The Next Chronicles!

Episode 7: Tormenting Surprises

A/N: I began writing this story when I was younger, so the episodes are going to improve in quality as they go. Please stick with me, and please Rate and Review!

(Continued from last episode)

(Yusei is standing in front of a large screen outside, which has a tournament bracket on it. The gang is participating in their own tournament using decks Yusei and Akiza made for them)

Yusei: And we have reached the end of our semi-final matches! Now, it is time for the final match!

Tournament Bracket: Finals

- Keitaro vs. Motoko -

Yusei: Our final match will be Keitaro versus Motoko! (Keitaro walks to one end of the yard while Motoko stands at the other)

Motoko: Are you prepared, Keitaro? Because I'm not going to going easy on you. I'm not going to be nice, like your other opponents have been. I'm going to win this duel whether you like it or not! And I won't let you stop me! Prepare to face defeat, Keitaro Urashima!

Keitaro: ? ! Someone's pumped... And maybe a little cocky...

Motoko: What'd you call me?

Keitaro: Nothing...

Motoko: You may have defeated great duelists in your past matches, but I'm going to tell you that this is going to be much different. This time, it will be me who prevails! Keitaro!

Keitaro: Um... Yeah?

Motoko: Do you still have Akiza's card in your deck?

Keitaro: No... I gave it back after the last duel.

Motoko: Good... Even if you did have it, I would tell you to take it out. But, enough of this pointless talking. It's time to duel, Keitaro.

Both: Let's duel!

Motoko: I'll be going first. (She draws, looks at her card, and laughs) Look at that, what a great start! I'll activate Double Summon! Now, as the name implies, I can summon twice this turn! So, I will summon The Six Samurai- Zanji in attack mode! Next, I will summon The Six Samurai- Yariza, also in attack mode! Now, when I have at least one Six Samurai monster on my side of the field, I can special summon Grandmaster of the Six Samurai from my hand!

Keitaro: ? ! This is not good...

Motoko: But, I'm not finished! When there are two or more Six Samurais on my side of the field, I can special summon Great Shogun Shien in attack mode!

Keitaro: What? !

Naru: Wow... She summoned 4 monsters on her first turn... And two of them have over 2000 attack points...

Motoko: Lucky for you, I'll play one card face down, and that's it for my turn.

Keitaro: Oh, man... 2500 attack points and three other monsters? How the heck am I going to pull this one off?

Motoko: Don't even think you have any chance of winning. Look at the field, Keitaro! You have nothing!

Keitaro: She's right... I draw! (He draws a card and looks at his hand) Hm... This hand could give me a chance... Motoko's not the only one who can get powerful monsters out... I summon my Blast Magician! But, he won't stick around for too long, because I activate Magical Dimension! I can tribute one monster on my side of the field to special summon one spellcaster from my hand! I choose, the Dark Magician Girl! After that, Magical Dimension can destroy one monster you control! So, I will destroy your Great Shogun Shien! (Yariza is destroyed instead) What? ! But... I chose Great Shogun Shien!

Motoko: Yes, but I used the Shogun's effect! See, if he were to be destroyed, I can destroy another Six Samurai instead!

Keitaro: Dammit! Fine... I activate Sage's Stone! When I have a face up Dark Magician Girl on my side of the field, I can special summon a Dark Magician from my deck! Now, Dark Magician, attack his Zanji! (Grandmaster is destroyed instead)

Motoko: Er... (LP - 3300) Too bad for you... Like the Shogun, I can destroy another Six Samurai monster in place of Zanji dying... Also, when Zanji battles a monster, that monster is automatically destroyed!

Keitaro: What? !

Motoko: Say goodbye to your Dark Magician!

Keitaro: Dammit... Luckily, since Dark Magician is in the graveyard, Dark Magician Girl gains 300 more attack points! Attack Zanji!

Motoko: Damn... (LP - 2800)

Keitaro: I play one card face down and end my turn!

Motoko: I activate my Swiftstrike Armor trap card! Once per turn, if I draw a Six Samurai monster, I can special summon it!

Keitaro: Damn... That's bad...

