” said Peter. “Like duelists who used the legendary Egyptian God Cards. I’ve seen old videos of the God Monsters in action… truly terrifying.”

“How did those things work, anyway?” asked Clive.

“Well, I had a discussion with Yugi’s father about them,” explained Peter. “Unlike most high-level Monsters, you needed three Tributes to summon one, and all three of them shared some traits in common: One, they were immune to most Trap Cards, and Monster Effects, and Magic Cards, if they affected them at all, only did so for one turn.”

Clive raised an eyebrow.

“Obelisk the Tormentor was likely the least powerful. It had stats of 4,000 over 4,000…”

“That’s weak?” gasped Clive.

“I didn’t say ‘weak’, I said ‘least powerful’,” replied Peter. “Wait until you hear what the others were capable of. Anyway, Obelisk’s special ability, known as Fist of Fate, required you to Tribute two other Monsters – if you did that, it could destroy all opposing Monsters, and deliver a set amount of 4,000 points of direct damage to your opponent.”

Clive shuddered in fear.

“Then there was Slifer the Sky Dragon. It was even stronger. It’s Attack and Defense Score was one thousand for every card in your hand at any given time. That made its strength potential nearly limitless…”

“There’s a limit to how many cards you can hold in your hand at one time,” mentioned Clive.

“Not if you used the Magic Card called Infinite Cards!” exclaimed Peter. “And when Yugi’s dad faced Marik’s mindslave Strings, who challenged him with Slifer, that’s exactly what Strings did.

“Slifer also had another ability. Every time an opponent summoned a Monster to the field, its second set of jaws would attack, draining the Monster of 2,000 points from whatever Mode it was summoned in, which would be fatal if the score was 2,000 or less.”

“How on earth did Yugi’s dad defeat it?” gasped Clive.

“A mistake on Marik’s part,” smiled Peter. “Do you know of the Revival Jam plus Jam Defender Monster-Trap combo?”

“Yeah…” muttered Clive. “A very cheesy way to win.”

“Marik took the combo further, adding Card of Safe Return,” continued Peter. “So every time Revival Jam revived, Strings got to draw three more cards, increasing Slifer’s strength. But Yugi’s dad found Slifer’s weakness. He used Brain Control to seize Revival Jam. That caused Slifer to attack it with its second mouth, causing Revival Jam to revive, causing Strings to draw three cards, and then causing Slifer to attack again! The cycle repeated itself, over and over, and Strings was trapped. He had to keep drawing cards until he was decked out!”

“No wonder Yugi is so good,” muttered Clive in amazement. “He learned from the master!”

“Of course, even this pales in comparison to the Winged Dragon of Ra,” continued Peter. “This card is incredibly dangerous to use. Before you could even use it, you had to recite an Egyptian chant written on the card. Only those who had their ancestry in ancient Egypt could do so…!”

Clive gave a quizzical look.

“However, if you succeeded, Ra was powerful to say the least. Its starting Attack Score was the combined score of the Attack Scores of the Monsters you Tributed to summon it. Also, you could spend Life Points to add to its Attack Score, and you could spend up to all but one. Ra’s Attack score increased depending on how many Life Points you spent. But Ra didn’t need a high Attack score. You could spend 1,000 Life Points to obliterate any Monster, even another God Monster.”

“That is powerful,” shuddered Clive.

“Marik owned that card too, and he had many ways to raise his Life Points when he used it. And there was another feature of the God Cards that Yugi Senior learned for the brief time when he owned all three… If you can somehow get all three of them on the field at one time – very unlikely, but not impossible – Slifer and Ra could combine with Obelisk to give Obelisk an infinite Attack Score, which would pretty much win you the duel at that point.”

Clive was shivering again.

“So who’s using these cards now?” he asked.

“No one knows,” said Yugi’s voice.

“You were listening?” asked Peter.

“Yeah,” said Yugi. “The God Cards were lost decades ago. And good riddance is all I can say. There are just some things that man was not meant to tamper with. Maximillion Pegasus created them, but even he was scared of their power, so he gave them to Ishizu Ishtar for safekeeping – she was the holder of the Millennium Necklace, and part of a family in charge of guarding the Pharaoh’s tombs. Unfortunately, Marik was also a part of that family – her brother, in fact – and he was driven to madness by the duty. He sought to usurp the Pharaoh’s power, which is why he attacked my dad in the first place.

“But it’s water under the bridge now… Marik was cured, the God Cards are gone, and neither he nor those three abominations will ever threaten anyone again.”

They started to look around, and saw that they were surrounded by trees. The street they were on was made of brick, and the buildings were old-fashioned.

“So where are we now?” asked Peter.

Mary looked at her map.

“According to this, we’re in the Village of Green Phantom King,” she said. “Seems like a nice place.”

“Maybe we can find a pub and knock back a few pints!” laughed Clive.

Peter jostled him.

“Uh, maybe a pub that serves pints of root beer?” he shrugged.

“Siegfried sure knows how to build a good resort,” smiled Mary.

“Come on,” said Yugi. “Let’s look around. We’re not going to get very far waiting for someone to challenge us.”


* * * * * * * * * *


At around ten forty-five, a place caught their eye.

It seemed a cross between a bar and a restaurant; the sign out front said “Hogsmeade.”

“That looks interesting,” muttered Peter.

“Hogsmeade…” pondered Mary. “That was the name of a place in the Harry Potter books – a town where the students went for R&R.”

Yugi looked at his watch. “It’s a little early for lunch,” he said. “But I just can’t resist checking such a place out.”

They went in, and were certainly impressed. It looked like a tavern from a fantasy novel, with wooden tables, crests adorning the corners, and colorful banners and medieval weapons hanging from the walls.

They went to a table and picked up the menus.

“Ye gods, look at this stuff!” exclaimed Clive. “’Spicy gryphon wings’, ‘minotaur burgers’, mutton lettuce and tomato sandwiches’… This is hilarious!”

“Might I suggest the rib rack with elven sauce,” said an accented voice behind them. “They’re quite good.”

Yugi turned around, and saw a figure wearing a dark cloak with a hood. He was wearing a Duel Disk.

A Rare Hunter? thought Yugi. Here?

He leapt off his seat.

“I don’t know what your game is,” he shouted, “but…”

“Hey, relax, Yugi,” smiled the figure, removing the hood. “It’s just me.”

“TERONE?” exclaimed Yugi. “Shesh, what are you trying to do, scare me half to death?”

“Didn’t someone once say intimidation is half of winning?” smiled Terone, giving his glasses a nudge.

He sat down. “Garcon!” he called to the waiter. “Five mugs of butterbeer for me and my friends!” He turned to them. “So, how’s the tournament going for all of you?”

“Not bad,” said Mary, showing him her Disk. “And you?”

He showed them his. It was Violet.

“Terone, you really should throw away that creepy Death Eater cloak,” mumbled Clive. “It may give people the wrong idea…”

“I know,” sighed Terone. “But even if Remi gave this thing to me, it makes a good accessory for a J.K. Rowling fan such as myself. And it totally freaks out my opponents. Some of them actually think I’m a Rare Hunter and I’m going to mug them for their cards!”

Terone chuckled inside.

And having cards as rare as I do doesn’t hurt the façade either, he thought.

“You have a funny way of using dueling psychology,” muttered Mary.

“You should see some of the other costumes I’ve seen here,” said Terone. “This cloak is nothing.”

“I guess,” replied Yugi. “It’s good to see you again Terone.”


* * * * * * * * * *


A light lunch later, Terone insisted on paying the bill.

“You know Yugi,” he mentioned. “When we dueled last time, I wasn’t myself…”

“I wasn’t your fault,” assured Yugi. “The Millennium Rod is a very powerful artifact.”

“True,” agreed Terone. “But I’ve always wanted to prove that I could do it again… on my own this time, without some evil force controlling me.”

Yugi gave a slight smile.

“Is that a challenge, Terone?” he asked.

“Uh huh,” smiled Terone. “I have status to spare. You and me Yugi, in a rematch to end all rematches!”

“I accept your challenge,” grinned Yugi. “We’re taking this outside!”


* * * * * * * * * *


As Yugi left the building, he opened the pouch that contained his side deck, and took out a card – his Shield of St. George Trap.

Terone likely still has that Hungarian Horntail in his deck, and that Dragon is trouble, he thought. Well, sorry Terone, but I’m adding this Trap to my deck right now.

He slipped the card into his deck.

At that point, Yami spoke up.

“Yugi, don’t get too confident,” he warned. “You have to remember something. When we last dueled Terone, he was misguided and delusional. Now he’s completely sane. He can think clearly and control his actions. He’ll be difficult to defeat.”

“Fine,” said Yugi. “We’ll take him on and do our best.”

The Puzzle glowed, and the two of them merged.

He turned to face Terone.

“Oh Yugi,” said Terone, as he shuffled. “Before we begin, I want to tell you something. Remember my Hungarian Horntail the Fierce Dragon card?”

“How could I forget?” said Yugi, sarcastically.

“Well, after the mess in New York, I felt really guilty about owning a stolen card, especially one so valuable. So I located the owner, in order to return it…”

Yugi was a little surprised, but he waited for Terone to continue.

“But the owner was in a coma,” continued Terone, “the work of the thief who stole the card. I met his niece, and she was grateful for my attempt to return it…”

He loaded his deck onto his disk.

“So grateful, in fact, that she insisted I take the other three Icons of Popular Culture prototype cards as gifts. They’ve helped a lot in this tournament thus far.”

Yugi was shocked. But he regained his composure.

“From what I’ve heard about those cards,” he mentioned, “each requires two Tributes to summon. You’ll have a hard time bringing them out.”

“I know the rules, Yugi,” replied Terone. “And once you know the rules, you can learn how to bend them to meet your needs.

“Now let’s do it, huh? Get ready for a real culture clash!”

He covered his head with the cowl, and activated his Disk. The holo-imagers shot out. Yugi repeated the same move.

“LET’S DUEL!” they both yelled.

“ALL of the Pop Culture cards?” gasped Mary. “Oh, Yugi’s really going to have a problem…”

“Mary, you read about those cards,” said Clive. “What can they do exactly?”

“I’m not sure,” replied Mary. “But I suspect that they’re powerful. Hungarian Horntail was powerful, but it had no Effect. The others I’m not sure about…”

Yugi looked at his opponent. Terone’s initial strategy was working even on him. Even though he knew Terone meant him no real harm, he couldn’t shake the feeling, even subconsciously, that one of the dreaded Rare Hunters was in front of him.

This wouldn’t be easy.

Both of them made their draws.

Excellent, thought Terone. Already I have most of what I need to bring out my first big surprise…

“Well, since I challenged you,” stated Terone. “It’s only fair to give you the first move.”

“Fine,” said Yugi making a draw.

Not bad, he thought, looking at it.

“Skilled Dark Magician, in Attack Mode!” exclaimed Yugi, placing a card down.

The dark wizard in his bulky black robe appeared, holding his metal rod. (1,900/1,700)

“And it’s your turn.”

Huh, wasn’t expecting that, thought Terone, drawing.

“Shining Abyss, in Defense Mode,” he pronounced.

He put a card down, and a brilliant blue creature that looked like a cross between a fairy and a robot appeared. (1,600/1,800)

“And now, a Magic Card,” he continued. “Card Destruction!”

He threw the card into the slot.

“Both of us will have to discard our hands and draw knew ones,” said Terone. “And I’ll even show you one of the cards I’m discarding!”

He held up a card.

“Marie the Fallen One?” asked Yugi.

“Correct,” replied Terone. “Which will heal my Life Points by 200 at the start of each of my turns.”

“Maybe so,” frowned Yugi, discarding his hand, “but take a look at my Skilled Dark Magician!”

The Magician’s rod was now glowing copper.

“That Magic Card empowered him,” smiled Yugi. “Two more, and something will happen.”

They both drew new hands.

Yes! thought Terone. I couldn’t have asked for better! He might be able to score a hit on me now, but I’ll have the last laugh…

“Your move Yugi,” he said.

Yugi drew.

“Warrior Dai Grepher, in Attack Mode!” he exclaimed.

He set down the card, and the black-clad Warrior appeared with his greatsword.

“Skilled Dark Magician,” shouted Yugi. “Attack Shining Abyss with dark magic attack!”

Skilled Dark Magician cast forth his spell, and Shining Abyss shattered.

“Warrior Dai Grepher, attack Terone Directly with your steel sword!”

Grepher charged, and slashed at Terone. He yelped and fell backwards.

When he got up, a deep cut was across his chest. His Life Points fell to 6,300.

“All right!” cheered Peter. “Yugi’s in the lead!”

“I dunno,” muttered Mary. “That seemed a little too easy.”

“How so?” asked Peter.

“There has to be a reason Terone played Card Destruction,” said Mary. “It couldn’t have been only to get Marie in his Graveyard… there’s something else.”

Terone drew, and his Life Points went up to 6,500.

Well, now’s as good a time as ever, he thought.

“Now,” he said, putting a card into a slot. “The Magic Card known as… Exchange!”

“What?” gasped Yugi. “Exchange?”

“Come on, Yugi,” smiled Terone, “you know the rules…”

Yugi’s two Monsters stepped aside, and he walked up to Terone. He held his hand of cards out.

“Aha!” laughed Terone, seeing Yugi’s Buster Blader. “I’ll be taking that, Yugi. There won’t be any summoning Dark Paladin this duel!”

He took the card.

“Yeah, well now I get to take a card from your hand,” said Yugi, “and that Lesser Fiend looks like a good one.”

He took the card, and went back to his position.

“And lest I forget,” continued Yugi. “Since you just played another Magic Card, my Skilled Dark Magician is powered up even further!”

The Magician’s rod turned silver.

“Yes!” whispered Clive. “One more Magic Card, and Yugi can bring out his Dark Magician!”

“I hope so,” muttered Peter.

Terone drew.

“One card facedown,” said Terone, “And I summon Ancient Elf, in Defense Mode.”

He put the cards down, and a facedown card appeared, behind an elf in a purple outfit holding a glowing staff appeared. (1,400/1,200)

Yugi drew.

That facedown card of his concerns me, he thought, but I could get an enormous lead right now if I took a chance...

He looked at Terone.

Come on Yugi, thought Terone. Attack me. You know you want to…

Yugi put a card down.

“I Tribute Warrior Dai Grepher to summon your Lesser Fiend!” he said.

Grepher vanished, and a huge, four armed demon appeared. (2,100/1,000)

“Now, my Skilled Dark Magician,” said Yugi. “Attack Ancient Elf!”

Skilled Dark Magician aimed his staff.

“Took the bait, just like I hoped!” laughed Terone, tapping a button on his disk.

“What? Your Trap?” gasped Yugi.

“A powerful one,” said Terone, as the card lifted. “Called Dark Renewal!”

A large coffin appeared behind Ancient Elf with a pentagram on its front. Two doors on the front opened, and Ancient Elf and Skilled Dark Magician were sucked inside! The doors slammed shut, and magical energy coursed from it.

“Uh, someone want to tell me what happened?” asked Peter.

“Dark Renewal is a version of Soul Exchange, but somewhat different,” explained Terone. “When you declare an attack, I get to Tribute your attacking Monster along with one of mine. And in return, I get to revive one Monster from my Graveyard.”

“I knew it!” moaned Mary.

The coffin opened, and a pair of green eyes stared out of it.

“So prepare to meet my first Icon of Popular Culture,” smiled Terone. “Star of the video game fantasy world since the early 1990’s, I give you… Link, Guardian of Hyrule!”

A large form leapt out from the coffin. He was tall and thin, with facial features (and ears) resembling Celtic Guardian, but the outfit was different – it was all green, medieval style, and came with peaked hat. He bore a long, shining sword. (2,300/2,800)

He held out his sword in Attack Mode, and eyed Yugi.

Okay, thought Yugi. Now I’m in trouble…

“Still your turn, by the way,” said Terone.

“I end it then,” said Yugi.

“Good,” smiled Terone, drawing.

His Life Points went up to 6,700.

“And Yugi, when I played Exchange, you really should have taken my Monster Reborn, because I’m using it now to retrieve another Monster that I discarded…”

He fit it into the slot.

“Say hello to Fire Princess, in Defense Mode!”

The beautiful Princess in a red dress and a wooden staff appeared (1,300/1,500)

“This fair maiden can deal you 500 points of damage every time I raise my Life points!” exclaimed Terone.

“And Marie is raising them every round!” said Yugi.

“Perceptive,” agreed Terone. “Now, Link, destroy Lesser Fiend with mystical elven blade attack!”

Link charged forward, and with a swipe of his magic sword, cut Lesser Fiend down. Yugi’s Life Points fell to 7,800.

“That’s not good,” moaned Mary.

“Don’t worry,” assured Clive. “I’m sure that Yugi can take out that Princess.”

“I don’t know,” muttered Peter. “I don’t play many video games, but I seem to remember something about Link and princesses…”

Yugi drew.

This may cost me some Life Points, he said. But I have to try to get rid of that Princess!

“Skilled White Magician, in Attack Mode!” he announced, placing a card down.

The sorcerer clothed in white appeared, brandishing his staff. (1,700/1,900)

“Skilled White Magician,” shouted Yugi. “Attack Fire Princess! White magic attack!”

Skilled White Magician fired his spell… There was a huge explosion…

And when it died down, Link was standing in front of Fire Princess, holding her in a gentle embrace, with steam rising from his sword.

“Huh?” gasped Yugi. “Link intercepted the attack?”

“Don’t know much about video games, do you, Yugi?” said Terone. “In the Legend of Zelda series, Link is always rescuing and protecting Zelda. In his Duel Monsters incarnation, he protects any female Monster from harm. If you want to get a crack at Fire Princess, you’re going to have to get though him first!”

Yugi sighed.

How do I beat him when he has Monsters which I know nothing about? he thought.

“I end my turn,” he said.


Continued…

[Dark Sage]

Continued from last post.


“And I’ll start mine,” said Terone, drawing. His Life Points went up to 6,900.

Fire Princess waved her staff, and a blast of fire shot at Yugi, scorching him! His Life Points fell to 7,300.

“Link, destroy the Skilled White Magician with your mystic sword!” shouted Terone.

Link charged, and made short work of Skilled White Magician. Yugi’s Life Points fell to 6,700.

“Crud,” gasped Mary. “Terone just gained the lead!”

“Yugi can recover,” muttered Clive. “I hope.”

Yugi drew.

“I play Pot of Greed,” he said.

He inserted the card, and the laughing jar appeared.

He drew two cards and looked at them.

“Now I can take away your edge, Terone!” he said.

“Huh?” asked Terone.

“See this Magic Card?” smiled Yugi. “It’s called Soul Release! With it, I can remove five cards from my Graveyard, or yours! And I’m going to use it to wipe out Marie the Fallen One and any other Monster that’s there!”

“No!” shouted Terone. The discard pile on his Disk opened and a mechanism moved the cards to the removal pile.

“Now that you can’t benefit from Marie,” said Yugi, “Fire Princess can’t hurt me. And I found a way to get rid of Link, too…”

He fit a Magic Card into the slot.

“When you used Card Destruction, I also had to discard a powerful Monster,” he said. “But now I’m bringing him back with Monster Reborn! Arise, Summoned Skull!”

A howl erupted on the field, and Summoned Skull appeared in Attack Mode! (2,500/1,200)

“Summoned Skull,” yelled Yugi, “attack Link with lightning strike!”

Summoned Skull summoned forth his lightning storm, and Link, Guardian of Hyrule, was vanquished.

“Looks like it’s game over for your elf,” smiled Yugi.

Terone’s Life Point’s dropped to 6,700.

“So you defeated Link,” sighed Terone. “He was only one of my powerful Monsters. I have more waiting in the wings. Is that your turn?”

“Uh huh,” affirmed Yugi.

Terone drew.

“Perfect,” he said. “I play the Magic Card Cost Down, which will allow me to summon our next special guest with only one Tribute – and I fortunately have one available on the field!”

He discarded a card. Mary, Clive, and Peter gasped.

“Thus, I Tribute my Fire Princess,” laughed Terone, “and another Icon of Popular Culture arises!”

Fire Princess vanished, and a figure in a dark robe appeared before Terone.

“I give you,” exclaimed Terone. “The star of The Phantom Menace, the Dark Warrior known as Darth Maul, Lord of the Sith!”

The figure threw his robe aside, revealing a more agile black outfit. His face was red with black tattoos, and his bald head was covered with small horns.

He reached out with his hand, and the long hilt of a sword flew into it. He made a dramatic gesture, and two long, red energy blades ignited out of each end.

(2,500/2,300)

“Looks like this duel just became a Duel of the Fates!” laughed Terone.

“Impressive,” said Yugi. “But while your Sith Lord is powerful, he has exactly the same Attack score as Summoned Skull. You can’t defeat him as he is.”

“Think so?” smiled Terone. “You should watch more movies, Yugi. Like any good Sith, Darth Maul draws power from dark forces. Thus, for every Dark Monster on the field, aside from himself, he gains a 500 point bonus to his Attack and Defense. So due to your Summoned Skull, his score becomes 3,000 over 2,800!”

Energy surrounded Darth Maul, and his score went up. Yugi drew back.

“Darth Maul,” said Terone. “Attack Summoned Skull with twin-bladed energy saber slash!”

The Sith leapt up and brought his lightsaber down on Summoned Skull, cutting the Fiend in half! Yugi’s Life Points fell to 6,200.

Darth Maul’s score fell back to 2,500/2,300.

“Good lord!” shouted Mary. “Yugi will never summon something stronger without a Tribute!”

“Yugi’s been in tighter spots,” said Clive.

Yugi drew.

The card Shelob gave me, he thought. Powerful, but not enough unless I manage to weaken Darth Maul.

He looked at his hand.

And I might have a way to do that.

“I set one card facedown,” said Yugi, placing it in the slot. “And also a Monster facedown in Defense Mode.”

The two cards appeared, one in front of the other.

“And I’ll turn it over to you.”

Terone rubbed his chin.

Okay, he thought. Darth Maul is pretty powerful, and there’s few things Yugi can do with one Monster to stop him. Knowing Yugi, that’s likely a Trap Card under there.

He thought for a moment.

But then, he knows I’m not an idiot, so maybe he’s bluffing. But then again, he knows I’d suspect he was bluffing, so maybe it IS a Trap. But then I know he knows I’d suspect it… but then HE knows that I know that he knows I…

He stopped short.

Where was I?

He drew.

“I’ll summon Saggi the Dark Clown in Defense Mode, to raise the Attack of Darth Maul again,” he announced.

He put the card down, and a cackling laughter echoed across the field. The black-clad jester materialized. (600/1,500)

“Now, Darth Maul, attack that facedown Monster!”

Darth Maul twirled his lightsaber and charged.

“Wrong move, Terone,” smiled Yugi.

He tapped his Disk, and the Trap Card lifted…

Spellbinding Circle!

Darth Maul froze in place, and his attack score went down to 2,300.

“If the Jedi had one of those,” smiled Yugi, “Qui-Gon Jinn might have survived to see Attack of the Clones!”

“Funny,” frowned Terone. “Reee-ly funny.”

By now a large crowd had formed. People had been attracted by the two strange Monsters Terone had summoned, and stared at amazement at this creature from the old movie.

Yugi drew.

“Now,” said Yugi, “I shift my facedown Monster into Attack Mode…”

He turned the card, and Gemini Elf appeared where the card had been. (1,900/900)

“And also,” continued Yugi, “this Monster in Attack Mode – Brown Recluse!”

He put the card down, and an enormous brown spider with huge mandibles appeared. (2,300/0)

“Gemini Elf,” shouted Yugi. “Attack Saggi with dual magic attack!”

The twin elves fired forth two beams of energy, and Saggi the Dark Clown was blown to bits.

“And now that there are no more Dark Monsters on the Field,” said Yugi, “Darth Maul’s reduced score slips to 1,800 over 2,300! Brown Recluse, attack with crushing arachnid bite!”

The spider scuttled forward and seized Darth Maul in its mandibles. The Sith Lord dropped his lightsaber and screamed, and then exploded into fragments. Terone’s Life Points dropped to 6,200.

Brown Recluse retreated into Defense Mode.

Knew I shouldn’t have attacked, thought Terone.

He drew.

Not the best draw, he thought. But at least I’ll get rid of that spider.

“Great Angus in Attack Mode!” he said.

He put the card down, and a hulking fiery Beast with tusks appeared. (1,800/600)

“Attack Brown Recluse!” yelled Terone. “Flaming fists attack!”

Great Angus raised his fist, and threw a fiery punch at Brown Recluse, incinerating it.

“That will end my turn,” sneered Terone.

Yugi drew.

“I’ll summon an elf of my own,” said Yugi. “Obnoxious Celtic Guardian in Attack Mode.”

The green-armored elf appeared, brandishing his sword. (1,400/1,200)

“Aw nuts,” moaned Terone.

“Gemini Elf, attack Great Angus!” shouted Yugi

Gemini Elf shot forth their twin spells, blowing away Great Angus. Terone’s Life Points fell to 6,100.

“Go, my Guardian!” yelled Yugi. “Attack his Life Points Directly with silver blade slash!”

Obnoxious Celtic Guardian smote Terone, and opened a gash across his shoulder. Terone’s Life points fell further, to 4,700.

Terone looked hard at the two Monsters in front of him.

I know that elf’s power, he said. “He can’t be destroyed by anything stronger than 1,900 Attack points. So my options are limited…[/I]

He drew.

“I play Graceful Charity,” he said, putting the card down.

The charitable angel appeared.

Terone drew three cards.

Not bad. he thought.

He discarded two cards.

“I lay one card facedown,” he stated. “And I summon Gagagigo in Attack Mode.”

The facedown card appeared, and a tall lizard man appeared in front of him. (1,850/1,000)

“Gagagigo, Attack Obnoxious Celtic Guardian!” yelled Terone.

Gagagigo leapt forward and tore the Guardian to shreds. Yugi’s Life Points fell slightly to 6,150.

“Your move,” dared Terone.

Yugi drew.

I could destroy Gagagigo with Gemini Elf, he said. But that would only deduct fifty points from his Life Points. And with that facedown card there, I can’t take a risk over such a small gain – that’s the mistake Terone made. Better not attack…

“I summon Mystical Elf, in Defense Mode,” said Yugi.

He set the card, and the peaceful, blue-skinned elf appeared, chanting her spell. (800/2,000)

Terone drew.

“Well look at that, Yugi!” he chuckled. “I’ll summon my own Gemini Elf, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card facedown, and his own set of elf sisters appeared. (1,900/800)

“There are elves all over the place in this duel,” muttered Clive. “What is this The Lord of the Rings?”

Terone heard him.

Funny you should say that, Clive, he thought.

“Looks like you have a stalemate on your hands, Yugi,” said Terone. “What are you going to do now?”

Yugi drew. He didn’t have anything that could defeat that Gemini Elf, and there was still the facedown card to consider.

“Nothing,” answered Yugi. “I’m going to pass this turn.”

“Excellent,” replied Terone, drawing.

Oh, yeah, he thought.

“I don’t like the look in Terone’s eyes,” pondered Mary. “I think he just got a good draw.”

“First I’ll use my facedown card,” chuckled Terone. “My own Pot of Greed! I don’t believe you fell for that bluff!”

The card lifted and the Pot of Greed appeared. Terone made two more draws.

“Now,” laughed Terone, “I Tribute both Gemini Elf and Gagagigo to summon a Monster like none other…”

The two Monsters vanished, and the sky darkened.

“This Monster was inspired by none other than the Father of Modern Fantasy!” exclaimed Terone. “From the mind of the great J.R.R. Tolkien himself, I present The Balrog, in Attack Mode!”

Flames erupted on the field, and a huge demon shrouded in fire formed out of them. The great creature bore a fiery sword and a flaming whip. It roared, and heat wafted across the whole area! (3,000/2500)

“Good lord…” gasped Mary.

“Go, my Balrog!” shouted Terone. “Destroy Gemini Elf with primal sword of destruction!”

The Balrog raised his sword and rushed forward. Gemini Elf screamed before he struck, and they were annihilated.

Yugi’s Life Points fell to 5,850.

Yugi looked hard at his score.

Strange, he thought. That attack should have done 1,100 points of damage to my Life Points, but it only did 300. There must be a limit to that thing’s powers…

“Oh Yugi,” gloated Terone. “In case you’re thinking of bringing out your Black Luster Soldier, forget it. I wouldn’t try sending out any Warriors right now. The Balrog gains a bonus to his Attack against them!”

So that’s it, thought Yugi.

“Your move,” chuckled Terone.

Yugi drew.

“Swords of Revealing Light!” said Yugi, throwing a card into a slot.

“What?” gasped Terone, as the Swords crashed down around him. “You actually drew that card? How lucky can you get?”

“And now I have three turns to implement my strategy,” said Yugi. “I’m ending my turn now.”

“Fine,” snarled Terone, drawing. “In that case, I pass this turn.”

Yugi drew.

“I summon Beaver Warrior, in Attack Mode,” said Yugi.

The small Beast-Warrior appeared, holding his sword and shield. (1,200/1,500)

“And I end my turn,” said Yugi.

What’s he up to? thought Terone. Does he have Dark Magician in his hand? If he summons that, my Balrog is finished!

He drew.

“I’ll pass again this turn,” he said.

“Now,” stated Yugi, “I Tribute both my Beaver Warrior and my Mystical Elf to summon a Spellcaster like nothing you’ve likely ever seen…”

He put a card down, and the two Monsters vanished.

“Behold Dark Magician of Chaos!”

A black portal opened on the field, and a tall, ominous figure stepped out. He looked a great deal like the Magician of Black Chaos from Yugi’s old Ritual Card, but with slight changes in the costume. He glared at The Balrog with his dark eyes. (2,800/2,600)

“And by summoning him,” said Yugi, “I get to retrieve one Magic Card from my Graveyard!”

His discard slot opened, and Yugi leafed through it.

“What’s Yugi doing?” gasped Mary. “That Spellcaster is strong, sure, but The Balrog is two-hundred points stronger!”

“Terone doesn’t seem to think so,” said Clive.

Indeed. It was hard to see due to his cowl, but sweat was pouring down Terone’s face.

I hope I’m not wrong, thought Yugi, as he retrieved the card he wanted.

“Dark Magician of Chaos,” shouted Yugi. “Attack with chaos scepter blast!”

Dark Magician of Chaos spun his scepter and fired at The Balrog! The mighty fiend screamed and exploded in a burst of fire.

Terone’s Life Points fell to 4,100. The crowd applauded.

“How did you know?” asked Terone.

“I paid attention,” explained Yugi. “When The Balrog attacked my Gemini Elf, I took much less damage than I should have. I didn’t know why until you decided to gloat, and tell me what special strength The Balrog had – mainly that he had a bonus to his attack while battling Warriors.

“So I figured that The Balrog must have had a penalty to his Attack while facing a different Monster Type, and since my Gemini Elf is a Spellcaster, I figured that a Spellcaster as strong as Dark Magician of Chaos would be powerful enough to take it down.

“It makes sense, actually. In Lord of the Rings, none of the warriors of the Fellowship could scratch The Balrog, but the wizard Gandalf defeated it.”

“Both Spellcasters and Fairies, are strong against it truthfully,” sighed Terone.

“And by the way, Terone,” said Yugi. “Any Monster that my chaos mage destroys is removed from play, so there’ll be no bringing that Balrog back this duel.

“My turn is over.”

Blasted Swords are still in place, thought Terone. Not that it would do me much good.

He drew.

This could help me bring out my ultimate weapon, but without some way to protect it, Yugi would just blow it away!

“I play a Monster facedown in Defense Mode,” he said.

The Swords of Revealing Light vanished.

Yugi drew.

“Tengu Warrior, in Attack Mode!” yelled Yugi.

He placed the card down, and the kimono-dressed, katana-wielding Winged Beast appeared. (1,800/600)

“Dark Magician of Chaos,” shouted Yugi. “Attack what he has in Defense!”

The Magician aimed his staff, and a large ogre appeared where the facedown card was. Dark Magician of Chaos blew it away.

“Ogre of the Black Shadow, Terone?” mocked Yugi. “Couldn’t you have done better than that?”

“Frankly, no,” sighed Terone.

“Tengu Warrior, attack him directly!” ordered Yugi. “Dive bombing katana slash attack!”

Tengu Warrior spread his wings and took to the air. He dove at Terone and made a savage cut at him with his sword! Terone fell to ground. His Life Points fell to 2,700.

Terone got up. He was covered with cuts, and his cloak was torn.

“Yugi’s going to win!” cheered Mary. “Terone will never last against a direct attack from that Spellcaster!”

“Go Yugi!” yelled Peter.

Terone drew.

His eyes narrowed.

“I place a Monster facedown in Defense,” he said, putting it down.

The facedown card appeared.

“And also, this card facedown,” he said, fitting it into a slot.

“And I end my turn.”

“I think you’re bluffing,” sneered Yugi.

“Who knows?” smiled Terone. “Maybe I am, maybe I’m not.”

“Well, I think you are,” said Yugi. “And once my Tengu destroys your facedown Monster, my chaos mage will finish you off with one thunderous blast!

“Tengu Warrior, attack the facedown Monster!”

The Tengu flew up in the air again…

“Sorry, Yugi,” smiled Terone, tapping a button on his Disk, “but it wasn’t all a bluff. Negate Attack!”

The card revealed itself, and Tengu Warrior bounced off an invisible shield.

“Well then,” growled Yugi. “I end my turn. But I know what you’re trying to do. You’re hoping to summon your Hungarian Horntail – but to do that you need to Tribute two Monsters – and you’ll never keep two alive long enough.”

“Actually,” smiled Terone, drawing. “I only need one Monster.”

“For a Level 8 Monster?” frowned Yugi.

“Like I said before,” explained Terone, “once you know the rules, you learn how to bend them to meet your needs.

“I flip-summon my facedown Monster – Double Coston!”

The Monster on the square revealed itself. It was weird – it looked like two globs of black tar with smiling faces tethered together by an energy rope (1,700/1,650)

“Huh?” said Yugi.

“HUH?” exclaimed Mary, Clive, and Peter.

“These two little Zombies may not look like much,” explained Terone, “but they exist only to act as a Tribute. So long as I Tribute Double Coston for a Dark Monster, it counts as two Tributes!

“And I Tribute Double Coston for an old friend that I think you’re already acquainted with…”

Double Coston vanished, and a huge, dark shape formed on the field. It came into view, a huge Dragon with glossy black scales, piercing yellow eyes, fiendish bronze horns, and similar spiky outcroppings tipping its long tail. Steam poured from its jaws and nostrils!

Yugi remembered this beast from the City of Souls. The creature from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Hungarian Horntail the Fierce Dragon. (3,400/1,800)

“Quite the looker, isn’t he?” smiled Terone.

The audience was silent, some by shock, some by awe, some by fear.

“Hungarian Horntail,” yelled Terone. “Attack Dark Magician of Chaos with searing stream of fury attack!”

An enormous blast of flame shot out from the great Dragon’s jaws; Yugi covered his eyes, and Dark Magician of Chaos was reduced to ashes. Yugi’s Life Points fell down to 5,250.

“No!” gasped Mary. “Dark Magician of Chaos was the best Monster Yugi had!”

“And he can’t summon Dark Paladin this time!” moaned Peter.

“There’s got to be something Yugi has that can defeat that thing…” groaned Clive.

Yugi drew.

I can beat that monstrosity, he thought. But for now, I can only defend.

“I switch Tengu Warrior to Defense Mode,” he said, “and I end my turn.”

“Run out of ideas, Yugi?” smiled Terone, drawing. “Horntail, turn that Tengu to toast!”

Hungarian Horntail breathed its flames again, destroying Tengu Warrior.

“Your move,” grinned Terone. “As if it will matter.”

Yugi drew.

The Shield of St. George! he thought. Might as well try.

“First,” said Yugi. “I’m playing a Cost Down of my own.”

He fit the card into the slot. He discarded a card.

“And I’ll use it to summon Dark Magician Girl, in Attack Mode!”

Dark Magician Girl appeared, and winked to Terone and his Dragon. (2,000/1,700)

“And also, one card facedown,” said Yugi, fitting it into the slot.

“That will end my turn.”

Oh, Yugi, thought Terone. You don’t expect me to fall for that, do you? The card you placed facedown is obviously either The Shield of St. George, or Mirror Force.

He drew.

Perfect. This time, the odds will be on my side. I’ll attack with my Dragon, once I’ve made a little change to him…

“Oh Yugi?” smiled Terone. “Remember how I said I got those three cards from the niece of this card’s original owner? She was a kind lass. She also hinted at how I could create a Monster that was practically unstoppable… by using Hungarian Horntail, and these two cards.”

He held them up. They were Red Eyes Black Dragon and Polymerization.

“What?” gasped Yugi in shock. “You can fuse Horntail with a Red Eyes?!”

“Sure seems that way, doesn’t it?” smiled Terone, taking some large steps backwards. “Now prepare for a sight that few have ever seen.”

He fit the Magic Card into the slot, and the Red Eyes appeared on the field. A vortex of energy consumed both it and Hungarian Horntail, and the vortex blazed with flame!

Then a huge creature stepped out of the vortex. It was an enormous Dragon, even bigger than Hungarian Horntail, with bright red scales, golden horns, a long tail, and huge wings!

“Allow me to introduce,” said Terone, “the almighty dragon king known as… INFERNO DRAGON!”

(4,200/3,000)

“Look at the size of that thing!” shouted Peter.

“That facedown card Yugi has had better be a good one!” gasped Clive.

Inferno Dragon glared at Dark Magician Girl, and growled. She shivered in fear.

“Since I created my Dragon via Fusion,” smiled Terone. “I’ll end my turn now.”

Sorry, Terone, said Yugi, That is a frightening Monster, I’ll admit that. But no matter how powerful that thing is, it’s still a Dragon – and no match for the Trap I have waiting.

Yugi drew.

“I’m going to pass this turn,” said Yugi. “So it’s your move.”

Terone drew.

“Fine,” he smiled. “Inferno Dragon, attack with rage of the Dragon Lord attack!”

Fire started to well up in Inferno Dragon’s terrible jaws…

“Sorry Terone,” grinned Yugi, hitting a button on his Disk, “but you just activated my Trap… The Shield of St. George!”

The Trap Card lifted.

“I knew you had that card facedown,” smiled Terone. “And now it’s all up to chance…”

A large red dice materialized in mid-air.

“What the…?” said Yugi.

“Behold the Dragon Dice!” shouted Terone. “Whenever you play a Trap Card when Inferno Dragon is on the field, this dice goes for a roll. A roll of one or two means the Trap is destroyed. A role of three or four means that ALL Trap and Magic Cards you have on the field are destroyed. Anything else, and all Trap and Magic cards I have on the field are destroyed. So now, anything but a five or six, and your mighty Shield will fail!”

The dice fell and rolled toward Yugi. He bit his lip.

The dice came to rest on a two! The Shield of St. George shattered!

“Aw,” mocked Terone. “Too bad for your Dark Magician Girl!”

