Chapter 51
A Psychic showdown
"Rise and shine sleepy head! Come on! Up up!"
"Urg…Not so loud Red eyes…" I groaned, "Besides it's barely dawn…" I grumbled looking out the window to see the sun starting to rise over the city outside my window.
"Then I assume you don't want breakfast then?"
"B..breakfast?" I asked, at that moment a tray rolled in through a compartment from the wall. As I looked over I saw a bowl of cornflakes, a few slices of toast alongside some butter and a freshly cooked omelette! The sight of good food in a long while was as if I saw the gates of heaven open before me….
"Now if you don't want to eat, I'd be more than happy to-"
"Claws off! Mine!" I cried as I rushed to it and started stuffing my face with the delicious food!
"You're really stingy you know that…" he sighed watching me eat.
A little while into eating I then remembered watching the matches from yesterday, Yuzu was able to win against Chojiro which was a big surprise, also the way she did it was no doubt to try and cheer Yuya up after his defeat by Jack so it was pretty nice of her. Maybe I should try and do the same for him. Selena also won her match with relative ease so it was a relief to see they were still with us. However, something still pecked at my mind as I soon lost my appetite thinking about those who lost.
"Something up?" RE asked noticing me going all quiet after acting all energetic about food.
"It's just…wonder what happened to everyone who lost. After they were beaten they were just led into the garage and never to be heard from. Something's up for sure…"
"Now that I think about it, you might be on to something."
I then looked around, "Hey where's Bahamut and Blue eyes?"
"Oh them? They left a little while ago to check on everyone else next door. Just to see if they're doing fine."
"That's good to hear, at least we can keep close tabs on the others." I replied a little relieved as I continued eating, getting my strength back.
"You know we could also spy on the other contestants in the tower, give you a heads up so we know what to expect hehe!" RE suggested, to which I declined.
"Even if the stakes are high in this tournament, I'd rather not cheat. Besides, it'll be much more fun and interesting to come up with strategies during the duel rather than have an unfair advantage before the match begins. Also, it would be a good chance to amaze the crowd to get out of tight spots too!"
"Suit yourself." RE said though sounding a bit relieved too, about my honourable play.
Bahamut and Blue eyes then returned to us phasing in from the walls, "Good morning Ryuga, I trust you had a good night's rest?"
"Yup, haven't slept that well for a while now." I replied glad she was concerned for me, "How are the others doing? Selena, Kurosaki, Yuya, Yuzu?"
"Our comrades seem to be adapting well to their accommodations just fine. Yuya on the other hand…."
"Yuya?" I asked with concern over their worried tone.
"Apparently he seems to be troubled by something though we are unsure of what…"
"Maybe cos he still feels a little down after losing, or that we don't know where the others are?" RE suggested, "Whatever the case, hope he gets over it before his duel comes around."
"I hope so too." if he wasn't in his top form, this could mean bad news for us lancers in winning the council's trust.
After a good morning shower to freshen up, I stepped out and saw the 3 of them watching the tv.
"You're just in time Ryuga. Yuya is about to begin his match. It appears he is going against a member of security." Bahamut said as the lineup was decided.
"Security? That's a little unusual." I thought suspiciously, "Well let's see how he does." I said as I sat on the bed.
It was surprising to see how everyone booed him on his entrance, but suddenly what he said next shocked us all.
"Say what!? The losers are sent underground!?" I gasped, "Then Gongenzaka, Chojiro and everyone else…"
The others were just as shocked, even more so when no one even cared!
"Those hypocrites…Tops and commons…Even if one of their own gets sent below they don't even care!" RE growled.
It was even more painful to watch Yuya's duelling ideals denied again and again through his match and when that Security pulled out a certain spell…
"Polymerisation!?" BE gasped.
"He can use fusion!?"
Yuya was really pushed into a corner but managed to win using odd eyes saber dragon, and despite his victory…It felt more like a loss….
We all just stared blankly at the screen, "That's one victory no one can be proud off…." Bahamut commented, "Now I understand why Fafnir despises this world so much…"
"I don't blame Yuya feeling guilt ridden, those uncaring citizens don't give a care about what happens to those who lose or what they go through. Shinji was right about one thing, they're just using this tournament as a show for entertainment for the public, no matter what they all go through or the reasons they fight..Honestly, it's just disgusting…."
"I couldn't agree more Ryuga." BE replied disgusted, "Still, there's something just as troubling besides the public's ignorance."
"Like what?" I asked before realising, "That guy who used fusion right?"
She nodded, "A spell like that should NOT exist in synchro." Bahamut followed, "Also, we learnt some time ago that there were fusion agents in synchro as well."
"If a security member has a fusion card, then it means that those moles must be in the Security. So no doubt there may be more of them using fusion as well…." I said trying to put it together.
"As usual nothing gets by you Ryuga." RE said impressed, "But something still doesn't add up…"
"What's that?" we asked.
"If the spies are in security, that would no doubt make it much easier to them to invade, since they would already have a firm grip on the society here. And yet…There hasn't been any invasion."
"You make a good point there Red eyes," Bahamut said, "The crowd themselves were as surprised to see fusion summoning from the security so that means that they mustn't have known someone from their homeland would be able to use such a skill….So that means there hasn't been much activity regarding fusion summoning in synchro since we arrived…"
They all made good points but in the end we were still in dead ends…..
RING RING
"Huh? Mail?" I opened my flashing duel disk screen and saw it was from Ayame!
"This could be very important." said BE sow without hesitation I opened it and found a message in it.
