I hope you enjoy this little one-shot.
In weeks time, Domino will turn into Battle City. Battles of such great magnitude will be held in what he knows will be the biggest tournament in the history of Duel Monsters.
Nothing less would be appropriate for competition organized by Kaiba Seto himself. In almost seventeen years of his life, teenage billionare never settled for mediocrity; he knew it was summit of weak minded fools with absolutely no ambition in life. As a man who had to fight tooth and nail for everything he has today, such people initiated a deep distaste from him.
How could he not feel bitter? They have many opportunities to surpass their limits, yet don't even capitalize on that chance. To make matters worse, some choose an easy way out, not out of neccesity like it was in Kaiba's case, but just for the sake of their laziness.
Such mindset irritated young man to no end.
It was one of the reasons why he despised Jonouchi and forbade him entrance in his tournament. Despite his admittedly good performance at Duelist Kingdom, the only reason why he even got there in the first place is because of Yugi's charity. Even then he was mediocre for the most part of the competition.
Kaiba felt that the blonde idiot perfectly symbolized such sorry state of living. He has to admit, albeit begrudgingly, that he never backs down from anything. He is not scared no matter what awaits him. His willingness to follow Yugi to Death-T is a testament of that.
Although even that is overshadowed by the rest of the numerous flaws the blonde has.
Nothing but perfection should be expected in game or life. That was an a moto of sorts that served him well so far if his accomplishments in gaming industry and corporate world in general are anything to go by. However, to his chagrin, one thing remained unreachable to him and he resolved himself to change that in this tournament.
You see, Kaiba Seto obtained an additional card that will help him in that regard. Not that he needed it of course, but it is better to be risk-aversed when battling someone like him.
In his room at his luxurious manor, president of Kaiba Corporation sat on his bed in black shirt and jeans, moonlight in late hours of the evening illuminated his bedroom through semi-closed drapes. He stared at his God of Obelisk card given to him by Ishizu Ishtar. He had no doubt that woman of Egyptian heritage had another alternative motive. Why would she freely give him the card and then expect him to return it when Ghouls were dealt with?
"I trust you," she has said. Kaiba had to scoff at that. Her tone was fake as any other hyenas lurking around him on a daily basis, showering him with praises, compliments and smiles while secretly being a starving lot trying to tear him apart.
Such thinking was hypocrtical, as one could argue he was no better. Kaiba had no qualms as he freely admitted that. World exemplifies survival of the fittest and he did what he had to - climbed up from hell of poverty, outsted his stepfather from position of the president and became master of a world full of backstabbing and treachery.
To put in bluntly he could smell bullshit a mile away. It came natural to him as breathing. Which is why all those fakers, Ishtar included were constantly on his radar. Why, he even had the girl monitored since their meeting a few days ago and so far she didn't display any suspicious activity.
That made him be even more on guard.
Still, he was thankful for the gift. It was truly magnificent creature of great power that very few can control to its full potential. Its might was displayed earlier today when he dueled against state of the art Dueling Robot that was using his strongest deck containing his three Blue-Eyes White Dragons and their fused Ultimate form. There was no exception for anyone, for even the mightiest dragons bowed down to the God.
It still wasn't enough - a fact he was very aware of. Kaiba knew showcase of this card against Dueling Robot was mearly a prelude to what's to come. True potential of this card will be showed in a duel against a powerful opponent. No matter how advanced his AI was, it still fell short to skill, mind and fighting spirit of a true duelist. Nevertheless very few, if any duelists can contest against creature that Pegasus, supposedly, regretted bringing back in modern times, bar Rare Hunters that have the other two.
As such, when they inevitably meet on the battlefield, Kaiba knew that this will be the key card to defeating him. In their every encounter before, no-one has woken such excitement in him, nobody was capable of challenging him skill-wise, card for card on every single turn of their passionate duels.
It made his blood boil and crave for another duel in which they, like always, will push each other to their very limits and beyond. Kaiba plays for victory, but he would lie if he said that he didn't enjoy thrill of dueling him. Rush that he felt during their clash was enigmatic and he doubted anyone before or after ever came even close to awakening such feeling.
Make no mistakes, even if he finds satisfaction in just dueling him, the most exciting duels are hollow without glory of victory. He will defeat him. That was his ambition. Just like his desire to give his brother Mokuba a better life, his ruthless takeover of Kaiba Corporation and his soar in corporate world, he will make this a reality.
Alas, it was all food for thought at this point.
He shouldn't rush things as everything will fall into place in due time.
Kaiba placed the card on top of his deck that rested on a night stand near his bed. Quickly getting under the covers, he layed his head on the soft pllow with his fingers intertwined behind his head as he stared at the high ceiling of his room.
Their time will come eventually and when it does, Kaiba vowes to surpass Gozaburo, defeat Yugi and stand at top of the world as Duel King with all three Gods in his deck.
That's his goal in the Battle City.
As his eyelids felt heavier by the second Kaiba mused that, unfortunately, it can't come soon enough. He knew this week will be the most excruciating one to endure; from having final words with Domino officials about location of the tournament to supervising final production and distribution of duel disks there is much to do. Quite ironic, if he says so himself. He has one of the most powerful cards in Duel Monsters and yet he cannot properly test it against other opponents until a week later. It really was unfortunate. Kaiba cannot wait to use the card against a real duelist.
Or at the very least, some second rate arrogant wannabe. They're not worthy of witnessing the power of a God, but it would suffice to quench the desire he feels.
The moment he had such thought did the entire manor began to shake. Dark blue eyes snapped open and he immediately leaped from his bed, changed into his attire consisted of black pants and boots with white overcoat and grabbed his deck and duel disk. Luckily the earthquake seemed mild one at best, but he isn't one to take chances.
Brown youth bolted from the chambers, running in search of his brother and caught sight on him as he stumbled out of his bedroom.
"Seto!" Younger of Kaiba siblings exclaimed, his voice betraying fear he felt. When he reached him, shaking inexplicably stopped.
He held on to his brother, his gaze hardening at the sudden serenity that came after. It shouldn't be so odd, but Blue-Eyes weilder couldn't shake off the feeling that this wasn't a natural phenomenon.
"Isono." He asked curtly after pressing KC initials on his collar to call his employee on a private network. Some might say it's extravagant, but man of such power as himself can never be too careful.
"Seto-sama!" Concerned voice called out from intercome. "Earthquake stopped so we should evacuate the premise. I will come for you and--"
"Don't bother." Kaiba interjected, hair on back of his neck rising. Heavy sensation, all to familiar to him filled the halls of their home that made him uneasy. He took note that his brother seemed to share that sentiment. "Mokuba and I will meet you and the rest outside. Get to safety."
