Between My Brother and Me: When the World Falls Down
Rated: T
Author: Green Phantom Queen
Summary: What would have happened if Yami won the duel against Raphael? The Chosen are soon warped to a future where the Pharaoh rules with an iron fist, and their allies have turned against them. Their only hope is their reliance to each other and their determination to return to old times past.
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Chapter 12-When the World Saw Hell
The people of the world saw nothing but danger. The monsters, whether they be big or small, cute or evil, were all the same. They couldn't be trusted. The world was a war zone and all war zones were complete hell. There was no way around it; everyone had to struggle to survive before they became a monster's lunch tomorrow.
When the world saw hell, people would see only the negative. They would forget their optimistic and worry-free lives only to recall days or even weeks filled with despair. And it is there that the jaded and cynical rise, and the hopeful innocent dreams of the future fade from existence.
Who are these people that can live with this collapsing world? These are the cynicals, the hopeless and the fallen. These are the ones who live in lands that most people would have no idea how to survive.
0-0-0-0-0-
Zane heard the sound of birds chirping. He sat out of bed and opened his eyes. However, he could only see darkness.
"What?" He said, blinking a few times. "I've gone blind?!"
There was a laugh as he felt someone sit on his bed. Even if he didn't see, he know who it was.
"Yugi?" Zane snarled. "Did you do this?"
"If you're asking why your blue eyes look so dark and empty like Kaiba's, then no." Yugi just laughed. "But you have lost sight of what really matters to you...maybe if you learned what it is, then you'll be free."
"I told you, I want to protect my brother! That's why I chose to accept the Orichalcos!"
"Really? Or is there something more? Isn't there something inside you that you hate? Something that you tried to shun yourself from your brother? Something that you kept to yourself because no one could believe you. Well, I know what you are..."
"You do." Zane narrowed his eyes. "Well, what is it?"
"You are a Chosen," Yugi answered. "You have been Chosen to save the world and make it a paradise. I shall lead you and your brethren into a new ear."
"I don't want anything that you're offering me."
"You have no choice; it's your destiny..." Yugi crawled toward Zane and whispered, "It's time to reveal your true self..."
Zane's eyes widened when he felt a hand on his forehead. Then, a dark voice whispered close to his ear. He couldn't say anything as he felt a dark force wrap around his body, trying to swallow him whole.
"I see," said Yugi, a cat-like smile on his face. "You have a darkness, a tyrant that begs to be loose. Wouldn't you agree...Kaiser?"
"K-Kaiser?!" Zane choked out. "You mean..."
"Oh, so you do know about him." Yugi's grin stretched wider. "Let me just probe into your memories a bit..."
"NO!" Zane yelled. "Someone! Anyone...help!"
"No one is going to hear you scream...and my friend is taking your place today so he can give that queen some jewelery. We knew that you weren't going to work with us willingly, so we made sure to blind you so you had no choice but to stay here..." Yugi's eyes began to glow with a crimson light. "And now you'll be new toy just like Jaden was."
"You son of a bitch!" Zane roared, trying to grab for his pillow. "I won't allow it!"
"You will." Yugi placed a hand over the Orichalcos stone. "I call upon the spirit of the Orichalcos. Bring forth the darkness in this man's heart and let the light and dark fuse. Let the darkness take over his mind and heart and let the original Zane Truesdale be no more! Now, the new being known as Kaiser...no, Hell Kaiser, shall emerge!"
The necklace on Zane's neck began to glow. Then, pain racked his body and washed all over his nerves. Before he knew it, the mighty Obelisk Blue was knocked unconscious.
Yugi giggled in delight as he saw Zane's unconscious form. He then pulled out a strip of cloth from his pocket and tied it around Zane's eyes. The unconscious Duel Academy student was unable to stop what would happen next.
"You belong with us forever," Yugi sang. "No one can ever take you away from us..."
0-0-0-0-0-
May wanted to be anywhere but where she was currently at.
Dr. Crowler found out about her coming to the Academy uninvited—and on her motorcycle nonetheless—so she was dragged out of bed and into the Chancellor's office since the good doctor didn't want a 'biker ruffian' to ruin the Duel Academy's reputation. She snarled—even if she spat out the name 'Seto Kaiba', the man wouldn't believe her.
