*screams* IT'S DONE!
*cries*...I can't believe how long this took! I was beginning to think my will power wouldn't get me through this! T_T
ehem...ok...well anyway, I can't apologise enough for the wait, but I descided ages back that it would be easier to write out this entire section in one go rather than chapter by chapter...this is the first half of the section, and the next chapter will hopefully be out in a few days. This half is very long unfortunately (so best read it when you've got plenty of time on your hands ^^'), but I hope it was worth it, it was the most difficult half to right.
Some of the time that it took me to do this WAS justified...but for the times I was lazy, or experiencing horrible mental blocks, sorry for that.
I want to thank everyone who's kept up with this story over it's long period of updating.
In any case, enough from me, if I think of anything else, I will mention it later. Please enjoy!
NOTE: This chapter (and the next) do flicker between the different situations a fair bit...I think it's easy enough to get, but if not, let me know...also, a number of you might want to kill me by the end of this chapter ^^'...ehem...you'll understand why...
Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh or any of it's characters. Any cards mentioned in this chapter are real and do not belong to me, only any previously mentioned characters and the plot of this fanfic are mine.
Chapter 21:
"Akio! Akio!"
"What happened Yami?"
"He's just not answering, can anyone else hear anything?"
"Nothing. It's like he just cut off."
"Do you think Noah managed to infect that program to?"
"No, but I can't for the life of me figure out what Akio's up to."
Yami walked around aimlessly, grunting in frustration.
"How can we move on without Akio? He could warn us of danger," Ryou said.
Malik looked to Yami, who seemed on the verge of screaming.
"Yami…let's go."
Said male stopped his rampage and looked around.
"We have Ruby Carbuncle to guide us, and now we have a way to defend ourselves, so let's keep going."
He held his hand out to his best friend, who exhaled deeply, managing to force out most of his tension.
He accepted his friend's hand, and just held it firmly for a while, before they released and began walking.
Ruby Carbuncle just waved its tail patiently…though perhaps with less strength…before it took the lead again.
"Seto will never forgive me for this…I should've never taken my eyes off of him!"
"Akio, you didn't know he'd do it," Anzu tried to be comforting.
"I should've! I've seen how rebellious he's becoming, and he was desperate to go."
"Don't blame yourself man, at least we know where they are," Said Honda.
"Please don't give up Akio," Shizuka spoke up from where she was still holding Jous body, "They're counting on you. Please…please bring back my brother…"
Akio was still staring at the ground, but slowly his gaze shifted to the monitors, and then to the headphones on the ground.
He gripped Mokuba tightly against his chest, his body shaking.
"I promised long ago that I wouldn't give up on my family the way my parents gave up on me. I said I'd never just forget."
The boy glared up, and one could've sworn the furious, determined eyes were that of Kaiba himself.
"I was given a second chance at a family. I may've had no choice with my parents, but this time I won't let go!"
He stood and handed Mokuba to one of the guards.
"Take all of them to the virtual reality pods!"
"B-but sir…"
"That's not a suggestion! The pods will be up and running soon enough, now get going!"
Not sure what else to do, the guard called some of his co-workers, and they carried each of their unconscious friends out of the room.
"When you're done with that, move Kaiba himself to one of the pods as well!"
"But he's still injured…" Mai interjected.
"Then they can move him on a stretcher. Rishid managed to carry him out of the hospital without causing him more harm. His injuries are bad, but not serious enough that he can't be moved." Akio argued as he picked up the headphones and slipped them on.
He sat in front of the monitors, and adjusted the microphone.
"I'm sure wherever he is, Seto would just tell us to do the same thing if he could."
"Whoa!"
Yugi pointed to the sky over a range of hills, where two beams of light shot down from the clouds.
"It looks like the same light that brought Gilford to us. Maybe Akio found a way back in?" Malik suggested.
"I don't think so. I'm still not getting any answer from him. Besides, there were two this time; who could've joined him?"
"No one."
All five males jumped.
"What? Akio!" Yami shouted as he cupped his ear, "Where have you been? We've been calling to you!"
"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I was careless, and I have to ask a favour of all of you. Mokuba and Jonouchi took the last of those chocolates, and just transported themselves into the virtual world."
Yami felt his stomach drop, and each of them turned back to the mountains.
"We just saw two beams shoot from the sky," Ryou said.
"That would've been them. I know I've already put you all in danger, but it looks like they've landed in a much higher level area than you did."
"Why didn't they land in the same place?"
"It's probably a random selection thing, most likely to add a bit of excitement…or in our case…frustration."
"Do you think Noah can control it?"
"It's confusing, but that's actually doubtful, otherwise he could've transported you anywhere he wanted. Listen, I'll try to get in contact with them and guide them the best I can, but could you head in their direction?"
"Akio, you should know you don't need to ask such a thing," Yami assured him.
"And quite with the guilt talk…makes you sound pitiful," Bakura added gruffly as he began walking.
Ryou went to scold him, but just frowned and walked after him.
"How's ruby carbuncle holding up Malik?"
"I don't know, it was guiding us, but right now it's curled up in my arms instead of bouncing around."
"The virus must be affecting it. Make sure it doesn't take more damage, or you'll lose it."
"I don't get it. I mean I know Joukun is our friend, but why would he suddenly do that? Mokuba's understandable, but…" Ryou mumbled.
"If I'm to be honest, I'm glad he's there…" Yami sighed.
'At least Mokuba isn't alone. Hold on both of you.'
He savoured it.
Every last bit of shock and fear upon the CEO's face made Noahs smirk grow.
"This is certainly an interesting development, hey Seto?"
Kaibas eyes were locked to the screen, as he stared at the unconscious child laying amongst the rocks, his dark hair blowing around his face.
"Don't worry Seto, I won't let harm come to Mokuba, but it'll certainly be interesting to see where this goes, don't you think?"
Kaiba said nothing, his gaze dropping. His teeth clenched with the fury he had no other way of expelling.
"Hey, Mokuba, wake up!"
Jou shook the boy until he stirred.
"Joukun? Did we…?"
"Yeah, I'd say we made it," Jou answered as he pulled the boy up.
"Strange, this really does look just like the virtual world," Mokuba noted.
"Perhaps Noah was trying to make it blend in?"
"Even if that was his plan, my brother knows every inch of the virtual world he created. He should've noticed this place even if it's separated from the main game."
