CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: Papercut
Sorry for the long wait, my friends. I had exams, and then I was busy with some other stuff. I'm free of exams for three months though, and I hope to update sooner. Here's a milestone though: I'm past five hundred pages in this story, from this chapter onwards. I hope you guys will stick with me until I reach a thousand, fifteen hundred, and who knows, maybe even beyond that.
Starlight AT: I didn't really understand that either…
Candyman123: I kinda understand that logic about Sylar…. Good way to think.
Aelsthla-Mental: Thank you, my friend. I always like praise.
KageNoNeko: Glad to hear you like it.
Metal Overlord 2.0: Ouch, that hurts! Haha, just kidding, lol. Thanks for continuing to be patient, once this year is over I'll be able to do nothing but write, don't worry. Expect the next chapter within a couple of weeks, that's a personal guarantee. Also, expect a long e-mail from me very soon full of stuff! It's been a long time, man, and it's good to be back!
Ishizu Ishtar craned over the delicate manuscript that lay in front of her. The parchment was fragile and thin, and even a slight amount of pressure could damage it irreversibly. She was currently trying to decipher some ancient hieroglyphics that seemed to be of an obscure dialect from western Egypt.
Ever since losing her Millennium Necklace, Ishizu had assumed that her purpose as a Tombkeeper was fulfilled. No longer would she have to brave dangers such as the ones she faced at Battle City, while trying to free her brother from the grasp of his dark side. Marik, her, and Odion had settled in their ancestral home on the outskirts of Cairo, enjoying the serene, calm environment. She had proceeded with her archeological studies, while Marik had been considering the possibility of improving on the narrow education he had received as a Tombkeeper, and possibly opening a small business in Cairo. Unfortunately, such a dream was never meant to be.
The shock of having her brother's mind seized by the spirit again was something she had never quite been able to get over. The despair that had filled her heart when she saw his heaving figure stalking away into the desert that night, the fear that had seized her when she saw that crazed, inhumane look in his eyes that could belong to no other individual…. It was something she knew would revisit her for decades to come.
The conversation she had had with the Pharaoh after that had been somewhat reassuring. He had defeated the madman once, and she kept faith that he could do it again. Then she realized that it was not only Yami Marik whom Yami was dealing with, but also the power of the Orichalcos, and the Egyptian God of Death, Anubis, Aknadin's former servant and holder of the Pyramid of Light. She had almost given up hope that her brother would be returned safe again. She herself was just recovering from a frightening bout with yellow fever, and was nowhere near a condition in which she would be of any help to the Pharaoh against those kind of opponents. She needed Odion to stay, considering her poor health.
It was a terrifying few weeks. The two of them could only pray everyday that their brother would be returned to them. Finally, just a few days ago, Marik had staggered through the front door of their house, looking more like a ghost then a man. He was running a fever of over a hundred and four degrees Fahrenheit. Ishizu immediatley forced him into bed and injected him with a powerful drug to reduce the fever. He continued to run a temperature for a few more hours. It scared Ishizu, but it finally subsided. He had slept peacefully for eighteen hours straight, and had woken finally, with the fever broken.
He was still extremely weak, however, and was obviously in no condition to engage in physical activity. Mentally, too, he was a wreck. The torture of having a hostile, foreign presence in his mind had driven him to the brink of insanity. The fact that Yami Marik had banished him to the Orichalcos was almost a blessing, as it meant he was able to escape his darker side's torture for some more time.
But it was almost as if a void was left where Marik's soul was supposed to be. When Ishizu had meekly inquired about what had happened to him, he was oblivious. He remembered nothing. Marik rarely spoke now, and barely ate. Most of his time was spent sitting on the terrace of their small home, staring out into the sky with a look of helpless despair in his eyes.
In fact, that was exactly what he was doing right then. Ishizu sighed as she heard his heavy footsteps on the ceiling above her. Slowly, she made her way out of the room, and ascended the spiral staircase to the terrace. She stopped at the entrance, looking on sadly at the sight of her brother leaning against the wall, staring deep into the night sky, looking completely destitute.
"Brother…" she said softly. Marik turned to face her, an alarmed look on his face.
"Ishizu…" he muttered. "I'll return to my room. You were right, I need my rest."
He tried to walk past her, but she blocked his path. He felt her hand rest on his shoulder. "I'm worried about you, Marik," she whispered. "So is Odion. You can't remain like this forever."
He refused to answer her, and tried to walk past one more time. She continued to block his path. "If you would at least tell us what happened…."
"I told you, sister, I do not remember," he growled. "The very last thing I recall was being taken by the Orichalcos. After that, everything is empty. I simply woke up about half a mile away from our house in the desert."
"You can't live like this forever, Marik…" she insisted. "Please, there is one person who can help you remember…"
"I am NOT speaking to the Pharaoh, Ishizu," he replied firmly. "I could not face him. No, not with the tragedy I have caused him and his friends through my foolishness."
"I still fail to understand how it can be considered your fault that the spirit returned and took over your consciousness," replied Ishizu, her voice raising.
Marik looked downright furious now, and seemed ready to answer even louder, but suddenly, he stopped. It was as if he had been pricked by a pin, and the air in his body was seeping out ever so quickly. He looked down helplessly at the floor, and a small sob wracked his body. Ishizu silently put her arms around him, and he cried into her shoulder.
"I am sorry, sister…" he whispered. "It would be unfair to expect you to understand…. But a part of me died when he returned again Ishizu. It is a part of me that will never return."
She patted him on the back softly. "I assure you, Marik, it will. Odion and I will always stand by your side. I am unsure of what happened, as I have not been able to speak to anyone concerned with the Tournament of Shadows, but I assure you, Yami Marik is well and truly gone this time. There is no other way for you to have been freed from the Orichalcos, or for him to have been completely purged from your mind."
He allowed himself a weak smile, and she stepped out of his way. He proceeded down to his room, leaving a confused and frustrated Ishizu in his wake.
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During the day, the desert was scorching. At night, however, it could send a chill through the bones of even the most well-adapted creatures. The vast, empty expanse of barren wasteland, coupled with the various strange sounds that emanated through the air could make even the most hardened soldier shiver. There was no place like a desert at night. Faced with trouble here, the only thing you could do was run: it was far too empty to find a place to hide.
Not that the well-knit bunch of men seemed very affected by the atmosphere. There were at least twelve of them, all dressed in black bodysuits, except for the leader, in the front. Aside from him, all of them were tall, pale and seemed to come from Eastern Europe. He was Japanese in origin, and about five foot eight. He wore a crimson jacket with black trousers. Despite the darkness, he also wore shades.
"Dmitri, Andrei…. Take your group and enter from the left… I will take the rest and seal of the other exit route, at the front door. Take all alive, if you can, but ensure no one escapes."
Two of the men nodded, and branched out with five others, leaving the leader with just four of his own men. But he hardly looked perturbed. The other men pulled on night vision goggles. They were just about a few hundred feet from the house, but he refused to take any chances. The plan had to be executed with surgical presicion.
The men darted sideways towards the house. It was unlikely the residents would be able to even notice them in the darkness. That was if they were paying attention at all.
They positioned themselves by the doors. On their leader's signal, they silently opened the doors.
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Odion was sitting alone in his bedroom on the ground floor, a hollow, reflective look on his features. He stared ahead at the mirror opposite him. He held a long scimitar in one hand, which Ishizu had recovered from a nearby archeological expedition, and a cloth in the other, which he was using to polish the ancient blade.
Had it not been for the cry of surprise from the man behind him due to the blinding sliver of light that had flashed off the sword, Odion would have been killed. He whirled around to see a tall, Slavic man dressed in a black bodysuit, and holding a cocked gun standing in front of him with the door ajar. Without waiting to think it over, Odion slashed forward with the antique blade he held, slicing off his assailant's hand, and inciting a shriek of agony.
