Chapter 11: The Dragon in Golden Armor

[Manhattan NYC, 2011]

"So Riley, what are you going to teach me today?" the twelve-year old Dylan asked the older girl as they walked down the street of their neighborhood.

"Actually there's a Card shop that's been growing in popularity that Jamie's brother told me about." Riley replied. "You wanna check it out?"

"You're just going because your boyfriend told you huh…?" Dylan asked, earning him a glare from the older girl.

"How many times do I have to tell you he's not my boyfriend?" Riley snarled.

"Oh so it's Shinji you have a crush on…"

"Eww, I'd rather have Jason."

"Aha! So it's true then!"

"Shut up you brat!" Riley yelled frustrated.

Continuing down the street, they finally made it to the shop, the shop owner, a tall Middle Eastern man greeted them.

"Welcome to TCG Towers, how can I help you two this morning?"

"Well actually we're just browsing. We heard that this shop has been talked about quite a bit recently." Riley replied, over her mood thanks to Dylan.

"Yes, my Son has indeed brought a lot of Duel Masters players to the shop all wanting to take a crack at him.

"Your son…?" Riley perked up. "Karon Davidson's your son?"

"Yes he is actually…" the man said proudly.

"You hear that bro?" Riley turned to her left and realized that Dylan disappeared.

"Dylan?" She looked around. "Aw jeez where did he go?"

"I think I see him." Mr. Davidson pointed over to the display window where Dylan stared at the various Japanese Duel Masters cards, more specifically the Water Civilization's Cyber Creatures.

"I see he favors water cards." Mr. Davidson assumed.

"Yeah I guess you can say that." Riley replied crossing her arms. "He's a real techie for his age. Loves video games, computers the whole nine yards; that and he loves getting wet.

"Is he your little brother?"

"Sort of; My Grandmother babysits him and his baby sister while his parents are at work so we've pretty much grown up with each other."

"Well it's nice to see older kids take care of the younger ones." Mr. Davidson nodded in agreement. "He seems to be about my Son's age as a matter of fact."

"Is that right… Is he around?" Riley asked.

"Ballom, Master of Death, break his last two shields, Deathliger Todomeda!"

"Sounds like he just won another duel." The man said turning around.

The young 13 year old Karon collected his cards and slid the deck in his pocket, walking over towards his dad.

"Won again son?"

Karon nodded confidently. "Wasn't too tough; Those K-Terminals do make the duels interesting. Unfortunately it's the same Skill level with all of these kids who think their top-notch."

"Ouch, that's pretty harsh don't you think?" Riley asked.

Karon gave her a glare and shrugged her off.

Dylan ran back still hyped from seeing the Japanese cards in the window.

"Riley, have you ever seen the Japanese cards? They looks SOOOOOO much cooler than the lame English ones, like this one I saw, it's name is Twilight Sigma, and I already know that card and I are destined to be with-

Dylan turned around noticing Karon standing with the group.

"You're that stuck-up jerk from school…" Dylan glared.

Riley grabbed Dylan's ear unexpectedly. "And this is his dad… Apologize."

"Why should I? This kid puts down every player at school and brutally beats them. Just because he's won a few tournaments doesn't make him Shobu Kirifuda or anything."

Karon took out his deck and nodded. "Challenge accepted."

Dylan cut his rant short and turned. "Say what now?"

"I accept your challenge." He replied again. "Talking like that you sound like you can beat me; I wanna see that for myself if you don't mind."

Dylan smiled and nodded. He got his deck from his pocket and held it out in front of him.

"Get ready, because the Storm's coming." Dylan said determined.

Karon nodded. "Bring it on…"

Riley smiled at the determination in both of their faces, but her attention suddenly grew noticing slight, faint sparks coming from their hands. She thought she was seeing things… but even so…

The two went to a traditional table and set their cards on them.

"You ready?" Karon asked.

"Oh yeah…" Dylan replied.

"DUEL…"

[Present Time]

"START!"

Dylan set Water mana and ended his turn, while Mike drew and did the same as well.

Dylan drew and set light mana, tapping both.

"I Summon EL Kaiou, Jet King"

A Blue, Grey and Gold jet-like machine materialized behind Dylan as it then transformed into a Cyborg, landing behind him.

