Good afternoon everybody, welcome back to another chapter of Chaos Unleashed! The Climax continues! I decided so as to not take a super long time in between chapters to break up the six Duels that are currently in play. I decided to finish one Duel here, so that we can finally move on to the big final Duel, but the next few chapters are going to alternate between featuring the Duels of Kaiba and Jack, while the other chapters will have Akiza, the twins, and Joey's Duels, all the while continuing the Duel with our two heroes, Yugi and Yusei. Now then, let's get on with it, shall we?
Yugi: The following is a non-profit fan-based fanfiction. Yugioh, Yugioh GX, Yugioh 5D's, Yugioh Zexal, Yugioh ARC-V, and Yugioh VRAINS are all owned by Konami, 4Kids Entertainment, Toei Animation, and Kazuki Takahashi! Please support the official release!
Chapter 42: The Master Awaits!
New Domino City
To say that the city was in chaos would've been a disgrace to the Chaos that currently rampaged all over the place. Monsters flew everywhere, destroying buildings, cars, the very pavement upon which half the current residents of New Domino City were trying to flee. A loud roar echoed across the city as a giant Dogoran the Mad Flame Kaiju charged, only to be met by a Green Baboon Defender of the Forest, who had found an Axe of Despair somehow. The citizens of New Domino that hadn't been transformed could only flee from the clash of the titans.
To field reporter Carly Carmine, it could be the scoop of the century. She just had to survive the wave of monsters running around. Ever since that wave of weird energy that had emerged from the Satellite had swept over the city and changed half the residents into Duel Monsters, she'd been running and filming simultaneously.
"This is field reporter Carly Carmine," she said into her camera when she ducked into an alley, allowing an Armed Dragon LV7 to stomp by, chasing after two bystanders. "As you can see right now, New Domino City is falling apart. Whatever happened in the Satellite that caused this…I don't know, radiation or something has caused random people to turn into monsters and I don't know if it'll affect more. You'll have already seen the footage I captured of that poor Duelist turning into a Battleguard King. I really hope Jack hasn't changed." Carly shook herself, making a mental note to edit that part out if she ever made it through this. A Serpent Night Dragon peered into the alley, forcing Carly to hide behind a dumpster to avoid getting spotted. She used a finger to push her trifocal glasses back up her nose. The last thing she needed was to be blinded by losing her glasses.
Carly looked into her camera, glad to see it was still rolling despite all the turmoil. "I'm going to try to escape the city and hope this…I'm just going to guess it's radiation, hasn't spread elsewhere. If you don't hear from me again…" she gulped nervously as she heard the Duel Monster sniffing around. "Well, just assume that I didn't make it. This is field reporter Carly Carmine, signing off, hopefully for not the last time." She put her camera away, knowing she had more than enough film to make a major scoop.
"Run awaaaaay!" yelled another citizen of New Domino City, the poor man running down Carly's alley with a Destiny Hero Dreadmaster hot on his tail.
"Why'd you bring him to meeeee?!" Carly screamed, turning and fleeing the rampaging human-turned-Duel Monster. Survival was the number one priority right now. Finding Jack would be number two, provided he hadn't been changed into his Red Dragon Archfiend. The field reporter didn't want to even imagine the amount of care it would take to feed a dragon, especially one with Jack's ego.
The Master's Chambers
Yusei LP: 7150
Nitro Warrior: Atk 2800, Def 1800, LV 7
Road Warrior: Atk 3000, Def 1500, LV 8
Stardust Dragon: Atk 2500, Def 2000, LV 8
Yami LP: 1550
Obnoxious Celtic Guardian: Atk 1400, Def 1200, LV 4
Dani LP: 3800
Blue-Eyes White Dragon: Atk 3000, Def 2500, LV 8
Deep-Eyes White Dragon: Atk 4000, Def 0, LV 10
The room rumbled ominously. The galaxies on the floor seemed to quiver in anticipation. The Master's presence loomed over everyone's heads even as the pressure of the Duel seemed to intensify. Yusei could feel the pulse of his Mark. His fellow Signers were in their own intense battles and there was next to nothing he could do about it. The Crimson Dragon's power wasn't being spread thin though, the Head Signer could sense that the dragon god was building its power for when its Signers needed it most. He glanced at his Mark, wondering what the Crimson Dragon was up to. A sudden surge and a mini vision graced his sight, the view of Stardust Dragon and Polymerization in Yugi's hand, then Buster Blader flashed briefly before Yusei's sight was brought back to the Duel. He blinked, trying to make sense of what the Crimson Dragon had shown him.
Yami sensed the sudden spike of spiritual energy around Yusei and saw his eyes glowing red for several seconds before fading back to his normal blue. "Did you feel that?" he asked Yugi, floating next to the Pharaoh in spiritual form.
"I did," Yugi confirmed. "It seems Yusei got some information from the Crimson Dragon on how to win this Duel."
Yami peeked at the Polymerization card in his hand, the only card left in his hand. Sometimes he would set this card as a bluff to get the opponent to waste an effect that could remove Spells and Traps, but for some reason he felt this card would be safer in his hand. He had to save it, Dark Paladin was his best shot. With all the Blue-Eyes Dani kept summoning, the Pharaoh had doubts that he'd last long enough to get both Monster Reborn and Buster Blader with his next two draws. A glance at Stardust Dragon once again had his instincts flare. "Let's hope that our defenses can hold."
"Draw," Dani began, still monotone. Clearly the Master didn't want another "slip-up". Her Duel Disk spat out a card and it flew around into her upheld hand. "By removing the Dark Attribute Blue-Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon from my Graveyard, I can Special Summon White Dragon Wyverburster from my hand." A small blue Dragon with white scales on its wings back and head flew out of the colorful mists, looking rather puny compared to the armored Blue-Eyes and the angelic-looking Deep-Eyes, but it was enough to cause Yami concern.
White Dragon Wyverburster: Atk 1700, Def 1800, LV 4
"That's low enough Attack Points to destroy my Obnoxious Celtic Guardian," the Pharaoh noted, a hint of fear undercutting the tension in his voice. His facedown Dust Tornado wasn't going to stop any attacks. He was fully reliant on Yusei to protect him now. "I activate my Trap now! Dust Tornado will destroy one of your facedown cards!" He looked at the two facedowns on Dani's field, wondering if whichever card he destroyed would decide his destiny. Either her facedowns were a combo that could wipe out the remainder of his Life Points or meant to get rid of their monsters once Stardust Dragon had been dealt with. "I choose the card on the left!" His Trap created a whirlwind that blew away her card, revealing it to be the Master and Servant's Resolve card.
"That's a good call," Yusei said, having seen the card effect before the card shattered. "Any monster destroyed by an effect would deal damage to its owner equal to its Attack Points." He peered at the other card, wondering just what it was. "Guess that means Deep-Eyes has a destruction effect of some sort."
"More than you know,"the Master rumbled, mists surrounding the Duel stirring as he spoke. They roiled and churned when he spoke, as though in reaction to his very words. "Too little too late."
"I choose not to use Dust Tornado's other effect of setting another Spell facedown," the Pharaoh concluded. "But that cloaked dagger won't work against us!"
"Then how about the sword through the chest?" the Master asked sarcastically. "Dani?"
"Battle," his slave began. "White Dragon Wyverburster, attack his Obnoxious Celtic Guardian now." The smallest dragon on her field flew forward, flames gathering in its maw.
Yusei was quick to act. "I don't think so. I activate my Trap, Baton of the Hero! Now I get to choose the target of your attacks this Battle Phase! Let's see that White Dragon of yours stand up to Stardust Dragon!"
"Cancel battle," the Blue-Eyes Duelist intoned, the Wyverburster altering its flight at her command and winging back to her side of the field. "Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack Stardust Dragon now. Burst Stream of Destruction." Her legendary dragon roared, flying up effortlessly despite the heavy looking armor from to the Dragon Shield.
Yusei held up a hand. "Thanks to Baton of the Hero, Nitro Warrior is going to take the hit instead! Not only that, but I won't take any damage thanks to your Dragon Shield!" Nitro Warrior flew into the path of the brilliant white blast the Blue-Eyes fired from her mouth, giving his life to shield Yusei's ace monster.
Dani didn't blink, didn't even show any sign that her attack had been thwarted. "Deep-Eyes White Dragon, attack Stardust Dragon now. Celestial Burst Stream." Unlike her dull inflection with the command, Deep-Eyes roared as the ring on his back began to glow a dazzling silver color, the same as her eyes.
"Baton of the Hero's effect activates one more time," Yusei countered. "Road Warrior, you're up!" He had to keep Stardust Dragon on the field no matter what. He only hoped that Yugi could understand what the Crimson Dragon wanted. Road Warrior nodded and leaped forward, intercepting the blast from Deep-Eyes White Dragon, dissolving from the torrent of power. The Head Signer grunted as the remnants of the attack splashed over him.
