With the death of the demented stage actor Kenny the second Rune Key fell in the hands of Serana, the Blades now hold both keys and the Black Book, the stage for the final assault on Miraak's keep is set, but there remains one obstacle between the Blades and the temple.

55. Thread of Fate - Part 1.

Jack sat in a Sector Security Van, Lyla and Juliet were with him, the other Blades that weren't at the temple yet sat in the second van, the van had screens for video calls.

'So.' Jack started: 'This is it Blades, Drake's team and Serana are already on site, they reported Arenin is blocking the entrance, his goal is to keep people out, not to attack, as long as we don't try to enter the temple grounds Arenin won't move.'

Jack quickly looked over the files of the remaining escaped criminals.

'Arenin is a Spinner Kailyn is the one to go up against him, if we get passed him we have three escaped criminals to deal with, we're sure that Cid is in the temple, Sara we don't know where she is but she has an entire temple as her playground, expect traps Richard requested that he'd deal with her, a request I honor, that leaves Empress a Daedra I am almost sure she is in Apocrypha where her power will be greater.'

Jack put the files away: 'Our target is Miraak, we need to get to the altar in the heart of the temple, we will use the Black Book there to open a portal to Apocrypha, Lyla and Serana will deal with that, since we miss Violet who is with Rini and Ravin who is looking for Duban it is up to Drake's team to secure the temple and protect Serana and Lyla, I'll take Leo and Juliet with me to Apocrypha, now for all of you go do not engage Miraak, should you see Alduin and get a chance to take him down be my guest, that's one less problem for me to deal with.'

Jack looked at Lyla: 'I know you don't like this Lyla, neither do I but only you possess enough magical power to open the portal and keep it open, Serana will support you in every way possible, Drake's team is reliable they keep you safe.'

The Vampire looked up, she reached her hand out to Jack he gently grabbed it, they sat there for a minute not saying anything, she never did something like this, Jack knew this was a sign she trusted him.

Jack brought his attention back to the rest of his team.

'There is still Wiraqocha Rasca the Earthbound God that is still missing, we should keep an eye out for that one.'

Jack stepped out of the bus, it was decided that Lyla would stay in the van for now, Richard joined the group.

'Richard, before we go in what can you tell us about the remaining escapees?' Jack asked.

'I can, we start with Cid, not his real name Cid's real name is George but he adopted the name Cid, Cid wanted a fair and legal life for his family so he adopted a fake name to separate his illegal business and his family. Cid is a hardened criminal but he has honor, he never killed but he doesn't hide the fact he let others kill, when we arrested him he didn't resist he simply accepted his punishment but that didn't mean his criminal empire fell, a few years back when I was just beginning at Sector Security a riot broke out courtesy of Sara Cid was the only one who didn't even try to escape, only thing he wanted was an exiting Duel he would return to his cell afterwards no matter the outcome.' Richard paused.

'So Cid isn't dangerous.' Jack said: 'They might have forced him to come along, but why take an old man who just want to serve his time? I wonder if Cid has something to gain out of this.' Jack muttered.

Richard took another file: 'Kena or as we know her Empress, for long we didn't know what she was, she had magic before it fully returned to this world, Empress was pulling strings behind the scenes when we figured that out she was long gone, we only found the girl she used as a vessel, girl by the name of Evelyn, it was only recent when we found Empress again, during that time you were fighting Volkihar, we used cuffs that drained her powers.' Richard put the files away.

'Makes sense.' Jack said: 'Miraak needed the criminals as an extra hand and distraction, Empress is a Daedra who benefits from getting into Apocrypha to regain her powers, Empress has all the needs to get in contact with Miraak.'

Richard let out a sigh: 'Sara, the less we talk about her the better, she caused the deaths of too many officers already.'

Jack remembered from a couple of years back, she held the entire city hostage with bombs, in the end she was caught it wasn't known how.

'She makes a game of her attacks with lives at stake, when she escaped I feared the worst but it seems that Empress has her in check, but we must stay vigilant since the attack of the Dark Signers started a lot of our officers were cut off, the majority found ways to contact us or return to the station a lot are still missing, wouldn't surprise me if Sara got a few of them, besides she likes to do things grand and we know she is in this temple we must expect anything the moment we step in.'