Dark Magician Girl screamed as she was engulfed by flames. In an instant, she was gone. Yugi’s Life Points fell all the way to 3,650.

“Aw no,” moaned Clive.

“I hate to say it,” muttered Mary, “But I don’t think Yugi will be winning this duel.”

“Well Yugi,” smiled Terone. “That’s my move. But you might as well give up… the only Monster in Duel Monsters that can defeat this titan is the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, and we all know who the only one is who can summon that!”

“I never give up, Terone,” snarled Yugi.

He drew.

His eyes looked at the card in shock!

“Well Terone,” smiled Yugi. “I’m afraid that your titan is about to fall. My next Monster will slay your Dragon!”

“What do you mean?” frowned Terone. “Even if you did have a Monster that powerful, you’d never be able to summon it without a Tribute!”

“What did you tell me, twice already?” asked Yugi. “Once you know how the rules work, you learn how to bend them to meet your needs.

“And you’re right in a way – rules exist to help people, not hinder them. So now I’m using the rules to my advantage.

“The card I just drew is a powerful Magic Card – Curtain of the Dark One!”

He fit the card into a slot, and a large shape appeared before him. It was a black curtain on a platform, supported by a hanger that resembled a skull and two skeletal arms.

“To play Curtain of the Dark One, I first have to give up half of my current Life Points,” explained Yugi.

His Life Points fell to 1,825.

“And in return for that,” said Yugi, reaching for his deck, “the Curtain lets me summon one particular Monster from my deck with no Tribute required! Your Monsters may be cultural icons, but this one is a Duel Monsters icon!”

He got the card he needed and slapped it down.

An arm appeared from behind the Curtain, and threw it aside, and the mighty Dark Magician leapt down upon the field! (2,500/2,100)

“Heh, heh,” chuckled Terone. “Your favorite Monster, huh? Sorry Yugi, but I don’t think he can help you now. Inferno Dragon has 1,700 Attack points more than him.”

“He’s right,” said Clive. “What good will that do?”

“Quiet,” whispered Mary. “Dark Magician is full of surprises.”

“He isn’t going to attack your Dragon with his dark magic attack,” explained Yugi, selecting a card. “I also have the Magic Card that I got when I summoned Dark Magician of Chaos.”

Terone paused.

“I remember all the Magic Cards you discarded,” frowned Terone. “None of them can help him destroy my Dragon…”

“Did you see all of them, Terone?” asked Yugi. “You made my discard my entire hand at the beginning of this duel when you used Card Destruction!”

Terone drew back.

He’s right! thought Terone. That card could be ANYTHING!

“The card I chose was this Magic Card,” stated Yugi. “Thousand Knives!”

“NOOO!!” screamed Terone.

“Judging from your expression,” smiled Yugi, as he fit it into the slot, “you know that this card allows my Dark Magician to destroy any Monster, regardless of how strong it is!”

Dark Magician waved his staff, and a storm of blades filled the air! They flew into the great Dragon, piercing its hide in a spray of blood. The huge beast howled, and fell to the ground with a crash, dead.

Terone shivered in fright, as his Life Points dropped to 1,650.

“Now Terone,” shouted Yugi, “now that all your iconic Monsters are gone, it’s time to bring this culture clash to its conclusion!

“Dark Magician, dark magic attack!![I]”

Dark Magician twirled his staff and cast his dark spell directly at Terone! He screamed and fell to his knees as the last of his Life Points were wiped out.

The crowd applauded.

“Oh, my achin’ everything,” moaned Terone.

“Well,” smiled Yugi, looking at his Disk. “I’ve got Violet Status, and it isn’t even noon yet.”


* * * * * * * * * *


The holo-generators shut down, and while Terone’s wounds healed, he was still a little dizzy. Yugi offered him his hand.

“I’ve got to hand it to you Yugi,” stated Terone. “You know one cardinal rule that exists in every fantasy setting – namely, no matter how grim things look, there’s always a way out.”

“You didn’t do too bad, Terone,” smiled Yugi. “You are a good duelist, and part of your success hinges on the fact that you’re a good person. Had you selfishly decided to keep that Horntail instead of trying to return it, you’d have never gotten those three powerful cards. But you chose to do the right thing – and were rewarded for it.

“You may be at Blue Status now, but that’s still pretty high. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see you in the finals.”

Terone grinned.

“Well if that’s the case, watch out!” he warned. “I’m almost certain [I]you’ll be there.”

“Anyway, here’s your Buster Blader back,” he said, handing Yugi back his card.

“Oh, yeah,” said Yugi. “And I suppose this is yours…”

He handed back Terone’s Lesser Fiend.

Terone got up. “It was good seeing all of you again.”


* * * * * * * * * *


As Yugi and his friends walked off, and the crowd dispersed, Terone took off his satchel that was under his cloak and sat on a bench.

“I don’t dare tell Yugi what I’m suspecting,” he said, opening it. “Something evil is definitely lurking around this city. I may not be as experienced as he is in things like this, but…”

He took a shiny object out of the satchel.

“But you’ve been acting up practically since I’ve gotten here. The evil on Duelatopia truly outweighs the good right now.”

He put it back.

“For now,” he said, “all I can do is try to get to the finals, and maybe to do that I have to have something under my belt that will make me as big a name here as Yugi. I hoped it wouldn’t have to come to this, but…”

He took another item out of the satchel. It looked like a rolled up sheet of parchment.

He unrolled it, and it was blank.

Or so it seemed.

Terone waved his hand over it and said an odd phrase:

”I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.”



DARK RENEWAL (Trap Card)

Card Specs

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a dark coffin with a hexagram on the twin doors. You can activate this Trap when your opponent declares an attack and you have at least one Monster on the field. Tribute the attacking Monster and one of yours and special summon one Monster from your Graveyard in Attack or Defense Mode.

Note: “Dark Renewal” first appeared in the anime episode “Master of Magicians (Part 2)”. All creative credit goes to the writers of that episode.



LINK, GUARDIAN OF HYRULE (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Fairy/Effect
Attribute: Light
Level: 7
ATK: 2,300
DEF: 2,800

Card Description: A Monster specially created in honor of one of the greatest video game series ever made, this elven warrior raises his sword to defend the innocent. Only one of these cards, the original prototype, is believed to exist. When this Monster is face-up on the Field, all allied female Monsters cannot be attacked until this Monster is first destroyed.

Note: Credit for this card goes to Nintendo of America, creators of “The Legend of Zelda” video game series.



DARTH MAUL, LORD OF THE SITH (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Warrior/Effect
Attribute: Dark
Level: 7
ATK: 2,500
DEF: 2,300

Card Description: A Monster specially created in honor of the great filmmaker George Lucas, this lethal warrior draws his strength from dark forces. Only one of these cards, the original prototype, is believed to exist. This Monster gains 500 addition points to his ATK and DEF score for every DARK Monster on the Field (aside from himself); also, while on the field, control of this Monster cannot switch to that of an opposing player.

Note: Credit for this card goes to Lucasfilm Inc. and to Ray Park, who portrayed the character.



THE BALROG (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Fiend/Effect
Attribute: Fire
Level: 8
ATK: 3,000
DEF: 2,500

Card Description: A Monster specially created in honor of J.R.R. Tolkien, the Father of Modern Fantasy, this horrible fiend burns with unholy fire. Only one of these cards, the original prototype, is believed to exist. This Monster gains an 800 point bonus to its ATK when battling WARRIOR and BEAST-WARRIOR Monsters, but takes an 800 point penalty when battling FAIRY and SPELLCASTER Monsters.

Note: Credit for this card goes to the late J.R.R. Tolkien, author of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.



INFERNO DRAGON (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Dragon/Fusion/Effect
Attribute: Fire
Level: 9
ATK: 4,200
DEF: 3,000

Card Description: Hungarian Horntail the Fierce Dragon + Red Eyes B. Dragon

This legendary monarch of dragonkind is rivaled in power only by the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. Whenever your opponent activates a Trap card while this Monster is face-up on the field, roll one dice. If the result is a 1 or a 2, negate the effect of the Trap and destroy the card. If the result is a 3 or a 4, negate the effect or the Trap and destroy all Trap and Magic cards your opponent has set on the field. If the result is a 5 or a 6, send all Trap and Magic cards on your side of the field to your Graveyard.



CURTAIN OF THE DARK ONE (Magic Card)

Card Specs

Type: Magic
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a sinister black curtain radiating magical energy. Reduce your current Life Points by half, and special summon one “Dark Magician” from your hand or deck.

Note: “Curtain of the Dark One” was a promotional Japanese card that has not yet been released in the United States. An altered version of it appeared in the anime episode “Master of Magicians (Part Three)”

[Hypotenuse Man]

*whistles* Nice chapter. I particularly loved the inclusion of Link, Guardian of Hyrule, and the duel was intense, as always. Good strategy on both players' parts.

One thing: "Both of us will have to discard our hands and draw knew ones,” said Terone. “And I’ll even show you one of the cards I’m discarding!”
'Knew' should be 'new'.

[Shuppet Master]

You don't have to comment on that. I'm sure he knows about the minor spelling errors in his work. :D

Oh,great chapter,Venusaur! I was surprised that Terone's deck had all those cool cards in them,especially Link from Legend of Zelda,he's one of my favorites. I made a similar version of him based on Shigeru Miyamoto's OTHER creation,but it's a bit more limited. ;)

As for the next chapter...the only two defeats I remember from Joey's career as a duelist are Kaiba and that Rare Hunter jerk who stole his Red Eyes Black Dragon by using an illegal Exodia deck.

[dragon684]

I know who it is. Go mystery duelist.

Great chappy as always but I'm looking forward for the next chapter of your other fic. It seems so long ago since you posted there. You aren't giving up on it are you


PS: for those that don't know and want a hint (Cause I am 99% positive it's this guy)[1,2,3,4,5 and 6

[mr_pikachu]

I have an idea who the mystery duelist might be... but it just can't be him...

Can it?

Well, I guess I'll find out. I really need to stop chatting online while I'm reading chapters... it doesn't help my reviews much. :P

Nice duel. It's good that Terone posed a real challenge, even without Remi's "help". Though I'm curious as to the nature of that "shiny object". I have a very bad feeling about that... and yes, I did get the reference with the blank sheet of paper... :D

I think a lot of your duels have endings that are too... simple. For instance, Mary won her duel against the Gatekeeper pretty much with one card: Copycat. Yugi defeated Terone's strongest monster in the same way, using only Thousand Knives. I should think that duelists would take greater measures to protect their strongest monsters.

Other than that, I don't have anything to say (or rather, I can't remember anything to say... :sweat2: ). This was pretty good overall, and brings to light new aspects of the situation... namely Terone and his mystical object.

...Wait a second... "mystical object"... hmm... ;)

Anyway, I'll see you next chapter! :wave:

[starjake]

Well, I obviously don't know twho the legacy of the duelist is, but I know who the duelist is! Tee hee! *points finger and laughs*

*clears throat* Well, um, yes, um, anyways...
As usual, great chappie. You know, I hope that you never produce a bad chappie; if you did, we might all have heart attacks, or at least develop premature ulcers :D

Anyways...hope the next chappie (good or bad) is up soon!

StarJake

[Oakbark]

Wow, Terone is back, and what a mean machine he has found within Inferno Dragon. I really thought he was gonna win, but Yugi pulled through. Such a high winning streak, someone's gotta lose soon....

Damien.

[Dark Sage]

Well gang, time for a new chapter.

This chapter was hard to outline and write, and I've taken most of your concerns to heart.

So enjoy.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

My father never tried to hide anything from me. He told me his whole history as a duelist. All of his victories – and all of his defeats.

He was rather successful, but the times when he lost, he lost BAD. Some people never seemed to get tired of trying to make a fool out of poor Joey Wheeler. Most of the time, he made them eat their words. He wasn’t nearly as stupid or as incompetent as some people seemed to think. But the times when they succeeded… it left scars on him that took a while to heal.

One particularly humiliating defeat for him caused him – and Yugi’s dad – a great deal of trouble, and caused a great deal of pain to his pride in the process.

I just found out that man who beat him in that conflict begot an heir, who’s now sitting in front of me.

Jade would tell me that a duel motivated by revenge would please only the most shallow of souls. But still, I feel I have to duel. I owe it to my dad to renew the battle that started over three decades ago.

And I swear to you, dad, I won’t lose…



CHAPTER SEVENTEEN



Dice Re-Roll



It was only half an hour after Yugi’s duel with Terone had ended. The Village of the Green Phantom King was behind them, and much larger buildings were looming above the group. They had entered the heart of Duelatopia, the very hub of the city.

Looming above them was the great tower that powered the holographic systems for their Disks. And they caught sight of the largest building of all amid the others…

The Coliseum! It was a grand arena, which looked more beautiful than the one in which they had last held the Olympics in. And they could only see the outside. They could only imagine what the inside held.

“Well,” mentioned Yugi. “The finals are certainly going to be a big event.”

After walking a few blocks further, they saw another building that stood out.

The sign above the entrance said:


TRADING LOUNGE

Come To Where A Permanent Ceasefire Is Effect


“This must be the place that… The Master of Games told us about,” said Clive.

“Why don’t we see who’s here?” suggested Peter. “Might find someone we know.”

They entered the doorway, which opened to a flight of stairs. A sign was posted by it:


ATTENTION

No Dueling In This Building

Take All Challenges Outside


They walked up the stairs.

It was indeed a lounge they had entered. Comfy chairs were set up around tables. Computers were set up in a small area. There was a coffee bar with a case full of soft drinks and a rack full of booster packs, manned by a lady at a cashier, at the far end.

They passed by a bulletin board. Yugi checked the notices. They were from people offering to trade cards. One read:

Need Vampire Lord. Have several Secret Rare cards. Will be in Trading Lounge every day from four to six if anyone’s interested.

A note was scrawled in below it.

I have one. Meet me here at that time on Day Five, and I’ll listen to offers.

“Hope they make a deal,” muttered Yugi.

Then their eyes caught one of the tables, where a small crowd had gathered. Two teenagers were playing what appeared to be a board game.

Several dice were around the board, and on the board were a series of figurines that looked like action figures. One of the boys rolled, and moved a piece forward.

“What are they playing?” asked Clive.

Mary winced.

“Dungeon… Dice… Monsters…” she snarled through her teeth.

They looked at the two players. One of the boys looked unremarkable. He was just a youth with a t-shirt and jeans – maybe a bit muscular, but otherwise normal.

His opponent was definitely a bit more bizarre. He had spiky hair tied back in a ponytail and held up by a red bandana with a black diamond pattern. His eyes were large and aquamarine. He had two earrings shaped like dice (one red, one blue), and wore a black t-shirt and red vest, and black jeans. He wore a silver cross on a slender sliver chain.

Mary’s eyes narrowed. There’s something familiar about that guy, she thought.

The strange youth made his move.

“Orgoth, attack!” he shouted.

His opponent’s last Heart Point vanished.

“That’s game, Abe,” he smiled.

“Yeah, what a surprise,” sighed the other boy, getting up.

“So,” grinned the youth, leaning back. “Who’s next?”

“No way,” muttered a girl. “You always win, Duke.”

DUKE? thought Mary.

Yugi was just as surprised, but before he could say anything, Mary strode up to the table.

“Yes?” asked Duke.

“Uh, did you just say your name was Duke?” asked Mary. “As in Duke Devlin, the guy who invented this game?”

“Indeed,” smiled the youth, holding out his hand. “Duke Devlin Jr., at your service. And you are…?”

“Mary Wheeler,” snarled Mary, “and forgive me if I don’t shake. Your dad caused mine a great deal of embarrassment.”

Duke looked shocked.

“Wheeler?” he gasped. “Joey Wheeler’s daughter?”

He searched his mind.

“Oh, yeah, that…” he muttered. “Come on Mary, that was so long ago! We weren’t even born then!”

“Speak for yourself!” said Mary. “Every time my father sees this game, he wants to throw up!”

“Yugi, what are they talking about?” asked Clive.

“Yeah,” asked Peter. “Did their parents get into some kind of fight?”

“You might say that?” sighed Yugi. “When Duke Devlin – the guy who invented Dungeon Dice Monsters – created this game, he couldn’t market it, due to copyright reasons. Industrial Illusions owned the necessary rights, but Devlin couldn’t obtain them because my dad had put Maximillion Pegasus out of commission.

“Devlin devised a revenge scheme against my dad – one that unfortunately involved Mary’s dad. He challenged Joey Wheeler to this game, and won; Joey got mad, and challenged him to a game of Duel Monsters, but because Duke didn’t have a real deck, they agreed that both of them would have to build a new deck out a random selection of booster packs. And they made a wager – the loser would have to be the winner’s slave for a week. It was a foolish wager on Joey’s part, and he lost.

“Devlin knew that if he made Joey’s fate particularly painful, it would draw out my father – so he forced Joey to wear a dumb-looking dog suit. It wasn’t a high part of Joey Wheeler’s career, that was certain. So naturally my dad challenged him to win Joey’s freedom. But Devlin had the advantage and he knew it. He stated that they would have to play his own game, Dungeon Dice Monsters, and that if dad lost, he could never duel again.

“Devlin thought he had the advantage there too – after all, he invented this game. But my dad took to new games quickly. It was close, but he defeated Devlin. Soon after, Industrial Illusions called and agreed to market the game, and a truce was made between my dad and Devlin…

“But I repeat, it wasn’t a high point in Joey Wheeler’s career. Mary’s father took the brunt of the whole thing…”

All this time, Mary and Duke were arguing, and in the corner of the lounge, unnoticed, another duelist was sipping a mocha.

How amusing, chuckled Persephone. Touching how loyal Mary is towards her father. Couldn’t care less for my father myself. Stupid alcoholic. My mother kept telling him that if he didn’t quit, his liver would blow up in his face…

And eventually it did. Served him right. My mom always was pretty smart.

So how will this conflict end, Mary? Do you have the gumption to try to avenge your father? Or will history repeat itself?

“Look, Mary,” eased Duke. “I can tell you’re upset. But if you really want to vindicate your father’s name…”

He pulled the game board in front of her.

“…I’ll play you any time.”

“Please, Duke,” snarled Mary. “I don’t even know the first thing about this game. Do you think a person like me would ever play it?”

Duke looked at her Duel Disk.

“Well then,” he said, with a sly smile. “Then we’ll make it fair this time.”

He reached down under his chair and put a large duffle bag on the table. He carefully collected all the game pieces and dice in a bag, and placed them and the board in the duffle.

Then he withdrew something else – a Duel Disk.

He quickly put it on, and it shone at Violet Status.

“You stop to wonder for a minute why I’m even here, Mary?” he asked. “My dad may not have been a champion at Duel Monsters, but I’m a great deal better! So since my dad’s duel with yours was purely a game of chance, why don’t we start it over again, this time with real decks!”

Mary paused.

“You’re on!” she shouted.

“Meet you outside in five minutes,” he smiled.

Persephone got up.

This is gonna be great, she thought.


* * * * * * * * * *


Five minutes later, Yugi, Clive, and Peter were outside the Trading Lounge, watching Mary ready her deck.

“I can’t believe this,” muttered Peter. “A battle that began over three decades ago is about to be renewed by the children of the original combatants… this is like something out of the movies – or a soap opera...”

“What do you think we can expect from Duke?” asked Clive.

“Who knows?” muttered Yugi. “Like I said, his father built a deck entirely at random. He knew a little about Duel Monsters, since he based his board game on it, but he wasn’t really a duelist, as far as I know. His makeshift deck used mainly Machines, but that doesn’t mean that his son is a Machine duelist. Duke’s strategy could be practically anything!”

“So Duke,” asked Mary, who had calmed down a little. “What’s your dad up to nowadays?”

“CEO of Devlin Toys, working out of Seattle,” replied Duke. “Not as big a company as Mattel or Hasbro, but it’s reasonably successful.”

“You don’t say,” muttered Mary, loading her deck. “A toy company. Well, that’s good, because you might need a teddy bear to cry into when I mop the floor with ya’!”

“Keep dreaming,” warned Duke. “Wait until you see the toys this boy has in store for you!”

“LET’S DUEL!” they both shouted.

They activated their disks, and the holographic generators flew out.

Persephone watched from a window overlooking the street from the Trading Lounge. She could clearly see and hear everything from where she was.

So, she thought, sipping her mocha, lets see if Mary has it in her.

They made their draws.

Duke kept a poker face, but inside, he was chuckling softly.

Perfect, he thought. My trump card on my first hand… this will really make Mary sweat…

“Why don’t you go first, Mary?” he said. “Ladies first, I always say…”

“Fine,” said Mary, drawing.

Ugh, nothing good, she thought. Better defend…

“I summon Masaki the Legendary Swordsman, in Defense Mode!” she said.

She put the card down, and a silver, armored Samurai appeared, and knelt in defense. (1,100/1,100)

“My move?” smiled Duke, drawing. “Well then hold onto your hats people, because opening moves don’t get any better than this! I play the Magic Card… Final Countdown!”

He threw the card into a slot.

Final Countdown? thought Mary. That sounds… familiar.

“To use this card,” explained Duke. “I have to pay 2,000 Life Points…”

His Life Points went down to 6,000.

“What on earth?” exclaimed Clive.

“Two-thousand Life Points?” gasped Peter. “Is he crazy?”

“And now comes the fun part!” laughed Duke, aiming his Disk at Mary. “Try this on for size, Mary!”

A wave of energy shot forth, and encircled Mary! She screamed, and then saw that something was forming – two long chains locked around her torso!

“HEY!” yelled Mary, trying to pull at them.

Then she noticed something on her chest. Where the two chains crossed was a large black box, with the number “20” shown on a digital screen.

A computerized voice said, ”Final Countdown, initiated.”

“Okay Duke,” sneered Mary, now a little pissed. “Want to tell me the point of these chains?”

“The chains are the least of your worries Mary,” explained Duke. “Toys like this aren’t recommended for children under the age of eight. That box with the number in front of it is a bomb… a time bomb of sorts.

“At the end of every round, starting with this one, the number on it will decrease by one. When it reaches zero, it will blow you up, granting me an automatic win!

“And since the card I used has already left the field, there’s no way to reverse the process. The only way you can win this duel is to win before the Countdown runs out.”

“Holy…” stuttered Clive.

“So that’s Duke’s strategy…” pondered Yugi. “Putting a time limit on the whole duel!”

Clever, thought Persephone. You’d better make the best out of each of your turns, Mary, because time is of the essence!

“And it’s still my move, by the way,” mentioned Duke. “Like model airplanes, Mary? I’ll summon Gradius, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a whoosh of air was heard. A large silver-colored fighter-jet flew into view. (1,200/800)

“Figures,” said Yugi. “That’s the Monster that dealt the finishing blow to Mary’s dad in their parents’ duel. I suspected Duke would have one in his deck.”

“He won with that weak thing?” asked Peter.

“When he played it, Joey had Goblin Attack Force in Defense Mode,” explained Yugi. “Duke Sr. used Limiter Remover and then Equipped Gradius with Fairy Meteor Crush, and then…”

“Oh,” muttered Clive. “That would have been bad.”

“And now, a Magic Card,” smiled Duke. “Graceful Dice!”

He put the card down, and a teddy bear appeared with a blue dice.

Should have known he’d have THAT in his deck, thought Mary.

The bear rolled the dice, and it bounced. It landed on a three.

“Well, could have been worse,” said Duke. Gradius’s stats went up to (1,500/1,100).

“Go, Gradius!” he shouted. “Attack with aerial gunfire attack!”

Twin machine guns opened on Gradius’s wings, and they blasted forth, obliterating Masaki.

“That ends my turn,” smiled Duke. “And as you can see, the Countdown has begun!”

The number on the box switched to 19 with a beep.

Mary drew.

I’ve got to work fast, she thought. I’m in the lead, but that won’t matter if this bomb goes off…

Maybe this combo will help…

“I place one card facedown,” she proclaimed, “And summon Armored Lizard in Attack Mode!”

The facedown card appeared, and the large Reptile sprung up. (1,500/1,200)

“I’m ending my turn, Duke,” stated Mary. “And Gradius has exactly the same Attack power as Armored Lizard. We have a standoff!”

Duke drew.

“Not for long,” he said.

“I Tribute Gradius to bring forth Dice Armadillo!” he shouted. “In Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and Gradius vanished. A large robot that looked like a humanoid armadillo with thick blue plates appeared. (1,650/1,800)

“Dice Armadillo, attack that lizard with crushing roll attack!”

Dice Armadillo leapt forward and curled up, forming into a huge blue dice. It started to roll forward…

“You like dice so much?” asked Mary, tapping her Disk. “Try THIS dice!”

Her facedown card lifted.

“A Skull Dice?” exclaimed Duke.

“Uh huh,” smiled Mary.

The imp appeared and threw his dice. It bounced, and landed on the four!

“That reduces your Armadillo’s Attack points to 1,250,” laughed Mary. “Low enough for my Armored Lizard to turn to scrap!”

Armored Lizard took a swipe with its claw, and Dice Armadillo exploded. Duke’s Life Points fell to 5,750.

“If you can’t keep your toys around for longer than that without breaking them,” mocked Mary, “your mom isn’t going to buy you any new ones!”

“Funny,” said Duke. “I end my turn by laying a card facedown.”

He put the card down.

“That’s Mary for you,” sighed Clive. “Nerves of steel. She can even make jokes when there’s a bomb strapped to her chest.”

“Let’s just hope she gets the last laugh,” said Yugi.

Seventeen rounds until Duke’s automatic win by Final Countdown.

Mary drew.

“I Tribute my Armored Lizard for Flame Swordsman!” she cried.

Armored Lizard vanished, and her favorite Warrior appeared on the field, brandishing his blade! (1,800/1,600)

“Now I’ll…” she shouted. “I’ll…”

“Yeeeees?” said Duke.

Wait… thought Mary.

She paused.

His whole strategy relies on his Final Countdown – he’d naturally have a bunch of Traps designed to delay, weaken, or kill Monsters…

I could take a big chunk out of his Life Points if this direct attack succeeds, but that facedown card is likely something meant to stop me. I hate to waste a turn, but I can’t risk Flame Swordsman…

“I’ll end my turn there,” she said.

“Good,” smiled Duke, drawing. “And your demise draws one step closer. In the meantime, you aren’t afraid of the dark, are you?”

He tapped his Disk and the Field slot opened. He slid a card into it and closed it.

Suddenly, darkness started to cover the entire area!

“My Yami Field card will plunge this field into eternal night,” said Duke, “a place where Spellcasters and Fiends thrive!”

Within moments, the darkness had enveloped the whole field.

“Ugh,” muttered Peter. “This can’t be good.”

“Someone once said it is always darkest right before the dawn,” said Yugi. “Assuming that dawn comes in this duel.”

Sheesh, thought Persephone. I hate that Field card. Fairies suffer when it’s used. Still, I wonder what Duke plans to do with it…

“And now,” exclaimed Duke. “Maha Vailo, in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a blue-robed Spellcaster sitting with his legs crossed with wing-like appendages coming out of his back materialized. An aura of light surrounded him that stood out in the darkness. (1,550/1,400) –> (1,750/1600)

“Nice try, Duke,” frowned Mary. “but even with the bonus from Yami, he can’t defeat Flame Swordsman.”

“Oh no?” smiled Duke. “I disagree. I always say, what good are toys without accessories?”

He hit a button on his Disk, and his facedown card lifted up.

“The Book of Secret Arts!” exclaimed Duke.

The book appeared in front of Maha Vailo and he read it.

“Normally, this Equip Card raises a Spellcaster’s Attack score by 300,” said Duke. But Maha Vailo gains an extra 500 Attack Points for every Equip he gets. That brings his Attack power all the way up to 2,550!”

Maha Vailo glowed with light.

“Now, Maha Vailo, destroy Flame Swordsman with sacred lightning!”

Maha Vailo cast a spell, and thunder rolled. Lightning struck from the heavens, vaporizing Flame Swordsman. Mary’s Life Points fell to 7,250.

“Great,” said Peter. “Just great. Final Countdown was bad enough, now Mary has a charged up Spellcaster to deal with!”

“Your move,” said Duke.

Fifteen rounds until Duke’s automatic win by Final Countdown.

Mary drew. She sighed.

“I summon Mystical Elf, in Defense Mode,” she said.

She put the card down, and the chanting elf appeared. (800/2,000) –> (1,000/2,200)

“And thanks to your Yami Field, her stats are upped,” she continued.

“Like that will matter,” chuckled Duke. “Is that your turn?”

“Yeah,” stated Mary.

Duke drew.

“Then I’ll Equip another card to Maha Vailo!” he said. “Shine Castle!”

He put the card down, and a small, shining palace appeared above Maha Vailo.

“This Equip raises the Attack of any Light Monster by 500,” exclaimed Duke. “Giving Maha a total Attack value of 3,550!”

Maha Vailo started to glow even brighter.

“Good lord…” gasped Clive. “Now he’s even stronger than a Blue-Eyes!”

“Now I’ll…” started Duke.

He paused.

“You know,” he sighed, “I could easily destroy your Mystical Elf with this, but that wouldn’t get at your Life Points… And seeing how Maha Vailo is pretty much indestructible now… And seeing how it would be so much fun seeing you get blown to bits, I’m not going to attack. I’m just going to end my turn now.”

He chuckled.

Mary drew.

“I play Pot of Greed!” she said.

She put the card down, and the colorful jar appeared.

She made two draws and looked at them.

She grinned at Duke.

“What?” said Duke.

“Duke,” smiled Mary. “My father taught me everything he knew about dueling. He may have lost to your dad, but he was a great duelist – he never would have lost that duel had he been using his actual deck.

“Anyway, he gave me a lot of advice about dueling, and there was one bit of advice he couldn’t tell me enough times.

“’Mary,’ he used to say, ‘no matter how much you think you have an advantage, never assume for a minute that you’re truly invincible, because then you start making careless mistakes.’”

“Are you saying I made a careless mistake?” sneered Duke.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying, Duke,” smiled Mary. “Had you attacked my Elf, I’d never be able to pull off the combo that I’m about to pull off that’s going to cause you a world of hurt!

“First, I switch Mystical Elf into Attack Mode!” she said, turning the card. The Elf opened her eyes, and held her palms out.

“Now, I summon Gearfried the Iron Knight, also in Attack Mode.”

She put the card down, and the black, metal Warrior appeared. (1,800/1,600)

“And now, a Magic Card,” she exclaimed, throwing a card into the slot. “Shield and Sword!”

“What?” asked Duke.

“This card swaps the Attack and Defense of all Monsters on the field for the remainder of my turn,” exclaimed Mary. “It’s a benefit for Mystical Elf, because it raises her Attack to 2,200. It’s a small liability for Gearfried, because it lowers his Attack to 1,600. But it’s a HUGE liability for Maha Vailo, because it makes his Attack a measly 1,600!”

“NOOOO!” shouted Duke.

“Mystical Elf, attack Maha Vailo!” yelled Mary.

Mystical Elf cast a spell, sending sparkling magic at Maha. He burst.

“Gearfried, your turn!” said Mary. “Attack Duke with a direct attack! Iron blade slash!”

Gearfried closed in on Duke, and made a furious swipe with his blade! Blood flew and Duke fell over with a scream.

Duke’s score now stood at 3,550.

“How do you like that?” chuckled Mary. “And that’s my turn.”

Twelve rounds until Duke’s automatic win by Final Countdown.

“All right!” yelled Clive. “If Mary keeps this up, she’ll take him down before he knows what hit him!”

“I hope,” said Yugi. “She has only twelve rounds left, and only six of them are hers.”

Duke got up, gasping for breath.

Mary was right, he thought. I did make a careless mistake. Final Countdown won’t be enough – in order to win, I’m going to have to fight back.

Let’s see, he thought, looking at his hand. I already have the right cards to make a good combo… one more card and it would be perfect…

He drew.

Well, he thought. Seems like I just rolled double-boxcars!

“First,” started Duke, “I summon Witch of the Black Forest in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and a cackling noise appeared over the field. The sinister witch in her black robe appeared.

“And second,” he said, fitting a card into a slot, “I’m using Polymerization to fuse her with Lady of Faith!”

A peaceful holy woman appeared on the field, her hands folded in prayer. The two Spellcasters formed into two glowing spheres, one light, and one dark, and they melded together, and music resembling that of an electric guitar started to play.

“Bonded together, they form the mighty Musician King!” shouted Duke.

A tall figure with jeans, no shirt, and blonde hair held up by a bandana appeared, armed with an bass guitar. (1,750/1,500)

“Well, that’s… unusual…” muttered Clive.

“Since I just sent Witch of the Black Forest from the field to the Graveyard,” said Duke. “I get to search my deck for a low defense Monster…”

He took his deck, and leafed through it. He found what he wanted and re-shuffled.

“And since Musician King is a Spellcaster – well, technically,” continued Duke, “the Yami Field increases his stats to 1,950 over 1,700. And your Mystical Elf only has an Attack score of 1,000 now!”

“Keep dreaming, Duke,” frowned Mary. “By the time your Fusion Monster is able to attack, I’ll have shifted her back into Defense Mode where he can’t touch her.”

“Think so?” smiled Duke. “I play a Magic Card – Quick Attack!”

He threw the card into the slot, and it appeared on the field.

“Huh?” said Mary.

“This card allows a Fusion Monster to attack on the round he’s created!” smiled Duke. “Musician King, attack Mystical Elf with sonic blast!”

Musician King dramatically strummed his guitar, and a wave of sound shot forth. Mystical Elf screamed and was shattered.

Mary’s Life Points fell to 6,300.

“And I’ll end my turn by laying this card facedown,” said Duke, inserting a card.

“Well, Duke has originality, I’ll give him that,” sighed Peter.

Original yes, thought Persephone, but a little intense. Hard rock is so crude. I’ve always liked classical myself.

Mary drew.

I’m having the worst of luck, she said.

“I’ll shift Gearfried into Defense Mode,” she said. “And also summon Swordsman of Landstar in Defense Mode.”

She put the card down. Gearfried knelt in defense, and Mary’s comical Warrior appeared, also defending. (500/1,200)

“And that ends my turn,” she said.

Ten rounds until Duke’s automatic win by Final Countdown.

Mary’s time is half up, thought Persephone. Ten more rounds, and kaboom! Still, I have to admit, she isn’t doing half-bad. A lot of duelists would have lost their nerve and panicked at this point. They always say that intimidation is a large part of winning. No doubt this is the reason Duke has gotten this far in the tournament with this strategy.

I have to hand it to this kid, he’s gone much farther than his father. Dungeon Dice Monsters is just a silly board game that would have gotten nowhere without the game that inspired it. That’s probably why Yugi’s dad beat his – it takes a true duelist to comprehend the way of the duel!

And once this tournament is complete, there’ll be no question who the truest duelist is. Yugi Mouto Sr. was called the King of Games, but soon, he will be replaced by the Queen of Games! Namely, me.

And I’ll crush anyone who gets in my way…

“My turn,” said Duke, drawing.

“Why don’t I activate this facedown card,” he grinned, hitting a button. “The powerful Metalmorph!”

“Oh no!” gasped Clive. “When he equips that to a Monster, the Monster’s Attack power rises by half the Attack of every Monster it defeats!”

“Not when you Equip it to certain Monsters,” said Yugi, ominously.

“Huh?” said Clive.

“You’ll see,” said Yugi.

Musician King was surrounded by a nimbus of dark energy.

“I’ll Equip this card to Musician King,” said Duke, “turning light to darkness, and transforming him into the malevolent music master known as Heavy Metal King!”

Musician King transformed, acquiring black punk attire with a spiked harness, chain-like jewelry, and black makeup. (2,050/1,700) –> (2,250/1,900)

“And he has a special ability,” explained Duke. “His Attack score will rise by 650 points during each of my Standby Phases!”

Mary looked hard at Heavy Metal King. There was something she remembered hearing about this Monster…

“Now he’s going after that rotten Iron Knight that attacked me,” said Duke. “But he won’t be defending much longer…”

He held up a card.

“Stop Defense?” gasped Mary.

“Yup, Stop Defense,” affirmed Duke, throwing it into the slot. Gearfried rose up into Attack Mode.

“Heavy Metal King, requiem blast!” ordered Duke.

Heavy Metal King shot forth a blast of sound, blowing Gearfried to bits. Mary’s Life Points fell to 5,850.

“Your move Mary,” said Duke.

Mary drew.

She looked at the card.

Well, she thought. This Monster could win me the match if I use him right – the problem is getting a chance to use him right. I’ll just have to keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

She added it to her hand.

“I’m going to pass this turn,” she said.

“She’s passing?” said Peter in astonishment. “She can’t waste any of her turns in this duel!”

“Can she?” said Yugi. “Perhaps she has a strategy that she’s keeping to herself…”

Eight rounds until Duke’s automatic win by Final Countdown.

Duke drew.

“Time’s running out Mary,” he smiled, “and this is just going to get a lot more intense!”

Heavy Metal King’s Attack score increased to 2,900.

“Attack Swordsman of Landstar!” commanded Duke.

Heavy Metal King played his dreadful song, and Swordsman of Landstar was demolished.

“Now what?” gasped Clive. “Mary will never defeat that punk…”

“Heavy Metal King is powerful,” pondered Yugi. “But he has a weakness. I just hope Mary knows it.”

Mary drew.

“I play Graceful Charity!” she said.

The angel appeared and flew into her deck.

She drew three cards.

Now I’m getting somewhere! she thought.

She added them to her hand, and discarded two.

“First Duke, let’s shed some light on the subject,” she said. “I’m playing De-Spell to clear away your Yami Field!”

She threw the card in the slot, and the darkness subsided. Heavy Metal King’s Attack went down to 2,700.

“No biggie,” shrugged Duke.

“It’s about to be a biggie,” grinned Mary. “Recognize this card, Duke? I summon Goblin Attack Force!”

She threw the card down, and the five goblin Warriors appeared. (2,300/0)

Duke drew back in shock.

“Your dad defeated this card,” said Mary, “but you won’t be so lucky!”

“Good move, Mary,” smiled Yugi.

“But...” started Peter.

“Goblin Attack Force,” shouted Mary. “Attack Heavy Metal King with goblin rush attack!”

Goblin Attack Force charged forward, and brought their clubs down on the demented musician. He fell to the floor, and vanished.

Duke’s Life Points fell to 3,300.

“Ooo-kay,” questioned Peter. “I don’t get it. Heavy Metal King had 400 Attack points more than Goblin Attack Force. So how did…”

“I told you,” explained Yugi. “Heavy Metal King has a weakness, and Mary apparently knew it. It’s true that Heavy Metal King gains a bonus to his Attack Score for every round that passes, but that bonus only applies to when he attacks. When he’s attacked by an opposing Monster, he loses that added bonus. So when Goblin Attack Force attacked, he was considered to have his original Attack of 2,050, which was weaker. Mary didn’t become as good a duelist as she is by not doing her homework.”

Mary’s Goblin Attack Force knelt in Defense Mode.

“And finally,” finished Mary. “One card facedown.”

