A/N: It has been a long time in coming, a VERY long time in coming, but today, the proud people here at Secret Base Inc. can finally bring the Dragon Duelist to Battle City!
Roan: So, how many fics till we catch up to Gema J. Gall?
RM: ............. Just start the thing already.
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh!, any of its characters or aspects, nor do I own any characters or aspects of any other animes which may be referenced to in the future. I do not own Shayla, the original character of Gema J. Gall. Aside from all these, and characters you see in this story belong to me. Also, I give credit to Ysabet, exceptional Detective Conan writer, for the inspiration of certain scenes, such as the first one in this chapter.
"Raising a monster from its Premature Burial, 800 points.
Attacking all monsters on one side of the field, 1000 points.
Increasing a phoenix/dragon's power, 3999 points.
Saving the world with cards, priceless.
There are some strategies Life Points can't pull off. For those, there's the Heart of the Cards." -E-100 Alpha.
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???
PBC Report. Day 0. Target M2's energy output was detected in a large radius of Domino City. Among those affected were several of the most favored tournament participents (see Target Files M1, I2, 0352, and 0869), as well as a few close associates of those mentioned above. (Target Files M7, 1078, I3, and currently those not targeted in file M1.) With the exception of 1078, every affected subject appeared slightly unfocused for a short period afterward. This is uncomfirmed with 1078, who had collapsed from lack of sleep 15 minutes prior.
The security around 0352's residence has increased since then, but this may possibly be because of the tournament, which begins tomorrow. Reports indicate target M3I1 will arrive in Domino early this morning. Also, sufficient evidence indicates the M3I1 may have been affected by M2's energy output as well. As per ordered, our surveillance team will follow him throughout the tournament, and through their own methods deal with him if detected.
Notes:
Targets M4, M5, and I4 were unaffected by the energy output. This may indicate something; will research if possible.
Target M6, who has yet to be seen since the events of PSR, did not appear in Domino City, though he may before or during the final rounds. Preperations to subdue and interrogate are underway.
Target M1 was the first to recover from the effects, as would be expected. M1 changed into target 'M0' for a period of 36 seconds, in which time he aided his friends in recovering. Though most of the others have paid little attention to the event since, M1/M0 and I2 are still suspiscious, a fact which may be useable against them.
Conclusion: Until further information can be gathered, the 'M2 Wave', as it has been dubbed, shall be overlooked. However, many more happenings are expected to befall M1/M0, probably due to further actions from M2. I will personally be inspecting the progress of I2, and will note important factors and strategies revealed in his duels. Unless otherwise noted, I shall hereafter refer to the details of this report as PBC.
-0002, Codename: Umiryu. (All numbered targets come from the data files retrieved from Target RH-1's store. Special targets, as usual, have been listed with letters based on classification.)
---
He sighed deeply as his gloved finger clicked the mouse, and the information was sent. "Finally. For once I don't have to think about any reports for 24 hours straight."
"Although you DO have to duel before then, as well as watch and catelogue strategies used in another person's duels."
Used to it by now, he merely narrowed his eyes as the voice came from his computer." You've already read that? What was the point of me even writing it?"
"Future reference, my friend." his superior said, the emotion of the sentence undetectable." Regardless, remember to prepare your deck seriously this time. Our plan depends on at least one of us getting to the finals."
"....fine." He said, trying his hardest to mock the stoic tone of his colleague." I'll see there, then."
As he exited the IM program, and started the slow process of turning his PC off, he glanced out the one-way shaded window, a small smirk forming as he saw the light of a window on the top floor of a tall building." Project: Battle City. This one will be interesting..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaiba Corp, Top Floor, CEO's Office.
Confusion; THAT was the one thing he couldn't get over. Confusion led to worry, worry led to stress, and stress led to weakness.
Seto Kaiba's nerves had already been tested earlier that day, and very few people were safe if such an occaision happened again in a short time. But at least then he'd known the cause, and the cause's source.