"Starting off with the blockers early huh…?" Mike questioned. "In that case…" He set Darkness mana and tapped both.

"I'll summon Melnia, the Aqua Shadow."

Melnia materialized behind Mike and crossed her arms.

Dylan drew and set mana. "I Summon Skull Hunter, Osmosis Cyborg and end."

Skull Hunter Materialized next to El Kaiou as Mike went ahead with his turn. He set Light mana and tapped all three.

"I cast Valiant Spark and I tap El Kaiou; Melnia attack El Kaiou!"

Melnia's fists developed an electrical aura as she punched El Kaiou, short circuiting it. The Malfunctioning Robot grabbed a hold of Melnia and exploded, taking the creature along with it.

Neo Quazla studied the two intently finding their skills interesting despite the duel in its first turns.

Dylan drew and set mana. "I cast Energy Stream and draw two cards." Dylan sent the spell to mana and drew his cards. "Skull Hunter, break his shields ike!"

Skull Hunter aimed his cannon and shot one of his shields to pieces.

Mike took the shield and added it to his hand. Then he drew and set mana. "I cast Eureka Charger and draw a card. Then I use my remaining mana to summon Aqua Guard."

Guard materialized and screeched ready to defend Mike.

Dylan drew and set mana. "That Blocker isn't going to save you, I hope you know that. I summon Both Energion and El Kaiou."

The duo of Cyborgs materialized with Skull Hunter as Skull charged his cannon.

"Skull Hunter Break his shield Ike!"

Skull Hunter took out a second shield, as the shards shot past Mike and circled around Neo Quazla.

"Shield Trigger: I Evolve Guard into Neo Emperor Quazla…"

The Shards absorbed Neo Quazla as they then reformed into an Evo Crystal that Guard accepted with a sly intent. The creature turned black as it mutated into the Neo Creature.

"Oh crap that's not good…" Dylan realized.

"Neo Quazla, is a 6-mana, 10,000 Powered Blocker Shield Trigger Creature that can evolve on a Water Creature or Darkness creature. And when it blocks, I draw a card while you discard one." Michael explained.

"In other words, I'm screwed aren't I?"

"Pretty much…" Michael smirked.

Elsewhere, Wyatt goes over his notes on his revival project and looks at the work that his team got done.

"Looks like everything's set." Wyatt said proudly. "How's thing's coming Karon?"

Karon, armed with Hell Sabers Via. Cross Over and Melnia hack-and-slash their way through the army of Liquid People that blocked their way. Once the creatures were knocked out, Karon talked into his Communicator to reply to the Avatar.

"We've made it to the entrance of the dungeon."

"Great, the Modifications on Zweilancer are just about done. Just need to get Dylan to use this card and he'll be back on his feet."

Karon made his way down the stairs and ran past the cells looking for Dylan.

"Another Human!"

"Free us, we're innocent!"

"Our Emperor is a Neo Creature!"

"He imprisoned us for defying his wishes!"

"Stop him at all costs!"

Karon stopped and turned, looking at all of the innocent creatures, not just from the water civilization. A baby's wail was heard as the Young Cavern Raider cradled her baby, her tears falling on her baby.

"Dylan's not here… But everyone else is…" Karon told him.

"He's not… Shoot." Wyatt snkicered. "Ok, get back here and come get Zweilancer. Then find Dylan."

"Another Human took him to the Emperor…"

Karon turned around and saw a Marinomancer sitting on his toy frog, juggling the orbs in his hands out of boredom. "The throne room is located East from here. It'll have a Gold-plated door, can't miss it.

"And what about getting you guys out?"

"If you try to, then Quazla's guards will be down here in no time flat. Trust me, the longer we stay locked up, the better chance we have to survive.

Karon nodded. "I'm on my way Wyatt…" he and Melnia then turned and ran back up the stairs…

Dylan stared at the huge creature, not liking the odds he was faced with. He took a deep breath and drew his card. He smiled and set one of the two cards in mana.

"Vortex Evolution: Energion and Skull Hunter, Vortex Evolve into Raiser, the Ice Comet!"

