Knox


"Sir, Father Telstan is here," the doorman said.

"Send him in," Knox said at once, still staring out the large window of his office. He heard the Gold Priest's heavy footsteps as he entered the room. Knox turned around and saw the man, dressed in his best in a black suit and tie with a gold brooch over his breast. He had a few wisps of gray hair around his head and his had a round nose and small gold-rimmed glasses.

"Father Telstan. This is unexpected."

"Unexpected?" Father Telstan said, shaking his hand. "Knox, I sent you a letter days ago."

"Y-yes, yes, and you said you'd be here on Saturday. If I had known you would come earlier, I would have better prepared for your arrival."

Telstan grinned. Knox was still clad in his velvet burgundy bathrobe. "Nonsense. Now is not the time for useless flattery. There is some important business we must discuss about your...current affairs here in Domino." He sniffed the air. "Is that tea? I would like some."

"Of course. Right this way sir."

Knox walked the Gold Priest toward a table by the window with a view of the Singing Sea. Knox was about to pull a chair for the priest, but Father Telstan lifted his hand to stop him. He could do it himself. He sat down and turned his hand toward the other chair, signaling Knox to the chair across from him.

"Nice place you got here," Father Telstan said, picking up the pot and pouring tea into his cup without waiting. "It seems your little broadcast is doing you good — my compliments. But...you've stopped broadcasting for the past few weeks. Why is that?"

Knox swallowed and tried to think of a way to tell him about the incident on Prince Michael's yacht involving Cora Kaiba and Prince Clovis, who foolishly used the Banner of Yeyu in front of a large crowd of people. He sucked it up and explained what happened as best he could.

"I had no control over that," Knox assured him.

"Of course you didn't," Father Telstan said, taking a sip of his tea. He set the cup down on the saucer. "Those so-called Banner Duelists are nothing more than young mercenaries who found a new toy to play with. They don't care what our cause is. They want to cause as much destruction as possible. Do you really think those youngsters have any care about Yeyu or his teachings?"

"No, and I should have known that earlier, I know."

"You should have known better the moment your mages created that Banner of Yeyu. Honestly, Knox. That spell was nothing more than a farce. What in the world were you trying to do?"

"We were trying to come up with a way to swallow the souls of Termnnia's greatest heroes. Prince Yuri included."

"Prince Yuri?"

"Yes. We've learned some things about him that...that are quite disturbing. Father Telstan...he must be stopped."

"I know. The spirit of Norman the Conqueror plays host to the boy's body. Powerful son of a bitch, that Yuri."

"The Spirit of Norman the Conqueror is the least of our worries, sir. That is why I created the Banner of Yeyu. However, since Prince Yuri is protected by the Divines, the Banner was much too weak to take him. But our mages have discovered a way to double its power."

"Double?"

"Yes. If we can manage to take the souls of stronger heroes like the Princes of the Alliance we can increase the power of the Banner. The stronger the soul, the stronger the Banner will become. According to the mages, if we take the souls of the likes of Prince Michael or even Yugi Muto we can—"

"—I'm going to stop you right there. The Banner of Yeyu is an absolute travesty. It never should have happened. Those mages of yours. I had them arrested and burned at the stake."

Knox gulped. He suddenly felt cold. "But sir..."

"His Holiness does not want any harm to come to Duelists anymore, Knox."

"What? When? Why wasn't I informed about this?"

"You were. You were so focused on this banner that you were oblivious to my messages. Come now, Knox, we've discussed this multiple times. No further harm is to come to Duelists."

"I don't understand."

"Duel Monsters is to be untouched. I think there is a way we can use it to our advantage."

"Duel Monsters? A game of sinners!"

"It is more than just a game, Knox, you need to understand that. To these people, Duel Monsters is their culture. It's life. It's even seeped its way into their government, so I daresay it's also policy. I almost admire that. The Dueling Pact is a sacred oath for the kings to settle their disputes with duels. Trivial, yes, but it spares armies from needlessly marching to war. It saves lives and more importantly it saves money. These people cannot live without it and if we try to take it away from them, they will only hate us more. I cannot have that. "

"But sir!"

