*BA DOOM!*
Many surprising duels have taken place right away in the second day of the tournament. The few remaining duelists are fighting with all their might to win a spot in the final, not knowing that they're also risking their lives to do so. With Jonouchi defeating the haunting Ghost Kozuka in the tedious cave, he's a few star chips away from collecting all ten of them. Unfortunately for the gang, the rude Bandit Keith had trapped them down in the cave to avoid any kind of interaction between the three duelists.
At this moment, Jonouchi and Yami are going up against the Meikyû Brothers, two assassins that were hired by Pegasus to make sure Yugi doesn't get to the castle easily. The brothers were found in a mysterious room in the dark cave, patiently waiting for their next victims to get trapped in their dungeon. It was up to Yami and Jonouchi to duel them in a tag duel in order to escape the room. The duel had just begun.
"Now that I have played the "Labyrinth," allow me to explain the rules of this tag duel," Kyû stated as he ended his turn. "All of us start with 2000 life points. But your life is tied with your partner's! If one player loses all their life points, both partners die—and both lose!"
"Crap... I have to hold my end of the rope to not let Yugi down...!," Jonouchi remarked in his mind.
"We alternate turns, one player on each team."
"And now about this "Labyrinth" field..."
"...we shall explain how to play!"
"To make it simple, think of your monsters as chess pieces. If the monster is in attack position, they can advance as many spaces per turn as the number of stars representing the level of that one monster."
"I see...," Yami uttered, "If you win a battle, your "pieces" can advance into the dungeon..."
"If you can survive the dungeon and beat us gate keepers, you're allowed to open one of the two doors," Kyû informed.
"But which one will you choose?," Mei questioned.
"Mei, the door of deception...?"
"Or Kyû, the door of the palace...?"
Jonouchi looked at both doors but couldn't figure out the difference between them.
"So only one of these doors will lead us to the surface...? Which door do we head for...!?"
Yami shook his head. Jonouchi didn't seem comfortable with his response.
"Of course we'll do our best to guard our doors!," Kyû pointed out.
"We are the gate keepers of the dungeon after all!," Mei replied.
"Hey! Hey! Hold on a sec! You're playing with our lives here! So even if we do win, there's only a 50-50 chance we survive! That's bullshit!," Jonouchi hollored angrily as he pointed at the brothers. "At least give us a clue on which one's the right door!"
"Very well...," they responded.
"Then from now on, one of us will always tell the truth..."
"...And one of us will always lie!"
"Hm. That better be the truth...," Yami noted solemnly.
"Of course it is!," Kyû replied.
*Zm Zm Zm!*
"Now that we've established that, let me give you some friendly advice... my Kyû door is the correct door!"
"No, no, no... my Mei door is the one that'll lead you out of here!"
"Hee hee...!"
Jonouchi grasped onto his cards a little tighter.
"Shit... how're we gonna know which one's lying...?," he thought anxiously, "...Wait a second! I've heard of a riddle somehow like this before! If I remember correctly, I think it went like this...!"
"The man wanted to go to Honest Town, but he could only ask one question... A man stood at the crossroads between Honest Town and Liar Town. A villager came to the crossroads but the man didn't know which town he came from... What did he ask?"
"I know...!"
"He said, "Take me to your town!" If he's honest, he takes you back to his owntown! However, if he's lying, he'll take you to the other town... Honest Town!"
"Hey, you guys! You gotta answer our questions!," Jonouchi obligated.
"Very well... we'll answer one question from each of you...," Mei replied calmly.
"Did Jonouchi already figured something out...?," Usagi mumbled from the entrance.
"I sure hope he did...," Anzu muffled.
Jonouchi turned over with a humble smile, thinking that he somewhat had an idea of which door was the correct one. Yami took a quick glance at Jonouchi and all he did was give a small smile that quickly faded away.
"Whatsa matter, Yugi? I got it right... right?"
"Hm. Depending on how you look at it, your answer is logically correct... but... should we take their words to face value...? Hehehe... I'm a cautious man...!"
"Huh? What do you mean? If one's honest and the other is the liar, they should've answered the question..."
"No... I'm saying it dangerous to compare this situation with "Honest Town Riddle!" First of all, there's only one villager in the riddle... and we're facing two! Our two villagers clearly stated that one of them will always be honest while the other will always be lying! However, that itself is suspicious! If one of them are lying, then both should be claiming they're honest! There's even a possibility that both are lying!"
"Whoa...!"
"... It's not even certain that there's a town at the end of the road! Perhaps the road leads off to a cliff...?"
The Meikyû brothers seemed impressed by Yugi's point of view differing from Jonouchi's. Usagi had no words to describe how intelligent he was for quickly solving the riddle for the situation they were in.
"But in any case, let's play...," Yami continued.
