DH AN: I'm back with another chapter of Powers Revealed. Now, there is some duel information I need to put.

Life Points for both duelists are displayed every set of two turns. A fictional card is indicated by a set of apostrophes ('') around the card at its first appearance. Attack and defense points are listed in parenthesis () in that respective order.

Now that all that is out of the way, enjoy Chapter Thirty Four: Possession of Destiny.

Chapter Thirty Four: Possession of Destiny

Sheon bolted out the door with Mhera a mere foot behind him. They weren't exactly running, but the nature of Noinreil's exit and intent quickened their pace. They were soon at the entrance. Mhera would have slipped on the frictionless floor had Sheon not braced her shoulders to prevent a repetition of two nights prior. A relieved sigh crept across her ear.

"What are you doing here?" Noinreil almost hissed.

"Do you want to get yourself caught?" Sheon quietly quipped back, releasing Mhera from his gentle hold.

"I wouldn't be in this situation if you two fools hadn't followed me." Noinreil said darkly. Sheon sighed putting a hand to his forehead in annoyance. Neither of the two boys noticed that the redhead with them, who was mere inches from the tile to begin with, was slowly inching her way toward the lustrous surface as if in a trance.

Sheon caught movement just as the girl started to slip. He bit his lip in dismay, knowing that if he hadn't done so, he would have verbally expressed it, and in this situation, that was not the best thing to do. Noinreil, on the other hand, was smirking and within minutes failed to contain his laughter.

Arlomhe slid in slow motion, and stopped right before the two steps. She suppressed a gasp as she fell to her knees, one hand resting on each of the two steps in front of her. She was sweating, pale with fright at the fact that all the pieces of the plot that The R.H. had set into play were far too quickly coming together. She snapped her head up as she quickly heard footsteps retreating from behind her. Someone had brought her; she must have been resisting but the shoes she was wearing were almost frictionless as they were. Coupled with the overly smooth floor, any resistance her body gave was useless.

A stern voice silenced her thoughts. "Bring that laughing fool in here as well. He needs to learn not to laugh at the expense of others, along with numerous other courtesies." Soft dark chuckles of the speaker mingled with a struggling Noinreil, who eventually was forced down in the same position that Arlomhe had held for minutes, two feet away; distance enough for another to be placed between them. She finally raised her eyes to see The R.H. looking down at her, face showing a satisfied expression, but she thought she saw a touch of pain underneath this mask of satisfaction. His attention was quickly turned toward Noinreil, and his expression changed to a dark glower which was directed at the boy. Arlomhe averted her eyes, but not before catching Noinreil foolishly glowering right back. She mentally braced herself for the R.H.'s reaction. But it never came. Rather, he returned his attention back to her.

"I know there is a third of your entourage." The R.H. murmured softly. Arlomhe had to fight against every emotion that ran through her as Sheon calmly walked forward from his hiding place and allowed himself to be placed in the small space that was between she and Noinreil.

The R.H. slowly rose from his seat. "Now that you three are exactly where I want you…the game can begin." The last phrase was so calculatingly soft that Arlomhe started to shake with a bit of fear. She saw Sheon start to shake as well. Arlomhe watched wordlessly as cold calculating eyes shifted past each of them; the sweep beginning with Noinreil, but quickly shifting past him. After all, the boy would have more pressing matters to attend to. The R.H.'s eyes stayed about twice as long on Sheon as they did Noinreil. But they eventually stopped on her, staying for a good minute.

"Yes,… I remember quite clearly that you were caught in a similar situation two nights prior…you seem to have fallen into that same trap in order to defend your friends once more." His eyes shifted back over to the two boys, and then back to his prospect. "If you did not learn from the previous opportunity I gave you, perhaps you will learn if I raise the stakes, and the challenge." The R.H. bent down to Arlomhe's eye-level. "Listen to me." He paused. "I have a proposition for you; one that you would be foolish to decline-" The R.H. paused abruptly; rising from his bent position as he quickly directed his attention to the formations in front of him. "You are dismissed. You needn't hear something that doesn't apply to you." He waited until the last one hastily exited the room.

