Episode 09:

Just A Friendly Duel

They stood at opposites sides of the room. Since Seto's excuse was to discover the limits of his company's holographic projector, they were using his personal dueling arena. (Ree was baffled that such a large chamber could go so unnoticed in the mansion) The projector in question was slotted into a machine, placed in the middle, as they would be sharing it, being the only model. A large LCD screen above them displayed their lifepoint counter, each set at 8000. There was a strange counter-like machine in front of each duelist, for the placement of cards- and Ree noticed that they were quite similar to those seen on the live broadcasts of Duelist Kingdom, several weeks ago.

Kaiba was looking quite smug as he stood in his side of the room, and Ree was rather tempted to hit him.

They shuffled their cards, crossed over, cut each other's decks and then stood back at their corresponding places.

"Ladies first," offered a very arrogant Seto, arms folded.

"As you wish," replied Ree, drawing her first card. She didn't have a brilliant hand, but she wasn't expecting one. It was, after all, how you play it that counts.

Kaiba is known for a high-offensive deck, thought Ree. So I'm betting he'll attack on his turn. "Hm," she murmured, and set a card in the Spell/Trap zone. A large, face-down card appeared on the ground in front of her. "Interesting." She then set a monster, and then activated a spell card. "I use Ookazi," she called, and a holographic shower of small, flaming meteorites hit Kaiba, causing him to lose 800 lifepoints. He remained expressionless. 800 lifepoints was nothing.

"Now I activate 'The Final Countdown!'" Ree's LED display of lifepoints dropped to 6000. A strange, silver, circular-shaped machine descended from the ceiling and suspended in the air. A ring of what looked like old-fashioned torches surrounded the machine, cold and menacing. Now this is certainly interesting, thought Ree. "I end my turn," she finished, and one of the torches lit up with bright orange flame.

Turn 1

[Ree's Current Hand:(1)] Scapegoat

[Field:(2)] Charcoal Inpachi, Enchanted Javelin

[Graveyard:(2)] Ookazi, The Final Countdown

[Current Lifepoints:] 6000

Seto drew his card, then looked at the field in front of him. The grey contraption hovering above the duel was currently of no concern to him. If he was right, which he usually was, he wouldn't have to worry about it until much later- until the last of the torches lit up. If she could last that long, that is. Seto couldn't see this duel lasting more than a few turns. What a waste of 2000 lifepoints.

Looking at his opponent's field, he concluded that Ree's dueling style was defensive. After years of experience, he could easily tell the way someone played by their opening move. He eyed her face-down card. It was most likely a trap. "Hmm," he said, and placed his own trap. "I summon Spear Dragon, in attack mode!"

The turquoise dragon appeared in a flash of light in front of him, its long, spear-shaped beak poised for assault. "Attack her face-down monster." The hologram obliged, spread its wings and dived in a lightning-quick blur at its prey. But before the dragon could hit, his opponent activated a trap. As expected. Ree's side of the field glowed as a card appeared and revealed itself.

Enchanted Javelin? How disappointing, thought Seto boredly, as Ree's lifepoints rose. This girl probably relied on high defense and lifepoints.

Then there was a crash of pixels as Seto's dragon hit his target. The face-down card glowed, then displayed a holographic shield as it revealed itself. The attack was reflected- Seto lost lifepoints. Hmm, Charcoal Inpachi, mused Seto, as he watched the being of flaming and charred wood appear. A pyro deck, perhaps? I was expecting fairies.

Spear Dragon automatically shifted to defense. But when I summon my Blue-Eyes very soon... he thought, craftily. She'll need all the help she can get.

"I end," he said, looking at Ree piercingly. "Give up yet?"

"Not a chance," Ree answered flatly, as the second of the torches lit up.

Turn 2

[Seto's Current Hand:(3)] Vorse Raider, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Premature Burial

[Field:(2)] Negate Attack, Spear Dragon

[Graveyard:(0)] N/A

[Current Lifepoints:] 7000

She drew and glanced at the card. "Ooh, this will do," she said, and activated 'Pot of Greed'. Ree drew two more cards, set two in the Spell/Trap zone, then tributed Charcoal Inpachi for Dark Driceratops.