"Hey, look down there…" Jou carefully moved to the edge of the cliff they were on, "Looks like a bunch of duel monsters."
"Yeah, they're all earth types."
"Uh…will they attack us?"
"Well if things work the same here as in the normal game…we better get moving…a lot of them are higher level monsters."
"Right, Any idea where exactly we should go?"
"If we can get higher, we might be able to see something," Mokuba pointed to the mountain rising above them."
"You gotta be kidding me? I mean just look closer!" Jou shouted, as he pointed to dragons circling the mountain peak.
"Come on!" Mokuba said impatiently, "I doubt we'll have to go nearly so high to get a better view."
Jou grumbled as the boy began to climb.
"Fine, but I so didn't come here to get eaten alive or burnt to a crisp."
"Why did you come Joukun?" Mokuba asked as the teen began to follow him.
"Hey, my friends are in here to."
"I know. It's just that you and Niisan don't get along."
"Hm, you're right, we don't."
Mokuba looked to Jou in confusion as he climbed.
"Come on then, I'm already getting a better view this high up."
Mokuba caught hold of his focus, and continued after him.
A sad sound stirred from the creature in Malik's arms.
"Easy Ruby. I think it's getting worse guys."
"It's a program Malik."
"Don't be insensitive Bakura."
"Since you're heading in a different direction for now, I'll put it through a quarantine program. Hopefully it'll be strong enough to keep leading after that. I'll try to guide you the best I can in the meantime."
"Thanks Akio."
"There's a fork in the path ahead, turn left and it'll lead you straight there."
"Can we expect any trouble in particular?"
"It's another random thing about the game Bakura, but the chance of having to fight is far less along the paths than off it. Ah! Shoot, speaking of which…"
A light was beginning to form in front of them.
"No time wasted," Bakura stepped up, raising his arm as his duel disk activated.
The sound of another switching on caught his attention. Ryou had stepped up beside him.
"If Noah wants to play games then let's return the favour," The shy boy spoke.
He may have been limping, but his injury seemed non-existent as he stood tall.
The light expanded, and their next opponent leapt into view.
The monster was a large, very muscular warrior. His fierce teeth were gritted behind his mass of white beard, whilst green and gold armour protected areas of his body.
"Do I know this one?" Ryou asked.
"Ko…Kojikocy." Yugi answered after a moment of thought, "He's a warrior type, but I don't think he's very strong."
"Fifteen hundred attack, and twelve hundred defence to be exact." Akio responded.
"I'll place two cards face down and end my turn."
Bakura finished his move before they noticed, one card appearing in his monster zone, the other in his magic/trap zone.
"Then I'll summon Discredited Mage in attack mode, and place a card face down," Ryou continued.
No sooner was his turn finished, that a card flashed into life next to Kojikocy, and spun around to reveal itself.
"Careful, that's Divine sword – Phoenix Blade. It'll increase his attack by three hundred!" Malik warned.
"You didn't even have to think about that one," Yugi said impressed.
"Rishid has a lot of sword type cards."
The sword in Kojikocy's hand changed to a replica of the one on the card, whilst a gold aura surrounded the warrior for a few seconds, before he charged at Ryous monster.
He didn't flinch as his Mage was destroyed.
"Activate Discredited Mage's effect. Since it's been destroyed, I can send it and the cards in my hand back to my deck, and reduce any damage to zero."
Bakura drew his next card as Ryou shuffled his deck.
"I'll play pot of greed and draw two cards, and then I'll switch Headless Knight to face up attack mode, and place another card face down."
Yami frowned as Bakura ended his turn, knowing he was more than smart enough not to just leave his monster vulnerable in attack mode. Still, he wished he had an idea what he was up to.
Ryou drew his next card and looked to it, before glancing to Bakura.
"You mind…?"
"If it'll work, then do it."
Even weary Ruby Carbuncle seemed confused by the whispering.
"What're they planning?" Malik muttered.
"I sacrifice headless knight to summon Ghost Duke in attack mode!"
Headless knight disappeared, and what had to be described as a purple zombie warrior appeared in Ryous monster zone.
"How did he…?" Yugi spouted out.
"He used one of bakura's monsters without any special effects." Yami said, his eyes wide.
Bakura however, only smirked.
"So it does work, Interesting."
A darker tone didn't escape the alter ego's voice. It was one thing that had never left him, like a chilly reminder to the others of what he'd once been.
"Ghost Duke, attack Kojikocy!"
The monster obeyed the command, and raised it blade at the warrior opposite it. However, the light portal opened once more, showing a purple card, just before the attack hit. However, Kojikocy didn't vanish.
"Darn it. This is really troublesome…not knowing what cards are waiting to be played." Ryou grumbled.
"What card was it?"
"I just managed to see it; Waboku…it reduced any damage taken to zero. I end my turn for now."
A familiar sound caught their attention.
"Whose life points just changed?" Malik said alarmed.
"Mine. I have to pay five hundred life points to keep Ghost Duke." Ryou answered.
Kojikocy suddenly vanished, and in its place appeared another warrior, this time much more human in appearance; A tall man with long blonde hair and dressed in silver armour.
"Akio…?"
"Just checking now…ah, that one is 'Freed the Matchless General', attack twenty three hundred, defence seventeen hundred. Magic cards won't work against it."
The warrior raced at Ghost Duke, ready to attack.
"Activate Ghost Sheild. By removing Headless Knight from the graveyard, Freed's attack is negated!" Bakura countered.
His face down card turned up, whilst Freed only bounced off of Ghost Duke.
"They can use each other's cards, like in a tag duel," Yami spoke.
"I don't understand, does this count as a tag duel? There's only one monster against them."
"These pre-set duels are obviously designed to handle just one opponent," Bakura stated with a smirk.
"Do you think that'll at all limit us? As in both our fields will count as one?" Ryou questioned.
Strangely, he didn't look the slightest bit nervous, rather just calm and calculating.
"That'll remain something to be seen. Let's end this duel."
"Sounds good. Mind if I do the honours?"
"As you wish."
"Does anyone else feel like…we're watching a professional tag team?" Yugi whispered.
"They're almost in perfect sync, like the paradox brothers," Yami quietly agreed.
"I'll summon Death Calibur Knight in attack mode, and end my turn." Bakura stated.
Ryou drew his next card, and Yami watched the way he just stared at it. His expression flickered back to the softer form he was known for, and the past life pharaoh found himself wondering what card he was about to play.
