Al Minyā Governorate, Egypt
Under the blazing sun, the labor of the hired men were having to put extra effort even in the simplest of tasks. Despite the advanced materials, most of the sorting still had to be done by hand, a task made harder by the winds that kept blowing.
Wallace emerged from his tent, holding in his hand a pair of fragments of stone. The sunglasses hid his eyes, and despite the water bottle which he held by his side, the heat was starting to get to him. Walking by the trench, he yelled out to the foreman bellow.
"How are we doing over there?"
"Pretty good. We've uncovered something you really need to see."
He climbed up the makeshift wooden ladder, and the two men returned to their tent. The foreman whipped his face of sweat, and placed an object on the table. It was a stone plate, roughly five by two inches. It's surface was uneven, and though it was hard to tell, writing was still distinguishable. Turning it around, he found fine carvings on it.
"Doesn't look like Egyptian to me." said Wallace.
"I don't think it is. Looks like Akadian. Maybe even older."
Wallace picked up a lens and looked closer. The lines were indeed writings. On the back, it had a detailed picture of a sun setting into an ocean.
"What you make of it?"
"Well, it's old. And non-Egyptian."
"I can tell that. What do we do with it? Do we send it to Industrial Illusions, or do we keep it here?"
The man remained focused on the plate. Though it was still only circumstantial, the size resembled roughly a Duel Monsters card.
"I think we better keep this to ourselves for now." He suggested.
"Anything wrong?"
"No. It's just…I remembered something. Something I've been trying to forget for months now."
"Care to tell me?"
"It wouldn't do any good. And you wouldn't believe it anyways." He replied, as they walked to the door of the tent.
The man next to Wallace rubbed his eyes, before using his own sun glasses. Though feint, he was still able to notice a point next to one of the dunes. Then a second, third, and finally, a group of ten had gathered in a semicircle, about two hundred meters away. All rode on horses.
"Looks like the new hired hands are here. Guess it's true what they say, those people are so poor, they can't even afford a car."
The group continued it's gallop for about sixty meters, then split into two, five riders each, advancing from both sides. They were now close enough to tell the shapes. Each rider was masked, wearing sandy colored robes, with only their eyes visible. One extended his arm, and to Wallace's shock, he was holding a hand grenade. He threw it, landing in one of the trucks. A loud explosion followed, as metal and wood flew in all directions. Wallace ran back in his tent, picking up the tablet from the ground, as his companion rushed out. Confused screams followed, mixed with sporadic explosions, as the hired workers were running for their lives. A volley of bullets shredded the top of the tent, forcing Wallace to crawl out. One of the riders had a tommy gun. He turned in his saddle, before shooting against several crates of material. Wallace remained next to the floor, behind a torn piece of tent. The shooting began to calm, as the riders gathered in a circle. One of them removed the head covering, revealing a tan girl, no more than twenty. Her short black hair was adorned by several amber beads. He couldn't tell the language she spoke, but judging by the tone, she was clearly giving commands.
Pulling back the reigns of the horse, she yelled out to the others, and they rode of in single file. Wallace looked up from the tent covering. Most of the camp was destroyed. The dug pits were either collapsed, or filled with materials. From around the ruins, shaken forms began to emerge. The hired hands knelled in prayer, and the Industrial Illusions representative was tempted to do the same.
CHAPTER 36
Ramallah Hotel,
12:30 AM
The breeze of the air conditioner made the room temperature decent. At least for a good rest. Yasmin was on her back, sleeping soundly, covered by a transparent sheet. The street was quiet, and from the fifth floor window, most of the old buildings seemed like toy building blocks.
A feint screetch came from the direction of the window. A thin blade cut through the glass in a circle, and a hand slipped inside, opening the handle in silence. The person wore a rough course fabric around him, sandy in color. With grace, it landed on the floor, drawing closer to the bed. The footsteps didn't reach Yasmin, as the stranger approached her.
Stopping next to the bed, the person reached to his side, pulling out a sharp scimitar. The blade briefly flashed in the light coming from outside, before it fell.
0 0 0 0 0 0
Shafi reached for his deck to place it in his duel disk, when two cards fell from his hand. Damn, I'm getting too old for this. He kneeled, picking them up, when he felt a sharp wind by his ear. It took about two seconds to realize that an arrow had just slipped by him, impaling itself in the table leg. He turned around, just fast enough to catch the window shatter, as a masked attacker leaped in. He had a spear gun in his hand, and Shafi managed to avoid the second dart just in time, by diving to the left.