Counselor Sheppard took a good look at May before staring at the backpack that she brought along with her. The items were all laid out one by one: the clothes, the letter, packets of cards, and the tin of cookies that Harley made. May just motioned for the Counselor to take one of the cookies to eat.
"They're not half bad," She stated. "They're pretty good, actually."
"Are you just going to listen to a girl who just waltzes in here for no odd reason than to disturb us?" asked Crowler. "I say she be booted off the island and go face what's going on right now."
"I know what's going on. I know that you're not telling your students also," said May, resting her legs against the Counselor's desk. "So let's make a deal: you keep me here, and I don't go out with a giant bullhorn and tell the whole school what's really going on."
"You have such a cheek, young lady." Crowler snarled. "Don't you know what this is?"
"It's a facility to make duelists into trained soldiers to fight off against the horrors of the world ever since an event called 'The Collapse' made the world grow crazy a decade ago." May answered. "That good for you?"
Crowler was seething, wanting to strangle the girl in front of her. Counselor Sheppard, after eating a cookie, spoke.
"Now, Miss..." She looked at the name on the backpack. "May. I want to know who you are and how you know all of this information. This information is only know to the staff and..."
"Seto Kaiba himself. I know him. He sent me here, drove his fancy jet all the way to the island and let me nearly drown in the ocean."
"Do you have proof?" asked Crowler. "If not, we'll send you on your own way back to mainland."
"No, I don't have proof. But...why don't you just call Kaiba himself? That is," May smiled. "If you're too afraid."
"How about this?" asked Crowler. "You take on one of our best duelists tonight at sunset. If you win, you get to stay at the island as a Slifer Red-"
"No, I want one of those white and blue outfits," May interrupted. "It looks good with my biker jacket. Don't you agree? And if I lose, I'll give up my deck, dismantle my motorcycle and I'll row myself all the way back to dry land. You'll never see me ever again."
"It's a deal!" said Crowler. "Sunset at Obelisk Arena you face Alexis Rhodes one-on-one."
"Thanks," said May, standing up. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a call to make. Good day, sirs."
The Goddess of Joy walked off with a smile on her face. But once she closed the door behind her she sighed.
"I cannot be a hardcore biker, can I?" She said. She pulled out the Lightning Punisher card and asked, "What do you think?"
It was a good effort. He said. Although I'd try not to push too many buttons if I were you.
"I hope Miho and the others are alright back at Domino City," said May. "I don't want them to be attacked by too many monsters."
0-0-0-0-0-
Rael was amazed at what he was seeing in front of his eyes. Miho and Hanasaki agreed to take care of the spirit—and also because May didn't want to accidentally touch him with the Millennium Key in fear of Raphael taking over—so they were giving him the time to catch up on modern times. Hanasaki would always ponder the adventures Rael had with the Guardian of the Sea, while Miho tended to the spirit like she was her younger brother. The bikers were also welcoming to the spirit—the more people on their side, the better—and it felt like everything was at peace.
"I still can't believe all of this, though." said Hanasaki, typing away on his laptop. "This is...oh look, I have a message from my friend."
"That Shadow Ghoul guy?" asked Miho. "What does he say?"
"Not a lot, actually. He says that he went through some old archaeologist notes regarding these live monsters and it talks about the 'Dominion of the Beasts'."
"That is where all Duel Monsters originate," said Rael. "They are born in the shadows, and they die in the shadows as well."
"Do you think we'll be able to seal the monsters away if we can find this Dominon?" asked Miho.
"Probably. But we'll need lots of help to do so. For example, we need the three legendary dragons."
"Legendary dragons?"
"Timaeus, Critias and Hermos. They were there when Atlantis sank to the depths of the ocean, but they have not been seen since."
"Atlantis was real?!" Hanasaki gasped. "I thought that was all just a myth! That's amazing."
"So if we can find these Legendary Knights, find the Dominion of the Beasts and somehow stop this Orichalcos, will the world turn back to normal?" asked Miho.
"Most likely," said Rael. "Until then, we need to protect the city from threats."
"You mean...like that?"