"I sacrifice Ghost Duke and Death Calibur Knight, in order to summon Archfiend Empress!"
Their monsters disappeared, and upon Ryous side appeared a female fiend dressed from head to toe in black and silver armour. It was very ornate, and her face could barely be seen under her head gear.
The group looked on in awe at the powerful monster, but Yami caught the way Bakura actually turned to look up at it. Just a moment ago it had appeared he could read his hikari's moves, but he seemed genuinely surprised by the choice of summon.
"Archfiend Empress, end this now!" Ryou ordered with almost a growl.
With a large six hundred less points, Freed the Matchless was easily wiped out by the attack. The pair of duellists waited silently, until the Empress disappeared, and their duel disks clicked off, declaring the end of the battle.
Noah was getting more and more annoyed, that much was clear. Small though it was, the so called invaders had found themselves an edge in fighting.
"This makes me very curious Seto, but it's also a right pain," He stated as he stood, glaring at the screens.
Seto turned from where he was resting his head the arm of the chair, and smirked.
"I guess in this case, what you don't know can hurt you."
"I hope you're not getting too confident about this Seto. After all…"
Noah turned and moved closer.
"…If you don't know something, you simply learn."
He reached out towards the exhausted CEOs head, but with a snarl, Seto lunged forward, sinking his teeth straight into the hand.
Noah flinched, biting back a cry of pain as Seto spared him no mercy, his eyes narrowing as his bite deepened.
Sucking in a breath, Noah raised his free hand, and brought it down hard against Setos face. The CEO lost his grip, though not without taking a bit of the male's skin with him.
"You fool Seto!" Noah grunted, holding his hand as it bled, "I've already learnt a good majority of what's in your mind. What do you think you can hide from me?"
"Wouldn't you like to know." Seto growled, spitting out the blood left in his mouth.
Noah grabbed his hair, forcing the brunette to look at him.
"I doubt even Mokuba knows half the things I've seen…" Noah's eyes widened slightly, "…you're guarding just one little thing from me, aren't you? Something I should know. You're already in a pitiful state Seto, you won't be able to keep it from me much longer."
He shoved him away and moved back to the screens.
"Don't have a tantrum Noah, just because I don't tell you, doesn't mean you won't find out," Seto taunted.
That caught the other boy's attention. The Sapphires replaced the smirk the mouth couldn't muster.
"If you make the mistake, you'll know it."
With a grunt, the CEO slumped to the ground, his energy spent for the time.
The wind was getting stronger. It blew his wild hair in his face, trying to deter him as he hauled himself over the edge.
Mokuba shifted back a bit and took a breath as he looked out at the view.
"You ok Mokuba?" Jou asked as he panted next to him.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Look, you can see where the mountains end just over there."
"Wow, that's not actually too far, but I still don't see how we're going to get there. Even if we climb all the way back down, we'll still have to deal with those monsters below."
Mokuba didn't answer, since even he was stuck about how to move on.
"Don't worry, we'll think of something. After everything we've seen and done, this isn't bad so far."
Mokuba looked to the smiling boy, and couldn't help a small smile of comfort.
An uncomfortably close breeze past over their heads then, making both boys look up. A large figure was hard to make out against the bright sun, but it was a lot closer than the other figures circling the mountain.
"Mokuba…what is that…?" Jou said nervously.
The dark shadow grew bigger, until it was close enough to come into view. Both boys screamed in shock, ducking as the giant pterodactyl swooped over them.
"I thought it was just dragons up here!" Jou yelled as he watched the black creature soar.
"Does it really matter what it is? It's still attacking us!"
The creature swooped past again, forcing them to pin themselves against the wall.
"I do know it. That's Black Ptera." Mokuba noted, glancing over the edge.
"As you said, does it really matter? Keep climbing!"
Jou pushed the boy around and up until he grabbed hold of the rocks.
They dragged themselves up as quick as they could, but a loud screech made them look around again.
Black Ptera was coming straight at them this time. It raised its stumpy legs, its claws latching over Mokuba's shoulders.
"No!" Jou cried, turning to grab the boy as he was ripped away from the rocky wall.
Mokuba grabbed his hand, but the dinosaur just pulled them both away. Jou starred in fear at the nauseating drop below, whilst Mokuba desperately tried to hold onto his taller friend.
"I know it's a big ask…but don't let go!" Jou cried over the wind.
"I'm trying!" Mokuba yelled back.
But Jou was just slipping more and more, Mokuba not nearly strong enough to hold his weight.
They cried out in unison as Jou finally slipped free, and plummeted through the air.
"Jonouchi!"
The teen scrambled through the air, as if searching for any kind of movement that would slow his decent.
"It's just a game…it's just a game…this can't hurt me…" He tried to reason.
But the quickly rising ground wasn't very reassuring. He closed his eyes, preparing for the impact.
He never felt it come, but when he peeped an eye open, he found himself hovering a fair distance above the ground.
More confused than scared now, he slowly glanced up as he became aware of pressure on his shoulders.
A giant yellow pterodactyl had caught him. Flames burned proudly on the underside of its wings, and crowned its red head.
Instinctively, he began squirming, trying to break free. He did succeed, but was quick to realise his mistake as he began falling again.
Below, large duel monsters looked up at the noise, and opened their jaws wide with loud roars.
The large flyer swooped after Jou, and managed to grab his leg, pulling up just in time for the boy to skim over the hungry, snapping jaws.
The boy stopped fighting, too preoccupied with holding onto his head in fear of losing it, even as the dinosaur took into the air. With a loud shriek and a hard thrust of its wings, it took after Black Ptera.
The other flyer quickly realised it had a follower, and sped up.
"Mokuba! I think this one might be on our side, you've gotta jump!"
"How am I meant to do that?"
Mokuba proved his point as he struggled against the grip on his shoulders.
Jous carrier screeched and flew at Black Ptera. The creature dodged the attack, but screeched loudly as the flames singed it slightly. It snapped back, but missed.
The flyers circled away from each other, before charging in for another attack. It looked like they would hit head on, but at the last moment, Jous carrier twisted, and the flames under its wing scorched Black Ptera badly.
Its sound of pain rang through the air, whilst Mokuba dropped from its claws. Jou reached for him, but the boy's fingers just grazed over his own.
"Go, GO!" Jou encouraged the monster.
