(A/N: Sorry for the delay, but after Makoto Vs Junko I didn't actually have a play-by-play duel ready for several chapters and I only rushed out that duel to bring Junko back to the forefront, however briefly, not to mention my good friend Setsubou is a huge Mukuro fan (like top-tier waifu material). So, here's the next chapter. And while it's nowhere near as good and juicy as Celeste Vs Joey—let's be honest nothing will live up to that until the finals—it's still going to be a wild ride. But first, some plot. Enjoy!)
Despite the zaniness of Battle City going on all around them, Tristan Taylor and Solomon Mutoh had arrived back at the Mutoh Game Shop with bags of groceries and had just finished putting them away. It had taken Tristan completely away from the action. Now he sat on a closed and locked trunk in the shop area with a bottle of water that Yugi's grandpa had graciously given him, feeling mildly depressed that he was missing Joey's big moments.
"Hey, gramps," He said sourly, glancing at the old man as he stood behind the counter. "Next time you need hired help the least you could do is tip me. Why'd you buy groceries so far away from the house?" Tristain asked.
"Well, you see," Solomon said, stroking his beard, "I saw a few other card shops open and thought I might want to reopen the shop for a little bit for anyone looking to reinvent their decks. And, also to check the register. Thieves are among us these days."
"Yeah, yeah," Tristan said, slowly opening the water bottle and taking a well-earned sip.
"Tell you what, I'll give you three booster packs at half-price for a job well-done," Yugi's grandpa said with a smile.
"Make it 75% off and you've got yourself a deal, old man," Tristan said, extending his index finger towards Solomon.
"How touching," A calm, condescending voice said as a new presence made itself known inside the game shop.
Tristan took one look at the tall, young blond teen in a suit with spectacles and blue eyes and thought, Man, this guy reeks of the same smug aura Kaiba's always totting around him.
"Can I help you?" Solomon asked the newcomer.
The young man tilted his head back as though he was looking down on Yugi's grandpa. "I heard this is where Duelist Kingdom Finalist Joey Wheeler got his start."
Solomon began metaphorically patting himself on the back as he said with a smile, "Well, I don't like to brag, but..."
"I see," the young man stated, glad to have his statement confirmed. He gave Yugi's grandpa a more scrutinized look, as though he were sizing him up. "If you managed to turn a total amateur like that into a grand tournament finalist," the young man chuckled to himself, "Imagine what you might be able to accomplish with a true pro."
Solomon's eyebrows narrowed. "I'm…sorry? Who are you, exactly?"
"My name is Byakuya Togami," Byakuya said calmly.
Tristan spat out his water, getting it all over the hard wood floor. "Byakuya Togami? As in the Byakuya Togami of the Togami Corporation?" Tristan asked.
Byakuya looked at Tristan with an irritable expression. "First of all, next time, a napkin. Second, yes," Byakuya said with his usual grace and poise. "That's me."
"Well, what can I do for you, young Togami?" Solomon asked.
Byakuya glanced to the side, but kept the rest of his body facing Yugi's grandpa. "I happen to be in a bit of a tight spot. The tournament is nearing the late afternoon and I've lost down to three locator cards. I've never thought myself lacking in skill in this game, but my technique is completely self-taught." Byakuya put his index and middle finger on his frames and looked insecure at having to admit his own shortcomings. "I scoured the internet high and low for the most powerful cards money could buy. Yet, it has not been enough and I'm down my rare one-of-a-kind card."
"Well, I'm not sure what you hope to find here," Solomon told him.
Byakuya tilted his head back. "Open your stock. I'll purchase anything you're willing to sell. Money is no object. I could buy this whole store, land rights and all, if I felt like it."
Solomon nodded as he stroked his beard. Stiff as he was, Byakuya certainly sounded a bit more reasonable than Kaiba that first time he came here. "Well then, I don't suppose it would be unreasonable for this old timer to teach you a thing or two. How are your trap cards?"
"The essentials," Byakuya stated, "Mirror Force, Negate Attack, Bottomless Trap Hole, Metalmorph, Widespread Ruin, Dust Tornado, and Dimensional Prison."