Duke drew.

“I play Pot of Greed!” he said, placing a card in the slot.

He drew two cards.

All right, Mirror Force! he thought. This will help out!

And this Monster I got from the Witch will get rid of that Attack Force. Too bad I don’t have Fairy Meteor Crush…

“First, one card facedown,” he said, putting the card down.

“And I summon Rogue Doll, in Attack Mode!” he cried.

A sinister doll with two faces (one below the other), wearing a purple cloak and carrying a staff appeared. (1,600/1,000)

“Attack Goblin Attack Force!” ordered Duke. “Smash attack!”

“You’re getting careless, Duke,” warned Mary, pressing a button on her Disk.

Her Trap Card lifted…

The lead Goblin got up, and hurled the Kunai with Chain! It ensnared Rogue Doll, and Goblin Attack Force’s Attack Score went up to 2,800.

Duke winced.

“Fine, I end my turn,” he said.

Won’t matter in a few turns anyway, he thought.

Mary drew.

“I shift Goblin Attack Force to Attack Mode,” she started.

The Goblins stood up, ready to attack.

“Then, I summon Double Pinaska in Attack Mode,” she continued, laying the card down.

The bandit appeared with his twin machetes. (1,500/1,500)

“And I use Monster Reborn, to revive Flame Swordsman!” she finished.

She inserted the card, and Flame Swordsman returned. (1,800/1,600)

Mary thought.

I might not even need my secret weapon now, she thought, looking at the last card in her hand. But that facedown card worries me. With his Final Countdown strategy, it might be something to ruin my plans entirely…

“I’ll end my turn,” she said.

[I]Four rounds until Duke’s automatic win by Final Countdown.

She’s planning something, I just know it! thought Duke. But what? What could she do in the two turns she has left to act?

He drew.

“I too will play Monster Reborn, to bring back Dice Armadillo, this time in Defense Mode,” he said.

The Robot Armadillo reappeared as he put the card down. (1,650/1,800)

“And I’ll also summon Battle Footballer in Defense Mode,” he continued.

He put the card down, and the android football player appeared. (1,000/2,100)

“And I’ll turn it over to you,” he said.

“I was wrong,” sighed Yugi. “He does have a lot of Machines.”

Mary looked hard.

I could bring out my secret weapon now, she thought, but I can’t risk it with that facedown card. If I just drew the right card…

She drew.

But this isn’t it!

“I pass this turn,” she said.

“SHE PASSES?!” cried Peter. “She’s nuts! She’ll never win now!”

“Have hope people,” urged Yugi.

Two rounds until Duke’s automatic win by Final Countdown.

Duke drew.

And then he laughed out loud.

“Say hello to my mega-deluxe action figure!” he said. “Not to mention my favorite Monster! I tribute my Dice Armadillo and my Rogue Doll to summon Orgoth the Relentless!”

He slapped a card down, and the Armadillo and Doll vanished. In their place rose a giant barbarian in violet armor, wearing a horned helmet and holding a sword that looked two big for him to use. (2,500/2,450)

“Now, Orgoth,” yelled Duke, “obliterate Double Pinaska with diamond blade slash!”

Orgoth the Relentless lifted his sword and leapt into the air. He came down upon the bandito…

“Counter it, Pinaska!” shouted Mary.

Double Pinaska raised his machetes and a clashing noise was heard as he blocked the attack.

“Defiant to the end, eh, Mary?” sighed Duke. “Very well, I’m ending my turn…”

The counter on Mary’s chest fell down to 01.

“But what are you going to do now, Mary?” he mocked. “This is the final turn of the Final Countdown! You’re Goblin Attack Force may destroy Orgoth, but that won’t be enough… I still have Battle Footballer to protect me from the other two! You’ll never defeat me in one turn with my Life Points at 3,300!”

Mary drew.

Peter, Clive, and Yugi looked on.

Persephone held her chin.

Mary held the card to the light.

“Wrong,” she smiled.

She threw the card into a slot.

“Mystical Space Typhoon!” she cried.

The dark whirlwind erupted on the field, destroying Duke’s facedown card.

“My Mirror Force!” shouted Duke. “Oh well, you still can’t beat me in one turn…”

“Want a bet?” smiled Mary, taking a card from her hand. “Now that your Mirror Force is gone, I can safely use this card, which will summon the strongest Warrior in my deck. I do so by Tributing all three Monsters I have on the field!”

The sky darkened, and lightning started to flash. Goblin Attack Force, Double Pinaska, and Flame Swordsman vanished.

“Three Tributes?” gasped Duke. “What the Hell kind of Monster do you need three Tributes for?”

“This!” shouted Mary. “I summon Gilford the Lightning!”

Lightning struck on Mary’s side of the field, and a huge Warrior in beautiful red and blue ceremonial armor appeared, clutching a huge sword. Electricity sparked all over him. (2,800/1,400)

“Truthfully,” explained Mary, “I only need two Tributes to summon him. But if I use three, all opposing Monsters are destroyed!”

Lightning struck Orgoth the Relentless and Battle Footballer, blowing them to pieces! Duke’s Life Points fell down to 2,150.

“No…” gasped Duke.

“And now that you have nothing at all to defend yourself with,” said Mary. “Gilford the Lightning, attack him directly with lightning blade!”

Gilford the Lightning pointed his sword to the heavens and lightning struck it. He ran forward in a blur and plowed into Duke, hitting him in a huge explosion! Duke let out a bloodcurdling scream and he fell.

Duke’s Life Points fell to zero. The box on Mary’s chest let out another message: ”Final Countdown averted” it said.

The chains crumbled and fell off. Gilford the Lightning struck a heroic pose, and lightning struck his sword again.

“Well, Duke,” sighed Mary, “I must say that was close, but… Duke?”

Duke was lying on the floor, groaning.

“Looks like you really clobbered him, Mary,” chuckled Yugi, coming up.

Okay, let’s see if I got this straight, thought Persephone. Mary had Gilford in her hand for several rounds, and she was waiting for Duke to build a powerful side of Monsters so he would lose enough Life Points when she summoned him to reduce his Life Points to zero in only one turn. A clever strategy indeed. But his facedown card prevented her from taking that chance, and if she hadn’t drawn that Magic Card on that last turn…

Clearly, Mary possesses a great deal of both skill and luck inside her, and taking her down will be hard for any duelist. Still, no-one is without a weakness…

One simply has to find it…


* * * * * * * * * *


After a few minutes, Duke got up.

“Only one round to go,” he groaned. “Talk about a lucky draw.”

“In the game of Duel Monsters there’s no such thing as ‘luck’,” said Yugi. “But take heart. My father was able to show yours the true meaning of dueling, and you apparently learned much from him.”

“Yeah,” Duke mused.

“Well Mary,” stated Yugi, “I’d say you kicked Duke’s butt far harder than his dad ever kicked your dad’s. So now that you have, I hope you can put aside all the resentment over what happened more than three decades ago… After all, resentment isn’t a good thing to have. Resentment leads to anger, anger leads to hatred… hatred leads to suffering…”

Duke lifted his hand.

“Truce, Mary?” he asked.

Mary lifted hers.

“Truce,” she agreed.

“After all,” she continued. “I have Silver Status now. One more victory, and I’ll be in the finals!”

“And even if I don’t make it there,” smiled Duke, “I’ll be watching, front-row-center!”

They shook hands, and left with that on their minds.


* * * * * * * * * *


Not a block away, two people were sitting on a park bench. One was Jade… the other was Terone.

Jade had removed her armor and switched to her more loose-fitting gi; her sword and wakisashi were on the ground next to her. Her arm was around Terone, who was looking very depressed.

“Come now, Terone,” comforted Jade. “It is not that bad.”

“You’re just saying that, Jade,” moaned Terone. “I feel like a big loser.”

“After all you have done,” said Jade, “you will always be a winner to me. Even I couldn’t win every duel I fought.”

“You never lost one so important,” sighed Terone.

At that point, Yugi and his team walked up.

“Um, are we interrupting something?” asked Peter.

“Terone has had a… bad day,” said Jade.

“That’s an understatement,” sighed Terone.

He lifted up his disk – the gem on it had gone black.

“Disqualified?” gasped Mary. “Terone, you couldn’t have lost…”

She counted.

“…five duels in the hour-and-a-half since you dueled Yugi!”

“I only lost one duel,” sighed Terone.

“You don’t mean…” said Peter.

“An Eliminator?” asked Clive.

“Uh huh,” moaned Terone. “I’m still a little dizzy…”

Yugi sighed. “I’m sorry, Terone…” he said.

“Uh, Terone, how did you find this guy?” asked Peter.

“I’ll show you,” said Terone, pulling something out of his satchel. “Someone dumped this on my hotel doorstep the other night.”

He took out a large piece of parchment, and unrolled it. It looked blank.

“A blank piece of parchment?” asked Yugi.

“That’s what I figured at first,” answered Terone. “Until I started to experiment with it. Whoever left me it must have known how much a fan I was of Harry Potter – this is a version of the Marauders Map.”

“Huh?” said Mary. “That means it…”

“Watch,” said Terone. He waved his hand over it. “I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.”

As he said those words, images appeared on the parchment. A map of the street block they were on appeared on the map, and a dotted line trailed off of it.

The words ”To Echidna” were at the top.

“I made an educated guess that ‘Echidna’ was an Eliminator, and this map led me straight to the lair,” said Terone. “Unfortunately, I was beaten.”

“Um, can I have it?” asked Peter.

Terone looked at him strangely.

“Peter, I’ll give it to you if you want,” he said, “but do you really think you can beat an Eliminator when I couldn’t?”

“Heck,” smiled Peter. “I’ve beaten tough opponents in my day.”

“Terone’s got a point, Peter,” warned Yugi. “This Eliminator might be… say, what is this ‘Echidna’ like, anyway?”

Terone held his head.

“So whoozy,” he moaned. “What happened there… I can’t rightly remember… It’s all a blank.”

“Peter, are you sure?” warned Mary. “These guys play rough, and you know it.”

“Hey,” smiled Peter. “I’m willing to take a chance.”

And to be able to prove I’m just as tough as Yugi and Mary, he thought, that’s worth ANY chance!

“Okay,” said Yugi. “We’ll support you.”

“I’m behind you 100%, pal!” shouted Clive.

“Well, good luck, Peter,” smiled Terone, handing him the map.

“May your Heart guide you Peter,” said Jade.

As Yugi and his friends left, Terone put his arm around Jade.

“Thanks for comforting me Jade,” he said. “It’s been a big help and all, and…”

He shook his head violently for a second.

“HOLY – !” he shouted.

“What?” exclaimed Jade.

“NOW I remember!” yelled Terone. “Peter! Come back!”

Too late. Peter and the rest were already out of sight.

“What?” gasped Jade. “What is so bad about this Eliminator?”

“Everything…” muttered Terone.



QUICK ATTACK (Magic Card)

Card Specs

Type: Magic
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a goblin running through a foe with one slash of an axe. You must use this Magic Card immediately after you Special Summon a Fusion Monster. You may attack with that Monster on the same turn, rather than having to wait until your next turn.

Note: “Quick Attack” first appeared in the anime episode “Mime Control (Part One)”. All creative credit goes to the writers of that episode. Also note that this card is only useful in situations where the Battle City rules for Fusion Monsters are in effect (under standard rules, this card is useless).



HEAVY METAL KING (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Spellcaster/Effect
Attribute: Dark
Level: 7
ATK: 2,050
DEF: 1,700

Card Description: This sinister creature combines music with black magic to blast foes into oblivion. This Monster cannot be normal summoned or set. This Monster can only be special summoned by Equipping “Metalmorph” to “Musician King.” During each one of your Standby Phases, this Monster gains a 650-point cumulative bonus to his ATK, but only when making an attack. When attacked by an opposing Monster, he loses all these bonuses.

Note: “Heavy Metal King” appeared in the anime episode “Steppin’ Out”. All creative credit goes to the writers of that episode.


ORGOTH THE RELENTLESS (Monster Card)

Card Specs

Type: Warrior
Attribute: Earth
Level: 7
ATK: 2,500
DEF: 2,450

Card Description: A barbarian clad in armor and bearing a huge sword, he takes great pride in his strength.

[I]Note: “Orgoth the Relentless” first appeared in his Dungeon Dice Monsters incarnation in the multi-part anime episode “Dungeon Dice Monsters”. He first appeared as a Duel Monsters card in the two-part anime episode “Mechanical Mayhem.” All creative credit goes to writers of that episode.

[starjake]

Yay! I'm the first replier!
Great chappie as usual. It's interesting how you keep putting in Persephone's thoughts; she's a crafty one, that lady.
Echidna? There can only be one type of Deck she could have...that is, if I know my, er, (how do I say this without saying it?)...well, I think I know what type of Deck she would have. Let's just leave it at that.

[dragon684]

Nice chappy, excited for the next one. Well atleast I knew that the duelist would be Duke. (for those that didn't understand my tip the numbers 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 are all numbers that appear on dice and Duke was famous because of his dice games or dice earings.) Keep it up and can't wait for the Mandate itself.

[Oakbark]

Wow, incredible, congratulations on creating a fantastic duel with such high restrictions! Mary was very lucky in the end, and Duke lost (i really don't like that guy for some reason). Go Gilford!!!

Persephone's thoughts were very nteresting, i like her input, and can't wait for her to show! The countdown reminders through the chapter were very helpful too, they let me enjoy the chapter without trying to keep count all the time.

OMG, what's Peter getting himself into this time? What's so bad about Echidna? I'm on the edge of my seat, quite literally!

Damien.

[Shuppet Master]

Thanks Venusaur,for promoting my fanfic. You didn't have to mention Shelob's real name - then people won't come to rea my story! :lol:

That duel was intense,but you changed Final Countdown's animation - I recall you using it in City of Souls,one of Remi's minions used it with the Iron Fortress of Dis,and it was a clock with a bony hand. :) Well,until the anime shows it,we have to make up our own ideas.

Poor Terone! Eliminated like that! Why didn't he just find three duelists and take them out instead of going up against a powerful person like Echidna? I hope Peter beats the person!

I have a feeling that we won't see any of the people who we saw in the finals - it will be Yugi,Peter,Clive,Jade,and Mary vs. three strangers. Well,keep up the good work.

EDIT: Whoever answered the bonus question in my second trivia contest the first time,please PM me so I can get your name. I apologize for spamming here but I forgot who got the first Quizmaster prize,was it starjake?

[mr_pikachu]

So that's who Mary's grudge was against! I honestly thought it was someone different... specifically, Marik. :eek: Now wouldn't it be interesting if his legacy showed up...

Pretty good. Mary seems to have had a lot of animosity against Duke, even though her father eventually got over it and made friends with him. (Though I suppose the situation in the episode yesterday could change that. Dang you, Weevil and Rex!) I guess she's sort of over-protective of him. Kinda odd, but interesting nonetheless.

You seem to be reusing the phrase "come now" an awful lot, though. It seems like every other character has said that at some point. I don't personally know a single person who says things like that, nor do I myself. It just doesn't seem that common to me. There was something else I wanted to mention, too, but I can't remember now... *sighs* I suppose I should take notes when I read, but it's a pain when I've got ten fics to look at. Plus, it kinda interferes with me enjoying the work. Maybe when I have more time, I'll start doing that again. Like this summer. Only seven months to go... :P

This was pretty good, though; nice work in bringing back a big Yu-Gi-Oh character, and great duel. Duke almost lost his duel with Joey when he was confident there, too. (If you recall, he had a mere 50 Life Points left when he won!) I guess his legacy was even more overconfident than he was. I enjoyed this chapter, and I'm looking forward to the next one, where we'll see the clash with Echidna. Until then!

*pulls out vintage Sonic the Hedgehog comics*


EDIT: I remember what the other thing was now. I've noticed you use the term "POed" a lot. That's not really a good thing, actually. If you're going to say something, you probably shouldn't use an abbreviated version to hide the "dirty word" in the phrase. Either say outright that Mary was pissed off, or use another term. It just doesn't look good to put it that way.

[Dark Sage]

Well, I kind of left a lot of people with baited breath, so I'm putting up the next chapter now.

Prepare...

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

Being an artist myself, I watch a lot of movies with artistic themes. One old movie that keeps getting better every time I see it is an old flick called Clash of the Titans.

This movie, which was based upon Greek myth, was somewhat strange in its casting. The mortal characters, who were the actual stars, were mostly played by virtual unknowns. However, the actors who played the Olympian Gods, who only made brief appearances – they were true celebrities. The great Sir Laurence Olivier played the role of Zeus.

But that really didn’t matter, because the TRUE stars of this movie were the monsters. Computer animation was crude back in 1981, but this movie did a pretty good job. The terrible sea monster called the Kraken was quite horrifying.

Why am I bringing this up? Well, because mostly, it’s the best thing I can think of to compare to my current situation, now that I’m here in this creepy temple about to face off against a creepier Eliminator.

This sure doesn’t look like a CG effect. This looks very real. And if I want to survive to see Day Six, I’m going to have to do better than ever…



CHAPTER EIGHTEEN



Sinister Serpent



As they walked further into the heart of Duelatopia with Peter in the lead, the Marauder’s Map continually changed, leading them further.

“Whoever this ‘Echidna’ is,” mused Mary, “he or she did a bad job of hiding. We’re in the busiest part of Duelatopia.”

Indeed they were. Large buildings surrounded them, mostly buildings for executives of KaibaCorp. Centurions were everywhere, and very few duelists were around. Still, there was no law that said they couldn’t be here, so they continued.

“Something’s strange about this,” pondered Yugi. “Maybe the lair is hidden in plain sight or something…”

“There,” said Peter. “The map wants us to go into that building.”

They looked up, and saw a building that must have been at least twenty-five stories tall. It was covered with windows, and on the top was a large sculpture of Sinister Serpent, coiled and ready to strike.

“Um…” muttered Clive. “This looks… interesting.”

Mary leafed through her guidebook.

“The Serpent Complex Pavilion,” she read. “According to this, it contains several pricy stores, four expensive restaurants, a museum… basically stuff for guests with too much money.”

“And apparently there’s an Eliminator lurking inside it,” mentioned Peter. “Or under it.”

“Peter, I’ll ask again, are you certain?” asked Yugi. “We still don’t know for sure whether or not these Eliminators’ threats are real or not…”

“Well, Terone survived,” stated Peter.

“Maybe he escaped before this Echidna could do anything,” muttered Clive.

“You’re not helping…” sighed Yugi.

“I’m not afraid,” said Peter.

“Peter, these people are trained to make you afraid!” said Yugi. “I didn’t tell anyone before, but even I was scared when I was up against Shelob.”

“You?” exclaimed Peter. “You’re one of the bravest people I know! You looked Set in the eye and barely flinched!”

“It’s like I told Mary,” explained Yugi. “True courage is when you’re scared, but you act anyway. Set scared the Hell out of me, and truthfully, so did Remi. But if I had panicked and let the fear show, I’d never have defeated either of them.

“Are you capable of something like this, Peter? Can you manage looking fear in the face and conquering it?”

Peter paused.

“I was scared when I went up against Mantra,” he sighed. “But I beat him…”

Yugi sighed.

“Then Godspeed,” he said. “I just hope you’re good enough.”


* * * * * * * * * *


They went into the lobby of the Pavilion. The map pointed to the elevator, and the number 8 appeared on it.

“It must want us to go to the eighth floor,” said Peter.

He pushed the up button and they waited.

“This lair is above ground?” mused Mary.

“Must be,” said Yugi.

The elevator doors opened, and they went inside. The map went blank as they hit the button for the eighth floor.

A short ride up, they came out, and the map sprung to life again. They saw that they were on the museum level.

Around them were several paintings depicting Duel Monsters, all elegantly done in dramatic poses. In one painting, Green Phantom King held hands with his wife, Queen of Autumn Leaves in a peaceful forest scene. Next to them was a more frightening painting of Two-Headed King Rex standing on a prehistoric plain.

They continued to follow the map, through a series of halls, until they came to a stop. A huge painting of Sinister Serpent with no background was in front of them.

“Okay,” muttered Clive. “So now what?”

Then the Map went blank, and writing appeared on it.

“Guys,” exclaimed Peter. “It’s a verse!”

He read.

Only with royal gold
And Heart that’s pure,
Will you find the shrine of old,
And the duelist’s true allure.


“Well,” said Mary. “Yugi and I had to summon somebody to get into the lairs.”

“Yeah,” pondered Peter. “And ‘royal gold’?”

He drew a card and flicked his Disk into position.

“My deck has royalty in it,” he said. “I summon Terrorking Archfiend!”

He threw down the card, and a wave of flames appeared in front of Peter! The mighty Terrorking materialized in the middle of the bonfire, and crossed his arms. He looked at Peter with a stern look.

“So, mortal,” he growled, in a deep voice. “you appear to have grown tired of typical duels. Small wonder… what I’ve seen you do thus far aren’t worthy challenges for the Archfiends…”

“Your majesty,” muttered Peter. “Can you help us get into this lair?”

“Of course I can get you in,” growled Terrorking. “But do you truly want to? What lies beyond this point is an ancient power that is feared even in the depths of Pandemonium. My subjects and I can only provide so much help, mortal.”

Peter stood up to the Fiend.

“I’ve summoned you and your subjects countless times, even though I know you don’t like it,” he stated. “Do you think I’m afraid of what’s behind this painting?”

Terrorking rubbed his chin.

“Okay, you have a point,” he mumbled. “And it isn’t like I can stop you anyway…”

He gestured with his hand, and the painting moved aside ten feet. An elevator made from gold-colored metal appeared.

“A private elevator,” instructed Terrorking. “Take it to the thirteenth floor. Until we meet again, mortal…”

He and the flames vanished.

“He wasn’t very polite,” said Mary, as Peter put the card back.

“Don’t you know anything about Archfiends, Mary?” asked Peter. “They resent being summoned. They hate mortals. That’s why they demand a Life Point payment when you use them. Only the Pandemonium Field Magic Card keeps them placated.”

He hit the button next to the elevator.

“Hold it,” stated Clive. “Thirteenth floor? This building doesn’t have a thirteenth floor! Large buildings like this never do! It’s bad luck.”

They stepped inside, and looked at the buttons. There was indeed a button labeled 13, and it was colored green.

Peter pushed it.


* * * * * * * * * *


Five floors above, a pair of scaly hands with long fingernails caressed a crystal ball.

“Show me who dares approach,” hissed a feminine voice.

The crystal showed the interior of the elevator, and the four of them inside it.

“Yugi Mouto’s team,” sighed the onlooker. “When this tournament started, I had truly hoped to receive Yugi as one my victims… but sadly, he found Shelob first. Oh well, if Shelob couldn’t defeat him, what chance did I?”

Her eyes fell upon Peter.

“Still, his friend will do nicely… and the Marauder’s Map… Terone must have given it to him. Best prepare…”


* * * * * * * * * *


The elevator opened, and the four friends stepped out.

Their jaws dropped.

They were in a temple of some sort, with the walls painted a sickly green. Pillars reached to the ceiling, and coiled around each pillar was a sculpture of an evil-looking snake.

“Snakes…” gasped Mary. “Why did it have to be snakes…?”

“Really funny,” muttered Clive. “This Eliminator is giving me the creeps, and I haven’t even seen him!”

“People, need I remind you that I’m the one who opened the door?” asked Peter, nervously.

The Puzzle shone, and Yugi melded with his partner.

“What do you make of this?” he asked his partner.

“The architecture is sort of Greco-Roman,” said Yami. “Although whoever built it obviously went for shock value. I don’t get the Duel Monsters connection. There are relatively few snakes in the game, and the Reptile Type is likely the second-smallest. Only Sea Serpents are less. No one can build a good deck with a snake-theme.”

“Maybe this Echidna wants to throw us off,” said Yugi.

“Maybe.”

They wandered further into the temple, and eventually they came upon a large round room.

They stopped in fear!

Five statues stood in the room. They appeared to be statues of five teenagers, three boys and two girls, each of them wearing Duel Disks, and their faces frozen in fear.

“Uh, this is…” stuttered Clive.

“Not good…” muttered Mary.

Then, a rumbling was heard, and a stone door opened in front of them.

“Come in,” purred a female voice.

They paused.

“Uh, why?” asked Peter.

“I can wait forever,” answered the voice. “I don’t think you can…”

A door lowered down behind them. They turned around, and gazed ahead.

“After what happened earlier today,” hissed the voice, “I’ve taken precautions. You can’t go back… you can only go forward…”

“She’s got us there,” agreed Peter.

They walked forward.

If anything, the place they entered was even creepier. The dark and foreboding temple was full of depictions of ravenous snakes ready to strike. Eerie torches cast flickering shadows upon the walls. A dark mirror was at the far end.

A hissing noise, like a nest of vipers came from the far end of the room…

“Stand firm, guys!” shouted Peter, stepping in front.

“Show yourself!” he yelled.

A shadow slowly glided into view…

A large form slowly rose up before them. It was female in basic outline, but covered with green scales. In place of legs, it had a snaky tail about twenty feet long. The figure’s head seemed to be moving somehow…

And then they saw why. In place of hair, the creature had a mass of swarming snakes!

She gazed upon them with glowing eyes, and the serpents that served as hair hissed with excitement.

“AAHH!” yelled Mary. “Don’t look guys!”

Everyone shielded their eyes, knowing too well the story of how those who looked into the face of Medusa were turned into unliving stone.

“Calm yourselves, young ones,” purred the creature. “Feel free to look at me. I have control over my power…”

Peter slowly turned towards the creature, and he could safely look her in the face, but he didn’t like what he saw. Her face might have been attractive if it wasn’t covered with scales and her eyes weren’t glowing red. Not to mention the fact that her hair was alive.

“Echidna, I presume?” he asked.

“Yes, and you are Peter,” she replied. “So nice of you to come visit me. I do love guests… you already met a few of them in the outer room…”

Sweat started to pour down Peter’s face.

“Calm down, Peter,” assured Clive. “Terone survived.”

“Terone?” said Echidna. “The one with the Hungarian Horntail? Oh yes, the coward. I remember him. Do you believe he was able to flee from me with his eyes closed? No matter – the Centurions are looking for him, and they’ll soon drag him back here to receive his punishment. But as for you…”

The door behind them slammed shut.

“There’ll be no escape unless you can defeat me.”

She raised a Duel Disk.

“So prepare as much as you like. Like I said, I have the time…”

“Easy, Peter,” comforted Clive, putting his hand on Peter’s shoulder. “She’s trying to psyche you out…”

She’s succeeding! thought Peter, looking at Echidna. If that’s a costume, whoever designed it deserves a Screenwriter’s Guild Award!

And what sort of connection to Duel Monsters does a medusa have? he thought, shuffling his deck. What sort of strategy does she have? Dinosaurs? Zombies? Fiends? Rocks? I don’t know WHAT to expect!

Well, I have a good strategy… I just hope it’s good enough to avoid being petrified…

“You want added support?” asked Yugi.

His voice sank down to a whisper.

“Anastasia is watching, and she’s cheering you on! Now don’t disappoint!”

Echidna curled up her tail, and sat on her coils.

“Let’s begin, child,” purred Echidna, loading her deck. “I’m eager to finish this so I can add to my statuary!”

“Hate to break it to you, snake,” warned Peter, loading his. “But I have no intention of ever becoming part of your collection.”

“That’s what those five kids in the front hall said,” warned Echidna, with a smile. “And let me tell you, each one of them was more pathetic than the last! At least promise me you’ll last more than seven turns, ‘kay?”

“Fine,” shouted Peter. “Activate!”

His holo-imagers shot out, and his Disk snapped into place.

“It’s time to duel!” laughed Echidna.

She thrust her disk forward, and the imagers shot out of hers.

The scores set to 8,000 apiece.

She cackled with laughter, and the snakes on her scalp hissed and writhed!

“Well, here we go,” said Yugi.

“Good luck Peter,” said Mary, softly.

The two of them made their draws.

“Why don’t I make the first move, seeing as this is MY temple?” said Echidna.

She placed a card down.

“I summon The Snake Hair, in Attack Mode!”

A fiendish laugh echoed over the field, and a more humanoid medusa clothed in a blue cloak appeared. (1,500/1,200)

“Almost as pretty as me, don’t you think?” smiled Echidna.

“Not for long,” frowned Peter, drawing.

“Opticlops, in Attack Mode!” he shouted.

The hulking, cyclopsed Fiend appeared, his one eye glowing. (1,800/1,700)

“Attack The Snake Hair!” shouted Peter. “Fiendish gaze attack!”

Opticlops shot a searing beam from its eye, and the Zombie burst into pulp. Echidna’s Life Points went down to 7,700.

That seemed a little too easy, thought Yugi. Echidna should have known that The Snake Hair would have been defeated…

“If that’s the best you’ve got,” frowned Peter, “I’m starting to wonder why the Master even gave you the time of day.”

“The best I’ve got?” smiled Echidna, drawing. “Hardly! The truth is, Peter, The Snake Hair was merely a test to see what you had.

“Now I get serious. Deadly serious.”

Her eyes gleamed.

“I summon… Skilled Dark Magician in Attack Mode!”

She put the card down, and a Monster whom Peter recognized too well arose. The Spellcaster in his bulky black robes was one that Yugi used very often. (1,900/1,700)

“What on earth?” gasped Yugi.

“Skilled Dark Magician,” shouted Echidna. “Attack Opticlops with dark magic attack!”

Skilled Dark Magician waved his staff and Opticlops was blasted away. Peter’s Life Points fell slightly, to 7,900.

Come on, Peter, thought Yugi. You know what this means!

Peter did know what it meant. He had seen Yugi duel enough times to know.

There’s only one reason someone plays that Monster, he thought. In order to bring a real Dark Magician out of her deck!

“Sorry Echidna,” frowned Peter. “But I know what that sorcerer can do, and I’ll find a way to destroy him long before both of us play three Magic Cards!”

“Smart,” grinned Echidna. “But it’s still my turn. And I’m going to play a Magic Card right now, one that will make destroying him all but impossible…”

She fit a card into the slot.

“The Continuous Magic Card known as Messenger of Peace!”

The card appeared on the field, and a pious holy man appeared, holding his arm out. The Skilled Dark Magician’s staff glowed copper.

“Messenger of Peace?” asked Peter. “What does that…?”

“To keep this card active,” interrupted Echidna. “All I have to do is pay a low, low price of 100 Life Points for every one of my turns. But as long as it’s on the field, no Monster with an Attack Score of 1,500 or higher is allowed to make an attack! That will make getting rid of my Skilled Dark Magician much harder, wouldn’t you say?

“And it’s your move.”

“Now what?” gasped Mary. “Peter can’t attack him, and if he plays a Magic Card to destroy HER Magic Card…”

“It will bring Echidna closer to summoning something that will be incredibly hard to defeat,” muttered Yugi. “I should know.”

Inside, Yugi was hitting himself. His deck was centered around the Dark Magician – but he himself had never once thought of using this Magic Card to protect Skilled Dark Magician! Not only that, since it was a Magic Card, it aided the Spellcaster.

This Eliminator was incredibly clever.

Peter drew.

Nothing I can do but protect myself, he thought.

“I summon Vorse Raider, in Attack Mode!” he cried.

He put the card down, and the fiendish, horned Warrior appeared, holding his scimitar. (1,900/1,200)

“That will end my move,” he said.

Echidna chuckled. Her Life Points went down to 7,600.

“It’s only a matter of time,” she smiled, drawing. “But while we’re waiting…”

She put a card down.

“…I’ll start whittling down your Life Points. I summon Jinzo #7, in Attack Mode!”

A cyborg with bionic limbs and eyes appeared in front of Skilled Dark Magician. (500/400)

“Attack!” ordered Echidna.

Jinzo #7 ran forward and socked Peter in the face! His Life Points fell down to 7,400.

Peter felt his eye, which was starting to turn black. “How’d you do THAT?!” he cried. “I had a Monster on the field!”

“Jinzo #7 can bypass your Monsters!” laughed Echidna. “Not even a Millennium Shield can stop him!”

Peter drew.

I have Pandemonium, he thought, But I don’t dare play it… not until I find a way to get rid of that Magician.

“I’ll pass this turn,” he said.

“What else can you do?” chuckled Echidna.

She drew. Her Life Points went down to 7,500.

“I summon Gemini Elf, in Attack Mode,” she said.

She put a card down, and the twin elf Spellcasters appeared. (1,900/800)

“Now, Jinzo #7, attack! In the teeth this time!”

Peter yelped as Jinzo #7 closed in. The Machine hit him in the face again! His Life Points fell to 6,900.

“Peter’s really taking a beating,” groaned Clive.

“Yeah,” sighed Yugi. “Let’s hope he can stay focused…”

“All right! You asked for it!” shouted Peter.

He whipped a card out.

This ISN’T staying focused… thought Yugi, nervously.

Peter opened his Field slot.

“I play the Field Card Pandemonium!” he exclaimed.

He threw the card into the slot, and the temple changed. The color turned from green to fiery red, hellish bonfires sprang up, and the snake-like sculptures changed to depictions of the Archfiends.

But Skilled Dark Magician’s scepter changed color to silver, and shone brighter.

“Now I summon Vilepawn Archfiend, in Attack Mode!” announced Peter.

The ground rumbled, and the skeletal Archfiend with his sword burst out. (1,200/200)

“Attack Jinzo #7!” shouted Peter. “En passant strike attack!”

Vilepawn charged forward and struck Jinzo #7 with his sword, blowing the android away. Echidna’s Life Points fell to 6,800.

“An Archfiend, huh?” smiled Echidna. “Tricky.”

“Peter’s in the lead!” cheered Mary.

“For now,” said Yugi. “That was a pretty careless move on his part…”

Echidna drew. Her Life Points fell to 6,700

“I play Pot of Greed,” she smiled, throwing a card into a slot.

The Pot of Greed appeared and she made two draws. Skilled Dark Magician’s staff glowed golden.

“And now,” she said, “I’ll Tribute Gemini Elf for my Chaos Command Magician, in Attack Mode!”

She put a card down, and Gemini Elf faded. They were replaced by a sorcerer in a black, elaborate robe and cape with a long bladed staff. (2,400/1,900)

“And I’ll end my turn there,” she said.

Okay, thought Peter. Next round, she’s going to bring out Dark Magician, and she already has someone out who’s almost as strong…

He drew.

Hey, he thought. Sakuretsu Armor! This won’t get rid of both of them, but I can get rid of her Dark Magician when he makes his first attack!

“One card facedown,” he said, fitting the card into the slot. “And I’ll throw Infernalqueen Archfiend in Defense Mode!”

He threw the card down, and the fiendish queen arose in a burst of flame. She cackled. (900/1,500)

“Your move,” grinned Peter. “So bring him out, already!”

She drew.

“Well, since I have to pay Life Points to maintain Messenger of Peace, I can deactivate the card at any time!” she explained.

She hit a button, and Messenger of Peace vanished.

“So now, I Tribute my Skilled Dark Magician to bring out the greater power…” she said. “Dark Magician, in Attack Mode!”

Skilled Dark Magician vanished, and a real Dark Magician arose in front of Echidna, pointing his staff menacingly at Peter. (2,500/2,100)

Echidna turned to Yugi. Her snakes started to writhe.

“Jealous, Yugi?” she mocked. “Feeling envy that another duelist holds the fabled Dark Magician in her deck?”

“No,” muttered Yugi. “You have every right to put whatever card you want in your deck.”

“You know Yugi,” she shrugged, “when I heard you would be competing in this tournament, I had hoped for a chance to claim you as a victim… But what are you going to do? I don’t make the rules, I just follow them…”

“Yugi would kick your tail!” yelled Mary. “All twenty feet of it!”

“Guess we’ll never know,” sighed Echidna. “Now where were we? Oh, right.”

She turned back to Peter.

Go on, you big – whatever you are, he thought. I’m ready for you!

“Well Peter,” she continued. “I’m pretty sure that your facedown card is a Trap… so I’ll play a Magic Card… one known as Dark Magic Attack!”

“Huh?” said Mary.

Echidna threw a card into her slot, and Dark Magician waved his staff.

“This Magic Card allows Dark Magician to destroy every Trap and Magic Card you have on the field!” she cackled. “And that includes your Pandemonium!”

Dark Magician cast a spell. Peter’s Sakuretsu Armor card shattered, and the scenery around them changed back to the original décor.

Peter drew back in shock.

“Yugi do you have that card?” asked Mary.

“Uh…” sighed Yugi. “No.”

He was impressed. This creature could use Dark Magician in a way that he couldn’t!

Peter drew back in fear.

“And since you neglected to shift your Vorse Raider and Vilepawn into Defense Mode,” she laughed, “Dark Magician, attack Vilepawn Archfiend with dark magic attack!”

Dark Magician cast forth his mighty spell and blasted Vilepawn into pebbles.

“Chaos Command Magician, attack Vorse Raider with chaos blast!”

Chaos Command Magician shot forth a beam of multicolored light; Vorse Raider screamed and exploded.

Peter’s Life Points were reduced to 5,200.

“Now, I’m ending my turn,” smiled Echidna. “And I know that without Pandemonium, your Infernalqueen isn’t going to be very happy with you…”

Crud, thought Peter.

He drew.

Infernalqueen turned towards Peter and snarled. She bore her claws and Peter gasped as energy was drained out of him. His Life Points fell to 4,700.

Peter struggled to catch his breath.

“Infernalqueen,” he ordered. “Cast your spell… on yourself!”

Flames surrounded Infernalqueen, and she laughed. Her Attack score rose to 1,900.

“Now,” grunted Peter. “I’ll switch her into Attack Mode…”

He turned the card, and Infernalqueen bore her claws.

“And I’ll summon Archfiend Soldier, also in Attack Mode,” he continued.

He put the card down, and the purple cloaked, horned Archfiend appeared, bearing his sword. (1,900/1,500)

“And one card facedown,” he said, putting a card into a slot. “And I’ll end my turn.”

Echidna drew back.

“You don’t expect me to attack with such an obvious Trap on the field?” she hissed.

“It might be a Trap, or it might be a bluff,” smiled Peter. “But do you have a choice? Don’t you know what I intend to do on my next turn?”

Echidna’s eyes widened.

Infernalqueen Archfiend can raise her Attack by another 1,000 points on his next round! she thought. If that happens, she’ll be stronger than my Dark Magician! He’s right! I have to take a chance!

“Dark Magician,” she ordered. “Attack Infernalqueen with dark magic attack!”

Dark Magician aimed…

“Gotcha!” laughed Peter, hitting the button on his Disk. “I activate my Trap… Archfiend’s Curse!”

The card lifted.

“Huh?” hissed Echidna.

“I have to pay 1,000 Life Points to activate this Trap,” chuckled Peter, “but in return, the Attack scores of both your Monsters are halved!”

His Life Points were reduced to 3,700; Dark Magician’s Attack was reduced to 1,250, and Chaos Command Magician’s was reduced to 1,200.

“Counter attack, Infernalqueen!” shouted Peter.

Infernalqueen cackled, and rushed forth in a fiery blast, incinerating Dark Magician!