Yusei LP: 6150
"Lost Paradise of the White Dragon's effect activates," Dani continued. "I draw a card from my Deck. Lost Paradise of the White Dragon's second effect. I send a Blue-Eyes monster from my hand to the Graveyard to Special Summon another Blue-Eyes monster with the same Level." She held up the card she'd drawn. "I send the Blue-Eyes Solid Dragon from my hand to my Grave and revive a Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my Graveyard." With that announcement, a white portal appeared above her head, letting another Blue-Eyes White Dragon fly through with a roar.
Blue-Eyes White Dragon: Atk 3000, Def 2500, LV 8
"With that, I end my turn," the modern Blue-Eyes Duelist concluded, staring down the two Legendary Duelists with a blank expression. Only the pulsation of energy within her eyes showed any signs of life.
"Then it's my move," Yami began, placing two fingers on top of his Deck. He needed to get either his Card of Sanctity or Pot of Greed to have enough draw power to get both his Dark Magician out of the grave and Buster Blader into his hand. 'Heart of the cards, guide me!'
Yusei felt the power of the Crimson Dragon start to surge. 'This is the draw of destiny right here.'
"I draw," Yami announced, holding the card up. It took a lot of willpower not to let his face fall. 'Buster Blader? We didn't need him right this second! How can we use Dark Paladin if we have no way of getting Dark Magician from the Graveyard?!'
Yusei could sense the Pharaoh's dismay. "Don't worry Yugi, I have a plan."
Yami blinked, not entirely sure what the Head Signer meant by that. He didn't know if Yusei had a monster that could get over the four thousand Attack Points of Deep-Eyes. Either way, they couldn't allow the Master to stall any further. Dani could not get another turn.
Duel Room A
Jack LP: 3500
Red Dragon Archfiend: Atk 3000, Def 2000, LV 8
Lancer Archfiend: Atk 1600, Def 1400, LV 4
Bario LP: 3100
Defender of the Ice Barrier: Atk 500, Def 1900, LV 3
Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier: Atk 1600, Def 300, LV 2
Secret Guards of the Ice Barrier: Atk 400, Def 1900, LV 2
Unknown Defense Mode Monster: N/A
"It's my turn!" Jack announced. "I draw!" He fought back a shiver as he took in the field of play. He had to get rid of those two monsters, Cryomancer and Defender of the Ice Barrier, to allow his Red Dragon Archfiend to use his full power on the field. The problem was none of the cards in his hand could get rid of both monsters. Force Resonator could allow his Lancer Archfiend to get rid of the Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier, but that left the issue of the Defender stopping his Red Dragon Archfiend. He had to get that monster out of Defense mode. The Wings Signer growled in frustration as he remembered that Secret Guards of the Ice Barrier negated his monsters targeting effects. He needed blanket destruction somehow.
"I activate a Trap," Bario interrupted, his tone as cold as a Siberian winter. "Threatening Roar takes away your ability to attack this turn."
Jack scowled. So much for Lancer Archfiend. "Hmph. That's cute. You would cower from my strength. I end my turn then, which means Red Dragon Archfiend's effect now destroys any monster other than itself that hasn't attacked this turn." Lancer Archfiend shattered, leaving only Jack's ace on the field.
"My turn," Bario began, drawing a card. "I Summon Tiyuki, Saboteur of the Ice Barrier in Defense mode." With a flurry of snowflakes, a woman in an icy blue kimono wearing a red and white kitsune mask appeared, several needles in her hands. A bandolier with bombs was looped around her waist.
Tiyuki, Saboteur of the Ice Barrier: Atk 100, Def 900, LV 3 à Atk 400, Def 1200
"Next I Flip Summon Dai-Sojo of the Ice Barrier into Attack mode," the cold man continued, a shirtless monk with several blue and white ceremonial Buddhist necklaces and a snowflake shaped hat appearing from the Duel Monsters card on the field.
Dai-Sojo of the Ice Barrier: Atk 1600, Def 2200, LV 6 à Atk 1900, Def 2500
"Dai-Sojo of the Ice Barrier's effect now activates upon Flip Summon," Bario announced. "It switches into Defense mode upon Flip Summon and all Ice Barrier monsters face-up on the field are now invulnerable to destruction via my opponent's Spell and Trap cards." Dai-Sojo crouched down, one hand clutching the necklaces while the other was held up to ward off the enemy.
Jack frowned. He couldn't attack and he couldn't destroy the enemy monsters with Spells or Traps, he was getting completely locked down. The Wings Signer fought back a surge of frustration. "So, you're cowering from my power. It won't do you any good. When I break this combo of yours, you're going to wish you'd never picked up a Dueling Deck!"
Bario appeared unfazed by Jack's taunts. "With what cards will you break my frozen lockdown? I activate Tiyuki, Saboteur of the Ice Barrier's effect. Once per turn by sending an Ice Barrier monster from my hand to the Graveyard, you discard cards from the Deck equal to the Level of the Ice Barrier monster." He flipped one of the two remaining cards in his hand around. "I send the Level eight General Grunard of the Ice Barrier to the Graveyard. Discard eight cards from your Deck Jack Atlas!" Tiyuki grabbed a couple of bombs from her bandolier, throwing them at Jack and shrouding him in smoke. The smoke quickly cleared and left the Wings Signer's Deck glowing icy blue.
The former Turbo King felt a small shiver of fear go down his spine. While Ice Barrier monsters didn't have many high-level monsters to discard, he was down to sixteen cards in his Deck after that effect had resolved. Running out of cards was one of the worst ways to lose a Duel, yet that appeared to be Bario's endgame. "You absolute coward! You can't take me on so you have to take me out through a technicality!"
"Victory is still victory, no matter the means," Bario countered. "Your power has been broken. I end my turn."
"It's my turn," Jack began, drawing a card. He had six cards in his hand, but nothing could break the combo. If he summoned a monster, Red Dragon Archfiend was going to destroy it. He couldn't attack, he couldn't use Spells and Traps, his frustration was mounting, and his soul was raging. "I place two cards facedown and end my turn."
"My turn then," Bario began, drawing a card. He immediately placed it in his Graveyard. "Tiyuki's effect activates once more. Sending the Level four Dance Princess of the Ice Barrier requires you to discard four cards from your Deck to the Graveyard." Once more the Saboteur of the Ice Barrier threw some bombs at Jack and once more the Wings Signer had to discard cards.
Cards Left: 11
"Tell me Atlas," Bario began, his tone frosty. "Do you feel the cold creeping in? The inevitability of your defeat?"
"The only thing I'm feeling is the burning flames of my soul," Jack retorted. Bario raised an eyebrow, as if to acknowledge Jack's need to bluff his way to try and salvage his hurt pride. "Why not come after me and test your real strength?"
"There is no need for that when I have you right where I want you," Bario said simply. "You're done, and no amount of taunting is going to save you from a Deck out. I end my turn. Savor your last turns while you can."
Jack Atlas felt lost, but he couldn't give up. Not at this crucial juncture. "I will break your lockdown Deck, or my name isn't Jack Altas!"
Duel Room B
Kaiba LP: 4300
Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon: Atk 2500, Def 3000, LV 9
Blue-Eyes White Dragon: Atk 3000, Def 2500, LV 8
Matthias LP: 8000
Cyber Dragon Drei: Atk 1800, Def 800, LV 4
Cyber Dragon Nova: Atk 2100, Def 1600, Rank 5
Seto Kaiba looked at the card he'd drawn and took a deep breath. He had mastered the art of honing his anger into a weapon over the years, and so he let it froth underneath the surface. Kaiba let it simmer, fueling his will onwards. He had placed five of his cards in Dani's Deck, and one of his cards had come through. He'd always drawn the cards he needed that would help him on his path to victory. He had the Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon on the field, as well as his Blue-Eyes on the field. "I activate Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon's special ability! During my Standby Phase, this Dragon can revive a Normal Dragon-type monster from my Graveyard! Revive my loyal servant, Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" The Blue-Eyes Synchro monster spat a ball of silver into the air, which grew in size and began to glow blue. Kaiba's ace monster flew out of the portal, alighting on the field with a roar.
Blue-Eyes White Dragon: Atk 3000, Def 2500, LV 8
"Bravo Kaiba," Matthias commended. "You have all three Blue-Eyes available, either on the field or in your hand. Now tell me what you just drew, was it Polymerization? Or perhaps you're waiting for your Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon before playing that."
Kaiba met the gaze of Matthias evenly, unfazed by his callouts. His endgame strategy did indeed involve the Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon, but he didn't have Polymerization in his hand just yet. No, he had another card he'd slipped into Dani's Deck before the Duel that was just as useful. "I activate Pot of Greed to draw two more cards."