Motoko: It's my turn! I activate Pot of Greed! Now, I can draw two more cards! Heh, and I just happened to draw a Six Samurai. I Special Summon Six Samurai- Yaichi to the field! Next, I will summon Six Samurai- Kamon!

Keitaro: Damn...

Motoko: And, luckily, I drew another one of these guys, so since I have at least one Six Samurai on my side of the field, I can special summon Grandmaster of the Six Samurai!

Keitaro: Not again...

Motoko: Now, I will activate Yaichi's effect! If there is another Six Samurai on the field, he can destroy one of your face down spell or trap cards!

Keitaro: What?

Motoko: Say goodbye to your face down!

Keitaro: No! My Magic Cylinder!

Motoko: Luckily for you, Yaichi can't attack on a turn he uses this effect. Now, Great Shogun Shien, attack his Dark Magician Girl!

Keitaro: Damn... (LP - 3800)

Motoko: Now, the Grandmaster and Kamon will go in for a direct attack!

Keitaro: Waaahhh! (LP - 200)

Naru: Oh my God... He went from 4000 to 200 life points in one turn...

Motoko: Face it, Keitaro. You have lost this duel.

Keitaro: Grr... (He falls to his knees) Damn... She may be right...

Naru: Keitaro! What the hell are you doing?

Keitaro: ? ! (He looks over at Naru)

Naru: Are you really going to give up that easily? Whatever happened to that determination you had when you fought me and Akiza?

Keitaro: ? ! I don't... I mean...

Naru: Keitaro, you can still win this! Regardless of how things look, I know you can beat her!

Keitaro: (He stands up) You're right, Naru. This duel isn't over until it's over. So prepare yourself, Motoko. I draw! (He looks at his hand) Alright... Naru said I could win this, but I only have 200 life points. Motoko still has 2800... I need more cards... I activate Pot of Greed! (He draws two cards) Let's hope this works... I activate Dark Magic Curtain! I can pay half of my life points, which isn't much, really, to special summon a Dark Magician from my deck! He's going to attack your Grandmaster!

Motoko: Hm... (LP - 2400) I'm destroying Kamon instead!

Keitaro: I figured as much... I play one monster face down and two cards face down as well! Your move!

Motoko: I draw! (Looks at the card) Hm... I activate Yaichi's effect!

Keitaro: Alright... Which one will it be?

Motoko: Gr... I pick... that one! (She points at the one on her right and Yaichi destroys it, revealing it was a Mirror Force)

Keitaro: Hm...

Motoko: Well, would you look at that? I picked the right one. Now, Great Shogun, attack!

Keitaro: You know, truthfully, it didn't matter. I activate Negate Attack! Your attack is negated and the battle phase ends!

Motoko: Damn... I end my turn, then.

Keitaro: I draw! (He looks at his hand) Damn... I may have saved myself from her attack last turn, but I'm out of things to stop her with! I have a Change of Heart, but that won't be effective, considering how many life points she has... I guess I just get lucky and hope for the best with this... I activate Magical Mallet! I can move any amount of cards from my hand to my deck, shuffle, and draw however many I put in! (He puts one card from his hand in his deck and shuffles) Come on... (He draws a card) I hope I drew something useful... (He looks at the card and his eyes widen) Wh... What? !

Motoko: Aw, is somebody disappointed with their draw?

Keitaro: ... (He continues to stare at the card and shakes his head) What the hell is going on? ! How did I get this card into my deck? I should play it, but...

Motoko: Dammit, Keitaro! Just go!

Naru: Something's not right... I have a feeling that whatever card he just drew, was not something he put in his deck... He wouldn't be surprised to draw a card he knows he has in there... Keitaro, what's going on?

Keitaro: ... (He grabs a different card from his hand) I don't know how this got there... But if it's here, I might as well put it to good use... I...I activate Change of Heart! I will take control of your Great Shogun Shien!

Motoko: So what? It's not like you can do much damage by just attacking with him.

Keitaro: ...I'm... I'm not attacking... I'm sacrificing him...

Motoko: What? You bastard...

Keitaro: ...I'm sacrificing all three of my monsters!

Motoko: Huh?