“Your Dark Magician is vanquished!” yelled Peter.

Echidna let out a shriek. Her Life Points fell to 6,050.

“All right, Peter!” cheered Mary.

“Go, go, go!” shouted Clive.

“Curse you, Peter,” snarled Echidna. “I’ll end my turn by putting one card facedown.”

The card appeared in front of her.

Peter drew.

How fortunate, he thought.

Infernalqueen turned to him and angrily cast her draining spell again. Peter fell to his knees as his Life Points fell to 3,200.

“What’s the matter, Peter?” laughed Echidna. “Can’t take the heat?”

“Actually I can,” said Peter. “What kind of Archfiend deck would I be running if I had only one Pandemonium card in it? I have two, and I just drew the other right now!”

He flicked open his Field slot and inserted the card. The temple reverted to the Pandemonium temple.

“All right!” said Mary.

“Now I’ll have Infernalqueen cast her spell on herself again!” said Peter.

Infernalqueen laughed as flames surrounded her, and her Attack score went up to 2,900.

“Then I’ll summon Desrook Archfiend in Attack Mode,” said Peter.

He set the card down, and the block rook with the fiendish face appeared in a beam of light. (1,100/1,800)

“And since you were dumb enough not to shift your weakened Chaos Command Mage into Defense Mode,” smiled Peter, “Archfiend Soldier, attack him with dark sword of Perdition attack!”

“PETER!” shouted Mary.

I can’t waste my Trap on this Monster, thought Echidna. I’ll have to wait!

Archfiend Soldier brought his sword down on Chaos Command Mage, and blasted him out of existence. Echidna’s Life Points fell to 5,350.

Great! thought Peter. Now I can take a big chunk out of her Life Points and add a good chunk to mine!

“Infernalqueen,” he said, “attack her directly with cross-the-board capture attack!”

Infernalqueen rushed forward in a burst of flames!

“Gaze upon this!” shouted Echidna. “I activate my Raigeki Break!”

Her Trap Card lifted.

“Raigeki Break?” gasped Peter.

“I discard one card,” said Echidna, discarding a card, “and I can obliterate one of your Monsters!”

A bolt of lightning struck from above, and Infernalqueen screamed. She was incinerated.

Peter’s Life Points fell to 2,475.

“I knew it!” sighed Mary.

“You kept your Chaos Command Mage in Attack Mode on purpose, didn’t you?” groaned Peter.

“What good is a Trap without bait?” smiled Echidna.

“Well I still have another Monster that can attack!” growled Peter. “Desrook Archfiend, attack with king’s castling attack!”

Desrook Archfiend shot his tentacle forth and took a slash at Echidna. She screamed and her snakes hissed. Black blood seeped from the wound. Her Life Points fell to 4,250.

“And now,” said Peter, “I’ll play this Magic Card, Sabek’s Blessing.”

He fit a card into a slot, and the enormous form of a crocodile god appeared behind him. The creature cast a spell, and Peter’s body glowed.

“This card heals my Life Points by the same number that I directly inflicted upon you.”

His Life Points went up to 4,075, and the deity vanished.

“And I end my turn.”

“This is getting close,” muttered Clive.

“Peter has the advantage,” said Mary. “He destroyed her Dark Magician!”

“I’ve lost my Dark Magician in several duels and still made a comeback,” said Yugi. “Only a foolish duelist relies on only one Monster.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Echidna still has some deadly surprises in store for Peter.”

Echidna drew.

“I play Swords of Revealing Light!” she cried.

She played the Magic Card, and a cage of glowing swords crashed down around Peter and his two Monsters.

Sheesh, thought Yugi. Everyone has that card nowadays.

“Peachy,” said Peter.

“That will give me some time,” hissed Echidna. “And I’ll end my turn by summoning Witch’s Apprentice in Defense Mode.”

She put the card down, and a young, redheaded, sorceress in a blue robe and cap with feathered wings holding a broom appeared on the field. She cackled. (550/500)

“And her presence weakens the Attack power of all Light Monsters,” explained Echidna, “bringing your Desrook’s Attack down to 700! She also increases the Attack strength of all Dark Monsters, including herself, by 500 points.”

Witch’s Apprentice’s Attack rose to 1,050.

Peter drew.

Lovely, he thought.

“I shift Desrook into Defense Mode,” he said, turning the card.

Desrook withdrew.

“And I’ll summon this guy in Attack Mode!” he shouted. “Terrorking Archfiend!”

A dark cloud formed, and Terrorking arose! (2,000/1,500)

“And thanks to your Witch’s Apprentice,” he said, “his Attack Score becomes 2,500.”

Terrorking’s Attack went up.

“That’s all I can do,” said Peter.

Echidna drew.

Not bad, she said.

“Skilled White Magician in Defense Mode!” she hissed.

She put down the card, and the white-robed Spellcaster with his skullcap appeared. (1,700/1,900)

His Attack went down to 1,300.

“End turn,” she said.

Next round, she thought, I’ll be able to summon someone who will benefit from Witch’s Apprentice as much as Desrook is hindered by her, and then he’ll never be able to defeat me!

Peter looked at her and her two Monsters.

Now why did she summon a Light Monster with Witch’s Apprentice on the field? he thought.

He drew. He smiled.

“I play Mystical Space Typhoon!” he cried. “To destroy your Swords!”

He put the card into the slot, and a dark whirlwind erupted on the field. The shining swords vanished. Echidna drew back.

“Now, I summon Shadowknight Archfiend in Attack Mode!” he shouted.

He put the card down, and Shadowknight appeared in a gust of wind. (2,000/1,600)

“Shadowknight, attack Witch’s Apprentice with four-square fury attack!”

Shadowknight leapt forward and attacked the apprentice. He slashed through the broom, splintering it in half, and then ran her though! She vanished.

Terrorking’s Attack Score returned to its original level.

“Terrorking, attack Skilled White Magician with charging checkmate attack!”

Terrorking flew forward and landed a punch on Skilled White Magician, blowing him away.

“Ha!” laughed Clive. “Now he’s got that snake outnumbered three to none!”

This kid is good, thought Echidna, drawing. But maybe I can still summon my secret weapon… it won’t be as effective, but if this works, it will be enough.

“I place one card facedown,” she said. “And I summon Kuriboh in Defense Mode.”

She set the cards. The facedown card appeared, and Kuriboh appeared with a squeak. (300/200)

“Your move, child,” she purred.

Her snakes started to slowly slither around her head.

Peter chuckled.

“Yeah, right,” he laughed. “You expect me to fall for that? Yugi over there and his dad used the same trick a umpteen-thousand times – send out Kuriboh, make your opponent think he has an easy kill, and lure him right into a Trap.

“So I’ll just draw, and pass this turn.”

Echidna drew, and her snakes started to hiss like mad.

“Why do I think Peter just made a mistake?” stuttered Mary.

“Because he did,” smiled Echidna. “Thought this was a Trap, did you?”

She hit a button, and the card lifted.

“Actually, all it was was Dian Keto the Cure Master.”

The healing deity appeared, and Echidna’s Life Points rose to 5,250.

“And now,” hissed Echidna, “I Tribute my Kuriboh for Dark Magician Girl!”

Kuriboh vanished, and magical energy formed on the field. Dark Magician Girl appeared, and blew a kiss at Peter. (2,000/1,700)

“Aw, nuts,” moaned Peter.

“And since I have one Dark Magician in my Graveyard,” continued Echidna. “Her attack is boosted to 2,300! Dark Magician Girl, attack Shadowknight Archfiend!”

Dark Magician Girl twirled her baton and fired a blast at the demonic knight, blowing him away. Peter’s Life Points fell to 3,775.

Yugi was deep in thought.

This Echidna’s deck is even more geared towards the Dark Magician than mine is, he thought. Peter better do something fast…

[I]I wouldn’t be surprised if she has multiple Dark Magicians in that deck, and if she has a Sage’s Stone somewhere in there…

Peter looked at the sorceress in front of him.

My Skull Archfiend of Lightning could take her out, he thought.

He drew.

A Magic Card. And this might be even better. But maybe I should wait to play it…

“I pass this turn,” said Peter. “There’s nothing I can do.”

“PETER!” shouted Clive. “You forgot to shift Terrorking into Defense Mode!”

The snakes on Echidna’s head hissed with delight.

“Sorry, Clifford,” she laughed, “but your warning came too late!”

She drew.

“Perfect!” she smiled. “I summon Dark Elf in Attack Mode.”

She put the card down, and the sinister, black-robed twin of Mystical Elf appeared next to Dark Magician Girl. (2,000/800)

“Now Dark Magician Girl,” laughed Echidna. “Destroy Terrorking Archfiend!”

Dark Magician Girl cast forth her spell, and Terrorking exploded.

Peter’s Life Points fell to 3,475.

“The king is dead,” hissed Echidna. “Long live the queen.

“Since I have to pay Life Points to have Dark Elf attack, and doing so won’t affect your Life Points, I’ll just leave her in place to protect mine, and end my turn. But you were a fool to keep that Terrorking in Attack Mode.”

Peter smiled.

“Not quite,” he grinned. “It was all part of my plan. I knew I would only lose 300 Life Points if he was in Attack Mode, yet if he was in Attack Mode, he was the only Monster you’d attack. If he was in Defense Mode with Desrook you might have attacked either of them. It would have made no difference to you. And I couldn’t risk losing Desrook at that point. So I left Terrorking in Attack Mode on purpose to provide an obvious target.”

“Wait…” said Echidna. “Desrook can…”

“I can send him to the Graveyard…” said Peter.

Desrook vanished.

“…and bring Terrorking back!”

Terrorking arose again, and this time, he looked mad! (2,000/1,500)

“Humph,” said Echidna. “Big deal. Dark Magician Girl will just destroy him again.”

“Well it’s my turn now,” said Peter.

He drew.

“And Terrorking isn’t going to let her when he’s done with her,” said Peter. “I play the Magic Card known as… Falling Down!”

He fit a card into a slot.

Terrorking Archfiend hissed in delight. He bore down on Dark Magician Girl and grabbed her! She screamed as she was dragged over to Peter’s side.

Dark Magician Girl bowed her head in despair.

“What?” hissed Echidna. “What’s happening?!”

“You think the Archfiends are nice Monsters, Echidna?” said Peter. “They’re evil. The only thing they like better than fighting other Monsters is enslaving them. When I use Falling Down when an Archfiend is on the field, one opposing Monster becomes his slave, so long as I pay 800 Life Points during each of your Standby Phases.

“Of course, I don’t have that many Life Points to spare, so now that your Dark Magician Girl is mine, I’m going to Tribute her before that becomes necessary…”

He placed a card down, and Dark Magician Girl vanished in a burst of flames.

“I summon Great Maju Garzett, in Attack Mode!”

A rumble erupted on the field, and the huge, hairy Fiend with purple armor arose. (00/00)

“No!” gasped Echidna.

“I’m guessing you’ve heard about this guy,” said Peter. “His Attack power becomes twice that of the original Attack power of the Monster I used as a Tribute to summon him! Since Dark Magician Girl’s original Attack was 2,000, that makes this guy’s Attack a great big 4,000!”

“All right!” shouted Clive. “Kick her scaly ass!”

“Great Maju Garzett,” ordered Peter, “attack Dark Elf with hellfire blast attack!”

Flames formed in Great Maju Garzett’s hands, and he hurled them forward. Dark Elf screamed, and she was incinerated. Echidna’s Life Points fell down to 3,250.

“Now, Terrorking,” said Peter, “attack that mythological nightmare directly! Charging checkmate attack!”

Echidna screamed as Terrorking closed in. Terrorking slugged her, knocking her over. Her Life Points fell all the way to 1,250.

“Yes!” cheered Mary. “One more round, and Peter has this duel cold!”

“I have to admit,” said Yugi, “there isn’t much that can stop him…”

Echidna slithered up and “stood” upright.

Have to do something, or I’ll lose next turn, she thought.

She drew.

She laughed. She laughed out loud and the snakes on her scalp waved and hissed like they hadn’t all duel.

“I… think she got a good card,” muttered Mary.

“You may think you have me, Peter,” she laughed. “But you don’t!”

She fit a Magic Card into the slot.

“I didn’t have only one Dark Magician in my deck,” she explained. “Another was waiting in the wings, and I’m summoning him with the card I just drew – Curtain of the Dark One!”

Echidna’s Life Points were cut in half to 625, and the sinister curtain appeared in front of her. A hand threw it aside, and a second Dark Magician leapt out! (2,500/2,100)

“What?” said Peter. “He might be able to destroy Terrorking Archfiend, but your Life Points will be depleted once Great Maju Garzett attacks!”

“That won’t be a problem, once I use this other Magic Card,” smiled Echidna, holding one up. “It’s called Knight’s Title!”

She fit the card into the slot, and an aura of dark energy started to radiate from Dark Magician.

“Knight’s Title?” asked Peter, puzzled. “That sounds more like something a Warrior would use…”

“Indeed,” explained Echidna. “Let me tell you a story. Not many people know this, but in his youth the fabled Dark Magician had a twin brother. They adored each other, as brothers should. When it came time for them to become men, one sibling favored the ways of powerful dark magic, while his brother took up armor and sword to learn the ways of the warrior. Although Dark Magician was the one with all the glory and fame, while his brother faded into the shadows of obscurity, Dark Magician never forgot his beloved sibling, and even to this day, by using the powerful spell known as Knight’s Title, he can switch places with his brother in an instant.

“In layman’s terms, by using this Magic Card, I can Tribute my Dark Magician for a completely different power – the mighty Dark Magician Knight!!”

Dark Magician threw his staff upward, and a blast of magic radiated out. He vanished. In his place, a powerful Warrior in violet armor with a cape and a crested helmet, holding a mighty sword and a large shield, appeared in a dramatic pose. (2,500/2,100)

“Impressive,” smiled Peter. “But he has the same stats as his brother… he’s no match for…”

“I didn’t finish!” interrupted Echidna. “When Dark Magician Knight is summoned, he can destroy ANY one card on the field!”

Peter stopped short.

“Any card?” he gasped.

“Do I not speak clearly?” smiled Echidna. “Any card. And he’s going to use that power to wipe out Great Maju Garzett!”

Dark Magician Knight ran his hand over his sword, and magical runes encircled it. He blasted a stream of violet energy from his sword, and Great Maju Garzett was eradicated. Peter’s Life Points fell to 2,475.

“Uh, Yugi,” asked Mary. “Did you know that? That Dark Magician could do that?”

Yugi was holding his forehead in his hand, feeling quite embarrassed.

“No,” he muttered. “Honestly, I didn’t.”

“Dark Magician Knight,” laughed Echidna. “Attack Terrorking Archfiend with sword of dark magic attack!”

The Knight charged forward, and cut Terrorking down. Peter’s Life Points fell to 1,975.

“We’re nearing the end, Peter,” she hissed. “Another round, and you’ll meet my gaze!”

Now what? thought Peter, looking at his hand. The Checkmate trick is out of the question… I don’t have it in my hand, and I’d need another Archfiend and Archfiend’s Roar or Monster Reborn for it… I’ll never be able to keep a Monster on the field long enough to summon Skull Archfiend of Lightning, even if I had him in my hand, and Attacking with him would only result in a draw… And even if I drew my Contract With The Dark Master card now, I don’t have enough Monsters in my hand to offer as sacrifice!

And if she summons something else on her next round, I’ve had it…

He drew.

“I play Pot of Greed!” he said, fitting it into the slot.

The Pot of Greed appeared, and Peter made two draws.

La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp…

And…

Monster Reborn.

Peter thought for a moment…

Hey… he thought.

I just had the craziest idea…

“All right, fang-face,” smiled Peter. “I’m going to finish you off, and I won’t even need an Archfiend to do it!”

“Yeah, how?” said Echidna, chuckling.

“First,” he said, “I summon La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp in Attack Mode!”

He set the card down, and a golden oil lamp appeared on the field. Smoke issued out of it, and La Jinn appeared in a flash, with a throaty chuckle. (1,800/1,000)

“You think I’m scared of that?” laughed Echidna.

“What about this?” asked Peter. “I’m also playing Monster Reborn!”

“Ha!” laughed Echidna. “There are no Monsters in your Graveyard that can defeat Dark Magician Knight! If you bring back Great Maju Garzett, his Attack points will be zero!”

“I agree,” said Peter. “There aren’t any Monsters in my Graveyard that can defeat your Knight… but there’s one in your Graveyard!”

He slapped the card into the slot.

“Arise!” he called.

A form appeared on the field…

It was Dark Magician Girl!

“WHAT?” gasped Echidna.

“And now that there are two Dark Magicians in your Graveyard,” explained Peter, “the one I destroyed and the one you used as Tribute to summon that Knight, her Attack strength is a powerful 2,600!”

Echidna stared at Dark Magician Girl. Peter was right!

“I realize that Dark Magician Girl wouldn’t attack her mentor,” said Peter. “But does she have the same loyalty towards his brother? Let’s find out.

“Dark Magician Girl, attack Dark Magician Knight!”

Dark Magician Girl spun her scepter and fired! Dark Magician Knight howled and shattered. Echidna’s Life Points were reduced to 525.

“Guess she doesn’t,” shrugged Peter. “Let’s finish this La Jinn! Attack Echidna directly with mystical magic attack!”

La Jinn cast forth a powerful spell, and Echidna was thrown backwards, falling against the wall. Her snakes hissed in pain, and she slumped down.

“Yee-ha!” shouted Clive. “He won, he won!”

Phew, thought Peter. I may not be as strong as Perseus, but I still brought down a Gorgon…

Inside his head, Yugi was conversing with Yami.

“You should feel proud Yugi,” said the Spirit. “He’s learned much.”

“Yeah,” said Yugi. “But now I’m worried.”

“Worried?”

“Worried what might happen if we ever have to duel him ourselves!”

Yami chuckled.

Echidna got up, and slithered forward. She sighed.

“I am defeated,” she sighed. “My dark sorcerers were no match for your skills, Peter…”

She raised her arm.

“So in accordance with the rules I am bound by, I raise your status from Blue to Silver.”

The gem on Peter’s Disk changed color to Violet, and then to brilliant Silver.

“You are one victory away from the finals, Peter,” she said. “And the rest of your prize might help…”

She turned to the dark mirror behind her, and made a gesture. A vortex appeared in the mirror, and she reached her hand into it. She pulled out a pair of cards.

“You are a true master of Archfiends,” she stated. “And I know just the two cards that would work well in your deck…”

“I get two?” exclaimed Peter.

“You need them both to make this incredible power work,” said Echidna, handing over two Monster Cards.

Peter looked at them.

One was an average Warrior with unremarkable stats named Warrior of Zera. He wasn’t much, not even an effect.

The other was a frightening Fiend, with the name…

“Mazera DeVille?” asked Peter.

“Let me explain,” said Echidna. “Warrior of Zera is a strange fighter, who has great potential, and is sought after by both Fairies and Fiends.

“To summon the powerful Mazera DeVille, one the mightiest of Fiends, you must have Pandemonium active, and Warrior of Zera on the field. If those conditions are met, you can special summon this mighty lord of Pandemonium.”

“Well,” said Peter. “Thanks. The description does look rather useful…”

“Now leave,” growled Echidna. “And remember, none of you are welcome in this place again.”

The door behind them opened, and the four friends started to leave.

Yugi hesitated.

“Echidna?” he said.

She turned to him. Her snakes started acting up.

“Now what?” she snarled, raising herself to her full height.

“I’ll have you know,” stated Yugi, “that I believe you Eliminators are nothing more than Centurions with a lot of makeup and cybernetic tools, and that your threats are just bluffs.”

Echidna’s snakes hissed menacingly.

“Well,” she hissed angrily, getting in his face. “believe whatever you want, Yugi, but…”

Yugi stepped back.

“But Echidna,” he said. “Even if I’m wrong, and you are some hideous monster, I’d like to tell you that you can use my father’s prized card better than anyone I know.”

He extended his hand.

“You have my respect for that.”

Echidna drew back. She didn’t expect that.

She raised her hand, and they shook.

“I’m going now,” sighed Yugi. “If I am wrong, please spare Terone his punishment – the poor kid has been through too much as it is.”

Echidna didn’t answer. Yugi followed his friends to the elevator.


* * * * * * * * * *


Ten minutes later, they were back out on the street.

“Whoo-ho!” yelled Clive. “I didn’t know if you could do it, but you did it!”

“Yeah,” sighed Peter. “After all that, what can I do for an encore?”

He pulled out the Marauder’s Map and looked at it. It was still leading the way to Echidna’s temple.

“Best get rid of this thing,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to encourage anyone else to go up there.”

He waved his hand over it and said, “Mischief managed.”

The parchment went blank.

He tossed it into a trash can, and they walked off.


* * * * * * * * * *


Five minutes later, Persephone came out of the shadows where she was hiding.

She took the parchment out of the trash and looked at it.

’Mischief managed’? she thought. Where have I heard that term before?

She looked at the paper.

Oh yeah, she thought. Those Harry Potter books… How did that phrase go?

She thought for a moment.

“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good,” she said.

The map sprung to life.

’To Echidna’, huh? she thought. This deserves further research…

But for now…

She folded it and put it into her satchel, and proceeded to follow Yugi and his friends.

[Shuppet Master]

An awesome chapter,if I say so myself. Your Eliminators are getting better and better. I liked how Yugi praised Echidna at the end for playing Dark Magician well,and how he begged her not to turn Terone to stone. (Of course,we all know that's not going to happen.)

And I have a feeling from seeing Echidna's prize and Persophene getting the map that she's going to get the Warrior of Zera's other counterpart in her deck soon. :D

[mr_pikachu]

Hm... I could've sworn that Yugi's used the Dark Magic Attack card! And how could he not have known about Curtain of the Dark Ones, since his father faced that same trick (and probably told him about it, too)?

Anyway, this was pretty good. Nice eliminator, and a good duel as well. Though I must say, I'm just waiting for one of the "Team Supreme" to lose... after all, wasn't this supposed to be harder on them? Hmm? ;)

I did notice that once or twice you used capitalization where you shouldn't have. (I believe there was one instance in particular where you capitalized Directly, even though attack earlier in the sentence was in lowercase. I think it went, "attack her life points Directly!" Or something like that. I also think that you should use some more complex winning moves, rather than just having one card win the duel (in this case, Monster Reborn). Yes, I know DMG was involved as well, but Peter only played one card himself. It'd be nice to see some really creative finishing moves, hopefully requiring several cards. I think I've said this before, actually. ;)

This was pretty good, though. Echidna was not quite the eliminator I would have expected, and I certainly thought she'd use a snake deck, given the chapter title. Way to pull a fast one, there. I'll be looking forward to the next chapter, where we'll get to see Clive take on a powerful opponent himself... :eek:

[Dark Sage]

Mr. Pikachu -

Yugi does know about Curtain of the Dark One - he used that card himself in the duel against Terone.

As for this being harder on the Team Supreme... wait until next chapter.

- Venusaur

[Oakbark]

Wow, that Eliminator battle was great, and Peter really got those Archfiends working! I love it when i guess things in advance, like him reviving Dark Magician Girl. It really helps me to feel good and enjoy the fic!

I hope Clive doesn't get too cocky after all these fantastic duels, but since he's the only one that hasn't met an Eliminator, i wonder if he'll find one at all? If a battle goes wrong it might dent his confidence, or worse still Eliminate him. I hope he sticks to the mainstream duelists...

It's strange, but i really like Persephone! She went from "stuck-up snobby girl" to "interesting duelist chick". Well she did for me anyways! I hope she doesn't lose to Peter's Eliminator Echidna, cos i wanna see her head to the finals! Besides, she's taken so many notes on Team Supreme, it'd be a shame if she couldn't put them to use. I really hope she becomes friendly with them later on when this Mandate business becomes more important. Gah, why am i siding with the enemy? Must...resist...liking...Persephone....

Damien.

[Dark Sage]

To Hack and Oakbark -

I never said Persephone would be dueling Echidna. That MIGHT happen. It all depends on an event I'll be having after a future chapter.

And that's all I say.

To Oakbark -

Whether Persephone will lighten up remains to be seen. However, she will be causing trouble for the heroes for the immediate future. I'll tell you right now, you might not like her as much later on.

And Clive WILL eventually meet an Eliminator. We have to be fair for everyone. What will he be like? Only time will tell...

- Venusaur

[ssj4supernerd]

When is the new one gonna come?With Terone back,things should probably gonna get cool.But then again,if he is at Black Status,well.... .Pershephone suckz,i don't really like her.
In the beginning,Amber said somthing like "you aren't gonna tell them?"
Has that already been said.I'm slow,i know ;)

Clive getting to an Eliminatar will be cool,i wonder if his Dark Scorpions could handle.

[Dark Sage]

Don't worry Supernerd, the new chapter is coming out NOW!

I promised Wednesday, and today is Wednesday.

So sit back and enjoy.

And stay around for the note afterwards.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

When my dad was a duelist, he was good, no question about it. But he had his faults, something he rarely admitted at the time.

He was rash, and often impulsive. He never backed down from a challenge, even when the odds were stacked way against him. It was as if he thought he wanted to prove something to someone – or himself.

Not that he usually suffered because of it. He beat Jade’s mom in their first confrontation, back when she was a stuck-up snob who cared little for anyone but herself. Only a day later he beat a regional champion named Rex – that was how he got his Red Eyes Black Dragon. And later he defeated the intercontinental champion Bandit Keith, a guy who practically made a living by winning Duel Monsters tournaments.

And that was just Duelist Kingdom. Still, being reckless was a large part of what defined him, and it’s a wonder he made it though all of the dangers that plagued him.

And seeing Clive right now, it’s as if I’m seeing my father’s old attitude reborn in him. I’d like to think that this won’t get him in trouble – but somehow, I think that this is a disaster waiting to happen.



CHAPTER NINETEEN



Witty Phantom



The clocks over Duelatopia read four o’clock.

“So,” smiled Clive. “Think we got time for another round of booty-kicking?”

“Hey, don’t get too excited,” cautioned Peter.

“What’s not to be excited about?” exclaimed Clive. “We’re all on a roll! I only wish I could find an Eliminator myself so I could whip his tail!”

“Clive, it is not wise to tempt fate!” warned Yugi.

“Yeah, well I’m itching to make this day complete, and my Dark Scorpions are ready to go!” announced Clive, out loud.

He turned to everyone in front of him.

“So who wants a piece of Clive Marris?”

Everyone turned to him, and then slowly turned away, somewhat intimidated.

“Come on!” he dared. “You guys have no backbone!”


* * * * * * * * * *


For ten minutes, Clive continued like this. Unfortunately, no-one seemed willing to take on someone with so much gusto. A lot of duelists seemed afraid of him.

“Uh,” muttered one boy he asked, “I think I’ve had enough for one day.”

He ran off.

“What’s the matter, are you chicken?” mocked Clive, calling after him. “Cluck, cluck, cluck, cluck!”

“Clive,” sighed Mary, “maybe you’re coming on too strong…”

“Yugi always said you have to be aggressive in dueling,” said Clive.

“Not so much that you scare everyone away,” warned Yugi. “A true duelist doesn’t issue a challenge recklessly, Clive. And you never know when you might be in over your head. A duelist who seems weak at first may hide a powerful strategy. Did I ever tell you about my father’s first encounter with a girl named Rebecca Hawkins?”

“Um, no…” said Clive.

Mary turned away for a second.

“Dad didn’t speak of her often, but he met Rebecca when she was only eight years old, an unlikely duelist. But who would have guessed that behind the pigtails and rosy cheeks of this child was a dueling prodigy who could easily lay waste to her opponents. She was, in fact, the national United States champion.

“The dueling world is full of deception and dangers, and one can never rush into a situation where he might be in over his head.”

“Come on, Yugi,” quipped Clive. “I can take care of myself. I’m not going to run into any of your father’s old sparring partners, anyway.”

“Granted,” agreed Yugi, “but…”

“Come on!” yelled Clive, out loud. “Won’t anyone on this crummy island accept my challenge?”

“I accept,” said a soft voice.

“Huh, who said that?” said Clive.

They turned to where the voice came from, a dark alley between two buildings. A single eye stared out at them.

“Come out of there, pal,” demanded Clive, somewhat annoyed.

“As you wish,” said the voice.

A tall figure strode out of the alley, and everyone gasped.

He was wearing black armor, similar to that worn by Warrior Dai Grepher, but that wasn’t what made him stand out. Over his head, he wore a metal mask/helmet combination, shaped like an egg. The left side of it was colored black, and the right side bronze. Only the bronze side had an eyehole. Where his mouth would be was a small grill.

He wore a Duel Disk that marked his status as Blue.

“A little early for Halloween, isn’t it?” frowned Clive. “Who are you?”

“You may call me The Phantom Duelist,” stated the man. “And I’ve been listening to your boasting, Clifford. You sound very tough and confident on the outside… But I have to wonder if your boasts and bolster are a reflection of your real dueling skills, or if they’re nothing more than an elaborate masquerade.”

“Masquerade?” sneered Clive. “Listen, chrome face, I can…”

“Clive!” warned Yugi, pulling him aside.

“Listen,” said Yugi. “I’ve heard of this guy. The Phantom Duelist always shows up at events like this – he’s supposed to be an eccentric genius or something who’s won tournaments in at least fifteen countries!

“You don’t have to go through with this…”

Clive looked at the Phantom.

“So Clifford,” dared the Phantom. “Am I looking at your real face? One of a true champion duelist? Or am I not the only one wearing a mask? We’re both at Blue, and I’m as eager to get to Violet as I’m sure you are.”

“I’ll show you my true face,” warned Clive. “And I’m sure not afraid of you and your fright mask! Get your deck ready, big guy!”

Yugi sighed.

I have a bad feeling about this, he thought.


* * * * * * * * * *


“So,” asked Clive, as he shuffled. “What’s the mask for, anyway? You hiding some sort of scar?”

“No,” replied The Phantom, “they’re just so comfortable, I have the feeling everyone will be wearing them someday. Maybe I can start a trendy fashion.”

“Yeah, right,” said Clive. “Well let’s get started. I’m gonna blow that ugly thing right off of you!

“Activate!”

The holo-imagers shot out of his Disk, and the Disk snapped into place.

The Phantom activated his Disk in the same way.

“Duel,” he said.

They both made their draws.

Here we go, thought Yugi.

“Why don’t you go first, big guy,” chuckled Clive. “Don’t want to beat you too bad.”

“Very well,” said the Phantom, making his first draw.

“I’ll start off by summoning Masked Sorcerer, in Defense Mode.”

He put the card down, and a wizard wearing a full-face iron mask and a staff appeared in front of him. He let out a spooky laugh. (900/1,400)

“Huh,” said Mary. “That’s… odd…”

Strange… thought Yugi. I have a suspicion I know what the theme of this guy’s deck might be… but I can’t warn Clive now…

“If you think I’m scared of Jason Vorhees, there,” stated Clive, “you’ve got nothing inside that metal shell but air!”

He drew and looked at his cards.

I don’t have anything that can beat that Sorcerer’s defense, he thought. But I have to summon someone…

“Don Zaloog, in Attack Mode!” he exclaimed.

He put the card down, and the leader of the Dark Scorpions flipped onto the field, casting a glance at Masked Sorcerer. (1,400/1,500).

“And it’s your turn,” said Clive.

The Phantom drew.

“I’ll put a card facedown,” he said, putting a card into a slot.

The card appeared behind Masked Sorcerer.

“And then, I’ll Tribute Masked Sorcerer for Illusionist Faceless Mage, in Defense Mode.”

He put the card down, and Masked Sorcerer vanished. A tall form rose up on the field. It was a faceless creature in colorful clothing, with the heads of a young girl and boy with sad looks resting on his shoulders. A weeping noise echoed from it. (1,200/2,200)

“And I’ll end my turn,” said the Phantom.

Clever, thought Clive. He’s set up a practical wall. I can’t bring it down right now, but I can add to my forces.

He drew.

Not bad.

“Getsu Fuhma, in Attack Mode!” exclaimed Clive.

He put his card down, and the lovely, redheaded Warrior wearing black armor and a red dress sprang up, brandishing her katana. (1,700/1,200)

“Your move,” stated Clive. “You want a piece of this?”

The Phantom drew.

“A clever choice for your deck, Clifford,” stated The Phantom. “Getsu Fuhma is quite beautiful. Mussing up her face would almost be a crime. But life isn’t always so pretty…”

He fit a card into a slot.

“Let’s see how she likes this accessory… Mask of the Accursed!”

A wave of energy flew towards Getsu Fuhma! She screamed, and it hit her in the face!

Before Clive knew it, an ugly iron mask had covered Getsu Fuhma’s face. She slumped over and her sword fell.

“What did you do to her?” demanded Clive.

“Made her completely worthless,” replied The Phantom. “And a liability to you. For as long as the Mask of the Accursed is in place, she can’t attack. And you’ll also take 500 points of damage to your Life Points during each of your Standby Phases.

“And furthermore,” continued The Phantom, pressing a button on his Disk. “From now on, this Continuous Trap will be in place…”

The card rose up, and a hideous purple tiki mask appeared on his side of the Field.

“Mask of Restrict,” he said.

“What does THAT do?” stammered Clive, getting nervous.

“For as long as it remains, neither player can summon anything via Tribute,” explained the Phantom. “Which will certainly put a cramp on your style.”

And it will make getting rid of Getsu Fuhma much harder! thought Yugi. I should have known…

The Phantom selected a card.

“Now, I’ll summon Melchid the Four-Face Beast in Attack Mode!” he shouted.

He set the card down, and a hideous Fiend that looked like a head with a mask on all four sides appeared, floating in mid-air. Its eight eyes glowed with feral light! (1,500/1,200)

“Attack, Four-Face Beast,” ordered the Phantom. “Attack Don Zaloog with four-faced gaze!”

Melchid spun around, shooting beams of energy out of the eyes of his four faces. Don Zaloog was vaporized. Clive’s Life Points fell to 7,900.

“And it’s your turn,” said the Phantom.

Clive drew.

Getsu Fuhma moaned. The effect of the Mask of the Accursed was already working. His Life Points dropped to 7,400.

Okay, I’m in trouble now, he thought. Without being able to Tribute, I can’t get rid of Getsu. Or bring out my big guns. But that doesn’t mean I can’t bring out anything strong…

“I summon Dark Blade, in Attack Mode!” he shouted, slapping a card down.

The Warrior in dark armor with twin swords appeared, and made a slashing motion. (1,800/1,500)

“Dark Blade,” he ordered, “destroy Melchid!”

Dark Blade rushed forward, and cleaved the Four-Face Beast in half. The two halves exploded in a burst of flame. The Phantom’s Life Points fell to 7,700.

The Phantom drew.

“You duel clever,” said The Phantom. “Even under adverse conditions. But I can be much cleverer.”

He picked out a card.

“I play the Magic Card Megamorph,” he exclaimed, “and I Equip it to your Dark Blade.”

A magical circle surrounded Dark Blade. He gasped.

“Since I’m slightly ahead in Life Points,” continued The Phantom, “it will reduce his Attack score to 900.”

“No!” said Clive, as Dark Blade’s Attack went down and his swords lowered.

“Now,” said The Phantom, “I’ll summon Masked Dragon in Attack Mode.”

He put the card down, and a huge dragon colored rust red and metallic silver, with metal wings and wearing a metal mask, appeared on the field. It let out a great howl. (1,400/1,100)

“Okay…” mumbled Peter. “Didn’t expect that…”

“I’d hate to see that Dragon’s face…” moaned Mary.

“Masked Dragon,” ordered The Phantom, “attack Dark Blade with blazing mist!”

The Dragon exhaled a cloud of burning vapor, and Dark Blade melted. Clive’s Life Points fell to 6,400.

“Clive is barely holding on!” gasped Peter.

“He can do it!” said Mary. “At least… I think he can…”

Clive drew. His Life Points dropped again, to 5,900.

Well, this is a start, he thought.. At least he’s as limited to weak Monsters as I am…

“First,” he started. “I’ll summon Marauding Captain, in Attack Mode.”

He set the card down, and the young soldier in weathered armor appeared. (1,200/400).

“And then,” continued Clive, “I’ll give him this Equip Card, Fusion Sword Murasame Blade!”

He put the card into the slot, and the Captain’s regular sword was replaced by a much larger one. His Attack score went up to 2,000.

“Marauding Captain,” yelled Clive, “slay his Dragon!”

The Captain ran forward and lopped off Masked Dragon’s head. Its body fell to the ground with a crash. The Phantom’s Life Points fell to 7,100.

“Yes!” cheered Peter.

“I may not be able to make any Tributes,” smiled Clive. “But you can’t either. And without making a Tribute, taking down my powered up Marauding Captain is going to be hard!”

The Phantom remained stone-faced. He drew.

“I play Graceful Charity,” he said.

He played the card, and the graceful angel appeared and flew into his deck.

He drew three cards. He glared at Peter as he made two discards.

“Just because I can’t make Tributes doesn’t mean I can’t summon powerful Monsters, Clifford. Watch and learn.”

Clive didn’t like that tone.

“First, I’ll summon Three-Headed Geedo in Attack Mode.”

He put the card down, and a reptilian, three-headed Fiend with three masks appeared. (1,200/1,400)

What’s he up to? thought Clive.

“And now,” said The Phantom. “A Magic Card to bring out something that will conquer all of your efforts.”

He thrust it forward.

“A Ritual Card!” gasped Clive in shock.

“Very perceptive,” said The Phantom. “The Mask of Restrict keeps me from making Tributes, but I can still offer Monsters as sacrifice for a Ritual.”

He placed it into the slot, and an altar consisting of fiendish, clawed brazier with a violet flame, surrounded by two violet torches appeared on the field.

“This Ritual,” he continued, “known as Curse of the Masked Beast, allows me to sacrifice Illusionist Faceless Mage and Three-Headed Geedo, to call forth a demon from the depths of Hades itself…”

The two Monsters mounted the torches, and the whole altar congealed into a violet flame.

“And as you can probably guess from the name of this Ritual, it allows me to summon, who else? The Masked Beast!”

Out of the flame stepped a frightening figure. It was centaur-like in shape, with a lower body with two legs on a thick, insect-like trunk, and the upper body of a muscular, fiendish man, wearing an eyeless mask covered with spikes and holding an ugly club. It roared in rage! (3,200/1,800)

“This Fiend was so hideously ugly,” laughed The Phantom, “that the lords of Pandemonium magically bonded an irremovable mask to his face, so no-one would have to look at him! Naturally, this made him mad with rage, and he takes it out on anyone he comes across!

“Now, my Masked Beast,” ordered The Phantom. “Destroy Marauding Captain!”

As Clive looked on in fear, The Masked Beast rushed forward and smashed Marauding Captain apart. Clive’s Life Points fell to 4,700.

“Your move, Clifford,” mocked The Phantom.

“Good lord!” gasped Peter. “Clive doesn’t have anything in his deck that can beat that thing even with a Tribute!”

Yugi held his chin.

Clive drew. His Life Points fell again, to 4,200.