Matthias narrowed his eyes at that. The extra card could be what he needed to go into Shining Dragon, but he had a card in his hand to deal with that, as soon as Cyber Network left the field. "So, you're trying to find your Fusion card then."
"I have better things to do than search for a simple Polymerization," Kaiba snapped. "I activate the effect of the White Stone of Ancients I sent to the Graveyard last turn to return a Blue-Eyes monster from my Graveyard to my hand, simply by banishing the White Stone of Ancients. I return my Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon to my hand!" He pocketed the White Stone of Ancients and held up the Alternative White Dragon for confirmation.
Matthias frowned as Kaiba added the card to his hand. The ability of the Alternative White Dragon was going to be rather bothersome. All three of his Cyber Dragons were already banished, thanks to Cyber Network and Cyber Dragon Nova, so with Cyber Network coming to an end on his next turn, he was ready to go into Cyber End Dragon. "So tell me Kaiba, after you bring out your Dragon, do you really think you'll have enough to make a dent this turn?"
"Oh don't worry," Kaiba began, flipping a card around to reveal his remaining Blue-Eyes in his hand. "Once I'm done, you're going to regret ever throwing your lot in with this crazy Movement, assuming they can find enough of your spare parts to piece you back together. I activate the Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon's special ability to Special Summon itself from my hand by revealing a Blue-Eyes White Dragon in my hand!" The ground in front of Kaiba erupted as the Alternative White Dragon burst from the ground, flying up to join its brethren dragons, light energy pulsing through his wings to signify the difference in dragons.
Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon: Atk 3000, Def 2500, LV 8
"Next I activate the special ability of Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon," the Kaibacorp president continued. "Once per turn, by forfeiting the Alternative White Dragon's ability to attack this round, I can destroy any one of your monsters! Go Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon! Destroy Cyber Dragon Nova now! Blue Lightning!" His new dragon roared, azure flames frothing around its mouth. With a mighty exhale, Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon blasted the Cyber Xyz monster, the raw power causing the Machine monster to explode into nothingness.
Matthias scowled. Losing his Xyz monster was going to hurt his Life Points, but it wasn't the end of the Duel, not with what he had available. "A minor inconvenience I assure you Kaiba. Your assault on my Life Points will be rendered meaningless next turn." A glance at the Cyberload Fusion in his hand, the only card left in his hand, confirmed that. His hard gaze met Kaiba's angry blue eyes. "But first, you just triggered the effect of Cyber Dragon Nova by destroying it with a card effect. I now get to Special Summon a Fusion Monster from my Extra Deck, ignoring its Summoning conditions."
Kaiba scowled. Cyber End Dragon was a bothersome card to deal with, but it was not the insurmountable mountain Matthias liked to think it was. "Figures you'd come up with a way to cheat out your ace from the Extra Deck."
"I never declared which Monster I was bringing out," Matthias countered. "I Special Summon Cyber Twin Dragon in Attack mode!" The two headed Cyber Dragon burrowed up from the ground, growling at the Blue-Eyes across from it.
Cyber Twin Dragon: Atk 2800, Def 2100, LV 8
Kaiba was silent for a moment. 'Why would he bring out the weaker Fusion Monster? Does Cyberload Fusion have an effect that powers up the monster it brings out? It makes no sense!'
'Good, he's confused,' Matthias thought. 'I wish to see if he'll use resources taking out the Twin Dragon or bide his time for Cyber End. No matter, for I am ready to show him the power of eternity.'
"What are you playing at?" Kaiba demanded.
"Consider this a test, to see if you truly have the skill you purport to have," Matthias answered cryptically. "Now then, why don't you try and attack me."
"Don't think I didn't notice your other facedown card," the first Blue-Eyes Duelist snapped. "I activate A Wingbeat of Giant Dragon and return the Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon from my field to my hand to destroy all Spell and Trap cards on the field!" As quickly as the Alternative Blue-Eyes had arrived, he began flapping his wings, flying higher and higher until the dragon was no longer visible. A whirlwind raged around their impromptu arena, shaking the field and blowing away both cards in Matthias' backrow.
'Clever,' the cyborg thought to himself. 'He had no backrow himself, and bringing out Blue-Eyes in a more modern deck like that is easy enough. However, he doesn't realize just what his move has done to help seal his fate.'
A glow on the far field announced to Kaiba that his recent move had just triggered something else. "What now?"
"Cyber Network and Cyber Overflow now activate their effects," the Master's second-in-command informed Kaiba. "When Cyber Network is destroyed, it brings back every banished Light Attribute Machine-Type monster, which means all three of my Cyber Dragons now return to the field!" With a screech of metal and the sparking of wires, his signature monsters burrowed up from the ground and coiled up in front of Matthias in Defense mode.
Cyber Dragon x3: Atk 2100, Def 1600, LV 5
"And Cyber Overflow's effect?" Kaiba asked, now very much annoyed. His damage was going to be rather limited this turn.
Matthias held up his Duel Disk. "Since you destroyed the facedown Cyber Overload Trap card, it now adds one Cyber Spell or Trap card from my Deck to my hand." He held up the card his Deck pushed out and flipped it around while his Duel Disk automatically reshuffled his Deck. "I add Cybernetic Fusion Support from my Deck to my hand."
"You think because you were able to bring out some more puny wall Monsters that I can't do much damage to your Life Points?" Kaiba asked sarcastically. "Think again! I activate the special ability of the Rider of the Storm Winds!" A wind began to stir around his dragons as he grabbed the third card in his hand and held it up. "Once per turn I can Equip this Monster to any Normal Dragon Type Monster on my field, and I choose my Blue-Eyes White Dragon!" A man dressed in armor not unlike the dress of the Maiden with Eyes of Blue appeared on the back of Kaiba's second Blue-Eyes, staff held high in the air as a mystical power seemed to flow into Kaiba's ace monster.
"Yes, now it can inflict Piercing Damage," Matthias mused. "How mildly bothersome."
"Let's see you change your tune after this!" the Kaibacorp executive practically snarled. "Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon, attack Cyber Dragon number one! Radiant Silver Burst Stream!" His Synchro Monster, the ace of Dani, roared to the heavens, silver energy gathering within her maw before Azure-Eyes blasted one of the Cyber Dragons into fragments, the sheer power shaking the entire room as the Silver Dragon unleashed her rage upon her unfortunate foe.
"That Dragon certainly seems to be rather attached to her previous owner," Matthias commented dryly. "Do I sense a similar attachment to the girl from you Kaiba?"
"That girl meant nothing to me," Kaiba snapped, though neither man was convinced by his declaration. "Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack his Cyber Dragon Drei! Burst Stream of Destruction!" The Dragon without the Rider surged forward, blasting the smallest of the Cyber Dragons on the field with a ferocious beam of pure white energy. Matthias growled as he held up his metal arm to block the incoming damage, protecting his vital areas even as the blast tore at his body.
Matthias LP: 6800
"Now my other Blue-Eyes, attack his Cyber Twin Dragon now!" Kaiba yelled, not letting up. "Storm Burst Stream of Destruction!" The Rider of the Storm Winds touched his staff to the back of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon's head, adding a swirling vortex of wind to the blast that the legendary engine of destruction fired, shattering Cyber Twin Dragon and sending the vortex to stagger Matthias from the damage of the attack.
Matthias LP: 6600
"Now that this Duel is solidly in my favor," Kaiba began, getting an amused grin from the cyborg which only infuriated him even more. "You're not getting a chance to surrender. I'm going to enjoy taking you apart piece by painful piece. I end my turn."
"You say that, but I'm the one with cards in my hand," the Master's second-in-command pointed out. "And it's my turn." He drew a card, adding it to his hand swiftly. "And with this, your grasp on this Duel is thoroughly weakened. I activate Cybernetic Fusion Support from my hand!" A large machine rose up behind the cyborg, sparking with electricity. "I pay half my Life Points and can now use Monsters from my Hand, Field, or Graveyard as Fusion Materials for one Fusion Summon!"
Matthias LP: 3300
"Bring it on then!" Kaiba challenged. "A three headed snake doesn't scare me!"
"Perhaps this Polymerization should change your mind then," Matthias said, inserting the aforementioned card. "I fuse the two Cyber Dragons on my Field with the one in my Graveyard!" With a wave of his hand, the three serpentine metal dragons rose into the portal that appeared above the cyborg's head. The portal began to crackle with gray lightning. "Mighty dragon of the machines, merge your might with your kin so that you may etch your name for all eternity!" Matthias brought his hands together as the portal and the Cybernetic Fusion Support exploded with a golden light. "Fusion Summon! Appear, Cyber Eternity Dragon!"
Kaiba blinked as he watched the new dragon emerge onto the field. It was three times as large as the Cyber Dragons he was becoming familiar with, golden highlights along the length of the massive serpentine metal dragon. It curled up in front of Matthias, a golden shield projecting out from the new Cyber Fusion. "And just what exactly is this monster?"