"He's doing this to tick me off." He had said bitterly, scrunching up a letter with several Toon monsters on the envelope. Apparantly, a certain fellow dragon-using duelist invited him to join a pre-tournament party at the very home of the person the tournament was set up to beat. At that time, he had idly wondered how to repay the annoyance as he chucked the invite into the balcony, which was where he threw everything that his helicopter crew would eventually take and dispose of.
If only light-headedness could be dealt with the same way. For the brief instant after he had shaken his head, knocking sense back into himself, he thought it was from lack of sleep. He yawned, and was about to give in and conk out....when he remembered how very little he slept, and that he had the feeling that something had slipped his mind.
He immediately went through everything he had been doing: Writing the payment checks for his employees, going over his deck, planning what he'd do after he won the tournament... the word tournament seemed important, and for some reason not because of what would start the next day. Something about a strangely haired individual...someone he DIDN'T recognize, and....the Shadow Realm.
As soon as he realized this, his scowl returned in full flare." Maybe I AM tired....if I'm believing what Pegasus keeps talking about.
Still, he had security increased before the late-night programmers finally left. Long into the night, his office was the only light on at Kaiba Corp.
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Domino Square.
As far as he could tell, he was walking. If, by walking, that meant his girlfriend's arm was the only thing keeping him moving along.
Drake Pegasus would have been entirely happy had he just slept in, skipped the first few hours of the tournament, and qualify for the finals at the last minute. Lara, however, had appeared to have a sudden change of heart, and was dragging him along, a Duel Disk also around her arm.
"What happened to not wanting to sacrifice your friends?" he mumbled, trying to keep his eyes open.
Lara sighed, shaking her head at her semi-conscious boyfriend." I told you earlier; I've worked out a deck style that doesn't need sacrifices. Plus, I've left out those two BEWDs, since it would attract attention..."
As he yawned loudly, he tried remembering why he was tired. Last night, everyone at Yugi's house had just zoned out for a minute, like they'd been listening to a history lesson or something. After Yami had helped them out of it, he had still remained wary, having been used to mental spying, but he gave it up as the others left, while he and Lara shared a sleeping bag next to Yugi's bed.
Then again, the fact that Yugi and Yami talked in the early hours of the day disturbed his sleep. Moreso because of the subject; another Millenium Item-using tyrant wanted the Millenium Puzzle. Besides that, there was the matter that Yami was an ancient pharoah, that Kaiba had been the sorceror who tried to off him, and Lance kept making comments about he and Lara's sleeping so close to each other. His lavender-haired love was lucky to have a Yami as deep a sleeper as she was.
Finally, he had worked up the nerve to ask Lance about his past, which earned him the silence he needed. He somehow knew that both he and Yami would find out a few truths before the tournament's end.
"And I can't believe you almost forgot this," Lara said, her voice snapping him back to the present as she held up a thin, plastic card," Max said we needed EVERYTHING in the box to compete in the tournament, remember?"
"Dad also said a few things about our integrety as we left the castle." Drake remarked grumpily as Lance held back hysterical laughter.
Lara smiled at this, remembering the time when she'd tease him about things like that. Nowadays, though, he seemed to be immune to it, occasionally even flirting back, which made her mimic his past facial colors." Anyway, I'm glad we can finally have some action without too much being at stake."
She suddenly glared at him," because, like you said, we're leaving any world-saving to Yami, right?"
"Yes, I promise! Again!" He assured her, suddenly wide awake as they reached their destination. In the few times he'd been in Domino Square, the large clock in the middle of the fountain had always seemed a sort of landmark to him, given it's central position. He found it ironic that this was where his dad said they'd 'see' the start of the tournament easiest.
His eyes (which he was still relieved were red again) roved over the crowd. He could already see some familier faces; Yugi and Mai were spectating a three-way insult-brawl between Mako Tsunami, Weevil Underwood, and Rex Raptor, Joey was dashing around frantically, looking anxious, (Drake wondered why he didn't show up for the party) and, finally, Roan, who was pacing in the shade of an apartment building, looking worried.