He returned to Arlomhe's eye-level. "Now, where was I?" His tone was one of false pondering, as a knowing sigh came soon after. "Ah yes, now I remember." He smirked, exhaling his last phrase almost madly. "The proposition, dear one." The R.H. gently tilted Arlomhe's chin so that she was looking him in the eyes. "But first, dear one, tell me…are you afraid?" This last phrase was so soft that only Arlomhe heard it.

"I fear not for myself." Arlomhe stated placidly. "Does that answer your question, sir?"

No answer came. The R.H. then slowly walked from Arlomhe to Sheon to Noinreil, and back to Arlomhe. " Seeing as you seem to be the one who strives to keep these two out of trouble, only to find yourself in trouble on account of their actions. I doubt you will hesitate to take my offer at first." He stood, placing his hands behind his back. "My offer stands as thus." Removing a worn leather box from within the robe he was wearing, he pushed it open with a gentle flick of his thumb to reveal a deck of cards, thin enough to be taken out with one hand. "I told you to bring your cards, did I not?"

"You did, sir." Arlomhe breathed quietly as she fingered her own cards swiftly. "And I have them." She waited for The R.H. to speak. When she saw that he would not go further without any prompting, she added, "What do the cards have to do with any of this?"

"They have everything to do with this, my dear." The R.H. stated softly as he stashed his cards back into his robe. "You and I are going to have a little wager." He bent a third time to Arlomhe's eye level, left arm laying horizontally across his bent knees, and right arm resting upon that, hand underneath his chin. "I hear that you are quite skilled. Not only do I wish to see how skilled you truly are, but I also wish to see how willing you are to have the fate of others rest in your hands."

"So you want me to play your game?" Even though she was quite aware of what was going to happen, worry was not far from her mind. "If I win, they go free?"

"You would as well, Sharti. But should you lose, you join my ranks; Nashin and Yagasawi shall share your fate as well." He removed his hand from his chin, moving it palm up to rest at a position where Arlomhe could easily take it if she so chose. "Taking my hand signifies you accept my offer." He sighed, turning his attention to Sheon. "And I'm certain that Yagasawi would only feel comfortable with this if he could witness this wager come to fruition… am I correct?"

"Yes sir." Sheon said softly.

"So, do you accept, dear one?" The phrase hung in the air as she quickly went through her options, not that there were any. She silently plunged her hand into that of the R.H., wishing that there was another way. But she knew there wasn't, and as the R.H. lifted her off her knees, her resolve was strengthening. After she was standing on her own feet, her left hand immediately went to a spot on her right arm. "Very well. Sharti, Yagasawi; come with me. As for you Nashin, you are to return to the kitchen. After all, there is no one in there, and things could get very…tense."

Noinreil would have said something, but Sheon quickly covered his mouth, whispering something in the boy's ear, and stepped back as Noinreil stalked off to do the appointed task.

Well mannered and well-spoken…that shall get him far. The R.H. mused while watching the exchange take place. He turned swiftly on his heels. "Sharti, Yagasawi, if you would be so kind, follow me." The R.H.'s footsteps echoed across the stone floor as he entered an adjoining hall, he released an almost genuine smile as he heard two sets of steps start to echo his cadence. They came to a wall.

"Why are we at a wall; there is nothing at the end of this hallway." Sheon seemed to be stating the obvious, until The R.H. turned with a slight glare cast at the boy.

"You must quickly learn that things are never always as they seem, Yagasawi. Along with the knowledge that the Wall-switch lover has his secrets." The R.H. then placed his hand on a tile, and both Arlomhe and Sheon had to suppress a gasp as the tile sank beneath his touch; although they couldn't suppress the gasp that came from both as the wall in front of the R.H. slid to the right, revealing a staircase that lead through a dimly lit hall. "Now, follow me."

The air got a little warmer as the three ascended the staircase. They then came to a door which The R.H. opened with a key from his pocket. He pressed his weight against the door, hearing it open with a slight creaking sound. "Yagasawi, if you would mind allowing me to have a few words in private with my opponent, kindly take your seat in the next room."

Arlomhe watched as Sheon narrowed his eyes, but was amazed as he conceded to the wishes of the R.H. and took his seat in the adjoining room. The R.H. gently shut the door, but left it slightly ajar. Yagasawi needed not a reason to be more skeptical of his intentions.