Cyber Eternity Dragon: Atk 2800, Def 4000, LV 10
"It is to be the shield to the sword that will be coming as I activate Cyberload Fusion!" Matthias answered simply, another portal appearing above his head, this one with interweaving metal containing the energy. "Now my three banished Cyber Dragons are shuffled into my Deck to count as the three materials needed for the Summon!" Once more his three Cyber Dragons appeared and flew into the portal of Fusion, energy once more beginning to crackle around the Summon.
'The man is good at maintaining his resources,' Kaiba thought begrudgingly. 'Not a single card was wasted in his plays and now he gets two powerful Fusion Monsters on the field. I don't even know what this Eternity Dragon does yet. But I will endure! I will prevail!'
"A deadly reckoning force on their own, these three shall now be re-forged into a beast that stands alone!" Matthias chanted. "Behold the machine that shall bring you to ruin!" The portal once more erupted with energy as the new monster began to emerge. "Fusion Summon! Appear, Cyber End Dragon!" The three headed Cyber Dragon emerged from the light with a screeching roar, the different lights on each of its heads flickering with energy as it alighted on the battlefield.
Cyber End Dragon: Atk 4000, Def 2800, LV 10
"The only downside of using Cyberload Fusion is that the monster Fusion Summoned forth with it is the only one I'm allowed to attack with this turn," Matthias explained. "And considering the state of your Blue-Eyes at the moment, that won't be a problem."
"Considering what's going to come your way soon enough, it won't matter who you attack!" Kaiba taunted. "I'll be ready to destroy you no matter what!"
Matthias merely raised an eyebrow at that. "We'll see. Cyber End Dragon, attack the Blue-Eyes with the Rider of the Storm Winds! Eternal Evolution Burst!"
Kaiba narrowed his eyes as the three-headed metal monstrosity roared and each head fired a blast at his ace monster. 'What game is he playing here? Is he taunting me with the fact that none of my dragons can currently touch his? If he wanted to do more damage, he would've attacked Azure-Eyes.' He glossed over the fact that he was rather relieved that Azure-Eyes wasn't attacked, and instead focused on the Duel. "When the monster with Rider of the Storm Winds would be destroyed, I can sacrifice the Rider instead! Your attack is pointless!" The Rider of the Storm Winds leaped off the Blue-Eyes' back, creating a barrier that intercepted all three blasts from Cyber End Dragon, ending with a violent explosion that buffeted Kaiba back a yard and destroyed the Rider, much to the anger of the Blue-Eyes it had been riding.
Kaiba LP: 3300
"I see your confusion young Kaiba," Matthias said knowingly, getting the businessman's attention. "Why not destroy Azure-Eyes or the Blue-Eyes without the Rider, correct? I'm going to show you just how outmatched you are. I end my turn."
"My turn then," Kaiba began, "I draw!" He looked at the card he'd drawn and laughed. "Outmatched am I? Once again my superior drawing skills have come through for me!" He added the card to his hand and flipped around the other two cards. "I reveal the Blue-Eyes White Dragon in my hand to Special Summon the Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon once more!" With a roar, the Blue-Eyes with energy leaking from its body appeared next to the other three dragons on Kaiba's field.
Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon: Atk 3000, Def 2500, LV 8
"Now that I have one fewer card in my hand, I now activate Card of Demise!" Kaiba announced, slipping the card into his Duel Disk.
Matthias blinked. That must have been one of the cards that he'd slipped in beforehand. He played it off, not wanting to appear concerned. "Interesting."
"Oh trust me, this Duel is going to get very interesting very quickly," Kaiba smirked. "I now draw until I hold 5 cards in my hand, but if I don't use them in five turns, then I lose my entire hand after the Standby Phase!"
"Then draw your four new cards!" Matthias said, "And hope that you can get what you need!"
The Kaibacorp executive drew his cards, looking at each one and formulating a new strategy. A dark chuckle escaped his lips. "My skills ensure I get exactly what I need! If you didn't know how much better I am than you, you'll find out now. I activate Polymerization!" The blue, green, and orange portal of the fusion card appeared above Kaiba's head this time, swirling with energy. "I send the Blue-Eyes in my hand and the two on my field to the Graveyard!" The two Blue-Eyes White Dragons on his Field took off, accompanied by the third that appeared from his hand and flew towards the portal.
'Everything is proceeding as planned,' Matthias thought to himself as the three dragons disappeared into the vortex. 'Victory for me remains at eighty-nine percent.'
"Witness the incredible creature of unsurpassed power!" Kaiba chanted. "Witness my three legendary dragons of destruction come together as one! Witness my ultimate servant come forth to the field!" With an explosion of blue and white lightning, the portal exploded with raw power as Kaiba's Fusion monster began to emerge. "Fusion Summon! Descend to the field, my Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!" The three-headed Blue-Eyes landed on the field with an earth-shaking thud, the dragon's full height almost too much for the large chamber that served as their Duel Field. With an ear-splitting roar, the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon roared a challenge at its spiritual successor.
Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon: Atk 4500, Def 3800, LV 12
"As impressive as my Ultimate Dragon is," Kaiba said, holding up another card from his hand, "even he pales in comparison to what's coming next."
"If you think to intimidate me with your Shining Dragon, I'm afraid you're going to have to try harder than that," Matthias said with an air about him as though he was listening to the Kaiba Corporation tax returns.
Kaiba hesitated for a second. Nobody had ever downplayed the Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon before. Was he somehow prepared for the most powerful Blue-Eyes monster in his Deck? No, nobody was ever prepared for the Shining Dragon. Not even Yugi had managed to bring it down. His mind made up, he played the card on his Duel Disk. "You'll find talk is cheap once I bring out this monster! All I have to do is sacrifice my Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!" Cracks began to form on the Blue-Eyes Fusion monster, the Ultimate Dragon roaring in preparation for what was to come.
'The Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon will be an interesting challenge, but it is not invincible.' Matthias thought to himself as the cracks deepened.
"The Ultimate Dragon gives his life, fueled by the souls of fallen dragons," Kaiba chanted, light beginning to leak from the cracks. "And so the unrivaled power releases its emotions to return as a shining force!" With that, the Ultimate Dragon shattered, bathing the room in a fierce blue light that Matthias' human eye couldn't see through. His cybernetic eye whirred a few times to adjust to the sudden increase in luminosity while Kaiba watched his dragon descend from the heavens, pride on his face. "I Special Summon the Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon!" The light finally faded, allowing Matthias to open his eye and look upon the new dragon. It was armless and metallic compared to previous Blue-Eyes, dark blue crystals pulsing with power within its sleek form.
Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon: Atk 3000, Def 2500, LV 10
"The Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon gains three hundred Attack Points for each dragon that sleeps in my Graveyard," Kaiba announced, his Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon landing between Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon and Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon. "So, do you care to do the math or should I spell it out for you?"
Matthias' eye whirred as he recalled each Dragon Type monster he'd sent to the Graveyard. The White Stone of Legend, three Blue-Eyes White Dragons, and Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. The White Stone of Ancients had been banished, thereby removing its usefulness for this Duel. "You've managed to Summon a monster with some decent protection and the same strength as your Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. Well done Kaiba."
Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon Atk: 4500
"We'll see just how much you want to dismiss my Shining Dragon after my Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon forgoes its ability to attack this round to destroy one of your monsters!" Kaiba snapped. "Blue Lightning!" The Alternative White Dragon roared, a deep azure flame gathering in his mouth. "Destroy that Eternity Dragon!"
Matthias was unimpressed. "Cyber Eternity Dragon's effect activates and prevents its own destruction! Eternal Protection!" The golden shield protecting the defensive Cyber Fusion Monster flared as it absorbed the attack from the Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon, the dragon looking rather miffed his attack hadn't gone through.
Kaiba weighed his options. He could destroy the defensive Cyber Eternity Dragon, whose full abilities he did not know yet, or the Cyber End Dragon and deal a little bit of damage. Either way, Azure-Eyes and his Alternative White Dragon wouldn't be able to make attacks this turn. "I switch my Azure-Eyes Silver Dragon and Blue-Eyes Alternative White Dragon to Defense mode." Best to play it safe and deal with the unknown threat. The Life Points would be a simple matter once the monsters were dealt with. "Battle! Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon, attack Cyber Eternity Dragon now! Shining Burst Stream!" With a roar that had a metallic tinge to it, the Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon flew forward, energy gathering in its mouth. It fired a blast of light blue power that tore through the shields of Cyber Eternity Dragon, the defensive Cyber Fusion monster roaring as it collapsed and exploded.