He stretched the fingers underneath his Gauntlet. {It's been a long time since I've used it... I wonder how strong it is now?}
{We'll do a field test later tonight, with fewer witnesses.} Lance said seriously. {Amazing that you'd note this after the first few dozen times I've told you to practice.}
Prepared for another argument, Drake almost leapt at the booming, familier voice. "Welcome, duelists, to Battle City!"
And then, the slow humming in the air caused Drake to groan, then chuckle as he realized what it was." After all the times I've said it, Kaiba finally admits it's true."
The face of the blue-eyed champion stared down at them from a blimp, the smirk that everyone knew and felt for either way planted firmly on his face.
As the explanation went by, Locator Cards and all, Lara frowned." Something seems off. Even if he is the world's cockiest duelist, I don't think he'd wager up his Blue Eyes in ANY tournament Yugi was in."
"Maybe he took something from the vault while he was with us at Duelist Kingdom, and he's only showing his Blue Eyes card as an example." Drake tried to joke, though also noticing the seriousness in Kaiba's face as he explained it. {This'll be my first time using the Tyrant Dragon, and I don't want it to be my last. I'll have to duel with my head; No all-out attempts at a quick victory. This tier-less tournament thing was easier when I was an Eliminator...}
{Maybe next time, Drake. I know you just want an excuse to cream braggarts like Weevil.} Lance mockingly scolded. The both of them returned their attention to the blimp, however, to hear the final statement.
"I'll also be competing in this tournament, and I plan to win." Kaiba said silently, though the stereos around the city negated the effort." So if any of you have the guts to try and take me, do so. All of you have a six-duel maximum to finish, so get ready to duel, and may the true champion emerge!"
{And let the true Dragon Champion be decided...} Two rivals thought, one with blue eyes, one with red.
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Her eyes opened, her gaze sad as the Necklace she wore stopped glowing. "Two ancient battles begin. One for the world, one for little reason at all. Where either will lead, I do not yet know..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning." -The opening phrase of every book in the Wheel of Time series, by Robert Jordan.
Roan: So, how many fics till we catch up to Gema J. Gall?
RM: ............. Just start the thing already.
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu-gi-oh!, any of its characters or aspects, nor do I own any characters or aspects of any other animes which may be referenced to in the future. I do not own Shayla, the original character of Gema J. Gall. Aside from all these, and characters you see in this story belong to me. Also, I give credit to Ysabet, exceptional Detective Conan writer, for the inspiration of certain scenes, such as the first one in this chapter.
"Raising a monster from its Premature Burial, 800 points.
Attacking all monsters on one side of the field, 1000 points.
Increasing a phoenix/dragon's power, 3999 points.
Saving the world with cards, priceless.
There are some strategies Life Points can't pull off. For those, there's the Heart of the Cards." -E-100 Alpha.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
???
PBC Report. Day 0. Target M2's energy output was detected in a large radius of Domino City. Among those affected were several of the most favored tournament participents (see Target Files M1, I2, 0352, and 0869), as well as a few close associates of those mentioned above. (Target Files M7, 1078, I3, and currently those not targeted in file M1.) With the exception of 1078, every affected subject appeared slightly unfocused for a short period afterward. This is uncomfirmed with 1078, who had collapsed from lack of sleep 15 minutes prior.
The security around 0352's residence has increased since then, but this may possibly be because of the tournament, which begins tomorrow. Reports indicate target M3I1 will arrive in Domino early this morning. Also, sufficient evidence indicates the M3I1 may have been affected by M2's energy output as well. As per ordered, our surveillance team will follow him throughout the tournament, and through their own methods deal with him if detected.
Notes:
Targets M4, M5, and I4 were unaffected by the energy output. This may indicate something; will research if possible.
Target M6, who has yet to be seen since the events of PSR, did not appear in Domino City, though he may before or during the final rounds. Preperations to subdue and interrogate are underway.