"Dear Ryuga, hope you and your team are having success in synchro. Sorry this took a while since my first message to you, it's been really tough trying to gain access to the data crooks and getting useful info but I managed to acquire a set of files on some of Academia's top or well-noted members so you will be aware of who you'll be up against later on. Will try to get back to you sooner, don't worry about me, I'll be juts fine.
P.S- Regarding the synchro dimension, there is a certain person from Academia you should check up on, I marked the file so you should be able to find it easy."
"Good old Ayame." I said pleased she was till doing fine and what she was risking just to get for us, I'll have to thank her later if we ever meet again.
I scrolled through and saw various names of high ranking officers such as Captain Barett or Deputy Commander Mamoru. Eventually I found a red coloured file so I opened it and was shocked yet also not surprised to see who was inside.
"Roger…." I said as it showed his picture and how he was deployed to synchro some time ago as a spy in order to act as a herald for the invading army and Obelisk Force at the right moment, yet after some time contact was lost with him…
"So the director is the pawn of fusion?" BE grit her teeth remembering our encounter the other day, "I'm not surprised, considering how a flunky of security was able to acquire a fusion card."
"From what it seemed, he needed Selena which was why he kept her separated from the rest of us in the facility and when he tried to take her that night. So it makes sense that Yuzu could be his target as well." I said remembering how it adds up.
"All the more reason make sure they're safe." Bahamut said, "And yet, if he's aware of the both of them here, he could easily alert the rest of the main forces to invade now."
"But there's been no hint of fusion in the city till recently. Something really is weird."
Before we could think through it more, the next duel was announced, "And now the moment you've been waiting for! Our next upcoming match! Ryuga Shirogane vs Divine!"
"Eh!? I'm next? Now!?" I gasped.
"Well, better not keep your fans waiting Ryuga. Go get em!" RE grinned.
"The 2 of us will cheer you and Bahamut from the sidelines, so have no worries." BE smiled encouragingly.
I still wasn't good with crowds and I could feel a lump in my throat which was hard to swallow and I couldn't really move, also, I never rode a vehicle before, I could get hurt! Before I contemned to dwell on negative thinking, my ever reliable companion came to me, "Have no fear or hesitation Ryuga. I will be there with you, also, let's do this to prove ourselves to the crowd the true meaning of duelling and for Yuya."
"For Yuya…" I repeated, before nodding and taking my stand, "You're right! I can't let Yuya down! I'll prove to him I still believe in his ideal, Yuzu did her part and now is my turn!"
BE and RE then clapped for me in response to my courage.
The door then opened and an escort boy came to me, "If would allow me sir, I will show you to the garage where you shall prepare." he said politely. I followed him to the changing room and he handed me a white riding suit. "You'll need to wear this if you want to turbo duel. Also good luck." he said expressionlessly.
"Thank you." I nodded as he left and I got changed. It was a full body suit similar to the ones they handed out to all contestants, white as main colour with a touch of black shades and then picked up the helmet that came with it, being white with a red visor. I walked into the next room and found a basic duel runner they handed to contestants, this one was a dull and faded paint job with old black stripes for detail. "This seems a little old…And unsafe." I said to myself nervously.
Then allow me to give it a…'tune up' as you humans say." Bahamut said to me in card form.
"How so?" I asked.
"Slide me and the deck into the holder, then you shall see." I did as he told and once that happened a bright blinding light shone and I couldn't see, as it dissipated, appearing in the runner's place with a sleek and sharp body, the front half was pointed and facing down like a dragon's wing with the end having a similar design. The stepping pad on both sides was shaped like a dragon's arm and the top of the hood (above the duel screen) resembled a dragon's head and it's colour resembled Bahamut's silver and white coloration! Seeing the runner's makeover by a duel monster spirit was a big surprise for me.
"Bahamut…I never knew you could do this!" I gasped amazed.
"I merely infused a portion of my spirit to give new life to this forsaken vehicle. And have no fear of riding, I shall guide you as we go. Now the only thing left is, are you ready?"
I put on my helmet with a confident look, "You bet."
"Then let us not waste anymore time." I hopped on and we waited for the gates to open, (This is for you everyone) and I soon rode out onto the lane.
"Our first contestant is a mysterious and entertaining duelist from out of town who displayed great skill in taming mighty dragon monsters! Give it up for Ryuga Shirogane!" Melissa announced as I rode out.
"Whoah!" I cried a bit as I swayed a bit to the side, before somehow pulling back to the start line. "Phew…thanks Bahamut." Realising he helped support the runner's movement.
(Viewer POV)
Little did I know, my friends was keeping an eye on me from their rooms, "Ryuga…." Yuya said thoughtfully, as well as still feeling down from his duel earlier.
"Please do your best." Yuzu hoped, knowing I may have seen Yuya's duel and prayed I was in top form.
"So this is Ryuga…" Yugo commented surprised that he and Rin weren't the only ones with counterparts but Yamata too, 'Well Yuzu, let's see what he can do."
"Hey Fafnir, that Ryuga guy is now duelling! Come watch!" Yamata cried as she looked too seriously, "Let's see this so called bond and ideal of yours in the face of reality brother."
"EH!? Why does Shirogane get to go instead of me!? It's so unfair!" Shingo cried throwing a tantrum in his room.
(Duel)
"And now, our next contestant! A former pro who once took part in a previous edition of the Friendship Cup's exhibition duel against Jack! But now is back with a vengeance! Please welcome Divine!" I looked behind and saw a man with piercing hazel eyes speed out on a maroon duel runner, wearing green riding suit and a blackish helmet and red curvy hair sticking out from it. (He was met with cheers) As he positioned himself next to me I held out my hand generously to him.