"Cyber Eternity Dragon's effect now activates since you sent it to the Graveyard," the cyborg announced, confirmed Kaiba's suspicions about the Fusion monster having more than one effect prevention ability. "I can Special Summon a Cyber Dragon from my Hand, Deck or Graveyard. I choose to revive Cyber Dragon Vier, who as you might recall, has an ability to both become a Cyber Dragon and to power up all Cyber Dragons on the Field by five hundred Attack and Defense Points!" From the remains of Cyber Eternity Dragon emerged the silvery smaller Cyber Dragon with pink energy coursing across its body, curling up defensively in front of Matthias.
Cyber Dragon Vier: Atk 1100, Def 1600, LV 4 à Atk 1600, Def 2100
"It won't help you," Kaiba snapped, irritated. "I place one card facedown and end my turn."
"I disagree," Matthias said slowly, drawing a card unceremoniously. He held it up and a small smile creased the cyborg's face, which had Kaiba instantly on alert. That was the first smile he'd seen from the Master's second-in-command and it could only mean trouble. "There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order."
The first Blue-Eyes Duelist narrowed his eyes at the second Machiavelli quote Matthias had dropped during this Duel. "And you claim that this Master of yours is leading the introduction of a new order. I'm not impressed. My company's shift from weapons production to gaming was more complicated. You're just helping a hostile takeover of Japan and looking to move on from there, and whatever powers that be aren't going to let me go home until I've dealt with this nonsense. I've had enough of your games, now end your turn so my Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon can take you apart!"
Matthias shook his head, as though disappointed by Kaiba's naivety. "You don't seem to understand that your fight for the old order is going to be your demise. Don't worry child, you'll learn your place soon enough, this card will cut right through that arrogant swagger of yours! I activate Gravity Blaster and Equip it to my Cyber End Dragon!" Four orbs appeared in front of the metal dragon, each one attaching to their respective head of the triple headed machine. The fourth orb hovered in front of Cyber End Dragon, forming into a blaster cannon. The cannon sent beams of light to each cannon, signifying the connection of the Equip Spell.
"Your Cyber End Dragon's Attack didn't change!" Kaiba pointed out. "My Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon will blast your puny upgrade into the next millennium!"
"Gravity Blaster's first effect!" Matthias continued, uninterested in Kaiba's bluster. "Once per turn I can increase the Attack Points of the equipped Monster permanently by four hundred points, even if this card leaves the field!" Sparks flicked from the blaster cannon to the Cyber End Dragon, getting a low rumble from the Fusion Monster.
Cyber End Dragon Atk: 4400
"That's still not enough!" Kaiba said. "Don't you understand that-"
"Gravity Blaster's secondary effect," Matthias interrupted, clearly irritated at the businessman's continued trash talking. This effect would at least shut him up, even if temporarily. His bluster would continue until his Life Points hit zero, his psychological profile was a clear indication of that. Only when he passed into the void of oblivion would Seto Kaiba finally stop talking, he was that kind of man. "When a monster equipped with Gravity Blaster battles another monster, without targeting or activating any effects, that monster's effect is negated!"
Kaiba's eyes grew wide with shock. "Say what?!"
"Battle!" the Cyber Duelist declared. "Cyber End Dragon, attack Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon!" His Fusion Monster roared, energy gathering in each of the three metal maws. "Gravity Blaster's effect now squashes the effect of the Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon! Gravity Pressure!" A wave of blue energy pulsed from the Cyber End Dragon's weapon, fighting against the bright blue flare of the Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon's Shining Diffusion effect, overwhelming the dragon's power and forcing it to the ground.
Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon: Atk 3000
Kaiba was stunned. "No…my Shining Dragon…"
"Only now, as I destroy your last hope for victory, do you at last understand," Matthias said softly, savoring the look of despair in Kaiba's eyes. "Go Cyber End Dragon! Eternal Evolution Burst!" Each head of the Cyber End Dragon fired a huge fireball, tinged blue with the power of the Gravity Blaster. The three fireballs merged together into a single blast that struck the Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon as it lay on the ground, helpless. With a surprisingly pained roar for a metallic dragon, the Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon was destroyed, a mere husk of a dragon left behind when the smoke cleared before it too faded from existence. Kaiba was knocked off his feet from the backlash of the explosion, still shocked from the turn of events.
Kaiba LP: 1900
"Now then Seto Kaiba," Matthias began encouragingly, like a parent talking to their disobedient child. "Now begins your final lesson as I take you apart piece by painful piece!"
The echo of Kaiba's words jarred him out of his shock as he got back to his feet. Here was this cyborg throwing his words back into his face, and he was not going to take that lying down! "You think you're going to get away with that?"
"I know I am," Matthias said simply. "Your Dueling Style after the first Battle City evolved towards a Blue-Eyes centered strategy, using your Ultimate Dragon and Shining Dragon as your trump cards when monsters stronger than the original Blue-Eyes appeared. Once your boss monsters were defeated, which was no easy feat for most Duelists in your time period, you were finished! Getting around your Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon's ability was no trouble for a Duelist who knew where to look."
"You seem to think you have all the answers, but my Life Points aren't zero yet, and I'm going to make you regret not finishing me off!" Kaiba snapped. "You like quoting Machiavelli at me, here's one in return: if you have to hurt someone, do it in such a way that you need not fear their vengeance." He held a fist in the air. "I've crushed anyone who stood against me, in business and in Duel Monsters."
"Barring Yugi Muto," Matthias noted dryly.
"His time is coming," the Kaibacorp executive snarled. "But first I'm going to take you down!"
"I'm intrigued as to what that girl's Deck could possibly contain that would turn this Duel around, but I'll concede that your current chances of victory are hovering around three percent, so let's see what you can do with such slim odds," Matthias taunted, amusement tinging his voice. "I end my turn."
The Master's Chambers
Dani LP: 3800
Blue-Eyes White Dragon: Atk 3000, Def 2500, LV 8 x2
Deep-Eyes White Dragon: Atk 4000, Def 0, LV 10
White Dragon Wyverburster: Atk 1700, Def 1800, LV 4
Yami LP: 1550
Yusei LP: 6150
Stardust Dragon: Atk 2500, Def 2000, LV 8
Yami stared at the cards in his hand, trying to formulate how to turn this Duel around with Polymerization and Buster Blader in his hand. He didn't have his Dark Magician, that was buried in the Graveyard. Yusei had said he had a plan, was there a Trap on his field that would resurrect a card from the Graveyard? "What are you talking about Yusei?"
The Master laughed. "It appears the great Pharaoh has drawn a dud! How ironic!"
"It's not a dud!" Yusei countered. His Mark of the Crimson Dragon flared, a similar glow appearing in his eyes. "Yugi, use Polymerization and my Stardust Dragon!" His voice had a slight tinge to it, as though the Crimson Dragon were speaking through him.
'But how?' Yugi asked, ethereal form floating next to Yami. 'Buster Blader and Stardust Dragon aren't compatible for a Fusion Summon!'
"They can if we combine our strength," Yami said, closing his eyes. The Eye of Wdjat began to glow on his forehead, power streaming from the Millennium Puzzle and from Yusei's Mark, combining into a sphere of energy between the two legendary Duelists.
"I WILL NOT ALLOW THIS!" the Master roared, appearing in the mists and throwing a sphere of swirling light and darkness at the duo. Yusei's Mark glowed even brighter as the Crimson Dragon flashed into existence, absorbing the attack with slight difficulty as the combination of Yusei and Yugi's powers flickered multiple colors, forming into the familiar shape of a Duel Monsters card. It floated over to Yami's hand as the Crimson Dragon faded, much to the annoyance of the Master.
The Pharaoh looked at the card in wonder. 'So this is our potential when we work together.'
Yugi was similarly amazed. "Who knew the Buster Blader had so much potential? This is incredible!"
Yusei touched two fingers to his temple, clearing the mild fog in his head. He had felt the Crimson Dragon working through him, working with the ancient magics of the Millennium Puzzle to create that card. All Yugi had to do was activate Polymerization and this Duel was over. He looked at his Dueling partner, knowing exactly what card they had created together thanks to the Crimson Dragon. "Now Yugi! Use Stardust Dragon!" His ace monster roared, sensing what was about to happen.
Yami nodded, inserting his Spell card into his Duel Disk. "I now activate the Magic of Polymerization!" The familiar blue orange and green swirl of the Spell appeared above his head. "And with it we shall make the monster that will end this Duel! Go Buster Blader!" The purple armored swordsman grunted and leaped into the portal.
"Go Stardust Dragon!" Yusei shouted. His ace quickly followed Buster Blader into the portal, disappearing into the vortex. Lightning began to crackle around the vortex.
"Almighty dragon slayer whose blade cannot be matched," Yami chanted.
"Join your might with the dragon of the cosmos!" Yusei continued.
"Become the ultimate dragon slayer with which to bring us victory!" Both Duelists shouted. "Fusion Summon!" The portal exploded, a humanoid form descending from above and landing on the galaxy covered floor. The light began to dim down.