Turn 3

[Ree's Current Hand:(0)] N/A

[Field:(3)] Scapegoat, Dark Driceratops, Trap Hole

[Graveyard:(4)] Ookazi, The Final Countdown, Enchanted Javelin, Pot of Greed

[Current Lifepoints:] 7900

Seto raised an eyebrow. "I didn't think you were a dinosaur person," he remarked, gazing at the wild prehistoric beast.

"I'm not," replied Ree. "And besides, I don't think you're in a position to laugh."

Seto raised his hands in mock defeat. "Oh, you're right," he said with a smirk.

Ree ignored him. "Hmm," she murmured thoughtfully. If I attack now, there's a chance I may activate a Trap. But if I don't, I'd be missing my chance to decrease his lifepoints and destroy a monster, which in turn lessens the chance of him summoning a more powerful monster. Making up her decision, she decided to attack.

"Dark Driceratops, destroy his Spear Dragon!" The monster lunged forward and roared, its jaws wide, longing to rip apart its enemy. Then there was a flash of light from Kaiba's side of the field, stopping the dinosaur in its tracks.

"Negate Attack," said Seto calmly. "Nice try."

Well, at least that card has resolved now, thought Ree. He won't be able to do that again.

"Your turn," she said, ending her turn. Another torch was lit.

Seto drew, and immediately activated the Spell Card, 'Graceful Charity'. Drawing three cards further, he discarded two in his hand. Perfect timing, he thought.

"I play 'White Dragon Ritual', sacrificing my Spear Dragon in order to summon my Paladin of White Dragon-" Seto was cut off by an immediate cry of, "Trap Hole!" A dark pit appeared and swallowed his Paladin whole.

"Mmm," said Seto, surveying Ree with his icy glare. "I play Premature Burial. As I was going to do, before you interrupted me, I summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Quake in fear for its power!" The field was engulfed in a blinding light as the enormous dragon took form. Silver-white scales adorned the creature, wings unfurled, its eyes like sapphires. It roared, a shrill, ferocious sound. The Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Kaiba's signatory monster. "I admit, really you should be facing two of them. But since you put a stop that, I guess I'll have to beat you with just one of them. Oh well," he said, cocky as always. "Besides, it's not as if you can beat a single one, anyway." Ree said nothing. Seto supposed she was speechless. After all, how could one not be when facing this creature? "Blue-Eyes, wipe out her Dark Driceratops. White Lightning Attack!" The dragon opened its jaws and unleashed a powerful jet of pure electrical energy, destroying her dinosaur completely in a explosion of broken pixels. It was hard to believe it was just a hologram. Ree put an arm in front of her and held her ground as an unbelievable gust of wind almost sent her backwards.

"What do you think of the technology, Ree? Almost too realistic, isn't it?" Seto was really in his arrogant mood at this moment. "Pity you won't last long enough to see all of it." Ree was annoyed, but still she said nothing. Hurry up and finish your turn, you egotistical maniac.

It really seemed as if the smirk was plastered permanently on his face. Seto couldn't see how the girl would get out of this.

This duel had been no challenge so far, and it certainly wouldn't be any different in the next turn. He was confident.

"I end my turn." I have already won, Seto thought to himself, satisfied.

Turn 4

[Seto's Current Hand:(1)] Crush Card Virus

[Field:(2)] Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Premature Burial

[Graveyard:(6)] Negate Attack, Spear Dragon, Graceful Charity, White Dragon Ritual, Vorse Raider, Paladin of White Dragon

[Current Lifepoints:] 6200

Ree was in trouble. She was facing a Blue-Eyes White Dragon, one of the most powerful creatures in Duel Monsters. What was worse, however, was that she had no monsters on the field to defend her. She drew, hoping for a miracle.

