Soccer: Hey guys! I am back with another update!
Yami: You actually got a chapter done in a certain amount of time?
Soccer: I did, took me a little longer than i wanted to though.
Yami: You still got it done before a month.
Serena: Be nice Yami.
Soccer: Yes please. Now let's get on with it!
Serena and Yami: I agree! Soccer doesn't own anything!
Chapter 11: Legendary Fisherman
Serena and Yami were running around the city trying to find their friends.
"We need to fin them before Marik's Rare Hunters find them." Serena said.
Yami agreed as they continued run. They turned to run down and ally, but two other rare hunters stopped them. One was short and bald and the other was tall with blue hair.
"Going somewhere?" The short one asked, "If you'd like to rescue your friends, you'll have to make it passed us first."
"And that's no easy task." The taller one stated.
Yami glared, "Listen carefully, we will get passed."
The shorter one smirked, "Sorry the only way to get passed us is to defeat us in a duel."
"Yea, and that means you have to defeat both of us." The taller also said, "Sorry but we have strict orders from Master Marik."
Yami and Serena glared at the two as they decided which one would duel first. Serena was getting angry and yelled that were four of them here so why not have a tag tea duel. The short one told the girl that they were not to duel Serena as for Master Marik's orders. Serena balled her fists saying that she wasn't a prize.
The two continued to play rock paper scissors to see who would duel against Yami first, since Serena wasn't allowed to duel. The game went on for a good few minutes and Yami was getting angry.
"Enough, time is running out!" Yami growled.
"Not to worry we shall defeat you soon enough, but as you know only one of us may duel you at a time." The taller one stated.
"But if not both of us duel against you."
Yami and Serena turned and saw Kaiba and Mokuba walking toward them. The two accepted his challenge saying that they would take both of their Egyptian God Cards at once. Kaiba mentioned that they wouldn't win, but that it was true that the loosers would hand over their locator card and their rarest card to the winners.
"If you fools think that you'll be taking out Egyptian God Cards away, then you obviously don't know who your dealing with." Kaiba smirked, "And as soon as you two are out of the way I'm dueling you, Yugi."
"We'll see." Yami said.
"It's time to start this duel already." The shorter rare hunter stated.
"Yes, then we can receive our award from Master Marik. He'll have all three Egyptian God Cards and the Queen." The taller rare hunter said.
Yami: 4000
Kaiba: 4000
Short rare hunter: 4000
Tall rare hunter: 4000
The duel got started with Kaiba making the first move, and Serena became lost in thought. She wasn't sure why Kaiba was helping them all of a sudden. She was thinking that maybe it had something to do with Mina, but there was no way that he cared for her cousin that way, unless he did and just haven't some to terms with it. Serena shook her head thinking that it couldn't be true.
Kaiba on the other hand, played pot of greed to draw two cards and then played Lord of Dragons (1200/1100). He then proceeded to use two Flute of Summoning Dragon. This confused the rare hunters. Kaiba explained that any amateur knows that one Flute of Summoning Dragon can summon two dragons to the field, so with two he was able to summon four. He summoned his three Blue Eyes White Dragons (3000/2500) and the mighty Hyozanryu (2100/2800).
"I told you this wouldn't take long." Kaiba said.
"Good, Serena and I need to get past them and find our friends." Yami replied.
"I hope you realize that this is just the beginning of what my deck has in store for you. So please feel free to forfeit the duel at anytime." Kaiba remarked.
The shorter rare hunter refused and played one monster card face down in defense mode. Yami drew his card and played two cards face down. This move made Kaiba mad and she asked if that was the best move he could make and that he couldn't wait to battle himself.
"Let's end this." Yami said.
"It'll be over soon. Then our duel can begin." Kaiba mentioned.
"Serena and I need to make sure our friends our safe first. Let's get on with this duel." Yami said.
Yami played Kuriboh (300/200) in defense mode and ended his turn. The taller rare hunter had a plan and drew his card. He played one card face down and then another card face down in defense mode. Kaiba was annoyed but Yami told him to be careful, as rare hunters were tricky and cunning. Kaiba was going to end the duel.
Serena watched the duel and the tension between Yami and Kaiba. She sighed knowing that those two were never going to get along, but when it came to tag team dueling they were going to have to work as a team.