Begrudgingly his right-hand man accepted and KC intials glow simmered down. Isono was one of the few people he could trust that'll always be by his side. Fuguta and couple of maids and a world class cheff (after a thorough background check of course). The fact that they all live with them at Kaiba manor is testament of their credibility.
"Is everything going to be okay?"
He glanced down and gave his brother one of his rare smiles. "Don't worry. We just need to leave the manor and—"
Interruption came in form of loud sound of shattering glass which was strange since there were none in their vicinity to begin with. A soft pulse of air traveled over their forms and they could distinguish that it came behind them. Turning their heads to anomalies' location, they set their sights upon growing portal. It expanded in Kaiba's general direction and older brother did not hesitate to push Mokuba away from it. Before he had a chance to put some distance between them, he felt his lower part of the coat getting ensnared by it.
It goes without saying that Kaiba greatly regreted wearing it.
A shout from raven haired boy calling out his name was the very last thing Kaiba Seto heared before he was whisked away approximately century and a half into the future.
Darkness accompanied his displacement. He was sprawled on the cold ground, his eyes closed, but still able to distiguish sound of an ongoing battle happening in the area. A battle he knows all too well.
A duel.
His blue eyes fluttered open and he stood up to his feet. Supporting himself with a hand that was placed on a castle wall, cold blue eyes scanned his surroundings. They soon took an uncharacteristic glint of bewliderment.
Sea expanded endlessly beyond what the eyes could reach. It was sundown on a remote island upon which the waves crashed wildly. Slightly blinded by unnatural crimson glow that came from the sky, Kaiba inspected architecture of the place that consisted of medieval castle and modern harbour. He caught a sight of a boat that seemed far more advanced than anything he's ever seen. As a president of corporation that specilizes in state of the art technology, he couldn't help but be surprised by that.
However, none of the things he saw could hold a candle to huge chunks of land floating in mid-air, the sky that was mix of several different colors and portals that had people spectating beings of interest. A giant black dragon with green highlights that was battling several warriors in a duel. If he had to guess, he'd say he was hallucinating about some medieval fantasy book if not for two people with colorful blade-esque duel disk commanding said Monsters. Monsters that were causing real damage.
"Impossible..." Blue-Eyes duelist muttered when he saw buildings being cleved in half by Duel Monsters.
Strange boat and advanced duel disk that can cause real damage...
"Could it be..." It's preposterous for Kaiba to even think of such a thing. He was a man who insisted upon making logical conclusion about the world - like everyone should. But the situation is quite bizzare that even he had to reavaluate his opinion.
Brown haired youth scoffed at such ridicilous thought. He must've hit his head quite hard when he fell if he would even indulge about it. It would seem that Yugi's and recently Ishizu's occult nonsense has been rubbing off on him.
While he contemplated on how to proceed, a greed-hooded child, no older than ten sprinted past him. The child didn't stop, but looked past their shoulder. Widening of their eyes indicated that they recognized him.
"Wait!" Kaiba demanded as the child headed straight first towards the tangible Duel Monsters. He dashed towards the child and effortlessly caught up. CEO of Kaiba Corporation grabbed the hand that had one of those advanced duel disks and recoil made the hood drop back to the kid's neck, revealing long light purple hair.
"Let go, please let go." The girl pleaded, trying to wrestle out of the grip. It was to no avail as the much physically stronger sixteen year old firmly held on. "My brother, I have to save my brother."
Kaiba's eyes softened at that, but his hold didn't lessen. He has a soft spot for siblings due to his relationship with Mokuba, but he won't let a child wander to such dangerous situation.
"You'll get killed." He bluntly stated.
The girl shook her head, her long hair swishing about. "I won't. I know how to duel, I'm begging you. Only I can stop this."
He scoffed at that, an indication of his thoughts at the sheer arrogance the kid has. Not even he was that conceit at that age. However, he was interested in one other thing she has said.
"So it is a duel?" Legendary Duelist hummed as he gazed upon the huge dragon, taking note od human-like figure situated on its large head.
Within the mind of the young girl, Akaba Ray recognized that look in his eyes. Anyone that played the game for considerable amount of time did. Those are the eyes of a true duelist that desires to challenge themself against any opponent.
Yet, she cannot allow that.
"You can't defeat him." She immediately regretted saying it so bluntly as the man's blue eyes became colder than ice. She was certain he would have more extreme reaction if she wasn't in Reira's body.
"I couldn't care less about a child's opinion, which is exactly why I stopped you in the first place." Kaiba spoke, his lips set in a thin line. He might have a soft spot for children, but he won't allow himself to be insult by one.
Ray didn't bother explaining that she is twenty one year old trapped in a young girl's body. She highly doubts he would've believed her anyway.
It's Kaiba Seto after all.
"Until I duel him once again, I will never even think of losing to anyone." His voice carried great deal of confidence that Ray associated with this man.
Akaba isn't all that surprised that she saw a man long dead before her. Many people reincarnated from Original Dimension; Jack Atlas, Crow Hogan and Kaito Tenjo to name a few. Astrograph Magician that commanded space and time and ability of her nature cards caused the entire history to be reset upon their last confrotation. Although, she acknowledges that the man before her was truly the one and only Kaiba Seto based on that duel disk and exuding duel energy.
The latter was suffocating. Unlike any she ever felt.
That's why she was certain. Kaiba Seto wasn't a mere reincarnation like the others, but a man who lived over one hundred and fifty years ago. Did her father's Revival Zero had such side effect? Or is it something else she's just missing?
Either way, Ray had to stop this once and for all. Taking another look at the man holding her vessel, she reminded herself of all history lessons she had about Kaiba Seto back in the United World. The man was pioneer of the game, considered one of the most influential people not only in Duel Monsters, but in the history in general. One of the first Legendary Duelists, considered second only to Mutou Yugi during his life time.
Reality of the situation settled upon her as she was reminded of timeline from which this man originated. Early days of the game, judging by that vastly outdated Battle City duel disk he has strapped on his left arm.
He can't defeat a modern deck wielded by one of the most powerful duelists that ever lived. The gap is simply too big.
"Duel Monsters advanced far beyond your years in recent century." Ray said, hoping that he would see reason.
"You're saying that I time traveled?" Raised eyebrow and a downwards of his lips painted clear picture of what he thought about her statement. Deadpaned tone in which he said the last sentance spoke volumes about his opinion.
Female Akaba let out an exasperated sigh. Leave it to Kaiba to remain bitter sceptic inspite of all evidence that were provided. Although, she doesn't know from which point in time he came... In that case, his reluctance to believe anything that normal science can't explain is understandable.
Hint of worry sprouted within her mind just then. This might be that same crazy teen that challenged Yugi and his friends to Death-T just because former defeated him in a duel once. Similar to Zarc even...
That was a scary thought. One that she has to confirm.