"Appear," Yami yelled, putting the card on his Duel Disk in dramatic fashion. "Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman!" The light faded and revealed the new Swordsman. The armor was mostly of the same design as the original Buster Blader, but white armor adorned his frame instead of the standard purple. Blue and purple highlights reminiscent of Stardust Dragon gave the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman an imposing figure. He unsheathed his massive blade, the scales of Stardust Dragon being used to line the blade and make it look even more lethal than before.
Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman: Atk 2800, Def 2500, LV 8
The Master scowled and faded back into the mists. A low chuckle echoed from the mists. "I suppose it would've been too easy if my puppet had finished you two. No matter. When you are done with her, come into the madness and face your destiny."
"Dani, come to your senses!" Yusei called out to the modern Blue-Eyes Duelist. "If he's not here, then you can fight free!" All he received was a blank stare from glowing silver eyes.
"Oh no Yusei, you can't save her, her fate was sealed the instant she saved your sorry hide. You can't avoid it! Not unless you want my power to spread throughout the world!" the Master's voice informed him.
Yami scowled. "He's right Yusei. So we'll finish this and take him down!"
Yusei glanced back at the transformed Crow, who had been watching the Duel with a relatively forlorn look for a crow. "You're right Yugi, I just had to try."
"I'm sure her soul appreciates the effort," the Pharaoh said, "But she also understands what must happen." He bowed his head before looking forward, meeting Dani's blank gaze. "Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman's effect activates! All your Dragon-type monsters switch from Attack mode to Defense mode!" In a flurry of stardust, the new Buster Blader swung his sword, a wave of energy forcing all three of Dani's Dragons to crouch on the ground, unable to rise against its power.
Deep-Eyes White Dragon Def: 0
Blue-Eyes White Dragon x2 Def: 2500
White Dragon Wyverbuster Def: 1800
"Next, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman gains one thousand Attack and Defense Points for each Dragon-type monster Dani either controls or is in her Graveyard!" Yami continued. "I'm sure you can do the math. With nine Dragons either on the field or in her Graveyard, Buster Blader the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman gains another nine thousand Attack and Defense Points!"
Buster Blader, The Dragon Destroyer Swordsman: Atk 11800, Def 11500
"This Swordsman has one more effect," Yusei added, no mirth to be found on his face. He didn't relish the task of defeating a friend, but it had to be done. "He can't attack directly, but he can inflict Piercing Damage! Now Yugi!"
The Pharaoh nodded. "Battle! Buster Blader, The Dragon Destroyer Swordsman! Attack Deep-Eyes White Dragon now! Ultimate Destruction Sword Slash!" His Fusion monster hefted his sword in one hand, sprinting towards the celestial Blue-Eyes and effortlessly split the dragon in two with one swing of his blade. Deep-Eyes White Dragon exploded from the attack, knocking Dani to the ground, the silver glow leaving her face and eyes as power seemed to flow away from her, back into the chaos.
Dani LP: 0
"Dani!" Yusei shouted, running forward as the remaining monsters on the field faded, the Blue-Eyes White Dragons looking concerned despite the presence of Buster Blader, the Dragon Destroyer Swordsman. The caw of the Crow-turned-crow got his attention as Crow flew past, landing in front of the fallen Blue-Eyes Duelist. He pecked at her hand, trying to get a response. A despaired cry came from Crow, tearing at Yusei's heart. "Is she?"
"I don't know," Yami said, crouching down next to her as both Legendary Duelists reached her.
Yusei knelt down and touched two fingers to her neck. "There's a pulse, but no telling if her soul is still there." Indeed, Dani lay unnaturally still; the only indication of life being the rise and fall of her chest to indicate breathing. "Seems like the light's on but nobody's home."
Crow looked up crestfallen at the Head Signer, then to the Pharaoh. Yami shook his head. "The only way we can free her soul would be to defeat the Master and turn things back to normal." He looked off into the mists. "If things can be turned back to normal."
"Stay here with her body," Yusei told the transformed Tail Signer. "I don't know what's going to happen when we face the Master, but if she wakes up somehow then you'll need to bring her to us." Crow snorted and saluted with a wing, hopping onto the shoulder of the modern Blue-Eyes Duelist and standing at alert.
"Are you ready?" Yami asked, prepared to move forward through the mists. "We have to stop him."
Yusei nodded, meeting the Pharaoh's gaze. "Let's do this." Together the two Duelists strode forward, through the mists of chaos and into the unknown. The silence was deafening, bar the sound of their steps as they moved forward. They could sense the Master ahead, the instinct to flee growing stronger. It was a maddening pressure, one that could easily break a lesser man. Still, they forged onward, determined to end this once and for all.
A lone figure stood in the mists, a Duel Disk hanging off his arm. The Master turned to face them, his pale skin absorbing any color reflected by the fog of chaos. His suit was disheveled, the need for a pristine appearance long past. He held his arms open, as though welcoming the two. "Tell me Duelists, do you think your assisted suicide will be viewed as a noble sacrifice by those who'll remain on this pathetic backwater of a world?"
"If that's what it takes to bring you down," Yusei answered.
"We're willing to do whatever it takes to stop you and bring peace to New Domino City," Yami declared.
"Oh really?" the Master asked, a dangerous gleam in his eye. "If I promised to stop this only if you two swear to serve me, would you?"
"You tried to have me killed!" Yusei snapped, thinking back to the explosion outside the hideout. "I'm done listening to your honeyed words! You and everyone you've deceived to make your little movement are through!"
"And what does your ancient Egyptian friend have to say about that?" the Master said, nodding towards the silent Pharaoh.
"You can't possibly be contemplating his offer," the Head Signer gaped, whirling on his friend.
Yami gave Yusei an apologetic glance. "If that was what it truly took to achieve peace, it shouldn't be ruled out entirely." He raised a hand to cut off Yusei's protest. "However, we've seen time and time again that the Master is not to be trusted. He clearly has a god complex, looking down on us like he somehow knows what's best for our world. I have seen what he will bring to the world, and I know that he would merely turn us to his will if we were to pledge ourselves to him." His Puzzle began to glow, the Eye of Wdjat prominent on his forehead. "Therefore, if we are to bring peace back to the Satellite and New Domino City, then we must defeat the Master!"
The leader of the Chaos Movement rolled his purple and golden eyes. "Peace peace peace, all you talk about is peace! Here's the truth young Pharaoh, it might be a bitter pill for you, but luckily I have some water to wash it down!" He waved his hand and a wine glass full of water appeared in his hand. At Yami's shake of the head, he shrugged and tossed it over his shoulder, the sound of a shattering glass echoing around the room faintly. "Peace is boring! Dull! Washed-up! Nothing ever happens! Whereas with the beautiful Chaos there's always something interesting happening! Yes, someone always dying, something exploding, some unfathomable entity trying to pierce the veil between realities! Once I have summoned the ultimate entity of Chaos the world of Duel Monsters has to offer in this reality, you'll see!" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully before continuing his monologue. "But I suspect that you already understand Yugi. You know exactly what I mean, both of you. You know how much you love it deep down. You're only your truest self in the chaos of combat! The sooner you accept that, the sooner you'll realize that I'm right!"
"That's enough!" Yami shouted. "No more words! It's time to Duel!" There was some truth to the Master's words, he did feel the thrill of combat when engaged in a Duel, as well as when he would get the occasional flashback to ancient Egypt. However, as with everything in life, anything taken to an extreme would be extremely harmful. Such was the joys derived from battle.
Yusei echoed his sentiments. "No more mind tricks, we're going to stop you here and now!"
The Master's chuckle was dark, a warning to those around him. "Ohoho, is that so?" He held up the back of a Duel Monsters card. "Perhaps I should give you a forewarning of what is to come?" He flipped the card around and the Head Signer had to fight back a surge of panic. "After all, you're already familiar with how the Earthbound Immortals work, right Yusei?" The card artwork of Earthbound Immortal Ccapac Apu was unmistakable to the Head Signer.
"That's impossible!" Yusei gasped.
The Master flipped the card around, showing nothing but the back of the card for a second. "I'd have the perfect Field Spell to go with it too, right Yugi?" He flipped the card around again and it was the Pharaoh's turn to have his heart leap into his throat, the green unicursal hexagram of the Seal of Orichalcos as distinctive as ever.
"That power was rendered inert with the final destruction of the Leviathan!" Yami said, trying to ignore the sudden dryness in his throat. If the Master had somehow resurrected the power of the Orichalcos, well he didn't want to think about the fate of the world should that truly have happened. He didn't sense the darkness of the Orichalcos in the card though. Something was off. "You don't really have the power of the Seal of the Orichalcos!"
