The dirty light that hit the man's face seemed like a blessing from all the gods of heaven. The duck tape that held him firm had almost worn out from his constant struggling, but it still held firm.
His eyes looked to Shafi, in a mute plead for release. The Magi pulled him out of the closet in which he had been locked for the past five hours and set him on a chair.
"I'm going to remove the tape. But only on the condition that you don't scream." Explained Shafi.
The other man nodded, sweat pouring down his face. Shafi grabbed the edges of the tape, tearing it of in one stroke. The man endured it without a whimper, and his lips began to move, trying to speak.
"Yes?" asked Yasmin, coming closer.
"Water…please…"
"No." replied Shafi coldly, at the same time grabbing the girl's arm.
"Please, are you not a Magi also? Do you not live by the code?"
"If your brother thirsts, give him to drink." Quoted Shafi. "The question is, do you? Because you've yet to prove it to me."
The man almost broke into tears, grinding his teeth. Yasmin broke loose, and ran to the sink, filling a cup. He held it to his lips, and the man drank eagerly, spilling most on his shirt.
"Why did you do that?" demanded Shafi.
"Because we're still human. And because I don't want to end up like Dimitri."
The man was without reply. Truth being told, he almost felt delight in seeing the captive's suffering. Can this be the darkness inside me? No, couldn't be. I can be better than he is.
Yasmin took a step back, and looked at the captive. He was starting to look more like a live human now. Yet his eyes still had a great deal of regrets.
"I'm sorry for what I have done. I was told my mission, but not that it would include killing my brethren. I would never have agreed to it."
"Who send you then?"
The man dared not look up.
"We are a group of Magi, living in the West Valley Governorate. About two weeks ago, our leader, Aisha Selah informed us that the Supreme King was preparing an operation in the area. Apparently, some diggers found something he was interested in."
"The crew from Industrial Illusions?"
"I know not. But she did say that they were uncovering something that needed to stay buried."
"Like what?" inquired Shafi.
"Lamastu." Replied the man in a fear filled tone.
"That's the same word Dimitri used.
The captive's eyes opened in terror.
"He already has it? God, please tell me he doesn't have it!"
"He took it." replied Yasmin sadly.
The man screamed, thrashing in the chair.
"NO! Let me out! I have to leave. Please, I need to warn my clan!"
"You'll leave after you give us some information. What is this card? And why does Dimitri want it so badly."
The man laughed, almost at the edge of insanity.
"This isn't a card you're dealing with."
"Then what?"
"No, something far worst. An ancient goddess whose hunger desires the flesh of children. A heathen beast that has plagued my homeland for centuries."
"What creature? What goddess do you mean? Tell us, and we may find a way to stop whatever it is…"
The man laughed bitterly.
"Stop it? How can you stop it? Since the Supreme King went after her, he'll go after the others for sure."
"What others?" asked Yasmin.
"The other…" the man abruptly remained silent. "I shouldn't have said that."
Yasmin knelled on one knee before him, their faces inches apart.
"Are there more such cards?"
The man avoided her face. He clearly did not want to give the answer.
"What do you want me to say?"
"Only what the code demands."
The man turned to her. With great effort, he opened his lips, letting out a simple "yes".
"How many?" asked Shafi. "And does Dimitri want all of them."
"I know not how many. Each is in the care of different Magi clans. To the best of my knowledge, there are three more."
"Where are they?" asked Shafi, taking out a dagger from his belt.
"I don't know!" screamed the prisoner in anguish. "Please, don't kill me!"
Shafi severed the bonds that held him with one stroke, and the man raised his arms, trying to regain his blood flow.
"You're going to take us to your leader. And we'll settle this whole thing there."
The three got up in silence. Shafi went to one of his bags, and took out a deck, handing it to the stranger.
"Here, I kept it safe. Always look after the deck of a brother."