"You've caused many of our followers to become radical, Knox. These are people who do not think. They run on emotion — and that in itself is a recipe for disaster. We cannot get the trust nor the love of these people if they have zealots ramming our beliefs down their throats by any means they deem necessary. Just a few months ago I heard a group of thugs attacked the granddaughter of the Domino City Museum's curator. They beat her, stripped her naked, and used a holy seal to keep her from using magic. No, they didn't just use the seal. I read the reports. They branded her on one of her buttocks like cattle for the 'fun' of it. The whole city went into an uproar for that. Do you know how many weeks it took me to clean up that mess? Hmm? We were forced to pay millions to the curator in an attempt to quell any uneasiness that brutal attack had caused. And now the people of this city are beginning to rally against us in greater numbers because of what that boy did on the prince's ship. When he used the banner in front of everyone, it was like a trumpet announcing to everyone in the world that we are nothing but villains. Now Seto Kaiba has brought up a bill that will convince the King to proclaim a separation of religion and state. Our power in both Eredas and the Senate will be limited. I cannot have that. His holiness will not have that. He has worked too hard to get our party in power. We're not going to have it slip from our fingers because you can't keep a leash on those dogs you've radicalized with your show. Preaching hate will only lead to hate. If you haven't noticed, Knox, the people of this city have us outnumbered a million to one. If they revolt, our hold on them will collapse."

"And you have a better solution of getting rid of the game? Of getting these people to see reason and convert to the church?"

"Indeed. Just let them play. Let them be as they are. We have a contact who guarantees our faith will be the only faith."

"Sounds complex. And a waste of time. I have an even better plan. One that will use Seto Kaiba's love for technology against him. In fact, I have disposed of him right now."

"Have you?"

"Yes. You see, Seto Kaiba invented a virtual reality game, which he hoped to make public. Using a few modifications, we were able to reprogram the game to go against him. Now he's trapped in the virtual world."

"And his brother?"

"He's being secured right now as we sp—" Knox's phone suddenly rang. "Excuse me, sir." He took the phone out of his pocket and stood up. "Hello? What! What do you mean he got away? Well, find him, you idiot!" He hung up and paced back and forth in hesitation.

"Your plan is looking quite grim, Knox."

Knox smiled. "No, I don't have to worry about him getting away. We have his brother. And he's going to come back for him no matter what. And if he seeks out who I think he's going to seek out, then this will make my plan all the sweeter."


Cora


Alexis stepped into the penthouse suite and gazed around in wonder. She slid her hand on the bronze railing of the glowing fountain in the foyer and the row of crystal chandeliers lining the ceiling.

"Wow, you've got such a nice place, Cora. This all came out of your dad's pocket?"

"Yup. I think I'm slowly warming up to him."

Alexis took off her coat and let out a chuckle. "Oh wow, if this is warming up to him, I can't wait to see what he'll do next when he fully acknowledges you as a member of House Kaiba. You've done a great job, Cora, my congratulations. Where can I put this?"

"Closet to the left, dear," Kasumi said stepping inside. "Make yourself at home. Want anything to eat?"

"Thank you, thank you. I wish I could stay longer but I've got a few things to take care of later. Royal business and what-not."

"Oh, I understand," Kasumi said, taking Alexis's coat to hang it herself. "Come with us to the den."

As Alexis followed Cora and Kasumi to the room, Nixie, Madeline, and the others came inside, disrupting the calm with their loud chatter and laughing. Their coats glistened with raindrops. Madeline's hair seemed to droop over her eyes. Cora looked at them with a puzzled expression. She hurried to the nearest window and pressed a button on the wall to open the shutters. To her shock, the sky had darkened and rain had begun to pour all over the city.

"Odd," she said. "The weather was supposed to be nice all week."

"It's the spring rains," Alexis said, joining her by the window. "You can never predict them." M and Jericho hurried to the air hockey table to have a quick match. Meanwhile, Madeline, Candy, and Kasumi started to work on a Feldian dish called Salchipapa. Street food, consisting of slices of pan-fried hot dogs against a tower of fries doused with ketchup and mayonnaise.

