It is the fifth day, and the Gensokyo Cup rages on.
On Youkai Mountain, somewhere near Kappa Village, you can smell the virtual machinery (or at least pretend to). One girl is wearing a sky-blue dress that is lined with numerous pockets that are filled with many gadgets. Her hair is the same color as her dress, with a green hat on top. Right now, her blue eyes reflected her smile, as she prepared to gain the upper hand over her opponent.
"Watch this, friend," the girl, Nitori Kawashiro said. "I'm dismantling my Card Trooper to summon the Machine King!"
The little robot vanished, and in its place stood a tall robot with broad, red shoulders and a red vizor. (2200 ATK)
"This guy gains 100 Attack Points for every Machine on the field, and since there are two right now, it'll get a little stronger."
A metallic blue aura surrounded Machine King. (2400 ATK)
"Destroy her Overdrive with Dual Pistons!"
Putting both its arms forward, the Machine King launched them right into the core of the all-terrain vehicle, completely reducing it to scrap metal. 7-Completed also went for the ride. Machine King lost a bit of momentum. (2300 ATK)
"I end my turn."
Nitori: (6500)
?: (6100)
"Heheheh, you kappa are something else. I'm glad I went on this expedition." said Nitori's opponent. She has long brown hair in two braids, brown eyes, and she is wearing a white shirt with a purple bow just beneath the collar and brown pants that stopped above her knees.
"But don't think you're the only one with cool machines. In fact, I'm just getting started!"
She took a card from her gauntlet.
"I summon DL-6 Spike Claymore!"
She slammed a card on her normal Duel Disk, and a bluish-grey tank appeared. It came equipped with a short cannon and, as its name suggests, spiked treads (1800 ATK). Machine King gained a little more power. (2400 ATK)
"This is one of my many tanks!" Rika, Nitori's opponent, proudly declared. "This little fella gains 1000 Attack Points if it battles a stronger monster."
"Then, that means..."
"Break Machine King down with your Spike Missile!"
The tank launched a solitary missile, which then unleashed a barrage of miniature spikes that instantly downed one of the kings of machines.
"I'll play one card face down, and end my turn." Rika said as a card materialized in her Spell/Trap Zone.
Nitori (6100)
Rika (6100)
Normally, Nitori would, at first, shy away from any human brave enough to venture this far. Naturally, she responded the same way when Rika appeared. However, after overhearing Rika saying she wanted to find parts and materials for her latest invention, and that the Kappa Village was the best place to find such parts, she couldn't help but get a little excited by the fact that she was actively seeking something from her village, the technological and industrial mecca of Gensokyo. 'She's just like Marisa.' she thought. So she appeared before Rika with a smile and a beaming expression. Knowing that she just encountered a kappa to help her with her needs, the human felt relief because she thought she was getting lost (she did not venture this far out before, after all). Their intellectual minds was the key to forging their bond.
And this duel will solidify it. Even though it is a tournament.
"Aw, you broke it." Nitori said with a fake sadness. "That tank sure is cool, Rika!"
"There's more tanks of destruction waiting in reserve! Make sure you're prepared." said the tank maiden.
"Of course. Get ready for my assault! My draw!"
In the Human Village, the villagers were being treated to quite a unusually fantastic duel. One of the duelists was wearing a flowing purple kimono lined with pink floral patterns. Her long red hair flowed in the wind, decorated with a yellow bow. Anyone would look at her and know she has some regal heritage in her blood, but they would not know that she is a police officer. Also, there are some people who find what she collects weird.
Kotohime's deck was one of those things.
Her deck contains numerous ancient treasures that are better known in the outside world. What adds to the strange factor is that these treasures are cursed... Due to this, it feels like she is facing a daunting task against the deck her opponent is using.
Her opponent, who wears a lab coat and has purple hair, is using a deck that represents all she believes in, which is science. Her deck is, of course, also strange to the humans here.
Rikako Asakura just ended her turn.
Kotohime: (3600)
Rikako: (9200)
"All right, princess," Rikako said as she adjusted her glasses. "Try and surprise me. Your curse baggage cannot possibly take down my Magical Android and Genetic Woman."