Kaiba was reading himself for next move. He sacrificed his three blue eyes white dragons in order to summon his Egyptian God Card, Obelisk the Tormentor. Yami and Serena looked at the beast that was just summoned and Serena sensed something she hasn't sensed ever. It was powerful and old just like she felt with Slifer.
These cards aren't just cards. They give off a life force that is ancient. Serena thought, What in Ra's name did you create daddy?
Kaiba laughed, "You don't stand a chance against my Egyptian God Card. Now behold Obelisk the Tormentor's special ability."
They all watched as Obelisk took Kaiba's remaining two monsters to increase his power and then destroyed the rare hunters defense. Once the defense monsters were out of the way, Kaiba had Obelisk attack the two rare hunters. The taller rare hunter activates his trap card mirror force in order to stop the attack. However the trap card was destroyed before Obelisk took the life points of the Rare hunters.
Yami/Kaiba: 8000
Rare Hunters: 00000
Kaiba laughed as the duel came to an end and the holograms faded, but Serena still felt the presence of Obelisk. She couldn't fight the frightening and sinking feeling that was stuck in her mind. She looked at her hand and noticed that she was shaking and closed her other hand around it to stop it. She was so lost in thought that she didn't notice Yami come up to her.
"Serena are you ok?" He asked her.
She nodded, "I'm fine just a little shaken from seeing Obelisk. The power he possess is overwhelming."
"I agree but we need to find everyone else right now."
Serena agreed as Yami ran over to the now unconscious rare hunter and demanded to know where their friends were. The rare hunter didn't answer and Yami let go of him. Serena ran over to him and they were about to run off again but Kaiba stopped them and gave Yami his locator card. They were about to take off again but the CEO stopped them once again.
"I won't duel you now Kaiba." Yami remarked.
"We don't have time for this Kaiba. We have to make sure our friends and Mina are safe." Serena mentioned.
"Mokuba, their friends are in danger. Contact headquarters and tell them to use our satellite to track that pathetic wannabe Joey Wheeler as well as Mina Aino. The others are probably with Joey and Mina is probably on her own." Kaiba told his brother.
Serena and Yami looked at Kaiba surprised that he would do that. This made Serena wonder even more what Kaiba's feelings for her cousin were.
"Thank you Kaiba." Serena smiled.
"I'll help you two find Mina and your little groups of cronies, but then be ready for our duel Yugi." Yami nodded as Kaiba continued, "Our satellites should hone in on Joey and Mina's duel disks in no time."
As the group walked away the two rare hunters go up from being unconscious.
"It worked, Master Marik is about to get his wish." The shorter stated as they both smirked, "Soon he'll get what he wants in one place."
As Kaiba, Mokuba, Serena, and Yami were walking, Marik was on his bike heading toward the center of Battle City. He knew that soon everything was going to be his. However, unbeknownst to him, another person was after the millennium items.
Thief Bakura sensed the same dark power that he sensed when Yugi dueled Bandit Keith. His ring detected another Millennium item approaching the city. He would add the one approaching to his collection and then work to possess all eight.
"Hey Bakura!" He heard.
He turned and noticed the gang right behind him. He smiled and asked how the tournament was going. Joey showed him the four locator cards that he had won and that he needed two more until he was in the finals.
"That's quiet impressive Joey. Where are Yugi and Serena?" Bakura asked.
"We've been looking all over for them. Though they are probably of somewhere kicking some serious ass." Tea answered.
"Can't you see it? Me and Yugi battling it out in the finals, the rematch of century." Joey exclaimed.
Ming giggled, "Joey I think your getting ahead of yourself."
Bakura looked at the blond who looked like Serena but he could tell that she wasn't. There was something familiar about her but he couldn't put his finger on it. Mina looked at the white haired boy as well before she smiled.
"I don't believe we've met. I'm Mina Aino, Serena's cousin." Mina introduced herself.
"I'm Ryou Bakura, one of their friends." Ryou introduced himself.
The two started to chat until Tea caught their attention with a sign. They walked over to where she was standing and Mina was confused when she said Mako Tsunami. Tristan mentioned that he should be dueling, not performing with Shamu. This caused Joey to ball his fist and wanting to find him.
Joey took off and everyone including Mina followed. Evil Bakura switched places with Ryou and smirked. Go off and play your little games, while I become the most powerful being in the world. He then looked at the Mina running off, As for you my priestess; the priest will not win this time. You will be mine!