"Hey, Cora, look!" Jericho said pointing at the TV. "The Church of Yeyu is slandering you again."

Cora and Alexis walked toward the screen and saw a crowd of people gathering outside the House of Parliament, demanding that the mayor and anyone with ties to the Covenant be removed from office. They shouted slanderous chants and held up effigies of the Grand Patriarch hanging from a noose, while others burned flags with the symbol of the church. Not long after the incident on the boat, Cora and her friends testified against the Covenant, accusing them of using Shadow Magic to create the Banner of Yeyu, which they claimed was responsible for the disappearance of so many people across Domino City. Zane and Prince Michael provided footage of Cora's match with Prince Clovis. Despite the evidence, the supporters of the Covenant were still denying her claims.

"It just makes me sick," said one of the news anchors on the screen, a very stout man with a receding hairline and bright red lips. "These types of allegations are just dangerous and disgusting. It causes divisiveness amongst our people. Why? Why must we keep finding ways to divide ourselves from one another when we should be coming together in the warm embrace of almighty Yeyu. Look at all this footage. Look at all the violence taking place down there. As a proud follower of the Covenant of Yeyu, I am angered! I am fed up! I am sick of everyone pointing every foul deed and wrongdoing to our generous and gracious church. Cora Kaiba, I hope you're happy with what you've done! I hope you're happy coming to the highest court in Eredas to spew this phony bologna rhetoric of yours. Prince Clovis is many things but he is NOT — I repeat — NOT a Yeyunist. He has slandered our holy community for years and years. Oh, because he uses black magic against you it's suddenly our doing?"

The anchor slammed his fist on his desk. "Really? Really Cora? How do you know this 'Banner of Yeyu' wasn't the work of those mages you seem to love so much? Mages who have caused so much damage to this city — to the entire continent. Mages who burn down schools dedicated to children who devote themselves to the faith of green fire."

A woman with a large bun and a long nose joined in on the rant. "If you believe anything Cora Kaiba says, I think you're fucking DUMB! You're seriously going to take the word of a brat who literally had a silver enema shoved up her ass and has been spoiled to hell by the richest man on the continent? I am not a practitioner of the faith of Yeyu but I believe everyone has a right to worship whoever or whatever they want. There's a brilliant document I think you all should read called the Concordant of Free Speech ("That's right!" said the other anchor), which clearly states that we are free to say what we want and believe in who we want."

"Oh now they're about free speech," said Alexis.

"That's not surprising," said Jericho. "Once people call them out on their evil, they act like victims of prejudice. Pathetic."

The woman continued. "But these Goddess-loving lunatics are all fascist heathens! If they see that you believe in anything else besides their pantheon of lesbians, they will turn nasty! They will alienate you! They will label you as less than human and it's absolutely disgusting."

"Isn't that what they do to us?" Nixie said. "I didn't believe in their church and they branded my ass with a curse."

"Shh," said Cora. She was quaking and it felt like someone had tied her chest in a knot.

"You will not get away with this Cora Kaiba!" shouted the male anchor. "I will tell you right now that you have stirred the hornet's nest. We will fight back against these ridiculous allegations. You will not get away with slandering our beloved faith. Friends of the faith raise up your fists. And if you see Cora Kaiba or Duelists or mages out there, attack them! If you see them in the store! If you see them in the library! If you see them in their temples! If you see them on the streets playing that filthy game! Shout at them! Yell at them! Drive them away! Let them know that they are not wanted here! We hold the majority of the parliament here in Eredas! This is our city! And whether you like it or not, we are here to stay and our faith will reign supreme! THEY WILL NOT SILENCE US! THEY WILL NOT DIVIDE US! THEY WILL NOT SILENCE US! THEY WILL NOT DIVIDE US! THEY WILL NOT SILENCE US! THEY WILL NOT DIVIDE US!"

"Damn, shut up, dude!" Nixie said changing the channel. "What a bunch of drama queens."

Cora shook her head and walked back to the window, breathing heavily to calm herself down.

Alexis joined her back at the window and asked: "How have things been since the tournament?"