Before he could scream again, Odion grimaced and beheaded him. The corpse fell to the floor, its head rolling to one side and the hand on the other. Odion threw open the door, which led into a long dark corridor which was adjoining to the living room.
He grimaced. Ishizu and Marik would be defenseless on the terrace. It was unlikely that only one assassin had entered the house. It was a rather large building, and there were plenty of places for many intruders to hide.
As he thought this, a similarly built man darted down the corridor towards him. He fired. Had his aim not been off by a millimeter, Odion's hand would have been replaced by a small, bloody stump. Instead, it just grazed his wrist. It still caused him to drop his blade. Bending forward, he leapt towards the man. His momentum carried them both to the floor, and caused the assassin to drop his gun, which rolled away from them.
The two large men clawed at each other violently on the hard, cold floor. Odion was dealt a resounding punch to the gut, just giving his opponent enough time to scramble out from underneath him and draw a long machete from his belt. Odion stood up, backing away a few steps, gasping with the exertion.
The assassin growled and slashed forward. Odion slid away from the blade, glancing back at his own. He dodged a thrust, and tried to slip around his attacker. The man took advantage of this, and was able to cut Odion's side. He groaned and rolled away, collapsing against the wall. It was a shallow cut, but if it continued bleeding, he would be in big trouble.
"Wait…" he growled. "Who are you? Why do you wish to kill me?"
The Russian man looked back at him, resembling for all the world an empty shell with no emotional capacity at all.
"According to Reflect, it is necessary for you to disappear."
As his opponent said this, Odion dived forward for his blade. It was faster than the man had expected, and he was just in time to swing it upwards in the Russian's direction. The assassin, however, had better reflexes than Odion would have expected, and raised his blade to parry the slash. The force of Odion's attack, however, was enough to shatter both blades, resulting in a barrage of razor sharp splinters being sprayed outwards in all directions. Both men were peppered with shrapnels. Odion sustained a large wound on his shoulder, while his opponent had a deep cut on his cheek.
Odion staggered downwards, scooping up a piece of metal from the remains of the blade, and buried it in the Russian's chest. He took in a sharp breath, and Odion watched in disgust as he collapsed, blood oozing out of the wound.
His priority shifted almost immediatley. Reflect…. He had heard the name before, back when Marik was the head of the Rare Hunters. The intelligence they had gathered was vast, and as a prominent figure in Marik's organization, Odion was privy to most of it. Somewhere, deep in their archives, he remembered reading something about a man called Reflect, in association with Dartz's organization.
His eyes widened. "The assassins…. They have been sent by Paradias."
He staggered back to his room, and grabbed a dagger, which was the only real weapon he had. He knew he had to get Marik and Ishizu to safety at all costs, even if he gave his own life in exchange.
There was a huge cave about three miles from their residence. It had been converted into a warehouse by the archaeology department of the Egyptian government. Cairo itself was eight miles out. It made more sense to retreat to the warehouse, as the intruders surely had help waiting back at Cairo.
"Master Marik… You will not be lost once more. I can guarantee it."
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"Our Dark Guardian has risen…." intoned Para.
"And your chances of surviving much longer worsen!" added Dox.
Yami frowned. He was correct. After the end of his own turn, he would have Sorcerer of Dark Magic, with thirty-two hundred attack points, and the Tricky, with two thousand. Yugi had Solid Snake, with twenty-four hundred. While he was sure that it was powerful, he knew that the Dark Guardian looked like it was in a league of its own.
(Dox: 500, Yugi: 8000, Para: 2925, Yami: 8000)
"I switch the Tricky to defense mode. Then I will set one card facedown and end my turn."
Dox drew. "I activate the continuous magic card, Shared Power! This can only be activated during a tag-team duel. The owner of this card may select one monster on his partner's field, and control it as his own for as long as Shared Power is in play. Thanks to this card, you fools will face the full power of Dark Guardian every time one of us takes our turn!"
Yami frowned. He had not expected this.
Dox grinned. "Dark Guardian, destroy that Sorcerer of Dark Magic and make sure it never annoys us again!"
The huge creature roared and raised its axe upwards. The blade erupted into flames. The Sorcerer narrowed his eyes and raised his staff in defense. But it was in vain. The Dark Guardian slashed horizontally, and a wave of flames erupted from his blade, slamming into Yami's monster. The magician closed his eyes as if resigning himself to his death, and soon vanished into ashes.
(Dox: 500, Yugi: 8000, Para: 2925, Yami: 7400)
"My turn ends now," whispered Dox.
Yugi drew confidently. "Very well. I equip Solid Snake with the weapon that will help him unleash his true potential: Phantom Blaster!"
Vanishing from Snake's hands was one of the blasters. Appearing in its place was another, completely different one. It was a shining black in color, and had a long which was thicker than the rest of the gun. The barrel itself was attached to a secondary barrel with a small strip of metal. He clasped it around the handle with easy confidence, a smirk spreading across his face.
"Once per turn, when Solid Snake is equipped with Phantom Blaster, I can activate one of three effects. By activating the one of my choice, his attack and defense points become forty-eight hundred and zero respectively, until the end of this turn."
Para's eyes widened as a bolt of electricity ran up Snake's arm (4800/0).
"Your Dark Guardian is finished. Snake, attack it now!"
The veteran agent raised his blaster, and energy seemed to pass into the blaster from his arm. A wave of purple, almost ghostly energy was spat out towards the monstrous creature on Para's field. It slammed right into its chest, and for a moment, it looked like it was going to topple over. However, absolutely nothing happened.
(Dox: 500, Yugi: 8000, Para: 1925, Yami: 7400)
"Care to provide an explanation?" asked Yugi, his eyebrows raised.
"There was a reason behind my words that the Dark Guardian is invincible," crowed Dox. "It cannot be destroyed in battle. That means when the next turn rolls around, it can crush your Solid Snake and the Tricky soon after that, leaving the field clear for your end to be orchestrated!"
Yugi allowed himself an easy smile. "I doubt that. But in any case, I will set one card facedown and end my turn."
Para drew. "I play Pot of Avarice, which allows me to send five monsters in my graveyard back to my deck, and then draw two cards."
He found the five necessary cards in his graveyard, and slid them back into his deck. Then, he drew twice more and looked at his hand. He was barely able to contain his delight.
"Excellent! I first play the powerful magic card, Sacrifice of Power. This can only be activated by selecting one level nine or higher monster on my field. Then, I must choose one monster in my deck with a level lower than or equal as the one on my field. By removing it from play, and paying one thousand life-points, the monster on my field gains all the effects of the monster that I removed from play. And guess which I choose…."
He pulled out a card from his deck. "Ancient Gear Golem (3000/3000)…."
"That means Dark Guardian will deal Piercing damage, and you cannot activate magic or trap cards during either of our battle phases!"
(Dox: 500, Yugi: 8000, Para: 925, Yami: 7400)
Yami looked shocked. "This was indeed unexpected. The Paradox brothers have succeeded in summoning a monster that when powered up in the manner they have, is capable of usurping a tier one God card."
"Dark Guardian!" thundered Para. "Destroy his Solid Snake!"
Yugi braced himself as the giant creature took off towards his powerful fusion. His facedown Sakuretsu Armor would have normally wrecked the Paradox brothers' entire strategy, but they seemed to have anticipated that sort of maneuver. Its flaming axe smashed through Snake's body. Yugi closed his eyes, saddened by the loss of that particular monster. He hadn't even gotten around to showing what it was really capable of.
(Dox: 500, Yugi: 6600, Para: 925, Yami: 7400)
"It's my move," declared Yami. As he drew, his eyes widened in shock at the look of the card he had drawn.
He looked at Yugi, and an unsaid agreement passed between them. "I didn't want to have to do this…."
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Flashback
"This is one of my top five most powerful monsters," declared Jason, folding his arms. "It is the apex of my two strategies combined, for all of my other strongest creatures are dependant on each individual strategy. Indeed, you now face Shadow Sentinel Dragon (3500/3500)."
