They say to never judge a book by its cover, and I suppose that line would hold true to almost every aspect of life. Hardly anything is as it seems at first glance; this applies to living creatures especially.
If you were to judge by appearance alone, who would seem more trustworthy – a human or a Shadowkind?
More often than not you'd say that the Shadow was the least trusting of the two. Mainly because humans tend to have a bit more of a familiarity to them than Shadowkind do, after all, humans aren't really monsters that we've heard in our childhoods.
But then again, I'm not saying that the human race is perfect… Any history text book can attest to that.
Once again, I'm not saying that all Shadows are saints either, heck, just take a look at the rep sheet that we have posted on the Shadowchaser website; most of the dangerous characters on there are Shadowkind.
But, sometimes, it's hard to determine who the real bad guy is and who the good guy is…Though to tell the truth, it's not as cut and dry as that…
0-0-0
Draw 9
Witch of the Black Forest
0-0-0-0
"Marcus Childsman…"
A few hours had passed since Faye's duel against Victor had subsided, and while Ace was on her 'patrol', Faye had returned back to headquarters, seated back in the living room quarters with a laptop computer on the desk.
Hyde wasn't the only one who could find information… He was just the only one who did things like you'd see in an old detective movie.
And sure, doing research on the internet wasn't as thrilling as walking the streets in search of information, but it was a little more dependable than asking a few bar hounds or some street rat for information.
But so far, nothing on the so-called Loan Shark… At least nothing official that could really lead her to said shark. There were just rumors that were written in online forums. '… Damn it… How does Hyde make information gathering so easy?'
With a sigh, Faye looked at the card she got from the Yuki-otoko and thought for a second before an idea popped into her head.
And with that, Faye began to type furiously on the keyboard.
0-0-0-0
Meanwhile, at the outskirts of the city, a part of the residential district where more of the general merchandisers for Las Vegas, a rather unique D-Wheel sped through the streets drawing attention of all the bystanders on the streets… Not because the motorcycle was speeding, but rather the design of the D-Wheel.
It was modeled to look like an old Harley Davidson motorcycle, pure and simple with a red and black sheen to it. But the fact that the rider was dressed in a black overcoat and a curved helmet was the reason why people couldn't help but stare.
How could someone wear something like that in weather like this?
That kind of thought was deluded from the rider's mind as he flew through the streets, the wind whipping through his overcoat's tails, and was replaced with a certain mind set.
'With Volk and that weird dood here,' the rider thought to himself as he made a sharp left turn. 'We're finally ready… But… I don't see why I need to be reduced to some delivery boy!'
Personally though, he was at least glad he was getting work… Even if that work was grunt work.
'Still pisses me off though…' he thought as he slowly parked the D-Wheel in front of the building where his GPS had led him.
Turning off his transportation, the rider simply pushed a button on his helmet, making it fold up and compact itself at the top, allowing a long rim to fan out and change the shape of the headgear, allowing the long dark hair to flow around his now revealed face…
…Showing that Jack still wasn't pleased with his current situation, even as he pulled off the duel disk off of his D-Wheel and strapped it to the gauntlet that was under his overcoat's sleeve.
With a quick adjustment to his hat, Jack quickly fished out a small red cell phone from his pocket and flipped it open. '… This can't be the right place…'
The place that Jack was referring to was a large greenhouse/flower shop, decorated simply but managed to get the job done to attract some customers, some of which were watching the weird dressed man, and wondering why he wasn't dying of heat stroke.
Eventually, Jack was able to connect with someone on the other end of the phone…
"Hello? This is…"
"Save it, Vergil," Jack growled into the phone as he leaned up against the D-Wheel. "I think that GPS you guys got me is busted. Damn thing led me to a flower shop in the residential district."
"… Actually…"
"Vergil, tell me that this is a mistake..." Jack sighed pulling his hat down slightly.
"Jack… Just do the job…" Vergil moaned from the other line. "I don't have time to really argue with you. I've got a ton of paperwork and some online documents to cross-reference and frankly Jack, I can't be there to hold your hand and…"
BEEP!
Jack just rolled his eyes as he snapped his phone shut.
He didn't need another person to chew his ear off with useless information.
All he had to do was deliver an order and wait to pick it up… If that was all he had to do, then that was all he had to do.
'But still… A flower shop?!' Jack thought to himself as he slowly reached the entrance to the shop, stopping himself from entering for a second.
But eventually, Jack willed himself into the building.
He could already tell that this day was going to be a pain in the backside.
0-0-0-0
Time: 7:06
On the other side of Vegas at the Mirage Oasis café, Kyon certainly had his hands full dealing with the evening crowd. Having already allowed alcoholic beverages to be served in the establishment roughly two hours ago, business usually boomed at this time of day.
Of course, when one of his waitresses had called in sick, Kyon not only had to work the bar but also some tables as well.
At least since the incident (Kyon wasn't a fan of bugbears either) occurred, the band that was attacked had promised a week of free entertainment and Kyon sure was taking advantage of that. Their music was a little loud for his tastes, but still, free was free.
That still didn't mean he couldn't relax with the café being filled to the brim with customers, especially since he had to switch between waiting on tables and the bar.
'Maybe if Ace was here,' He thought to himself as he took an order sheet of drinks up to the bar for him to prepare. 'I could've convinced her to help out… And maybe get to see her in one of my waitress outfits!'
Taking a second to sigh loudly, Kyon quickly worked on the drink orders that he had taken, not realizing that a new customer was seated right in front of him, a Chinese fan covering her face.
Being a Shadowkind himself, Kyon was used to seeing several different kinds of people entering his bar, whether it was regular people or other shadows, he didn't really have a restriction policy as long as no one started a fight or brought a weapon.
But this customer didn't really seem interested in the drinks or atmosphere that was being produced by the band; rather, she had her oddly yellow eyes watching Kyon mix and pour the drinks quickly. From what she had gathered, this little were-ermine was quite an interesting subject…
"Excuse me sir," the woman questioned using the fan in front of her face to cool her off slightly. "May I…"
"I'll be right back, Miss," Kyon apologized with a bow before he ran behind the bar. "I just have some drinks to deliver, but I'll be right back to take your order!"