The Vortex Evo materialized from where Skull and Energion stood as it stared at the blocker, ready to end it.

"What's a pathetic Mermaid going to do?" Neo Quazla taunted.

"Raiser, Double Break ike!" Dylan ordered as Raiser swiped the shields with its tail. The shards glistened as they regenerated into the Battle Zone.

"Shield Trigger: Aqua Surfer to the Battle Zone; Return El Kaiou back to your hand."

Surfer materialized and pushed Kaiou away from them as the card popped back into Dylan's hand.

"I end." Dylan said.

Mike drew and set mana. "It's a shame; You were more useless than I had imagined…"

Neo Quazla turned. "What's that supposed to mean you insolent human?"

"I Summon Aqua Guard; And then: Galaxy Vortex Evolution!" Michael revealed Mercury in his hand, shocking Neo Quazla.

"You wouldn't dare!" Neo Quazla shouted.

"Aqua Guard, Aqua Surfer… Neo Quazla…"

"DON'T DO IT!" Neo Quazla Screamed in fear.

"Evolve into Mercury, the Frozen Supernova!"

Guard and Surfer jumped onto Quazla, holding it down as they fused with his body. The Neo Creature screamed in agony as the creature evolved further into Mercury, losing all track of his presence.

"You… Betrayed him?" Dylan asked dumbfounded.

Mike smirked. "Well in a way its good isn't it?"

Dylan hesitated before answering.

"The Neo Creatures were a threat, to everyone. With the final one destroyed, the Water Civilization's citizens and all of the creatures imprisoned are now able to go free without any problems, now that the dictator's gone for good."

"But how does this benefit NOVA?"

"Oh that's simple. It's one less deadweight in our way."

"You guys are monsters…" Dylan snarled.

"Call us what you want, the fact remains that we took out the Neo Creature; and Trust me, He was more of a threat to the Water Civilization than we are now... Now then Mercury: Triple Break!"

Mercury unleashed its power as the shards blasted past Dylan as the three shields shattered.

"Shield Trigger X: Quick Defense, cross onto Raiser!" Dylan called out as he withstood the blast.

The aura-like gear generated and crossed onto the Phoenix.

"I end my turn."

Dylan drew and set mana.

"I Summon Novadragon Seventh."

A Gold-colored Solar Dragon materialized next to Raiser. It's arms were connected to blue electric streams as it's yellow flame-like wings spread all across his backside. He held two sun-like orbs in his hands as well.

"Solar Dragons, that's a new one.

"All of my dragons have blocker. "Raiser, Break his final shield!"

Raiser dove past mercury and took out the final shield, which shattered.

"Shield Trigger X: Maximum Defense." Michael revealed as the Gear crossed onto Mercury.

"Mercury loses its ability to attack, however it gains +5000 power and blocker. This is the Ultimate Defense." Michael drew his next card and set surfer into the battle zone.

"Return Raiser back to your hand." Michael pointed as Surfer washed it away.

"Crap…" Dylan snickered.

"I wonder what the Hero's going to do, now that the odds are stacked against him. A 20,000 powered blocker isn't something that can be overcome easily…"

The doors suddenly busted open, revealing Karon and Wyatt in the doorway.

"Karon!" Dylan realized. "And Wyatt too?"

"Long time no see." Wyatt waved.

"Dylan, catch." He tossed the card over to Dylan as he caught it. His eyes widened as he realized what it was.

"You really think Lancer would let you do this on your own?" Wyatt asked. "Now then, finish this duel and get my gear back!"

Dylan smirked and nodded.

"Whatever you just got won't save you now, I can guarantee that for sure.

"Really now…" Dylan tapped his seven mana. "Novadragon Seventh, Evolve into: Super Torrentdragon Zaum Poseidam!"

"What?" Michael realized as he watched the Solar Dragon evolve into the Gold-armored Hydro Dragon. It was a Three-Headed gold serpent, with armor similar to Zweilancer's Gold armor. It wielded Diamond- like swords and was surrounded by red orb-like shields that protected him. It roared announcing its rebirth as it looked down at Dylan.

"Lancer…?" Dylan asked to which the Dragon nodded.

