Disclaimer:Some of the cards used in this duel have their anime effect instead of their TCG/OCG effect.
Seto Kaiba and Joey Wheeler vs Yugi Moto
The spotlight shines brightly upon Kemo as he steps up to the microphone. He stands at the center of a gigantic dueling arena packed with thousands of enthusiastic Duel Monsters fans who are cheering at the top of their lungs, eagerly anticipating the main event.
Kemo: Attention duelists! It's time for the special exhibition match of the 2016 New York City Duel Monsters Tournament - officially sponsored by Industrial Illusions and its CEO, the creator of duel monsters, Maximillian Pegasus! As you all know, Mr. Pegasus has a flair for the theatrical and wanted to put on a duel the likes of which you've never seen before!
The audience cheers and the cameras zoom in on as Pegasus. The former wielder of the Millennium Eye sits in a chair in the front row sipping a glass of red wine. He smirks and raises his glass as a toast to the start of the show.
Kemo: Through a lottery, two of the top 100-ranked duelists in the world will be randomly selected. They will join forces and attempt to do what no single individual has been able to achieve: defeat the #1-ranked duelist in the world, Yugi Moto! And on that note, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the King of Games himself! Here he comes!
Yugi enters the stadium to a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd in New York. Despite wearing the Millennium Puzzle around his neck, it is clear that the pharaoh is not in control for the moment. Little Yugi shyly waves towards the legions of fans and nervously smiles at random people as he takes his position on the duel field.
Opposite him, the top 100 duelists are all assembled and awaiting the results of the lottery. The impressive collection of champions includes the likes of Mai Valentine, Weevil Underwood, Mako Tsunami, Zigfried Von Schroeder, Bakura Ryou, Bandit Keith, Marik Ishtar, Johnny Steps, that guy who thought that disguising himself as a bee would help him to win, and many others who are not quite as famous.
Deliberately standing a few inches in front of the group is Seto Kaiba. He pays attention to no one but Yugi as he makes his entrance.
This whole thing's a joke, not that I expect any different from Pegasus, Kaiba thinks to himself as he observes the proceedings. It should be obvious to everyone that I'm the only one who deserves to duel Yugi. Which is why I hacked into Industrial Illusion's mainframe and programmed the computer to select MY name first. I also made sure that the computer selects a veteran duelist by the name of Adrian Suzuki to be my partner. He's not in my league – which goes without saying - but the kid has a solid resume: rank Obelisk Blue at the Duel Academy, 5-time regional champion, 3-time national finalist. He should be able to pull his weight.
A small smirk crosses the face of the man who prides himself on always being in control. And when I win this duel, it'll be a victory everyone will hear about. Yugi will have no choice but to give me a one-on-one match, and then the title "King of Games" will rightfully belong to me. Not some porcupine-headed, giant rock-worshipping nerd.
Kemo points to a giant screen at the top of the stadium where a list of all 100 participating duelists starts spinning, accompanied by a dramatic drum roll. The crowd falls silent, eagerly anticipating the first reveal. Gradually, the roulette spins slower and slower until it settles on one name: "SETO KAIBA". The roar of the crowd vibrates throughout the arena, everyone absolutely ecstatic that the two legendary rivals will clash once again, with an added twist.
What a shocking turn of events, mulls Kaiba as he pretends to look surprised. Per Kemo's request, the KaibaCorp CEO struts over to the duel field opposite Yugi. Even though the person wearing the Puzzle around his neck appears to be a simple teenager, his eyes contain a hidden fire and intensity as they meet Kaiba's steely blue gaze. The pharaoh is watching.
The roulette begins to spin again to select Kaiba's partner. The drum roll is the only sound in the arena as the crowd falls into a vigilant silence once again, the names rolling by slower and slower until the arrow trickles down to the last few. It appears to settle on the name of Adrian Suzuki, Kaiba's chosen duelist, and the CEO smirks at the success of his plan…
But the arrow doesn't stop there. It passes Suzuki and slows to a stop at the next name down: "JOEY WHEELER".
Kaiba is stunned. The crowd erupts in cheers, almost unable to believe that Joey and Kaiba will actually duel as a team for the first time ever – a match made in heaven for any duel monsters fan. An unmistakably thick Brooklyn accent is heard from the rabble of duelists as Joey picks his way through it.
Joey: Hiya folks, how ya doin? Joey Wheela comin thru. Make way, make way. Pleasure's all yours, I know. Ey, did someone just grab my butt? Hands off da merchandise til afta da duel, okay?
Joey spends perhaps a little too much time showing off to the other duelists before waltzing up to the duel field past a bewildered Kaiba.
Kaiba: This has got to be some sort of prank! I demand a do-over!
Kaiba scowls at Kemo, expecting the large bodyguard to do his bidding. Kemo isn't fazed.
Kemo: I'm afraid I can't do that, sir. It's against the rules.
Kaiba: SCREW THE RULES, I HAVE MONEY! And with it I can hire an army of KaibaCorp lawyers and sue Industrial Illusions for everything it's worth!
Kemo: If you would like to pursue legal action, then please step off the dueling field while we select a replacement partner for Joey to duel against Yugi.
Kaiba: Wait! Hold on, I- uh…
The president of KaibaCorp uncharacteristically stutters while searching for the right words to bark at Kemo, but in the end nothing manages to come out of his mouth. Even a situation as bad as this won't make Kaiba pass up the opportunity to get even with Yugi.