"Hey, may the best duelist win." I said as a show of respect before our duel.
He then smirked, "You're just a kid, heh, guess my return to power will be much easier than I first thought." he then pushed my hand away!
"Huh!?"
"You're way too naive, kindness is meaningless on the battlefield! It'll be your downfall soon enough and I'll be sure to prove it to you in this match."
I then narrowed my eyes and ignored him. "So much for respect…"
"Now let's get this turbo duel underway! Action Field On! Cross over Accel!" The race track was soon covered by the action field as the action cards above us dispersed along the lanes.
"Duel mode: On. Auto Pilot Standby." Both riders said as the 5 second countdown initiated and we both leaned forward to ride.
I sweated as the timer neared 0, but I knew I had to do this for us, the lancers and friends in the underground, and for Yuya. "Riding Duel! Acceleration!"
The wheels of both runners screeched loudly with sparks as well, as we raced forward to make the first turn!
"DUEL!"
Ryuga: 4000
Divine: 4000
Despite the auto-pilot, I still wobbled a little unsteadily, but I trusted in myself and Bahamut as we soon held firm and I took the first corner a split second before Divine!
"Looks like the first move's mine!"
"And Ryuga takes the first turn! With such fluid movements too, fast like lightning yet graceful as a butterfly!" MC announced as I caught the attention of the crowd.
(Viewer POV)
"Not bad!" Crow cheered from his room.
"Looks like there's a lot more to you than I thought." Selena observed.
"Whoah! I never expected Ryuga to ride a runner that smoothly! Almost reminds me of me!" Yamata thought with Fafnir only narrowing her eyes, "Hmm, no doubt Bahamut is giving him support."
(Duel)
"Heh, enjoy yourself for now. It won't last." Divine thought to himself, as I overtook him for a split second when in actual fact he held back his full throttle by 80%.
"I draw." Looking at my hand it looked promising, but baiting him seems like a good strategy for now, "I place a card facedown and place a monster in defence mode. Now my turn's done."
"Eh? A small defence? What could Ryuga be up to?" MC announced puzzled.
The audience then started booing, hoping to see me make a good move (Some of which had witnessed me duel Misty in public and were disappointed to be let down).
Divine on the other hand had a sneaky look on his face and a nasty plan to go with it, "You really are an amateur if you think I'd fall for such a basic tactic. I've been in the Friendship Cup before and made it all the way to Jack Atlas himself, you are clearly outclassed!" he boasted as he drew.
"We'll see…"
"Oh you will indeed, I summon psychic snail in attack mode!" A 1900 attack snail monster appeared next to him, "But I won't be attacking yet, first I'll use the spell psychic cyclone! This lets me choose a set spell or trap on your field and destroy it! But that's not all, this card has an extra bonus for me. If I guess what type of card it is correctly, I get to draw a card but if not you draw. Too bad your strategy was too obvious, it's no doubt a trap!" My facedown revealed itself as mirror force which was blown away by the wind!
"So much for that…" (Plan A at least) I thought.
"I draw again!" he drew and smirked once more, "Your fate's pretty much sealed already the moment you duelled me! Now I attack that monster with psychic snail! Go psyshocker!" The snail began charging energy in its antennae before blasting my monster, revealing it to be an unusual artifact looking dragon with a long neck and round body. (Totem dragon) "I'll end my turn with a facedown of my own. Go on, make your move. If you can."
"No problem. I plan to." I replied as I drew, "This could be helpful."
"I activate my totem dragon's special ability from the graveyard!"
"From the graveyard!?" Divine gasped surprised.
"That's right, you see if I control no monsters during my standby phase, I get to special summon this mischievous monster back from the graveyard! Welcome back to the land of the living my friend!" I called as my dragon returned to the field.
"That lizard is far too weak for my superior psychic monster."
"True, but not until he uses his favourite trick! You see he counts as 2 monsters for the tribute summon for a dragon type monster!"
"2? Seems I underestimated this one…"
"Totem dragon, you've done well for the opening act, but now it's time we stepped up to the next act with Genghis Ghan the Emperor dragon!" Totem soon vanished and taking his place was a golden serpentine chinese dragon with 2800 attack! "Give the crowd your entrance roar Genghis!" Acknowledging me, he then roared to the crowd to display his strength and gave the audience something to be excited about!
"That was a neat trick!"
"Awesome monster!"
As the crowd cheered, Yuya smiled a bit, glad that I was trying to cheer him up.
Divine however grew impatient, "Are done yet? Shouldn't you be getting on with your move already instead of wasting time with meaningless theatrics!"
"If you insist," I replied annoyed that he was trying to spoil our little fun, "Genghis Ghan, incinerate psychic snail with Warlord Flame!" My dragon then had a cannon piece appear from his jaws which shot a stream of fire and melted the snail to slag! As well as sending vibrations which rattled Divine a little.
"Urg…"
Divine: 4000-3100
"And Ryuga draws first damage with a sizzling attack!" The audience cheered wildly seeing how things were heating up!
(Glad we have everyone's attention Bahamut.) He nodded in agreement while still holding us in place.
Divine then looked up and grinned at me! "Hehe…"
"Hey what's so funny?" I asked suspiciously.
"Nothing, except I expected that sort of move and was waiting for it!" He said as he revealed his trap to prove he wasn't bluffing! "You triggered my telepathic power trap card! When you destroyed my psychic snail with your attack, I can now destroy your monster and then I gain life points equal to its attack strength!"