The attacker dropped the gun, charging against the Magi, just as Shafi was desperately trying to get to his feet, still half dizzy. The attacker kicked him in the back, before throwing him against the wall. His boot struck the floor, seconds before Shafi had rolled away, avoiding the hit. He struck the attacker in the kneecap, forcing him to the ground. The two men struggled, their bodies tied in a desperate struggle for life. The man's hand was slowly chocking the Magi. Shafi's vision was a field of green and red stars. He slowly reached for the man's wrist, and began to squeeze it. Under his grip, the bones snapped, and the man roared in pain, letting go.
Both pulled back, trying to come up with a plan. Shafi reacted first. He pushed the table against his opponent, making him collapse. He struck his face twice, and the masked man remained motionless. Shafi reached for the rags that covered his head and pulled them off. It was a simple man, about the same age as he. His eyes were semi-close, and his breath stagnate.
Shafi dropped the rags, as one thing entered his mind. Yasmin, I'm coming.
0 0 0 0 0 0
The girl's eyes opened in shock, as the blade fell. She rolled aside, as the blade struck the pillow, sending puff flying in all directions. The assailant raised the sword again, and Yasmin rolled aside, falling from the bed. The attacker leaped over the bed, narrowly missing, and the woman was forced to retreat against the wall.
Her attacker made one more swipe, the sword slashing the wall. Yasmin dropped down, and before the attacker could react, her fist struck his crotch. The cream of pain was muffled by the scarf he wore, and a second blow to the stomach send him flying on his back.
"Shafi, come quick!" she screamed, as the attacker made one more attempt to strike her down.
Yasmin grabbed a chair, using it to block the blow. The sword flew from his hand, landing next to the door, just as Shafi made his entrance, holding the spear gun he had stolen from the other attacker.
"Don't move!" he shouted, advancing with the weapon raised.
The man's eyes opened in terror. And before Shafi could react, he jumped back through the window, landing on the green covering over the lawn. He rolled down, running into the narrow streets.
The two Magi looked down, then to each other. Shafi quickly looked at her, checking for wounds.
"Are you fine?"
"Barely. Who was that?"
"Whoever it was, he didn't come alone. There's still one in my room."
They returned to the scene of the first attack. The man was still on the floor, groaning in pain. He saw them entering, and crawled against the closet door in fear. Shafi went to him, grabbed him by the collar, and threw him on the couch.
"Who send you? Talk!"
The man was still in shock. His lips moved, trying to find a coherent answer.
"I asked a question. And you better provide an answer."
"I only serve the Magi!" he stammered.
Yasmin gave her partner a puzzled look.
"We are Magi, you moron." Retorted Shafi.
The attacker looked puzzled.
"That's not what they said. You're not one of us. Just reanimated corpses!"
"How do you know that?" demanded Yasmin.
"Word travels fast among us. Your last adventure in Persia cost our clan dearly!"
"Lahab's dead. And you have no excuse for treating us like that!"
"Hey, I was just following orders. See to the destruction of the rogues."
"Whose orders?"
"Our chieftain. She says that once you're infected by that sort of magic, you can't be trusted!"
"Then we'll just have to sort things out. Where is she?"
The silence made it clear he was not willing to tell anyone. Shafi grabbed him once again.
"Where did your partner go?"
"You will not catch him."
"We'll see. In the meantime, you'll wait here like a good boy." Replied Shafi, taking out a roll of duck tape and a pack of sleeping pills.
0 0 0 0 0 0
Most of the remaining night was spend driving around town, checking for any signs of the attacker. And despite the fact he knew that the chances of finding him were close to null, Shafi still had hopes.
The idea of his own people turning against him had never crossed his mind. His whole world was now seemingly a pool of uncertainty. If he couldn't trust the ones with whom he had made an oath to defend the true king, whom could he trust.
Yasmin seemed to share his concerns, though she preferred to keep a reserved attitude. She observed the people through the glass. All seemed identical. All oblivious to the war going on around them.
"This is useless. We're not going to find him, not in a town like this."
"We have to keep trying. He's the last lead we have."
Yasmin looked at him.
"Shafi, why would they do this to us?"
"I don't know. It must be a mistake. No Magi clan has the right to attack another. And I would imagine that we can find more answers if we can talk to that leader of theirs."
Shafi pressed the breaks, pulling up to a small pub.