From the front row, Pegasus can't help but chuckle at the unfolding events. He instinctively rubs the spot where his Millennium Eye used to be, wishing he could read the thoughts running through the mind of Seto Kaiba at this very moment. Now this is what I call quality entertainment! Sorry Kaiba-boy… but the punishment fits the crime.
Yugi: How have you been, Joey? I'm looking forward to this! It's nice to be able to duel my best friend without the fate of the world hanging in the balance.
Joey: Got dat right Yuge. You know your old pal Joey's always up for a good time! Too bad we gotta put up with rich boy. But we've been thru worse, right? Not much worse, but worse.
Kaiba is nearly shaking, his fist clenched tightly. The calm and calculating demeanor he begins all his duels with is completely gone, replaced with nothing but frustration. WHEELER! That blonde-haired buffoon is going to ruin this moment for me! This wasn't supposed to happen!
Kemo's pointy hair gleams under the bright spotlight as he takes the microphone and speaks to the three assembled duelists in front of him.
Kemo: Attention duelists! Before you begin, here are the official rules for this 2-on-1 duel! In an attempt at balance, Yugi will start with 8000 life points while Joey and Kaiba will start with 4000 each. Duelists on the same team are allowed to use each other's monsters for fusion or tribute summons. A duelist can command their own monster to intercept a direct attack on their partner's life points. The game will continue until all members of one team have no life points remaining.
After explaining the rules, Kemo steps forward and stands between Joey and Kaiba, holding a coin.
Kemo: A coin toss will determine which of you will go first. Who would like to call it?
Kaiba, still seething, doesn't budge. Joey takes this as his cue and greedily grabs the coin out of Kemo's hands. He kisses it and proudly holds it up.
Joey: Lady luck's always been in love with yours truly, so I should be da one doin dis. I call heads!
Joey flips the coin and then slaps it on his wrist. It lands on heads, meaning that he will go first. He jumps in the air, happy that his lady luck came through for him again, and attempts to fist-bump Kaiba (who doesn't oblige). The result of the coin toss only increases the CEO's frustration – as always, he preferred to go first and set the pace of the duel.
Kemo: Attention duelists! Shuffle your decks and activate your duel disks, because the duel will now commence!
As soon as Kemo says this, Yugi's Millennium Puzzle begins glowing. An ancient, powerful aura begins to emanate from the young boy and he seems to grow not only taller, but stronger and wiser too. A faint chant… "Yugioooooooh", can be heard coming from inside the Puzzle right before the transformation completes. Pharaoh Atem finally arrives, and in a commanding Dan Greenish voice announces:
Yugi: Kaiba. Joey. Prepare yourselves, because IT'S TIME TO DUEL!
Turn 1 – Yugi: 8000 LP, Kaiba: 4000 LP, Joey: 4000 LP
The crowd roars and life point screens light up all across the huge stadium as the duel officially gets under way. Yami Yugi activates his KaibaCorpDuel Disk and places his deck into it, Joey doing the same. Kaiba doesn't move, still staring a hole through the man who is now officially his partner.
Joey: You ain't da only one who can transform, Yuge! Check dis out!
Joey does some sort of weird karate moves, slowly chanting "Brooooooklyn Raaaaaaagggggeee" before jumping up and flexing his muscles. His chin contorts into a creepy grin.
Joey: Dis is what I like ta call my SSJ form – Super Saiyan Joey. It's go time!
Kaiba facepalms.
Kaiba: This is going to be a disaster.
Joey: Ey, Mr. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind over der, lighten up will ya? Can't ya appreciate that we're not fightin' to save da world fa once? This duel's just fa fun!
Kaiba: I don't have fun.
Joey: If it makes ya feel any betta ta know dis… if you lose dis duel, nobody'll think you're any less of a douchebag. In fact, you should consida yaself lucky - cause you get ta tag with da Godfada a Games himself: Joey Wheela!
Kaiba's expression doesn't change.
Kaiba: I'm thrilled.
At last, Kaiba takes a deep breath, activates his KaibaCorp Duel Disk, and places his deck into it - determined to plow ahead and battle despite the very less-than-ideal circumstances he finds himself in.
Kaiba: All right, Wheeler. I might as well play along. Not that I have a choice. But let's get one thing straight. This duel should be between me and Yugi, and you know it. If I lose, it'll be because of YOU. So do me a favor - and I know this is probably the hardest thing you've ever had to do in your entire life – but just keep your mouth shut and try not to screw things up. Got it?
Joey: Nah, I belong here. Cause without me Yugi would mop da floor wit ya - just like he's done the last 500 times. Ain't that right Yuge?
Kaiba grits his teeth, always hating when someone reminds him of his numerous losses to the King of Games. Yugi is examining the five cards he drew in his first turn and trying to ignore the charming conversation between his opponents, without much success.
Yugi: I think Kaiba's right, Joey. You should probably stop talking now and make your move.
The Pharaoh's comment flusters Joey for a second. The Brooklyner then draws six cards from his deck and tries to shift his focus on what to play. Not bad, not bad at all. Thinks Joey as he looks over his opening hand. Yeah, definitely some things I can work with here!
Joey: All right folks, hold on to ya buts! I'll start things off by throwing dis little baby down. Baby Dragon dat is, in attack mode!
The holographic technology Kaiba pioneered projects a realistic 3D model of one of Joey's classic monsters: Baby Dragon (ATK: 1200/DEF: 700), which appears on the dueling field in front of its master.
Kaiba: THAT'S what you're leading with? A baby dragon? Surely you're not serious.