The group made their way to the aquarium, looking for Mako, however they didn't know that they were being followed by three of Marik Rare Hunter who sat down in the crowd. They watched as Mako laughed and performed with the killer whale.
"Hey Mako over here!" Joey yelled gaining Mako's attention.
Mako looked over to where he heard his name, "Hi my old friends!"
As the group ran over to the pool, Mako jumped into the water and then was lifted into the air by the killer whale.
"It's been a while, Mako." Joey said.
"Yes, since Duelist Kingdom, I believe. It's nice to see you my friends." Mako said.
"So what are you doing performing at the aquarium?" Tea asked. "We thought you'd be dueling."
Mako explained that he was there to duel and win but his kinship with the sea came first. Joey wanted to duel and told Mako to hop off Shamu and that it was time to duel. Mako smirked asking Joey is he was sure and that he should just enjoy the show. Joey was fired up and they both showed their four locator cards. They wagered two and the crowd was being to cheer at the fact that there was going to be a duel and the winner was going to go to the finals.
Joey: 4000
Mako: 4000
The gang, the kids, and grandpa took a seat in the stands ready to watch the duel and ready to cheer Joey on.
"Once I unleash my might beasts of the deep, you'll be all washed up Joey." Mako said.
"You've got a big mouth and a short memory, shark bait." Joey retaliated, "I was the one fightin in the Duelist Kingdom finals while you were swimming back home. Now check this out."
Joey drew his card and then did a little odd dance that left the group and Mako with a blank and dumbfounded expression. He looked at his card and realized that it was the parasite cad that Weevil had planted in his deck. He knew that he couldn't let Mako see him sweat so he kept his cool.
When Joey wasn't making his move, Mako was starting to get annoyed. Joey yelled at him and told him not to rush him. This caused Mako to laugh and he would be nice enough to give Joey a chance to back out. Joey finally made his move placing his card face down, hoping that he would be able to infect Mako's monsters. No2w it was Mako's move. He summoned the Mighty Flying Fish (800/500). Mako had his fish attack Joey's face down monster. Joey was going to infect Mako's monsters but the fish destroyed the parasite.
"Hey wait, my parasite didn't work." Joey said.
"Exactly, that's because your parasite as weaker than my mighty fish." Mako explained.
Joey went wide eyed, "You mean."
"You just wasted your first turn."
The gang watched the start of the duel with embarrassment. Joey made his next move and placed one card face down and was ready to with a strategy to turn Mako's mighty fish into a little goldfish. Mako smirked and was ready to counter. The fisherman made his move and placed one card face down.
"Let's see your strategy then." Mako challenged.
"Alright Barnacle breathe, watch the master." Joey said as he went to draw.
"Get on with it!" Mako yelled.
"Hey, I'm just trying to give this crowd a good show, unlike you." Joey mentioned sincerely as he drew. "Now that's what I'm taking about."
Joey sacrificed is face down monster to summon Garoozis (1800/1500). Mako however played his face down card torrential tribute which destroyed all the monsters on Joey's field with a flood.
Mako was dumbfounded, "I guess he's the most dramatic opponent that I've ever faced."
The rare hunters watched the duel, keeping an eye on Yugi and Serena's friends for Marik. He knew that he would be needed them soon enough. While his rare hunters watched, Marik was still on his motorcycle. He did a wheelie into an alley, but was all of a sudden stopped by someone. Marik removed his helmet and got off his bike.
"You're in my way." Marik said.
"You have something that I want." The stranger revealed the Millennium Ring.
Marik recognized the Ring while he was preparing to defend himself with the Millennium Rod.
"So you're the dark force of the presence that I've been sensing. Give me your Millennium Item and you may pass by."
"You are so what familiar with the ancient ways. Why do you want my item?"
"If you must, I'm a collector of sorts. I want all eight millennium items, so I can control ancient powers strong enough to control the entire world, as well as the Priestess Mena. So I will ask you once again to hand over you Millennium Rod."
Interesting, whoever he is, he has knowledge of the ancient scriptures. Marik sighed internally. Fortunately for me this stranger doesn't know everything. For he possess the boundless power of the Pharaoh and his queen will posses a power far greater then the eight millennium items.
"My name is Marik." Marik introduced.
"I am the Thief Bakura." Bakura also introduces.