Rael looked up to see a black-armored warrior riding a dragon descend onto the ground. The bikers all looked up, sensing a challenge. The warrior got off of the dragon and approached the group, his sword in hand.
"My sword seeks for blood," said the warrior. "The monsters in this town are not good enough for my blade. Who is willing to fight me?"
"Joey," said Miho, staring into the eyes of the once-proud "Godfather of Duels". "Why approach us now? You left us alone in the skies above!"
"Like I said," Joey narrowed his eyes. "My sword seeks blood. Who is willing to die for it?"
"I am," said Rael, walking toward the warrior. "I shall protect these people, these people who are precious to my Goddess of Joy! You will not hurt them!"
"Your little goddess of happiness and sugar cubes won't be enough against me!" A pair of dark draconic wings spread from Joey's back. "Bring it on."
"I shall," Rael replied, drawing his dagger. "Prepare to be devoured."
The two rushed toward each other, weapons in hand.
0-0-0-0-0-
Yugi was up on the podium once more as everyone else cheered him on. Yami, disguised as Zane Truesdale just nodded his head while he kept an eye out on Alexis Rhodes. Max, Mokuba, Syrus and Chumley just looked behind and took a glance at the Obelisk Blue students.
"Well, it looks like everything is clear." said Max. "But I have a bad feeling it isn't."
"Khonsu senses a dark force around here," said Mokuba, closing his eyes. "And it's coming from your brother, Syrus."
"I know that," said Syrus. "I just want to help him out, that's all."
"And how are we going to help Jaden?" asked Chumley, taking a glance at the Slifer Red student's stoic expression. "He's got that stone on him, right?"
"If we defeat him in a duel, then he'll come back to us." said Max. "I fought Dimitri and he went back to normal. And May got Blair back to her senses with her duel."
"Well," said Chumley. "There is that 'thing'."
"There's what?" asked Mokuba.
"Every year, North Academy comes in and they have someone duel one of us. If their representative can duel Jaden and win, maybe they can knock some sense into him and we'll have our friend back in no time."
"That's a great idea," said Max. "All we have to do is make sure Jaden loses his duel and he'll be back to normal in no time."
"It's not going to be that easy," said Mokuba. "Who knows how the Orichalcos affected him mentally. For all we know, Jaden might become as crafty and cunning as Dartz was."
"...And that is why everyone should strive hard," Yugi finished with a bow. "Thank you."
The school cheered as Yugi sat down a chair and smiled. Counselor Sheppard took the stage.
"May I have your attention please," He announced. "As you know, Duel Academy holds an annual duel against its rival North Academy every year. I have recently heard that North Academy's representative is a first-year student. For this, we shall have a duel tomorrow which will consist of the top two First-year students pitted against each other."
"Jaden has to be one of them, that's for sure." said Mokuba.
"And who would be the other one be?" asked Max.
"I'm guessing Bastion would be the perfect candidate," said Syrus. "And then if he wins, maybe Jaden will get back to normal."
"So that only gives us a few days to prepare," said Chumley. "Anyway, why exactly would Yugi go after Zane in the first place? If Jaden is some ancient king of darkness, what's Zane's role in this?"
"Well," Syrus began. "I remember this one time that something happened to him...I was bullied one time and Zane defended me. Then, he snapped."
"He snapped?" asked Max.
"Snapped and became someone known as 'Kaiser'. Then after that, he became distant with me..." Syrus bowed his head. "I can never forget that day...never..."
0-0-0-0-0-
After getting his suitcases, Tristan drove his motorcycle over the empty streets of New York. New York, usually bustling with cars trying to get someplace, was no longer joyful. Monsters big and small perched up on the skyscrapers and called them home, and the alleyways had one less drunkard than usual. Still, this is where he was and this was where he was going to find his friend.
He found a phone booth close by and dialed the operator. After a few rings, a voice spoke.
"Hello?" said the operator. "Is anyone out there?"
"Um, yeah." Tristan said, staring at the Millennium Ring. "I need to find a couple of dance studios for my little sister. Do you know any good ones?"
"Absolutely. I suggest you go to the Plum Blossom School for Elegance and Grace for starters."
The two of the three cones of the Millennium Ring pointed North. Tristan nodded his head.