Obediently, it swooped, leaving the blonde male screaming as he was dragged along. Mokuba's small form was tumbling fast, but before he could hit the ground, the phoenix style dinosaur caught up, and levelled out beneath him.
Mokuba held on tight, but didn't open his eyes immediately, until he was certain he wasn't falling any more.
"Jou? You alright?" He called, glancing over the side of the dinosaur.
"Eh…guess I shouldn't complain…" Jou grinned awkwardly.
Another screech from behind alerted them to Black Ptera, who'd recovered and was ready for round two.
"Hey…whatever your name is…wouldn't mind putting the pedal to the metal would you?"
"It's gotta lug us with it!"
"Hey you think I like hanging down here like a wind chime? At least you've got a good perch!"
They stopped the small squabble as Black Ptera closed in. However, a loud roar caught their attention, and their pursuer barely avoided the massive jaws that snapped at it, as a dragon rose from the ground, targeting the creature.
"Alexandrite Dragon! Niisan has that in his collection!" Mokuba yelled, watching in awe as the giant dragon forced Black Ptera to turn heel and run.
"That was even freakier upside down. Do you think it was trying to help us? Or just looking for an easy meal?"
"AH!"
"Mokuba?"
"I think a bug just flew in my ear…"
No sooner did the boy say that, that Jou felt a sudden irritation in his own ear.
"Oh Kami, get it out!"
"MOKUBA KAIBA!"
Both boys froze, before looking around.
"Jou…did you just hear Akio's voice?"
"I…think so…?"
"Are you trying to make me collapse from stress?"
"Akio? Where are you?"
"Back in the real world; I'm just communicating with you through a program. What the heck were you BOTH thinking?"
"I'm sorry Akio, I had to."
"Ditto. But we're both fine."
"Only because I was able to find the hidden transport program of the area you landed in. I've managed to direct it to take you to Yami and the others."
"Wait, you mean YOU'RE the one who saved us from that over grown bat?"
"Yes, and guided you just close enough to Alexandrite Dragon to get it off your back permanently."
"This monster's awesome! What one is it?" Mokuba asked, staring at the flames.
"It's called Jurra Ptera…and yes it is a pretty cool dinosaur…and don't you DARE try to change the subject! If your brother doesn't kill you for this, I will!"
Mokuba's expression was suited to one his age; Guilt from knowing he deserved it, but also frustration at yet again being treated like a child.
"How long will it take us to get there?" Jou broke the awkward silence.
"Hopefully not too long. The others are already heading in your direction, but they're having to fight their way through. From what I can see, you two should have pretty smooth sailing."
"Oh really…?" Jou grumbled, his face starting to turn green from swaying upside down, "This transport program better come with barf bags!"
"I know I'm probably wrong, but I'm going to say it anyway…Noah couldn't have put those mountains any further away if he tried!"
"I'd definitely say you were wrong about that aibou, but they are further than they seemed at first."
"Don't worry guys, I managed to get in contact with Mokuba and Jou. They're heading towards you now."
"Any luck finding Kaiba or Noah yet?"
"No luck Ryou, but I'll tell you what, you lot start heading back towards the central area, I'll make sure the others meet you there."
"Alright, then back towards the swirling dome of death," Yami replied, his words joking, but his intentions serious.
"Bet the mountains don't look so bad now hey Yugi?" Malik teased as he altered his course.
Ruby Carbuncle lifted its head and rubbed it against Malik's arm.
"Speaking of which, you're looking a little better."
"I'm running the antivirus program on it now Malik, though it'll take a while before it's fully quarantined."
"But it'll be ok?"
"Yes, but I repeat, don't let it take more damage."
"Thanks Akio."
"Heh, you really like that one, don't you?"
"Don't laugh…" Malik blushed.
"Be ready, you're next fight is right ahead, and I can't find a path around it…"
"Don't worry, we'll handle it," Yami assured him.
No longer than ten seconds later, the familiar light appeared, but what popped out almost left the boys in laughter.
"Wow…it's almost as cute as Ruby…" Malik grinned, struggling not to laugh.
"Good thing Honda isn't here, or it might bring back some bad memories…" Yugi giggled, watching the robotic monkey dance around before them.
"Don't laugh when I say this…but stop monkeying around all of you! Haven't we already learnt not to underestimate the fights in here?"
"Ha ha…sorry Akio, you're right," Malik chuckled, "Hold Ruby for me," He passed the little cat like creature to Ryou.
It made a sound of protest as he moved away, but could only lay there.
"You've already battled Malik, you ok to go again?" Ryou asked.
"Don't worry, I've got it."
The Egyptian boy clicked his duel disk into life, looking at his deck proudly, until a quiet gasp left him.
"Malik? What is it?"
"What's going on here? Akio, are you seeing this?"
"Yeah I'm seeing it, but I don't get it. There's no sign of a glitch. It…it must be designed that way…"
"But why?"
"Malik! What's wrong?"
Malik looked to his friends.
"My life points…the ones I lost in my last battle…they're still missing."
"WHAT?"
"My deck is full again, but as for my life points…it's…it's as if I'm just picking back up where I left off…"
"Perhaps that's Noah's intention; running your life points down bit by bit until you're out."
"But…what then happens when we run out of life points? Will we just not be able to battle? Or…" Malik muttered, a shake in his voice.
Yami gritted his teeth.
"Don't worry Malik, I've got your back."
"No. I'll help him."
The past life pharaoh felt his stomach drop as Yugi stopped him, and walked up next to Malik.
"Aibou…"
A firm hand on his shoulder made Yami halt, and he looked around.
"Bakura?"
"Let him duel Yami. He's perfectly capable."
"I know that, but this is…"
The firm brown eyes that turned to him made him flinch. Bakura leant in close to his ear.
"Use your head for once Pharaoh. Do you honestly think having faith and putting your heart into it will be enough to save Kaiba? Noah may have made it look simple enough, but he went through a lot of effort just to get Kaiba here. Do you believe he'll just give him up so easily?"
Yami felt himself tense, like a cold hand had just clenched around his heart.
"Even if we manage to defeat everything he throws at us…even if we find Kaiba…Noah won't give him up without a fight. If all else fails, he'll step up to the bat himself…and who out of us do you think he'll target?"
This time the ruby eyed teen gasped, finally understanding.
"We came for you Yami…but you came for Kaiba. You're the one trying to ruin all Noah's work. He'll come for you, and when he does, you need to be at your strongest, because he certainly won't let himself start with a disadvantage like lowered life points."