"Sharti, show me your right arm." The R.H. stated softly. He sighed as she raised her arm. "I was correct. You abraded it slightly while your arms rested upon the steps." He removed a very small jar and a small roll of gauze from the respective right and left pockets of his robe. "Hold this." The R.H. quickly placed the small jar into Arlomhe's left hand, removing the lid. Gently dipping his fingers into the jar, The R.H. placed his fingers on the abrasion, rubbing the cooling salve in. He then replaced the lid onto the jar, gently taking it from Arlomhe's hand and placing it back into the right pocket of his robe. He then unrolled a portion of the gauze, tearing the allotted portion from the roll, and tied the gauze to the area occupied by the wound. He then placed the gauze in his left pocket.

"How did you happen to have those on hand?" Arlomhe asked softly.

"I also have been a victim of these abrading tiles, and soon learned that it was best to carry the supplies with me." A small smile crossed his face, his tone showed it. "Do you not think that prudent, dear one?" The R.H. held out his hand once more. "Now, shall we proceed?" Without hesitation, Arlomhe took the open hand before her.

Sheon watched silently as the door opened bringing The R.H. and Arlomhe into the room. It only had three walls. A gentle breeze was blowing from the missing fourth wall. The R.H. gently led Arlomhe down the set of three steps, releasing her hand soon after. He crisply turned on his heels. "My patience wears thin, and as such, this duel shall begin shortly." The R.H. paced toward the table placed in the center of the room.

"Now, this duel has certain rules that will be followed to the detail." The R.H. paused. "Rather than the regulation total of two-thousand Life Points, this duel shall present both with three-thousand. The tribute rules stand as you are familiar with them, and in addition…" The R.H. sighed, as if he had been waiting to reveal this final twist. "Each duelist may choose one card from their deck, placing it to the right of it. One card that could change the outcome of this duel. One card that can be substituted for a duelist's draw on any one of their turns." He paused, "Is that understood?"

Arlomhe nodded. She sighed, removing the deck from her right pocket, thumbing through it. One card…tough choices. Think. What would be able to come in handy, given the countless situations that this duel could put me in? Her thumb stopped on one card. A card that was very useful since the tribute rule was in play. 'Ulterior Tribute' will allow me to gain Life Points when I tribute a face up monster for a summon, the amount being equal to the face up monster's Attack points. She sighed as she pulled the card from her deck, careful not to let The R.H. see her selection.

The R.H. smirked as he watched the girl peruse her cards. The Book of Moon card that I intend to use as the qualifier for this rule shall come in handy. His smirk faded. This little twist will test a strategic angle that is always crucial. The way that one plays with the cards they are dealt is quite essential. And the opportunity to place a card that can turn the tides of a duel within easy reach is quite the rarity. He smirked slightly in anticipation. What Sharti shall pick is intriguing me far more than it should.

The R.H. took a seat with his back facing the missing wall. Arlomhe wordlessly took the seat closest to the door. Both duelists set their selected card on the table before exchanging decks. The R.H. did a quick bridge shuffle with Arlomhe's deck while Arlomhe simply cut her opponent's deck into three parts, after which she stacked them on each other. But just to be sure that she wouldn't leave her opponent knowledgeable of his draws, she had done the process twice. However, what she didn't know was that she had placed the pieces of The R.H.'s strategy within easy reach. Arlomhe's deck was waiting in the center of the table, as The R.H.'s bridge shuffle had taken less time than Arlomhe's deck cutting. Arlomhe quickly set The R.H.'s deck to the left of where her own waited.

RH:3000

AS:3000

The two took their decks simultaneously. "Now, shall I begin?" The R.H. asked as he drew his five cards. Arlomhe said nothing, permitting him to go first. The R.H. glanced at his hand and was quite surprised. So, my strategy that shall expose her deck's Achilles Heel has found its way into my first hand. I seem to have quite the advantage already. The R.H. drew his card, not that he would be needing it at the moment.

"Well, I'll start this duel off with my 'Possession of Destiny' magic card. You shall find out what it does during your turn." The R.H. smirked slightly. "But just so you don't get too comfortable, I'll place two cards facedown for your mind to fret over as you begin your turn." The R.H. threaded his fingers together. "Take your turn, dear one."