"Thanks," He said. "That's all I need to know." He hung up and got back on his motorcycle. With a roar of the engine, Tristan sped away into the night.
0-0-0-0-0-
Alexis stood at the pier, watching the clouds roll by. Her expression was one of sorrow as she looked at the card in her hand.
"Swing of Memories..." She said. "The swing that brought me joy and happiness because you were around...Atticus..."
"Alexis?" said a voice. "Are you alright?"
Alexis turned around, seeing Zane approach her. She just nodded her head.
"I'm fine," She said. "I...want to get my mind cleared up before I go to my duel in a few hours. That's all."
"I see." Zane took a good look at the card in Alexis's hands. "Is it..."
"Yeah," Alexis nodded her head. "I miss him very much..."
"He'll be back," Zane replied, placing an arm around Alexis's shoulders. "I promise. Until then, keep this for good luck."
In his hand was a charm bracelet with many ancient symbols and a glowing green stone. Alexis took it into her hands and inspected it.
"It's really nice," She said, slipping it onto her wrist. "Thank you, Zane."
"It's my pleasure," Zane replied, his voice changing. His eyes gained a tint of red as he said. "After all, the Queen of the Orichalcos should be adorned with its light and beauty..."
"Wha-?" Suddenly, Alexis felt pain in her head. She got on her knees, hands on her head as she tried to suppress a scream. "Zane...what's going..."
Her eyes widened when she saw Zane transform. Instead of the Obelisk Blue, it was Yami. The Pharaoh sneered at the girl and placed a hand on her forehead.
"You belong to us now," He said, his eyes glowing. "Do not fight it...it is your destiny to bring paradise."
"Destiny..." Alexis murmured, her eyes slowly closing. "Paradise..."
Yami just grinned as he continued to stare into the empty eyes of the Obelisk Queen.
0-0-0-0-0-
Rael and Jouno's duel lasted for hours. The sword and dagger clashed constantly, but there were no signs of stopping from the competitors. The bikers just watched as the two pushed each other back with everything they got.
"This is so exciting!" said Hanasaki, typing away at his laptop. "I'm giving Shadow Ghoul the update as we speak."
"Something's bugging me though," said Miho. "Why is Joey back here in Domino City of all places? If he was truly corrupted by that sword, wouldn't you think he'd be gone somewhere else?"
"Yeah, that is strange." Hanasaki looked up as Joey's sword became wrapped in flames. "Maybe Joey's just unconscious?"
"I can't say for sure, seeing as I'm not him at the moment."
"I did lots of research regarding the sword, but there's nothing on it." Hanasaki sighed. "It's like it just appeared out of nowhere. The last I heard is that Joey won this trip to India and said something about 'toppling the King'."
"That's it!" said Miho. "Hanasaki, can you cross-reference India to your search?"
"I've tried that hundreds of times. But I got nothing."
"No, India is the birthplace of chess." Miho explained. "Wasn't there an old rumor about Alexander the Great finding this ancient civilization which involved Duel Monsters?"
"Ah! That's right! I think you're onto something," Hanasaki began to type something down. "I think that's our missing clue! We have a chance to save Joey yet!"
"I don't want to be saved!" Joey roared, his teeth now a pair of fangs. "I am fine just the way I am! No one is going to stop me! I am invincible!"
"You need to be freed from the darkness," said Rael, soaring into the air. "Come, I shall set you free."
Joey soared into the air, his wings flapping as he glared as his opponent.
"Inferno Fire Blast!" He cried as he swiped his sword into the air. An arc of fire escaped and sped toward Rael. The Guardian shielded himself with his angelic wings, blocking the attack as feathers began to rain down.
"I'm going to murder all monsters in my sight," Joey snarled. "Starting with you!"
"Is that why you come to this city of all places?" asked Rael. "There are other places that need your duties."
"No...I choose to stay because this is where everything happened. This is where the monsters appeared and this is where you will die!"
"You better hurry it up, Hanasaki." said Miho, activating her Duel Disk. She turned to the bikers. "Everyone, if it gets serious we must jump into battle! The Dominion of the Beasts is our goal!"
The bikers pumped a fist into the air and shouted. Hanasaki just laughed.
"This is going to be good," He said to himself.