Dylan smirked and nodded. "Right then… Super Torrentdragon Zaum Poseidam: TODOMEDA!"

The Dragon Roared and disappeared in a blur. Michael was blown back by the gale winds as he flew into the air, while various slash marks appeared all over mercury. Mercury roared in agonizing pain as it as well exploded, meeting it's fate.

Michael bounced on the floor, dropping his book, which shot out Neo Wave Catastrophe from one of the pages. Dylan walked over and picked Michael up and set him on Quazla's throne, despite it being three times his size.

"Well well; that was a real plot twist." Michael groaned.

"The only reason why I'm not beating you senseless is because you destroyed Neo Quazla. So in a way, I do thank you for that."

"And this is an even bigger one at that… So now what…?"

Dylan turned to Wyatt who shrugged his shoulders.

"Without his Supernova, he's no threat to us. Let him go." Wyatt told him. "Besides, with the Emperor gone, we need a replacement."

"I'll fill in for the time being…"

The group looked up and saw the Marinomancer from the dungeon float into the room.

"I leave for two days and that stupid Emeral disrupted my kingdom and locked me away, the nerve of that brat."

"Yeah sure, that works out nicely." Wyatt nodded.

"Wait, so you're…" Dylan pointed.

"I'm the Real Emperor of the Water Civilization. Two days prior to Neo's Strike, I traveled out to try to make peace between the Light and Darkness Civilizations. Once I heard of Neo's damage, I rushed back and came face to face with a corrupted Emeral. He stole my Evo crystal and locked me in a cell for over 6,000 years." Marinomancer explained. "I'm grateful that you defeated Neo Quazla."

"Haha, well technically… Michael here is the one who did it."

Marinomancer turned and nodded. "In that case I appreciate your help in overthrowing him.

Michael blushed slightly but cleared his throat. "Until we meet again." He got up and limped out the room. "Remember though, this doesn't change anything: NOVA will succeed in its plans; You can guarantee that for sure…"

Wyatt crossed his arms. "Well he seemed nice…"

A while later, Dylan and Karon stood outside the Border of the Water Civilization along with Wyatt and Nicole who were sending them off.

"So, where should we head next?" Dylan asked.

"CJ's probably heading towards the Fire Civilization to look for Jamie." Karon figured. "And if my geography is right, the Light Civilization isn't too far from here. We're better off looking for Jake before meeting up with them."

"That sounds like a plan." Wyatt replied, agreeing.

"You two are going to be alright?" Nikki asked.

Dylan nodded. "Don't worry about us. You guys helped more than needed. We can take it from here."

Wyatt nodded. "Alright then… Take this though Dylan." He handed him an arc as well.

"What is this, a communicator?" Dylan examined.

"How did you know that?" Wyatt asked as he was about to explain.

Dylan laughed. "I'm a Techie; I can tell what things are miles away." He attached his device onto his case and looked back at the duo. "Thanks again for the help."

"Our pleasure; We still owe you guys for everything you've done for us." Nikki replied.

Karon turned and started walking. "If we keep talking then we'll never leave."

"Hey wait up!" Dylan turned. "See ya guys!" he ran to catch up, with Wyatt and Nikki waving them goodbye.

"Let's get to work." Nikki told Wyatt, who nodded in agreement.

[Manhattan NYC, 2011]

"Aqua Knight, Evolve into Crystal Lancer: Todomeda!" Dylan tapped his creature, beating Karon. Riley and Mr. Davidson were shocked at the outcome and so was Karon surprisingly.

"Dylan… When did you…" Riley asked.

"I practiced a whole lot. I was determined to beat Karon the second I met him, to show him that no one in the dueling world's perfect…"

Karon smirked and nodded. "I want a rematch."

Dylan looked at him like he was crazy. "A Rematch…?"

"Yeah come on! I wanna try that again. You're not summoning Lancer a second time. Besides, that was fun…"

Those last three words hit Mr. Davidson's ears almost immediately, words that he longed for his loner son to hear. "Looks like you made a friend Karon."

Karon turned to his dad and then back at Dylan, who smiled and held his hand out.

"Friends?" Dylan asked.

Karon was a little speechless but grabbed his hand. "Friends…"

[END]