[Game Resume]
As the game resumed, Yami selected to play "Beaver Warrior" is his first turn.
"Okay! Since my "Beaver Warrior" is a level four monster, I move four spaces into the labyrinth!"
*T-Tmp T-Tmp!*
"And I believe that ends my turn!"
Just before the opponent's turn begun, Yami quickly observed the strange labyrinth they had to roam through in the duel.
"There's quite a distance between us and the enemy... it seems like the battle will be concentrated somewhere in the middle of the game..."
Mei chuckles as he starts his turn.
"Hehehe... I know what you're thinking... and you're wrong! I will teach you the terror of this labyrinth!!"
*FWP!*
"For my turn, I'll start off by playing the magic card, "Polymerization!" I fuse my "Shadow Ghoul" with the board itself!!"
"What the—?!! He's fusing his monster with the walls?!?!," Usagi blurted in surprise.
The ghoul combined with the ancient labyrinth walls and soon enough, no trace was left of the beast.
"What the—!?! Where'd it go??!," Jonouchi shouted, switching his sights back and forth frantically.
"Hehehe... Here it comes!!," Mei declares evilly.
Although the panicking blonde couldn't spot the ghoul, Yami quickly noticed a speeding shadow going directly where his "Beaver Warrior" stood. How could the monster nearly invisible after fusing with another?
*SHA SHA SHAAA!!!*
"It's too fast! It's closing on "Beaver Warrior!!" There's no escape!," Yami thought worriedly.
"Hahahaha! Go my monster! Slaughter that hopeless pest!!"
*SLASH!!*
Yugi Muto: LP/1600
"Guh... The shadow attacks its enemy by scurrying through the walls and striking it down from behind like a murderer! This is bad...!!"The ghoul had appeared once more, slashing the beaver from behind, making its virtual blood splattering against the walls. Usagi couldn't believe how powerful the ghoul had become after being fused with a maze. She never experienced anything like this before, especially since she didn't have much knowledge to new technology that exists.
"That can be... How will Yami and Jonouchi be able to strike something that's not even there...??!"
"This can't be good...," Honda uttered.
"Even though I'm no duelist, this definitely looks like a bad situation for those two," Bakura commented quietly.
"Yeah, but they'll pull through this, eventually!," Anzu added with a optimistic tone. "We can't have our doubts just yet!"
The brothers chuckled from behind the maze in the thought of Yugi's friends being any help in this duel.
"Hehehe... now do you see? The wall shadow can instantly intercept any for that dares to take a step into the deep labyrinth! Nothing can escape from its blades!," Mei announced with an unsettling smirk. "You two are as good as trapped within this beast's embrace! You'll never get out of here alive!"
"Cut the crap jester! It's my turn!," Jonouchi interrupted confidently. "I'm gonna summon "Axe Raider" to the field, along with setting a card face-down!"
Axe Raider: ATK/1700 DEF/1150
Level: 6
"Now then, I'll make sure to keep my distance from whatever is hiding in that maze, so I won't be moving in this turn!"
"Good thinking, Jonouchi! We'll have to make sure we both can come up with a strategy strong enough to destroy that ghoul!," Yami pondered.
The rest of the gang sighed from relief, thankful that Jonouchi didn't lose life points in his first turn.
"I sure hope he doesn't do anything stupid...," Anzu murmured stressfully.
"Yep. Any wrong moves and we're fucked," Honda added on.
"Don't worry guys. I'm sure Yami will be able to back Jonouchi up when it's necessary," Usagi contributed, "I know Jonouchi will do the same for his friend."
"Yeah, you got a point. However, since this is a tag-team duel, the opponent will most certainly be targeting the weaker partner, thus, making that Jonouchi. They will concentrate on taking him down instead," Honda replied.
"Yes, I suppose you're correct. But... I know Jonouchi will help... I just know so...!"
*Pegasus's Castle*
*Tap...Tap...Tap*
"Are they here yet, Croquet?"
"Yes, Mr. Pegasus. They're being guided by one of your guards and currently walking towards the halls of the entrance."
"Hm. Very well. You're dismissed."
"Understood."
Pegasus patiently waited for a special guest that arrived to his castle a while back for an important meeting. This time, Pegasus called back his special guest to have a chat regarding the tournament. He has some specific questions about the event that only the guest can answer with complete honesty.
After a couple of minutes, the guest finally shows up to the grand dining room with Pegasus sitting at the end of the beautiful well-made table. The guest took a few steps into the room and gazed around for a bit until their eyes met with his.
"Please, take a seat," he offered with a kind smile.
The guest calmly declined.
"It's alright, Pegasus J. Crawford. I'm only here to answer some questions you may have about your fine tournament."
"Hm. Well, you did know that before I gave you call, right?"
"I was quite aware of it. Also, I am in no need of any kind of assistance when I arrive to your home. I know every area of this castle like the back of my hand."