Cora exhaled deeply. "Complicated to say the least. The girl, Kori, seems to have all the answers to my questions but she's never around. She's always out and about in the city all through the night. And when I want to talk to her, she's fast asleep. I'd wake her but that girl scares me...a whole lot."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. She always wants to kill somebody. I kid you not, when she goes to bed she cuddles with her katana like it was a teddy bear or something. I'm worried she might freak out and slice off my head or something." She placed her hand on her neck and said: "Ckkkkk. That wouldn't be fun. And just between you and me, I think she killed Krissa."

"She was that girl you loved, right?"

"She was more than just a girl, Alexis."

"Hmmm. Do you miss her?"

"Yeah, I would have liked for things to work out between us. But she was a dragon."

"Get out of here!"

"Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Cora's nuts."

"No," Alexis said with a shake of her head. "I've been on some pretty strange adventures while searching for the Jewels of Entulí. I ran into Subterror Behemoths, who my mother said were just myths, and I befriended an Arva."

Cora looked up at her in shock. "Arva? As in the winged people?"

"Yeah."

"I thought they were extinct."

"Not according to my friend," said Alexis. "There are still a few of them left."

"How did you meet an Arva?"

"I rescued her from being sold as a slave. After that, she became my traveling companion."

Cora made that sick, mischievous grin of hers again. "She, huh? Was uh...was she sexy?"

Alexis rolled her eyes. "I must admit she was very fair. Goddesses above show us mercy. Not even Arvan women are safe from you. Cora, your lust is legendary."

"Welcome to my world," Kasumi said approaching them with plates of salchipapa. "I deal with this kind of behavior every single day. It's a wonder Krissa was in limbo with such behavior. Poor thing. Did Cora tell you about Krissa's true form?"

Alexis ate one of the hot dog slices. "Mmm, this is good. Ahem, yes, she told me. A Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon in human form. Talk about unreal." She shrugged. "But I guess I'm getting used to freaky things happening. Ever since the start of Yuri's eighteenth year, Termnnia's been going nuts. The first Dragon Summoner walks the continent after thousands of years. A gang leader wields a Gem of Horakhty. Prince Yuri's body is now host to the spirit of Norman the Conqueror. My friend Jaden is friends with the last Celtra and now Seto Kaiba magically has an heir to the Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Man, I just can't seem to grasp all of this."

"Get used to it, princess," Kasumi said, lightly punching her in the arm. "I have a feeling we're bound to run into more surprises as Yuri's return to the throne draw closer."

They heard the front door slam in the foyer. Alexis almost dropped her plate and M missed the game-winning shot.

"Da hell?" he said. "Hey, Mokuba!"

"Uncle Mokie?" Cora said. She hurried to the hall and gasped at what she saw. Mokuba was leaning against the doorframe exhausted. His clothes were soaked from the rain. "Mokuba!"

"Help me…" the boy croaked. "Help me…please."

Cora put the boy's arm over her shoulder and carried him to the den. Once he sat down on the couch, Kasumi wrapped a blanket over his shoulders and gave him a cup of warm, sweet tea. When everyone had finally gathered around him, he told his story.

"Wow, just wow," Madeline said, rubbing his back. "Zey can go on ze news and slander us for being corrupt and evil while zeir overlords operate like zis in ze shadows. Has justice really left our beloved world?"

"That's not important right now," said Cora. "Mokuba, are you serious about this? They locked Seto's mind in his own game?"

"Yeah, they did. It was always Seto's dream to build his own virtual reality adventure game. But now because of some goons from the Church of Yeyu, they turned his dream into a nightmare."

"You're sure it was the Church?" Nixie asked.

"Yeah, Nixie, I'm sure. They felt so bold enough about their success that they'd reveal themselves and gloat from the intercom. They were certain they could capture me but unfortunately for them, I know our building like the back of my hand and was able to escape. Please, Cora, you've just gotta help me. You just gotta!"

"Of course, I will. It's the least I can do for everything Seto has done for me."

"I'm going with you," Nixie said.