Joey: I AM serious and don't call me Shirley! My Baby Dragon may look all cute and cuddly fa now… but they grow up fast, so enjoy him while you can! Anyway, I'm also gonna throw a card face-down. You're up, Yuge.
A projection of a face-down spell or trap card appears on Joey's side of the field behind Baby Dragon.
Turn 2 – Yugi: 8000 LP, Kaiba: 4000 LP, Joey: 4000 LP
Knowing Joey, he wouldn't throw out Baby Dragon unless he was planning to combine it with another card, thinks Yugi as he plans his initial strategy. He must have a Time Wizard in his hand and will use its special ability to power up Baby Dragon. I've got to put up a defense!
Yugi: I'll set a monster in defense mode. That ends my turn.
A silhouette of a face-down monster card appears on Yugi's field. Kaiba is unimpressed.
Kaiba: This duel has only lasted two turns and it's already boring me. I expected a pathetic first move from Wheeler, but not from you, Yugi. Now allow me to demonstrate what a real first turn looks like, because it's my move!
Turn 3 – Yugi: 8000 LP, Kaiba: 4000 LP, Joey: 4000 LP
Kaiba draws a card and wastes no time activating it.
Kaiba: First off, I play Pot of Greed! And I bet Wheeler doesn't know what it does.
Joey actually hesitates for a moment before remembering what Pot of Greed does, and that just about every duelist seems to have one in their deck.
Joey: You're a regula comedian, ya know dat? Your jokes really kill the audience.
Kaiba: Your dueling skills already have them on life support. Nowas I was saying… the spell card Pot of Greed allows me to draw two cards from my deck and add them to my hand! Then I'll play—
Before he can finish his sentence Kaiba is interrupted by Joey, who is frantically waving his arms and trying to get his partner's attention.
Joey: Yo Kaiba! Just so ya know, I have a strategy dat involves my Baby Dragon. So I think you should summon another monsta dis turn. Dat way we can overwhelm Yugi and expose him for a direct attack on his life points! Sound like a plan?
Kaiba nods at his partner.
Kaiba: I sacrifice my assistant's Baby Dragon in order to tribute summon Kaiser Glider!
Joey: SAY WHAT!?
Much to his surprise and dismay, Joey's dragon is erased from the field and Kaiba's dragon emerges. Wrapped in a ball of fire, Kaiser Glider (2400/2200) glides down into the arena and lands with a loud thud on Kaiba's side of the field.
Joey: Ey, what gives? You just ruined my strategy!
Kaiba: "Strategy" implies that you're actually using your brain. Oh, I knew all about your little scheme. If you expect me to just sit here and allow you to gamble this duel away with a card as unpredictable and dangerous as Time Wizard, you're even dumber than I thought! And I'm not sure that's possible.
Joey looks at the Time Wizard in his hand, irritated by the fact that he can no longer use the card's effect to its full potential.
Joey: I'm not askin you ta become a memba of da Time Wizad Fan Club, but we're supposta be working as a team!
Kaiba: Aren't we? I got rid of your useless baby and replaced it with a dragon that's twice as strong. You're welcome.
Joey grits his teeth, but before he can think of a comeback Kaiba cuts him off.
Kaiba: The difference between you and me, Wheeler, is that you rely on dumb luck to hide the fact that you have no idea what you're doing. I rely on power and precision to win duels, and you're about to find out why. Kaiser Glider, attack Yugi's face-down monster!
Kaiser Glider takes flight. It wraps itself in a ball of flame and dives down toward the opposite side of the field, crashing into Yug's set monster at full-speed. For a moment, a thick layer of smoke covers the entire field, making it impossible to see the aftermath of the battle. When the dust settles, the outline of Yugi's monster appears, unscathed. A surprised Kaiba finds himself staring at Yugi's faithful defender: Big Shield Gardna (100/2600).
Yugi: Kaiba, after all these years you still haven't learned that powerful monsters aren't the only ones that win duels. Sometimes, the best offense is a good defense. My Big Shield Gardna withstood the attack of your dragon, and since its defense points were higher than Kaiser Glider's attack points, the difference comes out of YOUR life points!
Kaiba's life points decrease by 200 and Big Shield Gardna switches to attack position due to its effect.
Kaiba: Spare me the lectures, Yugi. I've heard them all before. Another thing I'm all too familiar with is your Big Shield Gardna. On your next turn, you're going to switch him back into defense mode. But that's not going to happen this time around, because I'll put a stop to it with this spell card!
Dark magic clouds the mind of Big Shield Gardna. It starts wobbling, becoming dizzy and disoriented.
Yugi: OH NO! What have you done, Kaiba?
Kaiba: Me? You should be blaming your monster for not having the strength to overcome the debilitating magic of Mesmeric Control. It entrances your Gardna and prevents it from changing its battle position during your next turn. And since it only has 100 attack points, even a duelist as incompetent as Wheeler should be able to take it down on his turn. Though I'm not holding my breath on that one.
Joey: And I'm not holdin my breath on you gettin dat stick outta your ass.
Kaiba ignores Joey's retort and places a face-down card that appears behind Kaiser Glider. His turn is over, and though he couldn't penetrate Yugi's defense, he undoubtedly had the most impactful of the duel's three turns so far.
Turn 4 – Yugi: 8000 LP, Kaiba: 3800 LP, Joey: 4000 LP
The Pharaoh draws and surveys the terrain. Joey has no monsters on his side of the field, so I could attack him directly. On the other hand, with 2400 attack points Kaiba's Kaiser Glider could pose a serious problem if I don't do something about it soon. It doesn't take long for the King of Games to translate his thoughts into actions.