Jack wanted to know more about Sara but he saw it pained Richard to talk about it.

'Kailyn, it's time to start our attack, you ready?' Jack kindly asked.

The Bosmer took a deep breath she was visibly nervous, then she started to walk towards Arenin.

'Arenin.' Kailyn spoke, the Dark Signer opened his eyes.

'You long for freedom.' He said he sounded tired.

'No Arenin, I'm not a slave to these people, I am a Blade and it is my duty to destroy evil.'

Arenin let out a sigh: 'Not only a slave, brainwashed as well.'

The Dark Signer stretched his arm one of the Dark Signer Duel Disks appeared around it.

'It was a stormy day, dark clouds partially blocked the moon making it a dark night.'

As Kailyn and Jack had suspected what Arenin said happened.

'The beautiful Kailyn approached the only man of whom she knew could get her free from her tyrannical masters, the Blades.'

Kailyn let out a sigh: 'You don't want to hear it Arenin, I am not a slave, no Mer are slaves, but you just want to see it that way you started to believe in it, because of that you make me a slave, a slave of your idiotic ideas.' She speaking softly almost whispering, Jack could hear the anger in her voice.

(Arenin: 8000) - (Kailyn: 8000)

'I will show you the light.' Arenin spoke as he drew his opening hand.

'Just what I needed.' He said with a grin.

'This shouldn't take long, your hand is garbage Kailyn, soon you'll be free.'

Quickly Arenin placed a card in his Field Spell slot, five crystals rose out of the ground in a circle, in the light of the moon the web of a spider was visible between the crystals.

'Now I Normal Summon Ground Spider.' The Wood Elf continued, a small, black spider appeared sitting in the web it had one eye and purple edges on it's eight legs. (0 ATK)

'I end my turn.'

Arenin showed a sly grin.

'Arenin.' Kailyn said drawing his attention: 'You were wrong about me having a bad hand, I know Spinner magic, you might have influenced my hand a bit.' She took a card and placed it on her Duel Disk.

Before Kailyn appeared a woman with short, red hair, she was wearing a tiger print leotard with matching gloves, she had a ring around her with three drums attached to it. (1900 ATK)

'Thunder Nyan Nyan attack Ground Spider!'

The woman started to drum like her life depended on it, a low rumble filled the air then lightning struck the small spider.

(Arenin: 6100) - (Kailyn: 8000)

'So the brainwashed villain bites, the hero made a mistake, one I shall not repeat.'

Jack was focused on Arenin, for a moment he felt the Spinner's magic fluctuate.

'The Effect of Spider Web changes your Monster to defense mode.' Arenin calmly said after he regained his composure, Thunder Nyan Nyan put down her drumsticks and started to softly tap the drums with her fingers. (800 DEF)

Arenin drew his card, he didn't look at it.

'I Summon Spyder Spider.' Out of one of the trees appeared the black spider with gray camouflage spots, it was wearing night-vision goggles. (1500 ATK)

'Spyder Spider attacks Thunder Nyan Nyan.' Arenin said, the spider disappeared into the tree then seconds later it dropped on Kailyn's Monster injecting her with a lethal poison, before Kailyn could blink the spider was gone, it appeared again in front of Arenin this time resting. (1000 DEF)

'Since Spyder Spider just destroyed one of your defending Monster I can Special Summon an Insect from my Graveyard.' Next to Spyder Spider appeared Ground Spider. (0 ATK)

'Ground Spider attacks directly and I increase it's power with Ego Boost!'

The other spider leaped forward, Arenin quickly played a Spell card, the small spider became stronger. (0- 1000 ATK)

Kailyn let out a scream as the spider leaped on her arm and bit her.

(Arenin: 6100) - (Kailyn: 7000)

As Ground Spider leaped back to Arenin it laid down but it was still alert. (1500 DEF)

Kailyn drew her card.

'Jack what do you make of this?' Juliet asked.

'Arenin is not using his powers as a Spinner to hurt Kailyn, I know from Harkon he can use his words to inflict real pain, it's clear he only want to defeat her, he still set this Duel in his own story so he manipulates his Deck, Kailyn can ignore that she might actually stand a chance.'