Getsu Fuhma moaned.

“It isn’t your fault,” muttered Clive, looking at his cards.

Not going to give up, he thought. Maybe I can get rid of that abomination if I’m incredibly lucky…

“My move will consist of simply laying this card facedown,” he said, fitting the card into the slot.

The card appeared in front of him.

“Well,” said The Phantom. “I could attack Getsu Fuhma, but seeing as she’s doing so good a job doing you in, I’ll just draw, and pass.”

He did so.

Clive drew, and his Life Points again went down, to 3,700.

He looked at the card, and then at The Phantom.

“I first summon Mad Dog of Darkness, in Defense Mode,” he said.

He put the card down, and the feral Beast appeared, in a sitting position. It growled. (1,900/1,400)

“And now,” he continued. “I reveal my facedown card, Zero Gravity!”

The card lifted.

“That will shift Getsu Fuhma into Defense Mode, your Masked Beast into Defense Mode, and my Mad Dog into Attack Mode!”

The three Monsters all switched position.

“And since your Masked Beast’s Defense is lower than my Mad Dog’s Attack,” shouted Clive, “he’s easy prey. Mad Dog of Darkness, turn that Masked Beast into kibbles!”

Mad Dog of Darkness pounced, and clasped its jaws around The Masked Beast’s neck. A scream echoed across the field. The Masked Beast dropped his club and fell. Mad Dog of Darkness bit and clawed until the Fiend was still.

The Phantom’s eye widened.

“Humph,” he shrugged. “Easy come, easy go. Is that your move?”

“Almost,” replied Clive. “One more card facedown.”

He set it down.

The Phantom drew.

“I summon Malice Doll of Demise,” he said, placing a card down.

A cackling noise echoed over the field, and a wicked puppet appeared bearing a large axe. It grinned an evil grin. (1,600/1,700).

“And now, an accessory,” exclaimed The Phantom. “The Mask of Brutality!”

He fit a card into a slot, and a fiendish mask, not unlike the Mask of the Accursed, fit over the Doll’s face.

“This Equip Card will increase the Doll’s Attack score to 2,600, so long as I pay 1,000 Life Points per turn,” explained The Phantom. “But I can take care of that handicap…”

He fit his last card into a slot, and a Magic Card appeared, with the image of a rickety masked puppet.

“…with Masked Doll. This Continuous Magic Card absorbs the Life Point payment from one Magic or Trap card. Now Malice Doll of Demise, reduce that dog to roadkill!”

The axe-wielding puppet rushed forward, and sliced Mad Dog of Darkness in half. Clive’s Life Points fell to 3,000.

Nuts, nuts, nuts, nuts, NUTS!! thought Clive. I have less than half the Life Points he has! And they keep getting less! But I can make a comeback… I just know it!

He drew, and his Life Points fell to 2,500.

“I play Reinforcement of the Army!” he said, fitting a card into a slot.

“This lets me search my deck for one Warrior of Level Four or less!”

He leafed through his deck.

“Ah,” he smiled. “Cliff the Trap Remover!”

“Trap Remover?” said The Phantom.

Peter threw the card down, and Cliff sprung up, holding his dagger high. He crouched, ready to spring. (1,200/1,000)

“Now,” grinned Clive. “I’ll activate my facedown card… Dust Tornado!”

The card lifted, and a windstorm appeared over the field.

“It whirlwind will disarm your Doll of his Mask of Brutality!” said Clive, as the Mask on Malice Doll of Demise shattered. The Doll’s attack went back to 1,600.

“Fool,” said The Phantom. “You could have used it on Getsu Fuhma’s Mask of the Accursed or the Mask of Restrict.”

“I’ll take care of both soon,” said Clive. “Because I’m Equipping Cliff with the Dark Scorpion Shiv!”

He fit another card into a slot, and a long dagger appeared in Cliff’s hand.

“This dagger raises the Attack of any member of the Dark Scorpions by 700, bringing Cliff’s Attack to 1,900!”

A large, nasty knife appeared in Cliff’s hand, and his Attack went up.

“Go Cliff!” shouted Clive. “Chop up that Doll!”

Cliff the Trap Remover pounced, and sliced Malice Doll of Demise in half. The Phantom’s Life Points fell to 6,800.

“And since Cliff damaged your Life Points,” said Clive. “He destroys one of your Magic or Trap Cards, so say goodbye to your Mask of Restrict!”

The hideous tiki mask was smashed to teeny-tiny pieces.

“Your turn, ugly,” laughed Clive.

The Phantom’s eye narrowed. He drew.

“I summon Grand Tiki Elder, in Defense Mode,” he said, putting a card down.

A hideous witch doctor in a frightful mask wearing a purple robe appeared in Defense. (1,500/800)

“You’re getting desperate,” said Clive.

He drew. His Life Points fell to 2,000.

Yes! he thought. Now I can finally recover.

“Now to take control of this duel!” exclaimed Clive. “I Tribute Getsu Fuhma for Freed the Matchless General!”

The Mask of the Accursed shattered, and Getsu Fuhma raised her arms. She vanished…

And in her place, a mighty Warrior with battered armor and long, blonde hair arose. He clutched a huge sword, and struck a fearless pose. (2,300/1,700)

“Cliff the Trap Remover, destroy that Tiki!” shouted Clive.

Cliff ran forward, and stabbed Grand Tiki Elder in the gut. The Fiend exploded into a burst of pixels.

“Freed!” continued Clive. “Attack him directly! Sword of the battle scarred attack!”

Freed the Matchless General howled a war cry and closed in on The Phantom, smiting him with his sword and sending the masked man tumbling! The Phantom’s Life Points fell down to 4,500.

“Oof,” groaned The Phantom, getting up. He clutched a deep wound in his gut.

“YES!” cheered Peter. “Clive just might do it!”

“Go, Clive!” yelled Mary.

“Okay, Clifford,” said The Phantom. “You hurt me. A lot of duelists would be upset right now.”

He drew.

“But I never resort to anger.”

He looked at the card he drew.

“I place one card facedown,” said The Phantom, “And I summon Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer in Attack Mode.”

He put the cards down. First the facedown card appeared, and then a robed, bald monk clutching a string of prayer beads and wearing a mask over the left half of his face appeared. (1,800/700).

“And that’s all I can do,” said The Phantom.

Clive drew, and took a look at Kycoo.

His Attack is less that both of my Warriors, he thought. And yet he put him in Attack Mode. I smell a Trap. But on the other hand, the longer I stall an attack, the better the chance he has of using another nasty Mask… If he has another Mask of Brutality in his deck, Kycoo will be too strong for even Freed.

I have to take a risk.

“Freed, attack the Ghost Destroyer!” ordered Clive.

Freed rushed forward.

“You fell right into my Trap, Clifford,” laughed The Phantom, tapping a button on his Disk.

“What?” gasped Clive.

The Trap Card lifted.

“Activate Mask of Weakness!” said The Phantom.

Another Mask, looking somewhat like the Mask of Restrict, flew forward and latched onto Freed’s face!

“As its name implies, Mask of Weakness will reduce Freed’s Attack by 700 points,” he explained, “to 1,600, making him weaker than Kycoo.”

Freed’s Attack score fell.

“Now Kycoo, counter-attack with spell of banishment!”

The monk chanted a strange spell and shot forth a blast of green energy, eradicating Freed. Clive’s Life Points fell to 1,800.

“Seems like Freed the Matchless General has met his match,” chuckled the Phantom. “And there’s more. When the Ghost Destroyer inflicts damage to your Life Points, two cards of my choice are removed from your Graveyard. And I chose Freed and your Marauding Captain.”

The interior of Clive’s Dueling Disk whirred, transporting the two cards from the discard pile to the removal pile.

“Yeah?” snarled Clive. “Well my turn isn’t over yet! Cliff, attack Kycoo!”

Cliff the Trap remover pounced, striking down Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer. The Phantom’s Life Points went slightly down, to 4,400.

“And I think I’ll use Cliff’s other effect this time,” said Clive, “and make you discard the top two cards from your deck!”

The Phantom discarded the top two cards.

He sneered.

“I think you wanted those cards, chrome-face,” laughed Clive.

“My move now?” said the Phantom.

“Uh huh.”

The Phantom drew.

“I play the Pot of Greed,” he said.

He put the card in the slot, and the colorful pot appeared.

He made two draws.

He looked at them.

He gave Clive a long look.

“This has been quite a duel, Clifford,” he said, “but it’s coming to an end very soon.”

He stared at Clive again.

“First,” he said, “I’ll summon another Melchid the Four-Face Beast in Attack Mode.”

He put the card down, and the quadruple-faced Fiend appeared again. (1,500/1,200)

“Then,” he continued. “I’ll use Monster Reborn, to bring back Grand Tiki Elder, also in Attack Mode.”

He fit the card into the slot, and the fiendish witch doctor reappeared. (1,500/800)

I don’t like this, thought Yugi.

“And now,” said The Phantom, laying down his final card, “I’ll Tribute them both, to special summon the deadliest creature my deck can produce!”

The two Fiends cackled, and then vanished, and a huge, shadowy shape arose.

“Presenting,” laughed The Phantom, “the fierce predator of the Underworld known as… Masked Beast Des Gardius!!”

It was unreal. The Fiend in front of Clive was tall and muscular, with fur and savage claws. Bony protrusions sprouted from its joints and over its chest. From its head grew two thick blunt horns, hanging down, and on its face and each of the horns was a frightening blue mask.

The Beast howled in pure bloodlust! (3,300/2,500)

“What in the name of Duel Monsters is that?” gasped Mary.

“Offhand,” moaned Peter. “I’d say it’s trouble.”

“But I don’t think I’ll attack this round,” said The Phantom. “I’ll let you sweat it a little. End turn.”

The Beast growled.

Now why did he do that? thought Peter. He could have taken a big chunk out of my Life Points by attacking Cliff.

He only had one card in his hand – Dark Scorpion Meanae the Thorn.

She won’t do me much good, he thought. Whatever I draw next had best be something great…

He drew.

“Well Phantom,” he said. “This card worked for you… I play the Pot of Greed!”

He fit the card into the slot, and the Pot of Greed appeared.

He made two draws.

He looked at the cards.

Hmm, he thought. Maybe I can surprise him…

“I’ll shift Cliff the Trap Remover to Defense Mode,” he said, turning the card.

Cliff knelt in Defense.

“Then, I’ll summon his friend Meanae the Thorn, also in Defense Mode.”

The female member of the Dark Scorpions appeared beside Cliff, and also knelt. She gave Des Gardius a stern look. (1,000/1,800)

“And finally, two cards facedown,” he said.

He fit his last two cards into the slots, and they appeared behind Cliff and Meanae.

“Your move, metalhead,” smiled Clive.

The Phantom drew. He looked at the card.

“Well then,” said The Phantom. “Who to choose? I’m sure my Masked Beast would find both of them equally tasty…”

He paused. Des Gardius growled again.

“Des Gardius, attack Meanae the Thorn!” he shouted.

Masked Beast Des Gardius rushed forward.

“He’ll have to wait for now!” smiled Clive, hitting a button on his Disk.

“What? A Trap?” gasped The Phantom.

The Trap Card lifted. Meanae the Thorn produced a grappling hook and threw it upward. It latched to the roof of the building behind her, and she swung out of harm’s way.

“I just activated my Great Escape Trap Card!” laughed Clive. “It lets one member of the Dark Scorpions avoid attacks for one round. They’re world class thieves, Phantom; if they weren’t so good at escaping, they’d all have been hanged by now!”

Meanae lowered herself back on the field.

“Clever,” said The Phantom. “I’ll just lay this card facedown, and end my turn. But next round, my Beast will devour her.”

He set the card, and it appeared behind Des Gardius.

Clive pondered the situation.

My other Trap is Dark Scorpion Pilfer, he thought. I could use it to snag his Mask of the Accursed, and paralyze that monstrosity…

But if my next draw is something good, I might have a better idea…

He drew.

Unreal! he thought. I’ve got this duel in the bag!

“Okay, Phantom,” he laughed, “you’re going down!”

He hit another button on his Disk.

“First, I’ll activate my other Trap…”

It lifted.

“Dark Scorpion Pilfer! This will let one of my Dark Scorpions steal a Magic Card from your Graveyard. And I know just which one Meanae is going to take!”

A card appeared in Meanae’s hands. It was the Megamorph card.

The Phantom flinched a little.

The card materialized in Clive’s hand.

“Now,” continued Clive. “I’m going to Tribute both Cliff and Meanae to bring out the mightiest Warrior in my deck!”

He put the card down. Cliff and Meanae gave him a thumbs-up before they vanished.

A dark shadow appeared on the field, and Crescent Moon Queen stepped out in all her glory, brandishing her two sharp scimitars!

Her eyes opened, and cast a shining glow. (2,600/1,700)

“She’s a real beauty isn’t she, Phantom?” said Clive. “Six feet, seven inches of pure, Dark power! And now I can make her even stronger!”

The Phantom was silent.

“I’ll Equip Megamorph to Crescent Moon Queen,” said Clive. “Since I’m behind in Life Points, it will double her Attack score to 5,200!”

The Queen raised her swords, and she glowed. Her Attack score skyrocketed.

“Go, Clive, go!” cheered Mary.

“Face it Phantom,” mocked Clive. “You’re finished! Crescent Moon Queen can attack twice in one round! Once she destroys that abomination, she’ll finish you off!”

The Phantom didn’t say anything.

“Crescent Moon Queen,” laughed Clive, “attack Masked Beast Des Gardius with crescent sword slash!”

The Queen rushed forward and sliced Des Gardius in two! The Phantom’s Life Points fell to 2,500.

“Now, finish him!” yelled Clive.

Crescent Moon Queen rushed toward The Phantom…

He hit a button on his Disk, and a loud clanging sound like metal hitting metal rang above the field.

Everyone looked. The Queen’s blow had been halted by a large metal mask, hanging in the air in front of The Phantom.

“Almost,” sighed The Phantom. “Close, but not quite. I activated my Quickplay Magic Card, Mask of Impregnability. It protects me from direct attacks for one round.”

The Queen backed up.

“And as for me being the one who’s finished,” continued The Phantom, “I suggest you take a look at the spot where my Monster fell when yours struck him…”

“Huh?” said Clive, looking.

He drew back in surprise.

Masked Beast Des Gardius was gone, but his three masks were lying on the ground, wobbling.

“Des Gardius has a potent effect Clifford,” explained The Phantom. “When he’s slain in battle, his spirit wrecks a terrible vengeance upon his killer. His three masks combine into one powerful magical relic…”

The three masks merged into a horrible-looking mask that looked like skins stitched together and horns sprouting from it.

“…known as the Mask of the Bequeathed. And it bonds itself to the face of his slayer!”

Crescent Moon Queen screamed, as the horrid mask flew forward and latched to her face!

“And now that that’s done,” said The Phantom. “I can control her as if she was my own!”

Crescent Moon Queen leapt over to The Phantom’s side.

“Since you have no cards left in your hand,” said The Phantom. “I think you have to end your turn now.”

Clive started to sweat. He nodded.

“No…” gasped Mary.

The Phantom chuckled.

“Crescent Moon Queen…” he said.

The Queen raised her swords.

“Crescent Moon Queen, no!” pleaded Clive. “You don’t really want to hurt me!”

“Oh, but that’s the beauty of it, Clifford,” said the Phantom, evilly. “She really doesn’t want to hurt you. But the thing is, she can’t help herself!”

“ATTACK!” he shouted. “Destroy him!”

Crescent Moon Queen charged, and drove her blade deep into Clive’s chest! He screamed and fell over.

His Life Points fell to zero.

“No…” cried Peter. “He lost…”

The holo-imagers shut down, and the Queen vanished. The gem on The Phantom’s Disk changed to Violet, while Clive’s went down to Green.

The Phantom gestured, and his holo-imagers retracted. He walked up to Clive.

“We all wear many masks, Clifford,” he mocked. “I guess I truly uncovered what was behind yours…”

The Phantom Duelist walked off and vanished into the crowd.

From an alley, a figure who had been watching the whole time gave a slight smile.

“So,” said Persephone with a wicked smile, “there IS a weakness…”


* * * * * * * * * *


Half an hour later, Clive walked up to a vendor.

“Two bottles of Diet Coke,” he said.

Once he got them, he opened one and drank it in three gulps.

“Have you ever seen anything so pathetic?” groaned Mary.

“Yeah,” sighed Peter, “I’ve seen the way he eats when he’s depressed too.”

“Come on, Clive,” said Yugi. “It’s not the end of the world. Drowning your sorrows in soda isn’t going to solve anything.”

“I can’t believe I let that costumed clown beat me,” moaned Clive. “I made a fool out of myself. He actually struck me down with my favorite Monster.”

“Well don’t blame her…” mentioned Peter. “I mean, you could have used the Dark Scorpion Pilfer to steal the Mask of the Accursed, and then…”

Clive buried his head in his hands and gritted his teeth.

“Uh, Peter,” said Yugi. “Maybe pointing that out wasn’t the best idea.”

“Be thankful this isn’t Battle City,” said Mary to Clive. “If it were, you’d have had to give him the Crescent Moon Queen card.”

“That’s a big help,” moaned Clive. “How am I going to catch up now?”

“You still have five days,” assured Yugi.

“Yeah,” said Clive. “And everyone else I duel will probably be harder.”

Yugi sighed.

“Come on,” he sighed. “We’ve had enough for one day. Let’s just go back and eat at the hotel.”


* * * * * * * * * *


When they arrived at the hotel, the doorman stopped them at the door.

“I’ve been waiting for you four,” he smiled. “A pair of Centurions told me to give this to you.”

He handed Yugi and envelope.

“Centurions?” said Yugi, nervously. “What did they want? We aren’t in trouble, are we?”

“I don’t read other people’s mail,” laughed the doorman.

As Yugi and the others went in, he opened the envelope. He took out the letter and read:


Dear Yugi and company,

I hope you are having a good time in the tournament.

It is my pleasure to invite the four of you to a private dinner at my manor house in the center of Duelatopia. I wish to catch up on things for old time’s sake.

The instructions enclosed with this letter will help you get here. Be here at seven-thirty and dress nice.

Sincerely,

Siegfried


“Seven-thirty?” exclaimed Mary, looking at her watch. “We only have an hour!”

“Come on guys,” shouted Peter. “We can’t stand old Sieg up!”

They rushed to their hotel rooms and started sorting through their clothing. This busy and hectic day would hopefully end on a more pleasant note. After horrid monsters and violent magic, a nice dinner would be quite welcome.



MASKED DOLL (Magic Card)

Type: Magic/Continuous
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a rickety puppet wearing a mask. When this card is active, any one Magic or Trap Card on the field of your choice that requires a Life Point payment to use no longer requires the Life Point payment.



MASK OF IMPREGNABILITY (Magic Card)

Type: Magic/Quickplay
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of an iron mask with iron gauntlets covering the lower half. When you activate this card, you are protected from direct damage to your Life Points for the remainder of the turn.

Note: “Masked Doll” and “Mask of Impregnability” first appeared in the multi-part anime episode “Double Duel”. All creative credit goes to the writers of that episode.



MASKED BEAST DES GARDIUS (Monster Card)

Type: Fiend/Effect
Attribute: Dark
Level: 8
ATK: 3,300
DEF: 2,500

Card Description: Not even other Fiends are safe from this fierce predator of the Underworld. It is believed that the masks it wears represent the faces of those it has killed. This Monster cannot be normal summoned. This Monster can only be special summoned by Tributing two Monsters, at least one of which must be “Grand Tiki Elder” or “Melchid the Four-Face Beast.” When this Monster is destroyed by an opposing Monster, you can search your deck for a “Mask of the Bequeathed” Magic Card and use it on the same turn.



MASK OF THE BEQUEATHED (Magic Card)

Type: Magic/Equip
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a horrid, fiendish mask, seemingly made from sewn-together skins. When you draw this card, shuffle it back into your deck. You can only use this card when “Masked Beast Des Gardius” is destroyed in battle. Equip this card to an opposing Monster, and take control of it for as long as this card remains Equipped.

Note: “Masked Beast Des Gardius” and “Mask of the Bequeathed” are Japanese promo cards that have not yet been released in the United States. They first appeared (with slight rule changes) in the multi-part anime episode “Double Duel.”

[Dark Sage]

And finally, a note:

The next Trivia Contest will be held Saturday night (November 9th), Sometime between 6PM and 8PM (Eastern Standard Time). Get ready, for once again, you'll have your chance to contribute to the story!

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

That was a pretty tense chapter. Clive really would have won if he had known about Masked Beast's special ability. Poor guy. I sort of like him. :)

And I guess that the next chapter is a filler,no duels.

Well,I have a 1000-word essay to work on,so I'll see you later.

[mr_pikachu]

A nice dinner. Yeah. That'll happen. I've got a feeling this feast "to catch up on old times" will only bring more turmoil to our heroes...

And who would've thought the duel would turn out that way! These opponents certainly are skilled. Those were some clever tactics, albeit very reminiscent of a certain Battle City duel (I wonder why? :rolleyes: ).

You don't seem to be reusing quotes quite as often, which is a good thing. I liked this chapter personally; it added some realism to the plot. I mean, like they say, you can't win 'em all! Clive certainly learned that lesson in a very hard way. And he wants to challenge an Eliminator... he'd better toughen up before that match! Other than the lack of description, this was pretty darn good. Just get into more detail of the surroundings and other aspects of the duels, and it'll get even better! You're improving, but there's always more that can be done.

Well, I'll see you next chapter, and for the next contest! Until then! :wave:

[Hypotenuse Man]

I liked that duel, and it was nice to see someone lose for once. I can also see the effects of Teen Titans in your work. The Phantom Duelist wouldn't have been inspired by, say, Slade, now would he? Heh.

[Dark Sage]

There's been a slight change of plans.

Due to a commitment that came up, the Trivia Contest will appear tomorrow (Saturday) sometime after 8PM.

Don't miss it.

- Venusaur

[Oakbark]

NOTE: When i began this reply, it was a three-line "well done" reply. But i've mentioned some pointers below, i hope you will read through them from start to finish, especially the last paragraph.

Hey Venusaur, that was a great chapter. Well obviously Clive losing the duel wasn't brilliant, but the chapter itself was good.

Poor ol' Clive losing with his Scorpions - he really let his cockiness and invincible mind-set drag him down, and it made him do stupid things in his duel that cost him. Oh well, he's only gone down one level, and the odds are that he can climb back up to his original status and onto gold! He needs to do some serious thinking and strategising (is that a word?) first though, especially if he plans to face an Eliminator.

Persephone looks pleased, she seems to think she's found a weakness, although personally i'd be wary of Clive now because his hunger to reclaim his status will make him a tougher opponent than the others. We'll see soon i guess....what status is she on now btw?

Another competition? Although i cannot enter i'm curious to know the prize...it might give me a couple of clues as to what the future holds. Good luck to everyone!

Random thoughts: Is Amber going to play any important role in this fic? Is Yugi going to use the cards Amber gave him? Will Dane be re-appearing? What hidden secrets does Siegfried have? Who will be in the Finals? Will we see a Tristan Taylor Jr. appearing? Will any of the opposing duelists we've seen re-appear? Will all four of Team Supreme even make it to the finals? Can Clive recover his form? When will Persephone make her move? How's Jade progressing?
_________________________

Just a little negative-ish comment - i think you need to include a little more description and characterisation in your chapters (as has been said previous to me). It would be interesting to hear about the onlookers' reactions to moves played, the smaller details of Field cards like Pandemonium, and also the conversations between members of Team Supreme outside of the dueling field.
I would love a chapter where, for a change, Mary and Clive go for a soda and chat, or Yugi and Peter do likewise, as opposed to the Yugi/Mary, Clive/Peter couplings we've come to know.

Your writing is kinda based around the duels. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, cos this is a fic about Duel Monsters after all, but readers have come to expect a duel in every chapter. The usual setup is that Team Supreme talk/chat, a duel commences, and afterwards they chat again before the end of the chapter. Your fic is a little predictable in that sense. Even you tell us when a non-duel chapter is coming up. We shouldn't need to be told something like that. Every chapter is important, and personally i would very much welcome more "non-duel" chapters.

This might sound harsh, but your characterisation is lacking somewhat. It's okay, but it's not fantastic. Yugi's the sensible one, he comments on bad moves made by Team Supreme and never gives up hope. Mary is very like Joey, with a little bit of Yugi's attitude mixed in. Clive and Peter are like the "best-friends forever" couple that finish each other's sentences, and are closer than brothers. Their characters are a little cardboard-ish.

Let me explain - it's like you've made a picture (the characters), but you haven't coloured them in (characterisation). Yugi planted a kiss on Mary some time back. Where did that come from? We saw no build-up to this event, no flirtatious chemistry in earlier chapters, no close contacts. It just happened. It would have been nice if we saw Mary confiding in Clive/Peter that she was jealous of Yugi's bath thing with Jade. It would have been interesting if we zoomed in on Mary's inner thoughts as Yugi left to visit Jade. We never got this detail, only a general outlook on things, with the main focus being on the vision in the bath thingie.
Secondly, Team Supreme are way too happy-go-lucky. Why don't we see the rough and disgruntled Clive at 7am in the morning, growling at Peter to get lost when he tries to wake him up? Why don't they have disagreements, like for instance maybe Clive could fall out with Peter when he tries to console him over his dueling defeat, or perhaps isolate himself from the others? Why don't we see Mary's jealousy when Yugi talks to Jade, or checks out another girl?

I would love to see more chapters focusing on the characters themselves, in conjunction with the Mandate storyline and the Dueltopia storyline. The purpose of a fic is to create a memorable story and memorable characters, and both contribute to the other. The reason i like Persephone so much is because you've given her a unique and interesting character - she is very well characterised - well done there.
You've got to put yourself in the character's shoes, and maybe write out a list of each character's traits and likes/dislikes. Expand, develop, create. Writing is something that we have a talent for, but no matter how much we try there's always room for improvement. You can use your ability to turn this third part of the trilogy into something big, something wonderful. Make full use of your brilliant writing potential Venusaur.
Don't rush chapters, but take longer to write them. Look over it when you're finished, check if you can add more detail where it's needed, or take it out where there is too much. Read it to yourself and ask "Now what would _____ say if he was in this situation?" and so on.

Finally, these comments were tough and probably a little OTT. You are a brilliant writer, but these are some areas that could use some improvement. By digging in deep with the above comments i'm hoping that i'll help you expand and improve. You might take a couple of pointers from it. You might take none. But please read it through before you scroll downwards. I admit the above is harsh, and way too much, but i felt if i replied saying "improve the characterisation" it wouldn't register. Well, just read it and see. In all honesty it is constructive criticism, something everyone could take a look at and benefit from, including me. I hope you or anyone else will not hate me for it.

Damien.

[Dark Sage]

Your points are valid, Damien.

I am working on character development, and there will be a LOT of it in the next chapter. I'm trying not to make the characters "happy-go-lucky", and once they realize what is truly happening and that there is more risk involved, they might get more serious.

I have to have duels in most chapters - that is to be expected. This is, after all, a Yu-Gi-Oh fic. But I will work on more character development, both in duels and without.

As for your questions...

Amber will have a vital role in a later chapter.

Yes, Yugi will use those cards, but not until an important duel.

Dane will reappear near the end, and maybe sooner.

What secrets is Siegfried hiding? Not telling!

You'll find out who will be in the finals when they begin.

If you've been reading Hack/Bellossom's fanfic, which is a spin-off of mine, you already know part of what happened to Tristan. His fate will be revealed next chapter.

Will any of the opposing duelists reappear? A few of them, at least in cameos.

Clive will recover - how, I'm not saying.

You'll see how Jade is progressing next chapter. You'll see how Persephone is progressing in Chapter 22.

Persephone will "make her move" as you say in Chapter 28.

That answer everything? Likely not, but it's a start.

[Shuppet Master]

If I may,Venusaur...

Oakbark,I was told the whole story(because my story will be connected to it in a way, especially after the tournament,when my characters will be meeting Venusaur's characters),but I've been sworn to secrecy. However,I can give you some hints:

First off,there will be NO Tristan Jr.;I'm sure Venusaur's next chapter will show you why not. However,there are those who carry Tristan's legacy,but you won't see them in this story. Once I get my groove back,I'll post up Chapter 8 and get back to chronicling the adventures of my own characters,and then you'll see who is carrying Tristan's legacy. (Not that he was a great duelist - in the only duel he had been in,he lost badly. He's more of a side character who doesn't duel,just acts like the usual spectator alongside Tea. :lol:)

Second,Amber will duel once in this story. When,I won't say. ;)

Third,if a rabid fangirl took a time machine into the future and read Venusaur's story henchforth,she would probably call Persephone OMG!THE (censored)!!!1111!!!111 :laugh: Trust me,you'll KNOW when old 'Sephy starts her terrible scheme.

Finally,make sure you remember the card that Clive and Peter tore in two to remember each other by. It will be important much later. :D

[Loupeitak]

DUM DUM DUM!!!!!

Yep its me!!!! Sorry i haven't been here for a while. I usually got online secretly and copy/pasted everything to Word and read the chapters there. Now i can finally post.

I must say the last few chapters have been marvelous... except this one. I felt this chapter was missing something. I dunno what. The duel seemed extremely small (comparing to your other duels) and well... the part i liked the most was when the Crescent Moon Queen came on to the field. Maybe its coz there weren't many tributes due to that traps effect and i didn't see many big guns... i dunno X)

Clive, Clive, Clive... tsk tsk... You should have gone with the paralyzing card (damn... why cant i remember the card names). Then you could just build up defenses or something. If he tributed that card the max he could do is 2500 of attack (Summoned Skull or Cyber-Tech Alligator for example).

Wait a sec... why am i talking to an anime character ?

Bleh never mind me. Hope to see more of your chappies

[Oakbark]

Sorry for all those questions, i was just writing my thoughts as i replied, i guess i went a little too far and overlooked Hack's explanation of Tristian's legacy and whatnot.

Thanks for all that. Later.

[Dark Sage]

Rivalry Weaponry Trivia Contest


Hello fanfiction fans, and welcome to the fourth Trivia Contest.

And by the way, there will now be a total of six!

First, the rules:

Again, I will list five questions. You only need to get four out of five right. First with four right, first wins! If you don’t get four right, I will let you try again, and I’ll tell you which are wrong.

The winners of the three previous contests are ineligible.

PM me with the answers. Please do not clutter up the boards. I mean that.

So now to the fun. Since this contest deals with a rival, the questions will center on Yugi Sr.’s greatest rival, the unsinkable Seto Kaiba. Some of these questions are very tricky, so be careful.

And here they are:


1. In “Heart of the Cards,” the first anime episode, what Monster did Kaiba summon for his opening move?


2. What was the first Fusion Monster that Kaiba was seen summoning?


3. In the “Legendary Heroes” three-parter, what is the only Monster Kaiba summoned that wasn’t a Dragon?


4. When Kaiba first summoned Obelisk the Tormentor, who was his opponent? (Hint: it happened slightly before Battle City.)


5. What two weapons did Kaiba use to rescue Tea from the Rare Hunter in “Friends ‘Til The End (Part Four)”?



The Prize:

Persephone has been lurking in the shadows for some time, but she will strike eventually. Why not now? Maybe she doesn’t think her deck is quite complete. And when she chooses her victim, the winner of this contest will be aiding her!

The winner will get to design not one, but three cards for Persephone’s Fairy deck! One Monster Card, one Magic Card, and one Trap Card. They don’t have to be exceptionally powerful, just ones that would fit in with a Fairy deck.

Persephone will be using these cards several times during the course of the story, starting in Chapter Twenty-Eight.

So think hard, answer the questions, and make them good ones!

[Dark Sage]

No more responses please... we have ourselves a winnuh!

Sorry, but this guy worked fast!

Oh, the answers...

1. In “Heart of the Cards,” the first anime episode, what Monster did Kaiba summon for his opening move?

Hitosu-Me Giant (a weak Monster, but notorious for being the first Monster to ever appear on the anime.)


2. What was the first Fusion Monster that Kaiba was seen summoning?

Rabid Horseman, which he used against Joey.


3. In the “Legendary Heroes” three-parter, what is the only Monster Kaiba summoned that wasn’t a Dragon?

Trap Master, which he used to free his Dragon from the Dragon Capture Jar.


4. When Kaiba first summoned Obelisk the Tormentor, who was his opponent?

A computer designed to test his dueling skills (which, by the way, was using his deck.)


5. What two weapons did Kaiba use to rescue Tea from the Rare Hunter in “Friends ‘Til The End (Part Four)”?

A remote-control helicopter (which snagged the crane) and his Blue-Eyes White Dragon card (which he used to disarm the Hunter).

(And incidentally, did you ever wonder how he managed to throw the card like that? Try throwing a playing card the way he did, and you'll realize it isn't easy...)

Anyway, congrats to the winner, and you'll see his work in Chapter 28. Until the next trivia contest...

- Venusaur

[FusionSonicX]

Wow, that was fast. The next xhapter kinda reminds me of a Shaman King episode when Yoh and the gang went to Lee's mansion and fought his Unlce. However, they weren't invited. But, I bet this will reveal some of the storylines.

[Shuppet Master]

You're darn right that was fast. :lol:

Anyways...

but notorious for being the first Monster to ever appear on the anime.)

The dubbed anime. In the first season of the ORIGINAL anime,they played a few Duel Monsters matches, and Kaiba got his Blue Eyes White Dragons blasted by Exodia then and had green hair, almost looking like an older Noah! :D Stupid 4-Kids didn't want to start with that season because it had nothing to do with Duel Monsters(and some of the Shadow Games Yami inflicted on his victims were brutal - oh yeah,Yami was more evil back then and that probably set off censor alerts. :evil: )

EDIT: Forgot to add that it was the Japanese original Yu-Gi-Oh that was the first season that I talked about.

[Dark Sage]

Don't worry everyone, there are still two Trivia Contests to go.

For now, you'll have to settle for a new chapter. I don't know whether to call this a filler or not, because it does contain vital info. Just enjoy, and read.

- Venusaur

[Dark Sage]

Let me make one thing very clear. I respect Siegfried and count him as a friend. After all, he helped save my life when I was dueling Anastasia on her horrible Pain-Splitter; he aided me against Remi in the City of Souls; he even gave me one of the most powerful cards in my deck.

But as much as I hate to admit it, there’s a small part of me who doesn’t trust him completely. I don’t know exactly why.

Maybe it’s the obvious fact that I’m a Mouto and he’s a Kaiba. His uncle and my father were fierce rivals who never had more than a temporary truce at the best of times. That may not be the case with me and Siegfried, but he still has his uncle’s Blue-Eyes White Dragons in his deck. My favorite card is Dark Magician, and according to legend, those two creatures were mortal enemies.

That all wouldn’t mean much, but due to what I’ve learned in the last twelve hours, that tiny part of me that doesn’t trust him is beginning to grow…

For the first time in my life, I hope that my suspicions are wrong...



CHAPTER TWENTY



Dark Assailant



Half an hour later, Yugi and his four companions had put on the best clothes they had brought, slapped on cologne (or perfume), and headed out, following the instructions. Fifteen minutes into the heart of Duelatopia, they started to hustle.

“Man, we’re going to be late!” gasped Peter. “Siegfried should have sent the invitations this morning!”

“Even if he did,” panted Mary. “We wouldn’t have… AAAAHHH!!”

An enormous Berserk Dragon appeared in front of her.

“Hey, watch where you’re going!” shouted a duelist.

“Sorry,” said Mary, feeling embarrassed.

They left the duel behind, as a scream from the Monster’s victim echoed through the twilight.

“Let’s see,” said Yugi, looking at the map. “According to this…”

Just then, a vehicle pulled up. It looked like an airport passenger trolley with armor. A Centurion was at the wheel.

“There you are,” he said. “The Master thought you four might get lost. Need a lift?”

“Please,” replied Mary.

They got on the trolley, and the Centurion started it up.

“So is he watching our every move we make?” asked Clive.

“Just between you and me,” replied the Centurion, “the Master of Games has taken great interest in the four of you. You and Jade Valentine. I don’t know why myself. But then, rumors about him are widespread.”

“Rumors?” asked Mary.

“Everything from the mild to the bizarre,” said the Centurion. “Like the one stating that he’s a descendent of some Roman emperor – that’s the mild – to the one stating that he’s a bastard son of Maximillion Pegasus himself – that’s the bizarre. No one ever even sees him without that armor. If it’s anything like this armor…”

He hit himself in the chest.

“He must not be too comfortable.

“I’m really surprised you were invited by Mr. Kaiba himself. That guy almost never shows himself around Duelatopia. All we ever get from him is the occasional e-mail or phone message. Only the most elite Centurions – which doesn’t include me – are allowed to see him personally.”

He drove up to a large manor house. The friends looked in awe. This place was even grander than Siegfried’s house in Domino.

“Just go over to the front door and ring the bell,” said the Centurion. “Me, I have to get back to my rounds.”

“Thanks,” said Yugi, as they got off.

They walked up to the front door. This was certainly Siegfried’s manor. The door handle was silver, and shaped like a Blue-Eyes.

Yugi took hold of the rope, and pulled it down. A bell rang.

They waited a few minutes.

An old man answered the door. Yugi and his friends looked in slight surprise.

“Graves?” smiled Yugi.

“Oh, hello Yugi,” he replied.

Yugi and the rest knew Graves well. He was Siegfried’s butler back in Domino for as long as Yugi had known him.

“Working here now, huh Graves?” smiled Mary.

“Well, the change of pace is nice,” said Graves. “And the tropical air does wonders for my…”

“Graves!” shouted a strong voice. “Will you let them in at least?”

They turned. The voice belonged to another Centurion, one who stood almost six-foot-eight. He wore a purple sash over his armor.

He lifted his helmet off to reveal a powerful face with a short, black beard.

“Hello Mr. Mouto,” said the Centurion. “I’m Captain Descartes, head of the Centurions. I’m glad we finally got a chance to meet.”

“I suppose you’re the Master’s right-hand man?” asked Yugi.

Descartes chuckled. “You don’t have to keep the charade here, Yugi. People in my position know of Mr. Kaiba’s dual identity, and I know you know it.

“Do come to the study. The other two guests are waiting while Mr. Kaiba readies things.”

“Other two?” asked Clive, as they followed him.

“He didn’t tell you?” asked Descartes.

They followed him into a lush study, where two people were waiting. It was Jade and Amber.

Jade had traded in her armor for a beautiful green kimono, and had styled her hair. Amber was wearing a more Western-style dress, but was no less as lovely.

“Jade, you’re…” gasped Yugi, “…beautiful!”

“Thank you Yugi,” smiled Jade.

Mary grimaced.

She’s glamorous, she’s smart, she’s powerful, and Yugi is bathing with her, she thought, feeling sarcastic. What’s to worry about?

She sighed.

Oh, come on Mary, Jade isn’t going to steal Yugi away from you…

She paused.

Is she?

“Can I get you anything to drink?” asked Graves.

After placing orders, the six of them started to talking.