CHAPTER 37
Cairo, 18:20 PM
Rossler opened the door, allowing Dimitri to enter. He followed, and Leon came in last. The man sat around a table, and Rossler opened a bottle of wine, filling three glasses. He raised his, and smiled.
"A toast, to a job well done."
"And to a grand new beginning." Added Leon.
Dimitri said nothing, and took a sip from his glass. All three eyes were focused on the card on the center of the table. It seemed to be normal, but each of them knew it to be only an illusion. Rossler finished his drink, and turned to the king.
"So, why keep us in suspense? Who's the lucky person?"
Dimitri darted each of them, before reaching for the card. He raised it in his fingers, and the image began to morph, showing a distorted image of a woman, handling two serpents in her hands. Leon made a cross on his chest, and began to pray a "hail Mary".
"Are you afraid of it padre? You should be. Fear is the start of wisdom. And since you're so fearful, I won't force you to look at it anymore. Her owner is not among us."
"Then who?" asked Rossler.
"Karina." Replied Dimitri with a sly smile.
Leon felt returned to his senses. He stepped between the professor and Dimitri, crossing his arms.
"I hope that was a joke."
"It's not. And you know that I never compromise on such things."
"Dimitri, think of this for a minute. You've got in your hand a card that can take down even Slifer the Sky Dragon, and you give it to, excuse me, Karina?"
"Is it really that hard to understand?" taunted Dimitri.
"What is there to understand? If you want to give her a love gift, let it be a diamond ring. But for crying out loud, keep your mind clear. This card has to remain in the hands of someone who can use it. Not a teenager who's fallen for you badly."
Dimitri remained silent. Rossler choose to remain seated, though he would rather have stepped to separate them. Leon's face showed a mixture of anger and surprise. Things were getting out of hand for him, and though he knew Dimitri as rational by nature, he feared that maybe he had taken things too far. He whipped his sweaty brow with a tissue, awaiting the chastisement which he was sure to follow.
Dimitri on the other hand, preferred to return to the table. He turned his face to Rossler.
"New change of plans. I need you to go to Duel Academy."
"Good. I also need to retrieve some stuff I had stashed back there."
"There will be none of that. I want you back with maximum discretion. The key to the next lord is in the hands of the current chancellor."
"Stephen? He wasn't much of a duelist. If I have to fight him, then it should be easy picking. Once I get that, where is the card hidden?"
The king's eyes darted to the teacher.
"Within the place of fire. When Duel Academy was undergoing construction, they did much more than place strong foundation. And our chancellor knows well what lies within the depths of that volcano: shadow and flame."
0 0 0 0 0 0
Duel Academy,
2 days later
The Slifer common room had only one occupant at the time. Lloyd had preferred to spend the remaining of the evening on his couch, watching old war movies. He hated being alone. And though he didn't enjoy keeping order in the day room while the students were in, the sheer boredom from the lack of action drove him on the walls.
He increased the volume, and reached for another slice of pizza, when Hannah walked in.
"Can you turn that thing down, you're going to burst your ears!"
"Why would you care?" he replied, still chewing his slice.
The woman rolled her eyes, and grabbed the remote, turning the TV of. Lloyd gave her a disappointed look.
"Any reason for that?"
"Yes. The chancellor wants to see you."
"It's a bit late. What gives?"
"Just go."
Lloyd gave no further reply. He picked up his coat, and headed for the main administration building. The twilight made the island one vast sea of brass, as the orange glow flooded it's shores. He knocked at the chancellor's door, and entered.
Stephen got up and greeted him. He did look a bit tired, but Lloyd merely placed it on overwork.
"You wanted to see me?"
"Yes, take a seat. I actually want to ask you two favors. We just got this message from the Arizona State Prison. Irene Carwell will be released next month. Most of the adoption papers have been done, and if all goes well, she will be Carrie's legitimate mother."
"Now that's good news. After all the girl's been through, she can use something to lighten her brow."