"Hmm… Take your time," the woman chuckled, watching as Kyon running past a few customers while balancing the tray of drinks he had assembled.
If Kyon had taken a moment to really look at the woman, he would've noticed her tight Chinese dress, her pinned up hair, and more importantly, her blue skin.
With a snap of her fan, the coldly beautiful woman licked her lips, 'I've got all night to put the plan into action…
'Though I wonder if they've got sake here…'
0-0-0-0
Despite the time, Jack was a little surprised that the flower shop would be open at this hour, but indeed it was open, and somewhat busy with people gazing at the exotic flower displays that were in the main lobby.
Personally, Jack didn't really like dealing with the Shadowkind, some he liked more than others, but he still didn't like them. And this place was filled to the brim with Shadowkind, although, since Jack was an aware, he was able to see that most of the plants in lobby weren't your garden variety flowers that you gave to your sweetheart.
'I guess this won't be some wasted trip after all,' Jack thought to himself looking at one of the weird plants to his side, noticing that it was a deep violet – With what appeared to be scales on the plant's bud.
Although it was definitely a specially designed plant made by a Shadowkind, it certainly wasn't one that Jack had ever seen before.
"Hello! Hello!"
Jack blinked a few times before he turned to the side to be met with a rather interesting sight, a rather large and daunting figure standing next to him. Dressed in large baggy black pants, a green vest (along with a pink apron) and a developed face with black leafy hair…
… And besides the pink apron, there was something else that stood out about this man… The fact that his skin a cold steel (save for his face which was actually golden) and his hair was more like a hood to conceal the rest of his head were clues as to what this man really was.
'Looks like some sort of Arcane Golem,' Jack thought to himself as he adjusted his hat to cover his eyes to make sure that he wouldn't be caught starring. '… If it is one… It certainly isn't like any other Arcane Golem I've ever seen before…'
"Welcome to our humble flower shop!" The Arcane Golem announced with a slight bow towards Jack. "Is there anything I can do for you, sir? Are you looking for a bouquet of flowers for your sweetheart?"
Turning towards the Golem, Jack pushed up his hat to leer at the golem, "Not today… I'm actually here to pick up an order. Maybe you can help me out then…"
"Of course, sir!" the golem said bowing slightly once more before he stood up straight. "I'm Den, and I hope to be of some assistance for you today, sir!"
"… Stop calling me sir…" Jack groaned as he reached into his pocket, pulling out an envelope towards Den. "Here's the order and the payment that was agreed upon."
Den bowed for a third time before he took the envelope and read the instructions that were written on it. Jack wasn't able to tell if the golem was actually reading it or if he was just looking it over…
Then the golem raised his head up, nodding slightly before he held the envelope to his chest, "Uh, sir, I was told about this beforehand, so I need ask you to accompany me to the back for a few minutes."
"What?" Jack questioned, his hands slowly reaching for under his overcoat, just to be careful.
"Ah! D-Don't worry, sir!" Den yelped with another quick bow he held his hands up in a defensive manner. "It was just a complication that my boss wanted to discuss with the person who made this order. Since you're a representative to this customer, I'll have to ask you come back with me."
"… I suppose it can't be helped," Jack growled, not pulling his hand out of his coat. "Lead the way… Den was it?"
"OH! I'm so glad you remembered my name!" Den cheered to himself as he spun on his heel to lead Jack to the back.
'… It's not that big of a deal… I just met you thirty seconds ago…' Jack thought to himself as he followed the Arcane Golem.
And once more, the plants were starting to get Jack's attention.
More regular flowers, plus several other identifiable plants that Jack had never seen before…
BAM!
Maybe he should've paid attention to Den, because the Arcane Golem just stopped right in front of Jack, making the smaller man run into Den with a loud smack sound. "… Ow…"
"Oh yes! That reminds me, sir," Den announced turning slightly to the counter, not even noticing that Jack had crashed into him. "We're having a small promotion today…"
The moment that Den turned around, Jack was already rubbing his slightly sore face, "Oh… Is something wrong, sir?"
"Just forget it," Jack growled removing his hand. "What's this about a promotion?"
"Its nothing special," Den stated holding out a small box of candies to Jack. "Everyone who comes in today gets a free box of candy."
Jack narrowed his eyes at Den, taking deep breaths to calm the rage that was building up inside of him, 'Candy… CANDY!?! He stopped just like that for candy?!'
"Did you not want the…" Den started…
… Only to have Jack snatch the box of candy from his hands in mid-sentence, "I didn't say I didn't want the candy."
Jack did have one weakness to his tough guy exterior… Sweets.
"Enjoy, sir!" Den announced as Jack pocketed the box of candies.
'Not going to enjoy it now… Gotta work,' Jack thought to himself as he crossed his arms. "Uh, Den… If you don't mind, I'm kinda in a hurry… So if we could speed this along?"
"Right, sir!" Den said turning around to lead Jack to the main greenhouse.
'… And didn't I tell him to stop calling me sir?' Jack thought rolling his eyes as he slid his hands back under his overcoat.
It wasn't long till Den had led Jack into the greenhouse, which was a little cooler than what Jack had expected; the glass ceiling and walls were spread far apart to allow the plant life inside the building to grow to their greatest potential. And that fact was more than apparent with the vines and petals that riddled the floor.
"Miss Rozalin!" Den shouted, making Jack jump slightly. "Are you back here Miss Rozalin?!"
"Den!"
Then, stepping from one of the many plants was a young woman with long blonde hair that was tied back to keep out of her face, dressed in a similar fashion as Den – Green vest, pink apron, and baggy black pants, 'Must be the uniform here… Kinda clashes…'
"Den," The woman (who Jack guessed was Rozalin) hissed with her arms crossed at the Arcane Golem. "I thought I told you to watch the front and assist the customers?"
"Y-You did," Den apologized with his head lowered again. "But… But that's why I'm here. This customer is that customer you told me about. Here!"
Den immediately held up the envelope to Rozalin, making her eyes widen before she turned towards Jack, "… Thanks Den… You can head back out front now. I'll handle this."
With another bow (Jack had lost count of how many times the Arcane Golem had bowed since he entered), Den quickly passed Jack and scurried back out into the main body of the shop.
"… So, you're the representative that was sent?" Rozalin asked looking Jack up and down a few times. "Aren't you burning up wearing that overcoat?"