Yugi: All right Kaiba, it's time for me to rid the field of your dragon! First, I'll discard the Beast of Gilfer from my hand in order to special summon… The Tricky!
The strange jester-like wizard known as The Tricky (2000/1200) is special summoned from Yugi's hand by its effect. Its face has no eyes or nose, only a big red question mark. What tricks does it have up its sleeve?
Yugi: And that's far from all! When Beast of Gilfer goes to the graveyard its special ability activates, allowing me to reduce the attack of any monster I choose by 500 points.
Yugi's archfiend crawls out of the ground, now taken the form of a demonic ghost. It floats up in a black cloud and possesses Kaiser Glider, lowering its ATK from 2400 to 1900.
Yugi: The monsters in my deck work as a team, building upon each other's individual strengths. Their combined abilities have now turned the tables on your dragon, making it no match for my magician. Tricky, ATTACK!
The Tricky prepares to launch an attack on the weakened Kaiser Glider, but before it lunges forward, dozens of chains erupt from the ground and wrap themselves around the spellcaster's limbs, completely immobilizing it.
Kaiba: I'm afraid your Tricky won't be going anywhere thanks to my Shadow Spell trap card. Not only does it prevent your monster from attacking or changing its battle position, but it also reduces its attack by 700 points. What were you saying about the tables being turned?
Yugi can do nothing but watch helplessly as Tricky's ATK drops to 1300, once again lower than Kaiser Glider's. Kaiba smirks, satisfied that he ended up on the better end of this brief exchange between old rivals. Yugi smiles, allowing himself to relax for a moment and enjoy the competitive, non world-saving nature of this duel.
Yugi: I see your dueling skills are as sharp as ever, Kaiba. I'll set two cards face-down before ending my turn. This one ended in a stalemate, but I have a feeling the next one won't.
Two mystery cards appear in Yugi's spell/trap card zone behind Tricky and Big Shield Gardna.
Turn 5 – Yugi: 8000 LP, Kaiba: 3800 LP, Joey: 4000 LP
Joey quickly conducts his draw phase, anxious to regain his foothold in the duel after having his Baby Dragon/Time Wizard combo messed up by Kaiba in his first turn. He's about to make a play when a certain bullheaded billionaire starts barking orders at him.
Kaiba: All right Wheeler, you're on! And you better be paying attention! I've set things up perfectly for you. Attack that Big Shield Gardna right now or Yugi will switch it back into defense mode on his next turn!
Joey hesitates. His eyes dart between both of Yugi's monsters and his two face down cards, not certain that Kaiba's plan is one he should follow.
Joey: I got a bad feeling about dat Tricky a his… and not just cause it's creepy-lookin.
Kaiba: I don't care about your feelings. His Tricky is completely immobilized and drained of its power by my Shadow Spell trap. On the other hand, Big Shield Gardna will only be vulnerable for one turn. An opportunity like this won't come again! Do you hear me Wheeler?
Joey: Look, I've known Yugi almost all my life, and if der's one thing I've learned it's dis: he can pull off just about anything when der's a magician by his side. What if he WANTS me ta destroy his Big Shield Gardna so he can use his Tricky ta cast some crazy spell next turn and clean our clocks?
Kaiba: That's probably what he would expect you to think, and he knows you'd fall for his bluff because you're a moron!
Joey clenches his fist as he endures more verbal abuse from the CEO. Quickly running out of patience, he makes his move.
Joey: Da only thing dat'll be falling around here is ya teeth if you keep messin with me! Now shut up and say hello ta my little friend!
Little Winguard, a small blue knight armed with a sword and shield (1400/1800) is summoned on Joey's side of the field. Kaiba takes one look at it and bursts out laughing.
Kaiba: Another weak monster? You might as well put that dog costume back on and summon yourself!
Somehow, none of Kaiba's previous insults hit Joey as hard as this one does. A repressed image of Joey dressed as a dog, kneeling and whimpering at Kaiba's feet floods back into his mind. A bad dream he once had? A forgotten memory? He finds it hard to tell the difference. Feelings of insecurity and inadequacy flood Joey's mind, and he completely snaps.
Joey: DAT'S IT! IF'VE HAD IT WITH YOU AND YOUR WISECRACKS! WEAK, HUH? I'LL SHOW YOU WHO'S WEAK!
Smoke is practically coming of Joey's nostrils as he grabs a card from his hand and crams it into one of the spell/trap card slots in his duel disk.
Joey: I equip Little Winguard with da spell cahd Lightning Blade to boost his attack by 800 points, and then I attack The Tricky!
Little Winguard's tiny sword transforms into a huge blade surging with electricity and its ATK rises to 2200. It leaps into the air and makes a beeline for Yugi's The Tricky, which is still chained to the ground by the effects of Shadow Spell and unable to avoid the attack in any way.
Kaiba: No! You fool!
But Joey is now beyond reason, hell-bent on sticking it to Kaiba any way he can. Right before Little Winguard reaches its target, Big Shield Gardna moves in front of The Tricky and uses his giant shield to block the sword slash. Little Winguard is shattered along with his Lightning Blade. When the battle is over, Big Shield Gardna disappears from the field and a stunned Joey watches his life points decrease by 1700.
Yugi: Your attack triggered my trap card: Ambush Shield! It allowed me to sacrifice Big Shield Gardna and transfer his defense points to The Tricky's attack points. So it looks like you got what you wanted: My Big Shield Gardna is destroyed. But he took your monster down with him.