Ree looked at the card. It was no lifesaver, certainly, but it could still prove useful in evening out Kaiba's lifepoints. She gazed at the field, and saw her set card from her last turn. Thank goodness she hadn't played it on her opening turn. And even better, Seto had not set any cards in the Spell/Trap zone. No Magic Jammer. Brilliant. "I activate Scapegoat," announced Ree. This may save me a few turns, she thought. Four cute and fluffy sheep-like creatures appeared in front of her.

Seto was not impressed. "You can't hide behind them forever, Ree. You're just waiting for me to destroy them."

"Hm, perhaps so," replied Ree unperturbed. "Now I play Meteor of Destruction!"

A large, flaming piece of space-rock descended from the heavens, a tail of magnificent red, gold and orange trailing behind. The meteor smashed into Kaiba with a flash of white light. I hope that deflated that head of his, thought Ree.

Turn 5

[Ree's Current Hand:(0)] N/A

[Field:(4)] Scapegoat

[Graveyard:(7)] Ookazi, The Final Countdown, Enchanted Javelin, Pot of Greed, Trap Hole, Dark Driceratops, Meteor of Destruction

[Current Lifepoints:] 7300

She then hoped she would last at least a few more turns to figure out a strategy to get out of this. Sure she had more lifepoints, but it was only temporary. That dragon of his will wipe her out in a number of turns. It was only a matter of time... I guess he's not one of the greatest duelists in the world for nothing, Ree thought. But he's most likely the most arrogant. Look at him, gloating over there! She ended her turn.

"Hmph," said Seto, as he drew his card. This could be useful, he thought, and set it. Lazily, he pointed randomly to one of Ree's sheep-tokens. "Blue-Eyes! Destroy that sheep-token!" The token disappeared in a shower of light.

"I end."

Turn 6

[Seto's Current Hand:(1)] Crush Card Virus

[Field:(3)] Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Premature Burial (Equipped), The Flute of Summoning Dragon

[Graveyard:(6)] Negate Attack, Spear Dragon, Graceful Charity, White Dragon Ritual, Vorse Raider, Paladin of White Dragon

[Current Lifepoints:] 5200

Ree drew. Hmm, she thought. There's no point in summoning a monster, since he'll just wipe it out. What else can I do? She sighed inwardly, and ended.

Well, I did know what I was getting into when I accepted this duel... I just didn't realise how much and how quickly...

Turn 7

[Ree's Current Hand:(1)] Gemini Elf

[Field:(3)] Scapegoat

[Graveyard:(7)] Ookazi, The Final Countdown, Enchanted Javelin, Pot of Greed, Trap Hole, Dark Driceratops, Meteor of Destruction

[Current Lifepoints:] 7300

Seto smiled arrogantly as he drew from his deck. He had the girl in a corner and there were few turns left until she had nothing to defend herself. But what fun would that be if he won so quickly? Perhaps he would toy with her for a while. After all, this duel didn't look like it would last much longer, anyway. He then ordered his dragon to attack.

"Blue-Eyes, destroy another token."

Turn 8

[Seto's Current Hand:(2)] Crush Card Virus, Saggi the Dark Clown

[Field:(3)] Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Premature Burial (Equipped), The Flute of Summoning Dragon

[Graveyard:(6)] Negate Attack, Spear Dragon, Graceful Charity, White Dragon Ritual, Vorse Raider, Paladin of White Dragon

[Current Lifepoints:] 5200

The token disintegrated at Ree's end, and the girl frowned. Seto ended his turn.

Ree was certainly in a grim position. He will destroy my final sheep-tokens in his next few turns, and then he'll be free to wreak havoc on my lifepoints... Unless she drew some sort of Trap, or even a high-defense monster to defend her. She put her fingers on her deck and cautiously drew... then her heart sank. This certainly was of no help in defense. But still... At least it gave her a slightly better chance in surviving at least one more turn.

"I activate the Spell card 'Dian Keto the Cure Master'!" Ree announced, meeting her opponent's stare. Her side of the duelfield glowed, and her lifepoints were restored by 1000.

"That's it for my turn."