"I see, those are very powerful trap cards indeed. Your strongest monster?"
"As of now, it's Jizukiru, the Star Destroying Kaiju, but if you refer to a monster I can summon on my first turn, that would be Chainsaw Insect followed by Goblin Elite Attack Force."
This guy, Tristan thought, I haven't heard of any of those cards. He looked at Solomon who seemed to be contemplating all of this. But it looks like grandpa sure has.
"I see," Solomon said. "Then it is not cards you are potentially lacking in." He smiled and held up a finger. "It's heart."
"Heart?" Byakuya asked, sounding rather confused, but no less willing to listen.
"Allow me to explain," Solomon said, turning philosophical, "Duel Monsters is one part skill and another part the duelist's very soul. Anyone can put cards together and make a deck, but to be a true duelist, one must feel the heart of the cards they put into their decks."
And now Byakuya's curiosity was soiled with anger. "Heart of the cards? Spare me you're meaningless philosophical drivel. Will you help me or not?" he demanded to know.
Solomon looked solemn and put his hands on the register in front of his deck. "Well, if that's what you believe, then I'm afraid I can't help you. I taught Yugi and Joey the same things, even when Yugi was a small boy and look where he is now.
"He beat Pegasus," Byakuya stated. There was a pregnant pause in the exchange of words after that sentence. Byakuya just seemed to stare contemplatively at Solomon for a moment, weighing his options. Eventually, he said, "Very well, perhaps I shouldn't dismiss your philosophy so hastily. Tell me more."
"I'd be more than happy to. Please, let's step into the back. I'll get out the old fashioned duel mat and dust off one of my old decks," Solomon said.
"How long do you imagine this will take?" Byakuya asked. "Do keep in mind, I intend to compete in the finals."
"That depends on you," Solomon said.
"Then this will take no time at all," Byakuya said condescendingly. "I'll master your philosophy and then I will show your grandson what his own beliefs look like in the hands of a truly skilled warrior."
This is going to be a long series of hours, Solomon thought with a sigh and escorted Byakuya into the back of the shop. Tristan followed suit if for no other reason than, after what happened with Kaiba, there was no way he was leaving Yugi's grandpa alone with some rich asshole. Who knew what could happen?
Although they had decided to travel together after their duel, Gundham and Sonia were, presently, separated. Sonia had decided to window shop—and maybe actually shop—as she and Gundham based by a street full of cute little knickknack shops. On top of the fact that both were hungry and Sonia had bought up a steady supply of sweets and other vendor treats. Gundham had stayed with her for a while, but then began declaring something about the "winds of fate" blowing and took off.
He had wandered quite a ways away from Sonia and towards the Aquarium district. Upon reaching the empty Aquarium, as a show had just ended, he saw a young man, not much older than him, sitting down in the stands. He had a duel disk sitting next to him and he was staring at his deck, likely at the card on the bottom of it.
"So this is where fate has led me, is it?" Gundham asked rhetorically. He recognized the young man sitting in the stands. "Mako Tsunami, world renown ocean duelist otherwise foretold in the scriptures of fate as the Great Denizen of the Deep."
Mako looked up from his card and leaned forward, grabbing hold of a crutch that Gundham could not see until this point. He then noticed the bandages wrapped around Mako's leg and dried blood seeping through it. "You bear a bitter war wound. From what foul menace did you procure such an injury?"
Intrigued by his oddly dressed and…oddly spoken company, Mako tucked away his deck and put on his duel disk—for carrying purposes—and helped himself down the staircase to stand before Gundham, leaving his leg off the ground and leaning on his crutch so as not to put pressure on it. "It was no great white, I can tell you that much. This injury of mine was caused by a pair of scissors."
"Scissors?" Gundham asked. "Didn't your parental unit ever teach you not to run with sharp objects?"
"Twas no accident," Mako said. "A mermaid most foul attacked me for I would not elope with her. Mako Tsunami is far too young to be thinking about such things."
"Ah yes," Gundham grinned, "The females of our species can be quite a handful."
"Indeed," Mako said, and then sighed. "It is truly disappointing. I used to have high hopes for swimming my way to the finals, then I took a pair of scissors to the leg."