"You don't see me questioning your pink apron," Jack countered rolling his eyes. "Anyway, mind if we get down to business? I do have somewhat of a schedule to keep to."
"Very well, Mister…" Rozalin started.
Jack rolled his eyes, "Just call me Jack."
"Very well, Jack," Rozalin stated holding up the envelope that had been given to her by her employee. "I'll get straight to the point… I appreciate the business that your employer wants to give me, but I did some research on the requests…"
"It's just flowers… What's the big deal?" Jack yawned. "You need to have them shipped somewhere special or something?"
"No, we cater to all needs involving flowers," Rozalin hissed, probably not liking the 'just flowers' comment. "Whether they be for Mundanes, Awares or Shadows."
Jack raised an eyebrow; somehow this woman knew about the levels and was aware of what she was selling… But he doubt she was a Shadowchaser, or was a part of the same organization that he was.
"But that's the same point," the florist continued. "Due to my books and research, I learned what these specific plants can be used for if used in the correct way…"
"And what pray tell do they do?" Jack asked pushing his hat up.
"Not allowed to say," Rozalin answered with her arms crossed over her chest. "It took me a long time to acquire a permit to sell some of the plants I've got in this shop, and I'm not going to lose all that hard work, all the money I put in this place, just to lose it all in an instant… Especially to some wannabe cowboy."
"That's all nice," Jack stated holding his arms up. "But you realize that you're breaking a contract that you made with my boss… And frankly… That ticks me off. More than the fact that I had to spend a perfectly good evening at a damn flower shop."
"Don't know what to tell you, cowboy," Rozalin sighed, flicking some hair away from her eyes. "Except for you to get out of my store before I either call up the Shadowchasers or have Den throw you out."
Neither was a good option for Jack.
But he had a third option hidden up his sleeve.
Slowly, Jack began to reach for one of the two handguns he had hidden on his person…
But stopped himself. There was no need to cause a scene in a place like this… So there was a fourth idea.
"Tell ya what, Blondie," Jack chuckled pulling his hand away from his overcoat, allowing his duel disk to reveal itself. "I'm not sure if you're a Shadowkind or an Aware… But frankly, I don't care. I was told to get whatever order my boss had made… So I'm willing to make a deal with you.
"I assume that you know what this is, especially since you seem to know about Mundanes, Awares and Shadowkind… Not the stuff you can normally look up on Google."
"I suppose I should've figured that was coming," Rozalin sighed lowering her head slightly. "Fine… What are the terms to this duel?"
"I'll make it simple," Jack growled fitting a deck into his duel disk, making the device hum to life. "You beat me… And not only will I leave without causing a stir, but you can keep whatever money is in that envelope, claim it as gift if you want.
"However, if and when I win, you'll just give me whatever I need just like I bought the plants in the first place… You can even say someone stole them if you want, I don't really care. Either way, you'll still get paid with the same amount of money."
The florist rubbed her chin slightly, and then with a loud sigh, she slowly walked over to one of the tables that kept the plants off the floor. "I suppose I should've seen this coming… Very well, I guess I'll have to accept that."
Gently pushing some of the potted plants to the side, Rozalin reached for the duel disk that was hidden amongst the flowers and plants, and picked up the device. "I must warn you though, just because I'm a florist, you shouldn't take me lightly… And for your information, I'm not just an Aware…"
"Let me guess… You're a practitioner of magic, right?" Jack asked with his arms crossed as he watched Rozalin arm her duel disk. "Either way I see it, you look completely human to me…"
"I could be an elf," Rozalin pointed out.
"… Nope," Jack sighed holding up his hand, three of his fingers pointed upwards. "One, you don't have pointed ears. Two, you don't have the figure to be an elf…"
Jack stopped slightly when he noticed Rozalin was blushing slightly, "… And third, I just have an inkling about these sorts of things."
"W-Whatever!" Rozalin spat out as her duel disk hummed to life. "Let's just duel! Ya stupid cowboy… You think you're so cool…"
"I can't help being born this cool," Jack chuckled, pulling the five cards from the top of his deck. "Let me say this though… From start to finish, I'm at my climax." (JLP: 8000)
"… Was that an attempt at intimidation?" Rozalin asked with a bead of sweat appearing on the side of her head. (RLP: 8000)
"You'll see once this duel takes off," Jack answered crossing his arms before he took his hat off slightly towards Rozalin. "Now, you may be a witch, but you're still a lady. So feel free to take the first turn."
"You look like a cowboy, and you act like one," Rozalin stated rolling her eyes at Jack before she drew a sixth card. "Is this a fad with people now-a-days?"
"Don't get the wrong impression," Jack chuckled keeping his arms crossed and his hand face downwards so he couldn't see it. "I'm not a fan of country music, I just wear this cause I like it…"
'There's another reason, but there's no need to get into that…'
"Whatever works for you," Rozalin replied holding up one card. "I'll start with a spell card – Card Destruction!"
Jack just raised an eyebrow as he fitted all five of the cards he drew into his graveyard, 'Well… What would a witch in a flower shop run that would include Card Destruction?'
Rozalin fanned her new five cards in front of her and nodded to herself, "Next, I'll set a monster in defense mode…"
The set monster appeared in front of the florist.
"And two more cards I'll keep rooted in the back for now," Rozalin answered as the other two cards materialized in front of her. "And that's how this duel will start."
"Getting a little cocky, are we?" Jack asked with a flick of his next card. "Well then, I'll be glad to knock you to the ground with your flowers…"
Without hesitation, Jack lifted his hand of cards up, plucking one and sliding it into his duel disk, "So let's not waste time! I activate Star Blast!"
Four yellow stars appeared around Jack's body as he lifted another card from his hand, "Now, for every increment of five hundred life points I'm willing to give up, I can cut a level off of one monster on my field or in my hand. So how about I give up about two thousand life points…" (JLP: 6000)
'… I've never really heard of anyone but a rookie pulling a move like that,' Rozalin thought to herself as all four of the stars around Jack's body exploded.