"What if I told you I have knowledge of exclusive secrets? You can have my Millennium Rod, but before I hand it over, you have to do something for me in exchange, for I am somewhat of a collector myself. For once I possess what I desire, the Millennium Rod will mean nothing to me." Marik said.
"Why should I help you?" Bakura asked, "I can take your millennium item by force as I've done to others in the past."
Marik smirked, "Because I know the location of several millennium items, including the Millennium Necklace worn by my sister and I could give you the priestess as well."
"Perhaps there is a way to help each other and get what we want."
"You've made a wise choice." The two started to glow with their power, "For with our combined power no one will able to stop us."
Back over at the Aquarium, the duel was still raging. The crowd was cheering as Mako went and attacked Joey's lifepoints directly with his Mighty Flying Fish.
Joey: 3200
Mako: 4000
After the attack, Mako placed one card face down to complete his turn.
"Feel the power of my sea deck! Mako Tsunami will show no mercy!" Mako exclaimed.
"Fine who's asking you to?" Joey wondered out loud.
Mako recalls how he's been searching for his father for years with nothing but a small wooden fishing boat. He's battled the tide and becomes stronger and that no matter how hard the struggle, he vowed that he would never stop searching for his father.
"I face my dueling opponents with the same determination and I fight every duel for my father. I know in my heart that we will be reunited someday, but until that time he continues to inspire and give me strength as if he were here next to me." Mako said.
"Guess what, I got someone who inspires me like that too, my little sister, Serenity.
Joey said. "I also don't show any mercy."
"Then bring on the duel, my friend."
"Alright, let's go." Joey says as he draws.
He summons Alligator Sword (1500/1200) in attack mode and then plays two more cards face down. Mako smirks thinking that it is possible that he underestimated Joey and that he is more determined than what he lets on.
"Prepare to loose." Mako mentions.
"The only thing I'm going to loose is my lunch from the smell of all this rotten fish." Joey said.
Mako draws and sacrifices his flying fish in order to summon Amphibian Beast (2400/2000). He then attacks Joey's Alligator sword, but Joey activated Fairy Box. This trap hid Joey's Alligator in a box full of holes. Alligator sword popped up in the holes and the Amphibian Beast couldn't tell where it was coming from.
Mako activated a field magic card known as Umi, which covered the field in water. Alligator sword would have to come up for air. Once it did Mako had his monster attack, but Joey activated his other face down card, Skull Dice. Joey rolled a four and it decreased Amphibian Beast's attack points to 650. Alligator sword attacked and destroyed the monster.
Joey: 3200
Mako: 3300
"Alright! That just about even's the score!" Joey cheered.
"You're a worthy opponent Joey. Well done." Mako said.
"You're pretty worthy yourself Mako." Joey compliments.
Mako still smirks however, This duel has just begun and the sea hides many great mysteries and great terror. The sea hides many powerful and dangerous creatures deep beneath its water. I will win and obtain my spot in the Battle City Finals for I have a secret weapon guaranteed to destroy him hiding deep within my ocean deck.
The crowd was cheering the two duelists on ad they were putting up a great fight against each other.
"It won't be long now until I take your two locator cards and secure my place in the finals." Mako said.
"Those are pretty big words coming from a guy with no monsters on the field. Now I can hit you were it really hurts, your life points." Joey said.
"Ha, remember I covered the entire field with water, giving me the upper hand."
Joey drew his next card, thinking that it was just what he needed. He then proceeded to summoned Baby Dragon (1200/700) in attack mode.
"A baby huh? I suggest you get a life preserver for him." Mako said.
"He may not be strong now but I'll use polymerization to fuse my two monsters together." Joey said.
The two monsters that were on field fused into one to create Alligator Sword Dragon (1700/1500). However due to Battle City rules, all fusion monster had to wait one turn before attacking so Joey had to end his turn. Mako drew his card. He summoned a monster but hid it under the sea. Joey told Mako to show him the monster but Mako just smirked and said that his monster will appear when the time is right.
"Joey is in trouble, if he can't figure out what's lurking beneath those waves." Tristan mentioned.
The gang agreed. Rini however wasn't paying attention to the duel. Her thoughts were somewhere else. She was trying to figure out why this seemed familiar. She looked around the stands hoping to find something that was out of place. Jayden noticed that Rini wasn't paying attention.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"I'm not sure. Something doesn't feel right." Rini answered.
Jayden looked at the girl and then turned his attention back to the duel in front him.