Arlomhe drew, gazing at her options, until The R.H. intruded upon her strategizing. "Now, I activate my two facedown cards, Coffin Seller and Magic Thorn, before my Possession of Destiny activates."

"And why have you activated these three cards now? Is this a part of some strategy?"

"Do you doubt that it is part of a strategy?" The R.H. chuckled gently. "You should know that I never do things spontaneously. And now you will see why I have activated theses three cards simultaneously." He chuckled darkly. "For my Possession of Destiny allows me to take a glance at your hand and select one card,… and decide its fate, dear one. But there is more to my strategy than that. The two additional cards, Coffin Seller and Magic Thorn, shall damage your Life Points, should I choose a certain fate for the card I select from your hand. You see, I can either add the selected card to my hand…or I can send it straight to the graveyard" The R.H. traced his fingers over the two trap cards almost madly. "Which will trigger my Magic Thorn, and if it happens to be a monster card, my Coffin Seller as well; a card combination which will deal you at most eight-hundred and no less than five-hundred points of damage, should I lack mercy upon your options."

"There must be a drawback to having a card that can keep a duel in its wielder's favor as your Possession card does."

"Rest assured, Sharti, there is a drawback. But before that comes, why don't you witness the advantages that this strategy has granted me. Show me your hand."

Arlomhe had no choice but show her hand, and watch his calculatingly cold eyes scrutinize every option she possessed. Please have him pick a magic or trap card… She thought fervently, breathing a sigh as his fingers decisively rested upon a card.

"Well, you seem to have a bit of luck on your side, dear one; for I have chosen to discard your 'Protector's Sword'. Therefore you only take five-hundred points of damage…this time."

Arlomhe returned her hand back to where she alone could see it. "Now, I'll summon my 'Sword Heir In Training' (1200, 1000)"He may think that his points are safe, but thanks to my Sword Heir's ability; that shall change. A small smile crept across her face.

"Need I tell you that I have no monsters and direct attacks are not part of this game?" The R.H. intruded upon her turn once more.

"I am aware of that, but that is where my Sword Heir's ability activates. When summoned, my Sword Heir In Training places a token on your side of the field that has five-hundred attack points and no defense points…and it places it in attack mode."

"Very good." The R.H. murmured under his breath.

"And now that you have a monster in attack mode, I can now attack it with my Sword Heir In Training." She smirked slightly. "You lose seven-hundred Life Points, and to end my turn; I shall set one card facedown."

RH:2300

AS:2500

The R.H. drew, immediately discarding his draw. "Explain why you just discarded what you drew." Arlomhe stated softly.

"In reality, I could have discarded any card in my hand. As to why I discarded, it is the drawback you were asking me about last turn. I must discard a card on each of my standby phases in order to keep my Possession of Destiny active." The R.H. smirked. "However my turn is only beginning. And to continue, I'll summon my White Magical Hat (1000, 700). While it is currently weaker than your Sword Heir, this card will change that. I'm equipping Sword of the Deep-Seated to my White Magical Hat, raising both its attack and defense points by five-hundred; giving it enough of a point advantage to destroy your Sword Heir in Training, and deal you three-hundred points of battle damage." He laughed softly. "And you surely have not forgotten that my Coffin Seller adds three-hundred points of damage to that total, as a monster was sent to the graveyard. And that's not all." The R.H. fought back a maddened smile. "My White Magical Hat's effect activates when it deals you battle damage." The R.H.'s voice was falsely apologetic with his next statement. "I do apologize, but I must now discard one card from your hand at random. Which means you'll lose more Life Points when I take this card from your hand."

The R.H. had selected a trap, and it was sent to the Card Graveyard. Arlomhe's fingers were on her facedown as soon as that occurred. "Sorry, but I won't be losing Life Points, because I intend to pass that damage to you."

"And just how do you intend to do that?" The R.H. quipped.

It was now Arlomhe's turn to wear a smirk. "Simple. My Barrel Behind The Door Trap Card allows me to transfer one instance of effect damage towards your Life Points."