The smoke began to grow around Jack's body, rising into the air, "So, time to bring out the big man in my deck…"
The smoke disappeared, unleashing the large, rust covered machine to appear over Jack's body, the very same machine that had appeared in the Under several days ago, its man-shaped structure and revealed inner gears fully exposed in the better lighting (3000/3000). "Ancient Gear Golem!"
Rozalin's eyes widened at the sight of the machine.
"Now… The only way to solve this…" Jack commanded with his fist lifted up. "Is with physical violence! Mechanized Melee!"
Pulling its larger fist up, the mechanized golem threw its fist towards the face down monster, making it flip up into a beautiful young woman dressed in yellow robes sitting at a matching golden harp (800/2000). However, that didn't stop the mechanical fist from slamming into her, shattering the young woman with a scream.
The force of the attack sent a shockwave coursing through the ground, making Rozalin stagger slightly. (RLP: 7000)
"Heh," Jack chuckled tapping the side of his hat.
"Who's getting cocky now?" Rozalin asked putting a hand to her hip. "That move of yours made you lose more life points than when you attacked my Spirit of the Harp."
"True, but I got out one of my aces out on the field," Jack retorted fitting two more cards into his duel disk. "And that can make this duel go by so much faster. And as much as I hate being a copy cat, I'll set two cards of my own face down on the field.
"Go right ahead if you want to get past my golem."
"… You think you're the only one who can summon powerhouses in one turn?" Rozalin stated as she drew her next card. "I'll make that piece of scrap go straight into the recycle bin before the end of this turn. But now, I'll activate my trap card, Reckless Greed!"
Once again, Jack raised an eyebrow, watching as Rozalin drew her next two cards, giving her a hand of five cards. "Next, I'll activate a spell card – Trade In! So, I toss a level eight monster from my hand, and I get to draw another two cards!"
'… I know searching when I see it…' Jack thought to himself as he crossed his arms. '… Too bad I don't know what the hell she's searching for…'
Rozalin looked over the six cards she now held.
None of them were the monsters she needed… But that didn't mean she couldn't do something about it. "I'll activate another spell card, Magical Mallet!"
A large cartoonish hammer appeared behind the witch, allowing her to hold up four of the five remaining cards she held. "Now I…"
"Please, I run Ancient Gears," Jack interrupted with a sigh. "I've got a copy of that card in this deck somewhere."
Rozalin left it at that then, allowing her duel disk to shuffle the deck inside of it, and with four quick snaps, the florist fanned the cards in front of her eyes, taking note of the card art on it…
… A smirk appearing on her face.
"Does anyone know the meaning of Poker Face?" Jack asked rolling his eyes.
"Its not like I'm really gambling with uneven odds," Rozalin answered spinning the one card she kept from before. "Well… I can't really say that… I've got the upper hand now. I summon The Creator Incarnate!"
In a flash of light, a golden armored warrior appeared in front of Rozalin, a large red cape billowing over his impressive build and holding onto a curved blade in his hands (1600/1500), the monster seemed to glow in a hue of pure energy just by standing there.
And that's when realization struck Jack, his eyes widening as Rozalin's strategy became as clear as day.
"And you said I didn't have a poker face," Rozalin giggled wagging a card in front of her face. "So, I take it you know what this card can do as well. Then I'll just tribute him…"
The Incarnate stabbed the weapon into the ground, allowing the warrior to transform into a small orb of light that began to circle the weapon. "And allowing me to special summon his name sake to the field!"
The light crashed into the sword, making the sword explode in a powerful blast of light, the light began to grow larger and until it shattered away to reveal a large gold covered deity that sparked with electricity and surged through the joints and through the ringed wings on its back (2300/3000).
The monster knelt down with its arms crossed, showing that it was in defense mode.
"Meet the Creator!" Rozalin announced as she lifted another card.
"… Just great," Jack growled under his breath.
"Up next comes a continuous spell card," Rozalin continued as the spell card appeared in front of her, showing a man in rags cowering with three glowing cards appearing over his body. "The Card of Safe Return! The perfect combo with the Creator's ability!"
'Also the perfect way to drain your deck dry,' Jack thought holding up his duel disk like a shield. "How about a little less talking and a little more action?"
"You're going to be wishing you never asked that question," Rozalin warned fitting a card into her graveyard (some monster called Shield Warrior), pulling another card from her graveyard slot. "Cause the monster I'm about to summon is going to be a blast from the past!"
The Creator began to create a large amount of electricity between its fingers, slamming the energy into the ground. "Quite literally actually… So come out Super Conductor Tyranno!"
The energy flew into the air, forming into an ancient green dinosaur that was covered with oddly futuristic armor with several spikes, orbs and plating that was surging with electricity. The Tyrannosaurus Rex roared loudly into the air, dispelling all of the electricity around it (3300/1400).
"And, since I special summoned from my graveyard," Rozalin announced pulling another card from her deck. "I get to draw thanks to my spell!"
'Great… Just perfect…' Jack thought to himself as lowered his duel disk slightly.
The florist lifted her hand up, prompting her dinosaur to roar loudly once more, "Tyranno! Attack his golem!"
Stomping forward, the large dinosaur began to twist around to slam its tail into the large gear golem…
"I activate my trap card!" Jack announced as a several gears began to erupt from the ground. "Ancient Gear Artifacts! So by removing one Ancient Gear monster from my graveyard, like the Ancient Gear Soldier you made me discard in the first turn…"
The tail slammed into the Ancient Gear Golem, knocking several of the floating gears away, but still the Golem stood tall. (JLP: 5700)
"… And my Golem gets to stay on the field for another turn," Jack continued fitting the Ancient Gear Soldier into his overcoat's pocket. "Of course, your battle damage still counts…"
"I guess that's all that matters," Rozalin stated fitting another card into her duel disk, the card she drew thanks to her Card of Safe Return. "So, I'll just leave it at that… Your golem may be quite the rare catch, but it can't get past either of my monsters."
"Don't be so sure," Jack replied, drawing at the same time. "One single draw can turn the tide of a duel; history's shown it several times…"
Looking at the card he just drew, a small smirk appeared on his face, hidden behind his cards, "Take this for now… I activate Ancient Gear Fist!"
