Disclaimer: disclaimer.
Author's note: okeydokey, dudes and dudettes—thanks for the help from the reviewers that gave me advice on how to write the duels! ^o^ I think I'll be able to write it a little quicker now. Expect another update Sunday sometime—possibly Saturday night, but I have no idea. Maybe Monday. Dunno, we'll see how it goes. Anyway, I'll drag this out fairly long—I hope.
Thanks/responses:
Reviewers: The Trio of Twilight (thanks ;), littlekuribohlover, Aqua girl 007, fan person, & jak dragon!
Littlekuribohlover: you do, do you? ;) Well then, I may just be asking your advice in the next few days! Thanks for the advice!
Aqua girl 007: thanks for the offer! ^o^ I'll PM you if I need some help! (which I might, probably will)
Fan person: blame jak dragon! Hey, look at this—I have a diadhank too! Here we go: Wingweaver! There—now I'm not defenseless. Jak dragon told us to go find his Red Eyes, Ruby, by the giant castle. Maybe we can find a way out of here after all…
Jak dragon: well gee, thanks for the advice of 'don't get eaten' after you're the one who sent us here hahah. ^o^ agh! Writing while flying is hard, too…
And for favoriting my Return to You one shot: DarkShadowRose1!
Alrighty… it's half an hour after midnight… and I haven't started writing, so we'll see how long I stay up tonight. Luckily, no school tomorrow! YES! XD
Ally: Write away, little writer!
Anevay: Not you too! How the heck did you get in here? You're not even remotely related to my fanfiction!
Ally: Sure I am. I was your first independent character EVER created. I have privileges other characters don't.
Anevay: … fine… everyone, meet Ally, my novel character. She's a, ah, bit of a rascal. She seems to pop up everywhere.
Ally: dang right I do.
Anevay: … seems I have another character to jump in on my notes… well, time to getting crackin'.
Ally: WHOO!
Mahad
He had flown for days to reach the Realm of the Beasts. Now, tired and wanting sleep, he found a relatively well-off place to sleep and was out in seconds.
The following morning he was off again. He had to find Dark Magician Girl. When she wasn't with Mana, she was here. He and Dark Magician Girl would gather together the other spellcasters, and together they would collect all the creatures of the Realm to help the Pharaoh as his army.
That was the idea, anyway. Actually managing it was a different story altogether.
But not one beyond his capabilities.
He was the most renown Magician throughout all the Realms—the Beasts included. Most beasts and souls, if not all, knew not the limitations of his power. They would listen to him if he managed to get their attention.
He didn't have to wait long.
"The Dark Magician!" creatures murmured and squeaked as he passed them. He was using a silent search spell to locate Dark Magician Girl, and it wasn't long before he had her location pinpointed in her head.
Monsters followed him as he flew past, wondering why he was there. It was a subject of great interest when Mahad was in the Realm of the Beasts, because he hardly ever was. He was both his monster and himself, and so had no real distinguishable forms. He couldn't really unmerge himself from his Illusion Magician. He had become the Dark Magician when he had sacrificed himself.
This was a good start. They followed him, drawn to his power and charisma as a Magician. He landed in a meadow clearing, looking around: "Dark Magician Girl!"
She landed in front of him moments later, nodding a greeting. "Mahad," she smiled, "Or should I say Dark Magician?"
Mahad bowed his head to greet her, "Dark Magician Girl."
"You need help, don't you? It's the Pharaoh and Mana, correct?" she cocked her head, watching the creatures who had followed him emerge from behind. "Just say the word."
Mahad smiled faintly. He knew she would help. "We need to gather an army for the Pharaoh. He in urgent need to regain the kingdom."
"Then let's get to work!" she exclaimed, "I'll talk to this bunch behind you. Go find the other spellcasters!"
Mahad didn't have to be told twice. He set another search spell in his head, keeping in mind various spellcasters: Sorcerer of Dark Magic, Dark Paladin, Magician of Black Chaos, Magician's Valkyria, Magician of Faith, Maha Vailo, Skilled Dark Magician, Silent Magician, Dark Red Enchanter, Toy Magician, Witch of the Black Forest, Gravekeepers spy, Dunames Dark Witch, technically Time Wizard, and countless others. He set to the task of finding all of them, sending a message to Dark Magician Girl to do the same.
All in all, he had an arduous task ahead of him.