Target M1 was the first to recover from the effects, as would be expected. M1 changed into target 'M0' for a period of 36 seconds, in which time he aided his friends in recovering. Though most of the others have paid little attention to the event since, M1/M0 and I2 are still suspiscious, a fact which may be useable against them.
Conclusion: Until further information can be gathered, the 'M2 Wave', as it has been dubbed, shall be overlooked. However, many more happenings are expected to befall M1/M0, probably due to further actions from M2. I will personally be inspecting the progress of I2, and will note important factors and strategies revealed in his duels. Unless otherwise noted, I shall hereafter refer to the details of this report as PBC.
-0002, Codename: Umiryu. (All numbered targets come from the data files retrieved from Target RH-1's store. Special targets, as usual, have been listed with letters based on classification.)
---
He sighed deeply as his gloved finger clicked the mouse, and the information was sent. "Finally. For once I don't have to think about any reports for 24 hours straight."
"Although you DO have to duel before then, as well as watch and catelogue strategies used in another person's duels."
Used to it by now, he merely narrowed his eyes as the voice came from his computer." You've already read that? What was the point of me even writing it?"
"Future reference, my friend." his superior said, the emotion of the sentence undetectable." Regardless, remember to prepare your deck seriously this time. Our plan depends on at least one of us getting to the finals."
"....fine." He said, trying his hardest to mock the stoic tone of his colleague." I'll see there, then."
As he exited the IM program, and started the slow process of turning his PC off, he glanced out the one-way shaded window, a small smirk forming as he saw the light of a window on the top floor of a tall building." Project: Battle City. This one will be interesting..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaiba Corp, Top Floor, CEO's Office.
Confusion; THAT was the one thing he couldn't get over. Confusion led to worry, worry led to stress, and stress led to weakness.
Seto Kaiba's nerves had already been tested earlier that day, and very few people were safe if such an occaision happened again in a short time. But at least then he'd known the cause, and the cause's source.
"He's doing this to tick me off." He had said bitterly, scrunching up a letter with several Toon monsters on the envelope. Apparantly, a certain fellow dragon-using duelist invited him to join a pre-tournament party at the very home of the person the tournament was set up to beat. At that time, he had idly wondered how to repay the annoyance as he chucked the invite into the balcony, which was where he threw everything that his helicopter crew would eventually take and dispose of.
If only light-headedness could be dealt with the same way. For the brief instant after he had shaken his head, knocking sense back into himself, he thought it was from lack of sleep. He yawned, and was about to give in and conk out....when he remembered how very little he slept, and that he had the feeling that something had slipped his mind.
He immediately went through everything he had been doing: Writing the payment checks for his employees, going over his deck, planning what he'd do after he won the tournament... the word tournament seemed important, and for some reason not because of what would start the next day. Something about a strangely haired individual...someone he DIDN'T recognize, and....the Shadow Realm.
As soon as he realized this, his scowl returned in full flare." Maybe I AM tired....if I'm believing what Pegasus keeps talking about.
Still, he had security increased before the late-night programmers finally left. Long into the night, his office was the only light on at Kaiba Corp.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domino Square.
As far as he could tell, he was walking. If, by walking, that meant his girlfriend's arm was the only thing keeping him moving along.
Drake Pegasus would have been entirely happy had he just slept in, skipped the first few hours of the tournament, and qualify for the finals at the last minute. Lara, however, had appeared to have a sudden change of heart, and was dragging him along, a Duel Disk also around her arm.
"What happened to not wanting to sacrifice your friends?" he mumbled, trying to keep his eyes open.
Lara sighed, shaking her head at her semi-conscious boyfriend." I told you earlier; I've worked out a deck style that doesn't need sacrifices. Plus, I've left out those two BEWDs, since it would attract attention..."
As he yawned loudly, he tried remembering why he was tired. Last night, everyone at Yugi's house had just zoned out for a minute, like they'd been listening to a history lesson or something. After Yami had helped them out of it, he had still remained wary, having been used to mental spying, but he gave it up as the others left, while he and Lara shared a sleeping bag next to Yugi's bed.