Lifting its clawed hand up, several other gears and machine parts began to meld onto the claw, forming it into a four pronged claw that had what appeared to be rocket boosters attached to it. "This card may not give my golem any attack or defense points, but it give him a much more dangerous effect…"
"You won't get the chance!" Rozalin interrupted as her face down card flipped up, allowing her Super Conductor Tyranno to roar loudly. "I activate Threatening Roar!"
When the roaring died down, Jack bumped his hand against his ear slightly. "Damn it… I'll never get used to that card… Always leaves a ringing echo in my ears…"
"Like it matters," Rozalin stated. "Because of my trap doesn't allow you to attack…"
"What?" Jack asked holding his hand up to his ear slightly. "No, I don't have an itch on my back."
Rozalin couldn't help but blink a few times at Jack's misinterpretation. "… Do you have anything else this turn?"
"Hold up," Jack muttered looking at his hand, apparently his hearing came back in an instant. "… I'll set a monster in defense mode. That's what you get."
Rozalin remained silent as she reached for her deck, but stopped, "I have to skip my draw phase… This turn and next turn. But I still have my other face down card – Jar of Greed!"
And just like that, Rozalin was able to replace her draw.
"… I'll set one card face down," Rozalin stated as the card appeared. "Then, I'll discard my Marshmallon to activate the Creator's effect!"
Once more, the Creator slammed the stored up energy it created in its hands, allowing another large form of white and gold steel to appear over the other two monsters on Rozalin's field, this machine looking like a dragon that was made out of white and gold metal (2900/1800). And with a roar, the monster made several flower pots shake.
"So, meet the Majestic Mech – Goryu!"
"… I'm starting to see a pattern here," Jack muttered to himself, looking at the three monsters in front of him. "All three of your monsters are light attribute, all three of them are level eight with either powerful attack points or effects…"
"I see you realize the theme – The Titans of Light deck," Rozalin introduced as she drew another card thanks to her Card of Safe Return. "Yes, a deck filled with the most powerful light monsters, with an almighty revival side strategy, well… You can see the results."
"Don't get so high and mighty," Jack advised pulling his hat down. "You've only made three hundred points of damage to me… The rest were just me paying life points."
"Regardless, the life points don't lie," Rozalin answered with her hands raised up. "Goryu! Show him by attacking his face down defense monster! And by the way, my Majestic Mech has the same trample effect as your golem!"
As Goryu began to charge up energy at its chest armor, Jack slowly reached for his duel disk… But this wasn't the time for the card…
The energy shot out, crashing into the face down monster, revealing a large blue rat grasping a large skull in its claws (1400/1450) that screeched loudly as the energy burned the rat into mere cinders. (JLP: 4250)
"Good shot," Jack admitted as a card shot from his deck. "Too bad that was my Giant Rat, and now I get a replacement EARTH monster… And I know just the monster… Ancient Gear Wolf!"
"Ancient Gear… What?" Rozalin questioned as Jack held up his selected card.
"Not what… Wolf!" Jack announced slapping the card onto his duel disk as the deck shuffled itself in his duel disk.
A loud, mechanical howl erupted from the ground, revealing a rather daunting (yet the same size as Jack) ancient steel wolf, with gears and rusty armor covering its body. In a sense, it was like the Ancient Gear Beast, only this one was sleeker to give it its wolf like form (1450/1450).
"… Alright… That's not something you see every day," Rozalin stated.
"True enough, but its his ability that's what really here to raise eyebrows," Jack chuckled snapping his fingers a few time as a dark gray aura appeared around both his Ancient Gear Golem (3000/3000 + 300/0) and the Ancient Gear Wolf (1450/1450 + 300/0), empowering both of the ancient machines. "Each of the Ancient Gear monster gains three hundred bonus attack points as long as its in attack mode."
"Too bad that won't be lasting for too long," Rozalin sighed snapping her fingers at the Super Conductive Tyranno, making the dinosaur roar again. "You forget I still have this big guy over here! Super Conductive Tyranno! Attack that wolf!"
Charging forward once more, the large dinosaur was prepared to chomp down at the mechanical wolf…
… Only to have it slam directly into a small scarecrow that was made up of old junk, sending the dinosaur staggering backwards.
"Sorry, but I'm using the Scrap-Iron Scarecrow trap," Jack chuckled as the scarecrow transformed into a face down card. "So, it gets set back down… You'll have to try harder than that if you want to get to me like that. So for now, strike one…"
'… Its like he's toying with me!' Rozalin thought to herself as she narrowed her eyes, looking at the few remaining cards in her hand. "… I'll end my turn."
Jack couldn't help but smirk before he drew his next card, and with a quick spin of the card Jack brought the card up to his eyes, "… Hmm… I think its time to take the climax to the next level! I activate the spell card – Ancient Gear Castle!"
The holographic ancient castle appeared behind Jack, empowering both of his current Ancient Gear monsters (3300/3000 + 300/0) (1750/1450 + 300/0).
"Next," Jack continued pulling another card from his hand. "I'll summon another Ancient Gear… This one of the Soldier variety!"
In a flash of light, a small version of the Ancient Gear Golem appeared on the field, only this one had its right arm replaced with a gatling gun with a long barrel (1300/1300 + 600/0).
And just like that, a torch appeared on the Ancient Gear Castle.
"Next… Ancient Gear Golem!" Jack commanded as the large, rust covered machine came to life. "It's time to get rid of her benefactor! Attack the Creator with Mechanized Melee!"
Pulling its fist back, the larger machine threw its fist towards the golden armored monster… Unaware of the card that popped out of Rozalin's graveyard slot…
The fist slammed into the Creator's chest… And yet the golden armored deity didn't budge an inch. (RLP: 6400)
"What the?" Jack questioned blinking a few times.
"Did you really think that I had this deck without some graveyard support?" Rozalin answered lifting up the card she pulled from her graveyard, the Shield Warrior card. "Since I discarded this card, I can remove this card from my graveyard to prevent one of my monsters from biting the dust."
"… I feel like you're starting to string me along now," Jack growled before he chuckled lightly. "… Or perhaps I'm the one who's leading you on? You forgot about the equip card on my golem. Sure, your Shield Warrior protected him destruction…"
The new claw on the Ancient Gear Golem shot off, spinning through the air until it clamped down on the Creator's head, making the deity stagger from its defensive position. But when the claw tightened its grip, the Creator's arms went limp, several cracks running through its body before it exploded into millions of shards of light.