"Do you have a different hypothesis?" Ray challenged, awaiting his answer. When none was provided, she continued, feeling more agitated by the second. "The world is on fire. People will die if I don't stop this. What can you possibly do against most powerful duelist? A devil that the entire human race couldn't stop once he decided to kill them all?!"
Seto finally unleased her hand as an apparent sign that he'll let her go. It was something which Ray considered to be uncharacteristic for the brash historical figure.
He showed a back of a single card, prompting her to tilt her head in confusion. Once he turned it around, Ray's eyes nearly bulged out of her sockets.
"That card!"
In a smug voice, Kaiba Seto said:
"I'll eradicate that devil with the power of a god."
Zarc found the efforts of Akaba Reiji quite amusing. Say what you will about him, but the demon duelist gives credit where it's due - the man came closest to beating him, but it was all for naught in the end. Like countless others that opposed him, the son of that damned Leo failed as well.
A ninja, Tsuchikage he recalls from his fragment's memories, saved his life just in a nick of time, but such foolish action only postponed the inevitable. They will all die either way. Once the adrenaline of the recent duel wore off, gold-yellow eyes focused on the scenary, looking for other foolish mortals that would dare to challenge him.
"Oh?" An amused smirk crept upon his demonic visage. "There is no one anymore who wishes to oppose me? That's a surprise... Have you finally accepted your fate?"
Before they could respond, the temperature fell by a few degrees as many noticed malicious intent that Zarc had. The impliciation was clear to everyone.
"In that case..."
Fallen Lancers only looked in horror as Supreme King Dragon Zarc opened its wide maw, green flames gathering in its mouth. They were glued to the ground, unable to voice their rising fear and worry at the clear implication of the demon's actions. Torrent of flames was unleashed and they felt their skin get hotter by each passing moment as they approached at a deadly precision. In a futile attempt to stop it, some shielded themself with their hands and closed their eyes, awaiting for the flames to devour them.
And yet, the heat never came, nor did the pain. They heared a powerful roar of a different dragon that shook the heavens itself. Following that, Sora could distiguish a sound of a nearby structures being destroyed.
"He missed?"
Lancers opened their eyes to see white dragon with blue eyes protecting them from Zarc's onslaught, a dragon that Sora believes he saw somewhere before. They were all captivated by the display: the dragon that protected them radiated a certain aura that one could associate with divinity. Blue eyes and clear white skin contrasted the creature nicely. It was truly a sight to behold.
Odd thing that Sora noticed was the sheer shock and hint of fear on Zarc's face once he gazed upon the White Dragon.
"How?" The demon duelist muttered, unable to find words to display his shock at the legendary Duel Monster being present.
"You wanted a challenge?" A powerful voice inquired and the Lancers took note of a teen boy that was on dragon's head, his extravagant coat fluttering from the shock waves.
His cold blue eyes narrowed as he gazed upon rather hideous creature that was connected to collosal Duel Monster.
"How are you here?"
Ignoring his question, Kaiba jumped out of his ace Monster's head and trailed his fingers across its body as he descended in a free fall. It was done in order to assure him that it was real no matter how dangerous the concept of Real Solid Vision is. Person who is intelligent enough to create such technology should've also been aware of great risks that accompanies it.
Apparently, that was not the case. As a man who wrestled Kaiba Corporation from Gozaburo's warmongering hands, Seto was well accustumed to risks his technology brings. Virtual simulation system that he developed was meant to be used for games, but his monster of a father intended to make profit on it from war.
He succeeded inspite of desperate protests Seto made. He sold his system for war profiteering and soiled his hands with even more blood.
That was the last time he called Gozaburo father.
That piece of tech, seemingly from over hundred years ago would kill thousands if missused. However, it is insignificant when compared to this tangible Duel Monsters that are in his sight.
The mere implications were troubling even if he haven't seen this carnage before him. When a random child can bring forth a monster capable of destroying a city block, then you know something when wrong with the world. This duel disk provides that chance, that dangerous opportunity for anyone to use the game for war.
"Something that Gozaburo would do." Seto knew the old bastard would if he was still alive.
With once last glance casted upon duel disk the young girl, Reira gave him, Kaiba strode elegantly and leisurely. He felt the eyes of everyone on him, but he didn't bother to hurry it up. Once he stood on a building opposite to his opponent, he took in the demonic features of his future opponent with his trusted ace monster behind him.
The latter takes great suspension of disbelief from the young billionare. He never gave much thought in supernatural nonsense, even if it does exist. Pegasus' eye speaks for itself and Kaiba brothers were begrudgingly affected by it. There are also two events that occured once he met his rival. Yugi's unusual powers gave him vivid nightmares after their first duel. In the second one that happened at Death-T5, the seemingly innocent teen rendered him comatose for nearly a year.
To summarize, he and people around him are a living proof of it. Supernatural exists: there are no ifs or buts about it. It's a one thing to be a sceptic and completely other one to not believe what's literally in front of you.
Somehwere in 4Kids universe, Seto Kaiba sneezed.
As such, he would be foolish to deny events that transpired in the last fifteen minutes and the demonic creature in front of him.
"I don't know if this is a different world or a distant future." CEO of Kaiba Corp declared for everyone to hear. "Either way, I don't really care. All I see in front of myself is a duelist that got to full of himself and lashes out by causing unecessary pain. For that you will be eliminated."
The Supreme Dragon King was silent for a few short beats before he let out a boisterous cackle.
"Quite hypocritical to criticize me about causing pain to others. Are you not the same man that hired a serial killer to kill bunch of school children because one of them defeated you in a duel?"
Many that heared: Lancers and the residents of other dimensions that watched through dimensional rift were concerned by that revelation. The sentiment was more amplified once they saw that the man in question didn't bother to defend himself. Kaiba mearly quirked an eyebrow at such accusations, his expression stoic.
"It was only for Yugi. His friends volonteered to enter Death-T." Was his nonchalant answer that disturbed them as well as the name of the game. Kaiba did feel some small range of regret for his past actions, but he won't give this nobody the satisfaction.
He knows a sorry excuse for a duelist just by looking at him - Jonouchi is a perfect example. This fiend as well fits the criteria.
He's not worth it. But a God must be tested so he will indulge in this charade.
And these people have to be saved, definitely... He didn't forget about that.
"Putting that aside, I received comeuppance once my brain was scrambled and my body crippled for months to come." He clenched his fist and directed it to the dragon. "Now, it's your turn, but believe me, I won't be so soft."
"Oi, what are you saying?" Gongenzaka exclaimed, worried for his friend that resided within Zarc.
The threat was there for everyone to hear and blue-eyes man had every intention of carrying through. He did far worse, hideous things to a lot better people in search for rare cards, specifically his Blue-Eyes cards. As a president of a major corporation he had to silence few opposers and even caused Gozaburo to commit suicide.