“So, how is the tournament going for you all?” asked Jade.

Clive hung his head.

“He… just had a sort of embarrassing loss,” exclaimed Mary.

“I’m at Green,” sighed Clive. “They’re all at Silver.”

“Uh, Clive,” said Yugi. “I’m only Violet.”

“I am only Violet as well,” assured Jade.

“I’m still behind everyone,” sighed Clive. “And I don’t know if I’ll ever catch up. I made the dumbest mistake in that duel – I went for raw power instead of clever strategy.”

“That was a foolish mistake,” agreed Jade.

“Jade!” exclaimed Mary.

“Let her finish,” said Yugi.

“Clive, often strategy is better than strength,” continued Jade. “Do you often read of Greek mythology?”

“Sometimes,” responded Clive.

“Then perhaps you know that the Greeks worshipped not one, but two gods who held dominion over warfare. One was the brutal god Ares, while another was the wise goddess Athena.

“Ares was a bloodthirsty warlord who relished violence for its own sake. When he heard the call of battle, he grinned with glee and eagerly joined in, not caring which side won or lost, only that much blood was shed. Strategy and planning meant little to him – his only strategy was to scream and charge, swinging his sword like a madman.

“But his half-sister Athena, the goddess of wisdom, was far cleverer. She carefully assessed every detail of every battle before making a move, never charging in recklessly. Clever generals prayed to her to give them insight before conflicts.

“The two siblings were bitter rivals who hated each other. Ares always thought that his superior strength could overpower his sister. But Athena always saw the flaws in her foolish brother’s attacks, and could easily best those with no strategy. Whenever the two fought, Ares suffered a humiliating defeat.

“Brawn is not enough to win a battle. Brains are also needed. And Clive, you should know that firsthand. The Dark Scorpions are not the most powerful Monsters around.”

At that point, Graves came in.

“Folks, Mr. Kaiba is waiting,” he said. “The dining room is on the top floor.”

They got up and followed him out.

Top floor? thought Yugi. Why on earth did he put a dining room on the top floor? I’ve never heard of something like that before.

They started to ascend the steps, and as they approached the last flight, they saw Siegfried at the top, wearing his expensive suit.

“Hello everyone,” he smiled. “So nice of you to come. Hope my directions weren’t too hard.”

“Actually…” started Peter.

Clive poked him in the ribs.

“Well folks, we have a lot to discuss,” grinned Siegfried, going to a pair of double doors. “Hope you like Italian.”

He opened the door, and they entered the most lavish dining room they had ever seen – as well as one of the strangest. The table was a modest affair, but the carpet was a thick, white shag rug. The walls were painted blue, and there was a marble column on each end, each topped with an angelic statue.

Most remarkable was the ceiling, which was one big skylight. The sunset was clearly visible from where they were.

“Nice room,” commented Mary.


* * * * * * * * * *


Soup and salad was spent mainly discussing the past – Duelist Labyrinth and the City of Souls. Reminiscing was a good change of pace. While they waited for the main course, Siegfried started to discuss the Duelatopia Tournament thus far.

“I got word from Echidna, Peter,” he complimented. “She told me she has never seen a better opponent.”

“Well,” smiled Peter. “I’d be thankful… if she wasn’t a huge snake…”

“All of you are doing pretty well…” commented Siegfried.

“Almost all of us…” sighed Clive.

“Cheer up Clive,” assured Siegfried. “Everyone loses once in a while. You had no way of knowing that Des Gardius had that ability. Look on the bright side – now that you know of Des Gardius’s special power, you can avoid making the same mistake if you ever face the same Monster again.”

“He has a good point, Clive,” said Jade. “You cannot undo your mistakes, but you can always learn from them.”

Clive changed the subject.

“Have you been watching all of our duels?” he asked Siegfried.

“A few of them,” answered Siegfried. “I’m especially interested in Yugi and Mary’s duels.”

At that moment, Graves entered with plates full of fettuccini Alfredo.

“When I was a child, Uncle Seto showed me tapes of your fathers’ duels in Battle City,” continued Siegfried. “They were quite impressive. Seeing you two use such similar decks… it’s like a blast from the past.”

“We try our hardest,” shrugged Mary.

“There is one thing I’ve always wondered about,” mentioned Siegfried. “The two of them always used to pal around with someone else… my father mentioned him once or twice. What was his name, Tristan Taylor?”

Yugi and Mary looked at each other.

“What ever happened to the man, anyway?” asked Siegfried.

Mary slowly took a bite of pasta and chewed. Yugi sighed.

“Why don’t you tell him, Mary,” sighed Yugi. “You’re always better at this than I am.”

“It’s a sad story, really,” started Mary. “But Tristan isn’t with us anymore. His life was cut short… but he owed a lot of people theirs.”

Siegfried’s friendly expression turned to a more serious one.

“A strange guy, that Tristan,” continued Mary. “He wasn’t much of a duelist, but he did have a favorite card – Cyber Commander.”

“Cyber Commander?” said Siegfried, somewhat puzzled. “That Monster is weak. Only 750 Attack points, and no effect. You can’t even use Machine Duplication with it…”

“It wasn’t the power of the card that impressed him, Siegfried,” explained Mary. “It was the image. Tristan considered himself a fighter all his life, and Cyber Commander was the image of all he wanted to be – a stern-faced, muscular soldier who just radiated an aura of guts and courage.

“As you might expect, Tristan enlisted in the army early. Most folks don’t like being in the military, but Tristan loved it. Military service was the perfect career for him, so he decided to make it his permanent career. He went far as a soldier, but he never wanted to go beyond that. His superiors offered him the chance for officer training several times, but he always turned them down. He’d never have been happy as an officer. He was a soldier at heart.

“Fifteen years ago, the War broke out. Tristan was willing to do his duty and serve in the conflict, and was put in a unit with several other soldiers he was familiar with. He grew close to his CO, a battle-scarred leatherneck named Captain York. Even though he was a Captain, everyone called him by the nickname “Sergeant York,” after the legendary hero of World War I. He deserved that nickname. Captain York was a guy who would just never give up, no matter what the odds. One story said that once he was disarmed when surrounded by enemy soldiers, but finished them off with his fists.

“But back to Tristan. He and his troops were on the edge of enemy territory one day as the sun started to set, and were about to leave, when the unthinkable happened – camouflaged guerrillas ambushed them! They had no choice but to flee for safety…”

And at that point, Mary entered a flashback…


==+==


“Private!” shouted the Lieutenant. “Ow, dammit, my leg… What’s our status?”

“We’re all pretty hurt sir,” responded the soldier. “But the medic helicopters are on their way. They’ll be here in about a half-hour…”

“Is everyone accounted for?” asked the Lieutenant.

The soldier looked down.

“No,” he sighed. “About nine of us are still back there… and I think York is one of them.”

The Lieutenant clenched his fists. “Damn those monsters to hell…” he cursed.

At that point, the one soldier who wasn’t wounded stood up. He put a fresh clip in his rifle.

“Not on my watch!” shouted Tristan.

“Sergeant Taylor!” snapped the Lieutenant. “You can’t go back there!”

“Watch me,” said Tristan.

“Sergeant!” yelled the Lieutenant. “You stay here where it’s safe! That’s an order!”

Tristan looked at him coldly.

“Court martial me if you want,” he snarled. “But I’m not going to leave them behind!”

He started to leave.

“Tristan, please…” begged the Lieutenant.

This was big. York’s second-in-command almost never used first names.

“There’s nothing you can do, and going back there would be suicide. Please, it isn’t worth getting yourself killed…”

“You can’t stop me,” said Tristan.

“No,” sighed the Lieutenant. “I suppose I can’t.”

“Then wait up for me!” yelled Tristan, running back where they had come.


==+==


“Tristan plunged into enemy territory,” continued Mary, “and it didn’t take him long to find two of his wounded comrades. He was able to drag them back to safety with little effort. But two wasn’t enough. He was determined to get them all out. He went back a second time, and when he had recovered another pair, he went back a third.

“His fourth trip was almost his last. He ran into a group of enemy guerillas who attacked him. But this was a guy who had once fought off a gang of Rare Hunters – at least that’s what my aunt told me once – and had faced numerous horrors before even joining the service. They didn’t stand the chance.

“He recovered the two soldiers, and then went to look for York. He would have a hard time, because York had hidden himself, determined to fight off any enemies that found him until he was dead. But Tristan knew how to find him…”


==+==


“Captain?” whispered Tristan. “Are you in there?”

“Taylor?” exclaimed York. “How’d you find me?”

“How do you think?” chuckled Tristan. “That cheap aftershave you always wear. How hurt are you?”

“I think my leg is broken…”

“Come on…” said Tristan.

He hoisted the man onto his shoulders.

“Sheesh,” groaned Tristan. “You’d think being out here you’d have lost a few pounds!”

“Tristan,” said York. “They’ll be after us in a few minutes! I’ll just weigh you down…”

“Let me ask you something, York,” asked Tristan, as he started forward. “If the roles were reversed and I were the one who was wounded, would you leave me behind if there was a chance?”

There was a long silence.

“No,” said York. “I guess not.”

“Fine,” urged Tristan. “So hang on.”


==+==


“It all seemed to go as planned,” sighed Mary. “But while they were in the home stretch, it happened. A lone sniper, perched on a tree, shot at them, hitting Tristan in the chest!

“Through his pain, Tristan aimed his rifle and fired five rounds. The sniper fell.

“Even with a bullet in his lung and an artery ruptured, Tristan refused to give up…”


==+==


“Tristan please,” pleaded York, as they staggered forward. “Your only chance is to leave me behind… you’ll never make it…”

Tristan coughed and held on. He dropped his rifle.

“York,” gasped Tristan. “Let me tell you something…

“A friend of mine taught me that one of the key points to a team, whether that team is your unit or just a peer group, is loyalty…

“And as far as I’m concerned, anyone who leaves a comrade behind while he seeks his own safety doesn’t deserve to live!”


==+==


“Through his pain, Tristan staggered on,” continued Mary. “With his final ounce of strength, he reached the rest of his unit… and collapsed. The medical helicopters arrived minutes afterwards…

“But it was too late to save Tristan. He had saved the nine comrades who couldn’t make the way back on their own. The grand irony of it was, to do so, he had become the sole fatality of that ambush…”

For a few minutes, no one at the table could say a word.

“So sad…” cried Amber.

“Tristan died a heroic death, Mary,” said Jade. “He truly had the spirit of bushido inside him.”

“The War was a terrible conflict,” cried Mary. “My aunt Serenity’s husband died in it as well. Let me ask you a question, Siegfried, what do you think is worse, war, or Hell?”

“I’d assume Hell,” muttered Siegfried, even though he knew Mary was going to find a way to prove him wrong.

“Oh?” said Yugi, speaking for the first time. “Who goes to Hell?”

“Um, sinners, I believe,” answered Siegfried.

“Exactly,” answered Yugi. “There are no innocents in Hell. But war is full of them. War preys on innocents, making them suffer, and causing them pain.”

Yugi is right, thought Siegfried. And that’s exactly why my plans can’t fail… they can’t!

“Come on folks,” he said aloud. “Don’t let the food get cold…”

“Oh course,” said Yugi. “So anyway, Sieg, how’s your uncle doing?”

Sieg gave a surprised look. Then he started to choke on the bite he just took.

“Sieg?” said Yugi, startled. “You okay?”

“Uh, yeah,” croaked Siegfried. “Went down the wrong tube there for a minute…”

He took a long drink.

“So, how is old Seto?” smiled Yugi.

“Um, Uncle Seto is…” stammered Siegfried. “…he’s taking an extended vacation… Traveling the world… doing what retired billionaires normally do… I haven’t seen him for a while…”

“Really?” asked Yugi.

He was a little suspicious of how Siegfried said that.

“Yeah, he’s likely on some tropical beach right now, full of pretty hula girls in skimpy outfits and fancy cocktails,” smiled Siegfried. “He’s had enough of being in the limelight. So anyway, who’s up for dessert?”


* * * * * * * * * *


Coffee and German black forest cake later, Yugi and his friends said goodbye to Siegfried. Graves saw them to the door, and they passed Captain Descartes on their way out.

“Captain,” asked Yugi. “Mr. Kaiba’s uncle didn’t get into any trouble, did he?”

“Beats me,” replied the Centurion. “Mr. Kaiba never talks about his family. He said such talk was off-limits.”

“I see,” sighed Yugi. “Well, hopefully we’ll meet again.”

They parted with Jade and Amber at the start of the hotel strip.

“Why do I have the feeling that Siegfried wasn’t telling the truth about his uncle?” pondered Mary.

“I had the same feeling,” said Yugi. “He’s hiding something.”

They walked for a moment in silence.

“There’s an internet café down the street,” suggested Peter. “It opens at six AM. We could look him up then.”

“That’s a good idea,” said Yugi. “But I think we all need some sleep.”


* * * * * * * * * *


Eight hours later, the sun rose upon Duelatopia. It was Day Six.

Yugi and his three friends strapped on their Disks and pocketed their decks, but dueling was going to have to wait.

At six, they walked down in the morning light to the internet café in the center of the hotel strip. Not many people were there, but an attendant already had fresh breakfast pastries and beverages out for customers – and even a rack of booster packs for sale. At each table was a PC.

“Clive, why don’t you get us some orange juice and bagels while I log on,” asked Yugi.

Yugi sat down at the computer while Mary and Peter sat with him. He pointed the mouse to his internet provider and clicked it.

The screen came up, and he entered his screen name (“YMouto2”) and then his password (“dmagician”).

“Okay everyone,” he said, bringing up the search engine. “Let’s see what we can find out about my dad’s old rival…”

He went to the search engine and typed in “Kaiba, Seto.”

The search yielded over a thousand results. Yugi went to the most recent ones.

The three of them stared, half in surprise, half in fear.

“Oh… my… God…” gasped Yugi.

“What’s the matter?” said Clive, bringing the food to the table.

“See for yourself,” said Yugi, turning the computer towards him.

They focused on an article regarding Seto Kaiba, dated eight months ago.

It was his obituary.

“No way…” gasped Mary.

Yugi clicked on the article and they read:


Seto Kaiba, the famed CEO of KaibaCorp, died yesterday of a sudden massive stroke. He was 54.

Kaiba first came into public view at the tender age of eleven, when he took over KaibaCorp from his adoptive father Gozaburo Kaiba. Known for his eccentric love of all forms of games (especially Duel Monsters) he was best known for holding the grand Battle City tournament which transformed Domino City into a Duel Monsters festival for a week.

Close sources say…


Yugi clicked off the site. He didn’t need to read it any more.

“Why would Siegfried lie to us?” asked Mary. “Is he in denial?”

Yugi’s Puzzle glowed. The change overtook him.

“I don’t know, Mary,” he said. “But something smells rotten about this. Seto didn’t seem like the kind of person who could die from a stroke while in his fifties.

“I think before we hit the streets again, we should phone Sieg…”

Standing outside the building was a man in a trenchcoat and sunglasses, watching them through the glass doorway.

He turned, and vanished into a shadow.


* * * * * * * * * *


A dark place.

Cavernous and damp. Torches provided light, and hideous images adorned the walls.

At the far end was a large throne made from obsidian, sitting on which was a dark figure, tall and imposing. He sipped something that looked like brandy from a goblet.

Just then, a figure in a trenchcoat came in. The same one, in fact, who had been watching the internet café. He kneeled.

“Rise and report,” ordered the figure on the throne in a low voice.

“Lord Saurius,” said the man. “Yugi and his disciples have discovered Seto Kaiba’s death.”

“How much do they know?” asked the figure.

“Only what the newspapers say,” answered the man. “But Yugi is very suspicious.”

The figure rubbed his chin with a clawed hand.

“How far along in the tournament are they?” he asked.

“Yugi is Violet,” said the man. “Two of his disciples are Silver, the other is Green.”

“Not good,” pondered the figure. “Perhaps it is time we did away with them… You are dismissed.”

The trenchcoated man left.

“Mordent, get in here,” ordered the figure.

After a few minutes, a cloaked man entered. He was short, only about four feet tall, and wore a dark cloak and hood.

“Yes Lord Saurius?” he asked.

“Mordent,” said the figure. “Take five men and meet up with Yugi and his friends… Don’t kill them, but maim them enough to knock them out of this tournament. I want them put out of commission.”

“But… master…” stammered Mordent. “We’ll attract Siegfried’s attention!”

“Do you question my judgment?” frowned the figure.

“Uh no, no, not at all!” gasped Mordent.

“Then go,” said the figure. “They’ll be arriving at their hotel in twenty minutes. Cut them off before they get there.”

“Yes, master,” said Mordent. He vanished.


* * * * * * * * * *


“Let’s get this done with fast so we can get back on the dueling circuit,” said Mary. “I’m sure old Clive is just dying to get Blue status back.”

“Yeah, right,” mumbled Clive. “I’ll probably just mess up again and end up at Yellow.”

Peter sighed. He hated to see Clive when he was depressed. He remembered the time when he had a crush on a girl at school. She turned him down, and he didn’t break out of the depression for three weeks.

Clive didn’t HAVE three weeks to break out of this depression. Not if he wanted any hope of reaching the finals.

Standing behind a building was Mordent, and three men and two women wearing trenchcoats and sunglasses.

“Time to strike,” chuckled Mordent, taking out a deck of cards.

He pulled one card out of the deck. The Yami Field Card.

He tossed it in the air.

“Cover this street with a veil of darkness, my Yami!” he laughed.


* * * * * * * * * *


Around Yugi and the others, shadows started to lengthen, and then night seemed to fall.

“Um guys,” asked Mary. “Was there supposed to be an eclipse today?”

Then six sets of eyes appeared before them.

The shortest figure – Mordent – stepped out, and lowered his cowl. He was gnomish in appearance, with a bald head and a wrinkled face, with a bulbous nose and a strong chin. He wore thick goggles with white lenses.

And he had a fancy letter “S” on his forehead.

“Okay,” demanded Yugi. “I’ve had enough. Who are you?”

Mordent’s five companions stepped out beside him. Yugi could see that also bore an S-shaped brand on their foreheads.

“Me?” said Mordent, shuffling the deck of cards. “You might say I’m an artist of sorts… one who loves my work…”

He selected a card from the deck.

“Now meet one of my friends,” he smiled. “Dark Chimera!”

He tossed the card towards the four of them, and it started spinning…

Suddenly, a form erupted from the ground, and a Dark Chimera appeared in a rage.

“How’d he summon that thing without a Duel Disk?!” gasped Clive.

“You think that’s weird?” said Mary. “Dark Chimera requires a Tribute to summon.”

Then Dark Chimera reached out and yanked a fire hydrant out of the ground!

“Look out!!” shouted Yugi.

The Fiend hurled the hydrant, narrowly missing Peter.

“Why do I have the feeling that this thing isn’t a hologram?” gasped Mary.

“Probably because it isn’t,” smiled Mordent. “Get them, my Chimera!”

Dark Chimera drooled, and rushed at them.

“RUN!” gasped Clive.

“Trying to escape, are we?” laughed Mordent, choosing another card.

He threw it in the air.

“Dark Witch, cut them off!”

The winged Fairy appeared, brandishing her spear. She took to the air, sailing over the fleeing duelists.

She landed in front of them, and started to advance with her spear.

Yugi looked both ways. Dark Witch was in front of them, Dark Chimera was behind. And Mordent and his five friends were closing in as well.

“Yami,” gasped Yugi. “What type of sorcery is this?”

“Something incredibly evil,” said Yami. “This being has somehow been able to bring the images on those cards to life! Normally this would mean a connection to the Shadow Realm… but I can’t detect any Shadow magic at all!

“This is magic that I’ve never encountered before… but I can tell that it’s incredibly evil…”

“That’s a big help…” moaned Yugi.

“Okay!” shouted Clive, rolling up his sleeves. “If I’m going down, I’m going down packing!”

The four of them stood with their backs to each other and raised their fists, facing the two Monsters…

“Sic ‘em!” ordered Mordent.

Suddenly, a scream echoed from above, and Jade Valentine leapt from the rooftop! She drew her sword in mid leap, and cut right through Dark Chimera! The Fiend vanished into mist.

Mordent drew back in surprise.

“Jade?” exclaimed Yugi. “How did you…”

“…find you?” said Jade. “I was out looking for an early duel, when I sensed evil coming from this spot like a bonfire!”

Dark Witch spread her wings and flew towards Jade with her spear.

Jade swung and cleaved the weapon in half. She swung again, and her katana sliced through Dark Witch. The Monster vanished just as Dark Chimera had.

Jade turned towards Mordent and his companions.

“Who’s next?” she dared.

“No problem,” said Mordent, raising his deck. “I’ll just conjure something else and…”

Jade reached into her pouch and threw a flurry of shuriken at the gnome, and they hit the deck of cards! They spilled to ground, torn and ripped.

“MY DECK!” yelled Mordent, bending over.

Jade continued to advance.

“Don’t just stand there, you idiots!” he shouted to his companions. “Defend me!”

“She has a sword!” exclaimed one of them.

“So what do you have, toothpicks?” he shouted.

The five of them reached under their coats, and drew long swords of their own. They stood between Jade and Mordent.

“So, five against one,” said Jade. “That is not very fair, now is it? After all, there are only five of you…”

“Tasha, get her!” shouted one of them.

One of the females swung her sword at Jade, and it was promptly blocked. Jade made a mighty swing, and Tasha’s sword was shattered.

Jade smiled. She thrust with the sword, running the warrior through. Tasha gave a scream…

…and then burst into flames. The flames consumed her, and she was reduced to nothing.

Jade gave an odd look.

“You killed Tasha!” shouted one of the others.

“And you are next!” said Jade.

The four others rushed at Jade swinging their swords. Jade deflected their blows with ease.

Mordent frantically tried to use his torn cards.

“King of Yamimakai!” he yelled, holding one up.

Nothing.

“Worthless,” he said. “Doma the Angel of Silence!”

Nothing.

“Drat! Tripwire Beast! Whiptail Crow! Ocubeam! Ryu-Kishin! Flame Cerberus! Nuts, is everything busted?!”

Meanwhile, his henchmen weren’t faring any better.

Jade cleaved through another one of them, and he also vanished in a burst of fire.

The other female tried to strike from behind. Jade spun around and beheaded her. Her body fell to the ground and self-combusted like the previous two.

“Come on, Jade!” shouted Clive. “Show them who’s boss!”

“Watch your back Jade!” shouted Peter.

“Um, go Jade,” said Yugi.

He and Yami were very shocked at all this, but whatever these creatures were, Jade was beating them.

Jade stabbed one of the last two in the chest with both hands, and he vanished in the same burst.

Jade glared at the last one.

He dropped his sword, and ran.

Jade drew her wakisashi, and hurled it, impaling him. He gasped and fell, erupting in flame.

Meanwhile, Mordent had found the one intact card among his ruined deck – but it wasn’t a Monster Card. No, this card was for a completely different purpose.

“So,” growled Jade, approaching Mordent. “Your warriors are gone, and you don’t look like you are a quarter as strong as they were. So you can either explain what you attempted to do to my friends, or you can share their fate…”

Mordent lifted up the card and backed up.

“I have a third option available, actually,” he said, stammering.

He held up a Trap Card.

“What?” said Jade. “The Disappear card?”

Mordent started to fade away.

“We’ll meet again, all of you!” he cursed.

And he was gone.

The darkness vanished.

Everyone gathered around Jade, truly amazed. They had never seen her in actual battle.

“That was awesome, Jade!” shouted Peter.

“I did what I had to,” said Jade, retrieving her wakisashi.

She inspected it and her katana.

“Not a drop of blood,” she said. “Those beings were clearly not human.”

“Jade!” shouted Amber’s voice, as she ran up to them. “I found a Centurion! He said he and some others will be on the way.”

“It won’t matter much, sister,” said Jade. “There is nothing left of out assailants to search.”

“You guys tell the Centurions what happened when they get here,” said Yugi. “Me, I’m going to make a call to our friend Siegfried…”


* * * * * * * * * *


Ten minutes later, Yugi was speaking to Siegfried via videophone.

“Yugi,” sighed Siegfried, “I don’t blame you for being upset, and I take full responsibility. I assure you, I may not know who these intruders were, but the Centurions will hunt any remaining ones down and arrest them. There will not be any more violence in Duelatopia if I can help it.”

“Siegfried,” said Yugi. “Maybe you… will you please take off that stupid helmet? You sound like Darth Vader with it on!”

“Sorry,” said Siegfried, taking it off. “Now you were saying?”

“I was saying that maybe you didn’t hear me right,” said Yugi. “The leader of these thugs was some sort of sorcerer who could bring cards to life! And his henchmen weren’t human. Jade struck them, and their bodies just… disintegrated…”

Siegfried paused.

“Yugi,” he muttered. “I know as well as you do that tournaments like this tend to attract supernatural menaces, and my Centurions have been trained to handle such. They have more surprises in their armor than I’m at liberty to disclose. I can assure you that if Jade could handle them, then they can as well.

“Just go on with the tournament and leave the security to me.”

Yugi sighed.

“Fine,” he muttered. “And by the way, Sieg, you have my deepest condolences.”

Siegfried bowed his head.

“I should have known you’d find out, Yugi,” he sighed.

“Is there something you want to tell me, Sieg?”

“Yugi, my uncle had a stroke,” muttered Siegfried. “And frankly, it didn’t come as much of a surprise.”

“Why do you say that?”

“His blood pressure was through the roof,” answered Siegfried, “he had a lot of bad habits, and you know how stubborn he was… he wasn’t the kind of guy who liked to listen to his doctors.”

“Why weren’t my parents invited to the funeral?” asked Yugi. “They would have been glad to attend.”

“It was a private affair, Yugi, in accordance to his wishes. Family only. He didn’t want a big fuss. I already told you, he had gotten his fill of the limelight.”

“Siegfried…” started Yugi.

“Yugi, I’ve already spent enough time mourning, I don’t need you to pity me…”

“I’m sorry…” said Yugi.

And he was feeling a little sorry now.

“Look Yugi,” continued Siegfried, “getting back to more important things, would you and your friends like bodyguards for the rest of this tournament in case these kooks come back?”

“What?” said Yugi in surprise. “No! Absolutely not Sieg! We don’t want any special treatment while we’re here! We can handle ourselves.”

“Fine,” said Siegfried. “Anyway, trust me to take care of this… problem, and get back to the dueling. I’m sure Clive has some catching up to do. Over and out.”

As Siegfried turned off the videophone, he glared at it for a minute.

Sorry Yugi, he thought, but you’re getting special treatment whether you want it or not…

He pushed a button on the phone.

“Yes Master of Games?” said a voice.

“Captain Descartes,” said Siegfried, “gather your six best undercover Centurions for an important assignment. Something special has come up…”


* * * * * * * * * *


In another part of Duelatopia, Mordent reappeared. He stopped to catch his breath.

He gestured, and a white sphere appeared in his hand.

Two glowing red eyes appeared in it.

“Well?” said a voice.

“Lord Saurius,” gasped Mordent. “It didn’t work… the men who came with me… they’re dead…”

“Dead?” shouted the voice. “Yugi and his disciples slew them?”

“No,” stuttered Mordent. “They had help. A woman with a sword… I could sense holy power. She defeated them and the beasts I created… without breaking a sweat!”

A growl came from the orb.

“A woman?” snarled the voice. “What was she like?”

“She was hard to describe…” started Mordent.

“Then show me,” said the voice, “with your own eyes…”

Mordent clutched his head in agonizing pain. He ripped his goggles off, and his eyes glowed red. A picture of Jade appeared in his mind.

“I see,” growled the voice of his master. “She wears the armor of the Samurai. Meddlesome creatures who believe in outdated concepts like honor and righteousness. If she is an ally of Yugi, she may become trouble…”

“What should I do, Master?” asked Mordent, starting to recover.

“Find out what you can about this Samurai,” ordered the voice. “I must think the matter through regarding Yugi…”

The orb vanished.

[Shuppet Master]

I'm surprised you came out with the chapter so soon(you had said it would come out on Wendsday). It was a great chapter,none the less. :D

And I'll get my own chapter up soon. Probably by the end of the day. ;)

[mr_pikachu]

Yeah, I don't think this could really be called a filler. There was too much action - not to mention information - to give it that label.

The trust between Siegfried and Yugi seems to be breaking down. I've got the strangest feeling that Sieg will become something less than a friend in this fic... :eek: Come to think of it, Mary's losing her trust in Jade as well. I wonder why? Oh, wait, her boyfriend bathed with the samurai. How could I forget? (If only she knew what Jade was wearing, and how Yugi reacted. Utter chaos!)

This was pretty good. We got a bit of information, and you developed the overall feel of the fic. Plus, there's a whole new set of mysteries to unravel. One can only hope that we'll find out in the next few chapters. Though I'm sure you'll leave some mysteries unsolved until the very end, which is a good thing in this case.

The main thing I didn't like about this chapter was the flashback. Anyone who's ever used a flashback in a fic that I read knows that I don't care for flashbacks. It's just too much of a contrived technique. I think it would actually be more effective if the character told the story, in his or her own words. Save the flashbacks for TV, I say. Oh, and it bore a striking resemblance to Forrest Gump... :freak:

This was a good chapter, though. You did a good job with keeping the intensity up in a non-duel chapter, and we've learned of a lot more facts and mysteries along the way. This is certainly interesting. I'll be looking forward to the next chapter! :wave:

[Shuppet Master]

You probably would hate me for my fanfic then, it has a few flashbacks in it. :lol:

Yugi wiould be more suspicious if he realized that what Sieg said was wrong - Seto loved the limelight, and he would not hide away and refuse to let anyone come to his funeral because he would be immortalized by all the mourners. Nope, Sieg is hiding something. But Yug won't find out what until after the finals. ;)

EDIT: Decided to edit this instead of posting. Just wanted to tell Mr. Pikachu that the next chapter of my story will not have a flashback, even though the character tells her story. Instead of that, it will be a long boring narrative which would probably put you to sleep. I hope you like it. :P

[Oakbark]

Sorry, can't stop, quick reply:

Nice Tristan background, interesting.

Seto's dead? The end of an era.

Things are fitting together....

Damien.

[Dark Sage]

It's a little early for a new chapter, but my last one didn't have a duel, so I decided to post this next one.

Before I begin, I'd like to point to Hack/Bellossom's fic, and urge everyone to vote on his poll. You get to have some say as to what member of the villainous Dark Four appear later in his fanfic. Even if you don't reply to posts, vote! This is a democracy!

You also get the chance to submit a duelist to take place in his camp tornament. It's fun, so join in.

Now then, enjoy my next chapter.

- Venusaur

[starjake]

uh...is it just me...I don't see a new chapter...call me crazy...

[Dark Sage]

Every duelist has to have a theme. It’s a cardinal rule of Duel Monsters. Your Monsters, Magics, and Traps have to work together to form a good strategy. My father knew that well. He, his allies, and even his enemies knew to pick a theme and keep with it. Even people like Marik knew the value of a good theme. Anyone who just throws out random Monsters because they look nice or seem strong is asking to lose.

I’ve seen a lot of themes in my time. Some folks like to focus on a certain Type of Monster, or even a type within a Type. Others like strategies that involve powerful Trap Cards, or simply use overwhelming force. There are decks called Chaos Decks, Control Decks, Stall Decks, Burn Decks, Deck Destruction Decks and the frustrating Weakling Decks that use Traps like Gravity Bind to keep you from attacking while your Life Points are chipped away by little attacks. There are even decks centered around one specific powerful Monster, where the duelist does all he can to bring it out and pound away at you with it.

But the duelist I’m facing right now has a theme unlike any I’ve ever seen before. And I’d almost find it funny – if her strategy wasn’t beating the crap out of me!



CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE



Token Thanksgiving



“So, did he admit it?” asked Mary, as they walked down the hotel hallway.

“Yeah, he admitted it,” replied Yugi. “And he seemed very upset about it. I don’t think we should press the matter on.”

“Poor Seto,” sighed Mary. “I know my dad didn’t exactly like him, but…”

“Everyone dies eventually Mary,” said Yugi. “What has happened has happened. Now we can’t let this get in the way of what’s at hand. If what happened this morning is any indication, we have to continue with the tournament. This fallen angel likely sent those guys, and if we want to stand up to him, we have to win.”

They knocked on Clive’s door.

“Clive?” asked Yugi.

Peter answered and poked his head out.

“Uh, Yugi, Mary,” he said. “Why don’t you two go ahead without us? We’ll catch up later.”

“Is something wrong?” asked Mary.

“Clive and I are… going over strategy,” responded Peter. “Don’t worry, we’ll catch up in an hour or two.”

“Okay…” said Mary.

Peter closed the door.

“Going over strategy,” frowned Mary. “Right. Clive is likely wallowing in self pity and cleaning out the mini-bar. He always porks out on junk food when he’s depressed.”

“He’ll come around eventually,” said Yugi. “You know, if my dad can recover from a much more horrible loss…”

Mary drew back in fear.

“Your dad… lost?” she gasped. “Tell me that the guy cheated!”

“No, Mary,” sighed Yugi. “It was shortly after Battle City to a fiend named Raphael. No cheating was involved, and my dad…”

He paused.

“His soul was taken…”

Mary looked on in horror.

“The Spirit had to go it alone for awhile and…” continued Yugi.

He paused.

“Mary, can I tell you the rest? Because I don’t want to panic you…”

“Tell me…” stammered Mary.

“The same thing happened to your father, and Jade’s mother, and Seto Kaiba. It was almost a disaster. But in the end, Yami prevailed, and rescued everyone.”

Mary was quiet for awhile.

“I guess we owe a lot to Yami…” she said softly.

“Yes,” agreed Yugi. “But my father didn’t let it stop him. He was dueling again before long. And in a way, it only made him stronger.”


* * * * * * * * * *


In his control room, the Master of Games was standing before six young men and women. They all wore Dueling Disks, with the gems at various colors. Captain Descartes was standing next to him.

“Okay, troops, listen and listen good,” he started. “I’ve chosen you for this important assignment because you scored the highest on the undercover tests. And a crisis has come up that requires some heavy undercover work.”

He clicked a button, and a screen behind him came alive. Images of Yugi, Mary, Clive, Peter, Jade, and Amber came up.

“These are the subjects, and your jobs are to protect them at all costs. Those phony Disks you have, with the exception of yours, Sylvia, have sensors that will lead you to your charge’s Disk.

“Sylvia, Amber is your charge, but since she is merely a guest and has no Disk, your tracker has been set to Jade’s. Where Jade goes, Amber will not be far behind. If they do separate, I am counting on you to follow as best you can. You are the best of this group, and that’s why I’m assigning you to Amber.

“All of you are to remain inconspicuous. Do not let anyone know you are acting as bodyguards, not even your charges. Use the standard excuse if someone thinks you’re a duelist and makes a challenge.

“If your charge is attacked, you are to call for backup and protect him or her until help arrives. If you abandon your charge I will consider it a violation of the oath you all took when you started working here! Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes Master of Games,” they all replied.

“And one more thing,” he continued. “At all times, the weapons you are carrying are to be set exactly to level three. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Looks of bewilderment crossed their faces.

“Any questions?” he asked.

“Um, begging the Master’s pardon,” said one of them, “but these weapons set only to three? That would about bring down a ten-year-old…”

“Do I stutter?” interrupted the Master, angrily. “Keep them at level three, and that’s an order! Set them any higher, and I’ll get Centurions who know how to follow instructions!

“Now that you have your instructions, go find them, and hope that nothing happens.”


* * * * * * * * * *


Half an hour later, Yugi and Mary were walking the streets.

Suddenly, Mary asked a question that had been on her mind for a while.

“Do you love me Yugi?”

Yugi stopped short.

“Um, Mary, this is… so sudden…” he stuttered.

“Do you?” she asked.

“Well… sure…” he said. “I’ve never really said it but…”

“You haven’t had your eyes on anybody else have you?” she asked.

“Mary, I…” stammered Yugi, blushing.

At that point, Mary started something different.

“Yugi, let’s make a rhetorical question,” she asked. “Remember Lady Circe?”

“That witch?” frowned Yugi. “What about her?”

“Suppose,” asked Mary, “just suppose I had lost my duel with her, and she had turned me back into a cat… Suppose you had defeated Remi and Set like you did, but regardless, you were unable to change me back…”

She looked at Yugi.

“What would you have done then?”

“Oh, Mary,” sighed Yugi, taking her in her arms.

“I would have taken you in, treated you like a family member, tried my best to keep you safe and comfortable and happy through the ordeal,” he assured. “And I would have spent every waking hour searching the ends of the earth for a way to reverse the process. And you can rest assured that Peter, Clive, Jade, and Siegfried would have done all that they could do to help.”

“You’d never have found another girlfriend?” she asked. “Not even Jade?”

“Jade?” said Yugi in surprise. “What makes you think I have something for Jade? She isn’t my type!”

“She’s exactly your type!” exclaimed Mary. “She practically looks like a Duel Monster Warrior! Besides, you’re bathing with her now, and…”

Yugi sighed. He took out his deck and shuffled through it.

He picked out a card – Warrior Dai Grepher.

“Look at this card, Mary,” said Yugi. “Warrior Dai Grepher is a handsome guy, isn’t he?”

“Um, I guess…” replied Mary.

“He’s muscular, has great hair, a strong face,” continued Yugi. “He’s likely going out with D.D. Warrior Lady in the place where Duel Monsters live. But if you met someone who looked just like this, would you fall for him just because he resembled a Duel Monster?”

“I guess not,” said Mary.

“Here,” continued Yugi, pulling out Dark Magician Girl. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she? But even if some miracle were to turn Dark Magician Girl into a real person, I wouldn’t ask her out! I don’t judge anyone by their resemblance to Duel Monsters.

“And as for the mizu-ken-kasai, there was nothing intimate about it. Maybe you should try it with Jade next time, and you’ll see what I mean.”

Mary looked at him, feeling a little embarrassed. She thought of the mizu-ken-kasai.

Maybe I’ll do just that, she thought. Don’t judge something until you’ve experienced it, as my dad used to say…

Then she looked up.

“Yugi, is that Minerva over there?” she asked.

They looked up. The Amazon duelist Minerva Medea was in the middle of a duel, and it looked like she was at a disadvantage. She had wounds all over her, and seemed to be bleeding from several spots.

In front of her were two small Monsters that looked like… sheep.

Scapegoats? thought Mary.

Her opponent (whom they couldn’t see due to the crowd) was facing her with a strange Spellcaster. He wore a dusty-brown robe, had a white beard, and carried a crooked staff.

And Minerva was shaking in fear.

“Minerva, that was a foolish move,” said a sweet voice. “Did you forget that your Amazoness Queen had to wait a turn before attacking? Not even she was immune to my Spellcaster’s curse!”

“Curse?” said Yugi, puzzled.

“Now, direct attack!” ordered the sweet voice.

The Spellcaster thrust forth his crook, and fired a beam of multicolored light at Minerva. She fell to ground with a gasp.