And just like that, Rozalin's eyes widened as her golden creator was no more.
"Grr… D-Don't think that changes anything!" Rozalin growled throwing her arm to the side. "I've still got two powerful monsters out!"
"… But for how long?" Jack asked fitting another card into his duel disk, making it appear in front of him along with his face down Scrap-Iron Scarecrow. "Turn end."
Rozalin slowly reached for her deck…
"Hold up! You still can't draw," Jack chuckled holding his hand up.
"I… I know that!" Rozalin replied looking at the few cards she had left in her hand. "But… I don't need to draw to clear a monster of yours away!"
Goryu roared loudly, making more of the potted flowers shake slightly, charging up more energy in its chest cavity…
But Jack could only push a button on his duel disk, allowing a large vortex to erupt over his three monsters, blocking the oncoming attack.
"Strike two," Jack chuckled lifting a copy of the Negate Attack trap card up from his duel disk. "You're starting to get on my nerves… So I suggest that prepare yourself. You fail one more time and I'm going to make this climax crush you."
"… F-Fine," Rozalin muttered under her breath as she fitted one more card into her duel disk. "I set one card face down…"
"And we get back to me!" Jack chuckled, as he drew again. "… I think I'll set one card first… Then, let's get back to the action! Ancient Gear Golem! Attack that pain in the ass of a dinosaur, Mechanized Melee!"
Both of the machine themed monsters charged towards each other, the Ancient Gear Golem was slightly faster and slammed its fist into the Super Conductor Tyranno's skull, shattering the large, steel covered dinosaur like glass. (RLP: 6100)
"Urk…" Rozalin gulped watching as one of her other strong monsters was destroyed.
"And then there was one," Jack chuckled looking over the last few cards in his hand. "So, I'll leave it at that.
"Are you scared of my climax?"
"More like I'm afraid of that monstrous ego of yours," Rozalin replied finally able to draw once more, giving her three cards. "I activate another spell card – This one called Advance Draw!"
Goryu roared in pain before it shattered into millions of feathers that flew around Rozalin's body, "So I just release a level eight or higher monster, and I can draw two more cards!"
"Draw, draw, draw," Jack muttered rolling his eyes. "Is that all you've got to do?"
"In case you didn't notice, this deck relies on drawing," the florist witch answered pulling off the top two cards from her deck. "And because of that, I drew this!
"Swords of Revealing Light!"
Jack's eyes widened as several swords of concentrated light erupted from the ground around him, freezing all three of his ancient gear monsters. "… You're really close to strike three, Blondie… So you think you can pull this sort of stunt off?"
"Well, I'm going to try," Rozalin replied as a set monster appeared in front of her. "Turn end!"
Another torch appeared on the Ancient Gear Castle.
With a roll of his eyes, Jack drew his next card, pushing up his hat with his other hand as he looked at the card. "Hmm… Not much I can do for now… But you've only delayed the climax."
"You know, I expected a few more threats from a guy like you," Rozalin admitted looking at the few cards in her hand.
"… Can't judge a book by its cover," Jack chuckled pulling his hat down. "Turn end by the way."
Several swords began to fade away from Jack's field.
Rozalin quickly drew, then reached for her duel disk, "To start this turn, I'll flip up my Skelengal!"
In a puff of white smoke, the face down card transformed into the translucent angel (900/400), allowing Rozalin to draw once more. "… Next, I'll activate another spell card, Reinforcement of the Army!"
The spell card shined over Rozalin's field, allowing a card to pop out of her deck, making her turn it around to reveal a copy of the Creator Incarnate (1600/1500). "Now I get a warrior monster added to my hand… And this is the choice I've made."
'… Great…' Jack thought to himself.
"I'll set one card face down," Rozalin continued as the set card appeared. "And end my turn."
Jack was silent as he drew.
He looked at the card and grimaced, '… Damn it, Heavy Storm or Mystical Space Typhoon are never there when you need them…'
The Western styled duelist simply waved his hand, making more of the swords of light disappear.
"Hmm… What's wrong?" Rozalin asked drawing another card from her deck before she held her duel disk up. "Bad luck starting to set in?"
"… You could say that," Jack answered pulling his hat down over his eyes. "Of course, that won't stop my climax…"
"Will you just stop that?" Rozalin requested holding up two cards from her hand. "You've been going on and on about this climax, but you haven't even managed to take me down by half of my life points! I activate Monster Reincarnation!"
Fitting a monster card called Cyber Dinosaur into her graveyard, another card popped out of Rozalin's graveyard slot, "So, I just have to discard one card, and I get another monster back into my hand!"
'Three guesses what that card is,' Jack thought to himself as Rozalin pulled up one of the other three cards in her hand.
"I summon The Creator Incarnate!"
In a flash of light, the same golden armored warrior appeared in front of Rozalin, using the curved sword as a cane to keep him propped up on the ground (1600/1500).
And another torch lit up on the Ancient Gear Castle…
"Next, I'm playing a spell card… Pot of Avarice!"
Five monster cards popped out of Rozalin's graveyard, the first Creator Incarnate, Cyber Dinosaur, The Spirit of the Harp, a Dark Mimic and Marshmallon (Jack figured that both were sent there thanks to Card Destruction).
Without explaining, Rozalin shuffled the five monsters into her deck and allowed her duel disk to pop out two additional cards from the top of her deck. "I won't have to worry about decking out so soon then… Next…"
Once more, the Creator Incarnate was engulfed in a powerful bright light, announcing the reappearance of the Creator (2300/3000), this time standing up tall with its arms held up.
"And next, I think I'll activate the Creator's effect," Rozalin announced fitting one of the last two card from her hand into her duel disk's graveyard. "After all, he's not one for being in the graveyard – And neither is this guy!"
With a loud roar, the Super Conductor Tyranno reappeared on the field, snarling at the Ancient Gear Golem (3300/1400).
"Sure, neither of them are strong enough to beat your Golem…" Rozalin stated with another draw thanks to her Card of Safe Return. "But that won't be much of a problem! Super Conductor Tyranno! Attack his Ancient Gear Wolf!"