"You want to have a drink?" asked Yasmin.
"No. I think I've just seen a friend of ours." He replied, pointing to the table next to the window.
The atmosphere inside the large room was rather electrifying. Most of the people were men in their thirties and forties, gathered around a black and white TV, watching a Duel Monsters game in progress. Shafi made his way to the corner table, and tapped the man on the shoulder.
"Hey Wallace, remember us?"
The man looked at him puzzled, before his eyes opened in shock. He jumped from his seat, knocking the cup of tea he was serving. Shafi grabbed his sleeve, and pulled him back.
"Let me go you kooks! I'm not going through that again!"
"Calm down, you're safe with us!"
"Like hell I am! You think I forgot our last meeting? Live monsters, flying…things, hired hitmen! I don't think there's a normal bone in your body!"
"You would be right about that." Chuckled Shafi. "Now please, we need to talk some things."
"What things?" he asked nervously.
"For starters, why are you back here?"
"You know me, I can't stay away from an ancient dig for long. I got my job back, so I was send here to test some rather strange theories."
"Such as?"
"Well, I was going to figure it out, but then we were attacked. By people who looked just like the guys you were with back in that cave."
"Magi?" asked Yasmin.
"How should I know what they call themselves? They trashed our camp and scattered the workers. Thank God no one was killed."
"It makes no sense. Magi never attack without provocation. Are you sure you didn't do anything there?"
"Hey, I don't go into the middle of the desert to seek out all the weirdos. We were just digging." Protested Wallace, rubbing his forehead.
"Digging for what?" asked Shafi
Wallace reached in his pocket, and took out a small stone tablet. The two Magi looked closely at it.
"What should this be?"
"The first Duel Monsters cards. This one looks like it could come as far back as 700 BC."
"Doesn't look like any Egyptian artifact I've ever seen." Said Shafi, analyzing the markings.
"It's not. It's Sumerian. See this here, it's the symbol of the goddess Lamastu, consort of the storm got Pazuzu. The story goes she takes delight in killing unborn or little children."
"And why would that be important?"
"Well, for several reasons. It shows that Duel Monsters was played in Babylon. And that they learned it from the Egyptians. Kind of like a multinational corporation. Such a shame I can't continue my research."
"Then can you take us to the dig site?"
"Forget it! I'm packing my stuff, and leaving tomorrow. Why would I want to get involved into another crazy mess with you people?"
"Because the same people who attacked you, attacked us. If we solve the problem, you'll be able to continue your work." Said Shafi in a sly tone.
0 0 0 0 0 0
"I don't know how I keep getting in these messes." Groaned Wallace, as the car went over yet another bump.
"Must be natural charm." Chuckled Yasmin, handing him a flask of water.
The man thanked her and drank, then pointed to a sand dune.
"There. Drive of the road, and around that. The site is just beyond it."
Shafi swung the wheel, sending a cloud of sand into the air. The car's wheels dug into the sand, making each advance harder and harder. Wallace held firm to his seat, groaning in discomfort. As the car turned around the dune, the site came into view. Most of the tents had been swallowed by the sands, and equipment was scattered for dozens of meters. Shafi pulled over to a group of pillars, and the three came out.
"Not much left."
Wallace went to a spot where the poles of a tent could still be seen. Digging into the sand, he managed to pull out a laptop. Despite the scratches, he realized it could still run.
"Hey, it still works."
Shafi gave no reply. He was searching through the ruins, along with Yasmin.
"It just makes no sense. Even if the attack was done by Magi, why? What can they have to gain from here?"
"Good question. Maybe it's a case of mistaken identity. Or our friend knows more than he's letting out."
"Can't be that. He's sincere enough, and lacks the courage to get involved into stuff like this."
"Then maybe it has something to do with this." Said Shafi, taking out from his pocket the small stone tablet.
"When did you get that?"
"I'm still smart enough to steal if I need to. Give me the Auromer please."
"What for?"
"I just need to figure out something."
Shafi held the crystal amulet over the tablet. The usual black color of the stone turned orange, then bright yellow. The sand around them vibrated, and one of the pillars began to crumble. Shafi's body trembled uncontrollably, and he spread his arms, breaking the connection.
"What on earth…"
"I think we just found the source of our disturbance."
"How can that be? What purpose does this tablet serve anyways?"
"I don't know. But we better hold on to this." Suggested Shafi, placing it in his pocket. "Wallace, come here." he shouted.
"Coming." he panted, running through the sand. "What's the problem?"