"Say what!?" I gasped as snail's spirit charged the trap which shot electrical waves which shocked my dragon which exploded into a shower of sparkles over Divine.
Divine: 3100-5900
"Maybe now you'll realise to take it serious." he smirked but was surprised to meet a smile of my own.
"Better not get too full of yourself, or attached to those points! You see by forcing my emperor dragon to leave the field outside of an attack, he's going to cost you big time!" Genghis than appeared in spirit form from my graveyard and stared down menacingly at Divine! "By destroying him with a card effect, I can select a monster in your graveyard and then inflict damage to you equal to its attack strength!"
"What!?" he gasped in shock, "The only monster in my graveyard is psychic snail…"
"Guess that means you'll lose 1900 points then! Let him have it Genghis!" Genghis then opened his jaws and shot ghostly flames in the form of psychic snail which reduced his points back to original!
Divine: 5900-4000
"Tch! Grrr…You'll pay for making a mockery of me…" he grunted seeing how he was pretty much right back where he started.
"Wow! What an exchange of blows! These 2 duelists won't let the other gain an edge easily!"
(Viewer POV)
"Bravo Ryuga! Bravo! You are a star in the making!" Dennis praised.
"That was a pretty cunning move….Not half bad." Shun thought, though seeing it to be expected.
"That's…pretty cool Ryuga…" Yuya thought feeling more encouraged.
(Duel)
"With that out of the way I'll place a card facedown and end my turn."
"My draw then." Divine said, "I activate my trap Life absorbing machine, now doing my next standby phase, I regain life points equal to half the number of points I paid the previous turn. Also, I'll use reload, to shuffle back my 3 hand cards and draw a new hand!" He slid his cards back and drew, "Next, I'll activate an equip spell called premature burial. By paying 800 points I get to summon a monster from my graveyard and boost it with this card, and I'll resurrect psychic snail!" The equip spell shone and snail slithered out from it.
Divine: 4000-3200
"Now for a quick play spell, emergency teleport! I can summon a level 3 or lower psychic monster from my deck, but it's banished during the end of the turn." He then took a card from his deck, "I think I'll call out D.D Telepon in attack mode!" A small robotic monster appeared next to snail.
"Divine has brought out 2 monsters while Ryuga has none! This could hurt a lot for our dragon duelist if these attacks connect!"
"They sure will! Psychic snail attack directly first!" The snail charged energy in its antennae and launched it at me!
"You'll have to play better than that to get me! I activate the continuos trap Life force! If I were to take battle damage I can just pay 400 points instead! Urg…" I grunted as a red aura came around me as I transferred some of my energy to the trap to create a shield which warded off the shocks!
Ryuga: 4000-3600
"Not bad, but I still have Telepon to attack with! Go now!" The robotic monster attacked next shooting EM waves at me.
"Life Force! Urk…" I grunted as I gave up 400 more points for the shield.
Ryuga: 3600-3200
"Ryuga has managed to endure both attacks at the cost of 800 points, now he and Divine are equal!"
"You're delaying the inevitable, but if you insist on dragging this out I'll be more than happy to oblige!" he took another spell from his hand, "I activate remove bomb! Now I banish the top 5 cards from my deck and for every monster that was included you take 300 points of damage!"
"300 for each!?" I gasped as I saw him take the top 5 cards and showed them to me, to my dismay, 1 spell and 4 monsters! (Genetic woman, Overdrive teleporter, Mind protector and Reinforced human psychic borg)
"Oof! Arg!" I cried as 4 explosions shot around me, dealing more pain and draining my points!
Ryuga: 3200-2000
"That has got to hurt!"
(Viewer POV)
"Ryuga hang in there!" Shinji and Crow gasped.
Yuzu, Yuya and Selena looked on anxiously.
Meanwhile Reiji and Reira simply observed intently with the council, seeing what would happen.
(Duel)
"Feeling the pain? Good, because that's nothing compared to what I've endured previously in my life!" he sneered.
"Wh..what do you mean?" I asked as I looked up uneasily.
"Ever since I lost utterly to Jack, I've been discriminated countless times by Tops and Commons alike, the ridicule and humiliation I suffered because of this rotten City…But now, thanks to meeting a certain powerful person, I've now been given a second chance for glory! I'll be sure to revenge those who wrongs once and for all, and you will be the first to feel that very same sting I suffered!" he yelled as he proceeded to end his turn, "Since it's now the end of the turn, emergency teleport's effect activates, which banishes Telepon!" Soon the monster vanished but not before leaving behind a kind of capsule.
"When telephone is banished face up on the field, it's ability lets me take a psychic monster with 1500 or fewer attack points from my deck and remove it from play as well. However, if telephone remains banished during my next standby phase I can then special summon that monster! I choose the tuner monster esper girl!" He threw the tuner to his capsule which absorbed it before disappearing.
"A tuner monster…."
"It appears Divine is preparing to synchro summon on his very next turn! Ryuga better do something fast or he'll be in for some big time trouble!"
"No kidding." I replied to her before looking at Divine, "You don't need to do this, just because you suffered badly doesn't mean others have to. You have no right for that!"
"Your words mean nothing to me, go on! Make your turn so I can prove to you how meaningless they truly are!" he retorted.
I then drew reluctantly, "This isn't going to be easy Bahamut…"
"Nothing truly is, however, we must continue to press on no matter what comes our way. Remember who we're fighting for." I nodded as I noticed an incoming action card, "Bahamut there." he noticed and we swerved to the side and grabbed it. "Not what I was hoping for, but I can work with this!" I then took another monster, "I summon Golem dragon in attack mode!" A large bulky dragon with long forearms leapt from the portal and landed with a small rumble as it landed, despite its size it had only 200 attack points. "As long as Golem dragon is on the field you can't attack other dragon type monsters except this one."