Nearly every spellcaster agreed to help, and went off to gather others. As soon as he had recruited those mentioned above, he sent them to gather other spellcasters and set himself to the task of gathering dragons. Namely, three specific dragon warriors—as soon as hey had them, he knew others would follow.
He didn't expect it to be difficult. He just had to get the message to them and explain what was supposed to happen.
Mahad wasn't surprised to find Black Luster Soldier, Celtic Guardian and Kuriboh waiting for him.
Mahad, Black Luster Soldier and Celtic Guardian bowed at one another, while Kuriboh sort of bounced in the air, making sounds of excitement. Mahad led the way into the enormous castle, flanked by the two warriors, while Kuriboh hovered at the rear.
Two Mirror Knights stood on either side of a pair of enormous doors. When Mahad spoke a spell, they clanked over to open the doors, admitting the party.
The three knights turned to face them from a platform in the giant cathedral room, looking surprised. "Who goes there?" called one in a deep baritone.
"Dark Magician Mahad," he called back, bowing. The knight's voice sent a chill of familiarity down his spine. "You know me as the eternal servant of the exalted Chosen King. The Pharaoh Atem, High King of the Afterlife."
The three knights leapt from their platform, moving forward and smiling now. "Excuse my discourtesy," said the baritone knight dressed in light green, almost turquoise. He bowed first to Mahad, "We are in strange times."
"Yes," Mahad agreed, "That we are. I have come to ask for your help." He let his gaze travel down all three legendary knights, "All of your help. The world is in great danger and the Pharaoh is in need of an army."
"Say no more," said the knight in blue, pushing back his cape. "We understand what you come to ask of us."
The knight in red nodded, "Yes, you want us to help lead an army of dragons in the Pharaoh's army."
"The Palace is under dark control isn't it?" asked the first knight. Legendary Knight Timaeus looked remarkably like the Pharaoh, eyes, bearing, confidence, height—even his voice was similar.
Mahad nodded in confirmation, "Yes, it is currently being controlled by an underling of Zorc named Erebus. Previously, it was under the rule of a pawn to both Zorc and Erebus called Hamon, who used to be a king in the Afterlife."
Critias folded his arms, frowning, "This is a serious situation, then."
Critias looked a lot like Seto. The same eyes, the same voice—the only difference was that Critias didn't seem nearly as cocky and overbearing as Seto or his descendent Kaiba. He also had lighter skin and lighter hair, sort of a dirty blond peeking out beneath his blue helmet.
Hermos glanced at his companions, both of whom looked serious.
Mahad thought that Hermos looked a bit like Joey, though not completely. He appeared more self-assured than Joey, and not quite as ridiculous. Of course, that was probably was came with the fact that he was a knight. He had a somewhat similar voice to Joey's, though again, not completely; there was also the fact that he had darker hair.
It was only when Hermos spoke that he changed his mind a little bit. "Lighten up," he grinned, "It's time for the Legendary Knights to step in—what could go wrong?"
Yep, definitely like Joey. A little cocky.
Timaeus eyed Hermos critically, "Many things can always go wrong, Hermos."
Critias actually rolled his eyes. That reminded him of Seto. Yes, they were definitely similar to the Pharaoh, Seto and Joey. The Pharaoh took everything seriously, Seto was sarcastic and annoyed, and Joey was a bit cocky and ridiculous.
Mahad tried not to sigh, looking to Timaeus, who smiled. "My apologies," he said, "Hermos tends to take us off subject." When Hermos opened his mouth to object, Critias shoved him away rather unceremoniously and Timaeus continued: "We will of course aid you. We are ready to move out when you are."
Mahad regarded the three Legendary Knights. With them on their side, surely they would have the advantage. "Thank you," he said gratefully, "The Pharaoh will be pleased to have you on his side."
"What would you have us do?" Critias asked.
"We need dragons," Mahad said, arms folded, "And knights. Warriors."
"Not a problem," Hermos said easily, "Let's go!"
Timaeus and Critias rolled their eyes, sharing a glance. Mahad resisted the urge to smile. Turning, he led the way, with the three knights, Black Luster Soldier, Celtic Guardians and Kuriboh behind him. Outside the enormous castle, the spellcasters were gathering. There were thousands of them, and finally he really smiled.
Timaeus, Critias and Hermos were blown away by the numbers. "Spellcasters, everywhere!" said Timaeus, "It's incredible." He nodded at the other two, "Now we must do our part."
Mahad and the others backed away, watching as the three Legendary Knights transformed into the three Legendary Dragons, taking flight with mighty roars. Cheers rose from the party of spellcasters.