"Well, my Cabrera Stone and Ashoka Pillar are very strong structures." smiled Kotohime.
"Er... Well that's because you used Defense Draw and Time Machine last turn. Besides, your works of art have no Attack Points, and they will inflict pain on you. My calculations predict that you'll fall the next turn."
"How rude... These works of art can cause a lot of pain."
"...But, I just said they bring pain to you..."
"It's my turn, and I'm summoning the Crystal Skull!"
A crystal skull appeared on the field. (0 ATK)
"Isn't it incredible? It shines so brightly in the sun-"
A bolt of lightning almost made Kotohime fall face first into the dirt.
"My, my, that was a shocker. Hahahaha."
"Sigh. Do you read the effects of your cards?" Rikako asked, still baffled at the princess' actions.
"Now that I have these three on the field, I activate Triangle O. Your monsters had a good look at them, and now they will succumb to the curse."
"Huh?"
Ashoka Pillar, Cabrera Stone, and Crystal Skull somehow created a triangle formation, and unleashed a bright pink spark which incinerated Magical Android and Genetic Woman. Rikako was left speechless, her glasses slipped from their perfect position.
"The curse does not only affect monsters, you know..." Kotohime called out, bringing Rikako back to reality. "I play Fatal Discovery, which deals 2000 points of damage for every treasure I have out on the field."
"But's that's...!" before Rikako could finish, a red pillar of light came crashing down on the poor scientist.
"I'll play a face-down card, and call it a turn. Hey Rikako, did you know? This is a dangerous duel we're having here, isn't it?"
"Aargh... There's no way I'm gonna lose to a deck that relies on superstition and curses. I'll show that air-headed princess the power of my science!" Rikako thought as she picked herself from the ground. Kotohime surely had an air-headed expression: closed eyes, dopey smile...
"How ridiculous..."
Kotohime: (2600)
Rikako: (3200)
Wriggle Nightbug is in a pinch. The poor firefly youkai thought she could handle this. But right now, the Queen of Thorns has entangled her and her Insect monsters. She could try and reverse the situation, but since her opponent is that woman, she probably will dish out counters.
Green hair and red eyes. A matching red plaid dress. And a gentle personality that hides her true nature. In the Garden of the Sun, Yuuka Kazami is queen.
"My, my, did my Queen of Thorns stop you cold?" she asked in a polite way.
"N-No, it hasn't," said the firefly. "I'm just thinking things over!"
Looking at her current situation, Wriggle had no monsters on her field, and she has to pay a thousand Life Points per monster to get more troops onto the field. Which is bad. Her current hand (she hasn't commenced her Draw Phase yet) consists of Pinch Hopper, Arsenal Bug, Forest, and Insect Imitation. She also had no hidden surprises on the field. She thought. She thought long and hard. But she couldn't come up with anything. Nothing. She reared back her head, and started to scratch her brains out.
"Argh! I can't think of anything! What should I do?"
As Yuuka watched with dampened glee over Wriggle's despair, a new voice spoke.
"Hey, Yuuka, don't you think it was a bit too early to trap her in such a situation?" she said. The woman wore a pink hat with a red ribbon, and she was wearing a dark red and pink dress. Her hair was yellow, as were her eyes.
"No, Elly, I believe this was a perfect time to show the firefly one of the many levels of despair in my deck. And besides..."
"Besides?"
"She came in here, boasting that my flowers would be crushed by her bugs, ruining an otherwise peaceful day. To taunt my flowers means you're taunting me. And do you know what happens those who taunt me?"
"They die?"
"Oho, yes they do," Yuuka said triumphantly. "The little insect should consider herself lucky that she's not fertilizer instead."
"I...see." Elly laughed nervously.
The sunflowers swayed silently. Can Wriggle overcome this predicament?
Wriggle: (6000)
Yuuka: (8000)
Right now, at the top of Youkai Mountain, someone was casually walking up a flight of stairs. The trenchcoat was barely touching the ground, bandages and shades obscure the visitor's face, and said visitor was still wearing that top hat. This is the enemy of the Hakurei Shrine, the thief who stole Reimu's precious donation box: Mystery Duelist X.
Touhou:DM
Duel Eight: The Divine Inferno
Eventually, Mystery Duelist X finally arrived at the top of the stairs. What was before MDX was... another shrine.