Putting down deranged man-child with obvious god complex from what he heared from him before he arrived will not make him lose any sleep.
The demon duelist was silent for a few short beats before a loud chuckle left his lips. It soon turned into a crazy laughter as he placed his hand on his scaly abdomen.
"You? Defeat me? What are you going to do, play La Jinn against me? Maybe Battle Ox?" The laughter died down, but a confident smirk still painted Zarc's visage. He wasn't even upset, but genuinely amused at the declaration of a dead man.
"Duel Monsters advanced far beyond your understanding, you pathetic relic. Your outdated deck would be defeated by a fodder like that Sawatari I crushed."
"Hey!"
"Then by all means, show me how far this game improved." Kaiba was fuming of the inside, but still held his tongue. He loathes when his dueling abilities are put in question, but a test run for his God will come soon enough. "Enlighten me."
"Oh, I will. This opportunity will not be wasted." Zarc spread his hands and directed it to his five dragons. "Because Kaiba Seto, you are to blame for all of this. In an effort to promote Duel Monsters you caused ancient rituals to awaken in modern times which continue to this day..."
Zarc's eyes narrowed, sneer upon his visage that showed true disgust he feels towards this man. It was quite a contrast compared to his previous energetic expressions.
"You are no different than Akaba Leo who created Real Solid Vision. In scientific and gamin pursuit, you brought nothing but pain and suffering to Duel Monsters. Duel Academia, Darkness, Zero Reverse... All on back of one greedy man-."
"Are you done?" Kaiba interrupted him, voice cool as a cucumber. "You are not the first or last one that blames me for his own insecurities. How am I at fault for this? I developed duel disk technology for gaming, to further develop duels that purify our souls. This Akaba Leo took it a step further by making tangible technology with which any ignoramus can wage wars."
Involuntarily, Akaba Leo winced at the blunt, but true assesment.
Brown haired youth gestured towards the destruction around. "Case in point."
Zarc clenched his fist to a point that his nails drew blood from his palm. This relic dares to mock him?!
"How pathetic you must be... To blame a man who is long dead for your own problems."
Meanwhile, at the gathering of defeated Lancers, many questions rose up about this sudden and unexpected intervention.
"Long dead? Who the hell is this guy?" Sawatari finally asked, wishing for anyone to clear up the mystery behind this duelist.
"Kaiba Seto." Akaba Leo said as he, Reiji and Tsuchikage regrouped with the others. "Pioneer of both Duel Monster game and technology. He was the brilliant mind behind Solid Vision system and created the very first duel disks."
"How can that be? Duel Monster as a game is over hundred and fifty years old." Gongenzaka stated, before he corrected himself. "Assuming that our Duel School history courses were historically accurate?"
"They were." Leo assured. As a sole survivor of Original Dimension, he used his machine to scan memories in order to amass any knowledge he remembers. Few courses at Leo Duel School were even given names by Legendary Duelists of the past that is long gone. It was done as a sign of respect to them.
Sora as an Academia student was well versed in Duel Monster history. Motto of his educational curriculum was "gather from the past so that future may be prosperous." As he gazed upon the White Dragon that stood by his master's side, a stray thought occured him.
"Blue-Eyes White Dragon." Sora muttered, but the people around him heared him clearly. Edo as well remembered the name; widening of his eyes was quite an indication. "One of legendary cards we learned about in Academia, alongside three Gods and Phantasms. It's one of the first that was ever made and belonged to a duelist shrouded in mystery."
"Shrouded in mystery?" Sawatari repeated, confused my the term chosen in this specific situation. He was also interested about these so called gods, but he will ask about it later.
"Meaning that not much is known about duelist that had it. It was the case for many historical figures we learned about in Academia."
Reiji adjusted his glasses, perplexed at former Commander in Chief's statement. Why leave the history lessons incomplete by not revealing the names of the past duelist? If names of the cards were known, than surely the names of the people that weilded them should be too?
Now that he thought about it, it tended to happen even at LDS. He knew his father did dubious things for several different reasons, but for what purpose did he do this?
It was inane.
"Well that gives some legitimacy to Professors' words." Edo interrupted Reiji's thoughts, still feeling resentful towards the elder Professor. "But that begs the question: if he is who he think he is, how exactly is Kaiba Seto alive now if he lived all those years ago?"
Lull followed for a few short periods, many contemplating on how exactly this was even possible.
"Reincarnation?" Leo wondered, but he dismissed the thought. "No. It can't be despite that modern duel disk he has on him. His energy is far superior than the other Legendary Duelists that were reborn in new dimensions. Rivaling, if not outright surpassing Zarc's."
Such were the consequences of Ray and Zarc's battle. Timeline was reset and some people reincarnated in the divided worlds. As Sora pointed out, not much was thaught about historical figures of Original Dimenion's dueling era. It was because Akaba Leo could not really know who would reincarnate in the four dimension once he got a wind of curious phenomenon. Mass confusion would ensue otherwise.
Let's say that brilliant scientist and the man elder Akaba has the utmost respect for, Fudo Yusei, managed to be reincarnated in Synchro Dimension. If the Professor made Duel Academia have history courses about that Legendary Duelist, then his troops would be perplexed once they encounter him. It would cause unecessary confusion and problems.
It pains him that they have to be left burried in history due to such odd circumstances, but it is what it is. At the very least he named Synchro course of LDS after the Signer.
Reincarnation was succesful for several duelists: Jack Atlas, Edo Phoenix and Tenjo Kaito to name the few.
Yet, they were shadows of their former self. Jack wielded power of a primodal God and a Devil, Edo had embodiment of Light in his Bloo-D card and Kaito had part of source of different realities and creation in his deck in form of Galaxy-Eyes and Numbers. They were all great duelists today, but a far cry compared to what they originally were. Akaba Leo was certain that Zarc would already be defeated if that wasn't the case.
"Time travel." Small girl's voice stated and the group's attention was directed to the source of it: Reira, who was standing on a corner of a building with her long hair swishing about.
"Reira!" Reiji exclaimed, glad that his sibling was safe. Upon closely inspecting his adoptive sibling, he noticed that image of a young woman overlaped with Reira's face.
"That's..." Gongenzaka mumbled, seeing virtually identical face to his childhood friend.
"Ray!" Her father exclaimed with a voice that was mixture of shock, concern and happiness.
"Father." Ray answered calmly as she approached the group.
With that single word that was once filled with adoration, Akaba Leo knew that their relationship has been changed. Her voice that was once joyous now carried an ice cold edge, the one that he only heared her use against demon duelist.
The mere thought that his daughter sees him in a same manner as that fiend sends him into a wild frenzy. Although, on a subconcious level, he does acknowledge the truth to it.