Yami was a bit put off by the sheer size and intimidation that the dragon provided. He wasn't too scared, however, and gave a slight smirk. "You seem to forget that as long as Obelisk is in play, even your most powerful monsters don't have a hope of defeating me."
"Arrogance is appalling," replied Jason softly. "No one monster can ever win a duel. Don't you know that?"
End Flashback
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Jason's words had struck a chord in him. Since then, he had felt uneasy even when he looked at one of them.
"Do it, Yami," echoed Yugi's voice, bearing down on him. "Finish it."
Yami closed his eyes for a moment, and then looked up, glaring at the Paradox brothers. "This is the end. I sacrifice my Tricky, and Yugi's Twilight Shadow Steel General and Shield Guardian to call upon the one monster that will send you and your Dark Guardian to the void."
Golden coronas jolted around the field, taking the three cards into it and calling down a wave of light from above them. Cracks began to appear in the ceiling, exposing the deep black sky.
"No, brother!" shrieked Para. "He is summoning a God!"
"He must be stopped, or else everything we have done will be for naught!"
Slowly, the room began glowing golden due to a large golden sphere descended into the room. All eyes went to the sphere as it finally slowed and hovered above the field.
Yami hesitated once more. "Do it!" said Yugi again, looking frantically from the Dark Guardian to the sphere on Yami's field.
Yami shut his eyes tight once more and nodded.
"Great beast of the sky,
Please hear my cry.
Transform thyself from orb of light,
And bring me victory in this fight.
Envelop the desert in your glow,
And cast your rage upon my foe.
Unlock your powers from deep within so that together we may win.
Appear in this Shadow Game as I call your name, Winged Dragon of Ra!"
Through the blinding light, a divine dragon could be seen descending from the heavens. The metallic, golden-armored icon flapped its blade-like wings caused gales to rip through the streets beyond the dueling area. The light disappeared, leaving the brilliant creature to float down at its own pace. Its eyes lit up as it focused on the unworthy opponents in its view.
"The Winged Dragon of Ra (5000/5200) has risen…." murmured Yami. His voice could barely be heard amongst the midst of screams from Para and Dox.
"I pay all but one of my life-points…. To devote that power to God."
The incredible dragon roared, and when it did, the whole world quaked. The two brothers had fallen to their knees, staring up in awe at it; their Dark Guardian but a toy in comparison to that great beast (12399/12599).
"Your Shared Power…. I know of its effect. Both controllers take equal damage when the shared monster is destroyed. Therefore…. This duel is done."
Yami still looked distracted. He gestured vaguely towards the Dark Guardian. "Attack."
Letting out a massive roar, an arch of the dragon's back began glowing brightly. Slowly, a large golden sphere of energy began forming within the arch. The energy soon began to go down wire like structures into the dragon's mouth, causing a powerful golden glow to begin forming. Opening its jaws fully, the dragon spat the energy blast from its jaws, sending a golden beam straight at the heavily armored beast.
In the blink of an eye, the blast tore through the Dark Guardian, not even giving it a chance to roar in pain. The blast continued on, striking Para and Dox. They were both consumed, along with their monster. Even the extensions of Chaos were no match for the fathomless divine energy of the God. It continued on, ripping the entire building apart, and exposing Yami and Yugi to the unending black sky. When the blast finally ceased, Yami glanced down at the life-point counters.
(Dox: 0, Yugi: 6600, Para: 0, Yami: 1)
"And here we go…." muttered Yugi, as the air around them began to warp into a multicolored vortex. Before he had a chance to say another word, they were sucked into it, to be transported to whichever place in the Abyss Chaos' unpredictable dice willed them to.
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Panik and Jason stared each other down, unreadable looks on their faces. Jason had Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8 on his field, along with Clevonce and Spear Dragon, both in defense mode. Panik, though he had the life-point advantage, was limited to Dark Lucius LV6, and a now useless Dark Arena. Daniel stood calmly on the sidelines, a hand on the now silent Carla's head.
(Panik: 7100, Jason: 6150)
"It's my move!" declared Panik loudly. "I summon Dark Resonator (1300/300) in attack mode." A small malicious fiend materialized onto Panik's field. It was dressed like a shaman, with a ragged robe and a gray, spiked helmet. It eyes were a deep red, and it held a tuning fork in one hand, and a staff in the other.
"Then, I activate Shien's Spy, which allows me to shift control of one monster on my field to you. My choice is Dark Resonator." The malicious puppet cackled as it floated over to Jason's field, joining Horus, Clevonce and Spear Dragon.
"Lucius now attacks Dark Resonator!" Holding his sword in both hands, Lucius charged across the field, and slashed horizontally upon reaching the crazed fiend. He severed its head from its body, which hung in mid-air for a moment, before exploding into millions of tiny particles.
(Panik: 7100, Jason: 5750)
"Dark Resonator cannot be destroyed in battle, for one instance per turn," grinned Panik. "However, Dark Lucius LV6 allows me to negate the effect of a monster he destroys, therefore sending that pathetic monster to the abyss!"
"You wasted two cards to deal me simply four hundred points of damage," said Jason coldly. "Surely you do not consider me a fool. There was a greater purpose behind that maneuver."
"Mwuahahaha! You are correct! I set one card facedown and end my turn. Now, since I used its effect, I can send Lucius to the graveyard to special summon Dark Lucius LV8 (2800/900)!"
Dark Lucius vanished into a cloud of thick, dark smoke. From out of the cloud came the most frightening version yet. He looked like he was clothed in demonic, spike-studded plate armor, with four diabolic wings. He carried a two-handed sword that he was holding one-handed.
Jason looked up, but said still said nothing.
"Dark Lucius LV8 shall prove himself to be a worthy opponent for your Horus. Make your move Jason, and let us continue to see what little Carla's fate will be."
Jason drew. "When I have a Psychic monster in play, I may normal summon this level six monster without tributes. Come, Armored Axon Kicker (2200/1800)."
A tall man, outfitted with green armor, appeared on Jason's field. He wore a black helmet with a tinted visor, along with purple gauntlets. Long pipes were connected to the back of his helmet, shoulders, and elbows. In one of his hands, a sphere of translucent purple energy began to glow.
"Now, I switch Spear Dragon to attack mode. Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8 will lead the charge and destroy your Dark Lucius!"
The green dragon opened its mouth, and a sphere of black energy formed within its maw. With a roar, the ball of power burst out and plummeted towards the demon. The light seemed to be sucked into the ball as it continued on. For a moment, it seemed like the attack would succeed, but Panik reacted to save his skin with admirable speed.
"I activate the facedown trap card, Chaos Wormhole! This powerful card will suck your attack into another dimension and keep it there for a number of turns equal to half the level of the attacking monster. When its time is up, it will return and deal us both damage equal to half the attack points of the attacking monster!"
A spinning vortex appeared in front of Lucius, within which Jason could see an amalgam of colors and lightning. Horus' attack was sucked into it, and it soon closed, leaving only a speck of glimmering light, which split into five different specks, with four surrounding the original one. They ascended to the top of Panik's field.
Jason frowned. "Very well. I will set my final card facedown and end my turn."
"The first turn is already up," cackled Panik, as one of the specks of light disappeared. He drew, and looked back at Jason.
"I summon Desrook Archfiend (1100/1800) in attack mode." A sprawling creature materialized next to Lucius. At first, it looked like it was just the floating head of a demon, with most of the skin rotting and the flesh having been burnt away. Upon looking closer, one could see that it was actually a skull, with a little skin hanging off it, attached to long, bony tentacles tipped with spines.
"Then, Lucius will attack your Spear Dragon with Nightmare of Corruption!"