"You idiot, you're just asking for big damage!" Divine taunted, to which I expected already.
"Not if I use the action spell I just acquired, Attack and Defence exchange! Which, as its name says, switches the stats of my monster." Golem dragon's 200 attack was then multiplied tenfold.
200-2000
"Clever strategy! Now Ryuga has created a strong wall monster to help guid his life points and as well as heavy hitter!"
Divine grit his teeth in frustration seeing my move.
"Before I attack, I'll play the spell card of sanctity, now we both draw until we hold 6 cards in our hands." After we both drew, "Sometimes it's good to give not just to the audience but also to your opponent as well."
Divine however had no more cards in his hand so he drew 6 cards, "Heh, I don't know you're planning to achieve by letting me benefit as well, but you just made a huge mistake on your part." he smirked as he saw his full hand.
(Viewer POV)
"Ryuga's playing a risky move if he's giving his opponent a full hand…" Selena commented nervously.
While Yamata didn't care and decided to jus enjoy the match, Fafnir on the other hand narrowed her eyes, "That move, you did it out of simple kindness. You'll soon come to realise the major error you just committed brother…"
(Duel)
"Now watch as I bring back our talented star with monster reborn! Return to the stage Genghis Ghan!" My dragon returned to the field with a roar and both my monsters turned to face Divine! "First off, Golem dragon attacks Psychic snail with body bash!" Golem dragon then threw himself at the snail, but at the last moment Divine swayed to the side to grab an action card, "I don't think so! I play the action spell Miracle which saves my monster and halves the damage!"
Divine: 3200-3150
"Good thing I have another dragon ready to fight! Give everyone another dazzling display of your Warlord Flame!" Genghis readied the cannon in his mouth and prepared to fire, only to be met with a starting surprise!
"Not this time! I activate the special effect of my time escaper from my hand!" A small mischievous looking kid monster appeared from his hand and began generating energy from his hands.
"A monster effect!?"
"Indeed, in fact thanks to it's special ability I can remove my snail from play until my next standby phase, in exchange by sending it to the graveyard. Sparing my snail from your dragon's attack!" As time escaper glowed it generated a portal for psychic snail to vanish. "Since snail is gone, premature burial is destroyed." The equip spell exploded
"Alright then I'll just have genghis than attack you directly then! Warlord Flame!" As Ghan turned his attention to his new target and fired, "I activate the action spell Evasion! This negates your attack!" He then swayed out of the fire's path.
"He must have grabbed it while I was focusing my attention on Time escaper…I end my turn with 2 cards facedown."
"Divine has now mastered the use of action cards in order to counter Ryuga's 2 attacks! This duel could go either way!"
"Wrong! I will overwhelm him in my next move!" Divine corrected as he drew, "Since it's my standby phase, you're in for a LOT of trouble for many reasons."
"Like what?" I asked nervously.
"Pay attention and you'll see." he replied, "First thanks to life absorbing machine, since I paid 800 points on my previous turn, I now gain back 400 points."
Divine: 3150-3550
"Next due to DD telepon's effect, the esper girl I banished now gets summoned to my field!" A small child like witch emerged from a banish portal. "When this removed from play monster is summoned, I can then banish the top card of my deck from play, however, it gets added to my hand if esper girl is sent to the graveyard." he continued as he drew the top card and banished it facedown. "Now the psychic snail that I banished with time escaper's effect returns as well." The snail monster returned to his field next to the tuner, "And finally…"
"There's still more?!" I gasped.
"You're dealing with a veteran duelist kid, I haven't even begun to make my move! I activate the effect of my card from a different dimension which was banished earlier!" I then widened my eyes at the sight of the spell he banished earlier with remove bomb, "On my next standby phase I can add this banished card to my hand and now we can both draw 2 cards." After I drew I saw him now having a hand size of 10!
"What a move! In one standby phase, Divine has managed to strengthen his side of the field with various moves he planned in advance during his previous turn! We could be seeing a huge comeback now from the former challenger of the king!"
(Viewer POV)
"This isn't looking good for him…." Yugo said worried.
Roger too was observing and was pleased with what he saw, "You've exceeded my expectations so far Divine, it seems I made the right choice in choosing you as one of my duel soldiers. Now for you to prove your worth to me and overwhelm this lancer."
(Duel)
"Now that it's my main phase I can start getting serious! I first activate the continuos spell psi station. Now when I normal summon a psychic monster, I can pay 500 points to increase its level by 1 and its strength by 300." He took a card from his hand to play, "I summon doctor cranium! Now her strength and level increase!" A small scientist monster with a huge head and helmet took to the scene and the spell charged her with electricity as she grinned more crazily with her power gain!
Divine: 3550-3050
100-400
"Get ready Ryuga!" Bahamut warned me as I nodded, knowing what he planned!
"Prepare yourself as I tune level 2 esper girl with level 4 psychic snail and level 2 doctor cranium in order to synchro summon!" Esper girl changed into 2 rings for the other 2 monsters to pass, "Surge, my black mist of vengeance! I Synchro Summon! Level 8 Thought ruler archfiend!" As the synchro light vanished, appearing was a menacing green and orange fiend like monster which towered above me and my 2 dragons! "Terrifying isn't he? Well don't worry I won't be using him to attack with just yet, since Esper girl was sent to the graveyard, I now bring back the card I banished!" The card appeared in his hand, "And I think I'll play it right away!" he said after looking at it, "I activate a spell card called psychokinesis, since I have a psychic monster on the field, I can destroy 1 card on the field in exchange for taking 1000 points of damage."
