Chapter 9: Strangely Familiar

With a groan, Loki awoke in a back alley in Domino City. "…Did I miss something?"

"Rough trip?" asked Satomi, appearing beside him.

"What did you do to me? My body feels like it weighs a ton."

"Sorry. I had to render you unconscious for a long time, as I created this world."

"Created this world?"

"From the magic of the Devil Gods, I created a time bubble. You remember that Dream Zanarkand thing that happened in Final Fantasy 10? It's the same basic thing, but I tweaked the timeline a little. I'm afraid during the time you were asleep, the Nameless Pharaoh already left for the afterlife, and the Millennium Items and Egyptian Gods are gone."

"Oh…" murmured Loki. "…Is it safe to tinker with reality?"

"It won't affect reality as we know it. This is just like a dream."

"For what purpose?"

"This is a parallel Earth, where just before the Nameless Pharaoh departs, evil people take the Egyptian God Cards, intent on using their power for evil. This'll be a nice chance for you to test your new deck. Three things to remember. First is that this tournament will go by Master Rules, instead of Super Expert Rules used during and since Battle City. Second is that I've modified the decks of many people. That's part of the reason it took so long to make this place. Thirdly is that since this place is really just one big What-If scenario, so feel free to do what you want."

"Ok."

"Good. Now, let's start this game off."

000000000

"…And, there we go," said Jonouchi as he placed his deck into his Duel Disk. "I'm good to go. How's your deck going?"

Blinking in confusion, Loki replied, "W-well, even though I haven't really tested it, I have great faith in this deck. But I'm more interested in what Shizuka came up with."

Jonouchi threw a few punches in anticipation. "It's only been a few weeks since Battle City, but I'm itching to get this tournament started! I can't wait to meet you, Yugi, or Shizuka in the finals."

Glancing at his watch, Loki murmured, "That reminds me…"

"Oh, you're right! Where the heck's Yugi? Look at the time already! He's late!"

"Don't worry about it. Let him come in his own pace."

"I know, but if he doesn't get here soon, we'll miss the Duel Express! And he was the one who promised that we were gonna take the train together!" For a minute, his temper seemed to burn itself out, until, "Man, that Yugi! ARGH! If he doesn't get here, he can give me all his rare cards and I still won't forgive him!"

At that moment, Yugi burst through the door, completely distressed. "Guys, everything's horrible! My Egyptian God Cards have turned to stone! Worse, my Other Self…the Millennium Puzzle…my Puzzle is gone, along with the spirit inside!"

000000000

"What took you guys so long?" scolded Shizuka when Yugi, Jonouchi, and Loki ran up to her. "We can't be late for the Duel Express?"

"No time for that," said Jonouchi. "Yugi's Millennium Puzzle was stolen."

"What! But how? How did that happen?"

"Forgive me," a woman said, "but I overheard your conversation."

They turned to the source of the voice, and Ishizu Ishtar walked over. "Ishizu-san?" asked Shizuka.

"So, it seems the Millennium Puzzle has also disappeared…what I have feared the most is coming to fruition."

"What do you know about this?" asked Yugi.

"I have come to ask you duelists for your help. You must save the world from the Devil Gods. I understand this is sudden and confusing. However, the world is in grave peril, and only strong duelists such as yourselves can save us all from ruin before it's too late!"

Jonouchi thought to himself, What else is new?

"All the Millennium Items have disappeared…this is most likely due to the Devil Gods' resurrection. An unknown entity must have commenced a fusion ritual on the Egyptian God Cards, which released the Devil Gods into the world. The ritual stole the mighty power of the Egyptian God Cards. And the cards, now drained of their mystical energies, transformed into stone."

"So that's why," Yugi muttered.

"You must send those evil creatures to their eternal rest before the world is destroyed. In order to accomplish this feat, the Egyptian God Cards are absolutely essential. However, since the Egyptian God Cards have been turned to stone, they no longer have power. Only the Millennium Items can restore them to their former glory. The Items have been scattered all over the world. They must be regained to resurrect the Egyptian God Cards. And with help from the Egyptian Gods, we may have a chance of sealing away the Devil Gods."