Lucius' body seemed to become hazy. Jason heard the distant scream of a woman, and the agonized cry of a man. Glass shattered, and explosions sounded. The Spear Dragon itself could not seem to stand the torment. It let out loud screeches as it flapped its wings for no particular reason. Lucius strode across the field, a dark smile on his face. While the Spear Dragon remained embroiled in the madness that had invaded its mind, it was decapitated by a single stroke of Lucius' blade.
(Panik: 7100, Jason: 4850)
"And what's more, any monster that is destroyed in battle by Dark Lucius LV8 is removed from play!" grinned Panik maliciously.
Jason's face continued to remain passive as he slipped his Spear Dragon into his pocket.
"Then I set two cards facedown and end my turn." One more speck of light disappeared above Panik's field.
Daniel shifted his gaze from one combatant to another. "Panik's stall tactics seem to be working at the moment. I don't understand what he's playing at though, by summoning Desrook Archfiend. It's a sitting target for Horus. He can't even benefit from its presence with Dark Arena, since Horus has negated it."
"I don't know what you're playing at," said Jason in a monotone. "But it does not matter. I will do nothing in my main phase, and instead choose to enter my battle-phase directly. Clevonce will attack Desrook Archfiend-…."
"I activate the facedown continuous trap card Skill Drain, which allows me to pay one thousand life-points to negate the abilities of every single monster in play!"
(Panik: 6100, Jason: 4850)
Jason quirked an eyebrow. "Intriguing. Now, Horus' negation ability becomes inactive, meaning your Dark Arena can be used freely."
"Especially since I have an Archfiend in play," sneered Panik. "I can now choose your attack targets. One by one, your monsters will charge towards their doom under the influence of Dark Arena. Clevonce will be first! Go on, command it to attack Dark Lucius LV8 and wander off into the netherworld!"
Jason suppressed a scowl as the floating yellow creature sped forward, its arms raised. Lucius quirked an eyebrow. He had been leaning on his sword prior to this, and almost immediatley, he shifted his weight onto his feet. In the same movement, he moved his sword from one hand to another, and in the process of doing so, slashed Clevonce in half. The yellow pixels that composed the two parts of its body remained floating in the air for a moment, before exploding.
(Panik: 6100, Jason: 3250)
"Your Armored Axon Kicker is next," drawled Panik.
Jason was openly scowling by the time the armored man charged helplessly towards Lucius, in the blind hope he would succeed where Clevonce failed. But Lucius stabbed him directly through the chest as if he were some sort of irritation, splattering the field with body fluids and sending shrapnels of metal flying in all directions.
(Panik: 6100, Jason: 2650)
"As for Horus, I will have him attack Desrook Archfiend."
Once again, Horus spat out a sphere of black energy towards the skull. As it neared, Panik spoke again.
"Then I activate my second trap card, Zero Gravity! This forces all monsters in play to change their battle positions, meaning the power of your Horus was just nullified!"
The sphere vanished, and Horus folded its wings around itself. Lucius raised his blade and kept one end flat against his palm.
"You have no choice but to end your turn!" declared Panik. "And since Horus has only twenty-five hundred defense points, I can easily destroy it with Lucius, and, if I draw a monster with at least sixteen hundred attack points, attack you directly and end this duel!"
Jason, as usual, did not seem worried at all. "I set a card and end my turn." The third speck vanished.
Panik drew aggressively. "This is the end for you, fool! I summon Terrorking Archfiend (2000/1500) in attack mode!"
A tall, regal figure emerged from the darkness. He wore bone-armor, and the skin uncovered by it looked like rotting flesh. Two, large, bony wings remained folded behind his back, just higher than his white helmet. His eyes were blood-red, and in both hands he held a long, spiked, bone sword. It was difficult to tell whether he or Lucius was the more dominant one.
"Now, I switch Lucius and Desrook Archfiend to attack mode. Lucius attacks Horus to clear your field for my win!"
The giant fiend charged across the field, raising his blade in the process. Jason spoke grimly.
"Command Silencer activates. I can negate one of your attacks, and in exchange, draw one card."
A large totem pole materialized on his field. It sent out a wave of sonic energy, stopping Lucius in his tracks.
Panik grunted. "Merely an annoyance. I end my turn." The final speck of light vanished, and the one in the middle began to expand again.
"Mwuhahahaha! Chaos Wormhole will now activate, dealing the both of us fifteen hundred points of damage!"
Jason spared a glance for Daniel and Carla, who was still whimpering in terror. He then looked back at Panik.
"I cannot allow that. I activate the quick-play magic card, Shock Absorber, which will convert any life-point damage that I would take this turn to life-point gain."
Panik's eyes widened as the vortex reappeared. A black sphere exited it and slammed into his middle, while Jason simply stood stock-straight as a silver mist wafted towards him, empowering him.
(Panik: 4600, Jason: 4150)
"We are more on even terms now," warned Jason, as he drew. "I activate Pot of Avarice. This allows me to send five monsters in my graveyard back to my deck, and draw two cards in exchange. I choose Psychic Commander, Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV4, LV6, Clevonce, and Armored Axon Kicker."
He looked over the two new cards he had drawn. "I activate the magic card, Psychic Storm. By removing any number Psychic monsters in my deck from play, I can destroy an equal number of magic or trap cards on your field. I only need to remove one, in order to destroy Skill Drain."
The translucent form that was Jason's Armored Axon Kicker materialized into play. It split into a cloud of golden gas, which swept over Panik's field, shattering the powerful continuous trap, and finally freeing up all monsters.
Panik grunted in dismay. Another big help provided by Skill Drain was that it prevented him from having to pay life-points for his Archfiends.
"Then I activate Emergency Teleport, in order to special summon a level three or lower Psychic type monster from my deck. I choose to call upon Teleki-Attacker (1700/700), who allows me to draw two cards when he is the only Psychic monster on the field, and I have no cards in my hand."
Surges of thunder scorched the ground, as a human-shaped being wearing a white, spherical helmet walked forward. It held its hands out, absorbing the lightning energies with its brown gloves, containing white, metallic finger slots. The being wore a faded-pink top, with a golden design of a thunderbolt on the front. Black pants went all the way down its skinny legs, and black boots with red straps on them covered its feet.
A dark, grim look graced Jason's face.
"I sacrifice Teleki-Attacker to use my normal summon for the turn: come, Overdrive Teleporter (2100/1200)."
As the Attacker vanished, an insane man in a blue trench-coat took his place. His hair was a bizarre purple, while golden designs were visible all over his clothes. His eyes were covered by a visor, while his entire body seemed to crackle wildly with electricity.
"This does not help you much," growled Panik.
Jason ignored him. "I pay two thousand life-points to activate Overdrive Teleporter's effect: I can now special summon two level three Psychic monsters from my deck."
He scowled slightly and shifted in discomfort as his life-point meter fell.
(Panik: 4600, Jason: 2150)
A rusted, golden-plated machine now rose to the field. It had wide, bulb-like, red eyes, with black centers; above the forehead was a half-transparent, dark-violet container, the being's brain visible inside of it. Two lightning-attracting bulbs were stationed on the sides of the horizontal, cylinder-shaped head. Two massive hands extended from the sides of the being's head, each containing a hexagon-shaped, light-violet diamond embedded at the centers of the palms (0/2200).
Next to it, a saucer-shaped formation made its presence known, designed with chrome metal and small antenna-like towers revolving around the base. Out of the top-center hatch emerged a green-army-dressed individual, with white gloves on its hands, and a black visor over its head. Four, glaring, red eyes could be seen from the visor. At the front of the saucer, a long, dark-metal cannon with a green barrel deployed (1400/800).
"I will use this effect to summon Mental Protector, in defense mode, and Psycho Commander."
"What next?" growled Panik. "Both are weak."
"Alone, perhaps," retorted Jason. "But once I'm finished, you will face the true power of the Psychics, one that will make you wish you never challenged me in the first place. I tune Psycho Commander with Overdrive Teleporter to call upon the most powerful Psychic monster ever created, the level nine Hyper Psychic Blaster (3000/2500)!"