Mahad had a good feeling about this. He had been right to come here. It really was their only chance to regain the Palace—and the Afterlife.
Dragons, knights, warriors and spellcasters were gathered for miles around the castle. It had taken a mere two days to gather the forces together. That, and their sheer numbers were what amazed Mahad. He had hoped for this enthusiastic response, but he had been prepared to accept a much smaller force than this. It was more than he could have hoped for—far more.
Timaeus, Critias, Hermos, Dark Magician Girl, Black Luster Soldier, Celtic Guardian and Kuriboh waited for his instructions. He smiled, "There is only one thing left to do. Send a message to the Pharaoh and begin our march to the Afterlife. Kuriboh," he said, holding out his message, "You must take this to the Pharaoh. You should be able to contact him through his dreams. He will get the message."
Kuriboh gave a cry of excitement—or agreement—and allowed Mahad to wrap the tied scroll around him. He took off into the air, off to wherever his instinct told him to go. He had an odd connection with the Pharaoh that made Mahad sure that his king would get the message. Their plan could only be complete if he met them at the rendezvous point.
Mahad had already sent messages with various other small, flying creatures willing to help to the other kingdoms they could trust. Alexander the Great, King Dartz and King Ironheart in Atlantis, and the Anasazi King Tastan in the marshlands. He hadn't felt it safe to send messages to the others, and all he had asked of the kingdoms was to march to the Palace, meeting them there in three days time.
That was the day they planned to attack, and Mahad hoped with all his might that it would work.
Staring out over the mass armies made up of the creatures of the Realm of the Beasts, he knew it would.
Dartz was rubbing his forehead, trying to think when the cry reached his ears. It sounded like a Kuriboh.
Opening his eyes, he frowned and rose from his position at the desk, following the sound. A Kuriboh, here? Surely it was a sign of something.
In the throne room, a Winged Kuriboh was darting in and out of the open windows. When it saw him, it zipped over, zooming around his head. Dartz stared in perplexity. There was a scroll tied around the furry creature.
He reached to removed the scroll, and suddenly Kuriboh was still, big eyes staring at him in excitement—or anticipation. With Kuriboh's you could never really tell.
Dartz removed the scroll and read it over, reading faster and faster as he went. Eventually the scroll snapped shut. He glanced at the Winged Kuriboh, who was still waiting with those big, excited eyes. He hurried to his office, the Kuriboh close behind, and scrawled a response. Rolling it up, he replaced it around the Winged Kuriboh, which flew off almost at once.
"Father!" Dartz called. When Ironheart appeared, he said quickly, "Tell the servants and soldiers—gather the armies! Call the recruits! Pack the horses and weapons! We are needed in battle at the Palace in three days time. The Pharaoh's Palace must be retaken!"
Tastan was unsurprised when Happy Lover delivered the message.
His armies were ready, his horses and troops were in top shape and everything was in place for their absence. He wrote his response to the letter, recognizing Mahad's neat script. The Magician was sure to have gathered armies of his own, or he wouldn't be so sure and so urgent. The time had come for the evil to fall.
"Be ready for battle!" he bellowed.
He adorned his armor, collected his supplies and rode atop his horse, waving the armies to follow him. "We march for three days to the Palace of the High King! There, we will stand."
Alexander the Great had been holding his kingdom successfully since the war had started. His armies and powers were too great for the small forces the evil had sent against him.
So when the scroll came, born by Hanewata, he was both pleased and pleasantly surprised—finally, a chance to help the Pharaoh. Finally a chance to go into a real battle instead of defend his kingdom! The forces were small, but they surrounded him completely—still, they would be easy to get through. He would have to leave his foot soldiers here to defend the kingdom while his armies and soldiers marched with him to the Palace.
Three days, Mahad, the Pharaoh's Magician, wrote. Three days and we meet at the castle, where we will stand again Erebus, underling of Zorc, and win back both the Palace and the Afterlife. It seemed like an impossible task—though, like Tastan, Alexander came to the same conclusion. Surely the Magician had a enough confidence to assure this.
He would just have to trust him.
He assembled his armies, "To the Palace of the High King we march, men!"
To which the army bellowed and shouted. Triumph, Alexander knew, would be imperative in this coming battle. Lose the battle, and they lost the world.
Whoo. Dramatic chapter and not as long as I had hoped. Oh well—another chap update in a few days. Hang tight!
Review, please! ^o^ let me know what you think!
-Anevay