"You'd risk 1000 points for that!?" I gasped.
"It'll be worth the trade off since my archfiend allows me to gain life points equal to the original attack of any monster it destroys in battle, of course since your golem dragon prevents me from attacking any other monster you have and it's original attack is only 200, it's merely an obstruction to me and that makes it the perfect candidate to be destroyed!" Thought ruler archfiend then prepared to launch a sphere of dark electricity heading towards my dragon, luckily I came prepared!
"Not so fast Divine! My trap card Shift will save my Golem Dragon! If you target a monster on my field is targeted by a spell, trap or attack, this trap lets me change the target to another monster I control!" I then turned to my other dragon, "Genghis Ghan! Get in there and save Golem dragon!" I cried quickly as my larger dragon swooped in to sacrifice himself as the sphere destroyed him! "And next, I'm sure you're already aware of what happens when Genghis Ghan the emperor dragon is destroyed by a card effect, not to mention the damage you'll be taking thanks to your spell's effect." I said reminding him.
"N-No!" he yelled as Genghis Ghan's soul appeared again and once again I chose psychic snail as my target as my dragon shot a stream of fire which combined with the electrical feedback from psychokinesis!
"AARG!" he growled as the damage made him swerve and spin a little before he regained his balance behind me!
Divine: 3050-150
The audience then gasped in surprise
"Amazing! Genghis Ghan gave up its life in a noble effort not only to protect its fellow dragon, but also to leave Divine with only a mere 150 points! This match is drawing to a close ladies and gents!" MC announced.
(Viewer POV)
"Awesome counter Ryuga! Who knew you could duel like that!" Crow cheered as Yuya and Yuzu got more excited in their rooms.
(Duel)
"Grrr…I'm not finished yet! Since you've left me with no other choice I'll attack Golem Dragon with my thought ruler archfiend! Go Nightmare mind!" The psychic synchro monster charged large amounts of energy before sending it at my golem dragon and destroyed it, the vibrations shook me a little but I held on!
"Good think I still have life force, which I'll use again to reduce the damage from 700 to 400!"
Ryuga: 2000-1600
"Now Archfiend allows me to gain your dragon's original attack as life points, though I initially intended for your Genghis Ghan, it seems I'll have to make do for now." he muttered annoyed.
Divine: 150-350
"I'll set 3 facedown cards and end my turn."
"Divine now hangs by a thread, could this turn be the deciding move!"
I intended to make it so, "I draw!" The moment I did, "I reveal one of my traps! Psychic trigger! Since I have fewer life points, by banishing 2 psychic monsters from my graveyard I get to draw 2 cards from my deck, so I'll banish doctor cranium and psychic snail!" The trap banished the 2 monsters which allowed him to draw, "But they won't be gone for long, because I intend to return them both with my Bright Future trap card! Now I'll return the same 2 banished psychic type monsters to my graveyard so I can draw 1 card!" As he finished I noticed an incoming action card.
"Over there!" Bahamut heard me and we brought me close enough to grab it!
(Viewer POV)
"It seems the 2 of them are in sync…Impressive…" Fafnir thought to herself.
(Duel)
"This could work well for us." he said to me noticing what we acquired and I wasted no time! "I activate the action spell Break ruin! This trap deals 300 points of damage times the difference in our hands!"
"What was that!?" he gasped.
"Since you have 8 cards and I only have 6, you take 600 points of damage which is just enough to win this!" My spell shot energy streams which headed towards him!
"Could this be it folks!?"
"Hehe! Not a chance! I anticipated this so I came prepared!"
"You can't be serious!?"
"Want to bet?" he smirked as he took a card, "I discard life-force harmoniser from my hand in order to negate the activation of a card effect that deals damage and destroys it!" A psychic energy ghost shot out from the monster card which possessed the action card causing it to turn dark and explode.
I had to admit, that was impressive, but I saw I had a card in my hand to finish this now without the need to pendulum summon! "In that case, I'll just have to end this with style!" I said as I took a card and looked at my runner, 'Bahamut, I think it's time you made yourself known to the synchro dimension."
"Very well Ryuga, you are the show conductor and I shall follow. However, by summoning me you will have to maintain control over your runner by your lonesome." he warned with concern.
"It's fine Bahamut, it's time the training wheels come off and we started getting serious anyway!" I replied eagerly. "I trigger the trap call of the haunted! This trap lets me summon a monster from my graveyard in attack mode, so let's give another warm welcome for genghis ghan the emperor dragon!" My dragon emerged from the grave once more.
"Him again…." Divine scowled, "Planning to try that same trick again?".
"Not quite," I replied looking at my dragon, "You performed admirably Genghis, but now it's time we passed the baton to our main attraction! I activate pendulum rising! Now by sending a monster on my field to the graveyard I can special summon a pendulum monster from my main deck with the same level!"
"What did you say!?"
"Eh!? A pendulum monster!? Ryuga can utilise those too!?"
(Viewer POV)
"Oh? How interesting…" Roger commented, surprised to see that.
"Genghis Ghan is a level 8 monster…" Yuya uttered.
In her room Yuzu followed, "Then that means…."