Forming a pair of spheres, the two creatures began swirling together till finally the met one another and caused a brilliant white light to form onto the field. Stepping out of the light was a silver armored creature with a single teal colored electric eye and a striped line of teal running along its body.
On the creature's back was a pair of wings that were metallic and folded up. In each of the gray creature's hands was a blaster, with one being black in its right hand while the left one was gray. Both had wires hanging off of them that led back to the creature's waist and plugged into its body.
"Impressive monster," mused Panik.
"You have no idea," snarled Jason, showing some emotion for the first time in the duel. "Now, Horus will destroy your Dark Lucius LV8 once and for all!"
Roaring loudly, the dragon released a stream of black flames, which instantly engulfed the weaker demon. Lucius could put up no fight this time at all, and he was quickly burned up, leaving no traces of its existence.
(Panik: 4400, Jason: 2150)
"Now, it's Hyper Psychic Blaster's turn. I target Terrorking Archfiend."
Taking aim, the silver warrior fired both blasters, causing a teal colored beam to erupt from both barrels. The beams slammed into the zombie-like demon, vaporizing him almost instantly. They continued on and blasted Panik off his feet. The sound of his huge body hitting the ground was drowned out by the explosion caused as the beams continued forward and blew off one section of a mountain.
(Panik: 3400, Jason: 2150)
"Only your Desrook Archfiend remains," pointed out Jason. "So much for your army…."
He set his final card facedown. "My turn ends here."
Panik drew heavily, and grunted in pain. "Desrook Archfiend forces me to pay five hundred life-points per turn."
(Panik: 2900, Jason: 2150)
"I will switch Desrook Archfiend to defense mode, and set one monster facedown in defense mode. Then I place one card facedown and end my turn. I end my turn."
Jason drew. "I play Card of Demise. This allows me to draw five cards, but I must then discard my hand in five turns."
He looked over his fresh hand. "I sacrifice Mental Protector to summon Armed Dragon LV5 (2400/1700)."
Vanishing quickly, the Psychic monster was replaced instantly with a large dull grey armored dragon with orange skin. It had several large spikes sticking from its body, a pair of small drills sticking from its knees and elbows, powerful clawed fists, short stubby wings, and finally a strong mace shaped ball on its tail.
"I am not, however, finished," continued the Eagle duelist coldly.
"I play Level Up, sending Armed Dragon LV5 to the graveyard to special summon Armed Dragon LV7 (2800/1000) from my deck."
Glowing brightly, the orange and grey dragon vanished, causing a plume of smoke to rise up. From the smoke came a loud roar, followed by a bright glow. Soon enough, powerful clawed hands came out of the smoke, followed by metallic wings, a long tail with a cylindrical like mace on the tip, strong legs with drills sticking from it's legs, and finally followed by a strong head covered in semi-shiny metal armor that protected orange skin.
Panik had a sour scowl on his face, which only grew as Jason continued. "Finally, I sacrifice LV7 to summon Armed Dragon LV10 (3000/2000) from my deck: the most powerful Armed Dragon available to me."
His Armed Dragon LV7's rotator discs began to activate, spinning about and looking as though they could be unleashed at any time. The discs exploded, draping themselves over the now-massive dragon as protective armor, with metal spikes sticking out of its back. It now had long, thick, muscular red legs as well.
"Impressive…" muttered Panik. "All of your monsters have three thousand attack points."
"It is time for you to fall," said Jason coldly, pointing at Desrook Archfiend. "Armed Dragon LV10 attacks."
Stepping forward, the dragon pulled back its right arm and formed a sphere of red energy within it. Closing its fist around the sphere, the dragon moved forward another step and thrust all its power into the claw, before opening it wide to release the crimson, almost blood-like ball of energy. It let trails of fire lose as it slammed into the skull-like creature, frying it almost immediatley. Within seconds, only ashes remained.
"Then Hyper Psychic Blaster targets your facedown monster."
Taking aim, the silver warrior fired both blasters, causing a teal colored beam to erupt from both barrels. The beams slammed into the card, flipping it up to reveal a sandy-colored tortoise with a giant pyramid on its shell, and a diamond embedded in its head. It screeched softly before it was consumed by the waves of energy sent out by Jason's powerful Psychic monster, and completely destroyed.
"Mwuahahaha!" roared Panik. "You destroyed Pyramid Turtle (1200/1400), which allows me to special summon another a zombie monster from my deck with two thousand or less defense points. I choose another Pyramid Turtle!"
An amphibious creature that was identical to its predecessor appeared in its place.
Jason did not even take notice of it, but pointed to Hyper Psychic Blaster instead. "Hyper Psychic Blaster deals Piercing damage. If it does so, I gain an equal amount of life-points."
Panik felt a deep pain in his side, and he was forced down onto one knee, gripping his gut in agony.
(Panik: 1300, Jason: 3750)
"Finally, Horus will target your second Pyramid Turtle."
The gargantuan dragon spread its wings and took off into the air. It let out a roar, and in the process, coal-black flames began to form in its mouth once more. It let the wave lose, and the wide range of energy spread across Panik's field, incinerating the only monster that remained on it.
Panik grinned broadly against the dull pain that still remained from having taken Piercing damage by Hyper Psychic Blaster's effect. "I choose to special summon Vampire Lord (2000/1500) from my deck in attack mode!"
A caped man with blue hair, dressed in a sinister tuxedo, and with bats that were shining with electricity on their bodies from within his cape. He then threw his arms out and raised his cape up, and revealed bat-like wings growing form behind his shoulders.
Jason looked at the sinister, chuckling man with narrowed eyes. It was a card he had never particularly liked.
"I end my turn."
Panik drew, and continued looking at Vampire Lord. "Vampire Lord is the true master of the darkness…. And therefore, he is the center piece of what my Darkness deck revolves around. I two cards facedown. It is your move."
Jason drew. He had the definite advantage and he knew it. Even the spectators could tell that Panik was sorely outmatched. He possessed his Armed Dragon LV10, Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8 and Hyper Psychic Blaster, each with three thousand attack points, not to mention his four card hand. On the other hand, Panik had his Vampire Lord, and three facedown cards.
"The real duel is about to begin," hissed Panik as Jason pondered his move momentarily.
"Actually…. It is about to end," shot back Jason. He pointed towards the Vampire Lord.
"Armed Dragon LV10, destroy it now!"
Once more stepping forward, the dragon released a sphere of blood-red energy from its paw. The cackling vampire spread his arms out and watched in glee as it sped towards him. Just as it was about to hit, a swarm of bats erupted around him engulfing the that area of the field in complete darkness. Within seconds, the sphere had dissipated, and the bats then turned on the dragon, inflicting innumerable scratches and wounds upon it.
Jason raised an eyebrow. "I believe an explanation is necessary."
"I activated Undead Repulsion! This will negate an attack directed to a level five or higher zombie monster and subtract an amount from the attacking monster's attack points equal to Vampire Lord's level multiplied by three hundred."
The Armed Dragon LV10 (1500/2000) let out a small groan.
Jason frowned. "If that is the case…. Very well. Horus will complete the task started by Armed Dragon."
The towering dragon unleashed another wave of flames towards the vampire, who cackled once more.
"I activate Children of the Night!" roared Panik. "This allows me to special summon one level four or lower zombie-type monster from my deck in defense mode and make it the target of your attack! Zombie Werewolf (1200/1200)!"
A distant howl could be heard from the distance. Coming bounding into the cave from one of its deeper crevices was a bipedal, ragged wolf, with scraggly gray fur and a pair of green trousers. Its claws were each well over five inches long, while its eyes shown a deep yellow. It leapt into the path of Horus' flames, and was incinerated immediatley.
"When Zombie Werewolf is destroyed, I may special summon another from my deck, with five hundred more attack points!"