It doesn't hurt any less.
Sensing the overbearing tension as well as feeling genuine concern for his younger sibling, Reiji decided to inquire her about Reira's well-being.
"She will come back?" The president of LEO Corporation asked, his tone of voice laced with a explicit warning.
"I never left." Reira said in her child-like voice with a smile and Reiji felt a heavy weight lift off his shoulders. Ray took over soon after and spoke in a more collected tone. "Something happened that caused Revival Zero to be incomplete, which in turn rendered me as a disembodied spirit. Reira volonteered as a temporary vessel for my soul."
Reiji adjusted his glasses to brige of his nose when he heared that. "So she will have her body back?"
"Of course. I am only temporary."
Leo dreaded the answer, but he still needed to know for certain.
"What will happen after everything is said and done."
She looked at her father, eyes reflecting sadness and disgust towards what once was a kind man.
"If Kaiba Seto doesn't succeed then I will interfere." Eventually she closed her eyes with air of acceptance around her. "After that... Deceased should not dwell in the world of the living. My time has come twenty years ago and my counterparts deserve their lives back. I made my choice back in Original Dimension."
Friends and acquintances of bracelet girls felt mixed reactions on the manner. Shun was glad to eventually have his sister back, but the prospect of her losing her life over everyone still doesn't sit well with him.
Maybe it was out of bleeding heart he acquired during the war and connections he made with everyone... The fact that young woman resembles his younger sibling also played a factor.
Professor clenched his hand in frustration at his daughter's words, feeling of hopelessness engraving itself into his heart.
"It wasn't your choice to make. It was mine." He reminded her for that stupid decision she did and the girl had decency to look ashamed.
He was aware that he was beating a dead horse by this point, but he couldn't help it. Still, there were more pressing matter to attend to at this moment.
Fortunately, someone changed the subject.
"So time travel..." Crow mused, his tone of voice being the very definition of the word 'done'. "With all crazy things that have happened in recent month, I'm not surprised."
"I agree." Many Lancers said in unision. Dimensional War, magic bracelets, demon duelist... What's wrong with adding time travel to the mix?
"Still, can we trust him? According to earlier conversation, he tried to kill people for beating him in a duel" Sora raised a valid point. He reminds him of Yuri.
"What are our other options?" Kaito asked and nobody could give a valid response. Although, frowns on their faces were quite telling.
"Kaito's right. At this point, I'm afraid that we can't really depend on anything else." Kurosaki explained.
They all begrudgingly admitted that the Raid Raptors user was correct. Kaiba seems like a hard case, but Zarc is infinitely worse.
"You gave him your duel disk." Leo concluded once he saw that the child didn't have her own duel disk. It was replaced by a vastly outdated Battle City edition. "I know Kaiba's strenght more than anyone, but do you believe he has what it takes?"
"If he's over a century old, then his deck is severaly outdated." Sawatari gave his two cents. If he doesn't have new, updated deck, then there's no way he'll win. "It's impossible for him to pull it off."
"There is more to a duel than quality of one's cards." New commanding voice spoke and they all turned to the source to see Jack approaching them. "What matters is how you use them. I believe we were all exposed to such lesson during Yuya's duels in Synchro Dimension."
"That's right. At the very least he should be given benefit of the doubt." Crow agreed, hoping that this might be it.
The man reminded him of Jack in many ways with his holier-than-thou attitude. Is it for better or worse remains to be seen.
Zarc was seeing red due to the comments of this pathetic creature. He was furious, outraged at the sheer audacity that this scum displayed in front of his god. Such behaviour will not be left unpunished; on that he swore with his very existence.
With a soft and yet rough exhale, golden eyes burned holes into the relic's head.
"You meaningless historical stepping stone." Zarc twitched his jaw as he pointed an offensive digit at the man that is both literally and figuratively below him. "Compared to me you are nothing but a worm. Even if I compare you to the duelists of your era, you were always second-rate to the true Duel King."
A great feeling of joy enveloped him once that got a reaction out of Kaiba; hardening of his gaze was quite an indication that his words made an impression of him.
"What?" The word was spoken with such tone that would make Reiji's look jovial.
"You never defeated Yugi." He sneered. "No matter how much you tried, how much time, effort or money you poured into your numerous attempts, you always fell short like a dog chasing a car."
Few beats of silence passed with the creator of Pendulum Summoning relishing Kaiba's face that was marred with a frown. Soon after, the young billionare cooled his features into a neutral look. Still, a hint of simmering fury was present within his eyes, but Zarc paid it no mind and still carried on with his little rant.
"Then you have me." The demon placed a hand on his chest and spoke with arrogance that would make Kaiba's look meek. "A brillaint prodigy that comes about once, maybe twice in a generation. My reincarnations, mere shadows of myself were the best duelists in these four dimensions. I oblitirated any and all competition and climbed up to the throne of Pro League, becoming the best duelist in history, surpassing Yugi and many others. The entire world couldn't stand against me then and especially now. My will created a brand new summoning method."
With a bailed fist he looked down on the insignificant worm and made a final declaration.
"In comparison to all of that, what exactly are you?" Amused smile was offered. "A second-rate trash that always failed when mattered the most. That is your fate. Difference between us is like Heaven and Earth. Even more than that"
Nothing more was said for a while after Zarc's rant. Heir of Kaiba Corporation had his head lowered, bangs shadowing his eyes. Judging by his demeanor that was bleak, the demon duelist and the rest of the audience truly believed that the words spoken got to him.
That conclusion was soon shattered.
"You actually dare compare yourself to Yugi?"
The nerve of this cretin caused an involuntary twitch to Seto's jaw. He has had many differences with his rival, but he still held him in utmust regard. No matter how self-absorbed Kaiba Seto is, he always gives credit where credit is due and Yugi earned his respect.
To think that this thing would even speak of Yugi, let alone compare himself to him is...
"Pathetic. For such insolence I will put an end to you in such a humiliating fashion that it will shatter your fragile little ego."
After all, Kaiba clearly saw the fear that overtook his features once he saw his Blue-Eyes. His bravado can't fool him.
Blue-Eyes White Dragon gave one final roar as he dissolved into particles. Kaiba once again noted how more efficient this duel disk is based on the little light show. He prepared his deck and quirked an eyebrow as Zarc didn't make the move to do the same. His five dragons were still present.
"What's wrong? I thought you wanted to duel me?"
Tomato-haired demon responded, a little too quickly.
"Kaiba, you are the one who waltzed in a battle hundred years after your time and declared that you will defeat me." He propped his chin on his knuckles that were rested on the torso of his monster-self. Even if the posture was leisure, the small tension of his shoulders was easily caught.
"Unbelievable..."