Then again, the fact that Yugi and Yami talked in the early hours of the day disturbed his sleep. Moreso because of the subject; another Millenium Item-using tyrant wanted the Millenium Puzzle. Besides that, there was the matter that Yami was an ancient pharoah, that Kaiba had been the sorceror who tried to off him, and Lance kept making comments about he and Lara's sleeping so close to each other. His lavender-haired love was lucky to have a Yami as deep a sleeper as she was.
Finally, he had worked up the nerve to ask Lance about his past, which earned him the silence he needed. He somehow knew that both he and Yami would find out a few truths before the tournament's end.
"And I can't believe you almost forgot this," Lara said, her voice snapping him back to the present as she held up a thin, plastic card," Max said we needed EVERYTHING in the box to compete in the tournament, remember?"
"Dad also said a few things about our integrety as we left the castle." Drake remarked grumpily as Lance held back hysterical laughter.
Lara smiled at this, remembering the time when she'd tease him about things like that. Nowadays, though, he seemed to be immune to it, occasionally even flirting back, which made her mimic his past facial colors." Anyway, I'm glad we can finally have some action without too much being at stake."
She suddenly glared at him," because, like you said, we're leaving any world-saving to Yami, right?"
"Yes, I promise! Again!" He assured her, suddenly wide awake as they reached their destination. In the few times he'd been in Domino Square, the large clock in the middle of the fountain had always seemed a sort of landmark to him, given it's central position. He found it ironic that this was where his dad said they'd 'see' the start of the tournament easiest.
His eyes (which he was still relieved were red again) roved over the crowd. He could already see some familier faces; Yugi and Mai were spectating a three-way insult-brawl between Mako Tsunami, Weevil Underwood, and Rex Raptor, Joey was dashing around frantically, looking anxious, (Drake wondered why he didn't show up for the party) and, finally, Roan, who was pacing in the shade of an apartment building, looking worried.
He stretched the fingers underneath his Gauntlet. {It's been a long time since I've used it... I wonder how strong it is now?}
{We'll do a field test later tonight, with fewer witnesses.} Lance said seriously. {Amazing that you'd note this after the first few dozen times I've told you to practice.}
Prepared for another argument, Drake almost leapt at the booming, familier voice. "Welcome, duelists, to Battle City!"
And then, the slow humming in the air caused Drake to groan, then chuckle as he realized what it was." After all the times I've said it, Kaiba finally admits it's true."
The face of the blue-eyed champion stared down at them from a blimp, the smirk that everyone knew and felt for either way planted firmly on his face.
As the explanation went by, Locator Cards and all, Lara frowned." Something seems off. Even if he is the world's cockiest duelist, I don't think he'd wager up his Blue Eyes in ANY tournament Yugi was in."
"Maybe he took something from the vault while he was with us at Duelist Kingdom, and he's only showing his Blue Eyes card as an example." Drake tried to joke, though also noticing the seriousness in Kaiba's face as he explained it. {This'll be my first time using the Tyrant Dragon, and I don't want it to be my last. I'll have to duel with my head; No all-out attempts at a quick victory. This tier-less tournament thing was easier when I was an Eliminator...}
{Maybe next time, Drake. I know you just want an excuse to cream braggarts like Weevil.} Lance mockingly scolded. The both of them returned their attention to the blimp, however, to hear the final statement.
"I'll also be competing in this tournament, and I plan to win." Kaiba said silently, though the stereos around the city negated the effort." So if any of you have the guts to try and take me, do so. All of you have a six-duel maximum to finish, so get ready to duel, and may the true champion emerge!"
{And let the true Dragon Champion be decided...} Two rivals thought, one with blue eyes, one with red.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Her eyes opened, her gaze sad as the Necklace she wore stopped glowing. "Two ancient battles begin. One for the world, one for little reason at all. Where either will lead, I do not yet know..."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning." -The opening phrase of every book in the Wheel of Time series, by Robert Jordan.