"Devil Gods!" exclaimed Loki. So, this is what this is about: I have to overcome my biggest crutch.

"Devil Gods?" asked Shizuka. "Could they really be as strong as the Egyptian Gods?"

Ishizu clasped her hands together, as if in prayer. "I am counting on you to accomplish this task. Please…if left unchecked, their strength will keep growing. The world will be shrouded in perpetual darkness. Please help save the world!"

Yugi crossed his arms. "In any case, I have to find my Millennium Puzzle. I'm in."

"Since you said I'm a powerful duelist, how can I refuse?" stated Jonouchi. "I'm coming along too!"

"This'll be a good training opportunity," agreed Loki. "You have mine and Shizuka's support."

Ishizu smiled happily. "I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. First, the Millennium Items must be recovered." She closed her eyes. "As a descendant of a clan of Grave Keepers, I can sense the faint pulses of the Millennium Items. You must first make your way to the Egypt Exhibition. If my feelings are correct, the first of the Millennium Items should be there." She opened her eyes again. "I know what I ask is a great imposition, but I have no one to turn to except for you."

"Just leave it to us," Jonouchi happily answered.

"Your words have given me hope for the first time in a long time. I leave the fate of the world in your hands."

000000000

"You know about Devil Gods?" asked Yugi as they headed to the train station.

"Yugi-kun, you underestimate me," replied Loki. "I told you that I'm the one who took God of Osiris, didn't I? Or did I? Anyway, I did a lot of research into Osiris, and an interesting name cropped up: Devil's Eraser."

"Devil's Eraser?" asked Shizuka.

"If Egyptian Gods are inherently light, then the Devil Gods can be accurately described as shadow. Devil's Eraser is the shadow of the God of Osiris."

"If God of Osiris isn't evil," said Anzu, "then Devil's Eraser is? Osiris is already scary to begin with!"

"Devil Gods…as cards, they're not quite as strong as Egyptian Gods, though their abilities are similar. However, anyone can safely use a Devil God; they don't require a connection to the Millennium Items. On the other hand, that also makes them more dangerous."

"How?"

"Though everyone knows about the Egyptian Gods, they instinctively know there's something special about them that only Yugi can use them. Everyone covets them, but they know they can't be used. Contrast the Devil Gods, with power anyone can use. Can you imagine what would happen if people found out about them? Can you imagine the greed and envy that would boil over in the hearts of ambitious duelists?"

"I see," agreed Yugi. "It's not the power, but the feelings the cards cause."

"Indeed. Even as I speak, the lure of those cards is hard for me to resist. But…I admire you as a duelist, so I'll therefore assist you in reuniting with Yugi-sama. Afterwards, though…"

"I got it. If you find the Devil Gods, they're yours. I know your intent; it's probably better you hold them than any other bad guy."

"Yes, it's the lesser of two evils. Right, then: to the Domino Museum!"

000000000

They rode for five minutes in the empty train car in relative silence, before Loki looked up with a distasteful snarl. "What's wrong?" asked Yugi.

"I sense something," he growled. "Something mean."

"What do you mean?" asked Jonouchi.

"Loki-sensei has the ability to see and feel auras," explained Shizuka. "From them, he can determine a person's power and nature."

"It's still not perfect," admitted Loki. "I can only read a person's full power if they completely tap into it, and I can't accurately measure hidden potential. But I'll tell you this much: this new presence means harm to us."

"Where is it?" asked Yugi.

"It's in the next car." They quickly shot up and ran inside. When they arrived, the car was empty; even the lights were dim. "I still feel it…it's in here, somewhere."

Jonouchi crossed his arms. "Are you sure you aren't just a little on edge? Maybe you're just-"

Suddenly, the lights went out for a brief moment, before a large man in an overcoat stood before them. On his hat were the letters PK. With a sinister cackle he said, "You'll go no further…"

"The Player Killer of Darkness," hissed Yugi as he and Jonouchi went into defensive stances.