"Huh. Isn't this a sight for sore eyes." MDX said. However, unlike the Hakurei Shrine, the Moriya Shrine is in perfect, working condition. Also, it is considerably (or not) larger than the Hakurei Shrine. Looking further, MDX could see a lake and some pillars.
"Reimu can learn a thing or two about being presentable, but she definitely won't change. And I do believe a god is watching me."
"Oh, a visitor. Could it be that you're a new follower of our shrine?" said a new voice. She had striking, deep red eyes and blue hair with a purple hue. She was wearing a red shirt with long white sleeves and a long black skirt with a floral pattern along the hem. For further emphasis on her style, she had a round mirror around the center of her shirt, and a twisted circle shimenawa with some shide.
"New follower? Don't over-exert your ego, Kanako Yasaka." MDX said. "That is not the reason I came all the way out here, today."
"Oh, I'm disappointed. You would made a nice contribution with your faith. Your life would also change exponentially."
"I think I'm fine with my life. Well, since the other two gods don't appear to be in, you'll have to do. I hereby challenge you to a duel!"
"So, that's your agenda. You're a brave soul to challenge me."
"Please. Gods are rampant in Gensokyo. You're not that special."
"What a sharp tongue you have," said Kanako, with a little edge in her voice. "Very well! But I can say this: you made the worst choice."
"Oh, did I? Then this should be entertaining."
"Then, this way."
Kanako led MDX to the pillars that overlooked the lake. Standing on the top of one of the pillars treated the viewer to an amazing sight: of the entire lake, of the shrine, perhaps all of Youkai Mountain, and maybe all of Gensokyo. A strong breeze blew across the area as Kanako and MDX squared of against each other.
"Mmm... What a nice wind coming through here," Kanako said as she moved her hand through her hair. "It's as if the wind is heralding my victory. Don't you think?"
"As I said earlier, don't overexert your ego, Kanako Yasaka." MDX said as it's Duel Disk activates. Kanako followed suit and activated her Duel Disk as well. It was decorated with autumn leaves of different colors.
The stage is set; such a fitting place to duel a god...
"Duel!"
Kanako: (8000)
MDX: (8000)
"The challenger goes first," MDX said. "I'll set these two cards and end my turn."
Two cards, one monster and one card in the Spell/Trap Card Zone.
"Huh, that was unimpressive," Kanako said. "Don't expect me to follow in your footsteps; I'll never cower in fear. Allow me to treat to a god's wrath! I play the Spell, Terraforming. By discarding a card in my hand, I can take a Field Spell from my deck."
She took a card from her deck after ditching one card.
"Let's change the scenery! I play the Field Spell, Venom Swamp!"
The sky, pillars, and lake vanished, and was replaced with a morbid swamp. Kanako and MDX were ankle-deep in red mud.
"A swamp? I didn't see you as the type to play around in a swamp." MDX said in a mocking tone.
"Some of my snakes rely on this swamp to easily devour their prey. Now, I summon Venom Serpent!"
A green, two-headed snake rose out of the swamp. Their blood-shot eyes reflected their brutal hunger. (1000 ATK)
"Now attack his pitiful face-down card."
Venom Serpent viciously charged toward the face-down card... Only for the hidden monster to devour the two-headed instantly. Both monsters were lost in the mud.
"What just happened?" asked a clearly shocked Kanako.
"What happened was due to you not thinking straight. My face down monster was Man-Eater Bug, which can destroy a monster. "
"Grr... I'll play two cards face-down and end my turn!"
"Not of to a good start, God of the Moriya Shrine." MDX said.
"Just make your move!" snapped Kanako.
"Little do you know, if things go according to plan, this duel will be lost to you," MDX said while looking the set card on the field. "And that face-down card is the key. It's my turn! I summon Axe Raider in Attack Mode!"
A Warrior wearing a golden breastplate and wielding a golden axe appeared on the field. (1700 ATK)
"Attack Kanako!" yelled MDX. Axe Raider quickly moved in front of Kanako and brought his axe down on her.