With a loud roar, the metal covered dinosaur twisted around, prepared to slam its tail into the ancient metal wolf…
… Only to have the tail be stopped by the same junk themed scarecrow that had halted its attack beforehand.
"Looks like someone has a bad memory…" Jack chuckled as the Scrap-Iron Scarecrow fell back face down on the floor. "… By the way, that's strike…"
"Nope, that's why I summoned my Creator in attack mode," Rozalin interrupted as the Creator began to charge up with electricity between its hands. "Thunder of Creation!"
Throwing the charged energy into the air, a powerful bolt of electricity crashed into the Ancient Gear Wolf, shattering the machine into its basic parts (even though they were now singed). (JLP: 4000)
And without the wolf's presence, the Ancient Gear Golem (3600/3000 – 300/0) and Ancient Gear Soldier (1900/1300 – 300/0) lost their strength.
"Sure, your Golem's still stronger," Rozalin admitted fitting the card she just drew into her duel disk. "But that's not going to stop me from what I've got planned."
Jack merely drew his next card, holding the card up to his eyes as he looked at the card he just drew. "… Three…"
"Huh?" Rozalin questioned.
"That… Was strike three," Jack stated spinning around the card he just drew. "I've reached my climax! I activate Mystical Space Typhoon!"
Rozalin's eyes widened as a powerful shot of air crashed into the remaining swords of light, but then she blinked a few times as Jack lifted up two more cards from his hand.
"Next, I play Polymerization!" Jack announced as an extremely large vortex appeared behind him, drawing in the Ancient Gear Soldier and the Ancient Gear Golem. "So, now, I can fuse Ancient Gear Golem, Ancient Gear Soldier, and Ancient Gear Cannon!"
The machines were sucked into the vortex, making the mixture turning black and gray, electricity surging through the vortex.
"N-No…" Rozalin gasped as she took a step back. "There… There's no way…"
The vortex shattered, unleashing an incredibly large, rustic machine to stomp into the ground behind Jack, its four legs nearly buckling under the massive weight this centaur like Ancient Gear monster as it raised its incredibly armored fist and black armor claw. The monster's torso resembled that of the Ancient Gear Golem, only this one seemed to have a Trojan helmet plume from its shoulder and helmet, only made out of metal.
The machine stomped its front legs into the ground, knocking over several flower pots in the process (4400/3800 + 300/0).
"But there is a way," Jack chuckled lifting his free fist up into the air. "My climax jump! The Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem!
"And I'm not going to wait! Gear Golem! Attack…"
Rozalin gulped, that was one powerful monster… Not to mention one that was incredibly rare… And if he attacked the Creator again…
"Skelengal!" Jack finished.
"WHAT?!" Rozalin gasped as she realized that her small angel was still in attack mode!
The Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem didn't waste any time, without having to move its legs, the ancient machinery threw its claw towards the transparent angel, clamping the small fairy between its claws and crushing it in a manner of seconds. (RLP: 2300)
"… Heh…" Jack chuckled as the Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem pulled its arm back. "You're just lucky that my deck isn't at climax… Yet…
"Turn end…"
Rozalin was a little taken back, ever since she was able to learn sorcery and learn of the treaty among supernatural beings, she had also taken time to study Duel Monsters…
… And Ancient Gear monsters were dangerous enough. But, this monster…
It was more dangerous than a certain three-headed blue eyed dragon fusion monster. It wasn't really as strong, but its effects were much more dangerous…
"What's wrong, Blondie?" Jack asked, shattering Rozalin's train of thought. "Afraid of my climax? So afraid that you can't even move?"
Rozalin slowly reached for her deck, her hand shaking as she slowly drew her next card, "… I… I activate my trap card! Call of the Haunted! I bring back an old face!"
A large bright light erupted on field, allowing the Majestic Mech – Goryu to float over the field once more, roaring loudly in triumph, in spite of the larger Ancient Gear monster (2900/1400).
"… And what exactly is that thing going to do?" Jack asked as Rozalin drew once more thanks to her continuous spell card.
Rozalin looked at the card, her face smirking greatly, "Actually… Thanks to what I drew… But first! Creator! Shift to defense mode!"
Jack raised an eyebrow as the large golden sentinel knelt down with its arms crossed over its golden chest.
"Next… To activate this next spell card," Rozalin announced as Goryu shattered into a bright flurry of lights that flew through the Super Conductor Tyranno (3300/1400 + 2900/0), making the monster roar out through the air. "I need to tribute my Goryu for Gift of the Martyr!"
Jack couldn't help but shake his head… "Come on now, don't you learn? I still have my…"
"I active my next spell card," Rozalin interrupted holding up a spell card up. "Psychic Cyclone! Now, I get to destroy one face down card on the field and declare if it's a Spell or Trap card… So, let's see if that face down card you have is a trap card!"
Jack growled as his Scrap-Iron Scarecrow trap card was shattered just like that. "Grr…"
"Oh, looks like I was right," Rozalin giggled as she drew another card from her deck. "Next, since I was right, I get to draw… But now then… Super Conductive Tyranno! Time for some revenge!"
With a loud roar, the Super Conductive Tyranno spun around, slamming its armor covered tail directly into the Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem's chest, breaking the machine's gears and armor apart, smoke starting to rise over Jack's field. (JLP: 2500)
"Hmm… That monster wasn't so tough," Rozalin thought out loud with a confident smile on her face.
"Don't think that you can stop my climax that easily," Jack said with his arms crossed as the smoke began to disappear… Revealing the Ancient Gear Golem (3000/3000 + 300/0). "Cause when you bust down my titan, I get the original golem back!"
Rozalin's eyes widened at the sight of the enlarged machine that over-shadowed Jack, the same that had been plaguing Rozalin through out this entire duel.
"I… I set one card face down," Rozalin stuttered as the face down card appeared in front of her. "And end my turn…"
And just like that, the Super Conductive Tyranno lost that bright energy surging around its body (6200/1400 – 2900/0).
Jack merely drew his next card before he pushed a button on his duel disk, "I activate my face down card – Good Goblin Housekeeping!"
The card flipped up, revealing the Goblin of Greed on the card doing household chores, "Now, for each copy of this card in my graveyard, I can draw one card plus one additional one… And since you made me discard my first copy with your Card Destruction, so, I get to draw two cards…"
With two quick clicks, Jack looked at the five cards before he pulled another card and slipped it at the bottom of his deck, "Of course, I'm forced to place another card at the bottom of my deck…
"Mind if I beat you?"