"We need to get you out of here. There may be more to the attack than we know at this time.:"
"That's fine by me. I've had enough of this place. And of these damn artifacts. What's so important about them anyways?"
"Well, if this is how you feel about it, why not let me relieve you of that burden?" replied a voice from behind them.
They turned, finding a bald man in his forties, wearing a light grey pair of trousers, and a shirt of the same color, unbuttoned at the top.
"Who are you?" demanded Yasmin.
You can call me Katchinsky. Leon Katchinsky. And I can't help but overhear your conversation, mr…"
"Wallace." Concluded the archeologist.
"Right. Wallace. Since you seemed so burdened by your find, why not lay your soul to rest, and give it to me."
"Sure, I've had enough of…" he searched through his pockets. "What the heck, it's gone!"
He turned to Shafi, who though did not say anything, his gaze said it all.
"You stole it? How could you do that?" he demanded.
"It was for your own good. And besides, you shouldn't give gifts to strangers."
Leon smiled, and pointed to his left.
"If not a stranger, than maybe an older friend."
Shafi looked, and saw Rossler coming from behind one of the pillars. That however didn't bother him as much as the fear that overwhelmed him at the sight of the young man next to him.
"Dimitri." He said in a tone mixed with fear and sadness.
"Glad to see you still have a memory." Grinned Rossler, raising his hand to show his missing finger.
"Still sore about that one?"
"Not anymore. And as you can see, I have a whole new set of allies. Now hand the plate over!"
"If you want it, then duel me for it."
"That would take too much time." Interrupted Dimitri, stepping forward.
He extended his hand, and an invisible force gripped Shafi, raising him in the air. The Supreme King looked with the interest of a scientist ready to dissect a frog. Yasmin took out her own duel disk, preparing to summon a monster, but was caught in the same grip.
"How powerless. And yet how determined. Two bodies raised in mercy, here to stop the inevitable."
"There is no destiny. You should know that better than me!" replied Shafi.
"Destiny is a matter of perspective." Replied Dimitri, as the stone plate flew from Shafi's coat into his hand. He threw it to Leon, and the man caught it.
"Read it for us."
The man took a pair of round glasses from his pocket, and began to trace his fingers along the surface.
"Shed pure blood, satisfy the hunger of Lamastu." Concluded the man.
"Pure blood?" asked Rossler.
"Virgin blood." Added Leon, walking to Dimitri.
"Then that leaves me out." Said the king.
"Same here." added Rossler.
Dimitri turned to Yasmin. The girl remained petrified, as she sensed the frightful aura around the young duelist. Dimitri raised his hand, and with one stroke, slapped her face. Blood spurted from her nose, staining his hand.
"My my, still a virgin at your age. But then again, who would want to have sex with a reanimanted corpse anyways."
"Go and die you bastard!" she screamed.
Dimitri ignored her. He rubbed the blood against the stony surface, and the plate began to sparkle. In moments, it was a regular Duel Monsters card, black in color. At the same time, his own deck reacted, strong winds tearing what remained of the camp and ruins. The invisible grip vanished, and the two Magi collapsed.
"Our job's done." Shouted Rossler, covering the wind.
"Agreed. Next stop, Duel Academy." Continued Dimitri, walking along the professor.
Yasmin got back on her feet, whipping the blood of her face. The wind was now sending sand and debris in all directions. She ducked to avoid parts of a table, and managed to take out the Auromer. The crystal shot out a beam of energy, hitting Dimitri in the back. The king cried out in surprise and anger, as the card flew from his hand, locked in a sphere of energy.
"Give that back." he warned her cautiously.
"Then come and get it!" she yelled, raising her duel disk.
"Leon, retrieve my card. Defeat is not an option!" shouted Dimitri to the former priest.
"So be it my lord." He said, as a duel disk materialized around his arm.
The Auromer rose in the air around them, and the storm began to die down, making it possible for the duelists to begin.
Leon 8000 – Yasmin 8000
"The first move is mine. And I open with the spell Foolish Burial. As for what monster I will send, that's my secret for now. I end my turn with a face-down monster, and one more hidden card."
"My turn then. And my best bet is Gem Armadillo." Said Yasmin, as a brown armadillo with two rockets at it's side materialized (1700/500). Yasmin picked up a card from her deck.
"Due to it's effect, I can add any Gemknight from my deck to my hand. Next, your hidden monster's going to take a one-way trip to the graveyard!"