Turn 9

[Ree's Current Hand:(1)] Gemini Elf

[Field:(2)] Scapegoat

[Graveyard:(8)] Dian Keto the Cure Master, Ookazi, The Final Countdown, Enchanted Javelin, Pot of Greed, Trap Hole, Dark Driceratops, Meteor of Destruction

[Current Lifepoints:] 8300

Seto shrugged and drew. It didn't matter to him that Ree's lifepoints had increased- it only made it all the more entertaining to defeat her.

He ordered his Blue-Eyes to destroy a third sheep-token. Seto smirked.

"Had enough yet?"

Turn 10

[Seto's Current Hand:(3)] Dragon's Rage, Crush Card Virus, Saggi the Dark Clown

[Field:(3)] Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Premature Burial (Equipped), The Flute of Summoning Dragon

[Graveyard:(6)] Negate Attack, Spear Dragon, Graceful Charity, White Dragon Ritual, Vorse Raider, Paladin of White Dragon

[Current Lifepoints:] 5200

Ree stared back defiantly. "Not just yet," she replied.

She drew a card from her deck. Just one token left... Ree glanced at the card. Not much use in the current situation, but... perhaps... she could call a bluff? Ree set the card down slowly, all the while gazing into her opponent's eyes in fierce determination. "I end my turn..."

Turn 11

[Ree's Current Hand:(1)] Gemini Elf

[Field:(2)] Scapegoat, Trap Jammer

[Graveyard:(8)] Dian Keto the Cure Master, Ookazi, The Final Countdown, Enchanted Javelin, Pot of Greed, Trap Hole, Dark Driceratops, Meteor of Destruction

[Current Lifepoints:] 8300

Seto drew, smirked and set a card. But before he entered his battle phase, he hesitated a fraction when he saw Ree's facedown card... It was possibly a trap. But then he shook off his doubts and continued. Even if it was, it was better to activate it, and get rid of it.

Besides, he had always a backup plan. He hadn't summoned a monster yet, after all... "Now Blue-Eyes, destroy her final token!" he commanded. The dragon obeyed, and Ree's last line of defense was obliterated in white light, without conflict. He smiled at the girl smugly. "Don't worry, it'll all be over soon, Ree," said Seto in mocking reassurance. He ended his turn.

Turn 12

[Seto's Current Hand:(4)] Polymerisation, Dragon's Rage, Crush Card Virus, Saggi the Dark Clown

[Field:(3)] Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Premature Burial (Equipped), The Flute of Summoning Dragon

[Graveyard:(6)] Negate Attack, Spear Dragon, Graceful Charity, White Dragon Ritual, Vorse Raider, Paladin of White Dragon

[Current Lifepoints:] 5200

Ree cringed at his arrogance. It was rather distracting her concentration, and proceeded to increase her already high accumulation of annoyance of him.

This was quite perilous, as she really needed clear thinking to get out of her current position... She drew. And sighed. Mentally. Ree didn't want Seto to get an extra ego boost from her misery- it was large enough already.

Ree had drawn Guardian Angel Joan, her best, and favourite card. Unfortunately, thought Ree in frustration, I cannot summon her yet since I have nothing to tribute. I might as well give up now... I'm as good as dead!

"Your turn..."

Turn 13

[Ree's Current Hand:(2)] Gemini Elf, Guardian Angel Joan

[Field:(1)] Trap Jammer

[Graveyard:(8)] Dian Keto the Cure Master, Ookazi, The Final Countdown, Enchanted Javelin, Pot of Greed, Trap Hole, Dark Driceratops, Meteor of Destruction

[Current Lifepoints:] 8300

Seto smiled as he drew his second Blue-Eyes. He was enjoying himself a bit too much... but it was time to put a mark on Ree's lifepoints.

"Blue-Eyes," he ordered. "Direct assault!"

Lightning exploded at his opponent's side, blinding her in white. Ree remained standing as her lifepoints began to fall. They were almost even now.

"I end."