Gundham chuckled.
"My doctor suggested I not put myself through any strenuous activity for a few days and only walk when I feel like it." Mako looked dejected. "Honestly though, I think my injury has cost me my spot in the finals. I was actually meditating and mulling over the fact until you showed up my fine friend. What is your name?"
"Gundham," Gundham answered without his usual showboating. "Gundham Tanaka."
"Well, Gundham, it was nice meeting you, but I am afraid I must be off."
"Off? Where are you intending to hobble to in that condition?" Gundham inquired.
"Food. I've been sitting here for quite a while and I am quite famished. Since I am in no condition to fish in my usual way, I will have to resort to land cuisine."
"You can scurry for food in a moment," Gundham said and held up his duel disk. "The whims of fate brought me before you and I shall not leave until I am satisfied."
"Gundham, I can appreciate a hunger for battle, really, but look at me," Mako said calmly. "I am in no condition to duel. If I had to stand, I would not be able to do so for very long."
Gundham wasn't buying it as he laughed his ass off. "BAHAHAHA! Denizen of the Deep, do you truly think yourself so fragile?" Gundham crossed his arms, bending his fingers unnecessary to look as though he were trying to grasp two invisible chalices with them. "I bet you could duel a thousand duels if you felt like it!" Gundham tensed his body as a malicious aura began to emanate from it. "Or perhaps my dark power is simply so foreboding you're too scared to try!"
Mako just looked at Gundham not quite sure what to say. His behavior had gone from odd to simply ridiculous.
Annoyed, Gundham toned it down a bit, folding his arms. "If you have truly given up, then why have you not forked over your locator cards to another, more respectable duelist? Perhaps you still have hope, despite your injury."
Mako reflected for a moment on his mental reflections up until now. Much as he wanted to deny it, Gundham was right. "I do," He said.
"Then why hesitate?" Gundham asked. "Throw yourself at my mercy! Let us duel: sea against land and the dark dimension!"
"Well, you've certainly talked me into it," Mako stated and put his back to the Aquarium stage in case he needed to lean back against it for support. "I accept your challenge."
"Exactly what I wanted to hear, Denizen of the Deep," Gundham said as he and Mako both activated their duel disks.
"Let's Duel!" They declared.
"Since this is as close to my home field advantage as we will get," Mako said. "I shall draw. And I play my Needle Sunfish in attack mode." Out came a monster with a jaw so wide it could double as a bear trap with orange teeth and 1500 attack points, but only 100 defense points. It was also almost all jaw and very little body. If it wasn't for the fins on the side of its body, you couldn't even tell it was a fish. It would just look like a broken open torpedo with teeth.
"And with that, it is your turn, Gundham."
"Very well, Denizen of the Deep. I shall counter your seafaring nemesis with my warrior of the land!" Gundham pulled the top card off his deck and then declared, "I play Ape Fighter in attack mode!" A red furred, burly ape wearing mechanical armor appeared. It had 1900 attack points. "Go, my primate friend! Eliminate Needle Sunfish!" Gundham declared.
With a drawn back arm perfect for pounding such an eyesore of a fish monster, Gundham's monster eliminated the foul ocean beast with a single punch and reduced Mako's life points to 3600.
"My monster's effect activates. When Needle Sunfish is sent to the graveyard, I can target one monster on your side of the field and it permanently loses 500 attack points."
"A clever ploy, too bad Ape Fighter gains 300 points for every monster it destroys in battle, so your monster's effect does little more than curb my boost with interest."
Gundham's monster's attack readjusted itself to 1700.
"Tis your move, Denizen of the Deep. Show me your best effort."
"Indeed, I shall," Mako said and drew the top card of his deck. "Excellent, I hope you're packing a life vest, Gundham, for you're about to find yourself adrift at sea. I activate the field spell, Umi!" Mako activated the magic card, putting it into the side slot of his duel disk, causing the battlefield at his and Gundham's feet to splash up to their shins in holographic water. "Now, all of my aquatic beasts shall gain an extra 200 attack points when summoned to the field. "But first, I activate the continuous spell card, Water Hazard. Now, as long as I don't control a monster, I can special summon one from my hand as long as its level is 4 or lower with a water attribute. And, using its effects, I shall special summon Piercing Moray!" A glittering, bronze, horned eel appeared with fangs sharper than even Needle Sunfish, though much shorter. It had 1500 attack points, which quickly readjusted to 1700 due to the effects of Mako's field spell.