"Indeed. For what I understand, since Seer Academy is no longer available, she'll continue to study here. And given her talents, we may move her into the blue dorm at the start of next year."
The teacher looked on. He could tell when the boss was hiding something.
"And the other favor?"
Stephen opened his drawer, and took out a key. It was fairly large, and covered with rust. He placed it on the table.
"Actually, it's a two in one favor. The first is our…problem with Jason."
Lloyd remained silent, then after a brief moment, spoke.\
"What about him?"
"You know the situations that have arisen. This academy may soon seize being safe for us and all students."
"What can I do?"
"Just keep an eye on our special duelists. Make sure they don't do anything stupid. And above all, keep this key safe."
Lloyd picked up the metal object. It had no aspect of something of value.
"What am I supposed to do with this?"
"It's best you don't know. Make sure it stays away from unwanted people."
0 0 0 0 0 0
"Anything interesting happened in the office?" asked Hannah, as the tide splashed water against her feet.
"You can call it that." Nodded Lloyd, walking slightly in front of her.
The lights had been turned on across the island, making the dorms one great catwalk of light. The tide was slowly coming in, smashing noisily against the rocks. The teacher took out the rusty key, examining it.
"Where did you get that key?" asked Hannah. "Looks like the pass code to the dead man's chest."
"Looks like a piece of junk to me." retorted the professor, taking out a lighter from his pocket.
He held the key to the flame, looking for anything that would indicate it's value. The metal gave a feint orange glow, and Lloyd suddenly felt his palm burning. He dropped the key, shaking his hand in pain.
"What on earth…what happened?" gasped the woman, turning around.
She checked his hand, but found no burn marks. At their feet, an orange beam struck the side of the volcano in the distance. The waters from the tide brushed against the key, and a second beam, a blue one formed from the tip of the key, striking the mountain. A feint rumble was heard in the distance, and the key rose in the air. It became incased into a bright orb, which split into two smaller spheres. The sphere gave way to two rock tablets, landing at their feet. Hannah looked down, not having the courage to pick them up.
"I think Steve owes me an explanation." Managed Lloyd to find his words.
"Why go to him, when I can offer the answer right now." Came a voice from behind them.
Rossler stepped from the shadows, walking casually on the wet sand. He stopped, looking down at the tablets.
"Looks like you spared me quite some work." Smiled the teacher.
"Rossler…" whispered Hannah.
"Please, call me Reihman." Winked the man.
Lloyd pushed the woman aside, stepping towards him. The two men stood face to face, the only sound heard around them being the ocean.
"Haven't heard that name in quite some time." Said Lloyd.
"I figured it would be a nice change. For a new age in the making."
"Your age died in the rubble of Europe. And your ideas will drown with the first shot of my fist!" shouted Lloyd.
"On the contrary." Laughed Rossler. "From the rubble, rubble comes. The Reich will rise again. And with the Supreme King at the helm, I shall turn this pitiful academy into a new training center for the great race of supermen to come."
"You're crazy if you think Jason will agree to this!"
Rossler kneeled to pick up the tablets.
"Then it would appear you're still left out when it comes to information. There's one more king to contend for the crown. And he requires these tools to make his world a reality. Isn't that right, Koji?"
Lloyd turned, and saw the Japanese boy behind them, holding what seemed like an electric gun. Hannah raised her hands cautiously, and Lloyd did the same. Koji motioned them to move aside, as he approached Rossler.
"Looks like there's two of them, teach. Dimitri said there would only be one."
A single jolt passed through Lloyd's head like a bullet. Dimitri? He can't be talking about…
"Koji, what do you mean? Dimitri? As in…"
"What's that to you?" replied the boy in a superior tone, as he picked up one of the tablets.
"Apparently he still doesn't know." Explained Rossler, as he examined the tablet in the light. From his position, Koji could see blood red writing on the teacher's eyes, reflecting from the tablet.
"Can you read it?" asked Koji.