"Aw, hell no!" said M. He placed his hand on her knee and squeezed it. "You can't go out there, baby. You don't know who's involved or what they're capable of."

"Forget it, M. I'm going. You can stay if you want, but I'm helping out."

"Count me in," Kasumi raised her hand. "It's thanks to Cora that I was able to escape a horrible marriage."

Cora beamed at her. "Thanks to me? You're the one who punched Jack off the ship."

"Wow," Mokuba said, forcing himself into a smile. "Remind me not to piss you guys off. Well, you all can't go, unfortunately."

"What do you mean?" asked Alexis.

"There's only one place I know where we can access the game. It's at the Kaiba Land construction site. We were going to hold a contest where five winners would get to beta test the game. There are only five virtual pods to use, well four because I'm going in."

Cora gulped and rubbed her hands up and down her shoulders. She was afraid he would say that. "You sure about this?"

"I know all about the game and the story that takes place inside it," said Mokuba. "Trust me, you'll need me to tag along."

"If you say so. So who's going in the game?"

"I'll go," M volunteered.

"No can do," said Nixie. "We need someone guarding the place. You know, just in case someone from the Church gets wind of what we're doing."

"She's got a point," said Jericho. "It's not easy staying hidden online. And remember what Mokuba said. They reprogrammed the game to trap Kaiba inside of it. They'll have eyes on each and every one of the programs. More than likely they'll send some of their thugs over to pull the plug on you when you're online. If that happens, I fear to think of what will happen to you."

"That's scary," Candy said, squeezing Mr. Gael. "I agree with them, M. You're needed outside."

"All right, all right," M said. He started punching the air. "If the Covenant sends anyone our way, I'll give 'em the old one-two."

"That's my boy," said Nixie.

"I guess I'll stay behind and help M keep watch," said Jericho.

"Mr. Gael and I will help," said Candy.

"Uh…great," Kasumi said with a cringe.

"That's very brave of you, Candy," Madeline said patting her back. "Well, I would like to help out on zis little venture as well. I have skill wiz a blade."

Mokuba rubbed his chin. "Hey, that's not a bad idea. Kaiba Land security have electro-blades in the armory you can use."

"If you're skilled with a sword, why don't you join us in the game?" Cora suggested.

"Oh, no. I'd love to go online but ze virtual adventure sounds a little too risky for my taste."

"Then I'll fill in the last pod," said Alexis. "I'd like to help you rescue your father."

"Princess, this is very dangerous," said Mokuba. "We don't know what could happen in there."

"I've been through a lot worse. Trust me, I know what I'm getting myself into."

"Looks like we have our volunteers," said Jericho.

"Ah, yes," said M. "Five companions. From henceforth you shall be known as the Fellowship of the Kaiba!"

They all stared at him with blank faces.

M snapped his fingers "Shit. It always works in the movies. I have all these great genes but they're recessive. THAT'S the problem here."


Seto


Consciousness slowly and painfully came back to him. He squeezed his left eye shut as the pain stung it like a needle. He could feel his temples throbbing and the back of his throat was dry. He thirsted desperately and he felt as though someone was holding his face close to an open oven.

Kaiba opened his eyes and found himself bound on a stone carved to look like a cross. His wrists were held up by iron shackles and a chain constricted around his legs. He was in a menacing-looking cavern with a lake of lava bubbling hundreds of feet below him.

"Where...where am I?" he said.

You're with me, Seto Kaiba

The voice came out of nowhere. Kaiba darted his head from left to right, searching for whoever said that. The ground in front of him flashed and a figure started to rise out of the light. He was a red-skinned gentleman with long ears dressed in a purple suit and yellow tie. He was bent forward in a polite bow. His hand, clutching his dark purple fedora, was over his chest. Kaiba recognized the figure at once.

"Witty Phantom!"

"Yes, Seto Kaiba. We meet at last."

"You took me prisoner in my own game!"

"Yes."

"Then release me! I command you!"

"This is no longer your world to command, Seto Kaiba. The game's code has been rewritten and all of your silly safety protocols are null and void. Late to the party as always."

"Gee, I never really liked parties."