Kailyn just played a Spell card the holy symbol of Monster Reborn flashed on the Field and with it Thunder Nyan Nyan returned. (1900 ATK)

'My Ground Spider is in defense mode, so I can activate it's Effect, you Special Summoned a Monster and I change it to defense mode.'

Again the agile spider leaped forward biting Thunder Nyan Nyan the woman instantly fell asleep. (800 DEF)

'In that case I Summon Fairy Archer.' Kailyn continued with a giggle the fairy appeared, she held her bow in front of her. (1400 ATK)

'And now that I control two Light Monsters I Special Summon Guardian of Order.' Kailyn continued the ground started to rumble, the giant wearing golden armor rose behind Kailyn, looming threateningly over Arenin and his small spiders. (2500 ATK)

'Time to wipe out your Spiders!' Kailyn shouted, the Guardian of Order simply used it's giant fist to crush Ground Spider, afterwards it knelt down using it's arms as a shield. (1200 DEF)

Then an arrow shot by Fairy Archer pierced Spyder Spider, then the fairy landed and sat down on her knees her bow resting on her lap. (1200 DEF)

'I end my turn.' The female Wood Elf stated.

'Slowly the dark clouds consumed the moon, the brainwashed Bosmer couldn't see the spider's web anymore, it frightened her.' Arenin spoke.

'It's not working Arenin I can resist your magic.' Kailyn replied.

'Unimpressed by the hero the Bosmer kept up her assault but the hero had more allies.' Arenin continued then he drew his card.

'I have no Monsters on my Field so I Special Summon Dark Tuner Spider Cocoon!' Out of the darkness appeared the completely black spider, the yellow orbs that kept the legs together shone with an eerie light. (0 ATK)

'Then I Normal Summon Dark Spider.' Arenin continued, next to the black spider appeared the green spider, it's small body decorated with yellow lines, and eight red eyes staring all at Kailyn. (0 ATK)

'I use the Effect of Dark Spider to increase the Level of Spider Cocoon by two, then I subtract the now Level seven Spider Cocoon from Level one Dark Spider! Dark Tuning!'

Spider Cocoon exploded in seven dark orbs one-by-one the orbs entered the Dark Spider the insect was squirming in pain as each orb entered it's body, slowly a cocoon formed around it.

'Tied by the threads of fate! Caught in the web of darkness, all hope fades into oblivion! Dark Synchro, show yourself! Underground Arachnid!'

Arenin shouted, the cocoon broke open and the hideous half spider, half humanoid creature crawled out, the blue lower half of a spider with the female, demonic upper body gave Kailyn the chills. (2400 ATK)

Kailyn remembered this creature, it was the thing that defeated Harkon, Arenin tried to have the Vampire Lord commit suicide which failed resulting in the Bosmer's death, she knew she had to face this beast.

'Now Kailyn I use your two defending Monsters as a Tribute for Mother Spider!'

Fairy Archer and Thunder Nyan Nyan quickly got wrapped in silk until they became a cocoon, then the hideous, purple mass with craters in it's skin appeared out of a nearby tree, landing on it's eight, blade-like legs, the creature hauled in the two cocoons before devouring them.

'Then Underground Arachnid takes Guardian of Order.'

Kailyn's last Monster quickly got wrapped up into a cocoon, slowly the Dark Synchro dragged it to Arenin's side.

'Mother Spider, Underground Arachnid direct attack, but make it gentle.'

Both spider monsters started to wrap Kailyn into their webs until she couldn't move, then the webs slowly dissolved and Kailyn could stand back up.

(Arenin: 6100) - (Kailyn: 2300)

After the two monstrous creatures were done they seemingly fell asleep. (1200 DEF x2)

'I'm not afraid of your Dark Synchro Arenin, in fact I'm gonna take it down this turn.' Kailyn said she drew her card.

'First I Banish Thunder Nyan Nyan so I can Special Summon Soul of Purity and Light.' A shimmering of light appeared behind Kailyn, she closed her eyes as a figure appeared behind her, it was a beautiful angel with pure, white wings and long, blond hair, she wore a white dress a radiant light surrounded her. (2000 ATK)

'Next I Normal Summon Buten.' Before Kailyn appeared a cute, round, small pig with small angel wings on it's back, it made a squeaking noise. (200 ATK)

'Now I Tune Level one Buten to Level six Soul of Purity and Light.'