"Perfectly." Replied the teacher, turning to face the volcano. "Hail to the sky, feel the blaze of Ulma!" he shouted, raising his arm in a salute to the mountain.
A stream of red flames burst from the mouth of the volcano, streaking across the island. It narrowed to the thinness of a rope, being swallowed into the tablet. Rossler screamed, his face blurred by an orange hue. When the fire vanished, his arm was still raised, holding a black card. Hannah, Koji and Lloyd looked in shock, as the teacher placed the card into his pocket.
"Your turn, Koji." He demanded.
"Me? I can't read…" began the tech duelist.
He looked down at his arm, and to his shock, he found it covered with one line of blue writing. As in a dream, he walked to the ocean.
"Dive into the Dark Sea, stir the whirlpool of Leviathan." He chanted, as his eyes began to take the form of black pools of murky water.
The waters pulled back in an instant, rising up into a spiral. The boy raised his arm, and a string of water struck the tablet, cracking it. He felt his legs go numb, as a fearful vision of a four-armed creature, half human and half serpent flashed in his mind. The two duelists examined their cards.
"Quite impressive. Even Dimitri can't say no to me now." Boasted Koji.
"He never did. You're just too impulsive and try to push yourself to him." Replied the teacher, taking out a cell phone.
"Wait!" shouted Lloyd.
"What now? Can't you accept defeat like a good retired Marine?" asked Rossler in a bored tone.
"I'm not retired. And I can still make history repeat itself!" he shouted, raising his duel disk. "Here's the deal. If I win, you tell me the name of that king of yours, and hand over the cards."
"And if I win?" inquired Rossler.
"Then…you find out all the secrets Jason told me."
Rossler measured him, and laughed hardily.
"You're lying. Jason never trusted you enough to tell you his secrets. But then again, I can avenge the defeat I suffered here."
He clung his fist, and a circle of black flames surrounded them, pushing Koji out with force.
"If you duel, you duel by my rules."
"Then let's do it!" shouted Lloyd, drawing his five cards.
Rossler 8000 – Lloyd 8000
"The first move is mine! And I open with the continuous spell called Transformation." Exclaimed the teacher.
A black mist shrouded him, encasing his body into a black medieval-like armor.
"Okay, haven't seen that card yet." Pondered Lloyd.
"My deck has been fully updated. I set one card and end my turn."
The former soldier made his draw. Okay, he's opened to a direct attack. Problem is that spell of his. Wonder what it does?
"Here we go! XX-Saber Garsen, report for duty!"
A feral creature, roughly human in shape appeared. It had the head of a gazelle, and carried a sword in each hand (1400/400), (1600/400).
"My private right here gains 200 ATK for each Saber monster I have in play. And now, all out attack soldier!"
The beast roared, slashing Rossler. The teacher dodged each blow, and with one strike pierced the chest of the beast with his arm, shattering it.
"Explain!" shouted Lloyd in disbelief.
"My spell card keeps me safe. All battle damage from direct attacks becomes 0, and any monster to strike me is destroyed."
"Well, my monster's loss is not for nothing. Since it was killed in action by a card effect, I can add a Saber monster from my deck to my hand. I'll set one card and end my turn."
Rossler 8000 – Lloyd 8000
"It would seem like my deck is working properly. Now let's see what it can really do. I set one monster, and my turn will be over." Concluded Rossler.
"My move then! And I enlist X-Saber Anu Piranha. Girls make the army all the more fun, don't you agree?" inquired Lloyd, as a blonde woman, in a tight red bodysuit appeared (1800/1100).
"Your fancy spell may protect you from direct attacks, but not your monster. Attack his face-down!"
The woman slashed, revealing a fat fiend, armed with a skull-tipped staff (1200/2000).
"My Djinn Presider of Rituals cannot be destroyed that easy."
"I can see that." Replied Lloyd. "I end my turn here."
Rossler 8000 – Lloyd 8000
"Tell me Lloyd, do you remember how I got my job here?"