Bakura stepped back and turned to watch the fight, whilst the words sunk into Yami painfully.
'What he says is true…but…how can I leave my friends to fight? They're all strong, but even if there wasn't this disadvantage of the life points, how is it fair that they duel and I don't?'
"Thanks Yugi, I appreciate it," Malik said.
"Don't mention it. Thanks to Bakura and Ryou, we now know that we can tag team," Yugi smiled as his duel disk clicked into life.
"Well no time like the present," Malik chuckled and checked his hand, "I think for now I'll just place three cards face down."
One card appeared in his monster zone, and the other two in his magic/trap zone.
"Then I'll place Alpha the Magnet Warrior in attack mode, and place one card face down, then end my turn." Yugi followed.
From the light void opposite them appeared what looked like four jelly men; one green, one blue, one red and one orange…all wearing construction helmets. Before the group had time to consider the strange creatures, the robotic monkey disappeared, and in its place appeared a large dark sphere covered in machine parts and wires, with strings of blue electricity sparking all over.
"Well that's more like it…'Ally Mind' is certainly a little more intimidating than 'Acrobat Monkey'. Eighteen hundred attack, and fourteen hundred defence guys."
"And what about the goo men, hey Akio?"
"I'm working on it Malik!"
Ally mind suddenly headed towards the violet eyed boy.
"Activate trap card, Mirror force, which destroys all the opponents attack position monsters."
Malik's trap card flipped face up. However, the jelly men across from them suddenly vanished, along with his trap card.
"What the…?"
Ally Mind struck his face down monster. What appeared to be slime in the shape of a human and dressed in gold armour appeared, but it was Ally Mind that vanished.
"What in Ra's name just happened?"
"Don't hate me…"
"What kind of combination was that Akio?"
"Your so called goo men were 'A-Team Trap Disposal Unit'. Because you activated a trap card, they could be tributed to destroy it. I guess it was just lucky your monster's defence was stronger anyway."
"True, but I'd hoped to leave it face down a bit longer…" Malik grumbled, and drew his next card, "I'll place Gil Garth in attack mode, and end my turn."
A large creature completely concealed by purple armour appeared, covered in spikes and wielding a large sword.
"I don't suppose we can attack directly in this case; it's too bad, this would be a great chance otherwise," Yugi grumbled as he drew his card, "I sacrifice Alpha to summon Dark Red Enchanter. Since he was normal summoned, I can add two spell counters to him, each one giving him an additional three hundred attack points, which brings the total up to twenty three hundred.
"Nice one Yugi," Malik chuckled.
"That's not all," Yugi said confidently, and pointed to his face down card, "I'll also equip him with the spell card Book of secret arts, which gives a spell caster another three hundred points, AND…since I activated a spell card, Red Enchanter gains another spell counter, and thus another three hundred points."
Malik looked confused and paused to count on his fingers for a moment.
"Awesome Yugi! Twenty nine hundred; that brings your monster's attack ALMOST equal to a Blue Eyes White Dragon. Ha ha, I can see why you're ranked number one."
Yugi smiled confidently around at Yami, who couldn't look more proud of his hikari if he tried.
Still, there was always that nervous twinge in his stomach.
"Since again, I don't think we can attack directly, I'll just place one card face down, and end my turn," Yugi finished.
A card flashed into life across from them, but then Malik's Humanoid Slime began to glow, and suddenly vanished. On the other side of the field appeared a mechanical creature shaped a bit like a seal or dolphin, except it rested on top of four spikey legs, and instead of a face, it just had one mechanical eye scanning them.
"Hey!" Malik objected, "Akio?"
"That was 'Soul Exchange' Malik. Sorry, I didn't even see it properly until the data came up, and it was too late then. It allows you to use an opponent's monster to summon one of your own…in this case, your new target is 'Ally of Justice Core Destroyer'. Twelve hundred attack, and two hundred defence."
"I'm getting a bit over all these machines…" Malik growled as he watched another card appear face down on the field, but stood straight when nothing else happened.
"Odd, it must be a monster card. Magic and trap cards haven't appeared prior to this…" Ryou thought a loud.
"You're good to go Malik. The down side to Soul Exchange, is that you have to skip your battle phase,"
"Well that's peachy by me. I'll play Granadora, and place two cards face down."
The monster he had summoned looked like a giant grey dinosaur with a spider style head. Ryou actually grimaced and stepped back slightly.
"Malik…that's a risky monster…are you sure you should've played it?" Akio spoke warily.
This whole thing is a risk…no point getting cautious about it now," Malik grumbled, "Summoning Granadora gives me an additional one thousand life points. Now Gil Garth! Attack Core Destroyer!"
The large, purple soldier did as it was commanded, and the robot disappeared almost faster than it had come.
"Your turn Granadora, attack the face down card!" Malik ordered.
The mutant dinosaur did so, but instead of being destroyed, the card flipped up. A large red disk with a radar in the centre, and four, sharp metal legs appeared. It quickly clamped onto Granadora.
"Oh no! Get that off right now!"
"What will it do Akio?" Malik called in panic.
"I don't need to look that one up. It's 'Adhesive Explosive'. A friend of mine used it on me once; if you don't get rid of it by your next standby phase Malik, it'll destroy Granadora. Normally it wouldn't matter since damage calculation isn't applied, but you picked the wrong monster to use…"
"Urasai! You might be able to tell about the cards, but even you don't know what's coming until it arrives!" Malik yelled defensively.
"Stop fighting! Why was it the wrong monster?" Yami scolded them as Malik looked away in anger.
"Because if Granadora is destroyed, I'll lose double the life points it originally gave me."
"Two thousand life point?" Ryou whispered in shock, "I know the extra points he received will lighten the blow, but it's still a heavy price."
"I'll end my turn," Malik growled, glancing to his life point counter.
Ryou patted Ruby Carbuncle as it made a worried sound, looking up to Malik.
As it became Yugis turn once more, it was clear the usually level headed boy was getting frustrated by the lack of monsters for him to attack.
"I'm sorry Malik. Do you want me to see if direct attacks are possible?"
"No. You've got a powerful monster on your side of the field, but it's the only one you've got. For all we know there could be a trap card waiting. Even if another monster is summoned to attack me, it'll give you a chance to attack as well."