Joey gives no indication that he heard Yugi. He vacantly blinks at his now empty field, still trying to come to terms with the fact that his second turn ended in failure just like his first. Kaiba makes a quick mental calculation and shakes his head at Joey.
Kaiba: That's what you get for not listening to me. This wouldn't have happened if you had attacked Big Shield Gardna, because the boost from Ambush Shield wouldn't have given it more attack points than Little Winguard.
His partner's latest criticism snaps Joey back into reality. Having no one else to direct his anger and frustration toward, he goes after the obvious target.
Joey: I only wish I COULD stop listenin' ta you! All you've been doin is messin up my concentration! If I wanted color commentary during dis duel I woulda asked Tristin, Tea and the rest a da gang ta be here!
Kaiba: Of course. My mistake. I forgot that you can't tie your shoes without the rest of the geek patrol cheering you on. That pretty much sums up your entire dueling career, doesn't it? If it wasn't for Yugi taking pity on you and holding your hand every step of the way, you would still be living in some crappy apartment in Domino watching him duel me on TV instead of being the third wheel right here with us. You weren't even supposed to be at Duelist Kingdom or Battle City, and now that Yugi's not holding your hand anymore it's obvious that you don't belong here either.
Joey is shaking, too disarmed by Kaiba's statement to do anything. The Tricky's ATK returns to 1300 as the effect of Ambush Shield wears off and the turn ends.
Turn 6 – Yugi: 8000 LP, Kaiba: 3800 LP, Joey: 2300 LP
Yugi observes the constant bickering between his two opponents and shakes his head in disappointment. He opens his mouth and is about to say something to Kaiba and Joey, but thinks better of it and decides that perhaps the best way to steer them back on course is to put them on the defensive.
Yugi: I'll begin my turn by summoning Skilled Dark Magician in attack mode!
A cloaked wizard wielding a staff (1900/1700) appears next to The Tricky. His face is concealed by shadow, and three golden spheres decorate his robe – two on his shoulders and one on his chestplate.
Yugi: Skilled Dark Magician is a younger version of his more well-known counterpart, and he possesses a rather unique special ability. Every time a spell card is activated, he gains one spell counter. When he has three spell counters he can evolve, allowing me to sacrifice him and special summon the Dark Magician from my hand, deck, or graveyard. So to give him his first spell counter, I'll equip him with the spell card Book of Secret Arts! It will raise his attack and defense points by 300 each.
The Book of Secret Arts materializes in front of Skilled Dark Magician and he begins reading its ancient texts, increasing his knowledge of arcane magic. His stats rise to (2200/2000), making him the strongest monster on the field. One of the three golden spheres begins glowing, indicating that he currently has one spell counter.
I could go after Kaiba's dragon again… but a direct attack on Joey's life points would greatly weaken him and leave him with almost nothing, muses the pharaoh as Skilled Dark Magician awaits his master's orders. This also presents an opportunity to test their bond as a team. For their sake, I hope they pass.
Yugi: Skilled Dark Magician, attack Joey's life points directly!
Skilled Dark Magician points his staff in the direction of Joey's blonde hair and shoots a golden beam of magic out of it. All eyes are on Kaiba's Kaiser Glider, everyone aware that according to the rules he can order it to intercept the direct attack on Joey's lie points. But he doesn't move a muscle.
Kaiba: Don't look at me. If you think I'm going to sacrifice a level-6 monster just to save Wheeler's sorry ass, think again.
Joey: Why you son of a b—
Joey's expletive is cut off when Skilled Dark Magician's beam zaps him. The shockwave from the attack knocks him back a few steps and causes him to yelp out. When Joey recovers, he is shocked to discover that he only has 100 life points remaining. And then, the even more horrifying revelation that his face-down card is still on the field, untouched.
Joey: Ah man! I forgot ta activate my face-down cahd!
Kaiba: Why am I not surprised.
Joey's face turns red from embarrassment and a bead of sweat rolls down his forehead. He can feel the entire arena watching him, and he curses himself for making such an amateur mistake due to getting so riled up by Kaiba.
Kaiba: And now you're one attack away from being eliminated from this duel. You should just quit and spare yourself from any further embarrassment.
Joey just stares sadly at his duel disk, where only the number "100" illuminates the tiny screen. Yugi has grown tired of all this, and finally decides to give everyone a piece of his mind.
Yugi: That's enough, Kaiba! And that goes for you too Joey!
The Pharaoh's booming voice causes both Kaiba and Joey to jerk their heads toward him in surprise.
Yugi: Don't you two understand that this is about more than just yourselves? You've each proven time and time again how good you are individually. This duel tests you differently - but more importantly, it presents you with an opportunity to mature as duelists. Are you willing to put your differences and feeling towards one another aside, in order to work together and combine the strengths of your great decks? Because if you can't, I can assure you that you will NOT beat me. Look at the scoreboard! Both of you have lost life points while I still have all 8000 of mine
Seto Kaiba smirks, completely unaffected by Yugi's pep talk.
Kaiba: And I've got some words of wisdom for you. Enjoy those life points while you can, because they're not going to last much longer.
Turn 7 – Yugi: 8000 LP, Kaiba: 3800 LP, Joey: 100 LP
The KaibaCorp CEO smirks when he views his newest draw. Business is about to pick up.
Kaiba: Your Skilled Dark Magician is about to lose his reading material. I activate the De-Spell card to eradicate your Book of Secret Arts!