"How can I forget? Thank your god that Stephen didn't even take into consideration that incident!"
"That was his mistake. Yours was to challenge me. I offer my monster to summon Djinn Subduer of Rituals."
The new creature was much taller, and muscular. It's lower body was smoke, and it had a black kufi on it's head (1900/1500).
"When my monster is summoned, I can add a Ritual Spell or Monster from my deck and place it on the top of it. And since your warrior is just 100 points short, I shall have my creature attack!"
The fiend exhailed a beam of fire, but Lloyd quickly pointed to his face-down card.
"Time for a sneak-attack. I activate Half Counter, to boost my gal's ATK by half of that of your monster."
The warrior's ATK rose to 2750, and she struck the fiend's head of with one blow.
"First blood goes to me." boasted Lloyd.
"For now. I end my turn here."
"Your cold look doesn't scare me. I summon, heck, I'll just summon XX-Saber Emmersblade." He declared, as a cricket-like creature hopped next to him (1300/800). "Lastly, I'll set one card."
"And would you care to attack?"
"I can't. I have to end my turn." Resigned Lloyd.
Rossler 7150 – Lloyd 8000
"You should at least try to make this more exiting. But since you're unwilling to make your monsters attack, I shall have to do it for you. I play the spell Rebellion."
"Rebellion's not tolerated in the army pal!"
"It is as far as I'm concerned. With the help of this spell, I can select one of your monsters, and attack with it as if it was my own."
The blonde woman turned to the insect creature, having a strange blank look on her face. She raised her sword, slashing the insect in half.
"Time to bring out some reinforcements! Since you destroyed him, I can special summon another Saber monster from my deck. Come on out, X-Saber Palomuro."
A small reptilian creature materialized next to the woman, hissing to the teacher. Rossler gave to attention to it.
"My turn is over. If you intend to impress your friend over there, now would be the time."
"I don't intend to impress anyone. I intend to win. Remember, Palomuro is also a Tuner. So by offering him, along with Anu Piranha, I can summon the true winner of the east."
Five green stars aligned, revealing a warrior armed with a bladed shotgun, and a cowboy style outfit (2100/400).
"At ease, X-Saber Wayne. We're not ready to engage the enemy yet. I end my turn here."
Rossler 7150 – Lloyd 7500
"You've had your little fun, and so have I. I activate the spell Ritual of Destruction. And by removing from the game the two djinn in my graveyard, I can special summon Garlandolf the king of Destruction from my hand."
Smoke rose from the center of the arena, as a blueish fiend took form (2500/1400). It opened it's mouth, hissing menacingly. Lloyd's eyes narrowed.
**flashback**
"The job's as good as mine!" shouted a much younger Rossler. "I offer my Dark Necrofear as a tribute, in order to summon Garlandolf, King of Destruction."
The public around the arena cheered wildly, as the fiend took form. In his seat, a thirty years old Stephen Gould was busy taking notes. Lloyd's field of vision narrowed to the fiend, and the younger form of himself. I won back then because I had a purpose for dueling. And that purpose has not changed. To keep the world safe from people like Rossler.
He clung his fist, striking into the empty mirage. I failed once. I will not do it again.
**end flashback**
"I destroyed your fiend once, and I can do it again!" shouted Lloyd. "I activate the trap Saber Hole. Since Wayne is on my side of the field, I can negate your monster's summon, and destroy it."
"How naïve. I chain Solemn Warning. At the cost of 2000 lp, your trap is negated and destroyed. Which means my monster's effect can engage, destroying your precious synchro monster."
The cowboy vanished into black smoke, which the fiend inhaled (2600/1400). Rossler raised his hand in satisfaction.
"Garlandolf, direct attack!"
The monster's blow shook Lloyd to his very heart. Now I know how Jason must have felt like. I need to end the duel, and fast.