"No, I don't," the Master admitted, throwing the card away. Yusei and Yami both relaxing a little as the card dissolved into the stars of the floor. "Those pathetic cards aren't nearly painful enough for what I have in store for you two." His Duel Disk activated with unearthly clicks, settling on the Master's arm with one final eerie click. "No, what I have in store for you will make you wish you were facing such puny Decks."
"We're putting a stop to this madness!" Yusei declared. "You're going down hard! Yugi and I are going to finally stop this insanity!" His Duel Disk buzzed in anticipation, linking up with the Master's Duel Disk. There was no going back now. His Mark of the Crimson Dragon flared brightly, a red glow entering his eyes as he channeled the Crimson Dragon's power. He had to take advantage of his Signer powers to stand a chance in this Duel, in addition to putting his faith in his Deck.
Yami held up his own Duel Disk, mirroring Yusei's movement. "Now then, draw your cards and prepare to face your fate!" He desperately yearned for the full powers of his Millennium Puzzle, but as it was he had to deal with what he could call upon; the limited powers he did have access to and his faith in the heart of the cards.
"My fate?!" the Master was both incredulous and amused. "I've been stringing you along since the beginning! My first mistake was sending others to do my job. Now I will crush you both for interfering with my plans! We will Duel at eight thousand Life Points apiece, because I want your suffering to be long! Long and painful and just enough to give you hope!" He shook his head, almost as though he pitied the duo. "You know, it's the little things that I enjoy whilst being the true Harbinger of Chaos! The illusion of hope you get when you're fighting for your very lives, or in your pretty little girlfriend's case Yusei, their very humanity! That little light I'm dangling for you is going to make things all the sweeter when you realize how screwed you are! Oh yes, I'm merely indulging your incessant desire to Duel! You and Yugi both! It's like a ticking clock, only these seconds are the last few seconds of your miserable lives! Can you feel it boys? The clock is ticking! Tick, tick tick! You'll struggle in vain, trying to cling to that little sliver of hope, trying to defeat me before you think my strategy is completed! Tick! Tick! Tick! And then, before you know it, you'll have lost! My victory will be complete while you fall in defeat, terrified and desperate, completely and utterly conquered! Let's go."
"Let's Duel!" Yami and Yusei shouted together, each player drawing their cards.
Yami LP: 8000
Yusei LP: 8000
The Master LP: 8000
"As the eldest here, I'll let you two youngsters have the first move,"the Master said, eyes glowing with power.
The Pharaoh glanced at the Head Signer, meeting his gaze. A single nod passed between the two. "I'll go first!" the Pharaoh declared, drawing a card. His opening hand of six cards was a strong one, but depending on what the Master played, it might not be enough. "I'll start by playing the Magic card Dark Magic Ritual!" A sacrificial alter rose from the mists of chaos, awaiting Yami's sacrifice. The Pharaoh held up a second card, flipping it around to reveal it as Black Luster Soldier. "And I'll offer up the Level eight Black Luster Soldier as the necessary sacrifice!"
"From one Chaos Ritual to another," the Master observed, mild amusement in his tone as the Black Luster Soldier appeared on the alter. Blue and black flames quickly consumed the Soldier, igniting both lamps on the alter as eight stars lit up on the alter in an octagram.
"Become the wind that bears this ceremony my honorable sacrifice!" Yami chanted, the flames on the alter rising higher. "The heir to chaos, born from the deep darkness, show your true form before us!" With an eruption of fire, the alter was consumed. "Ritual Summon! Descend, Magician of Black Chaos!" The flames were dispersed with a shockwave of dark power, revealing the black armored spellcaster. Magenta highlights dotted the armor, long hair streaming behind the blue-skinned magician. He opened his red eyes and readied his black staff, power simmering at the tip.
Magician of Black Chaos: Atk 2800, Def 2600, LV 8
"Next, I shall Normal Summon the Mystical Elf in Defense mode!" the Pharaoh continued. Another blue-skinned being appeared, this one a slender female elf in holy robes, arms held in a prayer position as she knelt down.
Mystical Elf: Atk 800, Def 2000, LV 4
"I place two cards facedown and end my turn," Yami concluded, not entirely satisfied with the opening. Sure, Reduction Barrier and Spellbinding Circle were decent Traps, but against the Master he wasn't sure that would be enough.
Yusei took the lead. "My move then!" He drew a card and played another from his hand. "First, I activate the Spell card One for One, sending Tuning Supporter from my hand to the Graveyard to Special Summon the Tuner Monster Mach Synchron from my Deck!" A humanoid jet fighter zoomed out of the card he played on his Duel Disk, ready for action.
Mach Synchron: Atk 0, Def 0, LV 1
"Next I Normal Summon Junk Synchron!" the Head Signer continued, the orange mechanic Tuner appearing next to Mach Synchron.
Junk Synchron: Atk 1300, Def 500, LV 3
Yusei grabbed the card his Duel Disk spat back out at him, Junk Synchron holding an arm out to create a small portal. "Now Junk Synchron's ability lets him bring back a Level two or lower monster from my Graveyard, like Tuning Supporter!" A small yellow robot with a frying pan on his head flew through the portal, landing with a clunk next to Junk Synchron.
Tuning Supporter: Atk 100, Def 300, LV 1
The Turbo King continued his move without missing a beat, playing the fourth card from his hand. "Because I Special Summoned a monster from the Graveyard, I can now Special Summon Doppelwarrior from my hand!" A special ops soldier with a shadow mirroring his movements leaped onto the galaxy covered floor, gun at the ready.
Doppelwarrior: Atk 800, Def 800, LV 2
"Now because I have a monster on my field and none in my Graveyard, I can Special Summon Mirror Ladybug from my hand," Yusei said, playing the fifth card from his hand. A large ladybug with a brilliant silvery shell joined the collection of Monsters on the field, filling the fifth and final zone Yusei had available to him.
Mirror Ladybug: Atk 100, Def 100, LV 1
"And when Mirror Ladybug is Special Summoned like this, its Level becomes the same as all the other monsters on my Field!" the Head Signer announced. "So Mirror Ladybug now becomes Level seven!" Seven stars appeared on the back of the Insect Monster to signify the Level increase.
Mirror Ladybug LV: 7
"Wake me up when he Synchro Summons something important," the Master yawned.
Yusei glared at him, the Crimson Dragon's power making his normally cobalt eyes a deep red and giving him a much more intimidating look. "First I'm Tuning Level three Junk Synchron with the Level one Tuning Supporter and the Level two Doppelwarrior!" Junk Synchron pulled his starter cord, the machines on his back revving up as the three aforementioned monsters leaped into the air. The little orange Tuner turned into three stars that expanded into three green rings, Tuning Supporter and Doppelwarrior leaping into the rings.
"Level six," Yami murmured, doing the quick math.
"When wishes of steel gather round the messenger of the gale, that wish will become an invincible shield!" the Head Signer chanted as the two non-Tuner monsters dissolved into three more stars. "Become the path that lights the way!" The stars aligned in the rings and erupted into a brilliant pillar of light. "Synchro Summon! Come on out, Junk Gardna!" The tanky green machine warrior thudded down from the heavens as the light faded, holding massive wall like arms protectively.
Junk Garda: Atk 1400, Def 2600, LV 6
"Doppelwarrior and Tuning Supporter's effects now activate since both were used for a Synchro Summon!" Yusei continued. "Doppelwarrior Special Summons two Doppel Tokens in Defense mode and Tuning Supporter allows me to draw one card from my Deck!" He drew the card and added it to the other in his hand, watching two little gremlin like facsimiles of Doppelwarrior appear on the left and right of Junk Gardna like a comical honor guard for his monster.
Doppel Tokens: Atk 400, Def 400, LV 1
"But that's just the beginning!" Yusei said. "I Tune Level one Mach Synchron with the now Level seven Mirror Ladybug!" Mach Synchron revved his jet engines up before turning into a bright star.
"Two Synchro Summons on the first move!" Yami commented to himself, very impressed with the Duel Monsters skill Yusei was putting on full display. The star expanded into a bright green ring, into which Mirror Ladybug flew.
"The hopes of the world coalesce into a single star!" Yusei chanted as his Insect monster turned into seven silver stars. "Become the path its light shines upon!" He raised his arm, the Mark of the Crimson Dragon glowing brightly as the stars aligned and a pillar of light once more appeared on the field. "Synchro Summon! Take flight Stardust Dragon!" The light faded and revealed his ace monster in a flurry of stardust. With a roar, Stardust Dragon landed next to Yusei, the sparkling stardust his body emitted looking like a mere extension of the Master's chaotic chamber.
Stardust Dragon: Atk 2500, Def 2000, LV 8
"Well well well," the Master said, looking mildly intrigued. "I suppose you think this is going to impress me?"
"That, plus these two facedown cards," Yusei countered, playing the last two cards from his hand in his Duel Disk.