"Fear what you can't see. The ocean hides all." Mako said.
Since Mako's monster was too scared to come and out and play, Joey had his Alligator Sword Dragon fly over it and nose dive straight into Mako's life points.
Joey: 3200
Mako: 1600
"Alright, it looks like the greatest ocean duelist in the seen seas is all washed up." Joey said.
Mako shut his eyes, remembering the day that he lost his father. There was a huge storm that threatened their small boat.
"I've learned to never underestimate the sea. Don't underestimate its strength." Mako warned.
Mako placed one card face down, hiding it under the water. Joey on the other hand saw another opportunity to attack and possibly finish this duel. Joey sent his dragon to attack Mako directly. This time Mako was ready and activated his face down card, Tornado Wall, blocking Joey's dragon with waterspouts.
Mako is using the power of the sea against me. Sure I'm standing on dry land now, but what happens when he releases his wall of tornados. If I can't figure this out, my strategy is sunk. Joey thought.
"Never underestimate the power of the mighty sea!" Mako yelled.
"Alright skipper, call of this storm and release your tornados. Bring on the flood, I can take it." Joey said.
The tornados were released and the flood was once again flooded in ocean water. Plus on top of it, the waters were still concealing one of Mako's monsters. Mako sacrificed the monster and summoned and even stronger one.
Great there is an even stronger monster down there. How am I supposed to fight something that I can't even see? Joey wondered however he said, "What's down there?"
"You're about to find out. Meet my rarest monster, Sea Stealth II, the Legendary Fisherman (1850/1600)." Mako introduced.
Joey activated his face down card, energy drain, which allows Joey to drain the attack points of his opponents monsters to zero. However since Mako had the mighty sea on his side, the magic card had no effect. Instead of Joey destroying Mako's monster, his monster was destroyed.
Joey: 3050
Mako: 1600
Joey was confused and Mako explained as long as the sea was covering the playing field, magic cards had no effect on his legendary fisherman.
"No it can't be." Joey said.
Mako chuckled, "My monster is a long time friend of the sea. The very waters were it lives protects it from harm."
"Yea well, we'll just see about that." Joey said as he drew.
Joey played one card face down. Then Mako sent his Legendary Fisherman to attack Joey's card. When nothing happens for a few seconds, Joey thinks that Mako's monster didn't hear him, by Mako just smirked when Joey's face down monster was destroyed.
"So is snatch the head going to hide like a tiny shrimp?" Joey challenged.
"My fisherman is brave. He has more nerve than the mighty whale, more strength the great white shark. Raise to the surface my fisherman." Mako commanded.
The monster appeared as Joey looks in its, he reminds Joey of Mako only older and a lot more creepier. Mako told Joey to watch himself as the card reminded him of his father.
"He was a courageous fisherman who loves the sea as much as I do. The very sea that took him from me when I was a child." Mako says sincerely.
He goes on to remember how the sea took his father from him. When the storm came, his father tied Mako to the mast to keep him safe. Once the storm passed the lifeboat and his father were gone. Mako made his way to the shore, sure that his father was safe and was going to wait for him. He built a monument is honor of his father on the cliff and waited for years for his fathers return. Then one day he received a letter from overseas. As he opened the package he noticed that it contained a duel monsters card and a letter saying don't give up. The card was Sea Stealth II: The Legendary Fisherman. He knew that he wouldn't give up.
"So I battle every duel in honor of my father. Thinking of his bravery gives me strength and my Legendary Fisherman card reminds me never to give up no matter how hard the struggle. I can promise all of you by the seven seas that I will not loose this battle. My Legendary Fisherman will take me straight to the finals." Mako promised.
"I got a lot of respect for you Mako, but I'm the one who's going to the finals. I'll filet al your fish to get there. There is nothing that is going to stop me." Joey mentioned.
"Go ahead if you can, little minot." Mako scoffed.
Joey placed one card face and then placed a monster face down in defense mode. Mako was going to continue his ocean assault starting with a ritual card known as Fortress Whale's Oath. He used the ritual and sacrificed two monsters to bring forth his Fortress Whale (2350/2150).
"What is that?" Joey yelled.
"The most powerful creature in my deck." Mako explained, "Capable of defeating you in a single swipe."
As the whale stared down at Joey, Bakura and Marik will still making their deal in the ally.
"What do I need to do in order to get the millennium items Marik?" Bakura asked.