Seems she is not disappointing me. However, eventually my strategic superiority shall be her downfall. The R.H. mused. "Very well then. I end my turn."

Arlomhe drew her card, a Change of Heart. But her joy was short-lived as The R.H. took it as his own using the second effect of his Possession Of Destiny. After that she ended her turn with nothing more.

RH: 1800

AS:1900

The R.H. drew a card which he promptly discarded to keep Possession of Destiny active, after which he ended his turn.

Arlomhe drew her card. If he takes this card, I'll be very upset. The R.H. derailed her train of thought once more.

"My card activates, but I'm certain you haven't forgotten that." Arlomhe reluctantly showed him her hand, but not before giving him the best glareshe could muster, hoping it would warn him to pick his card wisely.

Normally, I'd take that Pot of Greed she has, but I'm feeling generous, so I'll let her keep it. But that trap card is another story. I intend to discard it next turn in order to keep my advantage. The R.H. smirked as he took the trap card.

Arlomhe pulled her cards back, shocked at her luck. He had not taken the card she had drawn. And she was going to use that to her advantage. "I play my Pot of Greed magic card, allowing me to draw two additional cards." And hopefully they will be the two I need to get rid of his combo. If I don't destroy it this turn…it'll continue to be a thorn in my side. She sighed as she drew the two cards, unable to hide her joy at the fact that The R.H.'s three card combination would be gone if she played her cards right, and she would be playing her cards correctly.

She sighed gently. "I summon my 'Dagger Wielder' (1600,1600) and then activate my 'Silver Dagger' equip card attaching it to my Dagger Wielder. Now, coupled with any other warrior, it would only add five-hundred attack points. But when coupled with my Dagger Wielder, it grants an additional ability. I can discard up to three cards from my hand and destroy an equal amount of your Magic and trap cards." Arlomhe stripped her hand of three cards, and then promptly sent them to the Graveyard. One card remained in her hand. "And I assume you know which three I want to destroy. Your Possession of Destiny, Coffin Seller, and Magic Thorn are the targets of my effect."

"You do realize that my Magic Thorn kicks in, as you discarded three magic and trap cards to destroy them." The R.H. almost sneered.

"I knew and was willing to risk it." Arlomhe said softly. "Now my Dagger Wielder will attack your White Magical Hat, and deal you six hundred points of damage as a result."

"You may have conquered this strategy, but there are more that are hidden within my deck." The R.H. stated tartly. "And my Sword of the Deep-Seated returns to the top of my deck."

Arlomhe did not seem intimidated. "I end my turn."

Sheon was watching silently. They have been closely retaliating almost blow for blow and the scores every two turns have proved it. The victory has been quite debatable, until Arlomhe played that destructive combo. I think The R.H. has the upper hand here. His Life Points are triple what hers are…I don't care what happens to me. I just want her to be safe. He sighed, setting his chin into his waiting hands to watch, and part of him was dreading, how the rest of this duel would come to fruition.

RH: 1200

AS: 400

The R.H. drew his card, face souring. "I end my turn."

Arlomhe pulled the top card from her deck, and almost gasped. It's the card from my dream…I'll need the card I set aside next turn.

"Did you get something good?" The R.H. asked with a slight smile.

"I set a monster facedown and end my turn."

"Rather quick aren't we?" The R.H. murmured, as he drew once more, face souring as he again had to pass.

Arlomhe drew her side card, and The R.H. took note. Well it appears she thinks the duel shall turn in her favor. Go on, my dear, Summon your strongest card. I shall take it to use against you soon enough.

"I tribute my two monsters to summon my strongest Sword Heir. But before I bring 'Mheralo The Sword Heir' out, I activate my Ulterior Tribute card; which adds the original attack points of my Dagger Wielder to my Life Points." Arlomhe sighed, That maneuver I did last turn had me worried. But now it seems I have the clear advantage. My Sword Heir has an ability that can get to his Life Points even if he has no Monsters. Her expression soured. But I cannot use the effect this turn; it's one of the prices I pay for playing that card. I cannot declare an attack or use the effect of my Sword Heir summoned by this tribute the turn this card is used.

"This new Sword Heir of yours has an effect; aren't you going to use it?" The R.H. asked, clearly unaware of the drawback Arlomhe's last card had.