"But that's not all, I shall now normal summon Deepsea Macrotrema." A wiggling, big-eyed eel appeared. It had a mere 600 attack points, which readjusted to 800 thanks to Umi.
"Why play that card? If your intention is to destroy my monster with yours and then attack directly, you leave yourself wide open to attack," Gundham said, looking puzzled.
"That is because these two monsters are quite synergistic with each other. By activating Piercy Moray's effect, I can tribute my Deepsea Macrotrema to boost its attack power by 600 points.
Gundham watched as Mako's bigger fish carnivorously devoured Mako's smaller one as Piercing Moray's horn lit aglow as its attack power surged to 2300.
"And there's more, since Deepsea Macrotrema was sent to the graveyard from the field, all of my water monsters gain an additional 500 attack points for the remainder of the turn."
Gundham gasped, completely taken off-guard by this sudden turn of events. His weakened Ape Warrior stood no chance against such a mighty foe.
Piercing Moray actually grew in size and its eyes started glowing as it reached a whopping 2800 attack points.
"Now my moray, attack Gundham's Ape Fighter!" Mako shouted. Piercing Moray swam forward and attacked, destroying Gundham's Ape Fighter by piercing straight through its body. Gundham's monster was destroyed and his life points fell to 2900.
"Now I place one card face-down onto the field," Mako said, setting a card in his spell/trap zone. "And now that my turn is over, the effects of Deepsea Macrotrema wear off." Piercing Moray's attack power fell back to just 2300. "But thanks to my monster's own effects you are still being hunted by a fearsome predator. Be careful you don't end up lunch. HA HAHAHA!" Mako laughed.
"I shant," Gundham chuckled. "I admit, I was worried for a moment when your monster became so powerful, but since your whiskered bait was but a sacrifice for your true behemoth, it will fall victim to my might. BEHOLD!" Gundham drew the top card of his deck, but he already had a strategy in mind for this turn. "I activate my field spell, Closed Forest. First, it shall rid the battlefield of all this water, drying up the landscape for lush green and little sunlight," Gundham said as Mako's ocean dried up, giving way to gnarled roots and tall trees, cutting off the sun from above sans for a little bit of light peering in from above. Mako's monster's attack power dropped to 2100.
"Take note, Denizen of the Deep," Gundham chuckled. "You're not dealing with the average field spell anymore. My Closed Forest gives all of my beast-type monsters 100 attack points for every monster in my graveyard. Sure, there is only one now," Gundham said, only to smirk as he held up three other cards in his hand. "But what if I do this? I activate the spell card Polymerization! Fusing together my Berfomet with my Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts, to create Chimera, the Flying Mythical Beast!"
Gundham's monster let out its battle cry as it took to the field with 2100 attack points, which quickly increased to 2400 thanks to the effect of closed forest.
"Gah!" Mako growled, only to quickly ground himself. "What am I worried about? Thanks to the rules of Battle City, your monster cannot attack this turn."
"FOOL! Do you think my powers so weak? Allow me to show you how wrong you are!" Gundham cackled with delight. "I activate the spell card, Quick Attack! Now my monster can attack this turn and devour your Piercing Moray like a well-deserved snack! Go, my beast! Strike!" Gundham shouted.
Chimera darted forward and ripped apart Mako's monster, reducing his life points further down to 3300.
"I may be lagging behind in stamina, but I more than make up for it with field presence. It is your move, Denizen of the Deep. Do and try to keep me entertained," Gundham said and chuckled to himself.
"I'll do more than entertain," Mako said, putting his hand on top of his deck, "I'll counterattack so hard, you'll be begging for a life preserver. Here goes!" Mako drew the top card of his deck and placed it in his hand with his other one. "First, I shall use Water Hazard to summon the mighty High Tide Gyojin in attack mode." A powerful, yellow, amphibious creature appeared on Mako's side of the field. It had webbed hands and feet and had 1650 attack points.