"The Millennium Items will never be yours!" The lights darkened as they entered a tunnel. "Looks like we're entered a tunnel! And darkness gives me power!"

"Me too," said Loki as he stepped forward, priming his Duel Disk. "Let's do this."

[8000] [8000]
[Nakamura Loki] [Player Killer]
(Honor Thy King) (Black Shroud)

"I'll begin," said Player Killer. "I'll set a monster. I'll set a monster. Turn end."

"My turn, draw! I'll set a monster. I'll set two cards. Turn end."

"My turn, draw! Launch Spell, Heavy Storm!" Once their Traps were cleared he continued, "I flip up Stealth Bird (3/700/1700)! When my monster's Flip Summoned, you take 1000 damage!"

[7000] [8000]

"I'll set a monster. By the effect of Stealth Bird, I flip him facedown. Turn end."

"My turn, draw! I flip up Gravekeeper's Spy (4/1200/2000)! When my monster's flipped, I can Special Summon a Gravekeeper from my deck with 1500 ATK or less. I Special Summon Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier (4/1500/1000)! I summon Gravekeeper's Descendant (4/1500/1200)! Launch Field Spell, Necrovalley: all Gravekeepers gain 500 ATK and DEF!"

"I've never seen you use this deck before!" exclaimed Shizuka.

"Who better than a Gravekeeper to look after a dead Pharaoh? By the effect of Gravekeeper's Descendant, I tribute Gravekeeper's Spy to destroy the set monster beside your Stealth Bird." Player Killer's Goblin Zombie (4/1100/1050) was flattened.

"Goblin Zombie is sent from the Field to the Graveyard, I can add a Zombie-Type in my deck to my hand, and I choose Spirit Reaper!"

"Spear Soldier attacks your Stealth Bird!" As his monster charged he added, "My monster pierces your defenses!"

[7000] [7700]

"Descendant attacks directly!"

[7000] [5700]

"I'll set a card. Turn end."

"My turn, draw! I'll set a monster. Turn end."

"My turn, draw! I summon Gravekeeper's Guard (4/1000/1900)! By the effect of Descendant, I tribute Gravekeeper's Guard to flatten your set monster!" Once the Spirit Reaper was destroyed he continued, "Descendant attacks directly!"

[7000] [3700]

"Spear Soldier attacks directly!"

[7000] [1700]

"Open Trap, Rite of Spirit: I Special Summon Gravekeeper's Spy (4/1200/2000) from the Graveyard!" Gravekeeper's Spy attacks directly!"

[7000] [0]

An announcement played, declaring they were at their stop at Domino Museum. "I may have the lost the duel," grunted Player Killer as he limped away, "but you will never get the Millennium Items."

"We can't let him beat us to the items!" cried Yugi. With that, the four of them hastily exited the train.

000000000

"What a stench!" Loki sneered as he led his friends through the museum. "I can't see him, but he reeks of evil!" With no hesitation, he hopped over a restrictive rope and down several stairs before he stopped.

"What's wrong?" asked Yugi as he and the others passed the threshold.

"…Odd. His power almost completely flickered out in an instant. He must've been knocked unconscious or something."

"By what?" Jonouchi asked.

"How should I know?"

After a short walk, they arrived at the basement. "The tablet," murmured Yugi, referring to the stone depicting the ancient battle between the Nameless Pharaoh and the High Priest Seto.

"Hey, it's Yugi-sama," said Loki, eyeing one of the figures. Suddenly, from out of the shadows, Amadeus flew out and landed at his feet. Loki knelt down to check his pulse. "Yeah, he's unconscious." He stood up and raised his fists. "Alright, come out of the shadows. It's rude to throw people at other people without an introduction."

At his request, a man emerged from the shadows. He was a tall Egyptian man, with a black robe and turban. "You've come for the Millennium Torque?"

"That's right," said Yugi.