Turn 14

[Seto's Current Hand:(5)] Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Polymerisation, Dragon's Rage, Crush Card Virus, Saggi the Dark Clown

[Field:(3)] Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Premature Burial (Equipped), The Flute of Summoning Dragon

[Graveyard:(6)] Negate Attack, Spear Dragon, Graceful Charity, White Dragon Ritual, Vorse Raider, Paladin of White Dragon

[Current Lifepoints:] 5200

Ree sighed. The duel should have been over already... yet Seto was still toying with her. Not that my extra turns are helping, she thought annoyed. She drew, and brightened. Perhaps this will help. "I activate Graceful Charity!" announced Ree, drawing three more cards from her deck and discarding two. Yet still no lifepoint defense. It looked like she had no choice but to play something to defend against Kaiba's Blue-Eyes... She set her Gemini Elf, and the card she just drew. This may help me if he instigates an attack.

It was all she could do.

Ree could only hope for the best. At this rate, there was no way for her to win...

Turn 15

[Ree's Current Hand:(1)] Guardian Angel Joan

[Field:(3)] Gemini Elf, Trap Jammer, Mirror Force

[Graveyard:(11)] Magic Jammer, Block Attack, Graceful Charity, Dian Keto the Cure Master, Ookazi, The Final Countdown, Enchanted Javelin, Pot of Greed, Trap Hole, Dark Driceratops, Meteor of Destruction

[Current Lifepoints:] 5300

Seto smiled. Ah, how fun. He was finally starting to whittle down Ree's lifepoints, and all the while amusing himself with set traps and strategies. Perhaps I should end the duel soon, thought Seto. After all, it was evident the girl wasn't going to get anywhere.

He drew. Ah, perfect, thought he. Just the card I needed. This duel has gone on for far long enough- It is time to end this!

And with that, he placed the card on the field. "I summon the Lord of Dragons!" A flash of light revealed the spellcaster monster, and Seto took the chance to glance at his opponent. Ree stood at the opposite side, face sombre and anxious. Still smiling, he saw a look in her eyes that spelled 'Oh no' all over, confirming his thoughts. She realised just what he was going to do.

He flipped over his facedown card, revealing The Flute of Summoning Dragon.

"I don't really have to explain how this works, do I?" enquired Seto cockily, his smirk turned to maximum. "Though I suppose it'd help prolong your inevitable defeat..." Ree glared at him from across the room.

"Yes, Seto Kaiba, I know full well how it works. Now you're able to summon up to two dragons from your hand."

"Precisely." Seto took one card from his hand and raised it in the air, the back towards his opponent. "And seeing how poorly you fare against one Blue-Eyes White Dragon, how about-" He flipped the card over. "-two?" Ree folded her arms. "Just make your move, Seto."

"Hmph, so impatient to lose, Ree? Alright, I'll make things easier for you then! I use the Flute of Summoning Dragon to summon my second Blue-Eyes!" The hologram Lord of Dragons began to play the flute, filling the room with eerie song. A bright flash began to emerge beside him on the field, expanding into another silver-white dragon. "Now! Attack her facedown card!" he exclaimed, knowing that no Trap nor Spell cards could affect his Blue-Eyes whilst Lord of D. was in play. White lightning destroyed Ree's card, revealing her Gemini Elf before the card burst into holographic fragments. Seto then ordered his two remaining monsters to attack her lifepoints, causing an incandescent light explosion on her side of the field. As Ree defended herself from the heat of the projection, Seto stated, "You'll be finished in my next turn."

The girl didn't doubt it, as she watched the last of the digits on her lifepoints counter stop spinning.

Turn 16

[Seto's Current Hand:(4)] Polymerisation, Dragon's Rage, Crush Card Virus, Saggi the Dark Clown

[Field:(4)] Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Lord of D., Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Premature Burial (Equipped)

[Graveyard:(7)] The Flute of Summoning Dragon, Negate Attack, Spear Dragon, Graceful Charity, White Dragon Ritual, Vorse Raider, Paladin of White Dragon

[Current Lifepoints:] 5200

Ree was incredulous. Two Blue-Eyes White Dragons. Two? Just how much trouble could she possibly get into? Apparently, a lot, she thought. And it's an all uphill battle from here... Geez, Ree- it was rather brilliant of you to think of taking him on all by yourself, wasn't it? Perhaps she should have tried to knock his ego down one step at a time, rather than one entire milestone... But never mind that now- she needed to solve her current predicament. She needed to prove to her opponent that she would not be beaten that easily. Deep breaths, deep breaths...