"Huh?" Rozalin asked blinking a few times.
"I can't hear you!" Jack announced as he lifted his duel disk up. "I activate the field spell card, Gaia Power!"
The ground began to rumble, allowing a large tree to sprout out from the ground, empowering the Ancient Gear Golem (3300/3000 + 500/0 – 0/400).
"Next…" Jack announced slapping another card on his field. "I send my Ancient Gear Castle to the graveyard…"
The large ancient castle crumbled to dust, weakening the Ancient Gear Golem, but only slightly (3800/2600 – 300/0).
But from the remains of the castle, a large, yet oddly similar machine began to stomp out from the destroyed castle, its gears grinding loudly as it stood up next to the Ancient Gear Golem…
"T… TWO OF THEM!?!" Rozalin gasped nearly tripping over her own feet as she walked backwards.
"What's wrong?" Jack chuckled at the sight of the second Ancient Gear Golem (3000/3000 + 500/0 – 0/400). "You've already defeated one Ancient Gear Golem… Of course, that was just barely…
"Now you've got two of these guys to deal with!"
Rozalin's eyes widened slightly.
"Ancient Gear Golem one!" Jack announced as the first Ancient Gear Golem stomped forward. "Attack the Creator! Mechanized… Wait… Nah… Climaxed Melee!"
Without hesitating, the large machine slammed its fist into Creator, shattering the monster like glass, and flying past Rozalin, making her stagger backwards in the process. (RLP: 1800)
"And next…" Jack chuckled spinning on his heel, throwing his fist up into the air. "Ancient Gear Golem two! Time to make her dinosaur into a fossil! Attack with Climax Melee!"
And once more, the larger machine charged forward and slammed its fist directly into dinosaur's skull, sending a sickening sound that was a mixture of crushed metal and broken bones through the greenhouse, prompting the Super Conductor Tyranno. (RLP: 1600)
"Urk…" Rozalin muttered as she stepped back.
"Mind if I beat you now?" Jack chuckled spinning around one of the remaining cards in his hand, revealing a rather weird looking card. "Can't hear you!"
"I… I didn't say…" Rozalin muttered as Jack slipped another card into his duel disk.
"I activate…" Jack continued, ignoring Rozalin. "Level Thunder!"
Rozalin blinked a few times as the two Ancient Gear Golems began to slam their fists together, creating several sparks of electricity that began to build up between the two machines. "Now… You take one hundred points of damage equal to the total combined levels of all my face up monsters…
"… And that's sixteen hundred points of damage!"
The electricity surged from the two machines, concentrating into a powerful bolt of energy that crashed into Rozalin's body, making her convulse and shake as the electricity began to surge through her body, draining down her life points. (RLP: 0)
As the holograms began to disappear, Jack spun around, pulling his hat down over his eyes, "… Didn't stand a chance…"
Pulling his sleeve over his duel disk, Jack looked over his shoulder, taking note of the slightly singed witch, "… Now then… I assume you'll keep your half of the bargain?"
"…" Rozalin didn't say anything at first, she only looked up at Jack and narrowed her eyes. "Den!"
And just like that, the door to the greenhouse opened up, revealing the weird Arcane Golem in the doorway, bowing slightly, "You called, Miss Rozalin?"
"… G… Get this guy his order," Rozalin grumbled lowering her head slightly.
"But… But, Miss…" Den started as he ran past Jack and towards his boss.
"Just do it!" Rozalin hissed loudly at the larger Arcane Golem, making him back of slightly before he bowed again.
"Yes… Yes, Miss," Den replied heading to the back.
"Just bring the stuff out to the D-Wheel out front," Jack chuckled as he pulled out the box of candy that he was given earlier. "I'll be waiting… Don't give me a reason to come back in here…"
A few seconds later, when Jack was no longer in the greenhouse, Rozalin was back on her feet, rubbing her arm slightly as Den carried a box past the witch.
"That Jack guy…" Rozalin mumbled, making Den stop in his tracks.
"What about him, Miss?" Den questioned.
"… There's something deeper and darker inside him…" Rozalin muttered with her hand covering her face. 'I don't need magical powers to see that…'
"Den… Hurry up and get that Jack guy his order. The sooner he gets it, the sooner we don't have to deal with him…"
"Right, Miss Rozalin," Den said flatly before he headed for the door.
Time: 7:59 PM
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Card Stats
Psychic Cyclone / Quick-Play Spell / Effect: Declare whether 1 Spell or Trap card set on the field is a Spell or Trap card and destroy it. If the destroyed card is the card you declared, you draw 1 card. If the destroyed card is not the card you declared, your opponent draws 1 card.
Image: A large amount of psychic energy circling a man's hand.
This card was used by Takasu in Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's
Level Thunder / Normal Spell / Effect: Inflict damage to your opponent by an amount equal to the combined level of all monsters you control x100
Image: Several bolts of electricity crashing into a level stars
This cards was used by Rudolph Heitmann in Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's.
Ancient Gear Artifacts / Trap / Effect: This card can only be activated when an 'Ancient Gear' or 'Gadget' monster you control would be destroyed as a result of battle. By removing one 'Ancient Gear' monster card from your graveyard, negate that monster's destruction (Battle damage still applies normally).
Image: Several people excavating several rusted over gears and machines from a ancient ruins.
Ancient Gear Wolf / Earth / LV. 4 / ATK: 1450 / DEF: 1450 / Machine/Effect: If this card attacks, your opponent cannot activate any Spell or Trap cards until the end of the Damage Step. As long as this card is in face up attack position, increase the ATK of all 'Ancient Gear' monsters by 300 points.
Description: A large, rust covered mechanical wolf with several gears popping out of its body
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With Jack's mission complete, the shadowy claws grasping around Sin City begin to tighten their grip… Can our Shadowchasers figure this mystery out before its too late?
My money's on – No.
But next time… Ya know what? It'd be a spoiler if I told you what happened next time… You'll just have to wait for the next chapter, which has been dubbed quite appropriately as…
Draw 10
Infernal Flame Emperor
You won't want to miss a minute of the action!