"Oh no? But you're the guest of honor, Seto Kaiba. You see, we have chosen you to bear a great honor. The privilege of being the offering to the legendary Five-Headed Dragon. Until that wondrous moment comes, I will be in charge of your misery. But have no fear, for I have been told that there will be more guests on their way to join you."

"Mokuba...Cora!"

The Witty Phantom laughed. "No need to worry, Seto Kaiba. In order for those two to even make it here, they'll have to overcome the surprise Duelist that's been chosen to take out your daughter."

"A surprise Duelist? Who?"


Cora


"It's through here, guys!" Mokuba said, leading them towards a back entrance to the park. "Oh no!" he gasped. "No! Someone chained the gates."

"Oh, that's too bad," said Candy.

"What do we do now?" Jericho asked.

"I'll take care of this," M said. He took off his jacket, exposing himself to the harsh rain. He rubbed his hands together, grabbed the chain, and yanked it until it ripped off.

"Wow!" Mokuba said. "Thanks."

"No problem, little man. Come on, everyone, let's go!" He pushed the gates open and they sprinted into the park, which was still under construction. There was no one around, which left Mokuba worried. There was usually a platoon of Kaiba Corp security guards patrolling the grounds. Where were they?

Suddenly two figures in black cloaks and emerald masks veined with gold. They grabbed Mokuba and jumped into the forest.

"HELP!" he shouted. "CORA!"

"Uncle Mokuba!" Cora shouted, darting deeper in the grounds after them. Moments later, she stopped by the shore of a lake at the center of the park. Mokuba was hanging upside down from the branch of a tree right over the water. Sitting up on the tree were two boys. Mickey and Tomba.

Mickey looked at Nixie and laughed. "Long time no see, eh?"

"Mickey! Come on, stop playing around with these guys!" Nixie pleaded. "You're better than this, I know it. Don't side with the Covenant of Yeyu, please don't do it."

"See, Mickey?" Tomba sneered. "Look at them. The grown-ups are now begging us not to punish them. They respect us because they fear us. We're threats. Man, the Banner of Yeyu is such an awesome card!"

"Looking for daddy, Cora?" Mickey asked, jumping down from the branch. "Lord Knox knew you would get here! Good. It's time for us to claim your soul. When we beat you, you will pay for your sins by suffering forever in the belly of Yeyu. And your magical energies will be absorbed into the Banner of Yeyu, making it stronger."

"Is that why you desire her soul so badly?" Mokuba asked. "You creeps! You're not gonna get away with this!"

"Oh, we will," said Mickey. "We've got talented Holy Duelists all over Termnnia looking for heroes of great power, who can give the Banner more strength. Then, when we've collected souls, The Banner of Yeyu will be the perfect weapon to take out Prince Yuri Wallcroft."

"I should have known this had something to do about Yuri," Cora said, balling his fists.

"Well, duh?" Tomba scoffed. "Yuri is no ordinary person. He took down a Dark Lord as a baby and summoned all three Divine Beasts to boot. The Hierarch of the Church has often talked about how much he wanted to convert Yuri to the faith, but that plan is all but a dream. He's been too polluted by influences such as Yugi Muto and the others to want to convert to the faith of almighty Yeyu. But our beloved Covenant is strong and powerful. Yuri will understand the force behind the Faith. When he becomes High King of Termnnia, he will spread our influence all over the continent. Soon you all will be forced to accept the religion or suffer the dire consequences."

"Of course if that fails, the Banner of Yeyu will take him away, and the power and magic in his soul will turn the Banner into the ultimate weapon of the Church. Our Holy Duelists will take you guys down one by one until you understand the game of Duel Monsters is not a sin worth suffering for. We will get people to see the error of their ways."

Nixie couldn't believe what she was hearing. The boy she once knew was beyond help now. "I have really lost you, haven't I?" she said. "You truly have given yourself up to the Church if you believe any of this nonsense. You can't stop what he's going to become. You can't stop him from fulfilling his purpose! It's the will of the Goddesses, and that's a plan you will never stop."