"My Ulterior Tribute card prevents me from using the effect of, or attacking with, the card that is summoned when I activate this card." Arlomhe sighed. "Therefore, I must end my turn without using the effect of my Mheralo The Sword Heir." (2800, 2600)

RH: 1200

AS: 2000

The R.H. removed the card he had set aside, playing it soon after. "You fail to realize that you have played right into my hands. The Book of Moon that I have played shall flip your Sword Heir facedown." The R.H. chuckled darkly. "And you have forgotten that I took your Change of Heart a few turns ago, which I now activate. Now your Sword Heir swaps sides. And when I flip it face up…" He revealed the card from its position.

"It cannot switch control…" Arlomhe finished as the realization dawned on her.

"Exactly, dear one. And as your Sword Heir is now under my control, I can use it as my own for more than the one turn Change of Heart initially offers, thanks to the fact that it cannot switch sides while face up." The R.H. then revealed a dark smile as he activated his Sword of the Deep-Seated from earlier, raising his newly commandeered monster's attack and defense values by five-hundred points.(3300, 3100)

"Now, I believe I shall use your Sword Heir's ability to deal one-thousand, seven-hundred and fifty damage to your Life Points. And that, dear one, ends my turn."

Arlomhe's hand was shaking as she drew. There wasn't a card in her deck that would turn this duel around now. I was foolish to accept that proposition. And now, those two will share my fate, because of my loss. She looked at her draw and set it facedown without another word.

RH: 1200

AS: 350

The R.H. was hesitant for a moment. She has done well; save for the times when she has played right into my hands. Perhaps I should reconsider the proposition for that reason alone… But then he looked at her face, seeing nothing but acceptance of what she knew was coming: Defeat at his hands. And he saw that she would accept no pity, no leniency, nothing short of what was agreed to. And…he admired her for it. Just like her mother.

He sighed as he drew his card. "I am so sorry dear one, but this game we've played till now is at its end, for I activate Your Sword Heir's ability once more, taking what little Life Points you have left."

"I still have one more card that will even up the score." Arlomhe showed her facedown card. "My 'Pain Split' trap card allows me to split the effect damage of Mheralo The Sword Heir between us, and while it will not win me the duel, it brought your Life Points below five-hundred."

RH: 375

AS: 0

"Very good." The R.H. sighed, "But you have still lost our wager, and therefore must accept the consequences of your defeat…and perhaps the rewards of a close match, as that is what just happened." The R.H. returned his commandeered cards that had allowed him to win the duel, along with the trap he still had in his hand. "I do believe these are yours." He held the cards out to her, after which Arlomhe took them from him gently, but there was soon revealed to be another card.

"There is another card…why?"

"You conquered my Possession of Destiny, therefore it is only expected that you will know how to use it when the time is right. And…you would have won had I not used that to manipulate your options." His second phrase was quieter than his first as if he was somewhat apologetic for his strategy.

He turned on his heels. "When you are ready, take the staircase from which we entered. You will find the switch on your right, near the wall that shall slide aside as it did when we entered." He stepped toward the door. "Now, shall I go break the news to Nashin, or would one of you care to do the honors?"

"I'll do it." Sheon said apprehensively. He hesitated. "If that is acceptable to you, sir."

"Very well, Yagasawi." The R.H. waited until the boy was out of the room. "Don't think you failed…" He lowered his hood. "I was, and maybe still am, tempting myself to reconsider the consequences." He closed his eyes. "Would you want this proposition to be null and void?"

"I agreed to it. And I won't let you take pity on me…I shouldn't be expectant of pity. You don't seem too keen on giving it as is." Arlomhe said softly. "I am bound to our agreement. And don't try to sway me."

"Very Well. If that is what you wish, then I shall comply." The R.H. smiled somewhat madly. "Welcome to the Rare Hunters, dear one."

"Those words start with the initials of your alias…is that what they've stood for all along?"

"Let your mind think as it pleases…it could always stand for something else." He stepped toward the door. "I'll leave you be, Mheralo."

He silently stepped out of the room.

DH: Yay. I finished this chapter. Sorry for the wait. And if you haven't done so vote on my poll please. But review first.