The armadillo's claws struck the reverse card, revealing a rather strange creature. It was a reptile, with a segmented body like a scorpion, and four legs. It's front arms were like the claws of a crab (1300/800).
"You failed to understand both my means and methods. Since I have a level 5 or higher monster in my hand, my Steelswarm Survivor can avoid destruction by battle."
"And what are your methods? To become a lackey to the one person who can destroy the planet?"
"Destruction comes only as a cleansing. Man's own troubles must be solved by means of extreme removal."
"Whatever. I set two cards and end my turn."
Leon 8000 – Yasmin 8000
"Allow me to show you. I play the spell Compensation for Tribute. Thus, each time I make a tribute summon, I draw a card per tributed monster. Therefore, I have reached my second part of my strategy. I offer my Survivor to summon Steelswarm Girastag."
A black creature rose in the place of the other monster. It was a strange mixture of a fiend, insect, and humanoid. It's left arm was like a cannon, and a long tail swung behind it (2600/0). A glob of acid shot from it's tail dissolving the armadillo.
"How did you summon a level 7 monster with just one tribute?"
"I can, since I tributed a Steelswarm. And due to it's effect, I can send one of your cards to the graveyard and gain 1000 lp."
"I'm not ready to give up yet!" shouted Yasmin.
"You will be. Once you experience a direct attack!"
A second acid shot struck Yasmin, only to be blocked by an invisible barrier.
"Activate trap: Defense Draw! Your monster deals no battle damage and I can make a draw on top of that."
"Then I shall end my turn with a face-down card."
Yasmin made her draw. She knew the man for less than five minutes, but she hated him more than anything else. And while her own personal offence was still in her mind, the duel was doing her good.
"I activate the trap Cry Havoc. And by removing a monster in my graveyard, I can special summon a normal monster from my hand. Come out, Gemknight Crystal!"
A crystal pillar rose from the ground, taking the form of a white medieval knight (2450/1950).
"Not good enough." Laughed Leon.
"It will be when I combine him with Divine Sword Phoenix Blade." Replied the girl, as a broad sword materialized in the warrior's hand (2750/1950).
"Take out that monstrosity!" commanded the Magi.
With a battlecry, the warrior lashed forward. The black fiend vanished before it was hit, spurting out a wave of acid, melting the knight.
"Once again I am ahead of you. By using the trap Infestation Wave, I can return my monster to my hand, and in return, your monster will be destroyed. Care to make any further moves?"
"Yes. One face-down monster. That's it."
Leon 9000 – Yasmin 8000.
The former priest made his draw. From behind him, Dimitri looked curiously. He had seen his mentor duel before, and if there was one thing that drew his attention was the man's focus. There was little that could distract him. Make me proud.
"The duel goes on Magi. I summon Steelswarm Caller." Declared Leon, as a black fiend, with wings like a housefly materialized (1700/0).
"Your hidden monster will not survive my next blow. Attack my monster!"
Shrieking, the insectoid slashed, revealing a turtle with an emerald shell (0/2000).
"My Gem Turtle is still stronger. And since you flipped it, I can add Gem Fusion from my deck to my hand."
"We are still in the Damage Calculation dear. Which means I can activate the trap Invasive Means. By sending a Steelswarm from my deck to the graveyard, my monster gains 800 ATK for this turn."
The monster's claws sunk into the shell, shattering in. Yasmin grinned her teeth in anger. Not again. How many tricks can this guy have.
"I end my turn with a face-down card." Smiled Leon.
"I'll erase that smile soon enough!" shouted Yasmin. "I activate Reinforcements of the Army, allowing me to add Gemknight Sapphire to my hand. Next, comes the spell Gem Fusion, to merge him along with Gemknight Rumarin into the stronger Gemknight Topaz!"
The two monsters exploded into crystal shards, merging into a brilliant light. The resulting creature was much like Rumarin, except he wore a purple cape and was armed with a long sword (1800/1800). Leon looked on impassive.
"My counterattack begins now! Topaz, send his monster packing!"
With one blow, the insect creature shattered, sharp debris striking Leon in the chest.
"Too bad you've wasted your trap earlier. Since my monster destroyed yours by battle, you take damage equal to it's ATK. And did I mention that my warrior can attack twice each turn?"
"It will not have the chance. I activate Soul Rope. And at the cost of 1000 lp. I can special summon a level 4 monster from my deck. Like Steelswarm Gatekeeper."