Keitaro: That's right... I... I sacrifice my 3 monsters to summon... (He pauses while he collects himself)

Motoko: What are you summoning?

Keitaro: Dammit... Stop being afraid of it! Just summon it already, Keitaro! Summon it! I Sacrifice all of my monsters to summon... the almighty Obelisk the Tormentor! (Lightning crashes from the sky as he holds up the card)

Motoko: ? ! ? !

Yusei: ? ! Where did he get that card? There's only one in the world, and I know I didn't put it there!

Keitaro: Come forth, almighty Egyptian God!

Naru: What is happening? (A large blue creature with laser red eyes appears behind Keitaro)

Motoko: ? ! No! It's not possible! How do you have such a powerful creature?

Keitaro: Obelisk... Attack her Yaichi! (Obelisk rockets his fist at Yaichi, obliterating him)

Motoko: KYYAAHHH! (Her life points hit 0 as she flies backwards from the blast and all of the monsters disappear)

Keitaro: Motoko! (He runs over) Are you okay? (Motoko lifts her head up)

Motoko: Urgh... Yeah... I'm fine...

Keitaro: I'm so sorry... I didn't even know that card was in my deck...

Motoko: I figured you wouldn't own a card like that... But then, if you didn't own it, then...

Keitaro: Yeah... How the hell did this get into my deck?

? ? ?: Because I put it there. (A man with short, dark brown hair and a long, white, flashy coat walks toward them)

Keitaro: ? ! Who are you? And what do you mean, you put it there?

Akiza: ? ! (She steps back to give him room and bows Japanese style)

?: Get up. That won't be necessary, Black Rose.

Akiza: ? ! (Gets up) I haven't been called that since... Oh my God, that brings back such awful memories... (She hangs her head with a shocked and worried face)

Keitaro: ? ! What the hell is wrong with you? How can you just...

? ? ?: Look, kid. I've got no intention of starting an argument. You should really be thanking me for helping you win that duel.

Keitaro: Thanking you? That card could have seriously injured Motoko!

? ? ?: Look, do you want to know how I got that in there, or what?

Keitaro: ...Fine...

? ? ?: I saw you dueling a couple of times earlier, and I actually thought you had potential to become a good duelist. I saw you put your deck down after your second duel, so I slipped my God card in your deck, because I knew you would need it. I also wanted to see if you had the power to control it, and it seems like you do.

Keitaro: ...So this is your card? (He hands it back) Just who the hell are you?

? ? ?: I feel insulted. You don't even know who I am.

Keitaro: What the hell is that supposed to mean? !

?: Fine, I'll at least introduce myself. The name is Seto Kaiba, owner of the Kaiba Corporation and duelist extraordinaire.

Keitaro: So tell me, Kaiba, what's your reason for even being here?

Kaiba: Some idiot transported me here, or something like that. All I know is that I'm nowhere near my city and I have nowhere to stay.

Yusei: Hey, we'll gladly take you in.

Keitaro: What? !

Yusei: Keitaro, lighten up. This guy is one of the most famed duelists in the world. At least try to be nice to him, because that's how he always acts.

Kaiba: I appreciate the offer, but I think there are many other places that would be more worth my time staying in. Unfortunately, I haven't seen any of these places around here, so I guess this will do.

Ichigo: Alright, we can show you around inside. (Kaiba is walked in by Ichigo, Rukia, Uryu, and Orihime, while everyone else stays outside)

Keitaro: Grr... Dammit, he's so arrogant!

Yusei: Relax, Keitaro. You just have to get used to him.

Keitaro: Get used to him? Yusei, open your eyes! Look what he did to Akiza! I'm pretty sure tragic memories are not a good thing!

Yusei: I know, but he doesn't have any other place to stay, so let's at least help him out. He is technically on our side.

Keitaro: Fine... But I won't be happy about it! (They all walk inside as Ichigo and the others walk back with Kaiba)

Kaiba: I will admit, this is pretty impressive for being just a house.

Ichigo: Thanks, I'll, uh, take that as a compliment. (The computer alarm goes off)

Uryu: Ugh, dammit, what now? (He clicks a button and Ulquiorra appears on screen)

Ulquiorra: Oh, hello.