“How the heck?” said Mary, puzzled. “She had those two Scapegoats…”

The crowd applauded, as Minerva’s Life Points fell to zero. Minerva groaned.

“I didn’t believe she could beat me,” she moaned. “Now I’m wiped out…”

The gem on her Disk faded from Red to Black.

“Minerva?” asked Mary. “How? Who?”

As the holographic systems shut down, Minerva’s opponent walked up. Yugi and Mary’s eyes opened in shock.

It was a girl about sixteen years old, and she was dressed in an outfit that made her look like Heidi, complete with a bonnet. She carried a crooked staff of her own, and her Dueling Disk had just upgraded to Violet.

“Still want to make fun of me, Minerva?” purred the maiden, poking her with her crook. “Now say you’re sorry!”

“Okay, I’m sorry!” gasped Minerva, in fear. “I’m sorry!”

Okay, this is seriously strange, thought Mary. Minerva was as tough as nails when I met her in the arcade… but now she’s scared of this duelist who’s dressed like the Bluebonnet Girl?

“Minerva, who is this?” asked Yugi.

“Little Bo Peep, at your service,” smiled the lass. “Hmm, you’re Violet too, I see…”

“Little Bo Peep?” said Yugi in surprise.

“Do yourself a favor and stay away from her, Yugi!” yelled Minerva. “She massacred me before I knew what hit me!”

“I find this a little hard to swallow…” stated Yugi.

“Wait a second…” pondered Mary. “I read in Dueling Today about a duelist who went by that pseudonym… I think she was the national champion of Switzerland!”

“The one and only,” grinned Bo, making a polite courtesy. “And you are Yugi Mouto Jr. Hmm. Winner of the Duelist Labyrinth tournament, I believe?”

“Yes,” smiled Yugi. “And you won’t find me as easy to beat as Minerva was… Consider your challenge accepted!”

“Yugi, no!” gasped Minerva. “This dame has a strategy that’ll mop the floor with you! You see…”

“No, Minerva!” shouted Yugi.

He held out his hand.

“You can’t tell me her strategy beforehand. I fight my own battles. And I’m certain I can take on any strategy that she throws at me.”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you…” warned Minerva.

She turned to Mary.

“Is your friend brave or just stupid?” she asked.

“Don’t call Yugi stupid,” frowned Mary.


* * * * * * * * * *


The two of them took their positions.

The Puzzle glowed, and Yami’s spirit merged with Yugi’s.

“Okay Little Bo Peep!” he warned. “Prepare to lose more than your sheep!”

Bo chuckled. “So silly,” she giggled. “I have enough sheep to go around…”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Yugi, loading his deck.

“You’ll see,” giggled Bo, loading hers.

She lifted her Disk, and the holo-imagers shot out. Her Disk snapped into position.

Yugi dramatically repeated the move.

“Here we go!” laughed Bo.

“TIME TO DUEL!!” they both yelled.

“You can go first,” said Yugi.

“Ugh, he’s made his first mistake,” sighed Minerva.

“Is this chick really that good?” asked Mary.

“Just wait,” groaned Minerva.

Bo drew.

“Splendid!” she said with a smile.

She took two cards from her hand.

“I play one card facedown,” she said.

She slid a card into the slot, and it appeared.

“And now I play… Scapegoat!”

She slid a second card into the slot, and four puffy, multicolored sheep appeared with big grins on their faces.

“And I end my turn,” she said smugly.

What in the name of…? thought Yugi in surprise. That has to be the lamest opening move I’ve ever seen! Hiding behind a wall of Scapegoats?

He drew.

Still, I’m going to have to destroy them all to get at her Life Points, so here goes…

“Flame Swordmistress, in Attack Mode!” he said with gusto.

He put the card down, and the furious female fighter appeared, swinging her blazing saber. (1,600/1,500)

“Nice, Yugi,” grinned Bo. “Too bad I have to do this…”

She tapped a button on her Disk.

“Reveal facedown card – Trap Hole!”

The card lifted.

“Trap Hole?” exclaimed Yugi.

The ground gave way under Flame Swordmistress, and she fell screaming.

She wiped out my Monster the instant I summoned her! thought Yugi.

His Life Points fell to 7,600.

Bo giggled. “Any other moves you’d like to make?” she said.

“I can’t,” said Yugi.

“Good,” smiled Bo, drawing. “Then here comes stage two…”

She opened her Field slot and slipped in a card.

“Activate Gaia Power!” she exclaimed.

Suddenly, large trees started to sprout all around the field.

“My Gaia Power Field Card raises the Attack power of all Earth Monsters by 500,” she explained, “at the cost of 400 Defense points. That gives each of my Scapegoats a lift from their previously nonexistent Attack score, but they have no Defense to lose.”

(500/0 x4)

Yugi and Mary stared in shock.

“Now,” laughed Bo, “I’ll shift my four Scapegoats into Attack Mode, and turn them on you!”

She pointed with her staff.

“Attack Yugi directly!” she commanded

The four Scapegoats flew towards Yugi and were on him! They chewed at his flesh! Yugi screamed.

“That’s it children,” chuckled Bo. “Eat your fill!”

“She’s attacking with Scapegoats?” gasped Mary.

“Bo did that to me too,” grumbled Minerva.

Yugi’s Life Points dove to 5,600.

“All right!” shouted someone in the crowd.

“Her sheep kicked his keister!” yelled another.

Yugi got up, bruised and bleeding.

“We’ll see who’s keister gets kicked,” he snarled, drawing.

Perfect, he thought.

“I summon Alligator’s Sword!” he exclaimed. “In Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and the fierce gator-man appeared swinging his scimitar! He let out a guttural howl. (1,500/1,200)

“Since Alligator’s Sword is also an Earth Monster,” said Yugi. “He also benefits from your Gaia Power field, making his stats 2,000 over 800!”

The Beast-Warrior’s stats changed accordingly.

“And since your Scapegoats are in Attack Mode with only 500 Attack points each,” continued Yugi, “he can do some serious damage to you with one swipe of his sword!”

“Oh, I’m so scared!” said Bo, sarcastically.

“Laugh while you can,” growled Yugi. “Alligator’s Sword, attack one of the Scapegoats!”

Alligator’s Sword leapt forward and cleaved one of the sheep in half. Bo’s Life Points fell to 6,500.

“All right!” cheered Mary.

“Don’t celebrate yet,” moaned Minerva. “Little Bo Peep has only started…”

“What do you mean now?” asked Mary.

“Just watch,” said Minerva.

Bo drew.

“Hmm,” said Bo, slowly “guess I’ll use this… Cannon Soldier, in Attack Mode!”

She put down the card, and a tall, headless robot with huge claws and a large turret cannon on its shoulder appeared in front of Bo. The creature aimed its weapon at Yugi! (1,400/1,300)

Yugi backed up and started to sweat…

“Scared darling?” smiled Bo, feigning compassion. “Then you know that I can Tribute a Monster to blast you for 500 points of direct damage! And I already have three of them to Tribute!”

Yugi started to sweat more.

“Now, let’s lock and load!” said Bo.

Energy surrounded the three remaining Scapegoats, and they were absorbed into Cannon Soldier.

“FIRE!” laughed Bo. Cannon Soldier fired three powerful blasts, and Yugi screamed as they hit him.

“And the best part is,” said Bo. “I can use the Cannon Soldier itself as its own Tribute! Cannon Soldier, one more time!”

Cannon Soldier got down on its knees, and fired one more mighty blast. It vanished.

Yugi was on his knees, covered with burns and gasping for breath. His Life Points had fallen to 3,600.

“Whoa, this is unreal!” yelled a girl in the crowd. “Yugi is getting clobbered!”

“Bo Peep’s Sheep Attack Deck rules!” exclaimed another onlooker.

Bo picked another card.

“I’ll lay one card facedown, and end my turn,” she said.

“Come on, Yugi!” urged Mary. “This is embarrassing!”

“Tell me about it,” groaned Yugi.

He looked at Bo.

She has no Monsters on the field to shield her from an attack, but she has one card facedown. he thought. It must be something to protect her…

He drew.

Maybe I’ll set a little Trap of my own.

“I summon Beaver Warrior in Attack Mode!” he exclaimed, laying a card down.

With a loud squeak, the armored Beast-Warrior leapt up brandishing his sword! (1,200/1,500) –> (1,700/1,100)

“Sorry Yugi, but you shouldn’t have done that,” chuckled Bo, pushing a button on her Disk. That attack from my Cannon Soldier burn you? This should cool you off…”

Her card lifted.

“Torrential Tribute!” she yelled.

A huge wave of water blasted forward, engulfing Yugi, Beaver Warrior, and Alligator’s Sword. Yugi fell on his rump, and his Monsters were destroyed.

His Life Points fell to 2,675.

“Could Yugi possibly lose?” gasped Mary.

“Bo counts on attacking with her Scapegoats and other tokens,” explained Minerva. “She has lots of ways to clear the field of enemy Monsters. Yugi is learning that the hard way…”

Yugi got up, dripping wet, and considerably angry.

“I’ll end my turn by laying one card facedown,” he said.

He inserted the card.

“And it’s your move.”

Bo drew.

“Time to meet my loyal sheepdog,” she smiled. “Milus Radiant, in Attack Mode!”

She put the card down, and a large, long-haired dog appeared. (300/250)

“Not only does Milus Radiant benefit from the Gaia Power field,” said Bo, “but his own Effect raises the Attack of all Earth Monsters, including himself, by another 500 points, giving this fellah an attack score of 1,300!”

Milus Radiant’s Attack changed.

“Now, my sheepdog,” ordered Bo, attack Yugi directly!”

Milus Radiant charged forward.

“Not this time, Bo!” exclaimed Yugi, hitting a button. “Activate Spellbinding Circle!”

The magical pentagram formed around Milus Radiant, freezing him in place, and his Attack power dropped to 600.

“No!” shouted Bo.

“It’s still your turn,” said Yugi.

“I can’t do anything else,” said Bo.

Yugi drew.

Not bad, he thought.

“I play the Magic Card Cost Down,” he said., fitting it into a slot. “I’ll discard this card…”

He threw a card into the discard slot.

“…and I’ll use it to summon Dark Magician Girl!”

He put the card down, and a magic rune appeared on the floor. Dark Magician Girl spun out of it and smiled cheerfully. (2,000/,1700)

A lot of the crowd started to applaud. Some catcalls were made.

“Now Dark Magician Girl, attack Milus Radiant with dark magic attack!”

Dark Magician Girl aimed her baton and fired a blast of energy, blowing Milus Radiant away. Bo’s Life Points fell to 5,400.

“To bad for your dog,” smiled Yugi, warming up. “But Dark Magician Girl is mostly a cat-person anyway.”

Bo drew.

Yugi managed to summon a powerful Monster, she thought. I’m going to have to be extra tricky now…

“I play Graceful Charity,” she said, putting her card into the slot.

She drew three cards.

Hmm, she thought. This might work, but I’ve got to set it up very carefully to fool Yugi….

She added the cards to her hand, and discarded two.

“I first summon another Cannon Soldier, in Attack Mode,” she said, placing a card down.

A second Cannon Soldier appeared, with its gun ready to fire.

“And now,” she continued. “Another quartet of Scapegoats!”

She fit the card into the slot, and four more sheep appeared beside the Soldier.

“NO!” gasped Mary. “She’ll bring Yugi’s Life Points down to 175!”

“But you know?” smiled Bo. “Why rush? I think I’ll only load one Scapegoat this time…”

One of the Scapegoats was absorbed, and Cannon Soldier powered up.

“Fire!” shouted Bo, pointing her crook.

Cannon Soldier blasted Yugi, and he fell backwards. His Life Points fell to 2,175.

“That will be all for my turn,” said Bo.

Now why’d she do that? thought Yugi, holding his chest. Doesn’t she know I can destroy that Soldier?

He drew.

“Obnoxious Celtic Guardian, in Attack Mode!” he said.

He placed the card down, and the armored elf materialized, swinging his sword menacingly. (1,400/1,200) –> (1,900/800)

“Dark Magician Girl, destroy Cannon Soldier!” he shouted.

Dark Magician Girl fired, and Cannon Soldier exploded. Bo’s Life Points fell to 4,800.

“Obnoxious Celtic Guardian, attack one of the Scapegoats with your silver sword!”

The armed elf leapt forward and obliterated one of the remaining sheep.

“End turn,” said Yugi.

Bo drew.

Just what I needed, she thought. Now let’s see if Yugi is as much duelist if his reputation puts him up to be.

“I play a Magic Card,” she said. “Stray Lambs!”

She put it down, and two more sheep, these ones pure white, appeared.

“And I end my turn,” she said.

More tokens? thought Yugi, drawing. This is annoying…

He looked at his cards.

No Monsters to summon… I’ll have to hack through these sheep the long way.

“Go, the both of you!” he ordered. “Destroy the last of the Scapegoats!”

Dark Magician Girl and Obnoxious Celtic Guardian leapt to attack, and destroyed the two colored sheep.

“It won’t be long now,” smiled Mary.

“No,” said Minerva with a sigh. “Yugi just screwed up…”

“Now what?” said Mary, getting worried.

“I made the same mistake,” groaned Minerva.

“Hee, hee, hee,” giggled Bo, drawing. “You made a mistake Yugi. You went for my Scapegoats, when you should have gone for my Stray Lambs…”

“What difference does it make?” asked Yugi.

“A lot of difference,” said Bo with a laugh. “Scapegoats can’t be used as Tributes… but Stray Lambs can!”

Yugi’s eyes opened in surprise.

“Thus, I Tribute both of my Stray Lambs to bring out a powerful Spellcaster… you might have seen this guy already…”

The Stray Lambs disappeared as she put down the card.

“I summon Baarthanius the Shepherd!” she laughed. “In Attack Mode!”

A beam of light struck the field, and an old man with a great beard appeared. He wore a dusky brown robe with a hood, tied together with a drawstring belt. He carried a large crooked staff.

His eyes opened, and a shining light appeared from them! (2,000/1,900)

Dark Magician Girl and Obnoxious Celtic Guardian drew back.

“Impressive,” said Yugi. “But his Attack score is the same as Dark Magician Girl’s. If he attacks, you’ll only get a draw.”

“He isn’t going to attack yet,” smiled Bo. “Baarthanius, use your spell on Dark Magician Girl! Curse of Sheep!”

“Curse of Sheep?” said Yugi, puzzled. “What the sam-hill is…”

Baarthanius cast a spell and powerful magic flowed from him! Dark Magician Girl screamed, and then, all of a sudden, she vanished…

Or did she? Yugi looked down, and in her place was a small sheep with blue wool.

“Aww!” cooed Bo, compassionately.

“What have you done to her?” demanded Yugi.

“Nothing compared to what he’s going to do to you!” laughed Bo. “But I’ll explain. Once per round, Baarthanius can cast his curse, which transforms one opposing Monster. The way she is right now, your Dark Magician Girl can’t attack, can’t defend you from an attack, and can’t be used as a Tribute. And the only way to break the spell is to somehow get rid of Baarthanius.

“Very soon, you’ll have no useable Monsters, and Baarthanius will be able to hit you with all he’s got!

“But on the plus side… she is soooo cute!”

Dark Magician Girl bleated at her in anger.

“But I know that he can’t harm your Obnoxious Celtic Guardian,” she said, “so rather than attack, which is pointless, I’ll end my turn.”

Yugi was aghast! Not by the prospect of losing, but by suffering one of the most humiliating defeats he had ever heard of. What’s more, Bo’s strategy was sound – and was something he had never seen the likes of in his entire career.

He drew.

“I summon Skilled White Magician in Defense Mode,” he said.

He put the card down, and the white-robed sorcerer appeared, kneeling in defense. (1,700/1,900)

“And that’s all I can do,” he said.

“Really,” said Bo, snidely.

She drew.

“Baarthanius, cast your curse on Obnoxious Celtic Guardian!”

The Shepherd cast his spell again, and Obnoxious Celtic Guardian screamed. He was transformed into a green ram.

“Now, Baarthanius, attack his Skilled White Magician! Bright rainbow blast!”

Baarthanius pointed forward with his crook and fired a blast of multicolored light, blowing Skilled White Magician away.

“This is incredible!” said someone watching. “Yugi is going down!”

Next round, Yugi won’t have any Monsters to defend himself with… thought Mary. And he won’t be able to take more than two hits from that Shepherd… I never thought he’d lose to someone dressed in alpine lace!

Yugi drew.

This might help me for one round at least, he said.

He fit a card into the slot.

“I place one card facedown and end my turn,” he said.

“Hee, hee,” giggled Bo. “I think you’re bluffing! I play enough Traps myself to know a good bluff!”

“Maybe I am, maybe I’m not,” said Yugi.

“We’ll see,” smiled Bo, making a draw.

“Baarthanius, attack his Life Points directly!”

The Shepherd thrust his crook forth and fired!

Mary looked away…

But when the smoke cleared, Yugi was unharmed, and his Negate Attack Trap was revealed.

“Grasping at straws, aren’t we?” scolded Bo, shaking her finger.

“No, Bo,” said Yugi, “but you aren’t exactly playing it safe. You’re strategy has a major flaw in it.”

“Huh?” asked Bo, becoming serious for the first time. “What do you mean?”

“You are relying too much on a single Monster right now,” warned Yugi, with a stern voice. “Right now, the only thing keeping my Dark Magician Girl and my Obnoxious Celtic Guardian at bay is your Shepherd. And you admitted yourself that if Baarthanius is destroyed, the spell on them will be broken.

“What were to happen if I did manage to produce a Magic Card or Monster that could destroy him? What then? You’d be at the mercy of my two powerful warriors, who’d each be able to do you some serious harm. And while your Shepherd is powerful, no Monster is indestructible…”

Bo looked at her cards.

She thought hard.

What if Yugi does have something in his deck that can destroy him? she thought. I’d lose 3,900 Life Points in a single round! I guess it wouldn’t hurt to shore up my defenses…

She picked a card from her hand.

I usually use this guy to attack with my powered-up Scapegoats, she thought, but in a pinch he can be used to defend…

“I’ll end my turn by summoning Mystic Sheep #1 in Defense Mode!” she said.

She put the card down, and a large blue ram with a golden coin on his tail appeared next to Baarthanius. (1,150/900) –> (1,650/500)

Good, thought Yugi. I managed to shake her up.

But I’m in serious trouble. There aren’t many things I can do right now…

She does have Gaia Power on the Field, which raises the Attack power of any Earth Monster by 500 points. Three Monsters in my deck would be powerful enough – Brown Recluse, Gemini Elf, or Warrior Dai Grepher. Any of them would have an attack score greater than Baarthanius’s, and would be able to destroy him.

But I have more than half my deck to go through, and the chances of drawing one of three cards is pretty slim…

He drew. He looked at the card carefully.

His worried face turned to one of confidence.

“Well Little Bo Peep,” said Yugi, strongly. “It’s time to take control of this duel.”

“Huh?” said Bo.

“You forgot one thing,” smiled Yugi. “Your Spellcaster may have turned Dark Magician Girl into a sheep, making her unable to attack or defend, but she’s still Dark Magician Girl. And as such, she has talents other than attacking or defending.”

“I don’t follow you…” said Bo.

“I have in my hand an accessory card made especially for her,” exclaimed Yugi. “Behold the Sage’s Stone!”

He threw the card into a slot, and a beautiful gem hovered above the sheep that was Dark Magician Girl.

“What?” stammered Bo in surprise. “What’s the point of this?”

“When Dark Magician Girl is on the field,” exclaimed Yugi, “I can use Sage’s Stone to special summon her powerful master! Appear my Dark Magician!”

Dark energy flowed from the Stone, and Dark Magician appeared, brandishing his glowing staff! (2,500/2,100)

“No! Not him!” gasped Bo in fear. “Not him!”

“Now Dark Magician,” shouted Yugi, “attack Baarthanius the Shepherd with dark magic attack!”

Dark Magician dramatically spun his staff and fired at the Shepherd, blowing him into shards of light! Bo’s Life Points fell to 4,300.

The ram and the sheep in front of Yugi glowed, and the curse was broken. Dark Magician Girl and Obnoxious Celtic Guardian assumed their proper forms.

“Now, Obnoxious Celtic Guardian,” ordered Yugi. “Destroy Mystical Sheep!”

The Guardian leapt forward and cleaved the sheep in half.

“Dark Magician Girl,” shouted Yugi. “Attack Bo’s Life Point’s directly!”

Bo screamed as Dark Magician Girl took aim, looking more than a little pissed. The sorceress fired and knocked her over. Her Life points fell to 2,300.

The crowd looked dumbfounded. They cheered.

“Yugi just turned the duel around!” shouted a girl.

“I never doubted him for a minute!” said another.

“Unbelievable,” said Minerva, in wonder.

Bo’s dress was charred and burnt. She picked up her crook and struggled to her feet. She held her head to get it to stop spinning.

Ugh, she though. I’ve got to do something to stall or he’ll have beaten me!

She drew.

This will slow him down…

“I play my last Scapegoat card,” she said, fitting it into the slot.

Four more colored sheep appeared.

“And also,” she continued, “a second Milus Radiant in Defense Mode.”

She put the card down, and another sheepdog appeared. (300/250) –> (1,300/0)

Yugi drew.

He looked at the card strangely.

“If you think I’m going to waste time tearing down your defensive wall, you’re crazy,” he sneered.

He took the card he had drawn.

“First, one card facedown,” he said.

He fit it into the slot, and it appeared.

“And now,” exclaimed Yugi, holding a card aloft. “I play a Magic Card – the powerful Diffusion-Wave Motion!”

“Diffusion-Wave Motion?” gasped Bo, in shock. “What does that do?”

“Oh, I know! I know!” shouted Mary, in excitement.

“Okay, Mary, why don’t you tell her?” smiled Yugi, as he put the card into the slot.

“To play Diffusion-Wave Motion,” explained Mary, “Yugi first has to spend 1,000 of his Life Points…”

Yugi’s Life Points went down to 1,175.

“And in return,” continued Mary, “it enables a Spellcaster Monster of Level 7 or greater, like Dark Magician, to attack every opposing Monster on the field!”

“Exactly!” exclaimed Yugi. “Dark Magician, diffusion dark magic attack!”

Dark Magician cast a mighty spell, and a force that resembled a small atomic bomb erupted on Bo’s side of the field, blasting her Scapegoats and her Milus Radiant out of existence! Bo was thrown back.

Bo started to sweat… She looked at the other two Monsters…

“However,” continued Yugi, folding his arms, “since I used that Magic Card, I can’t make any more attacks this round, so it’s your move.”

Bo drew.

Yes! she thought. I just drew Mirror Force!

Yugi knows that I have plenty of ways to clear the field of opposing Monsters, and this is my way to win!

The combined Attack power of his three Monsters is 6,400! If he attacks with this Trap on the field, he’ll lose 1,600 Life Points and I’ll win the duel! If he doesn’t attack, it will give me time to draw Monster Reborn and bring Baarthanius back! And not even Dark Magician can resist his curse!

“I lay this card facedown,” she said, “and summon Mystical Sheep #2 in Defense Mode.”

She put the cards down. The facedown card appeared first, and then a different Mystical Sheep appeared, this one resembling the first one, but with orange wool. (800/1,000) –> (1,300/600).

“And I end my turn,” she said.

Hmm, thought Yugi. She thinks I’m going to walk right into a Trap… and why disappoint her?

“Obnoxious Celtic Guardian,” ordered Yugi, “destroy her Mystical Sheep!”

He actually fell for it! thought Bo, excited.

The Guardian raised his sword.

“I’m awfully sorry, Yugi,” she giggled, hitting a button on her Disk.

The Trap Card lifted.

“But my Mirror Force will…”

“…fail!” interrupted Yugi, tapping a button of his own. “Because I activate my Counter Trap!”

His own facedown card lifted.

“Activate Trap Jammer!” he shouted.

Bo looked in horror as her Mirror Force was smashed to bits.

Mary squealed in delight. This was the same card Yugi used to defeat Remi in the City of Souls!

Obnoxious Celtic Guardian brought his sword down on Mystical Sheep #2, slicing it apart.

“Lamb chops anyone?” smiled Yugi. “Now, Dark Magician, finish her off!”

“No…” gasped Bo, as Dark Magician took aim.

The sorcerer fired his dark spell directly at Little Bo Peep, blasting the shepherd duelist into defeat! Her Life Points fell to zero, and she fell over, smoke rising from her costume.

“Phew!” sighed Yugi, wiping his brow. His wounds vanished.

“I can’t believe you beat her…” said Minerva.

“You can’t believe Yugi beat a bunch of sheep?” asked Mary, raising an eyebrow.

“Well,” sighed Minerva. “The way she beat me… you know…”

Bo slowly got up.

“Well Bo,” said Yugi, offering his hand, “I give you an ‘A’ for creativity, that’s for sure – and your dueling strategy is certainly… unique.”

“But it wasn’t good enough…” she mused.

“Are you kidding?” said Yugi, grinning. “Finding a way to attack with Scapegoats? You have a strategy surrounding your strategy Bo… you take your opponents by complete surprise, not just by your Monsters, but by your outward appearance and sweet attitude. That can make the difference between winning and losing.”

“Really?” said Bo, with a small smile.

“In fact,” said Yugi, “you have an advantage that I don’t. Everyone expects me to use Dark Magician – but against you, no-one knows what to expect until your killer sheep have their teeth on them!”

“So…” muttered Bo, “I did good?”

“I would say so,” said Yugi. “And keep it up. I think you have a bright future, Little Bo Peep.”

“Then there are no hard feelings,” she smiled. “Guess I’ll go find someone else and get my Violet Status back!”

“That’s the spirit!” said Yugi, giving a thumb’s up.

As they parted company, Yugi looked at his new Disk, which shone at Silver Status.

“Only one more victory apiece,” said an excited Mary, “and we’ll be finals bound!”

“Yes,” said Yugi. “And it’s only Day Six!”


* * * * * * * * * *


In the dark cavern, Saurius was sitting on his throne, pondering.

A servant came in.

“My lord,” he said. “Yugi Mouto Jr. has achieved Silver status.”

“Wonderful,” grumbled Saurius, sarcastically. “I think it is time to take serious action…”

He got up. The henchman flinched. Saurius stood roughly seven feet tall at full height, and that wasn’t his only intimidating quality.

“Mordent,” he ordered. “Get in here!”

Mordent rushed in.

“What took you so long?” growled Saurius. “Now listen…”

“I’m all ears, master,” said Mordent.

“The time has come to truly test Yugi Mouto Jr.,” said Saurius. “And I know just the way how… We’ll do it by his rules.”

He produced a steel briefcase and handed it to Mordent.

“Wait until after dark,” ordered Saurius, “and use the B-47 maneuver.”

Mordent giggled. “Oh, that’s my favorite!” he chortled. “But what about Jade?”

“I’ll have another henchman handle her,” said Saurius. “Now go, and be sure to take detailed notes. Even if this plan is defeated, we can learn from it.”

“It will be done,” said Mordent, turning to leave.


* * * * * * * * * *


It was two in the afternoon, and Mary and Yugi stopped at an ice cream parlor for floats.

“Hey guys!” yelled Peter’s voice.

He and Clive walked up. Clive was still looking a little sullen.

“We heard the news,” said Peter, excitedly. “About you and that duelist with the killer sheep. Was it hard?”

“Harder than you might think,” sighed Yugi. “I’ll tell you the whole story…”

Across the street at a corner café, Persephone was sipping a latte and watching.

She focused her eyes on Clive.

Depressed, aren’t you Clive? she thought with a sinister grin. Down in the dumps after having your ass handed to you, aren’t you? Starting to doubt your abilities?

I could make you feel even worse. I could give you an even harder match, and knock you down to Yellow…

Sigh… If only there was a way to knock him down even further… bring him down to Orange. Then he’d likely be on the ground sobbing. But I can’t do that. So should I go over there and make my challenge? Or should I wait?

Little did she know, while she was watching Clive, a third party was watching her…

And he wasn’t very happy…




BAARTHANIUS THE SHEPHERD (Monster Card)

Type: Spellcaster/Effect
Attribute: Light
Level: 7
ATK: 2,000
DEF: 1,900

Card Description: Once a kindly shepherd, this wise sage has learned powerful magic of nature. Only one of these Monsters can be on one side of the field at a time. Once per turn when this Monster is on the field, you can put one “sheep token” on an opposing face-up Monster. Monsters with such tokens on them cannot attack, cannot block a direct attack, and cannot be used as a Tribute. These tokens are removed when “Baarthanius the Shepard” is removed from the field in some way.

[Shuppet Master]

That was a really awesome battle. And the way that the opponent used a monster that nobody would think of using to attack with(Scapegoat Tokens) is really interesting. :)

However,you had this sort of statement:

Three Monsters in my deck would be powerful enough – Brown Recluse, Gemini Elf, or Warrior Dai Grepher.

Gemini Elf isn't strong enough to take down the sheep-herder,because you said he had 2000 attack points,and Gemini Elf is 100 points shy of that. It's also a Light-type spellcaster,so it wouldn't benefit from Gaia Power. Just wanted to let you know about that. ;)

Keep it up,and I sure hope Clive gets his groove back.

[Dark Sage]

Hack:

Gemini Elf is actually Earth-type, so it would benefit from Gaia Power. So my statement is correct.

- Venusaur

[mr_pikachu]

Well, that was one of the strangest duels I've seen... but is Stray Lambs an actual card? Because I didn't notice it in your made-up card listing. Man, that could be so helpful for high-level tributing...

So the watcher now has eyes on her, huh? I have a feeling I know who they belong to, but I'm not telling! Clive'd better get his strength back, and fast, or else he'll be out before he knows it. And Yugi came very, very close to losing that duel. Though I'm still surprised Bo didn't decide to use the second Cannon Soldier to the fullest extent of its abilities. If she had a Leghul, or something, Yugi would've certainly lost. But I can see how that helped her strategy, I guess.

I still think you should refrain from using multiple punctuation marks to end your sentences (like the "?!" during Seigfried's speech to the bodyguards). It seems to take away from the dramatic effect of your chapter, rather than enhancing it. And it makes your work look kind of unprofessional, too. If you don't have to rely on stunts like that, you shouldn't. I think you reused a quote, as well, with the "that's nothing compared to what he'll do to you" bit, but I suppose you're allowed to do that once in awhile. It did fit the situation very well.

This is good, though. Very creative dueling strategy, and nice reminiscing about Yugi's father. I liked the Yugi/Mary convo overall, too. Still, I think ol' Yug has a bit of hidden interest in Jade, due to his thoughts and reactions at the ritual. Not much of a hidden interest, albeit, but just enough to infuriate Mary. :D But I would definitely like to see what would happen if she went through it... wouldn't THAT be interesting! Anyway, nice job, and I'll see you next chapter!

*sends subliminal messages to Venusaur to have Mary do the ritual*

[Dark Sage]

Mr. Pikachu -

First, here is how Stray Lambs works:

It IS a real card. It summons two Sheep Tokens, which like Scapegoat tokens, have zero ATK and DEF, and are set in Defense Mode. If you chose to use this card on a turn, you may not make any more summons on that turn. However, unlike Scapegoat tokens, you may use Stray Lamb tokens as Tributes.

The trick is keeping the Stray Lambs around for a turn. As you saw in that duel, Bo tricked Yugi by drawing the attention to her Scapegoats, which were useless for Tribute purposes.

And I guess you're right - I'd best stop the double punctuation.

And you don't know who is watching the watcher - he is a new character who will debut next chapter. That's all the preview I'll give you.

And I haven't really decided yet whether Mary will do the ritual. We'll see.

- Venusaur

[Shuppet Master]

Stray Lambs is a magic card from the Invasion of Chaos booster pack,if you want to know. So yeah,it's a real card. :)

[mr_pikachu]

Wow. I now know two cards I need to buy, those being Stray Lambs and Ultimate Offering. I can see some freakin' SWEET combos coming from those two cards! :yes:

And you haven't yet decided about the ritual... that means there's still hope!

*begins creating computer program to destroy Venusaur's account*

You had better do as I say... or else! ;)

[Oakbark]

Wow, excellent, that must be one of THE coolest chapters ever! I've always dreamed up Scapegoat decks, and i love those little colourful sheep! How wonderful that you created such a wicked deck! Wow, that would totally be my deck if i was a duelist. I hope you can sense my ecstatic joy!

Loved the Cannon Soldier/Scapegoat combo, and Baarthanius is very interesting, although she should have had some cards like Negate Attack and Waboku to stop him being destroyed, as he is a major part of her deck. I would LOVE to see this kinda duel on the anime/whatever, it'd be awesome! I really think everyone really enjoyed the zany deck...more of that please!!

Funny, i always imagined Milus Radiant was a cat....

Damien.

[Dark Sage]

My loss to The Phantom Duelist was a heavy blow. The guy struck me down with my best Monster – and the worst part about it was, it was all because of a dumb mistake on my part. I don’t like losing, and I don’t like being made a fool of – especially when it’s my fault.

A bunch of people could have given me phrases like “You can’t win them all,” or “Winning isn’t everything,” or even the dreaded “You learn more from losing than you do from winning.” Still, if winning isn’t everything, losing isn’t ANYTHING.

But I’ve had enough feeling sorry for myself. I got a push in the right direction, and now I don’t care if I’m busted down to Yellow, or even to Orange. I’m going to keep going as long as my Disk still functions.

I just hope I’m not in over my head by the guy who gave me that push…



CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO



Wild Nature’s Release



As Yugi and his friends sat around ice cream soda floats, Persephone carefully eyed them.

So much to do, so little time, she said, eyeing her Disk with its Violet gem. Well, I may not be able to knock Clive out of the tournament, but beating the tar out of him should be fun nonetheless. And I have to get Silver eventually.

So I’ll just…

“PERSEPHONE AMORE!” shouted a loud voice.

She turned around and saw a huge, muscular youth with a moustache and Latino features. He wore a black sleeveless shirt which showed off his ample arm hair, and black jeans. He had long, black hair held back with a bandana.

“You’re blocking my sun, fellah,” sneered Persephone.

“Don’t you remember me, Señorita?” he scowled, with a strong accent.

“Yeah,” said Persephone, sarcastically. “I know a lot of Spanish-speaking guys who look like shaven gorillas… you could be any one of them.”

“El Toro Grande!” announced the youth, holding up his Disk, with its Violet-status gem. “The one you humiliated in Paris!”

Persephone looked at him.

“Oh right,” she said offhand. “The Beastmaster of Madrid. Totally slipped my mind.”

“Well, I have come seeking revenge,” spouted Toro. “Prepare for a rematch, Amore!”

“You have a bad memory, pal,” chuckled Persephone. “I totally walloped you like a piñata the last time. What makes you think it will be any different this time?”

“Idiota!” yelled Toro. “A piñata is a Mexican toy, not a Spanish one! And I will not be denied a rematch!”

“Please, Toro,” scoffed Persephone. “My Fairies have better things to do that trade blows with your dirty, smelly freaks. And furthermore…”

Then an idea came to her.

Say, she thought. Maybe this big dummy is my key to getting at Yugi…

“All right Toro,” she smiled. “Let’s make a deal…”

“Deal?” he said, raising an eyebrow. “What kind of a deal?”

“Look over there,” she said, pointing to Yugi and his friends. “See that guy with the black leather jacket and the short haircut?”

“What about him?” asked Toro, suspiciously.

“His name is Clive Marris. Duel him first. You beat him, and I’ll give you your rematch.”

“What?” exclaimed Toro, getting angry. “I will not duel for your entertainment Persephone!”

“Sorry, Toro, that’s my condition,” she purred, reclining in her chair. “Besides, you’re at Violet. Think about it. If you win both duels, you’ll be in the finals, and you’ll be able to do nothing but veg out and relax until the end of Day Ten.”

Toro paused. He had to admit, that was rather tempting…

“Why do you want me to defeat him?” asked Toro, suspiciously. “Is he some ex-boyfriend who dumped you?”

“I have my reasons,” noted Persephone. “Now don’t come back until you do it. Shoo!”

“Fine,” growled Toro. “And you’d best be here with your deck ready!”

He walked off towards Yugi’s group.

“Crazy, arrogant, egotistical little…” he muttered.

Once that big lug is done with Clive, thought Persephone, with a grin, I’ll be able to knock him down even further… and then he’ll be crushed, and Yugi will be easy pickings with his pal having lost three in a row! Heh, I don’t believe that lug actually expects me to keep my word!

“Waiter!” she called. “One large mocha-latte!”


* * * * * * * * * *


“So,” said Yugi. “I think I myself have had enough for today. Who’s up for more?”

“I think Clive had best find someone,” mentioned Peter. “Shouldn’t you Clive?”

“I dunno,” mumbled Clive, somewhat sullen. “I’m not up to it right now…”

“What are you going to do Clive,” asked Peter, looking a little upset. “Wait for someone to come to you?”

“Clive, losing one Duel isn’t the end of the world!” pleaded Mary. “My father used to say…”

The sound of someone clearing his throat came up behind Clive.

They all looked up and saw Toro.

“Are you the one called Clive Marris?” he asked.

“Uh yeah, that’s me…” answered Clive, looking at him strangely. “And you are?”

“I am El Toro Grande,” replied Toro. “Regional Duel Monsters champion of Madrid. And I request a duel.”

Clive sighed. “Why me?” he moaned.

“Um…” said Toro, trying to think. “I… I only duel real men, and you look to be the manliest around!”

“Thanks for the compliment,” mumbled Clive. “But I don’t think I’m up to it.”

“Come on, Clive!” persuaded Mary. “You can’t pass it up forever!”

“I’m sorry, Toro,” sighed Clive. “But I had a bad loss, and I’m starting to feel like… like a loser…”

Yugi, Mary, and Peter looked up in surprise. He hadn’t gone THAT far yet.

“Now Clive, listen here!” stated Yugi. “You aren’t…”

And then Toro laughed heartily.

“A loser Clive?” he laughed. “Are you truly a loser? Let me tell you something…”

The Spaniard pulled up a chair.

“When I was twelve years old, I admired duelists, and I put together a deck that I thought would work. I had dreams of becoming as great a duelist as the ones I had seen in tapes of Battle City all those decades ago.

“But when I started to enter tournaments, I did terrible. I lost every time. Each defeat more pathetic than the last. Eventually, I started to consider myself nothing more than a loser…

“And when I told my padre, do you know what he said?”

“What?” asked Clive.

“He told me, ‘Son, the only time anyone is truly a loser is when he gives up and stops trying. So long as you always make an attempt, you’ve never truly lost. Only when you completely give up and stop making any attempt at all is when you are truly a loser.’

“Tell me Clive, is that what you are? Are you a true loser? Or are you somebody who can keep trying in the face of defeat? Because if you’re a quitter, than you truly ARE a loser.”

Clive held his eyes shut and he clenched his teeth.

“No…” he muttered. “I’m not a quitter, do you hear me!”

He got up from his chair.

“You’re on, Toro!” he shouted. “It’s time to duel!”

“I couldn’t have said it better myself,” said Yugi, with a smile.