A quick assessment of the field showed that Seto's attack and defense were overwhelmingly strong, with the high offense of his two Blue-Eyes being backed up with his Lord of D., meaning that they were almost untouchable so long as the spellcaster was on the field. With Ree having only two Traps set, it seemed it was impossible to win. Seemed.

However, she thought, the loophole being that there was nothing to protect Lord of D. itself... it meant that once the monster was destroyed, her Traps would then be able to wreak their havoc. Therefore, concluded Ree, she would need to draw something, preferably a monster, to get rid of the Lord of D. first before she could even think about what to do with Seto's Blue-Eyes.

She drew. Hmm, this should put a fair dent in his lifepoints too, she thought as she glanced at the card. "I summon Zombyra the Dark, in attack mode!" Seto shrugged. "Still nothing compared to my Blue-Eyes," he said. Ree smiled. "And of course not, which is why they are not my targets." She pointed to the field.

"Your Lord of Dragons is. Zombyra, attack!" The warrior sliced the card in two, the shockwave continuing past to meet the card's owner. Seto braced himself and merely grimaced as he felt something cut into him and his lifepoints. He raised an eyebrow. "You're still trying awfully hard for someone who knows she's going to lose..."

"Well winning was never really my intention, but I never said I was going to lose either. And besides," said Ree almost cheerfully. "I'm rather enjoying this."

Turn 17

[Ree's Current Hand:(1)] Guardian Angel Joan

[Field:(3)] Zombyra the Dark, Trap Jammer, Mirror Force

[Graveyard:(12)] Gemini Elf, Magic Jammer, Block Attack, Graceful Charity, Dian Keto the Cure Master, Ookazi, The Final Countdown, Enchanted Javelin, Pot of Greed, Trap Hole, Dark Driceratops, Meteor of Destruction

[Current Lifepoints:] 1100

He drew. This girl must have gone insane, thought Seto. Enjoying what? Losing? Though she had chipped his lifepoints, she still has his Blue-Eyes to contend with. And now, they were able to destroy her monster, which, for some reason, its attack had decreased- and the last of her lifepoints. It was crazy. There was no way she could win. Unless... he spied her two facedown cards. Unless of course, realised Seto, she was expecting a turnaround by the use of her Traps now my Lord of D. is gone...? He was not so much a fool as to attack. In fact, he would need to find other means. Seto glanced at his hand and smirked. Actually, he could match Ree's move. Why should she be the only one luring an attack? He summoned Saggi the Dark Clown and placed a Trap of his own. Seto could only imagine the chaos this would bring if she attacked. Then he ended his turn.

Turn 18

[Seto's Current Hand:(3)] Monster Reborn, Polymerisation, Dragon's Rage

[Field:(5)] Crush Card Virus, Saggi the Dark Clown, Blue- Eyes White Dragon, Blue-Eyes White Dragon, Premature Burial (Equipped)

[Graveyard:(8)] Lord of D., The Flute of Summoning Dragon, Negate Attack, Spear Dragon, Graceful Charity, White Dragon Ritual, Vorse Raider, Paladin of White Dragon

[Current Lifepoints:] 4300

She drew. Ree was surprised her opponent hadn't attacked on his turn. Was her strategy truly that obvious? But then again, she was facing Seto Kaiba, after all. He had probably seen almost every move in the game, being the CEO of a dueling company- and it wasn't surprising if what she had seen on his computer screen was practice duels. But what striked her odd was that he had left his Saggi the Dark Clown in attack mode. Almost as if... he wanted her to attack? He must have something planned. And it probably had something to do with his facedown card. Wait a minute- was he imitating her strategy to mock her? But if so, he hadn't counted on one thing... her facedown Trap. As a matter of fact, she thought looking at her hand, she could possibly win this! Then a small flicker of orange caught her eye and Ree glanced up.