"It is my duty to protect a Millennium Item, for I am a Guardian! You must prove yourself to me in a duel to see if you are worthy of a Millennium Item! You will only get the Millennium Torque if you can pass my challenge!"

"I'll handle this," said Jonouchi as he activated his Duel Disk.

"Then solve this duel puzzle!"

[4700] [2800]
[Jonouchi Katsuya ] [Guardian]

The Guardian only had Empress Mantis (6/2200/1700). Jonouchi had Umi on the field; Premature Burial, Megamorph, and Amphibious Bugroth MK-3 in his hand; and Dark Elf in his Graveyard.

"I summon Amphibious Bugroth MK-3 (4/1500/1300)! Launch Equip Spell, Premature Burial: I pay 800 Life Points to Special Summon Dark Elf (4/2000/800) from the Graveyard!"

[3900] [2800]

"Launch Equip Spell, Megamorph: since my Life Points are higher, Amphibious Bugroth's ATK is halved. By the effect of Dark Elf, I pay 1000 Life Points to attack Empress Mantis!" His monster charged, but was flattened by the opposing monster.

[2700] [2800]

"Now my Life Points are lower, Amphibious Bugroth's is doubled by Megamorph! And since Umi is on the field, Amphibious Bugroth can attack directly! Amphibious Bugroth attacks directly!"

[2700] [0]

Jonouchi grinned. "That wasn't so tough."

"You are still clumsy and unrefined," replied the Guardian, "but deep within you, I sense a faint glimmer of hope. You have proven yourself worthy." He pulled out the Millennium Torque. "Take this. It is yours," he said, tossing it to Yugi before vanishing.

Yugi caught it, and it glowed. "What…what is this?"

The four of them were surrounded in a bright light, and saw a vision; the city of Domino was in flames, with the three Devil Gods above the destruction. Before it ended, they caught a glimpse of the Other Yugi. Yugi stood there in a daze. "The Devil Gods will destroy the world…what Ishizu said was true…and my Other Self…"

"Man up, Yugi-kun," ordered Loki. "You're the one who uses the God Cards; we need you up and running."

Yugi wiped the tear away and said, "You're right. We have to hurry; if we don't, we'll be in a world of trouble! Let's go back and see Ishizu right away!"

They ran up the steps and into the main hallway, where the Kaiba brothers waited for them. "What are you doing here?" Jonouchi demanded.

"I'll guess," said Shizuka, "that you're not here to see the exhibits, huh, Kaiba?"

"If you must know," said Kaiba, "Ishizu approached me, asking to help Yugi recover the God Cards. I think it was something about collecting the Millennium Items? It looks like you already have one of them."

"You'll help us?" asked Yugi.

"Not a chance. The title as champion and the strongest cards: only the most powerful duelist is worthy of these two things. And obviously, only the most powerful duelist will receive them."

"They belong to Yugi," Jonouchi protested. "He won them all fair and square, so they're his!"

"A real duelist doesn't need help from a bunch of cheerleaders. All you should count on is your own strength! You guys are so weak that none of you can survive alone, and you expect me to team up with you losers? Don't make me laugh!"

"Your pride is ill-fitting, Kaiba," Loki snarled. "Do I need to take you down a peg? Or ten?"

"Hey, you watch it!" snapped Mokuba. "Who are you, anyway!"

"Nakamura Loki; known in some circles as Siege the Ultimate Shield."

"I'm aware of that name," admitted Kaiba. "There's some that call you the Underground Game King. What caused you to scurry out of that rock you hid yourself under?"

"Self interest."

"Humph. Very well." Kaiba turned from them. "I suppose there's nothing further to say." With that, he and Mokuba both walked away.

"Darn his arrogance!" snapped Shizuka. "He acted like teaming up with us was an insult."

"Screw him," said Jonouchi. "That's just classic Kaiba for you. You met him before; you didn't expect him to team with us given the chance, did you?"

"My, what wonderful power I feel from him," said Loki, trembling with excitement. "Such destructive talent…I can't wait to face him."

End Chapter