"It seems my occult powers have you forgetting yourself, Denizen of the Deep. If our monsters were to clash, yours would be annihilated in the blink of an eye."
"Good thing I don't plan on attacking it," Mako said. "For now I shall summon another Deepsea Macrotrema in attack mode. And next, I shall activate my trap card: Fish Depth Charge!"
A rising current of water sprayed out of the trap card's artwork as Mako's Deepsea Macrotrema rose itself alongside a mechanical looking fish.
"What are you doing?" Gundham demanded to know, looking a bit pale.
"My trap card allows me to destroy any card on the field of my choosing and I select your Chimera the Flying Mythical Beast. It may cost me my Macrotrema, but that's exactly what I want!"
"Alchemic Shield, deploy!" Gundham declared, crossing his arms over his body to brace for impact as his Chimera was shot to hell by Mako's trap.
"Not only do I get to draw one card," Mako said as Gundham became damp with the holographic water, "But thanks to my Macrotrema going to the graveyard, my High Tide Gyojin gains attack points." Mako's monster's attack power increased to 2150. "And it looks to me like your wide open," Mako said.
"Not quite," Gundham responded. "You destroyed Chimera, which allows me to activate its special ability." Gundham held his right arm, palm down over the battlefield. "Return to me from the depths of hell, mighty Berfomet!" Gundham declared as the fiend monster appeared crouching and in defense position with its powerful 1800 defense points.
"Sorry, but your monster's defense is not enough to withstand the punishing blow of my monster. High Tide Gyojin, attack! Sink his Berfomet! Tidal Current Call!"
High Tide Gyojin concentrated as a small, concentrated tidal wave surged over the battlefield and crashed into Gundham's monster, destroying it. Fortunately it was in defense position so Gundham took no damage.
With one card in hand apiece, the score stood 3300 to 2900 in Mako's favor.
"What was that you said about field presence?" Mako asked. "Looks to me like you're in the open ocean with neither a raft nor a paddle."
"Looks can be deceiving, Denizen of the Deep," Gundham said, "Do not forget your monster returns to its original attack power now that your turn has concluded."
High Tide Gyojin's power fell back to its original 1650.
"In the vernacular of someone of your caliber, allow me to turn the tide," Gundham said, "I draw!" He swiped the top card off of his deck. He looked at the monster he drew. "I summon Pale Beast to the field, in attack mode!" One of Gundham's more common creatures, the blue-bodied two-faced beast appeared with 1500 attack and 1200 defense. "And thanks to Closed Forest, its attack is far beyond what your amphibious summon can withstand." Pale Beast's attack increased to 1900. "Points for trying, Denizen of the Deep, but while a temporary boost in strength may give a slight edge, it is nothing compared to wildly honed fury! Now, go my beast! Rip out the throat of your adversary and bring me one step closer to victory!" Gundham declared.
Gundham's monster attacked with its jaws and claws and destroyed Mako's monster, reducing Mako's life points to 3050.
"My previous disadvantage is slowly disappearing. Soon, I will have not just the field advantage, but the advantage in life points as well. Make your move, Denizen of the Deep! But be forewarned that I have plenty more surprises in store for you on my next turn."
"We'll just see about that," Mako said. "It's my draw." He drew the top card off of his deck. "I activate Water Hazard once more to summon my Fiend Kraken in defense mode."
The giant squid appeared with its tentacles being used to defend its face.
"But it is but prey for my true terror. Behold, Amphibious Beast!" Mako declared as his Fiend Kraken was removed and his monster was replaced with a terrifying deep sea anthropomorphic fish monster of considerable girth. It had a terrifying 2400 base attack points.
"Do your worst," Gundham declared, "I shall not yield to your brute strength!"
"Then prepare for my worst for I shall give it to you. Amphibious Beast, attack Gundham's monster and reduce his life points."
Mako's monster leapt high into the air and attacked Gundham's Pale Beast, destroying it and reducing Gundham's life points down to 2400.