Another werewolf materialized into play (1700/1200), growling at its opponents. Jason did not react, even though he noticed this one was in attack mode. He could finish the duel right then and there by attacking with his Hyper Psychic Blaster.
"There must be something more to his move…. He could have chosen not to summon another Werewolf at all, and survived with three hundred life-points if I had destroyed Vampire Lord."
He stared down at Panik's facedown card. "I can be certain that his facedown card has something to do with this. If he wanted to use it to destroy one of my monsters, he would have been intelligent to choose Horus, as it is undoubtedly the biggest threat of all three. It cannot be monster removal, for he would have already used it. Could it negate my attack, perhaps? That is possible, considering he would then be left with two monsters on his field, and something to build on. But he still has no cards in his hand. Therefore, his primary concern would be to expand his resources. Not attacking would prevent him from doing so, but it would also give him the opportunity to stall further. It would be dangerous to do nothing about whatever he has left on his field. Therefore, it necessarily makes most sense to attack now."
"Hyper Psychic Blaster, attack his Zombie Werewolf and end this duel."
The tall monster unleashed a pair of teal columns of energy once more. Panik kept his face prone for as long as possible, but was unable to prevent a grin from breaking out.
"I activate my final trap card, Tribute Maneuver! I may sacrifice one zombie-type monster on my field in order to draw one card for every two of its level stars!"
Just as the blasts were about to hit, the wolf vanished, and the blasts struck the ground right next to Panik's feet, leaving a scorch mark. But his life-points were still untouched.
"I was correct," thought Jason. "He will have three cards to use next turn after his draw phase, not to mention Vampire Lord."
"So, there is nothing left for you to do now!" boomed Panik. "Do what you can now in your pathetic turn, and let me end this duel."
"Very well," replied Jason calmly. "I set one card facedown and end my turn then."
Panik drew, and began breaking out into deep, insane laughter. Carla squealed in terror and once more buried her face in Daniel's shoulder, while Jason looked on impassively.
"This is what I've been planning to do throughout the entire duel, Jason! You are well and truly finished! First, I will play Book of Life, which allows me to special summon one zombie-type monster from my graveyard and remove one monster in your graveyard from play at the same time! I will return Zombie Werewolf (1200/1200) and remove your primary Tuner, Clevonce (1200/400)!"
The howling werewolf erupted from the ground next to the Vampire Lord, writhing and snarling at the trio on Jason's field.
"Short of destroying Armed Dragon LV10 with Vampire Lord, you still hold no kind of advantage," replied Jason coolly.
"Very soon, I will hold the advantage of a body, while you will not!" roared Panik. "Then I normal summon Vampire Bat (800/800) in attack mode!"
A supersonic howl was heard from the darkness, and an undead version of the world's only flying mammal appeared from the darkness. Its wingspan was far greater than that of a normal bat, almost three feet wide. Its head was long, with rotting crimson flesh visible on a number of places underneath bone-colored skin.
"What's Panik playing it?" wondered Daniel silently. "He's pitting Vampire Lord and two of the weakest zombie monsters ever against Jason's powerful trio. I don't get this…."
"This ends now!" announced Panik, flipping his final card around. "Polymerization, activate!"
For the first time during the duel, Jason looked dumbfounded. "Poly…. Polymerization?!"
Each of the three monsters was struck by black lightning. The cave around them began to collapse as a cloud of darkness consumed the area. The sky was visible once more, but it was pitch-black, lit up only by the full moon, perched up too high among the clouds to make any real difference. The ground around them began to crack, and Carla's shrieks cut through the air like knives through butter.
"No, no, it's coming!" she screamed, beating against Daniel's chest in an attempt to run.
"What are you talking about?" he shouted as he tried to hold her. But the unbelievable horror in her voice did not lie. This was the beast that had caused the unthinkable slaughter that they had witnessed.
Panik had a look of reverence on his face that one could never have expected. "Lord of Nightmares…. King of Blood…."
Slivers of darkness were rushing in from all directions, and merging together to form a humanoid form.
"Rise from your slumber… And bring death to my foes…."
The beast had taken shape now, and was keeled over, covered in darkness. Slowly, it straightened up, revealing a hefty beast, over seven feet tall, with pale white skin. It was dressed in a heavy black cloak, and its eyes were a cold crimson. The nose was thin and almost unnoticeable over the cruel mouth, in which rows upon rows of razor sharp teeth were exposed when the creature smiled its cruel smile. It spider like-hands remained lose by its sides, while its pointed ears remained pricked, like those of a dog.
Jason was speechless.
"I summon thee, Dracula, the Immortal Vampire (3000/3000)!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Siegfried and Sylar continued to stare each other down, while the prone form of Joey Wheeler lay next to them, infected with so much venom that the only thing keeping him alive was the power of Siegfried's Shadow Game.
While Sylar had Cyber Venom – Overlord of the Land and Sea (2600/2400), which would gain two hundred attack points whenever it destroyed a monster, along with a facedown card, Sylar had Prime Material Dragon (2400/2000) in defense mode, and also a facedown card.
Sylar drew calmly. "Come, Cyber Venom – Neo Lizard Soldier (1800/1500)."
(Siegfried: 1900, Sylar: 5000)
A slightly humanoid monster appeared beside the gigantic lizard. However, it was covered from head to toe with shining, stainless steel spikes scales. Its chest seemed even more reinforced, with spinning buzzsaws on its shoulders, and a pair of glowing energy claws on its hands.
"This particular monster lacks an effect, but I am sure it will do just fine to send you to the Abyss. First, however, Overlord of the Land and Sea attacks Prime Material Dragon."
The mechanized lizard screeched and opened its mouth as the saws on either side began to whir at a ridiculously high frequency. Its razor sharp teeth glinted momentarily, before finally a wave of black energy erupted out in the direction of the unfortunate dragon, and incinerated it completely, reducing it to ashes in a matter of seconds.
"Cyber Venom – Neo Lizard Solider attacks you directly."
The bipedal reptile's shoulder chainsaws began to turn quickly. It was pacing about frantically prior to this, but then it charged across the field like it was being pursued by Obelisk the Tormentor himself. Siegfried braced himself, but the pain as the creature just slammed right into him was unbelievable. The saws ripped through the expensive material of his shirt, leaving large wounds on his shoulders. He roared in pain and anger, and was just able to free himself by kicking the beast in its chest with all his demonic strength.
(Siegfried: 100, Sylar: 5000)
"You have on hundred life-points left now, demon," continued Sylar darkly. "It would be wise of you to surrender."
Siegfried was down on one knee, panting hard. But the moment he heard Sylar's words, he looked up sharply, a piercing glare visible in his eyes.
"I will never surrender to the likes of you," he spat, staggering upwards, and trying to ignore the searing agony through his wounds.
Sylar fixed him with an emotionless look. "I place a facedown card. Then my turn ends."
Siegfried looked down at his deck. If he didn't draw Blade Knight, the duel would end right then and there. Neo-Yormungarde's effect would deal him four hundred points of damage and end the duel. He couldn't remember the last time he had been in this kind of situation…. And frankly, he wished it had never come down to this.
Frowning, he finally drew. He didn't look at the card at first, and considered his options. Even if he did draw Blade Knight, he was in for trouble anyway, considering he had one hundred life-points remaining. If he didn't, it would simply end right then and there. In a way, not too much was hinging on this draw, because while his stubborn determination drove him on, regardless of the circumstances, logic stated his chances had nearly been exhausted. Sure, he could make a few smart plays and last a few more turns, but other than miracle draws; he was only delaying the inevitable. However, he refused to let himself believe that.
They looked back at each other for a moment, before Siegfried flipped the card around. It was Blade Knight (1600/1000).
Sylar snarled in disgust. "That was one of the most pathetic things I have ever seen! Like the fool that you are, you let your life depend on simple luck, and pulled through because of it! But those you allow fortune to determine their paths can never prosper. You may have drawn the card to intermit the end of your life for a few more minutes, but your end is approaching regardless. I have reached the point where I understand how true this is: the individual who allows his own destiny to slip from his fingers for even one second is allowing is walking into the jaws of death, allowing the predators to swoop in and pick him apart."