"It's only a matter of time now. Thanks to my Djinn Presider of Rituals, you cannot perform any special summons. I set one card, and end my turn."
Lloyd struggled to make his draw. Okay, this looks promising.
"Looks like it's time for some rear guard action. I set one card, and a face-down monster. And that's all for me."
Rossler 5150 – Lloyd 4900
"Your defense will not stand, not since I have used my Subduer or Rituals to summon Garlandolf. Attack his hidden monster, my fiend!"
The fiend's claws slashed, revealing a stout warrior, armed with a broad sword (200/0). Lloyd gave a triumphant smile.
"My X-Saber Pashuul's not going anywhere. He has full battle immunity."
"Perhaps. But your life points don't. Since I used Subduer to summon my creature, he instantly has piercing damage. Quite a handicap, since your monster has zero DEF."
The two duelists faced each other, their eyes pinned into the flames surrounding them.
"Make your move…friend. Because during my next turn, victory will be mine."
Lloyd made his draw. Please, if there's any God in heaven, please let this be the card I need. He looked at his new card, and yelled out triumphantly.
"O yeah! Time to counterattack. I summon X-Saber Urz to the field." Yelled out the duelist, as a warrior armed with two swords, wearing a rough grey armor materialized (1600/1000).
"Lloyd, I can understand you want to go out with a bang, but come on. You can at least try to camouflage your defeat."
"First, no one but me gets to use army slang, got it? Second, this next card will blow that ugly Adams Family reject out of here. I activate the spell Saber Slash. Plain and simple, you loose a number of face-up cards equal to the number of Saber monsters I have in play."
Rossler went pale, as invisible swords cut Garlandolf in half. His own armor began to crack, and fell in chunks. Moments later, a loud explosion followed. Both Lloyd and Hannah covered their ears, and the man saw a pitiful sight. Rossler was on one knee, his clothes torn and smoking. His left arm was bleeding.
"When…Transformation…leaves the field…I take damage equal to the ATK of all the monsters it destroyed." He panted.
"Then too bad for you. Because since I can special summon again, I tune my two creatures, to summon XX-Saber Hyunlei!"
The two warriors vanished into a burst of light, revealing a futuristic looking samurai, armed with a white katana (2300/1300). Rossler's remaining face-down exploded, revealing a copy of Flame of Symun.
"I still have one attack left Cassius, and here it comes!" yelled out Lloyd.
The samurai struck the professor, forcing him against the wall of black flames. "This is unacceptable. I cannot loose to this worthless…"
"I set one card and end my turn." Concluded Lloyd.
Rossler 1250 – Lloyd 2300
"It's almost over Cassius!" shouted Lloyd.
Rossler struggled to get back up, shaking the sand from his clothes.
"Over for whom? From where I stand, the only thing that keeps me from turning you to a crisp is the will and I might add, the presence of your petty student."
"You tried to corrupt Jason once. You failed then, and you will fail now!"
"Come now, how much credit can you give him? Yes, he did win some impressive duels. But he has yet to defeat me. And against the Supreme King, he has little opposition to put up."
"Cassius, please tell me, are you talking about…"
Rossler grinned, making his draw.
"You'll find the answer at journey's end. In the meantime, on with my turn. And it would seem like I have no cards worth playing. So I end my turn here."
"You will give me the answer!" shouted Lloyd. "Hyunlei, finish the duel now!"
The samurai made one last leap, only to be blocked by a strong, earshattering sound. To Lloyd's shock, a small creature, looking somewhat like a pendulum (0/0) was seen hovering in mid air.
"The duel is not done yet. All I need to do is summon my Battle Fader, due to your direct attack, and the battle phase instantly comes to an end."
Shoot, he did it again. Guess I have to wait one more round to finish this.
"I end my turn here." said Lloyd in a dark tone.
Rossler gripped his top card, and licked his lips.
"You seek too much to help others, when the one in need is yourself." Declared Rossler. "I hope this duel will teach you that."