"Alright then…this really isn't like any duel we've done before. I'll place Black Land Fire Dragon in attack mode and place another two cards face down, then end my turn."
The next opponent to appear was a large sphere sitting on crab like legs with robotic arms, and two cannons sitting on its shoulders.
"Ally of Justice Nullifier, sixteen hundred attack, twelve hundred defence…and be ready, looks like a magic card is coming."
No sooner had Akio said it, that a card flashed into life, only to disappear and be replaced by a second monster on the field. This time, it looked like tiny robotic bugs, each sending out a small laser, that together formed a 3D diamond, which contained some weird red and black mist.
"Kuso…" Malik growled, his frustration growing.
"No kidding…that was 'Double Summon'…and I think its effect is clear enough. The new one is 'Ally of Justice Quarantine'."
"They're both pretty weak monsters. I don't think they'll be staying long…" Malik said warily, glancing to Yugi.
"Not if we don't get rid of them first," Yugi agreed.
"Well I guess if that's everything…" Malik grumbled, but now he was shaking.
He slowly raised his hand to draw his next card.
"Malik…"
"There's nothing that can be done Yugi…I don't have any way to stop it! And neither do you, or you wouldn't be panicking," Malik quickly interrupted, and drew his card.
He closed his eyes as Granadora roared. The effect of Adhesive Explosive kicked in, and both creatures were destroyed. Malik grunted loudly, gritting his teeth as his life points dropped substantially.
"Malik!"
"I'm fine Yami! Don't count me out yet!" The boy answered roughly, "This may be one of my lousiest duels ever, but I'm not backing down!"
It was true torture to stand and watch his best friends duel for him…they didn't even have to be here, but they'd come just for him. Yami gripped his arm painfully as his heart came to understand that this was no longer just about getting Kaiba out…but about getting ALL of them out.
Malik looked to his new card, and gave a weak smirk.
"I'll play 'Lightening Vortex', which destroys all monsters on the opponent's side."
His card flashed into effect, but another one appeared in the light void opposite.
"Careful, it's 'Mystical Space Typhoon'. It'll destroy your card."
Malik's smirk suddenly grew a little playful.
"Oh? Well it's good that two people can play that game! I also activate 'Mystical Space Typhoon'! I said the monsters are going, and that's that!"
Malik's spell card destroyed its twin, and Lightening Vortex…free to continue its work…blasted away the two machine types opposite them.
"Great one Malik!" Yugi cheered, giving him the thumbs up.
"Thanks, but I keep stopping you from being able to do anything," Malik chuckled, returning the gesture.
They looked back however, as another card flashed opposite them, and a new monster appeared.
"Careful…that was a continuous spell card. 'Machina Armour Unit'; when a machine type is destroyed, another machine type with lower attack and the same attribute can be summoned per turn."
"And our new friend here…?" Yugi asked, looking to the green tank shaped creature.
"Ally of Justice Searcher. It's only about fourteen hundred attack, but again, be wary of that spell card."
"It won't be a problem. Malik, is your turn finished?"
"I'll place two cards face down and end my turn."
"Good, then I'll draw, and play my face down, Despell. We don't need Machina Armour Unit hanging around, so it can go!"
And with that, the spell card was gone.
"Malik, may I borrow those?" Yugi indicated to Malik's side of the field.
"What, both of them?"
Instead of answering, Yugi just turned a certain card in his fingers for Malik to see. The boy's eyes widened a little, before he chuckled and shook his head.
"So what's the deal? You get to stand there with TWO awesome looking monsters…plus a dragon…whilst I stand here with zilch?" The Egyptian boy laughed, before the humour disappeared in a flash, and he looked seriously to Yugi, "Forget the manners…do it!"
"Arigato. I sacrifice Gil Garth and the face down monster, to summon Dark Magician in attack mode!"
Dark Magician belonged to Yugi. There hadn't been a second thought from the second they'd separated, but Yami still felt a warm and proud connection to the monster every time he saw it played.
"Dark Magician! Attack Justice Searcher!"
Dark Magician flew at the machine, but a card flashed across from them.
"Limiter Removal! It'll double the monster's attack!"
"Not a chance! I'll play Magic Jammer! It stops a spell card and destroys it!"
Before Yugis card could take effect, yet another card rose to stop it.
"Remove Trap!...Please tell me I don't have to explain that!"
"Not a bit!" Malik shouted, "I activate MY face down, Curse of the Royal! Any spell or trap that tries to destroy another spell or trap, is the one that disappears!"
The short rally ended, and the opponent's card disappeared. With a clear run, Dark Magician destroyed Justice Searcher.
"I'll end my turn…and hope that this duel's nearly over."
But only to disappoint him, another monster rose up to face them; yet again, one that left it hard to take the battle seriously.
"You and me both hope Yugi…ok, Cosmic Compass. Only one hundred attack, and three hundred defence.
The machine turned to Malik, who rolled his eyes.
"No offense Yugi, but I wish they'd pick on you for a while. Oh well, it won't work," Malik grumbled the last part quietly, glancing to a face down card on his side.
However, the monster didn't attack. Akio was about to speak, but the monster beat him to it, as two clones of itself appeared.
"Uhh…yeah…it can summon tokens equal to the number of opponent's monsters. I think it's registered that Yugi has two."
"Well excuse me if I curse…" Malik growled in frustration, glancing to his card again, but not looking nearly so confident.
The first Cosmic Compass attacked him.
"Our life points may not reset, but at least our cards do! I use Sakuretsu Armour to destroy the attacking monster!"
The monster vanished, but now Malik looked to the two still remaining.
When the next one attacked, it was Yugis turn to react.
"I'll play Changing Destiny! It negates the attack, and switches the opponent's monster to defence mode!"
The monster was forced back to its own side.
"To add to it, the opponent would then have to choose between two options. However, since there's no actual opponent who can choose to loose life points, it'll have to be the option that gives me life points equal to half the target's attack points. It may only be fifty, but rules are rules."
Both looked to the one monster still to attack.
"You're right…I wish it would come at me instead. Malik, can you take it?"
"Not that I have a choice…but…it'll only be one hundred points…"
The so called compassed shifted as if to rear up, before it shot at Malik. The Egyptian boy braced himself for it, not reacting to the cry from Ruby; not until he heard a panicked yell of "WAIT!" from Ryou;
Ruby Carbuncle…though weak as it still was…had jumped from his arms, and run straight to Malik. The Egyptian boy felt his breath stop as the tiny creature leapt into the air, directly in the path of the machine.