"If you wish to show your superiority, then by all means start off with my dragons on the field. For the Legendary Duelist, that shouldn't be a problem."
"So you're that kind of player." Everyone noticed that he didn't use the correct term which was duelist. It was intentional, as forcing a handicap on anyone in this game makes you lose such title in his not so humble opinion.
Suddenly, Kaiba turned his blue eyes to defeated bunch that were the Lancers, his stare boring into each and every one of them.
"That's how you lost to him?" There was fair amount of reproval in the spoken words. "By charging like idiots against a full board of what I assume are powerful effect monsters?"
To their credit, many seemed bashful, even ashamed by the rude and yet true inclusion of the Legendary Duelist. Their actions against Zarc were really unwise.
"I weep for the future of this proud game." Seto dismissed them with one final stare and focused on Zarc. "Just when I thought that I couldn't think less of you."
Zarc was ready to defend himself and continue their verbal warfare, but before he could manage, a computerized voice from the duel disk echoed throughout the battlefield.
[Intrusion Penalty: 2000 LP]
Sixteen year old gritted his teeth as yellow electricity coursed from the device and covered the entirety of his body. The pain made this all that real; it even reminded him of his first two duels against Yugi and Pegasus.
The punishment made sense to him. It was probably implemented as a safety feature against the ones who tried to interfere in an ongoing duel and force them to start with half of the assigned life points.
Too bad that those morons that are hugging the floor didn't get the memo.
His opponent not only has a lead in terms of field, but also life points that are at 2800. Still, judging by one of the cards in his opening hand, Zarc having a field full of monsters can end up being advantageous to God weilder.
The Blue-Eyes duelist drew his opening hand and the action held on to the attention of everyone who watched this duel across four dimensions. This was everyone's existence of the line after all.
Just then, upon drawing the fifth card that had a blue frame, did Kaiba know that he had won.
"Hahaha."
It started out soft and slow, almost inaudible, but eventually it ended up as a full blown laughter. Many were confused, some even disturbed by a laugh that was bordeline psychotic coming from their supposed savior. Soon after, it died down and the only expression on Kaiba's face was that of pure confidence.
"With this hand I have, you have already lost." Seto smirked.
"Hmph... No matter what you throw at me, it is futile." Was Zarc's retort.
"If there is one thing sadder than a pathetic excuse for a duelist, it is when he lives in his own illussion of greatness." Kaiba shot back, amused more than anything. "You're afraid of me."
"Shut up!" That simple sentence drew such extreme reaction out of him and further solidified Kaiba's point. "I'm not afraid of anything: especially a third rate duelist with a fourth rate deck!"
"Hmph." His cold eyes looked past his thing veil of delusion. "Everything you do, everything you are points to the contrary."
Seto tapped the touchscreen of his duel disk and briefly skimmed over the card text of his opponents cards. His eyes nearly buldged out of their socket due to sheer ridicilousness that are these effects.
Three Gods are also powerful, but at least you need to bring fourth three tributes to summon it. Zarc seemed like a child that makes up his own rules - didn't he even boast earlier that he invented a new summoning method?
"You have overpowered cards: the ones you created yourself with the most absurd effects." He began listing all reasons on why he sucks. "You created your own summoning method and inspite of that, you still insist that I duel you under these disadvantageous circumstances."
"You had no reason to accept those terms." Yuya's original incarnation shot back, although heat behind his words seemed weaker than before.
"Deluded as he may be, he still has some self-awareness." That was a pleasant surprise.
"I'm not making excuses for myself, but I'm pointing out your own failures." He exclaimed, rasing up his duel disk.
"Every duelist has a road of battle that they walk on. For a true duelist it last endlessly; they constantly challenge themself, improving and surpassing their limits."
Kaiba gazed upon Obelisk card in his hand, his resolve for accepting it, organizing Battle City enforcing itself.
All in order to duel him once again and stand victorious.
"You lost that conviction, that drive that motivates a true duelist to keep going. No matter the fear of losing; even if they do they pick themself up and continue marching forward."
Upon hearing the Legendary Duelist, Jack couldn't help but agree with him. His whole motivation in the Friendship Cup after he became Duel King was for the sole purpose of finally finding someone to challenge him once again.
People present felt the same. They constantly pushed forward, growing and taking on the world inspite the fear they felt.
"That's why you already lost. For that and for people you needlessly hurt, you will feel the God's Anger as you depart from this world." He drew the sixth card, but it wasn't necessary.
"I activate Magic card, Cross Sacrifice."
The ancient term for Spell cards would make Zarc chuckle, but the activated card instilled great sense of worry into him. Swar began accumulating on his eyebrow.
"This card allows me to use monsters on your side of the field for a tribute summon."
"What!?" Lancers yelled out in unison, with Ray only smilling.
"That means that Supreme King Dragon Zarc can be sacrificed." Reiji's glasses dropped to bridge of his nose from the shock.
"Y-you... You can't." Zarc sputtered.
"Sora, Blue-Eyes is..."
"Level 8." The former Academia student answered Shun. That would mean two of his monsters would go.
"I won't soil brilliance of my Blue-Eye with filith such as this." Kaiba clarified the misconception. He looked at Zarc dead in the eye. "You're not worthy. As I said before, God will make you depart from this world."
His statement finally settled in, as white aura surrounded his Clear Wing, Odd-Eyes and Dark Rebellion.
"Your servants shall be offered as sacrifice for arrival of a God!"
"It can't be!" Leo caught on as the three aforementioned monsters became one giant beam of energy that shot into dark, cloudy sky.
Students of Leo Duel School screamed as the winds in Standard picked up.
Massive earthquake occured, waves from nearby sea became bigger and more violent. Immense pressure settled upon four dimensions as Kaiba Seto placed a card onto the duel disk, blue energy covering the device.
"I summon you forth: God of Obelisk!"
The clouds parted as enormous pillar of golden light shot from the Heavens and impacted the ground right behind Kaiba. The buildings toppled from the pressure and some of the duelists that were nearby summoned their monsters as protection from the shock waves this creature caused.
Sora opened a single eye behind his Death-Toy Scissor Bear and was left speechless at the sight.
It was real.
Pair of red eyes glew ominously as the blue giant stood to its full height that was rivialing Zarc's monster form. The God had a muscular build that was blue, with several sharp and curved lances jutting out of its shoulders. His head held a single orb that was situated on the centre of its forehead and from it came trident-esque spikes. Two giant wings were coming out of his back.
(ATK: 4000/DEF:4000)
Even if the size and stats were identical, the aura coming from this monster - a God was incredible even when compared to Zarc. It can only be described as overbearing pressure, like it controlled everything that is and ever will be. The fact that Zarc and Starve Venom backed up once it was summoned spoke volumes of its might.
"Th-t-that's a God!?" Sawatari slurred, feeling light-headed.