A strange four-legged creature, looking like a black turtle rose from the sands (1500/1900). Shoot. My monster only has 1800 ATK. And even worst, he'll be able to tribute summon that other monstrosity next turn. Oh well, time for plan B.
"I set one card and my turn is done."
Leon 7200 – Yasmin 8000
"Tell me, how much faith do you have in your supposed king?" asked Leon, as he made his draw.
"More than you have into your master. Jason gave me life. He gave his own years to prolong my life."
"Your own life? Would you place it into the hand of a teenager?"
"I would." Replied Yasmin coldly.
"Then you have made a truly foolish choice. And this duel will prove it. I offer my Gatekeeper, to summon Steelswarm Girastag once again."
The insectoid fiend materialized with a hiss, and shot an glob of acid from it's tail.
"Not this time! I activate De-Fusion. By sending my fusion monster to the graveyard, I can special summon the monsters I used to summon it from the graveyard!"
The topaz knight vanished, and Gemknight Tourmaline (1600/1800), and Gemknight Rumarin (0/2100) appeared in defense position.
"Then I shall pick them one at a time. Attack Tourmaline!"
A single shot of acid from the monster's tail was enough to turn the yellow knight to a puddle of green goo. Leon waved his hand, and ended his turn.
Never had it been so hard to make a draw. Yasmin picked up her card, adding it to her hand. Jason, you gave me two years of your life. I won't disappoint either.
"I activate Spellbook inside the Pot, allowing us to draw thrice. And now, I use the trap Gem Enhance. By tributing Rumarin, I can special summon Topaz from my graveyard." Exclaimed the girl.
"Not strong enough."
"It will. Since my monster is level 6, I can combine it with my Fusion Weapon, providing him with 1500 ATK." Replied Yasmin, as the creature's rose to 3300.
"Don't forget, my monster can attack twice each turn. Strike down his fiend!"
The knight raised his sword, piercing the creature's head. Sharp shards struck Leon, almost making him fall in the sand.
"Attack again!" shouted Yasmin.
"No my dear. I activate the trap Invasive Ripple. At the cost of 500 lp I can special summon a level 4 Stellswarm monster from my graveyard. Such as Steelswarm Survivor. And before you waste your time to attack it, I still have a level 5 monster in my hand, thus it cannot be destroyed by battle."
"Then I will play my spell Gem Arrow. Your face-up spell is destroyed, and I gain 1000 lp. Lastly, I set one card. My turn's done."
Leon 3900 – Yasmin 9000
"Leon, need any help out there?" laughed Rossler.
"Keep out of this Cassius. I can win my own duel."
"Not the way I see things. And remember, we cannot afford to loose that card."
"We have that card, weather I win or not!" replied Leon.
Dimitri gave no answer. His eyes were pinned on the Auromer. Raising his hand, his deck case emitted an orange glow, and the crystal did the same. The sand around the duelists began to sink, and after a few seconds, began to be sucked into a void above them. The black crystal vibrated, but remained firm.
"Strange. It would seem that my power is ineffective."
"Maybe I should try." Suggested Rossler.
"No. Let the duel play it's course. We shall still win."
Leon made his draw. As he did, a small insect, black in color with a pair of goggles on it's head materialized (200/0) x 2.
"Since I have no spell or traps in play, I can special summon my two Steelswarm Scouts from the graveyard. Next, I offer both of them, to summon the more powerful Steelswarm Caucstag."
Both creatures vanished, replaced by a muscular creatures. It had insect wings, a horned head and reptilian tail (2800/0).
"Since I offered two monsters to summon my monster, I can destroy either all spells and traps, or all monsters you have in play. I choose the latter."
Strong tentacles wrapped around the warrior, shattering it. Leon's face remained stern, as he declared his direct attack.
Yasmin screamed in pain, as the monster's thorny tentacles wrapped around her waist, crushing her. She fell to her knees, gasping for breath.
"I set two cards face-down My turn is over. Your frail body will soon collapse."
Yasmin's hand reached for her deck. I'm still in control here. He still has far less life points than I do. The main point is to keep him from summoning more powerful monsters.
"I activate the spell Gem Excavation. At the cost of a card from the top of my deck, I can add 1 Gemknight from my graveyard to my hand. Next, one face-down monster and a second card will end my turn."
Leon 3900 – Yasmin 6200
"My turn continues. I release my Steelswarm Gatekeeper, to summon Steelswarm Mantis."