"Marvelous! Your abilities are absolutely outstanding! Such divination isn't possible for many people in the world."
"Remember, I'm not the one with such sorcery. It's the sacred artifact."
"Ah yes. I'm well aware, but I know you're capable of those practices as well."
Pegasus stood up from his velvet-leathered chair and walked up to the wide thin windows, feeling the need to sense if Yugi and his friends were having trouble underground. Seems like the Meikyû Brothers were doing an excellent job so far. The guest followed and stood besides him, looking down as well.
"Mr. Pegasus, although I already know the questions that you're going to ask me, I'm here to answer them."
"Hm. I knew that. Please answer them right away."
The guest nodded in agreement and began roaming around the dining room to feel comfortable as they are speaking.
"Sadly, Usagi's mother, Ikuko, hasn't been feeling well for the past two days. She's been worsening by every hour, but doctors of Industrial Illusions haven't found a cause of this particular illness. They're carrying her life in their hands, yet it's strange how they can't point out the diagnosis."
"It really is. The medics of my company are very well-trained and educated so I wonder how a mysterious sickness can bewilder their strong minds," Pegasus stated as he put his arms behind his back, "Do you seem to recognize any of the symptoms?"
"Yes. Miss Ikuko is coughing and usually falling into unconsciousness, according to what the doctors have reported. She keeps telling them that she probably has a small fever and doesn't need to be treated carefully. The docs obviously doubted it was a regular fever. The fever must've been really high, but to their surprise, Ikuko's temperature is normal... I don't think it'll be possible for her to get any better soon."
"How long do you think she'll... last?"
"I'm sorry to say this, but I believe she only had a few days left after the end of this tournament..."
Pegasus slowly took his sight away from outside and began walking back and forth, concern about the situation.
"Poor Lady Tsukino. She's going through a hard time and she knows nothing about this. I'll make sure my doctors watch after her at all times."
The guest walked out of the dining room and stopped at the entrance, waiting for Pegasus to follow them.
"Aren't you going to show me something nextdoor? I do know that's where you want me to answer your question about the strange set up of the finals."
"Ah yes. Forgive me for being behind. I do hope you'll provide me with genuine answers."
"I'll try."
[Game Resume]
As we bring our attention back to the duel, the ghoul of the maze has been defeated. With Jonouchi activating "Kunai with Chain," he binded the ghoul with chains of metal, allowing Yami to attack with his "Celtic Guardian" and at that spot the monster has been killed. Even with great fall of a strong foe, the Meikyû Brothers still has their "Labyrinth Tank," waiting to crush their enemy into a corner. This is just the beginning.
"Nnhh...!"
Mei Brother: LP/1700
"Hell yeah bring it on! We're on the winning path so far Yugi!!," Jonouchi yelled victoriously. "We're the ultimate tag-team! We'll bust through this labyrinth like wrecking ball!"
"Yeah!," Yami agreed thoughtfully.
Everyone else outside of the duel cheered for the two duelists.
"Alright! Way to go you two!"
"You can do it man!"
"Did you guys see that? Jonouchi played a trap card to help Yugi!"
"I'm glad he's actually thinking. Jonouchi, seems like you're finally getting a hang of this game!"
The Meikyû Brothers had nothing to say to the positive remarks, but instead continued the game.
"Let the game continue!!," the brothers announced.
"Then be it! I'm on it!," Jonouchi replied as he drew his card. "Okay! So at this moment, I only got "Axe Raider" on the board. I need more pieces to support Yugi!"
*SHWOO!*
"For my turn, I'll be summoning, "Flames Swordsman!!"
Flames Swordsman: ATK/1800 DEF/1600
Level: 6
"Next, I'll be moving forward to the maze and stay close behind "Celtic Guardian!" Now that "Axe Raider" used the kunai as a surprise attack, it becomes just a normal weapon... but that still means it boosts its attack by 500 points!!"
Axe Raider: ATK/1700»2200 (Power Boost)
"With that done, I end my turn!"
"My turn shall began!," Mei shouted. "Labyrinth Tank," attack!!"
Labyrinth Tank: ATK/2400 DEF/2400
Level: 7
*VRRRR!!*
The massive tank started to roam down the first few tiles of the maze before taking a turn where it would eventually lead to the opponent's monsters.
"Hehehe...! You children really think that the tank is the only thing you have to worry about?Hehe! The "Trapdoor Spider" is waiting for to fall into its web! Once you step into it, there's no way out!!"
The brother ended his turn with a malicious smile. Yami was already aware of the traps that could possibly be anywhere around the labyrinth. Extra caution is an important factor for their plan.
"It my turn!!," he yelled.
*FWP!*
"Dangit! If only we can jump over those lousy walls, we'd be outta here in no time!," Jonouchi whined.