Kaiba's spell takes effect, neutralizing the power boost of Book of Secret Arts and bringing Skilled Dark Magician's stats back down to (1900/1700). Because Kaiba activated a spell card, the second gold sphere on Skilled Dark Magician's robe begins glowing, indicating that he now has two spell counters.
Kaiba: Next, I'll summon my Kaiser Sea Horse in attack mode!
Kaiser Sea Horse (1700/1650), the aquatic warrior from the depths of the ocean, surfaces beside Kaiser Glider.
Kaiba: And don't think I'm blind to the fact that your Skilled Dark Magician needs only one more spell counter to activate his special ability. But unfortunately for you, he won't be around to complete the trifecta.
Yugi furrows his brow, confused by Kaiba's apparent intentions.
Yugi: Hold on. Both of our strongest monsters now have 1900 attack points, which means that if you attack they'll both be destroyed.
Kaiba: Not quite. You see, Kaiser Glider's special ability prevents it from being destroyed when it battles a monster with equal power. Kaiser Glider, send his magician back to the circus!
The dragon takes to the skies once again and dive bombs towards Yugi's Skilled Dark Magician. However, right before it crosses the threshold into Yugi's side of the field, a gigantic barrier of pure light rises up like a curtain and stops the dragon in its tracks. Kaiser Glider crashes into the barrier but doesn't even make a dent in it.
Yugi: None but the strongest of monsters can penetrate my Wall of Revealing Light! By giving up 2000 of my life points, I've reinforced the wall with enough energy to block any attack from monsters with 2000 or fewer attack points.
Kaiba grits his teeth, irritated by the fact that neither of his two monsters have enough ATK to break through the wall, meaning that his newly summoned Kaiser Sea Horse can do nothing this turn. Yet despite this unforeseen setback, the CEO promptly puts a backup plan into motion.
Kaiba: The only thing you've accomplished with that move is delaying your defeat. Stalling won't get you anywhere when you come face-to-face with the creature I will soon unleash. But first, I activate the spell card Cards of Consonance! It lets me discard a dragon-type tuner monster with 1000 or less attack, and in return I get to draw two cards from my deck.
The monster Kaiba chooses to discard is The White Stone of Legend. As soon as he does so, a huge white stone glowing with hidden energy bursts out of the ground on his field and rises up like a monolith.
Kaiba: And when The White Stone of Legend goes to the graveyard, I'm able to add a Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my deck directly to my hand. Come to me my legendary beast!
The white stone begins pulsing like a heartbeat, thudding louder and louder until cracks start to appear on its smooth surface. When the great power contained within the stone becomes too strong, the spirit of a Blue-Eyes bursts out of it and goes to Kaiba's hand. The third golden sphere on Skilled Dark Magician's chestplate starts glowing, indicating that he has attained his third and final spell counter.
Yugi can go ahead and summon his Dark Magician. I'll be ready for it, thinks Kaiba as he sets the two cards he just drew with the effect of Cards of Consonance in his spell and trap card zone. Then on my next turn, I'll use the special ability of Kaiser Sea Horse to sacrifice him and bring out my Blue-Eyes White Dragon using only one tribute. With 3000 attack points, it'll have more than enough power to bypass the Wall of Revealing Light. Nothing will be able to protect Yugi from the wrath of my Blue-Eyes. He's finished!
Kaiba: So the King of Games bought himself another turn. Better make the most of it, your highness.
Turn 8 – Yugi: 6000 LP, Kaiba: 3800 LP, Joey: 100 LP
Surging with the same confidence he has in all his duels, Yugi draws and gets ready to call up an old friend.
Yugi: Be careful what you ask for. I activate the special ability of my Skilled Dark Magician, in order to sacrifice him and special summon… the one and only DARK MAGICIAN!
Yugi's signature monster, the ultimate wizard known as Dark Magician (2500/2100) emerges from the deck, spins in the air, and nimbly lands on his feet to the roar of the crowd. Yugi's expression then turns serious as he looks at Joey and with a hint of regret says:
Yugi: I'm sorry, Joey. But I've got no choice. I can't hold back. Dark Magician, attack Joey's life points directly and eliminate him from this duel with your dark magic attack!
Dark Magician nods upon hearing his master's command. He expertly twirls his staff and then points it at Joey, unleashing a beam of dark magic from it. But this time, Joey is well aware of his face-down card and intends to make full use of anything that can give him a lifeline.
Joey: Go Scapegoats! Protect my life points!
Joey's quick-play spell card special summons four Sheep Tokens (0/0 each) in defense position to guard him from the direct attack. Dark Magician takes out one of them, leaving three. Yugi appears relieved that his friend is still in the duel, while Kaiba's reaction is the exact opposite.
Yugi: Good move Joey! Better late than never, I suppose. It would have been disheartening to see you fall this soon because of one mistake. I'll set two cards face-down before ending my turn. Make a comeback Joey, I know you've got it in you!
Two shadowy cards appear behind Yugi's magicians as the turn ends.
Turn 9 – Yugi: 6000 LP, Kaiba: 3800 LP, Joey: 100 LP
Joey can't help but crack a smile after hearing his friend's reassuring words, though he doubts his fortune will change much this turn. But then, he draws. The smile turns into a large grin.
Joey: You're right, Kaiba. I am da third wheel.
Kaiba glances at Joey, surprised that he casually admits this.