"Incredible." Reiji uttered.
"It's truly magnificent." Jack agreed.
"Hahahaha!" Yugi's rival spread his hands in reverence. "Be honored Zarc. You shall be test run for my God."
"My monster-self can't leave the field by removal." He explained through a shaky voice. "My Pendulum Gates make me take no damage and gain same amount I would've taken if I control Supreme King Monster. I can't lose!!!"
"You know that you already did. Even if your monster is protected by removal, it can still be tributed." He streached his hand out to Zarc. "As such, you and your plant dragon will only become food for my Celestial Being. Battle!"
"Are you crazy!? You're entering the Battle Phase when you know that you can't damage me."
Kaiba ignored him.
"Obelisk's special effect activates." The God in question grabbed both Zarc's monster-self and the Starve Venom, squeezing until they slowly began dissolving, their life essence serving as a fuel for his greatest ability.
Zarc let out a horrifying scream that reverberated through dimensions. It greatly disturbed people that heared it: the demon was being literally ripped apart.
"You will be fine for now. You are a disgusting monster, but you are also a human so your form will remain." Kaiba began explaining as Zarc dropped to the floor with both of his monsters absorbed. The God's color soon began changing to blood red as veins appeared throughout his body.
"Soul Energy Max is Obelisk's most powerful ability. When he battles I can sacrifice two monsters to empower him further."
"Since Cross Sacrifice was in play, he managed to sacrifice Zarc's monsters!" Kaito added, impressed by such strategy.
"Ingenious." Reiji said, trying to keep his composure.
"Indeed." Kaiba confirmed. "As such, Obelisk's attack power rises to infinity."
"WHAT!?!!" Each person watching, Reiji included shouted in disbelief.
(ATK: 4000- /DEF: 4000)
"No~" Until recently unstoppable duelist whimpered, as he forced himself from the cold concrete. "I can't lose. I am Zarc... The Supreme King. I'm the strongest duelist that ever lived."
Kaiba only had a disinterested gaze. "Don't make me laugh. You were nothing more than mediocre. Far cry from Yugi, even that deadbeat Jonouchi."
The blonde fool was not worthy of anything given to him, but at least he took on challenges head on insted of shying away from them once it got too difficult.
"However, do not worry. Your death will eclipse that miserable life you led in a spetacular fashion."
"WAIT!"
"DON'T!"
From corner of his eye he noticed those duelists trying to grab his attention. He decided to heed their request, but his features clearly spoke that he wanted them to be quick.
"Our friends Yuya, Yuto and Yugo are in there. Zarc absorbed them and we did our best to free them of his control. Please don't kill him." Gongenzaka begged.
"Seto, please." Ray also tried to reason with him. "They did nothing wrong to deserve such fate."
"Don't worry."
That wasn't his voice. He heared it in his head. It sounded familiar, yet more wise and mature.
Seto looked at Obelisk that was ready to deliver the killing blow. Almost on a subconcious level, be could feel the God as well assuring him that everything will turn out alright in the end.
"That's right." Zarc cackled, his eyes shining in clear display of madness as he got on his feet. "You can't kill me."
"What will happen if you die the way you are now?"
Zarc was disturbed by such forward question, but he still answered in a cryptic manner.
"Who knows? Maybe they'll die with me, or maybe they will be erased from existence." He shrugged nonchalantly. "Either way, they won't survive."
"That's fine by me. I do not feel any kind of obligation for their lives." Kaiba's frigid statement made Lancer's blood run cold.
Nobody was more affected by it than Zarc. It caused him to shrink into himself, his previous smirk and bravado wiped out. Trembling of his body was quite a testament of God's fear the towering Obelisk placed within him.
"Finish this!"
"No! PLEASE!" Lancer cried in outrage, as well as Futoshi, Ayu, Tatsuya and the principal of Yusho Duel School, Shuzo. All tried to do anything, but the battle cry of a God stopped them dead in the tracks.
"GOD HAND CRUSHER!"
The fist sailed towards terrified Zarc and crashed into him, causing him to let out a petrified scream as the last dregs of his life were snuffed out. Obelisk broke the entire city block with his fist and the impact caused massive shock wave throughout all dimensions. As he didn't control a Supreme King monster, his Pendulum cards: Supreme King Gate Zero and Infinity were virtually useless in preventing the oncoming damage. Once the dust settled, holographic display showed the final results.
Zarc: 2800--0 LP
Winner: Kaiba Seto
Wordlessly, he took off his deck from the slot and Obelisk disappeared in a shower of yellow particles. He placed his deck in a box that was on his belt and made way towards Ray all while ignoring tears that fell from eyes of the heartbroken Lancers.
Once he reached her, he gave back her duel disk and took his Battle City one. It was time to go home and bringing back future duel disk with him would cause all kinds of dangerous consequences to the timeline.
Lancers were outraged at what he had done and his lack of remorse. Most of them were very much ready to voice their complaints and attack the God weilder, consequences be damned. However, it all ceased once Crow directed them to four figures that were just waking up from the crater that Obelisk created. They were all confused by the sight, but also relieved.
Yuto shared those feelings, although for a very different reason. "I have my body back?"
The boy had to clench his fists and examine his form in order to fully confirm that this was indeed happening. It's been so long that he actually felt odd without being disembodied soul.
The Xyz duelist heared a sound of rapid footsteps approaching him and upon twisting to face it, he was immediately embraced by Shun of all people.
The action greately confused him. Shun was never the one to show gentle emotions to anyone but his sister, so why...
His eyes softened as he recalled everything that recently occured in their hectic lives.
Shun has been through so much in recent months. First Heartland, Ruri and now him... It goes without saying that the Raidraptor duelist was truly crushed under the weight of it all. To make matter worse, he couldn't be certain if he'd ever see them again.
But now the nightmare was finally over. For that very reason, Yuto said nothing even as a soft sob escaped his best friend's lips. He returned the hug in kind and just allowed them this moment.
"What happened?" Yugo stood up on his wobbly feet, feeling confused. "The last I remember was that grinning bastard having glowing creepy eyes."
Yugo tilted his head as he went through his mental library of all the things he can remember happened before he lost his consciousness. His eyes buldged out of their sockets to a comical proportions as he gripped his hair and screamed to the heavens.
"THAT ASSHOLE ACTUALLY BEAT ME!?"
"Be quiet."
Yugo's head turned at the dull voice at such speed that people who watched were concerned he would've snapped his neck. He growled once he saw who exactly talked.
Yuri propped an elbow from the ground and upon seeing that Zarc failed and they all separated, immediately dropped back on the cold, hard concrete. So much for his plan to finally become one... He lost all will to fight after that. He just wants to rest for the time being.
Reality is often disappointing as Yugo practically teleported to his side, activated his duel disk and yelled: "Round three, motherfucker!"