"It's simple actually." Marik mentioned.
"Alright I'm listening."
"But first answer me this, how strong are your dueling skills?"
"They're extremely strong."
"Excellent."
Bakura mentioned that he has dueled in several shadow games throughout history. Marik wasn't surprised but it all made sense to him now. Bakura told Marik that he returned for the sole purpose of collecting the eight millennium items and the powers that possess.
"Now I will ask again, what do you want from me?" Bakura questioned.
"I am going to need you to duel on my behalf." Marik answered.
Bakura closed his eyes, "I'll duel whoever you want me to. Provided I receive m payment once I'm done." Bakura opened his eye looking at Marik, "But tell me what do you expect to gain from this battle I duel for you Marik?"
"I told you I am a collector like you." Marik answered as his eyes narrowed, "Bring me the cards I want and Serena the items and Mena will be yours."
The duel was still ragging as Joey stared at the Fortess Whale. Rini on the other hand was still lost in thought until she realized why this scene seemed so familiar.
"Jayden, this is where my family gets kidnapped. It's after this duel." Rini whispered to Jayden.
Jayden looked over to Rini, "Seriously?"
Rini nodded her head and took her backpack off digging through it.
"What are we going to do?" Jayden asked.
Rini didn't answer and continued to dig through her backpack looking for what she needed. A few minutes later she found what she looking for.
"Ah, ha. I found them." Rini said as she showed Jayden the two little Kuribohs.
"What are those?" Jayden questioned.
"They are known as Kuriboh Bots, or K-bots for short. They will help us keep an eye on the Rare hunters. I'll keep one with me and the other will track the rare hunters." Rini explained.
"Are they able to do that."
Rini nodded, "Big things come in small packages."
Rini put in the code needed to activate the small robots and the let one go and the other was kept as a necklace so then she would have contact and be able to keep tabs on the rare hunters that were following them.
Joey on the other hand wasn't sure what to do. The fortress whale gained a power boost from the ocean on the field. Joey believed that he was in over his head. Mako started his onslaught by destroying Joey's face down monster with his Legendary Fisherman. Once Joey's monster was destroyed, all of the Fortress Whales guns were pointed at Joey ready with an attack.
Joey: 500
Mako: 1600
"You can do it Joey!" Tea encouraged, "This duel isn't over! You're one step away from the battle city finals!"
"Your life points are almost depleted. One more attack and you're sunk." Mako said.
If I'm going to get out of this mess, I need to summon a monster and attack him, but his whale is too powerful. Then in order to attack his fisherman, I would need to find it first. Joey thought.
Grandpa told Joey not give up and that there was still time to turn this duel around. Tea noticed the two shadows and knew that one of them had to be the fisherman.
"Make your move Joey, so I can end this duel." Mako said, "With my Fortress Whale above and my Legendary Fisherman below, you have no chance."
The aquariums killer whale popped up, splashing Joey in the face. This made him realize that the other shadow must be Mako's Legendary Fisherman. He now knew where it was at and now it was time to figure out how to destroy it.
Joey drew and then looked at his hand. He had two magic cards, a trap card, a monster card, plus one card face down the field. It wasn't going to be easy but he had a plan to destroy both monsters. He started with placing two cards face down and then summoned his Panther Warrior (2000/1600) in attack mode. Since panther warrior couldn't attack without a sacrifice so Joey had to end his turn.
"Bring it on Mako." Joey challenges.
"As soon as my Fortress Whale attacks you're finished." Mako said, "It's time to say goodbye to your lifepoints."
Mako has his Fortress Whale attack Joey's Panther Warrior, but Joey was reasy and activated one of his face down cards, Magic Arm Shield attaching it to his Panther Warrior. He then used it to catch the Legendary Fisherman and use him as a shield against the Fortress Whales attack. Mako watched as his fisherman was destroyed, remembering the storm that he faced with his father.
Joey: 500
Mako: 900
With the loss of his most prized card, he isn't sure what to do. He was careless to let something like that happen.
"Hey it's just a card." Joey tried to comfort him.
"Its more than just a card! I need my Legendary Fisherman to be brave!" Mako confessed.
"What do you mean?" Joey asked, "You should give yourself more credit than that. You're one of the greatest people I know."
"It's not that easy. That card reminds me of my father and what a courageous man he is." Mako explained.
"Mako…" Joey started.
"I did this. I crushed my inspiration. It's my fault."