As Buten changed into one green ring a radiant light illuminated the sky breaking apart the dark clouds Arenin had created.

'Guardian of the mystical forest, make your light pierce the darkness! Synchro Summon! Dream, Ancient fairy Dragon!'

When the light died out a bit the majestic Ancient Fairy Dragon stood behind Kailyn. (2100 ATK)

'I use the Effect of Ancient Fairy Dragon to destroy Spider Web.'

Ancient Fairy Dragon let out a loud roar, which almost sounded like music, then her divine lightning struck against the malicious spider web completely destroying it, a warm light then surrounded Kailyn.

(Arenin: 6100) - (Kailyn: 3300)

'You're making one mistake Kailyn, you can't destroy my Underground Arachnid, I can remove that's Equipped to it instead.' Arenin said with a smug look on his face.

'Did I make a mistake?' Kailyn retorted as she showed Effect Veiler before discarding it.

Underground Arachnid looked confused as it lost it's power.

'Ancient Fairy Dragon attack!' The dragon let out another cry a jolt of pure light evaporated the Dark Synchro in seconds.

'Now to make sure you won't attack me I activate Luminous Spark.' Kailyn said as she played the last card from her hand, the divine light from Ancient Fairy Dragon became stronger. (2100- 2600 ATK)

'The hero refused to back down, though seemingly driven in a corner after losing his strongest Monster, the hero plotted a comeback.' Arenin spoke, he quickly drew his card.

'Of course fate was on his side, but for now the hero bides his time passing his turn.'

'My turn then.' Kailyn said as she drew her card of course it was a card she couldn't use at this time, she had noticed the magic from Arenin had become stronger.

'Ancient Fairy Dragon attack Mother Spider!' The female Bosmer shouted, another jolt of divine light destroyed the second monstrosity.

'My turn.' Arenin said, he placed a card on his Duel Disk without looking, it materialized vertically in front of him.

'I end my turn.' He stated.

Kailyn touched the top of her card, a warm feeling entered her body.

'I Summon Regulus.' She stated as she drew it, the majestic white lion leaped onto the Field it's blue and yellow armor shone in the light of Ancient Fairy Dragon. (1700- 2200 ATK)

'Regulus direct attack!' Kailyn shouted.

'I activate Spider Egg!' Arenin said, his reversed card opened up, a sack made of webs appeared on the Field, it cracked open and three small spider crawled out. (100 ATK x3)

'This negates your attack.' Arenin stated as Regulus retreated.

'Then it's Ancient Fairy Dragon's turn!' Kailyn shouted, divine lightning crashed down on the small spider, the gross creature stood no chance.

(Arenin: 3600) - (Kailyn: 3300)

'I felt my magic slipping, I knew a Monster was coming Kailyn, you cannot win this, please give up, don't let me torture you any longer.' Arenin was almost begging.

'Arenin for the last time: I don't need saving!' She yelled the male Wood Elf's expression changed to anger he drew his card.

'I activate Pot of Avarice.' He stated five cards slipped from his Graveyard: Mother Spider, Underground Arachnid, Dark Tuner Spider Cocoon, Ground Spider and Dark Spider.

He shuffled his Deck then drew two cards.

'Next I Set this.' He continued and a reversed Spell or Trap card appeared.

'Then I release the two remaining Tokens!'

To Kailyn's horror purple lines shot through the streets around the temple, they formed a spider, the mark appeared on Arenin's arm as well, Kailyn's arm reacted by showing the Signer Mark, then the throbbing, stone heart appeared in the sky.

'The souls of thousands, caught in the web of deceit, spinning the tale of my victory! Descent Earthbound God Uru!'

Arenin spread his arms, the sky turned dark, a loud screech filled the air as the heart broke open, a massive spider descended down, hanging on the temple, it had a black, oval body and a round head on a short neck, eight glowing, red eyes were placed around it's head, red, glowing lines decorated it's body. (3000 ATK)

'You helped me to free you Kailyn, playing that Field Spell, I could hear your soul cry out for this salvation, now Earthbound God Uru attack directly!'