"Gh... Don't think I left myself defenseless for a reason. I reveal my Trap Card, Damage=Reptile. This allows me to summon a monster with an attack equal to or less than the damage I just took. With this, I summon Vemon Boa.
Venom Boa slithered its way through the swamp. It has pale blue scales, and three green eyes. (1600 ATK)
"I guess that's all I'll do for this turn." said MDX, but Kanako had a smile that said she won this round...
"Ending your turn? Good, because the Venom Swamp is about to leave a nasty surprise on your Axe Raider!"
Suddenly, A shadow resembling a snake rose out of the swamp and coiled around Axe Raider, biting him on the neck. He groaned and fell on one knee. (1700-1200 ATK) (Venom Counter: 1)
"Allow me to tell you the secrets of Venom Swamp. At the end of each turn, non-Venom monsters will gain a Venom Counter, losing 500 points in the process. My Boa can now have a delightful meal..."
Kanako: (6300)
MDX: (8000)
"But, I'll go with this plan! I activate Venom Boa's ability! Your Axe Raider will now receive 2 more Venom Counters!"
Two more shadow snakes appeared and bit the Warrior's left leg and fighting arm. (1200-200 ATK) (VC:3)
"Since Venom Boa used its ability, it cannot attack this turn. However, I'm sacrificing it for a stronger monster; rise, Reptilianne Medusa!"
Venom Boa sank under the virulent mud, and in its place stood a bulky and ugly half-woman/snake hybrid. It had purple snakes in place of hair. (2200 ATK)
"Before I declare my attack, I'm going to free your Axe Raider from its misery. I reveal Venom Shot! I shall relinquish your Warrior of those Venom Counters..."
The snakes vanished, and Axe Raider felt its energy returning. (200-1700 ATK) (VC:0)
"But in exchange, you'll take 700 points of damage for each one!"
A blue-green snake shot of of the Trap Card, and sunk its deadly fangs into MDX. But, MDX did not respond in pain.
"A tough one, eh? But, it gets worse! Reptilianne Medusa's effect activates! by discarding my Venom Serpent, your Axe Raider is reduced to his weakest state: no Attack Points."
The medusa gave Axe Raider a frightening glare, and he felt petrified by fear. (1700-0 ATK)
"It's time! Reptilianne Medusa! Crush that feeble warrior now!"
Using its immense size, Reptilianne Medusa crushed Axe Raider effortlessly. His scream was muffled by the red mud.
"I'll let up for now." said Kanako. Suddenly, a shadow snake sunk its fangs into Reptilianne Medusa. (2200-1700 ATK) (VC:1)
Kanako: (6300)
MDX: (3700)
"Is that all you got? I was expecting more from a high-level god." said MDX. "If that is the case...defeating will be easier than I thought."
Kanako did not like MDX's smug attitude.
"Hey," she started. "The way you're speaking tells me that you've won already."
"Victory is mine! I have thought of various strategies to take down that deck of yours, and one method involves you helping me!"
"What do you mean?"
"You'll know it when it happens. Now, it's my turn! I summon Berserk Gorilla!"
A red-orange gorilla stomped on the mud so hard it cause a miniature wave. It's screech was unrestrained. (2000 ATK)
"The only thing that's on Berserk Gorilla's mind is carnage and destruction. Your Reptilianne Medusa will be crushed by its fury. Attack!"
Berserk Gorilla jumped into the air, and delivered a swift, yet destructive punch that sunk the reptile into the mud.
"I activate Damage=Reptile's effect!" Kanako yelled. "I summon the first step to your ultimate demise: Vennominon, the King of Poisonous Snakes!"
Rising out of the Venom Swamp was a large snake dressed in a cloak and a golden headdress with a blue amulet. Both of it's 'hands' were nothing but more snakes. (0 ATK)
"Vennominon gains 500 Attack Points for every Reptile in the Graveyard. I have 2 Venom Serpents, Venom Boa, and Reptilianne Medusa to fuel its power."
A deep red aura surrounded the vicious king. (0-2000 ATK)
"Looks like you got me cornered. I end my turn."
A shadow snake bit Berserk Gorilla's leg, but it's vital spirit kept it from feeling immens pain. (2000-1500 ATK) (VC:1)
Kanako: (6000)
MDX: (3700)
"It's my turn! First, I play Pot of Greed to draw two cards."