"Just duel." Intruded Lloyd.
"Very well. I discard my Ritual of Grace spell card, to special summon my Dark Tuner Shadow Priest from my hand." Hissed the man, as a sinister looking spellcaster appeared, it's head covered by a blood red hood (0/0). The black flames around them swirled, forcing Hannah and Koji to back away. The Japanese boy seemed delighted.
"By selecting Garlandolf in my graveyard, I can increase the level of my monster from 3 to 10. And for a new, and never before seen trick, I shall subtract the level of Shadow Priest from that of Battle Fader." Exclaimed the duelist, as the two monsters vanished into nine black stars.
"You can't do that. That would live you with a…level minus nine monster."
"Sharp math. Yes, by the power of the king, I now have the power to turn evolution in reverse." Explained Rossler, as an ominous shadow loomed behind him.
"What is that?" asked Hannah in fear.
"It's the end of all stars. When light fades, all the sounds of the ocean come pouring in. Behold, the power of Weeping Wraith of Sorrows!"
The black stars exploded, revealing a spectral entity. It's body consisted of eight tentacles, sustaining a woman's upper body. It had no eyes, merely empty sockets from which clear tears flowed (2900/2600). The ground split open, and the Saber monster fell with a scream. Lloyd's eyes were fixed upon the creature. Is this what he meant when he said that evolution is reversed? If so, then…
"Due to my monster's effect, each time she is summoned, all monsters with a higher level than her are destroyed. And since she's a level -9, all are fair game. With your last monster has been vanquished, the duel is done. Finish him!"
Two streams of water burst from the creature's eyes, only to be blocked by an invisible barrier.
"You'll have to do better to take out a roughneck like me. Due to my Spirit Force, all battle damage becomes zero, and on top of that, I can add a Warrior Tuner from my graveyard to my hand."
"Clever. I will just end my turn here."
Rossler 1250 – Lloyd 2300
Here we go. All or nothing.
"If I'm going to loose, it may as well be while fighting! I draw!"
His eyes fell upon the card. So, there really is a god up there…
"Since my field is empty of monsters, I can special summon XX-Saber Gardestrike from my hand!" exclaimed Lloyd. A creature with panther features pounced on the field, armed with a curved sword (2100/1400).
"I'm not done with you yet! You may fight for a fantasy, but I duel for the world I see. My vision is my own."
"You have no vision." Replied Rossler.
"I do. It's to see you pay for all you've done. I combine my monster with Axe of Despair, providing him with 1000 extra ATK. Just enough to destroy that…thing."
A fiendish axe formed in the creature's hand (3100/1400). With a feral battlecry, it struck the female demon. She yelled out, exploding into puddles of water. Rossler laughed, picking up a card from his hand.
"How foolish. When my creature perishes, by sending a card from my hand to the graveyard, you take damage equal to her ATK."
"But that means…" gasped Lloyd in shock.
"It means I win, just like I said I would. Oh well soldier blue, enjoy your swim."
The puddles closed around Lloyd, encasing him into a pillar of water. The man held his breath, moving his arms and legs chaotically. With one supreme effort, he broke free, landing on the sand. His cards were scattered around him. He looked up, sawing that the wall of fire had died down.
Rossler 1050 – Lloyd 0
The former soldier struggled to his feet, coughing up water. Koji walked up to Rossler, handing him the two cards.
"All washed up. Guess he finally got his clear conscience."
Lloyd's hand extended to the two figures before him. Rossler's shadow seemed to tower above him like the decree of God. Opening his mouth he pleaded:
"Tell me his name."
"Haven't you realized it by now."
"I won't believe that!" he exclaimed.
"Believe what you wish. But you must know this: things are in motion, and cannot be undone. The lords are being summoned, and the realm of Andar will soon become a reality."
"Is that your answer?"
"No. It's a message I was supposed to deliver. From my king, Dimitri Eder."