Siegfried looked him in the eye, and spoke in a soft, cold voice.
"Your words mean nothing. Make all the speeches you wish, if you are unable to back them up with your cards, they mean nothing. I back up my words with not only the moves I make, but also the sweat on my brow, the steel of my will, and the blood in my veins. I will die before allowing you to continue with your demented plans, Horseman."
"Very well then, demon," growled back Sylar. "Let us see whose will is stronger."
"Indeed," replied Siegfried as he placed a card calmly on his Duel Disk. "Pot of Greed." His eyes widened at the cards he had drawn.
Then he spoke once more. "Blade Knight (1600/1000), rise up now!"
A metallic-blue-armored warrior with a curved and thick sword rose onto the field. He wore a protective, knight-like helmet with a diamond-shaped and closed visor. He had blue, double-layered shoulder pads, and his black-gloved hands grasped his almost glowing sword, and a gray and black shield. The sword had a red handle, with a green and circular gemstone embedded at the center of it. The warrior had diamond-shaped, blue, metal kneepads, and black velvet-like pants, leading to his blue-colored and metal boots.
Sylar simply watched the new monster silently, as it sized up the Emperor of Land and Sea and Neo Lizard Soldier.
"Then, I activate a card which will signal the end of your conquest today, Horseman. Legendary Weapon – Thunder Claws!"
There was an eruption of light over Siegfried's field in the blackness of the generator room. For the first time, Sylar seemed rather out of his depth by the new development. Lightning was crackling so violently across the ground that it seemed as if it was going so split beneath them and send the pair into the void below. However, it all began to coalesce towards the Blade Knight's hands, which were also vibrating at an insane frequency. A pair of glowing gloves had formed on them, with long, electrical claws on each finger as well.
"Legendary… Weapon?" muttered Sylar.
Siegfried nodded. "Each of the Demon Lords holds a unique weapon from ancient times. They have incomparable power, and have also been made into cards. Thunder Claws boosts the attack points of my monster by three thousand, meaning it's more then enough to exterminate either one of your monsters."
The Blade Knight (4600/1000) looked back across the field at the duo mechanical reptiles. Sylar frowned. Evidently he had not factored that Siegfried could possess a card of such epic power.
"Blade Knight…. Attack his Overlord."
The knight raised his sword, and a huge pulse of electricity shot into it from his claws. Soon, the entire sword was crackling with small sparks of lightning. It tensed its leg muscles, and shot off across the field. The Overlord roared in reply, and was about so spit out a wave of energy back at it, but the knight reached first, slashing his blade in an arc, with the reptile's head in its path. Normally, the sword would have been stopped in its tracks by the metallic plates, but due to the enhanced power provided by the Legendary Weapon, the mechanical beast's head rolled to the side as its attacker landed in a crouch behind it. Then, its body exploded.
(Siegfried: 100, Sylar: 3200)
The Third Horseman was momentarily speechless. He had truly not expected this to occur.
"There's a lot more where that came from," snapped Siegfried as the Blade Knight returned to his field and sheathed its blade.
"I set one card and end my turn."
Sylar seemed to have regained his cool, expressionless exterior. He drew calmly, and looked Siegfried in the eye.
"You are going to die, demon."
"Why are you doing this?" pressed his opponent, a look of frustrated exhaustion creeping into his features. "What could they have possibly done to you that you are willing to go to such lengths to punish these individuals?!"
Sylar paused, and considered carefully. "Perhaps you may understand…. The others are humans, meaning they are a part of a pathetic, weak and selfish race. You, on the other hand, are a demon. You can look at humanity from an angle that others cannot…. Indeed, you may be able to grasp my purpose here."
Siegfried was stopped in his tracks there.
Sylar continued. "I am no longer human myself. I am a shadow, a specter having returned under the will of Apocalypse. I have a physical form, yes, but that is the only thing human about me. The one thing that drives me is revenge. It brings me as close to truly living as I possibly can after having died once already. Forcing the soul of another into one's body is a dangerous process, and it left me scarred, possibly as close to the suffering I experienced here in my days of being a human as possible. Without my purpose, even this imitation of life would be worthless. Vengeance is what drives me; it is what generates the energy within my heart to pump blood throughout this body. Perhaps you may understand, as a demon, you seem almost as detached from humanity as I am.
"Even so, I can understand how you think. You, as well as the other demons, still wish this fate on another. You see the power you hold as a cruel aberration of nature, you resent it, you hate it, and yet you use it. You would still give it all up to live a 'normal' life. That is what makes you truly foolish."
Siegfried snarled in anger.
"You cannot hope to possibly understand me!"
"But I do," taunted Sylar, watching the growing anger on his opponent's face with a sense of cold sadism. "I do, demon, more than you could possibly understand. Because we are both the same. Neither of us are humans, and neither of us can ever be treated like them. They are a cruel, selfish, and frightened race, and hate all that they cannot understand. They may be embracing you for your power at the moment, but one day, they will turn you out like a dog and hunt you down so that you will be unable to use your power against them."
"I am not like you!!" roared Siegfried, stamping his foot on the ground. His eyes blazed red.
"Deny it all you wish!" shouted back Sylar. "But you know it is true. Look at them: they can't even protect members of their own race. In my previous life, I was an innocent young man called Tristan Taylor. I sacrificed my life in an attempt to save one of my supposed allies from the God of Death, Anubis. And what happened to me? Anubis incinerated my mortal body in front of the Pharaoh and his allies, and they simply watched as if it didn't matter to them. They mourned me momentarily, and forgot all about it, as if I had never existed. If it is possible for humans to be so disloyal to their own kind, how do you think they would treat an outcast such as yourself? Demonkind have forever been forced to live like savages, and have been treated like the scum and parasites of society. How can a race such as humans be allowed to continue dominating our existence, enforcing their will on other races, when at the same time they cannot even co-operate among themselves? That is why I have embraced my role as an agent of Apocalypse, for only through the utter destruction of mankind can such evil ever be stopped."
"You are a fool!" spat Siegfried. "Do you truly believe you can justify the destruction of uncounted trillions of life-forms across the Universe by the crimes of a tiny percentage of humans on this planet?"
"I am not required to justify myself to anyone!" screamed Sylar. "You are a fool, a member of a race of savages who cannot even grasp the suffering his own kind are being forced to undergo. If you persist in your stand to defend humans even under the circumstances, the only punishment suitable for such foolishness is death! And I will be the excecutioner…."
"If that is your aim…" muttered Siegfried. "You will have to get past my Blade Knight."
"And I shall," retorted the Horseman, "by playing Card of Sanctity."
Both players immediatley drew till they held six cards. Sylar had a grim look on his face.
"Perhaps I was mistaken. I am not your executioner… Rather, that role belongs to a monster I am going to call upon. I play Reptilian Proliferation."
The Neo Lizard Soldier on his field began to glow, and transformed into a ball of energy. This one was split down the middle into two, which immediatley transformed into two smaller versions of the reptilian warrior (900/0) (x2).
"By sacrificing one level four or lower reptile monster in play, I may then special summon two tokens of the same name onto my field, with half the attack points of the original and zero defense points. These monsters will have no effect, but I do not need them to. My purpose is to use them as sacrifices for a greater being…."
The two monsters melted into a pool of crimson liquid which slowly spread across Sylar's entire field. It began to bubble.
"Rise, Vennominon the King of Poisonous Snakes (0/0)!"
Slowly, rising up from the liquid while it ran down his body was a creature with a golden helmet shaped like a snake with a face that had a green mask that covered all but his mouth. On his shoulders was a green set of robes that looked like a snakes head. On each shoulder was a golden snake facing one another, and a dark pink cape draped down his back. His arms and hands were made up of numerous snakes, each hissing loudly. Below his waist, a black robe stood open, revealing a green snake tail with a white underbelly. The creature let out a small snicker, as if mocking the monsters on the field.