Uryu: (Sighs) What the hell do you want now, Ulquiorra?

Ulquiorra: I thought you should know I did a little kidnapping in my spare time.

Kaiba: (Walks up to the screen) So what, is he supposed to be the enemy or something?

Ichigo: Yeah, he meddles with us often.

Kaiba: I see... (Smirks) Ha, he doesn't look too tough to me. He definitely doesn't have an enemy-like appeal.

Ulquiorra: I heard that. (He glares at Kaiba) Wait, you look familiar. I'm assuming you are Seto Kaiba, correct?

Kaiba: Correct. See, somebody knows who I am.

Ulquiorra: Then I'm assuming these guys know who you are, too. (He moves to the side to show several people tied together on a rope above a deep pool of water)

Uryu: Kaiba, do you know them?

Kaiba: Yep.

Uryu: Then we should go rescue them! (He runs off, but then stops) Aren't you coming?

Kaiba: No, these guys can save themselves. I have no intention of helping them.

Ichigo: What? ! How can you say that? !

Kaiba: If you guys want to save them, that's fine, but I don't think I want to be wasting my time helping them when they don't need it.

Keitaro: Oh, come on! (They look at the screen as a girl with long brown hair and big brown eyes struggles in the ropes) I can't believe you're this cold hearted!

Kaiba: (He continues looking at the screen and eventually looks back) You want me to come with? Fine, I'll help you out.

Keitaro: Thanks. (They all run out toward Ulquiorra's base)

...

(They arrive as everybody is still tied up and Ulquiorra is sitting at a control panel)

Ichigo: Won't you ever stop, Ulquiorra? !

Ulquiorra: Ah, so you've arrived. I can't say I'm surprised, though.

Naru: Just release them and we'll leave! We don't want to fight you, but we can't have you trying to kill innocent lives!

Ichigo: What the hell is around your neck? (He notices Ulquiorra wearing a necklace with a long chain and an upside down pyramid at the end. A guy with yellow spiky hair and big, purple eyes struggles a little after being tied up)

? ? ?: Kaiba!

Kaiba: Hm... Yugi, shouldn't you be able to get out of this situation?

Yugi: I can't right now! He took my Millennium Puzzle! Please, get it back for me!

Kaiba: (Scoffs) Fine. You guys! You make sure you get that puzzle around his neck, got it?

Keitaro: Huh? Um, sure thing! You make sure everybody is safe over there!

Kaiba: Whatever. (He pulls out a pocket knife and begins to cut the rope near a guy with yellow hair and a white and blue t-shirt)

? ? ?: Since when do you show up to save us, Kaiba?

Kaiba: (Still cutting the rope) Shut up, Wheeler. You're lucky I even considered this.

? ? ?: Can't you call me by my first name for once? In case you forgot, the name is Joey. Jo-ey. Not Wheeler.

Kaiba: We're not on a first name basis, Wheeler. While I'm thinking about it, I'm surprised the rest of your annoying friends aren't here with you guys.

Yugi: We aren't too sure what happened to them.

Kaiba: Good. That's fewer people I have to try and stand... (The girl with long brown hair struggles a little more)

? ? ?: Come on Kaiba. Can't you be nicer to my brother?

Joey: That's kind of a stretch for him to do, Serenity. He's never been nice to me.

Kaiba: Maybe if he showed me some respect now and then, I might consider it.

Joey: What'd you say? Hurry up and get me out of here so I can pop that big ego of yours like a zit!

Kaiba: Look, I'm trying, but this rope is tough stuff. Paired with my useless pocket knife, you'll never get out of there. (Meanwhile, Naru and Ulquiorra are exchanging blows)

Naru: Dammit... Just... Give me... The damn... Puzzle!

Ulquiorra: It's not that easy. If you want it. you're going to have to find someway to pry it off of me.

Naru: That can be arranged... (Motoko flash steps in and uppercuts Ulquiorra with her sword, sending the puzzle flying)

Yugi: My puzzle!

Motoko: I've got it! (She runs toward it to catch it, but Ulquiorra is faster and he holds his sword at Motoko's neck) ? !