"Oh? Are you perhaps greedy for faith?"
"Shut up! You're starting to annoy me!" Kanako yelled. She drew her two cards, and a little grin appeared on her face.
"Soon, I'll show that obnoxious duelist why he should have believed in me." Kanako thought. "I play Snake Rain! By discarding a card from my hand, I can send 4 Reptile monsters from my deck to the Graveyard."
Kanako picked four cards from her deck and tossed them.
"Vennominon gets stronger, of course."
The King of Poisonous Snakes let out a hiss that screams bloodlust. (2000-4000 ATK)
"Vennominon, destroy that ape!"
Berserk Gorilla ran towards the snake, blinded by rage. However, Vennominon used its 'hands' and entangled the gorilla. It was devoured by numerous snakes.
"I end my turn by playing one card face-down."
A card was set in the Spell/Trap Card Zone.
Kanako: (6000)
MDX: (1200)
MDX drew a new card.
"The kettle is about to boil soon. I play one card face down and end my turn."
"What? Don't you have any monsters in your hand?" Kanako asked, but it was not out of curiosity; she asked with a superior tone in her voice.
"You got me. But, at this point in the duel, I don't need any more monsters."
"You think you'll still be in the game after this attack? Vennominon, end it!"
Vennominon sent its numerous hands towards MDX...only for them to hit barrier. MDX was suddenly surrounded by a green aura.
"Thank you for triggering Draining Shield. I really appreciate it."
"...You get to live for another turn."
Kanako: (6000)
MDX: (5200)
"I won't do much," MDX said while drawing a card. "I'll just play Swords of Revealing Light, play a card face down, and call it a turn."
Swords made of light surrounded Kanako and Vennominon. Kanako drew her card, and then...
She smiled as though she hit the jackpot.
"Your swords won't slow me down. The time has come for you to know your place!"
"Likewise." MDX thought.
"Vennominon will have to make way for a higher existence. I play Hammer Shot!"
A gigantic hammer appeared above Vennominon. It was flattened under the red mud. Kanako grinned wildly.
"Now...I reveal Rise of the Snake Deity! When Vennominon falls, the god of all snakes will make her presence known. In this game, she represents all my being. Appear, Vennominaga, Deity of the Poisonous Snakes!"
Rising out of the swamp was the large deity of snakes. Purple scales, red eyes, jewelry a red underbelly, and two vicious snakes for hands are its most distinguishing features. (0-4500 ATK)
"Nothing can stop her except battle...and even then, I just have to remove a Reptile from play to bring it back. Also, it can automatically win the duel for me in 3 attacks on your Life Points...not that it matters. Accept your loss."
"You should accept your own first." said MDX.
"Darn you..." Kanako was getting incredibly annoyed by MDX's coy attitude. "Vennominaga, teach this fool the fury of a god!"
Her snake arms opened their mouths, and two dark orbs of energy started to form...
"Divine Devastation!"
Vennominaga unleashed its beams, and in blinding speed, they were upon MDX...
And suddenly, the entire Venom Swamp was engulfed in a humongous wall of fire.
"What is this?" Kanako asked. But then, she MDX's voice. MDX was...laughing?
"HAHAHAHA," MDX laughed. "Thank you for playing right into my hands!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Think back to my first turn. Remember the face-down card I placed in the Spell/Trap Card Zone?"
"Yes..."
"This is it, Inferno Tempest! No monster can handle its blazing heat! It activates only when I take 3000 points of damage or more in one attack!"
"Fool! Vennominaga cannot be destroyed by any Spell Card! Didn't you hear me!"
"You can keep her for as long as you like. It's just that...she's losing her faith."
"Eh...?"
Looking around her, she could see traces of her monsters in the inferno, vanishing from her sight.
"Allow me to rephrase what I said eariler; Inferno Tempest removes all monsters in our decks and graveyards from play."
Kanako was flabbergasted, confused at what was happening.
"But...but how can we finish this duel now?"
"Simple. Now that Inferno Tempest's effect has passed, this Trap Card can now do it's job. It is my turn now, right?"
Kanako took a closer look at MDX's field, and she saw sticks of dynamite attached to a timer.