0-0-0-0-0-
"Well," said Yugi, seeing Jaden enter the dorm. "Are you excited for your duel?"
"I am, my lord." said Jaden. "But I sense that someone is trying to prevent me from reaching my true destiny. We must put a stop to it."
"We shall, Supreme King." said Yami. "What do you think of that...Kaiser?"
Jaden took a look at Zane, dressed in his black and green coat. However, he noticed something odd about the Obelisk Blue. For one thing, his hair was a few shades darker than usual. His eyes were a dark shade of violet, and his mouth had markings to resemble stitches. The shard of the Orichalcos Stone rested above his heart where the Seal encircled it like a tattoo. Kaiser just laughed.
"I think it is a thought-out plan," He answered. "Yes, this will be fun."
"And tonight, our third member shall arise." said Jaden. "Alexis, Queen of the Orichalcos, will be by our side once more."
"We must keep the others busy during the duel," said Yami. "Yugi, call out our three Shadow Warriors and prevent them from interrupting our fun."
"Goody!" Yugi giggled, drawing three cards from his deck. "This time, Ebony Guard. This way, Penumbral Gunner, This hour, Eclipse Knight. Do you see? Do you see?!"
As three figures emerged from the darkness, Jaden and Hell Kaiser both smirked. All would be according to plan.
0-0-0-0-0-
Téa Gardener opened the door to her apartment and sighed. Today was a busy day and all she wanted to do was rest and relax. She turned on the light to her apartment, only to find someone greeting her by sitting on her couch.
"Yo," said the person. "How have you been?"
"Who are you?" said Téa, pulling out something from her jacket. "Get out before I kill you and...Tristan?"
"Téa," said Tristan, standing up. "It's been a long time. How have you..."
"Sakura Slash!"
Tristan stepped back as five throwing stars shaped like flowers hit the wall. He looked at them before turning to his friend.
"Get out." Téa snarled. "I never want to see your face again!"
"I'm not leaving," said Tristan. "I need your help and the pieces of the Millennium Puzzle you carry. Those three kids have returned, and they need all the help they can get."
"Save your breath. I'm not bringing them back. Besides, I have a life in New York. I'm not just a dancer anymore; I work for the Plum Blossom Dancers, an assassins group for all the vile monsters in this world."
"That explains those dummies being tossed out in the back." Tristan muttered under his breath.
"I made an oath to Madam Lycoris to continue working here until it's time for me to leave," Téa continued. "I'm never returning to Domino. That's an order."
"This is no time to be so thick headed. The world is in danger; Joey's been brainwashed, Duke thinks he's the king of Domino, Serenity's left for parts unknown...we've fallen apart and we have to stop this!"
"Like how you ran away like a coward?" Téa asked. "You left because you were afraid, and now you think that by coming to me after all this time then everything is fixed?! Let me tell you something, Taylor..." She pulled out a few shuriken from her purse. "You're wrong."
"If it's a fight you want, I'll give it to you." said Tristan. "Name your time, place and type."
"Midnight, the Plum Blossom School of Elegance and Grace's rooftop. Weapon Vessel."
"Oh," Tristan smiled. "You're also one of those, huh? Well, I'd like to see how it works."
"And there's one more stipulation involved," said Téa. "If you lose, I kill you. If you win, you can kill me. That's how it goes. So I'll see you in a few hours; may the Goddess of Fate be by your side."
The dancer walked out and closed the door behind her. Tristan stared at the Millennium Ring around his neck and frowned. Getting those puzzle pieces was going to be hard, but he would do anything to get them back.
Even if he had to resort to killing.
0-0-0-0-0-
May: It's sunset, the time where light and dark merge.
Alexis: But the night shall win, just like it always does.
Kaiser: It is time for you to see what you really are. Monsters who need to be shown their place.
Max: We're not going down without a fight!
Mokuba: We'll stop you and bring you down.
Jaden: Oh really? We'll have to wait and see. Next time, "Chapter 13-When the World Slaughtered Innocents"
Yugi: Go my servants of the Orichalcos! Let's draw out some fresh blood!
Téa: I will die with the honor I have gained, Taylor.
Taylor: Your honor for killing innocents?! I don't think I'm buying that excuse.