"One more attack like that and you're fish food," Mako said. "But surely that's not all you are capable of, is it? My monsters are enjoying the thrill of the hunt."
"What a coincidence, so are mine," Gundham said. "I draw. He smirked when he saw what was in his hand."
"I activate the spell card, Card of Demise, letting me draw until I'm holding five cards." Gundham drew four more cards. "I place one monster face-down onto the field and two cards face-down as well."
"I suppose there are limitations to your Closed Forest."
"If that is what you believe, go ahead and attack," Gundham said, "For the darkness shall devour you soon enough."
"I haven't been scared of the dark since the first time I went out to sea and saw the stars above. It's my turn now." Mako drew the top card of his deck. "And to accompany my Amphibious Beast, I play my 7 Colored Fish." The rainbow trout with 1800 attack points appeared. "I hope your monster is holding some powerful defense, because otherwise you're about to fall prey to my mighty ocean beasts. Go, 7 Colored Fish! Destroy Gundham's face-down monster."
"And straight into my trap. GO! Threatening Roar!" Gundham declared, the trap card emerging and letting out a mighty growl towards Mako's monsters.
"That won't stop my current attack," Mako said.
"Perhaps, but I was expecting precisely that," Gundham said as Mako wound up destroying Gundham's face-down monster: Flame Tiger."
"Since you have no cards in your hand," Gundham said. "It's my turn, and I shall activate Flame Tiger's special ability. Since I have no monsters on the field, I can summon it straight from the graveyard. Come to me o might beast, forged in the flames of hell, and rid this battlefield of my enemies!"
Gundham's tiger emerged in attack mode with 2300 attack points.
"Your monster does not have the strength to contend with mine," Mako said.
"Not by itself, no, but that is why I have this face-down card: Horn of the Phantom Beast, raising its attack power by a mighty 800 points." Flame Tiger's attack power surged to 3100.
"But my Tiger will not be stalking the battlefield alone. He shall be accompanied by the ominous Dark Zebra!" A unicorn-horned, evil-looking Zebra appeared with 1800 attack points and 400 defense points. And with the power of closed forest, its power rose to 2300.
"And that's not all," Gundham said. "For my final maneuver, I shall activate the continuous spell card Poison Fangs! Now, whenever a beast monster deals damage to your life points, you shall take an additional 500 points of damage. First, Go! Flame Tiger! Char-broil his Amphibious Beast and rid it from the field!" Gundham declared as his tiger charged forward and slammed into Mako's monster, roasting it with its fire and sending it straight to the graveyard. Mako's life points fell to 2350. "Poison Fangs now activates, hitting you with 500 more life points worth of damage." Gundham's tiger leaped forward and bit Mako, bringing him down to 1850 life points. "And thanks to Horn of the Phantom Beast's secondary effect, I draw one more card." Gundham placed a single, solitary card in his hand.
"And now it is my Zebra's turn. Destroy his 7 Colored Fish and reduce his life points EVEN FURTHER!"
With a neigh, Dark Zebra charged forward and slammed into 7 Colored Fish, bringing Mako's life points down to 1350.
"Once more, Poison Fangs activates," Gundham said. "You take 500 more points of damage."
Gundham's Zebra looked ravenous and crazed as its mouth drooled and it bit Mako in the arm, reducing his life points down to a mere 850.
"This concludes my most triumphant turn," Gundham said. "The tables have vastly turned, would you not agree Denizen of the Deep? You control no summons, are armed with no spells or hexes and have no further fractures of a tome with which to call upon for aid. I'd say this battle is won, wouldn't you agree?"
"I would say this situation looks pretty hopeless," Mako said as his face turned to one of utmost seriousness. "But I've faced true hopelessness before, the feeling of helplessness as the sea itself becomes your adversary. And while I cannot be like Poseidon and cast my mighty trident into your monsters," Mako said and drew the top card of his deck, "I can turn their very power into mere helplessness! I play the sea faring Gora Turtle!" Mako declared as a wimpy little yellow turtle appeared with 1100 attack and 1400 defense. "And its special ability prevents all monsters on the field from attacking if they have 1900 attack points or greater. And because of your Closed Forest providing cover and additional attack for your monsters, they're all too strong to attack."