They collided head on, and with a loud, high squeal, Ruby Carbuncle disappeared.
"RRRUUUUBBBBYYY!"
Malik's cry rang louder than even the small animals had. He stared in shock at where it had once been, as only fragments glittered in the air, like a cruel taunt as they disappeared one by one.
Upon his duel disk, a mere ten points vanished from his counter.
"Malik…I'm so sorry…i-it just…" Ryou tried to apologise, his hands shaking.
"Ruby…it…it would normally be stronger…but…it wasn't even a third at full health…I don't even know how it managed to move…I…" Akio was as lost for words as all of them.
Malik didn't look like he knew what to do. His whole body trembled, his eyes growing wider with each second. There was a sudden burst of his shadow magic that made the sennen partners flinch.
"Malik no!"
Yami raced to his friend, and wrapped his arms around him from behind. The shadow energy pouring from the boy was filled with a rage Yami hadn't felt in a long time.
Malik was struggling to keep hold of his emotions.
"Malik…my friend…gomenasai…hontou gomenasai. Please, don't lose yourself again, don't let the rage have its way. You know where it led you last time. I promise Ruby will be avenged, but don't let it be via your anger. Ruby chose you because you're gentle…I know it."
Yami wasn't sure why he said that last part, but it had been clear from the beginning that despite only being a program, Ruby Carbuncle had found a preference in Malik. He wasn't as sweet and innocent as Ryou and Yugi, but he was gentle, carefree, fun-loving, and loyal to no limit…just as Ruby had proven to be.
Malik was growling under his breath, his aura flashing out around him, grazing over Yamis skin in both hot and cold flares…in every way rejecting the boy's compassion. But Yami held tight; He wouldn't abandon Malik's side no matter how much that darkness scared him.
Even if he didn't like it, Marriku had come from Malik's anger...it was only normal that even now, with him gone, this anger still chilled him to the bone.
Beneath his hands, Yami suddenly felt his friend take a quiet, but massive breath. His body began to steady as he fought to control his breathing.
"Yami…please…let go…" Malik finally whispered, placing his hand on top of Yamis, "…trust me, nothing can EVER make me go there again…nothing. I need you to let go…this duel isn't over."
Yami suddenly found himself hesitant to let go, but the anger in Malik's voice was now under control; there was no way it would get the better of him now.
Finding his own confidence, he stepped back, looking to Yugi, who passed him a reassuring nod.
"When this is over, I never want to see another machine monster again!" Malik growled, drawing his next card, "I'll place three cards face down, and play my trap card, Altar for Tribute…"
His firm gaze turned to his duelling partner.
"You trust me right Yugi?"
"Absolutely."
"Good. Then I choose to sacrifice Dark Magician, and altar of tribute will give me its attack points as life points! That ends my turn."
Naturally there was a common uncertainty about choosing to sacrifice Yugis trump card, but the boy himself showed no sign of doubt in his friend's move, merely drawing his next card.
"I'll place one card face down. And now, I can finally have my turn to attack! Dark Red Enchanter, attack the left Cosmic Compass!"
The red magician flew at the machine, but Yugis attempt to finally strike was cut short as a card rose to stop him.
"Kuso! Now the game is using Negate Attack!"
"Darn…that means my turn is ended…sorry Malik," Yugi grumbled.
"Don't worry about it," Malik began, but turned quickly as the two compass machines vanished.
What appeared in their place looked like it had been ripped from a sci-fi film; A giant round gateway with bolts of electricity striking out, looking ready to suck in anyone to another dimension or time.
"G-guys…I think this is it…the final opponent. If you defeat this thing, then the duel is over."
A spell card appeared across from them.
"Drats! 'Seven Completed'. It'll take 'Alley of Justice Cosmic Gateways' attack from twenty four hundred to thirty one hundred!"
"I don't think so! I activate Anti-spell. By taking away two spell counters from Dark Red Enchanter, I can negate the activation of a spell card and destroy it!"
Despite his own monster losing six hundred points, Yugi seemed pleased to have stopped the increase for their opponent.
"About time," Malik sighed, even as yet again he was chosen as the target, "As for you, don't even think about it! You two think you're the only ones with Negate Attack in your deck?"
Said card rose from its face down position, and the attack was stopped before it even got half way.
"You may just be a set computer program, but it still means that's the end of your turn. I draw, and I'll play my face down monster, Dark Jeroid! When this monster is summoned, I can select one monster on the field and decrease its life points by eight hundred!"
"Impressive! That leaves Cosmic Gateway with just fourteen hundred attack!" Mokuba cheered.
"That's not all big guy. I'll play the spell card, Monster Reborn, and welcome back Dark Magician to the field!"
Yami actually heard himself chuckle in surprise as the monster once more emerged.
"Yugi…" Malik suddenly whispered, and all noticed he was shaking once more, "…I know I could finish this right now…and believe me I want to…but I…I need you to do it…please…"
Yami felt his heart ache. His friend was terrified he's loose himself if he was to deliver the final blow.
"Daijoubu Malik…I can do it," Yugi assured him with a gentle smile.
Malik's shoulders slumped, and in a barely audible mutter, he ended his turn.
"Alright, I draw! Then I'll sacrifice Black Land Fire Dragon and Dark Jeroid to summon Buster Blader! Both monsters are strong, but neither are sticking around long, because now I play Polymerization! Dark Magician, Buster Blader, fuse to become Dark Paladin!"
A monster that did indeed appear to be a fused form of them appeared. A dark magician with even grander armour of very dark green and gold, and a staff that was as menacing as it's holders power.
"Twenty…twenty nine hundred?" Was all Akio could breathe out.
It was all that needed to be said.
"This duel…no…all these duels…have caused more than enough trouble," Yugi stated firmly, as a single tear finally breached his walls, caressing his cheek as it fell, "Dark Paladin, end this!"
Finally, nothing rose to destroy their efforts this time. With a single blast of the powerful magician, Cosmic Gateway disintegrated, and soon, Yugis monsters disappeared, signalling that their struggle had come to an end.
Ryou slumped from the exhaustion of just watching. Jou and Mokuba cheered, whilst Yami moved to his two closest friends.
"Subarashi…Aibou…" He whispered lovingly to Yugi, holding his hand and shoulder.