Well, thought Toro, my padre always did know how to encourage a guy. But I don’t intend to give anything but my best against this guy either… I’ve come a long way since the time I was twelve…


* * * * * * * * * *


At that moment, three young men and one young woman came into view. They were dressed like the average duelists, but their Disks were actually more sophisticated equipment, and they hid small weapons under their clothing.

“There they are,” said one of them.

“Try to blend in,” mentioned the female. “It looks like Clive is going to duel, and it should attract enough attention for us not to be noticed.”

“I just wish we were allowed to keep the weapons higher than level three,” muttered the first one. “What was the Master thinking?”

“He must have his reasons,” said a third one. “Maybe that setting has something special built into it… I don’t know.

“Now spread out. And keep your eyes peeled.”


* * * * * * * * * *


Indeed, the challenge had attracted attention. A few stragglers had gathered. And across the street, Persephone was watching with eager eyes.

El Toro Grande shuffled and Clive did the same.

“I hope you don’t think this is going to be easy, Clive,” warned Toro.

“No way, Jose,” said Clive, loading his Disk. “Now let’s get this started…”

“I hope this can bring Clive back on track,” sighed Peter.

“Clive is better than he thinks he is,” assured Yugi. “He only needs to prove it to himself.”

Clive thrust his Disk forward and the holo-imagers shot out.

El Toro Grande did the same.

The Life Points set to 8,000 apiece.

”Comience el duelo! he shouted.

They both drew. Clive looked at his cards.

Well, he thought. I have Chick the Yellow and Meanae the Thorn, but I doubt they’ll be tough enough for whatever he puts out…

“Why don’t you go first, Toro?” he said.

“Gracias,” said Toro, drawing.

He examined the card.

“I summon one Monster facedown in Defense,” he said, throwing a card down, “and I end my turn.”

The hidden facedown Monster appeared in front of him.

Humph, thought Clive, drawing. Not much of an opening move…

He put a card down.

“I summon Little-Winguard, in Attack Mode!” he called out.

The little Warrior in blue armor appeared, hovering over his side of the field. (1,400/1,800)

“Little-Winguard, attack!” ordered Clive.

Little-Winguard flew forward…

“Muchas gracias, Clive,” smiled Toro.

A large squirrel appeared on the card, and Little Winguard sliced it in half.

“Nimble Momonga!” exclaimed Clive, in surprise.

Toro’s Life Points went up to 9,000.

“Not only did that give me a boost in Life Points,” laughed Toro, reaching for his deck, “but I get to summon another Nimble Momonga in Defense Mode!”

He pulled the card out of his deck and put it down on the field. Another squirrel appeared. (1,000/100)

His Disk reshuffled his deck.

“Don’t worry Clive!” called Peter. “It’s just a… minor setback… I hope.”

“Yeah,” muttered Clive. “Well, I’m activating Little-Winguard’s effect, which let’s me shift him into Defense Mode, even though I just summoned him in Attack Mode.”

Little Winguard knelt.

“And I’ll end my turn.”

Toro drew.

“Well,” he said. “I know you aren’t tonto enough to attack my other Momonga, so I’m going to Tribute it… to bring out the lethal Leopard Girl!”

He put the card down. Nimble Momonga vanished, and a man-shaped female form sprung onto the field. Dressed in a purple bikini and knee-high boots, she had a feral, catlike face with big green eyes, a long tail, and sharp claws. (1,950/1,700)

“Mee-Rowr!” she purred.

“Uh, okay, now I’m freaked…” gasped Mary.

“Look into her eyes, Clive,” dared Toro. “Look, and you’ll know what a predator’s prey feels like minutes before dying!”

Clive looked. And it wasn’t pretty.

“Leopard Girl,” ordered Toro, “tear Little-Winguard apart!”

Leopard Girl pounced, and ripped Little-Winguard asunder with one swipe of her claws.

“Wow,” gasped an onlooker. “I don’t know whether I’m scared or in love!”

Clive drew.

Gorg the Strong, he said, looking at the card. He needs a Tribute to summon, and even if I managed, he’d be easy pickings for that Beast-Warrior. All I can do now is defend…

He took another card.

“I summon a Monster facedown in Defense Mode,” he said, placing a card down.

The card appeared.

I don’t think he can summon anything as powerful as Leopard Girl… he thought.

Toro drew.

“Berserk Gorilla in Attack Mode!” he announced.

He put the card down, and a huge, angry gorilla with smoke coming out of its nostrils appeared. (2,000/1,000)

Not the first time I’ve been wrong… thought Clive, starting to perspire.

“Attack the facedown Monster!” ordered Toro. “Blazing berserk breath!”

Berserk Gorilla shot a stream of flames from its mouth; Masaki the Legendary Swordsman appeared on the facedown card, and was blown away.

“Now Leopard Girl…” continued Toro.

“Aw nuts…” moaned Clive.

“Attack him directly!”

Leopard Girl pounced! She seized Clive, wrapping her legs around his waist! Then she started dicing up his face!

“AAHHH!” shouted Clive. “Get off, get off, get off!”

“You’re lucky, Clive,” laughed Toro, as Leopard Girl slashed at him. “Usually she doesn’t put a leg-lock on a guy until the second date!”

Leopard Girl released Clive, giving him a kick in the process and flipped away, causing him to fall backwards. His Life Points fell to 6,050, and the onlookers laughed.

“Uh, you gotta admit that was kinda funny…” chuckled Peter.

Mary slapped him.

“Sor-ry!” gasped Peter.

Persephone chuckled.

I can’t believe I left my camera back at the hotel! she thought. Clive is gonna be lunch in a few turns!

“Your move,” said Toro.

Clive looked at Leopard Girl. These holograms were getting a little two realistic for his tastes. Not only was he covered with claw marks, but he could see his own blood dripping from Leopard Girl’s claws!

Then he looked at Berserk Gorilla.

I know that thing’s weakness, he thought. It HAS to attack whenever it can. That would make it easy for me to lead it into a trap, if I get a good card…

He drew.

Hey… he thought.

“I place one card facedown,” he said, fitting the card into the slot.

“And then, Getsu Fuhma in Defense Mode,” he continued, putting a card down.

The dark female warrior holding her katana appeared. She knelt down and leaned on her blade. (1,700/1,200)

“End turn,” he said.

“Is that your best?” scoffed Toro, drawing. “Humph. Prepare to get another hug from Leopard Girl!

“Berserk Gorilla, attack Getsu Fuhma!”

Flames formed in Berserk Gorilla’s mouth.

“Not this time, amigo!” shouted Clive, tapping his Disk. “Activate Magic-Arm Shield!”

The facedown card lifted.

“What?” gasped Toro. “A Trap?”

Getsu Fuhma got up, and a hinged Shield appeared on her left arm. The hinges opened, and a pair of grabbers shot out, seizing hold of Leopard Girl! The Beast-Warrior shrieked!

“With this,” explained Clive, “I can grab your Leopard Girl and use her to block your Gorilla’s attack!”

Getsu Fuhma swung Leopard Girl into the path of Berserk Gorilla’s flaming breath! The Beast-Warrior screamed, and she was incinerated.

“Huh… too bad…” sighed Clive.

Toro’s Life Points fell slightly, to 8,950. The crowd applauded.

“Wow, Clive did it!” cheered Mary.

“Only part of the problem,” warned Yugi. “He still has the Gorilla to deal with…”

Hmm, thought Toro. That wasn’t half bad… I’m going to have to start thinking a bit more strategically here…

“I end my turn,” he said.

“Good,” said Clive, drawing.

He looked at the card.

“I play the Pot of Greed,” he announced, putting the card into the slot.

He drew two cards. He looked at the first.

Hey… he thought. I’ve always wanted to try this Magic Card… trouble is, it requires a specific Monster to be on the field to use… and he isn’t in my hand. Still, I might as well put it out on the field…

He looked at the other one.

And this one will take care of the more immediate problem!

“I place two cards facedown,” he announced, placing the cards into slots.

“And,” he continued. “I shift Getsu Fuhma into Attack Mode!”

Getsu Fuhma shifted into Attack.

“And I end my turn,” said Clive.

“Those cards are Traps, aren’t they?” snarled Toro.

“Does it matter?” smiled Clive. “You have to order that Gorilla to attack… you don’t have a choice… unless you use it as a Tribute, or shift it into Defense, in which case it will be destroyed…”

Toro drew.

He’s right, he thought. And I have nothing good in my hand at all! Caramba…

“Berserk Gorilla, attack Getsu Fuhma!”

Berserk Gorilla prepared to fire…

“You saw it coming!” laughed Clive. “Activate Reinforcements!”

The Trap Card lifted.

“This Trap will raise Getsu Fuhma’s Attack score to 2,200 for the remainder of the turn, which is too much for your Gorilla to handle!”

Berserk Gorilla fired, and Getsu Fuhma leapt over the blast. She drove her sword through the Beast, and it exploded.

Toro’s Life Points fell to 8,750.

“Yes!” shouted Peter. “Take him down, bro!”

“Ugh!” cursed Toro. “I end my turn.”

Clive drew, as Getsu’s Attack returned to her normal level.

“Here’s a guy you might like,” said Clive with a chuckle. “I summon Double Pinaska in Attack Mode!”

He put the card down, and the Latino highwayman holding his twin machetes appeared. (1,500/1,500)

“Getsu Fuhma, attack him directly!” shouted Clive. “Whirlwind blade attack!”

Getsu did a flip, bringing her sword down on Toro and making a deep cut! Toro screamed.

“Your turn, Pinaska!” yelled Clive. ”Double machete slash attack!”

Double Pinaska charged, and made two swipes with his weapons!

Toro got up, bleeding from three huge gashes. His Life Points were down to 5,500.

Huh, thought Persephone, Clive really walloped him. I guess he does have a little bit of fight in him left.

Well, this is far from over…

“Ha!” laughed an onlooker. “El Toro Grande… more like El Toro Pequeño!”

Toro looked at him.

“I’ll deal with YOU later!” he snarled.

Nothing good in my hand, he thought. I have to draw something special…

He drew.

“I play a Magic Card,” he said. “Reload!”

He fit the card into the slot.

He put his hand into his deck, and the Disk reshuffled the deck.

“Now I draw a new hand,” he said, making his draws.

Excellente! he thought.

“I place one card facedown, and a Monster facedown in Defense,” he exclaimed.

The two cards appeared.

“And it’s your move.”

Clive drew. He put the card down.

“I Tribute Double Pinaska,” he exclaimed, “for the powerful Steel Fan Fighter!”

Double Pinaska braced his scimitars, and whirlwind erupted around him. He vanished, and a blue-clad Warrior came into view, with a long ponytail, seemingly dancing. He opened two large, razor-sharp fans, etched with symbols of dragons. (2,200/1,850).

“Well, that’s a new one,” said Mary.

“Getsu Fuhma,” ordered Clive, “attack the facedown Monster!”

Getsu charged…

And another Nimble Momonga appeared on the card!

“No!” said Clive.

“That’s right,” said Toro. “I had three of them.”

His Life Points went up to 6,500.

Clive cringed. Oh well, he thought.

“Steel Fan Fighter,” he said. “Attack him directly with fan dance attack!”

Steel Fan Fighter started to dance, and spun towards Toro, dramatically.

“Activate Waboku!” shouted Toro, hitting a button.

His facedown card lifted, and the three blue-garbed priestess sprang up, blocking the Fighter’s assault.

“Nuts,” said Clive. “End turn.”

Toro drew.

He chuckled.

“Now I have you Clive,” he laughed.

“I summon Battle Ox, in Attack Mode,” he continued.

He put the card down, and the ferocious minotaur appeared, holding his mighty axe. (1,700/1,000)

“And now,” he laughed, “a Magic Card… the powerful Riryoku!”

“Riryoku?” shouted Mary. “No!”

“I’ll use it to steal half the Attack power from your Steel Fan Fighter,” grinned Toro, “And add it to my Battle Ox!”

Steel Fan Fighter’s Attack dropped to 1,100, while Battle Ox’s rose to 2,800.

“Go my toro,” ordered El Toro Grande. “Attack Steel Fan Fighter with battle axe crush!”

Battle Ox charged, and with one deft stroke, beheaded Steel Fan Fighter. His body slumped to the ground before vanishing.

Clive’s Life Points fell to 4,250

Crap, thought Clive. Now I’ve got a super-strong bull to deal with… just like those masked nutjobs The Phantom had.

But I ain’t giving up…

He drew.

A Trap Card, he thought. This would go well with the Magic Card I have on the field, if only I had the means to play it! But I might as well put it down…

“I place one card facedown,” he said. “And I switch Getsu Fuhma back to Defense Mode.”

He placed the card down, and Getsu knelt.

“And that will end my turn.”

Toro drew.

“Now, my Battle Ox,” he said.

He paused.

He put another card facedown, he thought. That could be another Trap. Clive is no idiot… Best not chance it until I’m sure…

“I will pass this turn,” he said.

Phew, thought Clive.

He drew.

“I place another card facedown,” he said, putting the card facedown. “And I end my turn.”

“Three cards facedown?” pondered Peter. “He’s setting something big up.”

“Indeed,” said Yugi.

Yugi thought.

Clive hasn’t summoned a single one of his Dark Scorpions yet, he thought. I have a suspicion I know what he’s trying to do. And if he manages, it will be a nasty surprise for Toro…

Toro drew.

He growled.

Enough with this chickening out, he thought.

“Battle Ox,” he shouted. “Attack Getsu Fuhma!”

Battle Ox charged.

“Bad move there, Paco,” chuckled Clive, hitting a button.

The last card he had placed lifted.

“Activate Shadow Spell!” he shouted.

Chains erupted from the ground, and wrapped around Battle Ox! As he struggled against them, his Attack power went down to 2,100.

“Ole!” exclaimed Clive.

Toro growled again.

Well, thought Persephone. El Toro Grande screwed up. Why am I not surprised?

Toro picked out another card.

“I finish my move by summoning Tauros the Bull in Defense Mode,” he said.

He placed the card down, and a huge bull with an iron hide and huge horns appeared in front of him. (100/2,300)

“Hiding behind a defensive wall, huh, Toro?” said Clive. “Am I getting too tough for you?”

“Just move!” snarled Toro.

Clive drew.

He swapped cards on his Disk.

“I Tribute Getsu Fuhma,” he said, “to summon Freed the Matchless General!”

Getsu vanished in a burst of wind, and Freed appeared, raising his sword menacingly! (2,300/1,700)

“Go Freed,” ordered Clive. “Turn that Battle Ox into roast beef!”

Freed swung his mighty greatsword, and cleaved Battle Ox in half! Toro’s Life Points fell down to 6,300.

Yeah! thought Clive. I’m getting the hang of this! And as soon as I draw the right card, my secret weapon can be unveiled!

Toro drew.

This will be good when I have the right cards for it, he thought. And since I’m safe while Tauros is in Defense Mode…

“I’ll pass this turn,” he said.

“I don’t like the sound of that,” said Mary. “He’s up to something.”

“Yeah,” sighed Peter. “Something big…”

Clive drew.

Hmm, he thought. This might be good for later… And it might discourage him some more…

“I place one card facedown,” he said. “And I end my turn.”

The facedown card appeared next to the two he already had facedown.

Toro drew.

“I pass again,” he muttered. “Your move.”

The crowd started to grumble.

“Come on people!” yelled someone. “Let’s get back to the fighting!”

“Yeah!” said another.

“All in good time!” shouted Toro.

Clive drew.

Now I have Cliff, Chick, Gorg, and Meanae in my hand, he thought. He looked at his deck. But blast it, Don! Where are you hiding?

“Sorry everyone,” said Clive. “But I have to pass as well.”

Everyone groaned.

Persephone sighed.

I wonder if I have time to go to the ladies room before this starts up again? she thought. Nah, better not chance it.

Toro drew.

“Don’t worry everyone,” he said. “Things are about to heat up!”

He placed a card in a slot.

“I play the Magic Card known as War Lion Ritual!” he exclaimed.

“War Lion Ritual?” said Peter. “Don’t you have that card Mary?”

“Uh huh,” affirmed Mary.

A shape like a fiery lion appeared on the field.

“And to complete this ceremony,” said Toro. “I sacrifice one Leogun and one Mad Dog of Darkness!”

The fierce dog and large lion appeared on the field, and were consumed by the fire…

And out of the fire, a huge lion-man with a flaming mane and razor sharp claws appeared!

“I summon Super War Lion!” shouted Toro.

(2,300/2,100)

“True,” smiled Toro. “This Beast’s Attack power is equal to that of Freed’s, but soon I will draw an Equip that will make him powerful enough to defeat that Warrior!”

“My turn is over.”


Continued…

[Dark Sage]

Continued from last post:



Clive drew. He smiled.

“You know, Toro,” he grinned. “Why wait?”

He pointed his finger at Super War Lion.

“Freed the Matchless General, attack Super War Lion!” he commanded.

As Freed raised his sword, everyone gasped.

“They’ll destroy each other!” shouted Toro in horror, as the two Monsters rushed towards each other.

“That’s the idea!” laughed Clive.

There was an explosion where Freed the Matchless General and Super War Lion collided, and the two were thrown back. They gasped, and vanished.

“Um, Yugi,” muttered Peter. “Why do you suppose Clive did that?”

Yugi smiled.

“Just wait,” he said.

Okay, thought Persephone. Either Clive just made the most boneheaded move I’ve ever seen, or he has a secret strategy behind what he just did. Either way, what happens next isn’t going to be pretty.

“You’re going to pay for that Clive,” cursed Toro, drawing.

He put a card down.

“I summon Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts, in Attack Mode!”

The one-horned, lion-like beast appeared with a roar! (1,500/1,200)

“Attack Clive directly!” said the infuriated Toro. “Claws of fury!”

Gazelle pounced, and raked his claws across Clive’s chest. Clive fell over with a gasp.

Gazelle looked down at him with a growl and backed up towards his master. Clive’s Life Points fell to 2,750.

Clive got up and clutched his side.

“You may have won that round, Toro,” he said, drawing. “But get ready, because I’m about to make a move that’s harder to pull off than the childproof cap of a bottle of medicine!”

“What?” asked Toro.

“First,” smiled Clive. “I summon the leader of the Dark Scorpions, Don Zaloog, in Attack Mode!”

He placed the card down, and Don Zaloog appeared, brandishing his rapier and dagger! (1,400/1,500)

“How’s he supposed to help?” mocked Toro. “He can’t defeat Gazelle!”

“Don here is the leader of the Dark Scorpions, Toro,” said Clive. “Where he goes, his team is never far behind. In simpler terms, he has a special ability. With him on the field, I can activate a very powerful Magic Card…”

He hit a button on his Disk, and one of his three facedown cards lifted.

“It’s called Mustering of the Dark Scorpions,” continued Clive. “by using this card, Don can summon to the field any members of his team that I currently hold in my hand…

“And Toro, I have all four of them right now!”

He threw down four cards.

“Presenting!” exclaimed Clive. “Cliff the Trap Remover!”

Cliff rose from the ground, and brandished his long dagger. (1,200/1,000)

“Chick the Yellow!” shouted Clive.

Chick appeared, and twirled his quarterstaff. (1,000/1,000)

“Gorg the Strong!” yelled Clive.

The mighty Gorg rose up, menacingly holding his mace. (1,800/1,500)

“And last but certainly not least,” smiled Clive, “the glamorous, gorgeous, and quite deadly Meanae the Thorn!”

Meanae sprung up, and lashed her whip towards Toro. (1,000/1,800)

“ALL of his Dark Scorpions in one turn?” gasped Mary. “Peter! Did you know he could do that?”

“Um, no…” stuttered Peter. “I think I heard him mention a card called Mustering of the Dark Scorpions, but he never told me what it did…”

“Now,” smiled Clive. “My band of thieves is ready to attack, and I’m not finished yet! I activate my Trap Card…”

Another of his facedown cards lifted up.

“Dark Scorpion Combination!”

“D-dark Scorpion C-combination?” stammered Toro.

“This Trap can only be played when all five Scorpions are on the field together,” said Clive. “It lets them all bypass your Monsters and hit you with for a special direct attack, for 400 points of damage apiece!”

The Dark Scorpions got into battle formation.

“Go my Scorpions!” hollered Clive. “Hit him with everything you’ve got! PUNISH HIM!”

The next minute was a massacre. Cliff the Trap Remover stabbed at Toro’s chest with his dagger. Chick the Yellow clobbered him in the ribs with his staff. Meanae the Thorn lashed him from behind with her whip. Gorg the Strong smashed him in the head with his mighty mace. And Don Zaloog ran him through with his long rapier. Toro fell to the ground, and his Life Points fell to 2,300.

Everyone cheered as the five Dark Scorpions gave each other hi-fives.

“Wow!” shouted a girl. “I haven’t seen a move like that since… I haven’t seen a move like that!”

Toro got up, and looked at the five bandits facing him.

Que lastima! he thought. Not even Persephone hurt me that bad in our last duel!

He looked at his hand.

But all I need to do is stay alive until I can summon my own secret weapon, and Clive won’t stand a chance! And with Tauros protecting me, he won’t be able to attack me directly again…

He drew.

“Heh, heh,” he laughed. “Just what I needed.”

“Oh?” said Clive.

“I play a Magic Card,” laughed Toro. “It’s called Beat The Odds!”

“Beat The Odds?” said Clive, puzzled.

Toro plugged the card into the slot, and suddenly, the eyes of all five of the Dark Scorpions glowed. Beams of shining energy coursed from them, and flew into Toro. His body glowed.

“Consider Beat The Odds the opposite of Just Desserts,” explained Toro. “This Magic Card heals my Life Points by 300 points for every Monster my opponent has on the field. And since you have five, I get the maximum of 1,500 Life Points!”

His Life Point total went up to 3,800.

“Now I’ll shift Gazelle into Defense Mode, and end my turn,” he said.

Gazelle sat in Defense.

Clive drew.

“Sorry, Toro,” smiled Clive. “But I just drew an Equip card… Fusion Sword Murasame Blade!”

“Huh?” said Toro.

“I’ll equip it to Gorg the Strong!” announced Clive, fitting it into the slot.

Gorg’s mace vanished, and was replaced by a huge sword. His Attack score went up to 2,600.

“Now Gorg, attack Tauros the Bull!” shouted Clive.

Gorg swung the mighty blade, and beheaded the great bull.

“I hate to destroy my own birth sign,” sighed Clive. “Don Zaloog, destroy Gazelle! Sting of the Scorpions attack!”

Don leapt up, and drove his sword through Gazelle, impaling the Beast! He roared and fell.

“Now, Chick, Cliff, Meanae, ATTACK!” shouted Clive.

The three remaining Dark Scorpions charged at Toro! He screamed, but they showed no mercy. They tackled him and punched him to the ground.

They backed off, and Meanae giggled. Toro’s Life Points fell to a pathetic 600.

Toro groaned and got up.

“If you think that was bad,” smiled Clive. “You have two effects to deal with. Since Cliff damaged your Life Points, you have to discard two cards from the top of your deck…”

Toro sneered, and discarded the cards.

“And due to Chick,” explained Clive. “Well, listen closely. I get to see the top card on your deck without you seeing it, and then decide whether or not to put it at the top or the bottom of the deck.

Toro sighed. He drew the card and held it up.

Hmm? thought Clive, looking at it. The Trojan Horse? That doesn’t look too impressive… only 1,600 Attack points… oh well…

“Put it back on top,” said Clive.

Toro did so.

“I end my turn,” he continued.

“He’s gonna do it,” said Peter excitedly. “One more attack, and Clive has him cold! He’s coming back! Clive is coming back!”

Dang, thought Persephone. Well, it was fun while it lasted…

Toro drew.

He gave an odd look.

I’ll have to speed things up, he thought. This won’t be my secret weapon, but it’s close enough…

He added the card to his hand.

“I place a Monster facedown in Defense,” he said. “And one card facedown.”

He put the cards down.

“Make your move,” he dared, with a mean look.

Clive smiled as he drew. “Gorg the Strong…” he started.

He paused.

Wait a second… he thought.

“Bring on your attack, Clive,” dared Toro.

Throughout this whole duel, Toro has played only one Trap Card, thought Clive, and that was Waboku. Could he have been saving something nasty for last?

He paused again.

For all I know, that facedown card could be something to wipe out my whole side, he thought. And I don’t have much left to go with… Better play it safe.

“I pass this turn,” he said.

Toro chuckled. “Too bad,” he laughed. “You’d have won if you had attacked. But it’s too late now…”

Crud, thought Clive.

“I’ll show you what this Monster is,” said Toro. “I Flip-Summon The Trojan Horse!”

A large wooden horse came into existence. (1,600/1,200)

“Huh?” said Clive.

“This Monster exists to be Tributed,” said Toro, with a grin. “Because if I Tribute it for an Earth Monster, it counts as TWO Tributes!

Clive clutched his forehead. Should have looked at that card’s description closer… he thought.

“Thus, I Tribute The Trojan Horse,” laughed Toro, “to summon Big Koala, in Attack Mode!”

The Trojan Horse vanished, and a huge form rose on the playing field. It was huge koala, fifteen feet tall, with blue fur, and huge claws! (2,700/2,000)

“Aw… crapola…” moaned Mary.

“Well, he’s certainly ‘Big’…” gasped an onlooker.

“Big Koala,” commanded Toro, “attack Gorg the Strong with outback bash!”

The huge marsupial lumbered forward and punched Gorg, smashing him. Clive’s Life Points fell to 2,650.

“Looks like I broke up your team, Clive,” grinned Toro.

“Not yet, you didn’t,” said Clive. “Forget about my last facedown card?”

He tapped a button and it lifted.

“Activate Fallen Comrade!” he exclaimed.

“What?” said Toro. “Fallen Comrade?”

“The Dark Scorpions are a team, like you said, Toro,” explained Clive. “They won’t leave a member behind if they can help it. Fallen Comrade works when more than one of them is on the field and one is sent to the Graveyard. I just have to discard one card from my hand…”

He did so.

“…and Gorg the Strong returns.”

Gorg appeared again, in a kneeling position, with his original stats of 1,800/1,500.

“Then it’s your move,” said Toro.

“So now what?” gasped Mary. “That thing is even stronger than his Crescent Moon Queen!”

“Clive still has options,” said Yugi. “Many of them. He just has to find them.”

Okay, thought Clive. If I were to draw Negative Energy right now, it would double the Attack power of all my Scorpions, making both Gorg and Don stronger than Big Koala, and I’d win easily. But first I have to draw it…

He drew.

But this isn’t it!

“I shift all my Warriors to Defense Mode,” he said. “And I end my turn.”

All of the Dark Scorpions knelt in Defense.

Toro drew.

He grinned a grin that Clive did not like at all.

“Tell me something Clive,” he asked. “Did you ever see that old, old movie The Wizard of Oz when you were a child?”

“Course I did,” replied Clive. “Didn’t everybody?”

“You loved it didn’t you?” asked Toro. “Who wouldn’t love such a timeless classic?”

“Just move, okay?”

“That is my move,” said Toro.

“I don’t follow…” questioned Clive.

“Watch,” said Toro. “I first summon Des Kangaroo in Attack Mode…”

He put the card down, and a large kangaroo with green fur, dressed in a purple vest and red boxing gloves appeared next to Big Koala. (1,500/1,700)

“And now,” chuckled Toro. “I activate my facedown card… Polymerization!”

The card lifted, and the two Beasts turned into globs of blue and green light. They swirled together, and the swirl grew… and grew and grew!

“I summon the most powerful Beast ever to grace the face of Duel Monsters,” said Toro, as the sky began to darken. “I summon… Master of Oz!”

Clive stared aghast at the… thing in front of him. The only Monster he had ever seen that was bigger was Siegfried’s Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. This Beast, standing half-again as large as Big Koala, resembled a huge, green koala-shaped teddy-bear with a face like a pug dog, and a pouch on its belly, wearing a purple vest and red boxing gloves just like Des Kangaroo’s, along with red sneakers! (4,200/3,700)

“Good lord!” shouted someone watching. “That thing’s so big, it’s head is in a different time zone than it’s tail!”

Hold the phone… thought Persephone. Things just changed… in a big way! I think my plan is going to work!

“Of course,” smiled Toro, “for all its power, it’s still a Fusion Monster, so I have to end my turn there.”

“Okay,” gasped Mary. “So now what?”

“I hate to say it,” mumbled Peter. “But I think Clive is going to lose again…”

“Don’t listen to them Clive!” called Yugi. “Believe in yourself!”

Believe in myself, thought Clive, looking at the goliath. I wish I could…

He drew.

Lovely. NOW I get Negative Energy! One round too late! Even with this boost none of the Scorpions would be strong enough!

“I pass, there’s nothing I can do!” he said.

“In that case,” smiled Toro, “Master of Oz, attack Gorg the Strong with cyclone punch!”

Master of Oz wound up, and threw a punch, throwing a tornado at Gorg, and he was demolished.

“One down, four to go,” laughed Toro.

Clive drew.

Useless! he thought, looking at it.

“I have to pass again!” he said.

Toro chuckled.

“Attack Don Zaloog!” he commanded.

Master of Oz threw his cyclone punch, and Don was flattened.

There’s only one Monster in my deck that can possibly help, thought Clive. And I have to draw her before it’s too late…

He drew.

Nuts, nuts, nuts, nuts, NUTS! he thought, in frustration.

“I pass again…” he growled.

Toro chuckled as he drew.

“This is muy fácil!” he laughed. “Attack Cliff the Trap Remover!”

Master of Oz let loose his punch and obliterated Cliff.

“My secret weapon is blowing you away!” laughed Toro. “But I guess that’s how it goes…”

Clive sighed.

Maybe I should just give up… he thought. This is just going to be embarrassing all over again…

He clenched his fist.

NO!

This guy was right. The instant I quit, that’s the time I officially become a loser! I’m not gonna give up!

He quickly reached for his deck and whipped out a card.

Well whaddaya know? he thought.

You let me down last time, he thought, looking at the card, thanks to my dumb mistake, but maybe we can do better this time. Let’s hope that Master of Oz doesn’t have any crazy effects like that Masked Beast did!

He threw the card down.

“I’m going to Tribute Chick the Yellow and Meanae the Thorn,” said Clive. “To summon the mighty Crescent Moon Queen, in Attack Mode!”

Chick and Meanae hi-fived each other, and then vanished. In their place, the lovely queen of the night arose, bearing her silver scimitars. (2,600/1,700)

“He summoned the Queen?” asked Peter. “But what good…”

“Shhh!” said Yugi.

“Hmph,” said Toro. “That Warrior may be strong, but I don’t see how she can help you. Even with any Equip I know of, she can’t bring down Master of Oz…”

“I’m not done,” interrupted Clive. “I have a Magic Card too… a powerful one called Negative Energy!”

He fit the card into the slot.

“This card doubles the Attack power of every Dark Monster on the field,” said Clive. “That brings my Queen’s Attack all the way up to 5,200!”

A nimbus of dark energy surrounded the Queen, and her Attack power doubled. Toro gasped.

“No!” he gasped.

“Go, your highness!” shouted Clive. “Attack Master of Oz with crescent sword slash!”

Crescent Moon Queen made a great leap, and cleaved Master of Oz down the middle! She leapt back, and the huge Beast exploded!

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road!” laughed Clive.

Toro’s Life Points fell to zero. Crescent Moon Queen slowly sheathed her swords.

She looked at Clive and smiled.

Toro looked dumbfounded. He fell to his knees. “You… you defeated Master of Oz…” he said.

“Defeated it?” said someone in the crowd. “He massacred it!”

Yugi, Mary, and Peter crowded around Clive.

“You did it!” cheered Mary, hugging Clive.

“See?” laughed Peter. “Could a loser have brought down something like that?”

El Toro Grande got up.

“Well,” he muttered. “I guess you know as well as I do now that you can’t win them all…”

He hit a button on his Disk, and the holo-imagers retracted. He turned to leave.

“Adios amigos,” he said.

“Toro?” said Clive.

“Si?” asked Toro, looking back.

“Thanks,” said Clive. “Thanks for the pep talk. You helped me get my confidence back.”

Toro paused.

“De nada,” he answered.

Clive looked at his Disk.

Well, I’m back to Blue, he thought. It’s a start at least.

“Come on guys,” he said. “All that talk about bulls has made me hungry for hamburgers. Yugi, where was that place that Persephone took you where the cheeseburgers were so great?”

Meanwhile, Persephone sighed.

Well, that’s one plan down the tubes, she thought. I could challenge Clive now, but it would be pointless. Even if I beat him, he’d just find somebody else and win again.

But I will find a way to bring them down…

She left a tip on the table and left herself.

As Yugi and his friends left to find the restaurant, four shadows followed them.

“Can you believe he took down Master of Oz?” said one of them. “No wonder the Master wants us following them.”

“So what do you think we’re supposed to protect them from?” said another. “It would help if we had some I.D.”

“Just keep your eyes out for anyone who looks out of the ordinary,” said a third. “I used to be a cop in Los Angeles… I can smell crooks from a thousand feet away, even if they’re dressed in the most inconspicuous of disguises. It’s the little mistakes that give them away…”


* * * * * * * * * *


A dinner of cheeseburgers, fries, and chocolate malteds later, shadows were lengthening, and Yugi and his friends started back towards Cosmo Queen’s Castle.

Their four bodyguards followed them from a distance.

Some feet away, Mordent watched with eager eyes.

Time for me to put the B-47 Maneuver into play, he thought. But first I have to get rid of those Centurions…

He scurried out of his hiding place, and drew a card from his deck while he did.

“Well, they’re almost to their hotel, guys,” sighed the female bodyguard. “Once they’re there, the Master said he’ll have the place guarded, so we can call it a night and…”

Mordent leapt in front of them.

“Hello, folks,” he announced. “You’re Centurions aren’t you? Tell me, does this job pay well?”

They looked at each other in surprise.

But only for a second.

“Plenty,” said one of them, as they drew their weapons. “And you aren’t going to keep us from doing it!”

“Now you can come quietly,” warned another, as they took aim, “or we can do it the hard way. Now raise ‘em!”

“Really?” said Mordent. “Okay, I surrender…”

He slowly held his hands up in the air… holding a card up with his right hand.

“Activate Mesmeric Control!” he shouted.

A large hypno-screen appeared in front of him, and the four Centurions gasped. They fell over into a deep slumber.

“Nighty-night,” laughed Mordent.

He took out his Yami card.

“Now for Yugi…”


* * * * * * * * * *


As Yugi and his friends were on their way back to the hotel strip, Yugi’s Puzzle activated, and he paused.

“Yugi,” said Yami. “Wait. I sense a presence…”

“What?” said Yugi.

“Something similar to what attacked us this morning. It’s nearby…”

“Everybody!” warned Yugi. “Stop for a minute!”

“Yeah, Yug’?” asked Clive.

“Something approaches…” said Yugi.

Darkness started to grow again, just like last time.

“Stick together people…” said Peter.

Mordent came out of the shadows, this time alone.

“You!” shouted Yugi. “Who are you and what do you want?”

“Huh?” said Mordent. “Oh. Right. We haven’t been properly introduced. My name is Mordent, and if you must know, my master sent me… He has his eye on you Yugi, although I’m not at liberty to discuss why.”

“Who’s your master?” demanded Yugi.

“You might meet him if you survive the night,” said Mordent. “In the meantime, don’t expect Jade to come to your rescue this time. She is being disposed of as we speak.”

“Then we’ll deal with you ourselves!” shouted Clive, rolling up his sleeves.

Mordent whipped out a card.

“Nightmare Steel Cage!” he shouted.

Yugi was thrown back, and flames erupted around Mary, Clive, and Peter! Within minutes, a dome-like iron cage studded with spikes formed around them!

“Hey!” yelled Mary.

“Let them go, you fiend!” ordered Yugi.

“Uh, uh, uh!” warned Mordent, shaking his finger. “You aren’t in any position to make demands, Yugi. Now here’s the deal. You have to duel for their release. Win, and I’ll let you all go… lose, and you surrender your soul!”

Mary, Clive, and Peter gasped.

“Suppose I refuse?” snarled Yugi, now angry.

Mordent snapped his fingers, and the Nightmare Steel Cage started to glow. Suddenly, sharp spikes sprouted all over the interior and started to lengthen towards the three prisoners!

“Yugi, don’t do it!” shouted Clive, as the three of them moved to the center. “Run! Save yourself!”

“NO!” shouted Yugi. “Turn it off, Mordent! I’ll do it!”

Mordent snapped his fingers again, and the spikes retracted.

“So, I guess it’s true that the son of the great King of Games never refuses a challenge,” he sighed.

“When my friend’s lives are at stake,” sneered Yugi, “no challenge is too great… So get your deck ready.”

Mordent laughed.

“I never said I would duel you,” he smiled. “Your opponent is here!”

He set down the briefcase that Saurius had given him.

“You want me to duel a briefcase?” said Yugi, puzzled.

“The duelist is in the briefcase!” said Mordent, with a laugh. “This container contains my little friend… a memory imp!”

“Memory imp?” gasped Mary. “I don’t like the sound of that…”

“Let me explain,” said Mordent. “A memory imp is a demon that can read memories. Now, no-one is sure what a memory imp looks like when it’s alone… whenever it appears, it takes a form taken from the memories it reads.

“And the imp can’t just read your memories either! Just by looking at you, it can read the memories of anyone related to you, living or dead!

“Thus, when the imp is released, it will read the memories of you and your entire family line, choose a duel that you or one member of your family participated in, and take the form of the opponent in that duel! Of course, since Duel Monsters is a relatively new game, it will be limited to opponents from you, your parents, and your great-grandfather’s memories.

“Whatever form the imp takes, it will use that duelist’s deck and a similar strategy. But one thing is different… it obeys me entirely!

“Ready Yugi?”

The briefcase started to rattle.

“Who do you suppose it could be?” gasped Peter.

“Dunno,” stuttered Mary. “That imp sure has a lot to choose from… it could be Siegfried’s uncle… or Jade’s mother…”

She gasped.

“It could even be my father! Yugi told me once that Marik once forced them to duel each other…”

Yugi watched, and fear grew inside him, as the briefcase began to shake dramatically…



TAUROS THE BULL (Monster Card)

Type: Beast
Attribute: Earth
Level: 4
ATK: 100
DEF: 2,300

Card Description: This hefty bovine possesses a hide that can repel attacks from most weapons.



BEAT THE ODDS (Magic Card)

Type: Magic
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of a knight in armor facing down Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. Increase your Life Points by 300 for every Monster on your opponent’s side of the field.



FALLEN COMRADE (Trap Card)

Type: Trap
Attribute: –
Level: –
ATK: –
DEF: –

Card Description: Image of Gorg the Strong carrying a wounded Meanae the Thorn in his arms. You can only activate this Trap when two or more Monsters with “Dark Scorpion” in their names or have the name “Don Zaloog” or “Cliff the Trap Remover” are face-up on your side of the field and one is sent to the Graveyard as a result of your opponent’s action. Discard one card from your hand to special summon the Monster back from the Graveyard in Attack or face-up Defense position.