No. She would win this, she was sure of it. The Final Countdown card she had played so many turns ago was still in play, and its circle of twenty torches was almost completely lit up. Once she had ended her turn, then only one turn would remain- Seto's. And once he ended it, she would automatically win. So all Ree needed to do was to stall for time...

"Zombyra! Attack his Saggi the Dark Clown!" As expected, Seto revealed a Trap. Ree saw that it was the dreaded Crush Card Virus, and gasped. She couldn't let it activate. "Trap Jammer!" she cried, revealing her facedown card and wiping Seto's smirk clean off his face. His monster disintegrated and he lost lifepoints.

Ree smiled, ending her turn and looked up to see the 19th torch light up in flame.

Turn 19

[Ree's Current Hand:(2)] Yomi Ship, Guardian Angel Joan

[Field:(2)] Zombyra the Dark, Mirror Force

[Graveyard:(13)] Trap Jammer, Gemini Elf, Magic Jammer, Block Attack, Graceful Charity, Dian Keto the Cure Master, Ookazi, The Final Countdown, Enchanted Javelin, Pot of Greed, Trap Hole, Dark Driceratops, Meteor of Destruction

[Current Lifepoints:] 1100

Seto noticed her look up and saw the disc-shaped machine still suspended in the air, with one torch remaining unlit- and realised what a fool he was for wasting valuable time by toying with his opponent. I should have summoned another monster after I summoned my first Blue-Eyes, he thought. I would have wiped out her sheep tokens in half the time... And looking at the machine it meant that he had only one turn- this turn- to defeat her. Perhaps he hadn't taken Ree as seriously as he should have, because now, and he couldn't believe he was thinking this, she had placed him in a serious position. And perhaps Ree had noticed this as he lengthened out the process of depleting her lifepoints, and so now, it seemed the impossible had become possible...

Seto suddenly remembered the price he would have to pay if Ree won the duel. He was so confident when he placed his wager, and even more so when she had accepted... And he had promised her a Blue-Eyes White Dragon. He was sure she knew he was mocking her, knowing full well he hadn't meant it as he was certain to win. And Ree said herself that she had never really intended to win, so then what was her true motive? Seto glanced at her from across the room and narrowed his eyes. Ree was not looking at him, but instead staring quite intently at the duel field. She glanced up, and their eyes met for a brief second before she continued her assessment of the duel.

Then something stirred in his thoughts. Perhaps she thought to challenge me? If she had in fact known I was not taking her seriously, she had taken well advantage of the fact and pinned me down. Then Seto realised that Ree was possibly trying to prove something to him. But what? One thing was for sure. He would not let himself underestimate her again.

He couldn't attack until he was sure he had gotten rid of her facedown card, meaning that he needed to draw something to destroy it. Seto couldn't let Ree have his Blue-Eyes. He just couldn't. He wouldn't. A card of its stature and power- it meant too much for him to just give away. So this draw... was his final draw; and it would signify either his victory- or seal his defeat.

Yugi had always mentioned something about the 'Heart of the Cards'... but this philosophy meant nothing to Seto. He didn't believe in such ridiculous things. However what he did believe in was skill. And he needed all the skill he had to draw and play the right card he needed. Luck was a factor too, but that was always a risk... Seto placed two fingers on his deck- and drew.

He glanced at the card sidelong, then smirked. Perfect. Ree may have been close to actually beating him, but not close enough.

"I play Heavy Storm and destroy your facedown Trap!" announced Seto, his eyes flashing a vivid blue. He was not surprised to see that it was Mirror Force.

"I'm amazed you've even made it this far, Ree," he stated arrogantly. "But now, you're finished! Now my Blue-Eyes, obliterate her lifepoints!" The dragons opened their mouths with a roar and let loose beams of electrical energy, impacting on Ree's Zombyra the Dark before finally landing on Ree herself, engulfing the entire room in a blinding white light.