"You're wrong. You don't need a card to give you inspiration; it's been with you all along. You don't need a card of a freaky looking fisherman sitting on a shark to inspire you. Do you hear what I'm saying?"
"Back off."
"Look man, what I'm trying to say is that you can be inspired by your father without that card. There is something in every duelist that drives them."
"How would you know Joey?"
Joey explained that he dueled for his little sister Serenity the same way that Mako duels for his dad. She inspires Joey even though she isn't right next to him. He told Mako not be so hard on himself as Mako remembered all the good times he had with his father and that his father was in his heart not the card.
"Let's get back to this duel." Joey said.
"You're right." Mako dried his eyes.
The sea duelist attacked the Panther Warrior with his Fortress Whale, but Joey activated Kunai with Chain, increasing his panthers attack points by 500, however Mako's whale was still 50 points stronger. Joey had his panther attack. Everyone watched in anticipation at hat would happen.
"You can't." Mako claimed, "I already told you that my Fortress Whale was stronger, even with your panthers power boost."
"It's true that my panther warriors attack points are slightly lower than your whales, but you're forgetting one thing, this little face down card" Joey mentioned.
Joey activated his other face down card, Lightening Blade, which allowed Joey to raise the attack points of his Panther Warrior by 800. This meant that Mako's whale was going down.
Joey: 500
Mako: 150
"Any last words?" Joey asked.
"Yes, six. This duel is not over yet." Mako responded.
Mako drew his card and played return of the doomed. This card allowed Mako to bring back one of his monsters and hide it underwater. Joey realized that this wasn't good. One of Mako's monsters was back Joey didn't know which one it was.
Joey drew his card and realized that the card the he drew could help him, but the thing was that Joey didn't know if his Panther Warrior could defeat the monster that Mako hid.
"What on earth are you waiting for?" Mako asked, "make your move so then my great beast of the sea can end this duel."
Joey then realized something. When Mako covered the field in ocean water it gives his monster a power boost, but if he dried things up then it would not only reveal Mako's monster but also dry up the field. This gave Joey his idea.
Joey played Giant Trunade and the field dried up, exposing Mako's monster which turned out to be the Legendary Fisherman.
"You've exposed my fisherman." Mako started to tear up, "It's all over now, just finish him off."
"It's been an honor dueling you Mako." Joey said.
Joey played scapegoat, sacrificing one of them to allow his panther warrior to attack and destroy the Legendary Fisherman for the second time.
Mako watched with tears going down his face as he watched his fisherman disappear thinking that he would never give up
Joey: 500
Mako: 0000
The crowd was quiet with no one making a sound at how the duel ended. Each player fought with such passion and conviction. Mako was still crying, but he knew that it was a well fought duel.
"Are you alright Mako?" Joey asked.
Mako wiped his tears, " I am, that was an excellent duel. Congratulations."
"Thank you." Joey said.
Mako handed over his two locator cards as well as his two rarest cards. Joey was hesitant to take both of Mako's rarest cards, especially his Legendary Fisherman. Mako told him that it was ok and that he didn't need the card to remember his dad. Joey smiled and Mako wished him good luck in the battle city finals as they shook hands.
The crowd cheered as the two shook hands knowing that a great a duel was just fought and that a friendship didn't suffer. The gang and grandpa smiled at Joey knowing that he earned his spot in the finals, but they didn't know what to expect next as the rare hunters were watching.
As the crowd wound down, Serena, Yami, and Kaiba were walking around battle city. Kaiba had received a call with Joey's location.
"Our satellite tracking system found your friends and Mina." Kaiba said.
"Well then where are they?" Yami asked.
"Not so fast. I'll tell you want you want to hear, but when he find them you have to duel me." Kaiba smirked.
Yami and Serena stopped and looked at the CEO.
"That's enough! This isn't a game Kaiba!" Serena yelled, "Our friends and my cousin are in danger and they need our help. A madman is after them."
"I've already accepted your challenge." Yami said, "You will get your duel as soon as I know that Mina and our friends are safe from harm."
"Well then you two better follow me right now." Kaiba mentioned.
The three headed off once again, unbeknownst to what lies ahead of them.
Serena: I hope our friends are ok.
Yami: They will be. We just need to find them before its too late.
Soccer: Well thats all for now! The next chapter will be up in a couple of days!
Everyone: Ja ne!