Joey: I mean, look who I'm up against. Da guy with da only three playable copies of Blue-Eyes White Dragon in his deck, and da guy with a 5000-year old spirit in his head telling him how ta win. And I'm just a regular Joey trying ta hang with these guys. Dat's okay though. I'm no stranger ta being the underdog. As a matter a fact, dis is where I do my best work. So if you think I should quit, I got news for ya. Joey Wheela don't quit. As long as I have even 1 life point left I'll keep fightin. I'll keep fightin to show everyone out der dat you don't need money or magic ta be a great duelist. You just need ta believe in yaself!
Kaiba rolls his eyes, greatly missing the old days when he was the top-ranked duelist and nobody had ever heard of these dorks and their collection of lame speeches. He has no idea that his daydreams are about to be rudely interrupted.
Joey: Since Mr. Kaiba is SUCH an intelligent duelist, maybe I should follow his advice and bring out a more powerful monsta. The only problem is, I need ta sacrifice something to play it and I can't use my Scapegoats. If only I could use my partner's monstas for a tribute summon…
Kaiba goes wide-eyed, not liking where Joey is going with this. Not liking it at all.
Kaiba: Wheeler! Don't even think about—
But it's too late. Kaiba helplessly watches his Kaiser Sea Horse disappear and the robotic Jinzo (2400/1500) emerge on Joey's side of the field. The appearance of the famous machine-type monster is met with a loud cheer from the crowd.
Kaiba, beside himself with rage, stares at the two cards he set during his previous turn. Because of Jinzo's effect, he can no longer activate them. Wheeler has screwed things up for the last time! He's going to pay for this. I swear it!
Joey: What's the mattah, rich boy? I got rid of fish head and replaced it with a badass psychic android dat can destroy trap cahds. You're welcome.
Joey chuckles to himself, giddy that he got even with Kaiba by doing the same thing Kaiba did to him earlier in the duel.
Joey: Hehe… I guess third time's da charm, baby! Dat's why dey call me Wheela da Showsteala! I'm da comeback kid! Now Jinzo, do your thing - toast Yugi's trap cahds!
Jinzo's eyes light up and fire a laser beam that sweeps Yugi's field, detecting and destroying any trap cards. Wall of Revealing Light is engulfed in flames, the heat causing Yugi to raise one arm to shield his face from its intensity. But he quickly regroups, knowing he still has the advantage.
Yugi: Your Jinzo may be a formidable monster, but it's still 100 attack points weaker than my Dark Magician.
Joey: Ah yeah? What if I juice it up with Graceful Dice!
Joey inserts a spell card into his duel disk. A fairy holding a blue six-sided die appears in the sky above him.
Joey: Now I'm no statistics expert, but it seems ta me dat the odds are in my favor. I only need ta roll a 2 or higher to make Jinzo stronger than Dahk Magician, so dat means a two outta six… percent… odds…
Kaiba: 83.3% chance, you idiot. Now just go already!
Joey isn't about to dispute Kaiba's math, so he presses a button on his duel disk. The fairy releases the die and it rolls onto the field. Joey eagerly watches it, expecting it to land on a good number. The die gradually slows to a halt. At first it looks like it will land on a 6, but to Joey's disappointment it lands on… 1.
Joey: NYEH!?
Jinzo's ATK barely goes up to just 2500 – equal to that of Dark Magician's. Joey is clearly unhappy with the result, but nonetheless he intends to make the most out of his turn.
Joey: I could attack Dahk Magician, but den I'd lose my Jinzo too. So I guess I'll go for Da Tricky instead. Jinzo, take out dat creepy clown with cyber energy shock!
Jinzo cups its hands together and generates a swirling black ball of energy. It makes a direct hit on The Tricky, creating a blast which obscures most of the field in a layer of smoke. When it clears, there is not one, but THREE Trickys on Yugi's side of the field. Joey rubs his eyes, wondering if he's having vision problems.
Joey: I wanted to make less of your monster, not more of it!
Yugi: As its name implies, The Tricky is full of tricks. Right before your attack made contact, I activated a quick-play spell card known as Tricky Spell 4. It sacrificed Tricky and special summoned a Tricky Token in defense mode for every monster my opponents controlled. Your Jinzo just destroyed one of them, leaving three. The Tricky Tokens are exact duplicates of the original, except for the fact that they can't attack. But my Dark Magician CAN attack, and on my next turn I'll order him to wipe out Jinzo and the rest of your life points! This could be your final turn, Joey. Make it count.
Heeding Yugi's grave words, Joey looks at the one card in his hand that can save him. I've got no choice but ta rely on Lady Luck again, and she's been giving me da cold shoulder dis whole duel! Oh well. Kaiba won't like dis… but den again he doesn't like anything so who cares?
Joey sets a single card in his spell/trap zone. He closes his eyes, placing all his faith into it.
Joey: All right Yuge. Dis is it. Do your worst!
Turn 10 – Yugi: 6000 LP, Kaiba: 3800 LP, Joey: 100 LP
The 10th turn of the duel begins, and the King of Games intends to fulfill Joey's request. Jinzo's ATK reverts to 2400.
Yugi: First, I play Card of Sanctity! It allows each of us to draw until we're holding six cards in our hand.
All three players fill up their hands and Yugi looks over his, already formulating strategies against Kaiba after Joey has been eliminated.
Yugi: Now that the effect of Graceful Dice has worn off, my Dark Magician is once again the strongest monster in play. Dark Magician, annihilate Jinzo with dark magic attack!
Joey: I had a feeling you would do something like dat, which is why I set dis little guy on my last turn, and now I'm gonna introduce him to your Dahk Magician. Go Roulette Spidah!