When it had faded, Ree didn't need to check her lifepoint counter to know that she had lost. And what a duel it was... she thought as she stepped down shakily from the dueling platform, releasing a sigh.

"So, Ree," said Seto stepping off his side of the field, "care to recalculate my percentage of winning?" He smirked. Ree folded her arms defiantly. "No," she replied. "It'll stay as is. I did almost beat you, after all."

"Almost isn't good enough. Second place never means as much as first." Then Seto tilted his head cockily. "And besides," he said, "you only got as far as you did because I let you. You wouldn't last five turns against me if I dueled you seriously."

Ree unfolded her arms. "Maybe so, but... I think it's the way you win that counts. And as I lasted 19 turns with you toying with me, perhaps I'd last 9 turns if you were serious... so... care for a rematch to test that?"

"Hmph," huffed Seto. "It'd be a waste of time for both you and me. After all, I'd still win, toying with you, or not... and I don't like wasting time."

"...So then, why did you duel me?"

"To test out the holographic projector. Why else?"

"Oh, I don't know..." To enjoy thrashing another opponent, thought Ree. "...You tell me."

The boy grinned. "Well, I suppose beating you was a bonus... though it's not as if you put up much of a challenge."

"Well then... maybe you duel for real next time and I'll give you a challenge," retorted Ree.

"It's really not worth my effort, but sure- if you really enjoy losing that much, Ree," Seto fired back.

"Well actually..." the girl answered, "...it's not always about winning. I mean, I... I play to learn new strategies... so really, I don't actually mind losing that much. But I suppose you play to win..."

Seto looked thoughtful. "Mmm. That is indeed usually the case. You don't gain anything otherwise."

"Well..." began Ree, "...you can learn from your losses..."

"Yes," cut in Seto, "but a win is a win.

'and," he continued, "I believe since I won the duel, you must now fulfill your part of the bargain, Ree. You do remember what it was now, don't you?"

Ree sighed, only just recalling his conditions.

"I do. So this means... meetings, every single day, from 8pm until 11... until we get this project finished, right?"

"Precisely."

But just as Ree was about to sink into the inevitable gloomy depression that one feels after an epic loss, Seto suddenly announced,

"...But... I'm in a good mood today. I think I'll allow for a break. Therefore... there will be no meeting tomorrow night."

Ree blinked. No meeting? Surely he couldn't be letting her off this easy... unless he had thought she had suffered enough...? After all, he must think that she needed time to recuperate after losing a duel to him... Or maybe...

Maybe he had seen how diligently she had worked to produce the plans in the time given that he had decided that she deserved a rest? And this was his subtle way of unofficially accepting her as his project partner... Ree kept a small, secretive smile to herself. Perhaps he was not as cold and uncaring as he acted.

"Thank you," said Ree to an impassive Seto Kaiba, who replied with a simple, unexpressive "Hmph." Ree looked to the doors that led out from the underground chamber. "Well... I suppose it's time for me to leave..."

"Indeed," answered Seto, disconnecting the holo-projector from the podium before walking past to lead the way out.

As they finally arrived at the front door, Seto stated, "I've arranged for the limo to take you home. It is currently waiting for you at the gates, so try not to waste my time or yours by just idly walking." He placed one hand on the doorhandle as Ree merely nodded, unsure, but deciding not to take his last comment as an insult. Then she smiled at him, causing Seto to be taken aback slightly. "Goodnight, Seto," said Ree, "I guess I'll see you tomorrow." Seto blinked, unsure of what to say. "Goodnight... Ree," he replied before opening the door, as if the phrase was foreign to him. Then as Ree began walking down the marble steps, she suddenly spun round to face him and added,

"Oh, and... thank you for the coffee. I feel miles better," causing a look of confusion to add to the already surprised expression on the boy's face.

Ree then ran down the steps and into the eleven o'clock darkness, leaving a very solemn and vexed Seto Kaiba at the door, gazing at the night after her.