A slender humanoid, with arms resembling that of a praying mantis appeared on the field (2200/0). A portal opened next to it, and Steelswarm Girastag appeared (2600/0).
"When my Mantis is tribute summoned, I can special summon any Steelswarm monster from my graveyard. And with my three monsters in play, I have the ultimate attack force. Caucstag, strike her face-down!"
The fiend's tail struck, revealing an Emerald Turtle. Yasmin picked her second copy of Gem Fusion, trying to remain calm.
"Mantis, direct attack!"
"Not this time. I activate my Negate Attack!"
"You will do no such thing. I chain the trap Overwhelm. Since I have a monster on the field that was tribute summoned, your trap is negated, and destroyed."
Yasmin braced herself for the pain she knew would come. Her scream of anguish pierced Shafi, and he would give anything to make the pain stop. Leon laughed in delight.
"How much pain can you endure, you foolish virgin?"
"Shut up you sadistic bastard!"
"Did I ask your opinion on the matter? Enjoy your little life while you can. End of turn girl."
Yasmin drew, hoping against hope. Well, my deck came through for me again.
"I activate Nightmare Steelcage." She gasped. "End of turn."
Leon 3900 – Yasmin 1400
Leon drew, slightly bored and annoyed.
"You lucked out. I end my turn here."
"Then I'll continue. I draw!"
Great. Not the best card I could hope for. I can use it to summon Topaz from my graveyard, but it's not strong enough to destroy either of his monsters.
"I end my turn here." she concluded.
Leon 3900 - Yasmin 1400
Leon's draw came quickly. He was determined, but he also had a sense of fear. He couldn't afford to fail. And the card he drew was not the best one he could get.
"I end my turn." Said the older duelist, and the metal cage corroded into dust.
Yasmin's deck pulsed, as she reached for it. That card. It's calling to me.
"Leon, you've played for the destruction of humanity! But I fight for the right to live. I activate the spell Gem Reborn, allowing me to revive Gemknight Topaz from my graveyard" shouted Yasmin, a tear running down her cheek.
Jason, this is for you.
"Time to give you a full taste of the darkness you want to bring on others. By discarding a card, I activate Super Polymerization!"
Thunder echoed in the sky, as a gaping black portal opened above them. The knight and Steelswarm Caucstag were absorbed into it. Dimitri looked on curious.
"You have a lot of nerve using my own card against me."
"I don't see your name on it. Your own soul may have created it, but I intend to use it for your own destruction!"
Lightning struck the earth, revealing a knight in black armor, wielding a massive mace (4600/4600). Yasmin pointed to Leon.
"Gemknight Agathos gains ATK equal to the combined power of the monsters used to summon it. And no monsters you have in play can stand up to it!"
"The duel's not done yet!" replied Leon.
"It will be. Agathos, strike down his Mantis!"
The warrior flung his mace, shattering the insectoid fiend. Yasmin turned to Shafi, and for the first time since the duel began, he could see hope in her.
"I set a card and end my turn."
Leon 1300 – Yasmin 1400
Dimitri looked at the two opponents. The fact that Super Polymerization had been used made the duel all the more interesting.
"Looks like Leon's in quite the predicament." Commented Rossler. "How in the world did that Magi gain access to your card?"
"Good question. My spirit is bound to all copies of that card. Yet for some strange reason, that one escaped me. But no matter. We have the means to achieve our goal all the same."
"Do you want me to go to Duel Academy to retrieve the next god?"
"No. Emerich will deal with that. You have to go to New Domino with me. I have a long overdue visit with the creator of the game."
Leon made his draw. Good. But I have to wait an extra turn to use it.
"I change my monsters to defense mode and end my turn."
"Then they'll make all the better targets. Agathos, strike down his remaining creature!"
The fiend let out a loud shriek, shattering into shards.
"I end my turn here."
Leon 1300 – Yasmin 1400
"My move. And since I have no spells in play my two Steelswarm Scouts return to me. Next, I activate the spell Recurring Nightmare, allowing me to add two DARK monsters with 0 DEF from my graveyard to my hand. Lastly, I offer my two critters to summon Steelswarm Caucstag for a second time."
The demonic insect glided onto the field, spreading it's tentacles. Yasmin quickly pointed to her face-down.
"I activate Effect Shut. Since you just activated the effect of a monster, I can negate and destroy it."
The fiend shattered, leaving Leon speechless.
"I…set one card and end my turn."