Ulquiorra: If I can't have the puzzle... (He kicks it against the wall, shattering it) Then neither can you!

Yugi: No!

Joey: Uh, Yoog? Isn't it supposed to do that?

Yugi: If I want to put it together AGAIN, then yes.

Ulquiorra: Just try and put it back together, and see what happens to your face. (He points his finger at Motoko, who flash steps behind Ulquiorra and swings her sword, but he grabs it instead)

Motoko: ? !

Ulquiorra: Nice try.

Kaiba: Almost got it... (The rope finally snaps and the three jump down, Yugi running toward his puzzle)

Naru: Wait! (She gets in Yugi's way) It's too dangerous to just run over there! Let us protect you first!

Yugi: ...Okay. (Everybody else attacks Ulquiorra as Naru and Yugi inch by to get to the puzzle)

Naru: Alright, I'll keep my eye on them, you go put it back together.

Yugi: Right. (He picks up the chain and a few pieces and starts working)

Serenity: Oh, thanks for saving us, Kaiba! (She hugs him)

Kaiba: Um, yeah, don't mention it...

Joey: We should probably stay back here and let them do the work. They seem to know what they're doing. (Nobody realizes that Serenity's ankle is attached to a shackle, which leads to an anchor above the water)

Yugi: Almost there... Just a couple more pieces...

Motoko: Take this, you bastard! (She swings her sword at Ulquiorra, who gets hit and drops a key from his pocket, but nobody notices)

Ulquiorra: Ugh... Dammit... (Motoko then stabs him in the chest, causing him to collapse) Damn... you... ergh... (He is now on the ground, but eyes the control panel and inches his way over)

Yugi: Alright, it's finished! (He puts it around his neck and he transforms into a more adult-like and masculine version of himself. At this point, everybody has ignored Ulquiorra)

Naru: ? ! Wasn't there just...

Yugi?: I will explain later. I am the spirit of the Millennium Puzzle. You may call me Yami, though I will still respond to Yugi.

Ulquiorra: (He notices Serenity and slams a button on the control panel, fainting afterward)

Serenity: Huh? (The anchor behind her drops and she is dragged along the ground toward the water, screaming)

Joey: ? ! Serenity! What is going on? ! (She continues screaming and is dragged underwater)

Ichigo: What's going on? ! (They all run over)

Motoko: Dammit... I think Ulquiorra made a last minute assault!

Joey: What do we do? We have to save my sister, but she's attached to that anchor! (He looks around) And where the heck is Kaiba?

Kaiba: Out of the way, Wheeler! (He's running toward the water at full speed)

Joey: Nyeh! (He moves out of the way as Kaiba dives into the water with a key in hand) What is he doing? Is he... saving my sister? Come on, rich boy! Please, save her! (Everything is quiet and intense for a minute as they wait for Kaiba to emerge) Do you... think he made it? (They see bubbles coming up from the surface)

Naru: That must be them! (The bubbles get larger as Kaiba emerges from the water, Serenity next to him, both hacking water)

Joey: Serenity! (He grabs her out of the water and hugs her) Are you okay?

Serenity: (Coughs) I... I think so... (Kaiba makes his way out of the water) Kaiba! (She hugs him again) Thank you so much for saving me! If you hadn't come down there for me, well... Just, thanks! (She kisses him on the cheek and he blushes slightly, but tries to hide it)

Kaiba: Yeah, sure... I did what anyone would have done.

Joey: And that's what surprised me. Why'd you go after her?

Kaiba: Seriously? Would you like witnessing somebody you know drown?

Joey: Well, no...

Kaiba: I would have done that for anyone. If it was you drowning, I'd still go down there. As annoying as you may be, I'm not about to pay for any funeral bills.

Joey: Aw, really? Thanks, Kaiba. You know, you really aren't a bad guy. It's cool you'd risk your own life to save someone else's.

Kaiba: Don't start with me, Wheeler. I'm not looking to be somebody else. I still think you're a mutt. But, I'll be nice to you for one day.

Joey: Wow, words of sympathy from Kaiba. How rare.

Kaiba: Don't make me take it back. (Everybody begins laughing at their argument)

The End?