He turned his back, leaving Lloyd on his knees. Then it's true. I failed him for a second time.
With a sudden impulse of force, he leaped to his feet, grabbing Rossler's coat. The man turned, surprised and annoyed.
"I won't let you destroy that boy's future!" he shouted.
"Let go of me you sentimental fool!"
Their eyes remained caught in a death grip. Rossler tried to shove him aside, but the former soldier held firm, forcing him to the ground. They rolled in the sand, Lloyd trying desperately to reach the cards.
"Koji!" yelled out Rossler.
"Right, right!" he replied, raising his electric gun.
A sharp blow in his back made him yell out in pain and surprise. His weapon fell, and he was shocked to see Hannah, holding her own duel disk by one side.
"Not the best way to use it, but hey, why not."
"Bad move teach." Snarled Koji, in an almost non-human voice.
He raised the black card he held, and the ocean behind him began to boil. A massive arm, over twenty feet long, covered in scales burst out, striking the ground. Hannah yelled out, as she was knocked back, hitting herself against one of the benches. The arm swung around, knocking in the process several electric cables. Lloyd's mouth opened in horror, as the appendice hovered above him. Profiting from the distraction, Rossler shoved him aside, and grabbed Koji's arm. The Japanese duelist was just as shocked.
"What did I do teach?"
"Never mind, I'll explain later." He shouted, as they ran towards a speed boat that was approaching shore. They boarded it, and the arm vanished into the depths.
Lloyd looked out to the now ever smaller point. Only one thing was on his mind. Jason. I have to warn Jason.
Hannah approached him, holding a hand to the side of her head. Lloyd noticed she had a large cut there. By now, lights were turning on all over the complex.
"What did we get ourselves into?" she asked.
"One heck of a problem, that's for sure."
The boat was now a speck into the horizon. Lloyd looked back, and noticed that several other people were gathering. A maintenance team was already on duty, taking care of the knocked out power lines.
"I hate to speak to Stephen. He needs to know of what's going on."
"Before that, you can brief me."
"Then grab a seat, it's going to be a long ride."
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Koji lay on the end of the boat. His face, usually calm and calculate, was a mixture of fear and pain. His whole body felt like jelly. Rossler handed him a tin of orange juice, and he drank it in one gulp.
"Teach, what was that? What did I do back there?"
"You did what you were supposed to do. It's only natural, victory comes by the inevitable grinding of the will."
"But did you see it? In the ocean?"
"I did. All this shows that you may be more valuable than I have anticipated."
Rossler took of his coat, and motioned Koji to lie down. He did, still shaking, and the teacher placed his coat over him.
"Go to sleep. We'll be reaching our destination soon."
"What destination?" he asked, his eyes drifting between consciousness and fainting.
No response came. He was alone, adrift in the seas of his thoughts.
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ORIGINAL CARDS CREATED
Djinn Subduer of Rituals
Level 5/DARK/Fiend/ATK1900/DEF 1500
When this card is summoned, you can add 1 Ritual Monster or Ritual Spell from your deck to the top of your deck. When you Ritual Summon a Ritual Monster, you can remove from play this card from your Graveyard as 1 of the monsters required for the Ritual Summon. The monster Ritual Summoned using this card inflicts Piercing Damage.
Weeping Wraith of Sorrows
Level -9/DARK/Fairy/Dark Synchro/ATK 2900/DEF 2600
1 non-Tuner – 1 Dark Tuner
When this card is summoned, destroy all monsters on the field with a higher level. If this card is destroyed by battle and send to the graveyard, you can discard 1 card to inflict damage to your opponent equal to this card's ATK. During your next Main Phase, if you have used this effect and you control no other monster, special summon this card from your graveyard.
THE ABOVE CARDS ARE MY OWN CREATION
Coming up…
Shafi has to confront an old enemy, not only to learn the meaning of his own existence, but to understand the mission of the Supreme King. Don't miss Cobra Jar.