(Duel)
Genghis Ghan then vanished, "Come forth! The embodiment of my very resolve and the heart of the dragon emperor! Come forth Bahamut! Sacred Dragon of Hope!" Appearing from my deck was my ace monster who let out a mighty roar upon appearing, grabbing the attention of the crowd.
"What an incredible monster! No pendulum monster encountered thus far in this tournament has been this powerful! This will no doubt have some explosive results!"
(Viewer POV)
"3000 attack points!? Divine's done for now!"
"Destroy him!"
"Let's see some action now!" the commons cheered while the Tops simply clapped, "I would love to sponsor him and have him advertise for my company!"
Yamata and Fafnir looked on from their room, "Whoah! I never expected the dragon of standard to be such a big deal! Can't wait to see him in action and what he can do Fafnir!" She looked on, "So you finally show yourself brother, how will you approach this? With power or if bonds?"
Shun eyed Bahamut on screen, remembering his first encounter, "That dragon…It shares almost the same kind of power as that one in the dust clouds back in Heartland. If Ryuga has this, then maybe…Jin…"
"That's…very impressive…" Selena gasped in awe as this was her first time seeing my dragon.
"Ryuga's gotten some new pendulum cards…Hope they'll be enough." Yuya commented intrigued.
(Duel)
"Everyone! Watch as the finale draws near! As of now Bahamut is a normal monster, but now I shall normal summon him in order to unseal his gemini ability!" As before, Bahamut was enveloped in the bright white light of gemini summon before he became unsealed and had his true power unleashed!
"G..Gemini!? What is this new summoning!?" The crowd began to gasp in awe, true Bahamut didn't look different, but they no doubt felt something new from him, even more power to be precise.
"Get ready to lose Divine, because when Bahamut manages to destroy a monster that was summoned from the extra deck in battle, you take damage equal to the attack points of that monster!"
"What did you say!?" he exclaimed as Bahamut prepared to charge his attack.
"Go Bahamut! Destroy thought ruler archfiend with supreme sacred strike! Then follow up with your special ability, reaction burst!" He nodded and launched his signature beam attack which pierced through the synchro monster before making contact with Divine!
BOOOM!
"Can this be it!?" Everyone looked on with anticipation and I felt certain it was over and we won.
"We did it Bahamut." I looked up and saw he had a serious tense expression, "No, it's not over yet…"
"Huh?" I looked on and my eyes widened in surprise as Divine emerged unscathed! Stunning the whole audience. "How did you…"
"Hehehe Hahaha! Did you honestly think something as simple as that would defeat me? You really are naive." he taunted as he revealed a counter trap, one I was quite familiar with.
"That's…!"
"Damage eraser. When you activate an effect that would deal effect damage, this trap nullifies it and grants me a boost equal to the damage initially intended! True I took 300 points of battle damage at first, but it's nothing compared to the 2700 point boost you just gave me!"
Divine: 50-2750
"Yet another skilful counter! This match even has me on the edge of my seat!" she proclaimed amazed as the crowd was.
(Viewer POV)
"Man that Divine is one stubborn guy…" muttered Yugo annoyed.
"Almost had him too…" Selena grunted, annoyed I wasn't able to claim victory.
(Duel)
"I take it your turn is over now hmm?"
I then clenched my fist frustrated, "I place one card facedown and end my turn. Now due to pendulum rising's effect, the pendulum monster I summoned from my deck is destroyed during the end phase." I looked up to him.
"Forgive me Ryuga for failing you."
"No worries, neither of us saw it coming." I replied as he exploded into sparkles, "Destroyed pendulum monsters go to the extra deck instead of the graveyard, so no worries everyone, we'll be sure to see him again very soon!" I replied trying to stay positive and to keep the mood going, while I slid Bahamut into the extra deck.
"That's if you do have a next turn." Divine said as he prepared to place his hand on his deck before looking to me, "So, you're with them aren't you?"
"Wh..what do you mean?" I asked.
"Don't play coy with me, it's obvious you're in league with the other pendulum users who came before you, right? When you get to my age, living through pain and discrimination, finding out about this is mere child's play."
I was surprised that he was able to catch on and put 2 and 2 together like that, "You're right, my friends and I are in this tournament together. We each have our own reasons for taking part but in the end, what we want to do is to reach out to everyone here, no, the entire City, on what duelling is truly about."
"Oh? And what might that be?" he replied amused.
"That true duelling is used the one used to unite all people together and should never for selfish gain to oppress others who are less fortunate or weaker." I answered with full conviction.
Divine remained silent for a little while before breaking out into uncontrollable laughter, "Hahahaha! If you all really believe that then the whole lot of you are bigger fools than I thought!"
"Say what!? How could you say that!?" I gasped in shock, Bahamut too was caught off guard by this as he couldn't believe his ears.
"Duelling to unite others together? As if that would ever happen! It's time you realised that its with power and power alone that rules here and such pathetic ideals have no place here! If you don't believe me, just watch as I render you completely helpless! It's my draw!" he yelled as he drew his card.
I was not going to take that lying down for even a second, for dishonouring our beliefs I'll make sure he regrets it! "Tch! I'll show you helpless! I activate the trap Pendulum Reborn, which lets me bring back a pendulum monster that's either face up in my extra deck or in my graveyard, so i'll be bringing back my most trusted partner Bahamut! Sacdred dragon of hope!" The trap revived my dragon from the extra deck and he became enveloped with the light of gemini as he was revived. "Since Bahamut was summoned from the extra deck, he automatically gains his special abilities!"
As Divine looked at his hand, I noticed he had a grin on his face, one more devious than his previous ones, he was up to something and whether I liked it or not, we were about to find out…
"First, thanks to life absorbing machine, I gain 250 life points since I paid 500 points earlier with psi station."