The Master let out a low chuckle. "I will concede that for your time periods, this would be a very powerful opening move. Many Duelists would probably be fawning over your skills and your luck of the draw. But you're going to have to do better than that against me. Pharaoh, I hope you're prepared for the full fury of Chaos mixed with a little bit of Egypt!"
Yusei glanced at the Pharaoh, who looked concerned. "What does he mean by that?"
"If that part about Egypt means what I think it means," Yami began slowly. "Then he is using the Winged Dragon of Ra in his Deck."
"The strongest of the Egyptian gods?" Yusei asked, getting a grim nod for confirmation. "Great."
"My turn!"the Master announced. He used three fingers to draw his card. " I draw!" To the confusion of the two Legendary Duelists, two slots seemed to open on both ends of his Monster zones, different from the usual Field Spell slot. "Now then gentlemen, it's time to enter a new era! Just as order has its heyday, the pendulum shall always swing back towards chaos! I set the Scale one Chaos Bai and the Scale ten Chaos Furiko in the Pendulum Scales!"
"Pendulum?" Yusei repeated.
"Scales?" Yami was similarly perplexed. Twin pillars of translucent blue light formed on either side of the Master's field, a golden Pendulum floating on the Master's left and a deep indigo purple Pendulum on his right. A large one appeared above Chaos Bai, matching its golden color while a similarly colored ten appeared above Chaos Furika.
"You've seen Trap cards that when activated become Monsters," the Master explained. "Now behold Monsters that when activated become Spell cards!"
"That must be what comes after the Xyz monsters," Yugi surmised, watching the Duel beside Yami.
"Wonder why it took them so long to make such a monster after Trap Monsters existed for such a long time," Yami mused.
"Oh great Pendulums of Chaos, swing across the stars and bring an end to the rule of Order!" the Master chanted, a large red portal appearing above the battlefield. "Pendulum Summon!"
"Say what?!" Yami gasped.
"Appear, my Monster Servants!" the Master shouted, three beams of light zipping out from the portal. "Chaos Beast! Chaos Druid! Chaos Paladin!" To his left, a large wolf in black and white armor landed lightly on the field, a longsword clutched in his jaws. His eyes matched the color scheme of the Master, the colors of chaos glowing brightly. To the middle, a man in black and white robes appeared, deerskin mask unable to hide his glowing Chaos eyes. To the right, another man, this one strongly built, rose up from the ground. His black and white armor gave away his identity, as did his glowing eyes under his closed helm.
Chaos Beast: Atk 1300, Def 600, LV 4
Chaos Paladin: Atk 1900, Def 1300, LV 4
Chaos Druid: Atk 500, Def 1800, LV 4
The Head Signer could only stare in shock. "Three monsters at once?"
"Ohoho yes, with the way the Scales are set, once per turn I can Special Summon any monster Level two through nine simultaneously," the Master explained. "And just you wait until the other powers of the Pendulum Monsters come into play."
"That does not sound promising," Yami deadpanned.
"Indeed," the Master agreed, "Though while that was new to you, this should be rather familiar! I sacrifice all three of my Chaos monsters!"
Yami's eyes grew wide as he recognized what was happening. "No, you can't!"
"I just did." The Master held up the last card in his hand as the three Chaos monsters, as quickly as they had appeared, turned into orbs of light that mirrored the idea of yin and yang. The orbs disappeared into the mists of Chaos, a sudden pressure in the room sending a chill down both Yami and Yusei's spines.
Yusei had felt the presence of Slifer the Sky Dragon and Obelisk the Tormentor as a bystander, able to sense the power of the god cards from the mere backlash. Here, the pressure was similar to the other two, yet simultaneously it was much more powerful force. He'd known it from listening the Yugi explain how the god cards worked, but to feel it in action, the Head Signer was scared. "You've faced Ra before, right Yugi? In the Battle City finals?"
Yami nodded. "Considering the Master's power, I am not surprised he's managed to bend Ra to his will." He was not keen on facing the Winged Dragon of Ra again, but he didn't have much choice. There was no way the Master was using Ra as his ace monster either, not if Yugi's vision about the Envoys was anything to go by.
"Powerful guardian of this pathetic sun, I call on you, let's have some fun!" the Master chanted as the golden sphere mode of the Winged Dragon of Ra began to rise from the fog of war. "Uncurl yourself from that little ball, for it's time for my enemies to fall! I command thee, join this final game, you'll have no choice once I call out your name!" Rays of golden light began to escape the sphere as Ra began to emerge. "Winged Dragon of Ra!" There was an explosion of power as the Egyptian god fully transformed, a wave of energy buffeting both Duelists. This was an ancient power and Yusei could feel just how powerful it was.
The Winged Dragon of Ra: Atk 0, Def 0, LV 10
"Of course, since I Normal Summoned the Winged Dragon, it gains the Attack and Defense Points of its sacrifices," the Master pointed out.
The Winged Dragon of Ra: Atk 3700, Def 3700
"So gentlemen, do you realize just how in over your head you are?" the Leader of the Chaos Movement asked, hands empty yet somehow seemed to hold more power than ever before. "Since I'm not allowed to attack in a three-way Duel on the first turn, you get one turn before Ra shall unleash the fury of ancient Egypt on you. And if you do somehow manage to destroy the most powerful Egyptian god, well then it'll show that Egypt just isn't up to snuff. I personally blame the Romans for that, but they had their own pantheon to deal with, mostly cause they stole it from the Greeks. But enough about your already primitive world and its pathetic history. Come! Make this Duel entertaining!" The mists of Chaos swirled about him, a frightening scene as Yami and Yusei maintained their composure. They had to overcome this weird Pendulum Summoning and the Winged Dragon of Ra, and whatever other powers the Master and his Deck had to offer. There was no other acceptable alternative. They had to win!
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Yeah, I decided to create the Chaos archetype for the Master. I heard your feedback about his OG Chaos Deck, and so have created cards to make him an appropriate final boss for this story. The perks of being the author I suppose. It's a similar situation with Tiyuki of the Ice Barrier, another made up card by yours truly. I had the Duel with Jack planned long before the surprise wave of Ice Barrier support, I'm sticking with my original plan for that. I'm sure you'll appreciate the end results eventually. So here we go, the final Duel against the Master has begun! What did you all think? I do enjoy hearing your thoughts on the chapter.
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Question for the Chapter: Considering the focus for the secondary Duels this chapter, who is your favorite rival in the series? Me, personally I'd have to go with Kaiba because one, he's the first. Two, his Blue-Eyes have been a part of my Deck since I got my first Blue-Eyes White Dragon in 2004. Three, how much more awesome can you get than Seto freakin Kaiba? I concede that Jack Atlas is definitely a top contender for top spot (for me), Red Dragon Archfiend and its subsequent forms are great fun to Synchro Summon. Revolver from VRAINS has managed to sneak into the 3rd spot for me, as Borreload Dragon has managed to win me over. So let's hear it, who is your favorite rival?
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Response to Guest Reviews
Iron Ninja: I'm doing the best I can, but free time is in short supply for me these days. Hopefully this'll tide you over in the meantime.
Hunter Drenex: I do know about Lightning's Deck, it's a very interesting concept and it did very well as a part of VRAINS. Part of me wants to make another Roman themed Deck, either around their pantheon or the Roman Empire in general. I love studying the Roman Empire and its history, so either give us the Armatos Legio series or some other archetype using the lovely Legions of Rome, please Konami. I do need to work on characters for Chaos Incarnate, but that's something for when I finish Chaos Unleashed I dare say.
Gradius: Leo and Luna's Duel will definitely be a memorable one. I set out in this story to give character the respect I felt they deserved in the series, and that includes little Luna. Her, Akiza, Leo, there are a lot of characters that deserved better than what they got. Glad you're enjoying it.
Rick grimes: That's a fair assessment. Still, Crow is basically in the Joey role for 5Ds, so I felt the comparison had to at least be attempted.
If you don't have a name or have too short a review, I probably won't respond to guest reviews. I am trying my best to get this out, but college comes first.
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Thoughts? Questions? Concerns? Reviews are always welcome, as is any and all respectful criticism, as I'm always looking to improve as an author. Lengthy reviews are especially appreciated, so please, make it as long as you want.
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The discord invite link to my discord server takes a little bit of typing, but it's the only way to get around the fanfiction link killer sensors. The link is:
discord
Dot
Gg
Backslash
bsSPfrEgR5
so feel free to hop in the server if you wanna chat with me and get notifications about when I'm streaming and sneak peaks into the next chapter. I've also been hosting watch togethers of Yugioh while working on the story, so you're more than welcome to join the party!
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Follow me on Twitch at nuttybuddy792 to see the variety of games I like to stream though I will admit my streamer activity has been a little….slacking due to school and work since 2021 has been as crazy as 2020.
Until the next chapter my friends! Happy Easter!
From Your Nutty Buddy,
The Eagle Nut