"Get out of my sight, Fusion-"
"It's YUGO!"
"Where're you going?" Despite his plans getting foiled by the Legendary Duelist, Yuri still got a kick out of making Yugo mad.
"That's it!!" Banana-haired Synchro duelist seethed in rage.
A sound of a fierce duel followed soon after.
Not that they paid them any mind. Even if Yugo is in danger, there are literally dozen of duelists that will help him out if necessary. No, many people focused on one man, a boy really, who served as an inspiration to all dimensions.
The fourth incarnation of Zarc was the one that caused a rather extreme reaction from his dear friends.
"YUYA!" Gongenzaka sprinted towards his oldest friend, tears pouring down his cheeks in a comical fashion. Before the young boy could respond, he was picked up from the ground into a spine-crushing bear hug.
"Gon-" Pendulum summoner wheezed, trying to utter a word to be released from this torture.
Fortunately, his childhood friend got the memo and released the pressure. Yuya noted that he was still very emotional as Sora joined in on a reunion and practically latched on to him.
"Thank god that you're alright!" There was a pun in there somewhere, but former Academia spy didn't paid in any mind - he was estatic that Yuya was alive and well.
"I..." He sniffed, wiping his tears away. "I, the man, Gongenzaka truly thought that I've lost you."
Yuya only gave a sad smile as Sawatari as well approached him.
"Of course that my rival wouldn't get taken on by some coward like Zarc." Sawatari's words were casual, but tone of his voice was clearly laced with relief.
"You knew?"
Kaiba tuned off to the rest of the conversation and turned to Reiji who asked him the question.
"I did. I just didn't want him to think that he has any leverage over me."
"Well, I sincerely thank you for your help." Strongest duelist in Standard reached his hand out as a sign of gratitude and Kaiba took it and shook it.
"You have our gratitude. We couldn't have done it without you." Jack declared. "I know not how you came to be here, but fortunately for all of us you are here."
"We really can't repay you enough." Kaito said.
"If there is any way you wish to repay me for my help, then get stronger." Kaiba's neutral facade gained a frown. "As I said before, a road duelist walks should be endless. All in order to surpass their limits. You can't do that if you have a dead man saving you."
His statement was hurtful, but truthful all the same. As arrogant as Kaiba was, he doesn't want this game or the players to be rigid and stale. To grow, everything must evolve in order to become better version of itself.
That is, unless it is ridicilously dangerous technology that can kill a man with a single card. Because of that, his eyes zeroed in on elder Akaba.
"I hope you too learned from this. Technology I invented was meant to push dueling to new limits, to have people experience new sensation when they play it." His face took on a hint of melancholy, remembering words he told Mokuba when they were living in an orphanage. Turning his company to gaming business was meant to put smiles on children's faces.
It was something he forgot over time and became a cynical asshole due to all power he had. Yugi eventually took care of that darker aspect of him at Death-T.
"When you take a game, product of humanities wisdom and twist it to such degrading level, then you have truly failed as a person. Keep your head clear."
"Your job is done. It's time to go home."
With speech finished, Kaiba turned on his heel as a portal, the same one that brought him here opened. That voice, familiar from before, urged him to enter it and against his better judgement, Kaiba decided to do so. Just when he planned to return to his time did Ray speak up once again.
"Good luck with Yugi." She said in hopes of cheering him up after Zarc said. Still, wavering of her voice was clear to the billionare.
He stopped dead in his tracks and looked over his shoulder. A scoff was offered.
"I sense uncertainty in your words." Seto refered to Zarc's previous taunts. Aside from nonsencial comparison with Yugi, there is another reason why he didn't give them much thought, even if they are valid.
"Luck isn't necessary, nor is your pity over what you think might happen. I forge my own destiny." In the process of entering the portal he said his final words. "I will never even think of losing, until I face him again."
Once the portal was closed, there was no trace of him.
"Seto!" Mokuba yelled as he left Isono and Fuguta's side. Shock and relief overtook his features as he saw his big brother come out of the very same portal that previously ensnared him.
A upward of his lips was Kaiba's reaction once Mokuba hugged him.
"Are you okay? What was that, anyway?"
"Seto-sama." His two loyal men bowed as they adressed him. "Are you alright? You've been gone for thirty minutes. We were just about to call authorities."
Blue-Eyes duelist raised his hand to silence his right-hand man. "That won't be necessary Isono. The situation has been handled. Although, you two conduct a perimeter check just to be on a safe side."
"Yes, sir!"
They exclaimed simultaneously.
Their posture straightened as they took orders from their employer before hurriedly leaving the corridors of the manor to complete their assigned duty.
"Are you sure everthing is okay?" Mokuba asked once they left. Doubt was present within the young boy. "Portals randomly opening is not normal, you know?"
"Of course not." Seto readily agreed. He still doesn't know how that occured or who initiated it. "When has life ever been normal for us? For now, I believe that the danger passed."
Taking note of his uncertainty, Seto clasped a hand on his shoulder and smiled.
"Come on. We should take a break while they are doing final check-ups. I believe we have few chocolate parfait's in the fridge."
Mokuba's eyes practically sparkled in anticipation at the mention of his favorite food, his previous doubts discarded.
"Let's go!" He beamed as both brothers went downstairs for a much needed dessert.
Due to life he leads and now Battle City being in a full swing, moments like these are few and far between, which is why Seto cherishes them the most.
I wanted to write Arc-v fic, but never got around to do it. I was also brainstorming about some cross-anime duels and wondered who exactly might have biggest chance against Zarc. Even if I don't like the character, his deck is ridicilously powerful and I wanted to portray a duelist aside Z-one and Don Thousand who would be able to defeat him handily.
Kaiba immediately came to my mind because of his deck and characterization.
People say that Yugi and Kaiba have outdated decks, but early anime cards were some of the most broken things ever. Anime effect of Soul Exchange/Cross Sacrifice allows you to use any monsters your opponent controls as a tribute summon, without restriction of being unable to conduct your Battle Phase. Kaiba having Obelisk as well, made him perform a perfect FTK easily.
Other thing is Kaiba's thoughts on Real Solid Vision and I hope my interpertation of it was satisfactory. Obviously, Kaiba hates war and seeing his technology become tool for it would piss him off. His technology being used for war was one of the reasons why he was at such odds with Gozaburo.
Finally, Kaiba would be a foil to Zarc. To a man like Kaiba, who took on everything the world threw at him and overcame it, Zarc would be pathetic. Both hate losing, but while Kaiba stared into defeat and rose up as a better version of himself each and every time, Zarc's fear of losing made him become rigid and stale..
Who do you think transported Kaiba to the future? Hint: he wears jacket as a cape and has weird fixation with leather pants.