A mechanical spider flies out of Joey's quick-play spell card and attaches itself to Dark Magician's face. The mage desperately tries to rip the spider off, but it clings on with its metallic legs. It acts as a magnet, dragging Dark Magician to the center of the field. A multi-colored web then appears below him. Each strand of the web points to a different target: Yugi, Kaiba, Joey, the three Scapegoats, the three Tricky Tokens, Jinzo, and Kaiser Glider.
Joey: It's kinda ironic dat I'm usin' Roulette Spidah ta protect my Jinzo, cause dis is da cahd I used ta win Jinzo from Espa Roba! By giving up half my life points, I've basically blindfolded your mage and turned him into a loose cannon. He'll spin round and round until you tell him ta stop, and den he'll automatically attack any target he's pointing at – me, you, money bags, or any of our monstas.
Joey's life points get cut to a mere 50 as Dark Magician begins spinning on the roulette table, the velocity increasing with every second. Round and round he goes, where he stops nobody knows. Yugi grows increasingly nervous, until he simply can't bear to see his favorite monster suffer like this any longer.
Yugi: Dark Magician… STOP!
The roulette gradually stops spinning, until it ends with Dark Magician pointing at Kaiser Glider. Roulette Spider disappears from his face and then the magician blasts the dragon, destroying it and decreasing Kaiba's life points by 600. Yet the CEO doesn't look even remotely concerned about the loss. In fact, it's as if this is exactly how he hoped things would play out.
Kaiba: For once Wheeler did something useful. Thanks to Kaiser Glider's second effect, when it's destroyed I can return one monster on the field to its owner's hand. And I choose…
Kaiba sticks his finger out, and for a moment it looks like he'll point to the obvious choice (Dark Magician), but to everyone's shock, the monster he ends up pointing at is entirely different.
Kaiba: JINZO!
Before Joey has time to react, his cyborg leaves the field and returns to his hand. Kaiba flashes a wicked smile, knowing that now nothing can stop him from carrying out his strategy.
Kaiba: And now that I can use my trap cards again, I'm going to kill two birds with one stone. Go face-down cards: Ring of Destruction and Ring of Defense!
Kaiba presses two buttons on his duel disk and the lethal combination springs forth. Ring of Destruction surrounds Yugi's Dark Magician and starts spinning, while Ring of Defense opens its petals and spins in front of Kaiba, shielding him from the damage of the blast.
Kaiba: Not only will Ring of Destruction decimate Dark Magician, but everyone will lose life points equal to its attack points. Everyone but me that is… since I'll be safe behind my Ring of Defense.
Yugi looks at Kaiba in horror, refusing to believe that even he is willing to eliminate his partner so shamelessly.
Yugi: But Kaiba… this will cause Joey to lose the duel!
Kaiba: It will? That's a shame.
Yugi clenches his fist and adopts a frustrated tone as he pleads with his headstrong opponent.
Yugi: KAIBA! Please don't do this!
Kaiba: ZIP IT YUGI! I refuse to allow this clown to hold me back and make a fool out of me any longer! So say goodbye to your magician AND your friend!
Ring of Destruction spins faster and the flames around it blaze with hotter intensity. Joey's buttocks clench up as he prepares to witness the rest of his life points drop to zero.
Suddenly, Dark Magician disappears in a cloud of smoke. Ring of Destruction detonates, sending a shockwave throughout the field that nearly knocks over the participants. But there was nothing for it to destroy. Kaiba is furious.
Kaiba: Did your magician just pull a vanishing act? Where the hell did he go?
Yugi laughs, always relishing moments like this when his opponents are caught off guard by his magician's many tricks.
Yugi: You won't destroy my Dark Magician that easily! He was saved just in time by my Monster Recovery card. It returned Dark Magician to my deck a split second before your Ring of Destruction exploded. And that's not all. I must also shuffle my hand back into my deck and draw the same number of cards.
Yugi unites the six cards he was holding into his deck and then draws a fresh hand of six. His Millennium Puzzle starts glowing as if it has detected tremendous power nearby.
Yugi: And with this new hand, I've drawn the card I need to win this duel.
The skies above the dueling arena suddenly darken. No weather report predicted a storm that day.
Yugi: I sacrifice all three of my Tricky Tokens!
Kaiba and Joey both turn pale, knowing this can only mean one thing.
Yugi: In order to summon… the Egyptian God Card SLIFER THE SKY DRAGON!
Three lightning bolts strike the Tricky Tokens, obliterating them. Their life force is converted into energy which is then funneled into a portal in the sky. From this portal a gigantic red head pokes out, horrifying the more skittish audience members. The heavens twist and thunder roars, signaling the coming of this ancient creature and the dawn of true power. Gusts of near hurricane intensity buffet Joey and Kaiba, forcing them to clench the cards in their hands to prevent them from being blown away. Yugi's duel disk surges with electricity as the holographic projector struggles to animate the gargantuan beast. Slifer the Sky Dragon slowly descends, flashes of lightning revealing more and more of him, until he wraps his long serpentine body around the perimeter of the entire colosseum. Joey, in what could be his final act, desperately turns to his partner and tries to reason.
Joey: Look Kaiba. I know you and I get along like two peas in a pod, but Yugi's right. If we don't start workin togetha, we're BOTH goners!
Kaiba doesn't reply, rendered speechless for the first time. He just stands there, pale and wide-eyed, staring into the face of a God.
To be continued…