Yugi smiled warmly up to him. He knew his alter ego had been worried for him, even though he'd gone ahead and let him duel.
His trust was what brought his smile more than anything.
"Malik?" Yami quickly turned his attention to his other friend.
The Egyptian boy was looking down. He looked a bit numb, like his fire had blown out to just warm coals that may still burst into flames if given enough provoking.
"Akio…which way?" He suddenly spoke dryly.
"Uh…just…follow that path still. Stay close to the mountain side…you should be free of any duels there."
Malik began moving before any of them could think to. As he followed, Yami had fight with himself to stay back, because he knew that no matter how much he wanted to comfort his friend, the only thing that would help Malik right this second was his own space.
The cup cracked beneath his fingers, not enough to spill its contents, but certainly threatening.
"These pests are persistent," Noah growled, "It seems I may be forced to squash them myself, so I'd wipe that grin off your face Seto!"
He couldn't actually see the brunette's face, but he was indeed smirking.
"Sorry Noah, but it looks like you didn't plan this out as well as you though you did."
"Don't pretend for a moment that you thought they'd go this far Seto."
"No, but unlike you, I didn't expect that they'd do nothing."
Seto shifted a bit.
"Those fools don't know how to keep out of other's business."
Noah raised an eyebrow as there was a laugh in Kaibas voice when he said that.
"You don't necessarily sound ungrateful for that Seto. Don't tell me you're actually starting to accept their friendship?"
"Oh Please. Does a CEO make friends with a supply partner just because they provide necessary equipment?"
"So you're saying you wouldn't care if something happened to them?"
This time Noah smirked.
"I didn't go through all that trouble just to let some out-of-his-time pharaoh ruin everything."
Noah stood and walked towards the screens. However, he paused and looked at Seto sceptically.
"Why exactly have you been humouring him anyway Seto?"
The CEO stiffened, but his gaze was still at the ground.
"For as good a joke as this little relationship has made, it remains A JOKE. You're not a man to waste time, but I can't possibly see what you'd find in him. Being the two top duellists in the world is hardly enough to start anything beyond a rivalry."
When Seto didn't move, Noah gritted his teeth in annoyance and stormed over to him.
"Don't think I won't find out if I don't want to Seto," He warned, grabbing the brunette's hair roughly, "You're so bent on protecting one little thing in that mind of yours, that you've left the rest of your memory wide open…"
He lowered his face until they were eye level, except that Seto still diverted his gaze stubbornly.
"I've seen practically everything you've kept hidden from everyone…including what you're hiding from Yami."
Shock flashed through the CEOs eyes, a reaction that pleased Noah.
"Oh? You wouldn't like it if I let that information slip in his presence would you? I don't like secrets Seto, but I'd be willing to keep that one for you, if you show me what you're hiding."
He saw then what few had seen before; a glimmer of fear in the sharp sapphires, as the CEO actually shook beneath his grip.
Again Noah's own confidence showed plain and clear, to the point he allowed his expression to turn softer, even if the kindness was false.
"This really doesn't suit you Seto…HE doesn't suit you."
The brunette stopped shaking, but said nothing.
"You've thought it plenty of times yourself, haven't you? As I said, besides your level of duelling skills, what more do you have in common with Yami? Even the way you duel is different; you do the smart thing and duel with your head, whilst he like a fool, duels with his heart. Maybe he's a good guy, but that hardly makes him the right guy…"
"Noah lowered his face near the CEOs ear.
"You can't justify it Seto, so just admit what you know…that guy…he'll just bring you down."
He watched as Setos eyes widened again, but in a mere second, they narrowed even sharper than when a nerve had been struck earlier.
Noah's smirk dropped, and he quickly recoiled as Seto looked around to him with an even deadlier expression than before.
The aqua haired male grabbed for the chain linking his wrist with Setos neck, but the second his grip tightened around it, Seto suddenly jerked back hard, making his captive stumble forward.
Seto then threw his head forward, smashing it straight against Noahs.
The step brother fell backwards, clutching his head as his vision span.
When it finally slowed down, all he could see was Seto glaring at him, every part of his will reared up in defiance, as intimidating and dangerous as the dragon that represented the young man.
Noah glared back angrily as Seto collapsed in exhaustion again, still growling a bit through his teeth.
"I suppose that must have something to do with whatever you're hiding. I have no idea which nerve I hit this time, but don't think that will go unpunished Seto!" Noah growled as he stood.
He raised his wrist, and the clamp around it snapped off. Snaking through the air once more, it attached itself to the ground like the rest had.
The CEO didn't react; He just kept glaring down the one who'd imprisoned him, even when he strode over and pushed his head painfully into the ground.
This time, the CEO couldn't muster the strength to defend his thoughts, and gasped as his so called secret flashed out of his control for half a second.
It was all that Noah needed though.
"Oh…so that's it?" The male whispered, a dark smirk crossing his feature, "…that's what they'll eventually have to face is it?"
Seto pulled his head out of the painful grip, but his eyes were shut in frustration. Noah scowled a bit, but just stood and moved back to the screens.
His step brother was just too stubborn. No matter what he tried, the brunette was as solid as ice.
He glared hard at the screens where he watched the ruby eyed teen that had to be the only other person in existence as stubborn as Seto.
And yet, next to him, the CEO had begun to melt; to lower his powerful shields just enough for Yami to see a little more of hi…
…Noah's eyes widened in shock, his anger disappearing like water down a drain.
Remembering the snippet of a memory he'd just stolen from Seto, he allowed a cruel smirk as he zoomed in on the past life pharaoh.
"I said you wouldn't go unpunished Seto, and neither will Yami…"
He turned his wicked expression to Kaiba.
"I'll let you be each other's punishment."
With that, he turned away silently, his focus now on whatever he was quickly working on.
Still huddled on the floor, barely able to move, Seto lowered his gaze, whilst Noah was too busy to notice the smirk that grew upon his captive's face.
GAH!... Let me just say, this was such a pain to edit...-_-'
I did my best to follow the rules of duel monsters, and the majority of the cards used are true to the owners decks. Again, I really hope it was worth it...I put a lot of effort into those duels...lol...when you're not very good with strategy, it's hard XD
Please no body kill me over Ruby! I promise you'll love me in the end! (maybe not for a long time yet...but eventually!)
Anyway, as I mentioned before, the next half of this should only be a few days away...it's not as long, and was much easier to write.
Thanks for reading, reviews are loved!