"That's D.D Dynamite," MDX said. "You'll lose 300 Life Points for every one of your cards removed from the game. Now tell me this: Aside from Vennominaga, how many Monster Cards are in your deck?"
"T-Twenty..." Kanako said hesitantly.
"So, you'll lose 6000 Life Points when the timer stops."
"6000 Life...Oh no, That's exactly-"
"Bingo!"
The timer stopped, and there was a big explosion. Once it cleared, the pillars, the lake, the shrine, and the sky were back in view.
Kanako: (0)
MDX: (700)
"Looks like slaying a god in a game like this isn't so hard, after all," said MDX. "Thank you, Kanako Yasaka. Thank you for aiding me in defeating you."
MDX took out a smoke bomb, and threw it on the pillar he was standing on. Once it cleared, MDX was gone.
Kanako Yasaka remained still as the clouds continued to move, staring blankly at the pillar where MDX used to be. Her shock, horror, and humiliation can be summed up in this simple phrase.
"I...lost..."
Turn end.
ORIGINAL CARDS SECTION!
Monsters:
DL-6 SPIKE CLAYMORE
Attribute: Earth
Type: Machine/Effect
Level: 4
Attack: 1800
Defense: 1600
Effect: When this card attacks a monster, if its ATK is lower than the ATK of the attack target, increase its ATK by 1000.
Spells:
FATAL DISCOVERY
Type: Normal Spell
Image: Skeletal remains of archeologists lying around Crystal Skull.
Effect: Inflict the following damage to your opponent's Life Points.
2000: If you have a 'Crystal Skull', 'Ashoka Pillar', or 'Cabrera Stone' on your side of the field.
4000: If you have one copy of two of the monsters mentioned on your side of the field
6000: If you have one copy of 'Crystal Skull', 'Ashoka Pillar', and 'Cabrera Stone' on your side of the field.
DUELIST PROFILE
Name: Nitori Kawashiro
A slightly bashful kappa youkai. Loves technology
Deck: Machine
Nitori- and kappas in general- loves anything based on technology. So, is it any surprise that they use Machine-type monsters? From Cyber Dragon to Ancient Gear Golem to your normal machines, the kappa's the only race who uses such cards extensively.
Name: Rika
An engineer who loves building tanks.
Deck: Tank
One of the few humans who uses a Machine-themed deck outside of kappas. According to the miniscule information about her, Rika used tanks against Reimu. Hence, the reason her deck is tank-themed. My third original deck idea...even though I may not create more cards for it...
Name: Rikako Asakura
A human who practices science instead of magic. A proud scientist.
Deck: Science(Psychic-themed)
Looking at some of the art of the Psychic monsters, I... just felt an scientific aura around them. Also, according to the YGO wiki, a science-themed deck could include Psychics. And since Rikako is a scientist...there you go.
Name: Kotohime
A princess, who is also an active policewoman. A very odd individual.
Deck: Ancient Treasures
Kotohime is known to collect strange things. And what is stranger than collecting a series of cards designed to kill you?
Name: Yuuka Kazami
An ancient youkai who has dominion over flowers. Usually very calm.
Deck: Plant
It's...not that surprising, is it?
Name: Wriggle Nightbug
A firefly youkai who can summon swarms of insects of all kinds.
Deck: Insect
Her ability is to manipulate insects, so it was obvious that this kind of deck would be hers.
Name: Kanako Yasaka
The main god of the Moriya Shrine. Very sure of herself and is easy to anger.
Deck: Venom/Snakes in general
Even though she is a sky goddess, I chose her snake motif as the focus of her deck of choice. It just adds to the 'dominance' she has over Suwako, I guess.
Name: Mystery Duelist X
An unknown duelist. Loves to taunt opponents.
Deck: ?
The cards MDX uses are so all over the place, that it's a mess! And that's what makes MDX so dangerous, because it's very hard to counter a constantly changing deck. Maybe there's a type of card that's commonplace?
Time for the results of the other duels that happened in this chapter!
Nitori vs. Rika
Result: Draw
Kotohime vs. Rikako
Result: Draw
Yuuka vs. Wriggle... The victor will be revealed later.