Yasmin's entire body tensed, as she made her draw.
"The duel ends here! Agathos, direct attack!"
The knight struck the earth, sending shockwaves towards Leon. The older duelist pointed to his face-down card.
"The fight goes on! I activate Shock Force, thus preventing your brute from engaging in battle ever again!"
A ring of energy appeared around the knight, holding him firmly. No, not him. I need that card to win the duel!
"I…end my turn." She said bitterly.
Leon 1300 – Yasmin 1400
"You tried and failed Magi. The duel ends here. Since you have a monster in play and I have none, I can special summon Steelswarm Cell from my hand (0/0). And with no spell or traps in play, I can revive the two Scouts from my graveyard."
"And your point is?"
"You'll see. I offer all three of my monsters to summon my ultimate creature. Come forth, Steelswarm Greys!"
The earth shook, as a massive creature rose. It had four arms, and large wings, while it's body was brown and orange in color (3200/0). Yasmin stepped back in fright.
"It's all over for you. All I need to do is give up half of my life points, and every other card in play will be destroyed."
The creature spread it's wings, unleashing a hail of sharp thorns that pierced the knight, shattering him. Yasmin looked up to the Auromer. She had failed. She had failed the one person who had given her life.
"Greys, finish her." Commanded Leon.
The creature let out an ear-piercing shriek, which forced all around the area, duelists or not to cover their ears. Yasmin screamed in pain, as she felt her nose gushing blood. Above her, the Auromer shattered, and the captive card flew into Dimitri's hand.
Leon 650 – Yasmin 0
"Well that was rather fun." Laughed Leon, as he joined Dimitri.
Shafi ran to the wounded Magi. He took out his own hankie to wipe the blood from her nose and lips. His very presence made her feel secure. Inside, she felt the need to kiss him, but the flow of blood forced her to remain on her back.
"We need to stop them!" she protested.
"We will. But first, I need to get you somewhere safe."
He turned, and saw Rossler standing in the same place he was before. He did not say a thing, but then again, no words were needed.
"Enjoyed the show?" asked Shafi in a sarcastic tone.
"I did. But I would have rather seen you fall at my hand."
"There's time for that as well." Replied the Magi.
"Yes. The war's just begun. And the next time we meet, don't expect any mercy from me."
He walked of, joining the others into a grey humvee. Shafi watched them drive of, until they were little more than a speck in the horizon. He's right. The war is closer than I expected.
0 0 0 0 0 0
"Not a bad day's work." Commented Leon, holding the black card in his hand.
"Would have been even better if we didn't had that little intrusion." Replied Rossler, still focusing on the rough road.
"Well, either way, it's a strong addition to my deck."
Dimitri reached out, and grabbed the card from the former priest's hand, and placed it in his own deck case.
"Hey, what gives?"
"The card is not for you."
"Excuse me? I thought we operated under the concept of finders keepers. I dueled my ass of for that card!"
"I said it's not for you. Not only do you not have the means to Dark Synchro summon it, it would be counter-productive for you. Even deadly."
"What do you mean?"
"These are not just cards, you know that. The gods choose the player, not the other way around. And Lamastu already has an owner."
"Who? Anyone I know?"
Dimitri simply replied with a smile.
"Let's just say…it's all about keeping it in the family."
0 0 0 0 0 0
CARD TRIVIA QUIZ
This monster can equip itself to any other monster like a Union card would, except this card is not an Union monster. Post your response by the time the next chapter is posted.
Coming up…
Lloyd gets his opportunity to confront Rossler, as the race for the ancient Dark Synchro monsters continues. Don't miss THE THING IN THE CRATER
ORIGINAL CARDS CREATED
Steelswarm Survivor
Level 4/DARK/Fiend/ATK 1300/DEF 800
If there is a level 5 or higher in your hand, this card cannot be destroyed by battle (damage calculation is still applied)
Gem Reborn
Spell / Normal
Special summon 1 Gemknight Fusion monster from your graveyard, ignoring summoning requirements.
Gem Excavation
Spell / Normal
Send the top card of your deck to the graveyard to add 1 Gemknight monster from your graveyard to your hand.
Shock Force
Trap / Normal
Activate if your opponent declares an attack with a special summoned monster. Negate the attack. The monster affected by this card cannot attack while it is face-up on the field.
Compensation for Tribute
Spell / Continuous
Each time you perform a tribute summon, draw 1 card for each monster tributed for the tribute summon.
The above cards are my own creation.