"That's not possible, Jonouchi. Flying monsters aren't suitable for closed areas like the labyrinth! We may not see it, but in actuality, the setting is a dark dungeon with a stone ceiling. There's nowhere to fly!"
"B-But my "Red-Eyes Black Dragon" is a flying monster...!!"
"Correct. Dragons are no good for this type of setting. Ground units can interact with this kind of field better like Warrior, Beast-Warriors Spellcasters... For now, we have to move forward one step at a time!"
*DOOM!*
"However, this is another way... I play "Black Magician" in attack mode!!"
Black Magician: ATK/2500 DEF/2100
Level: 7
"My magician will be joining with the rest of our monsters, thus leaving no openings for the brothers to mount a sneak attack! Now, what will you do, Meikyû Brothers?"
Kyû observed their movements and knew what their strategy was to defend themselves throughout the dungeon.
"Ah, so you're planning to get through the dungeon by sheer force of numbers...? Not if I can help it!"
*BA DOOM!*
"I play "Magic Labyrinth!!"
*BRM BRMM!*
The field started to rumble and the walls of the labyrinth shifted to different directions, leaving the two duelists confused about what's happening. After the table suddenly stopped, the maze has changed entirely and left a wall between Jonouchi's and Yami's monsters.
"Shit... Now there's a wall between our pieces!"
"Damnit! They split our group to prevent us from working together!"
"HAHAHA! Both of your pieces are now isolated! With that wall between you and your friend, you can't help each other, even if your lives are at stake!," Kyû laughed. "Now it's time to get down to the real tag-team business... picking on the weaker partner! Him!"
Jonouchi took a scared gulp and started his turn. Now that their plan has been ruined, he was on his own for the time being.
"Okay! I'm gonna go!," he stated confidently.
*FWP!*
"I'd have to take a big detour if I wanna get back with Yami... Guess I'll have to leave him alone and I gotta go through this maze by myself... Looks like it's just us fighters!!"
Jonouchi's pieces walked forward cautiously.
*Tmp! Tmp*
"Hm..."
*Tmp!*
"I got you! Trap card activate! The trapdoor spider attacks!!"
"What—!?"
Jirai Gumo: ATK/2100 DEF/100
Level: 4
An enormous tarantula broke into the surface above and snatched "Axe Raider" with its sharp metal legs. It sunk its legs into the prey to make it suffer with undesirable pain before ripping it apart.
*RIP! SNAP!*
"Now that's the end for the mighty raider!"
"Aw crap...!"
Jonouchi Katsuya: LP/1600
"Hang in there, Jonouchi!," Yami shouted.
"Don't let that one attack bring you down just yet!," Usagi added.
Kyû scoffed.
"Enough with that! He fell like a pile of bricks! It won't be long until his pieces are all killed!," he noted. "It's my turn! My "Labyrinth Tank" moves!"
*VRMM! VRMM!*
"Hehehe... the "Flames Swordman" is within range of my piece! One more turn and it'll be dead!"
"Guh...! My warrior isn't nearly as powerful as either of his monsters! Looks like he really is dead...," Jonouchi uttered disappointingly.
"Hey! You can't say that!," Anzu shouted anxiously. "Don't give up hope!"
"But he's right!," Mei murmured quietly. "Yugi's "Black Magician" can't interfere with the wall in his way! That swordsman is as good as dead!"
*FMP!*
"Let's move on to me now, shall we? It's my turn after all," Yami suggested. "Hehe... so you think you'll win simply by picking on the weaker partner? It doesn't work that way for this tag-team!"
"Hm?"
"The card I will use for this turn is... "Mystic Box! The Magic Boxes of Death!" I'll make a combination with my magician!!"
"Wha-What's this!!? A combo?!"
*BA DUM!*
A large coffin-like box magically appeared and the "Black Magician" entered it. As soon as it did, the door slammed shut.
"The magician went into the box just like that..."
*SHING!*
"And there's swords too...?!"
*SHLUCK!!*
"What?! The swords stabbed the box! Did he killed himself?," Kyû wondered.
"Wait, no! Look! There's another box on the other side of the wall! In the space where... the trapdoor spider was!," Mei pointed out.
*Creeek!*
"?!! The box is opening!"
There, the box revealed the tarantula pierced with several swords. "Black Magician" surprised them with his approach to prove he indeed was still alive.
"It can't be! The one who died was the spider!!?"
"Now do you get it? The magician teleported using the box! Not only did it get rid of the tarantula, but I'm face to face with your "Labyrinth Tank!," Yami stated loudly. "Black Magician!" Cast your spell among your foe! "Black Magic!"
*Z-GAM!!!*
"Gah...!!"
Mei Brother: LP/1600
"Sorry to wreck your plan! The power of teamwork... will overcome any wall!"