Kailyn braced herself but nothing could prepare her for the immense pain that came with the attack, she was knocked back but Regulus caught her.

(Arenin: 3600) - (Kailyn: 300)

'Now I'll activate Fissure to destroy Regulus!' Arenin shouted, his Spell card materialized the ground below Regulus broke open and a hand pulled the majestic beast under.

Kailyn meanwhile crawled back up on her feet, quickly she drew her card.

'Nothing useful as expected.' She muttered.

'Kailyn!' Jack broke her thoughts: 'Fall back, it's too dangerous, I've felt Arenin's magic, I think I can handle it.'

Kailyn shook her head as a reply: 'I've got this Jack.'

She looked back to her Field.

'Ancient Fairy Dragon direct attack!' She shouted, the divine light from the majestic dragon struck down Arenin who screamed as the light burned him.

(Arenin: 1000) - (Kailyn: 300)

'Now the Effect of Ancient Fairy Dragon destroys Luminous Spark!' Kailyn said with a sly grin quickly the divine light shimmered down, Ancient Fairy Dragon became weaker and the warm light surrounded Kailyn's body. (2600- 2100 ATK)

(Arenin: 1000) - (Kailyn: 1300)

'Now Arenin I shall end my turn and since there is no active Field Spell that means Uru is destroyed!'

Arenin laughed softly, then he started to laugh harder almost maniacally.

'You think I wouldn't see through your pathetic tricks?' The male Bosmer laughed, he pressed a button on his Duel Disk: 'I activate my Metaverse Trap card, this allows me to take a Field Spell from my Deck and then either add it to my hand or activate it.'

Arenin spread his arms as a new spider web formed between the old crystals, the red lines on Uru started to glow again.

'Jack pull her out now.' Juliet said but Jack merely shook his head: 'Arenin can't win.' He simply replied: 'If Arenin attacks with Uru Kailyn's soul will be offered to the Earthbound God, that goes against what Arenin wants, his only chance is to Summon another Monster to take out Ancient Fairy Dragon and the rest of her Life Points, the two strongest Monsters in his Deck except for Uru are Underground Arachnid and Mother Spider and they have not enough power to take Kailyn out.'

'Oh Jack, you think you've won, you think you're the main man here.' Arenin said in a belittling voice.

'Earthbound God Uru has another Effect, by using one Monster as a Tribute to take control of a face-up Monster on the Field.'

The Wood Elf spread his arms the giant spider Uru let out a cry as slowly it dissolved and with it the purple lines as well, the eyes of Ancient Fairy Dragon started to glow red.

'I'm sorry.' The dragon whispered before divine light struck down Kailyn.

(Arenin: 1000) - (Kailyn: 0)

The Duel Disk around Arenin's arm disappeared.

'Finally the hero could rest.' The Bosmer said his magic surrounding the area disappeared.

Kailyn looked at him: 'Fine, you win Arenin now that you're convinced I am no longer controlled by Jack, I say to you now I choose to be a Blade, I want to work with Jack.' She turned her back to Arenin.

'That won't do at all!' Arenin roared: 'Clearly he still has a grip on you Kailyn! It looks like that killing Jack is the only way to save you!'

Jack softly pushed Kailyn behind him.

'Fine Arenin, I'm here if you think you can beat me I'll accept your challenge here and now.'


Next time:

Kailyn made a brave stand against Arenin.

However her loss gave Jack the time to get a feel for Arenin's magic, Jack claims he knows how to beat the Bosmer's Spinner magic, but that isn't the only trick the Dragonborn has up his sleeve.


Card details:

Earthbound God Uru (anime effect)

Type: Insect/Effect

Attribute: Dark

Level: 10

ATK: 3000

DEF: 3000

While this card is face-up on the field, "Earthbound God" monsters cannot be Summoned. If there is no face-up Field Spell Card on the field, the following effects are negated, and this card is destroyed during the End Phase: ● This card can attack your opponent directly. ● This card cannot be attacked by your opponent's monsters. ● This card is unaffected by the effects of your opponent's Spell/Trap Cards. ● You can Tribute 1 monster to take control of 1 face-up monster your opponent controls until the End Phase.