Divine: 2750-3000
"Now I activate 2 continuos spells that will make this duel much more interesting! I play spell absorption and soul absorption!" He played 2 continuos spells at once, "Now whenever a card is banished, soul absorption lets me gain 500 points, and spell absorption lets me gain 500 additional points every time a spell activates!"
"Not good…." I thought to myself, action cards counted as spells too, meaning when either of us plays an action card, Divine will only end up getting stronger!
"Since I played spell absorption first, I now gain 500 points since I activated soul absorption after!"
Divine: 3000-3500
"An astounding card combination! Divine has set himself up to practically gain life points just about every turn!" Soon, to our astonishment, the whole crowd soon began to cheer for Divine to win despite my efforts earlier…
"I don't believe this…." I felt disheartened.
"See what I told you? No matter what you try, this is the reality! Only those with power will decide the rules! Now watch as I activate the spell necroid synchro! This spell lets me banish tuner and non tuner monsters from my graveyard in order to synchro summon a synchro monster with negated effects!"
(Viewer POV)
"He's going to synchro summon from the graveyard!? That's pretty cool!" Yamata gasped excitedly with Fafnir face palming in disbelief, "Yes, that's if YOU are the one using it…" she looked on seriously, "Well brother, how will you respond?"
(Duel)
"I banish Level 2 esper girl, Level 1 doctor cranium, Level 4 psychic snail and Level 2 time escaper in order to synchro summon!" The souls of the 4 monsters erupted from the ground and esper girl changed into 2 ghostly rings for the others to pass, "My flames of hatred, inflamed within the abyss of my heart, become the black raging waves that will overrun this world. Synchro Summon! Appear now, Level 9 Overmind Archfiend!" As the light disappeared, a bigger and more sinister version of thought ruler appeared and let out a hideous shriek and a worrying 3300 points! "Since I banished 4 cards, I now gain 2000 life points! Combine that with my spell Necroid synchro, it makes a total of 2500!"
I only looked on helplessly as both continuos spells charged Divine with more energy, making my chances of winning that much slimmer.
Divine: 3500-6000
"He's becoming even more untouchable..."
"If you think that's all I have planned, you are sorely mistaken! I hold in my hand the very card that shall seal this duel for me and bring forth your inevitable defeat! I play the spell Miracle synchro fusion!"
The entire crowd looked on in shock at the sight of the card! None more so than Bahamut and I.
"Eh!? Divine can also use fusion summoning!?"
(Viewer POV)
"A fusion card!?" Shingo gasped with Yuzu, Crow, Shinji, Selena and Shun in equal shock.
"Ryuga, whatever's coming be careful!" Yuya cried in horror.
"Say what!? Fusion!? So then there are more of those sickos here then!" Yamata exclaimed with Fafnir snarling, "Another fusion user…How dare they taint synchro's purity with their disgusting acts…."
(Duel)
"You can fusion summon too!? How did you…" I gasped in shock, Could he also be working with...
"Hehe, all you need to know is that this is the new power that shall crush those who will ever oppose me! With it, I can banish fusion material monsters from my field or graveyard which lists a synchro monster as one of its fusion materials! I banish thought ruler archfiend and life-force harmoniser from my graveyard!" The previous synchro and the psychic ghost appeared and combined into a red and purple whirlpool, "My feelings of vengeance, hatred and anger born from the deep chasms of my soul. Meld as one and be reborn in a new form of negativity to all of society! I fusion summon! Arise level 10 Ultimate axon kicker!" The monster that appeared was similar to thought ruler archfiend but with larger claws and a more terrifying appearance and a more serpent like tail and no legs. As it landed by over mind archfiend, Bahamut snarled as I sweated nervously.
"Now with 2 more banished cards and another spell, I'll be gaining 1500 points now." Divine clarified as the spells charged him up once again.
Divine: 6000-7500
"Divine has managed to set his field with a powerful fusion and synchro monster! 3300 and 2900 attack points respectively! Now with his life points at an untouchable 7500, he's backed Ryuga into a huge corner! It'll be a miracle if he manages to even survive this turn!"
"Not even a miracle can save you now! Watch helplessly as I make an example of you, by crushing you here and now! Hahaha!" he laughed as I grit my teeth angrily.
"Whatever you throw at me, for the sake of my friends and what we believe in, I won't give up." I thought as Bahamut and i readied ourselves to face our opponents.
(Viewer POV)
"I see you've finally decided to make use of my generous gift to you Divine." Roger spoke to himself pleased as he moved a chess piece of a bishop towards a pawn on his board, "Now destroy him utterly and I shall grant you a place in my kingdom and inner circle…" he then smiled to himself eager to see what will come next.
There's chapter 51, like the surprise I added here? I planned hard for this duel and matchup so hope you've enjoyed it so far. While we don't know much on Divine's backstory in 5ds, other than being discriminated by society and wanting revenge, I made sure to include some of that here for an extra touch. In case anyone is confused, necroid synchro is a spell used in the 5ds manga, check it out if you still don't know.
So how will Ryuga and Bahamut get out of this situation? Find out next time and stay tuned!
For Ryuga's duel runner, I had it based after Darkraider bike from kamen rider ryuki, of course with a more dragon-like design, so Yamata will have a corresponding rival.
I'll be introducing 2 new pendulum monsters next chapter and they'll be quite unique in their way compared to most others (My OC idea). Also get ready because in this arc we'll soon get to see Bahamut's synchro evolution soon.