"Your Goddesses aren't real!" shouted Mickey. "Your kings are powerless and your so-called heroes are nothing but cockroaches ready to be smashed. There is no stopping Yeyu! I'm not the one who's lost here, Nixie. YOU ARE! And you will pay dearly for your sins. Against Yeyu and against me! This time, not even the dinosaur infused in your soul will save you. But our Duel is going to have to wait for another time because we're here for Cora."

"I don't have time for your games! I'm here to save my dad! And if you get in my way, then prepare for the worst ass-kicking of your life."

"Hell yeah," M said. "Kids or not, nothing is gonna stop me from stompin' y'all to oblivion. Either you two dipshits stop playing Saturday morning bad guy or it's gonna get nasty."

Tomba laughed, revealing the big gap in his teeth. "If Cora really wants to get through and rescue her daddy, she has to play our game. It's just a Duel. Think you're up for the challenge, Cora?"

"Oh, I'll beat you all right!"

"Ha! It's not us you're going to be Dueling. Go over there. Your opponent is waiting."

Tomba dashed from tree branch to tree branch. Meanwhile, Mickey grabbed Mokuba, tossed him over his shoulder, and ran for a clearing up ahead. There they found an old-school Dueling Arena from the days of Duelist Kingdom. Mickey and Tomba burst out of the bushes, leading Mokuba towards the arena.

"STOP PUSHING ME!" Mokuba shouted.

"Whoa," said Cora. She marveled at the size of the arena. "Hey, Nixie, I think I found a new fossil for the museum."

"No kidding," Nixie said. "Wow. I thought these went out of commission years ago."

"Forget that," said M. "Look who's up there."

Cora figured M was pointing at the opponent Tomba and Mickey found for her. She looked at the blue pod on the right side of the arena. What she saw caused her to freeze. There was someone up there. Someone rather large and he was hooded and cloaked. His face was concealed behind a fiendish jester's mask.

"That's right, Cora. You will be facing off against me. And I assure you, my dear, that you don't stand...a ghost of a chance."


Korinthia


Blood dripped from her coat along with the raindrops and she left crimson footprints as she walked into her apartment. Her katana was decorated in gore just like the blade of Norman the Conqueror when he rampaged across the continent killing orcs. Blood caked her face and stuck in her hair. Tired and...exhilarated from her evening of mass murder, Korinthia stepped into the bathroom, stripped out of her bloody clothes, and took a long, hot, bubble bath to wash her cares and troubles away. Someone walked into the bathroom making Cora smile.

"You sure picked a bad time," Kori grunted, leaning her head on a red pillow on the edge of the bathtub.

Ms. Goldwine stopped in front of the bathtub with a towel hung over her arm. "Looks like you had a fun night," she said. "Find what you were looking for?"

"No. But I'm getting close. Very close. When I find it, Lady Cora's destiny will finally be revealed."

"Who are you?" Ms. Goldwine asked. "You just came out of nowhere. What is your purpose here?"

"I am a guardian chosen to defend Cora and that's all I'm going to say about that for now. Once I find the treasure all will be explained, I promise."

"I have your word?"

"Yes."

"Very well. By the way, the commander of Office 114 took notice of your night time operations and is offering you a job."

"What's Office 114?"

"A highly classified paramilitary division of Kaiba Corp."

Kori reared her head up and laughed. "Wow. Sounds a little over the top for a gaming company."

"When you're the richest and quite possibly the most powerful man on the continent, you're going to have a lot of enemies," assured her with a smirk. "You'd be surprised at how low Mr. Kaiba's opponents will stoop to just to take this company and its power away from him. And his Blue-Eyes White Dragons as well. Trust me, I think the work you'll do for Office 114 is right up your alley. And they have information on just about every lowlife in this city. I think you could use their resources to help you find what you seek. It's a lot better than running around the city every night massacring crime lords and their cronies."

Kori pursed her lips. "Hmm. I never thought of that. Very well. I'll look into this division of yours. Hopefully, it's not a waste of time."

"I assure you, Ms. Kori, that won't be the case. Oh, hold on." Her PDA vibrated from her hip. "Oh, dear."

"What is it?"

"We've got a problem."