"Zero attack points?!"
"Vennominon gains five hundred attack points for every reptile-type monster in my graveyard. I possess six."
The monarch of reptiles (3000/0) roared at the knight that stood opposite him. It was still, however, a whole lot weaker.
Before Siegfried could point this out, Sylar continued. "Then I activate the field magic card, Cyber Venom Power Plant."
There was a flash of light, and the dark generator room around them vanished. They were now surrounded by a tropical rainforest, at least what remained of it. A few leafy trees were left standing, but the wood was rotten and the vegetation looked half-dead. Most of the space was taken up by huge, iron factories, with towering chimneys erupting out into the sky from various points. Noxious black gases were spouting out from them, and a line of creatures was visible going into the doors of one of the factories. Looking closer, Siegfried recognized them as monsters from the game: specifically, reptiles from the game. Armored Lizard, Overlord of the Land and Sea, Yormungarde…. All of them were visible. They looked depressed and distant. The mechanical guards that stood along the line at various points had little to do.
To the far side of the plant was a tall, futuristic, corporate building. It had the characters 'CV' emblazoned across its front.
"In this world, all reptile or machine monsters gain five hundred attack points, and all reptiles are treated as machines and vice-versa."
"I fail to see how that helps you," said Siegfried wearily. "Your King (3500/0) is still nine hundred points short."
"Actually, it is twenty-four hundred attack points stronger than necessary," replied Sylar coldly. "Limiter Removal, activate."
Siegfried gasped as Vennominon (7000/0) let out a loud roar.
"Your Blade Knight dies," whispered Sylar.
Vennominon raised his hands, and the orange snakes visible on them hissed before opening their jaws and letting lose a spray of orange acid together. A storm of the corrosive liquid erupted towards the Blade Knight. It seemed like it was going to end right then and there, when Siegfried reacted by pressing a button on his Duel Disk.
"I activate Draining Shield, which will negate your attack and add an amount to my life-points equal to your monster's attack points!"
A wave of golden energy swept over his field, allowing the orange acid to splash harmlessly against it. Energy flowed into Siegfried's body, empowering him, giving him confidence, and increasing his life-points beyond Sylar's for the first time in the duel.
(Siegfried: 7100, Sylar: 3200)
Sylar did not comment. He placed one card facedown, and nodded, indicating the end of his turn.
Siegfried looked triumphantly at his opponent. "That was a foolhardy move. Now, Limiter Removal will destroy Vennominon, ensuring that Blade Knight's path to your life-points will be unobstructed."
As he spoke, the king of snakes let out a pained roar, and exploded. The liquid still on Sylar's field caught fire, sending his entire field into a blaze of sickly yellow flames. Sylar's eyes seemed to take on a similar color.
"I told you…. Your name was written in the Book of the Dead when you accepted this duel… You can choose not to believe me, but you were living on borrowed time, and I am here to collect that debt. Activate, Rise of the Snake Deity!"
Slowly rising up out of the crimson liquid upon this declaration was a female monster with cobalt blue snakes for hair, a golden head piece with a green emerald in it on her forehead, two glowing red eyes with no mouth visible, a large golden necklace around her neck with a green emerald hanging off of it, two red spots covering her breasts completely, twin twisted thick cobalt blue snake arms with red eyes and large fangs, and a long cobalt blue tail with a yellow underbelly. The flames caused her sillhouetes to cast a long shadow across the entire area.
"This is Vennominaga, the Deity of Poisonous Snakes (0/0). She is summoned from my deck by the effect of Rise of the Snake Deity when Vennominon is destroyed."
"Zero again…" breathed Siegfried.
"Her first effect is identical to Vennominon. She gains five hundred attack points for every reptile in my graveyard, and will be boosted an additional five hundred due to Cyber Venom Power Plant."
The god of reptiles (4000/0) hissed at Blade Knight, who was now barely stronger than her.
"I fail to see where you are going with this," muttered Siegfried. "But I assure you, it will not work. Blade Knight is still by far the stronger monster, and that will remain so. In fact, I now summon Vorse Raider (1900/1200) in attack mode."
A thick, tan, and bulky beast erupted onto the field, wielding a dark-chrome and pointed axe. It had vicious, yellow teeth, and equally disturbing, red eyes. Its war helmet barely contained the large, white horns on its head's tip.
"Now, by the effect of Legendary Weapon – Thunder Claws, I may sacrifice one monster in play and add its attack points to Blade Knight. I will do just that, sending Vorse Raider to the graveyard in order to send Blade Knight to levels of power few have even dreamed of."
The beast-warrior vanished into a sphere of energy, which floated towards the knight's chest. He raised his sword once more in triumph as his entire body began to crackle with energy (6500/1000).
"You have committed crimes that cannot be forgiven. For that, I am forced to put an end to your madness," snarled Siegfried. "And Blade Knight will take me as close to doing that as possible! Attack his Deity with Thunder Claws!"
Once more, the knight drew its blade and leapt into the air, going straight for Vennominaga. This time, however, it was Sylar's turn to react at unbelievable speed.
"Activate, Offerings to the Executioner. By paying life-points in multiples of one thousand, I may increase the attack points of one monster on your field by the same amount. However, it may not attack during the current battle phase. I pay three thousand in order to grant your Blade Knight that many more attack points."
Just as the knight was about to land on Vennominaga and drive his sword into her head, he struck a barrier of invisible energy. His sword bounced off it like a toothpick of a sheet of metal, and he was thrown back to Siegfried's field (9500/1000).
Siegfried's eyes widened. "Why would you ever do something like that? You just made my Blade Knight invincible."
Sylar ignored him.
Siegfried frowned. "I end my turn."
The Third Horseman of Apocalypse drew calmly. "The duel is over. Your fate is sealed."
"You will have to more than double your monster's attack points to back up that statement," fired back Siegfried, "so I'm not really worried."
Sylar slid a card into the magic/trap card zone of his Duel Disk. "I activate the magic card Cyber Venom Infiltration. First, I must select one reptile or machine monster, and one monster on your field. If your monster's attack points are higher than mine, then mine will be allowed one additional attack every turn for every thousand attack points by which your monster is stronger than it."
Siegfried ran the calculation through his head. "That will give Vennominaga six attacks this turn."
"Indeed," said Sylar in his monotone. "I equip Vennominaga with Bliss of Silence. Now, she will be able to attack you directly, but the battle damage dealt will be reduced to one thousand."
"Six attacks…." Siegfried's eyes widened. He would be dealt six thousand points of damage. Enough to survive, but it would be painful.
"Every time Vennominaga deals you battle damage, she gains one Hyper Venom counter. When she has three, I win the duel."
Siegfried froze, and his breathing began to slow. "It's over, then."
"Vennominaga, attack him directly." The snake deity raised her arms, and the snakes on each arm began to charge up orange energy in their mouths.
Siegfried bowed his head. "I am sorry, Joseph. I failed."
Simultaneously, the two snakes released a wave of orange flames. It spewed over his field, consuming it. Even though the Blade Knight's armor kept him unharmed, Siegfried could be seen collapsing to his knees within the fire. But it continued, one more time. Siegfried could hardly breathe, let alone think or speak. When the final burst of flames came, he hit the floor, prone.
(Siegfried: 0, Sylar: 3200)
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Ah well, hope you enjoyed it. I'm really sleepy, so there's not much else to say. Hope to see all you guys again soon!
Oh, yeah. I just want to say that this chapter is dedicated to the victims of 9/11. It's been eight years, and even though the State Department of the US has not brought the perpetrators to justice, and most people have forgotten about it, my heart goes out to the victims and their families. I do believe that as a country, the US has come through it spectacularly and gone back to life as normal. God Bless America. God Bless us all.