"Heh…" Gundham chuckled. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Very amusing, Denizen of the Deep. Truly you are deserving of your title as the best ocean duelist in the world. I was not expecting such a clever play. It is simply unfortunate. Well…for you anyway."
"Unfortunate? What's so unfortunate?"
"That I happened to hold the key to your demise as of my last turn," Gundham said. "Behold!" Gundham drew the top card of his deck and placed a monster onto the battlefield. "The swift and nimble Silver Fang!" The wolf appeared on the battlefield and howled to the sky. It had 1200 attack and 800 defense points.
"Ah," Mako gasped.
"I see you've already done the math, my watery adversary, but for the scryers and clairvoyants out there viewing our showdown upon their magic boxes and orbs, allow me to spell out your doom. Silver Fang only has 1200 attack to start with and Closed Forest provides an extra 500 attack points thanks to the monsters in my graveyard." Silver Fang stared down its prey of Gora Turtle. Its 1700 bared down on Gora Turtle's 1100. "The difference in attack values is clear cut and with Poison Fangs on my side of the field, well, I won't even need to bring down the full might of my mighty beasts unto you. Now, go Silver Fang! Wipe out the rest of Mako's life points and end this duel!" Gundham declared.
Silver Fang howled loud and proud as it charged forward to strike Gora Turtle down. With its mighty jaws, Silver Fang picked up its prey in its mouth and bit down, destroying it with one powerful bite. As a result, Mako's life points fell to 250.
"Poison Fangs now activates," Gundham said. "And thus this duel is over!" he declared.
Silver Fang turned its attention to Mako now, howling once more, its fangs bared with harmful poison as it made to make one fatal bite.
"To be brought down by a mere wolf cub," Mako said, eyes trembling.
"Indeed, the hunter has become the hunted! Well…at least from your point of view," Gundham said. "But for me, I AM AT THE TOP OF THIS FOOD CHAIN!"
Silver Fang bit down and dropped Mako's life points to a valueless 0.
Mako sighed and leaned against the wall of the aquarium dome for support. "Your monsters are impressive, Gundham. To think that I would not only lose the field advantage, but to be outdone, but such splendid monsters."
"The power of the ocean is indeed something to be feared, my fishy friend," Gundham said, smirking, only to hold out his bandaged left arm and grasp it, "But the power of the wild is not to be underestimated either and that was your fatal mistake!"
"Indeed, my friend," Mako said. "Indeed." He picked up his crutch from the ground and hobbled over to Gundham. "Here," he said. "My locator cards."
"I only wagered two, why are you giving me four?" Gundham asked.
"Truth be told, my next duel was going to be make it or break it for me. This injury of mine, as dreadful as it is for me to say, has cost me my spot in the finals. I thought if I could obtain six locator cards by winning one more duel, I would have the courage to go forward, but I cannot be reckless." Mako looked at his leg. "My leg needs proper healing." He leaned on his crutch and offered Gundham his hand. "Gundham, my new friend, I shall look forward to seeing your efforts in the finals. Please, take my locator cards, perhaps you know of someone who may need them."
"Then I shall carry your fair share of fate," Gundham said, swiping Mako's cards with his bandaged arm. He grasped Mako's hand firmly with his free hand. "And I shall show you my dark powers in a land beyond your wildest nightmare."
"I look forward to it," Mako said. "Ah, and but of course, your spoils of war. Take them and be kind to them." He handed Gundham Fortress Whale and Fortress Whale's Oath."
Gundham took them and pocketed them. "Your generosity knows no bounds, Denizen of the Deep." He was smiling as he said, arms folded. "You will have to take me fishing some time. I fear I lack experience with aquatic wildlife. Catching some specimens for my collection will be most helpful."
"Collection, Gundham?" Mako asked confused as Gundham's hamsters suddenly made themselves known, gathering together on Gundham's shoulders. Mako laughed, but not in mockery. "Ah, I did not take you for a pet owner, Gundham."
"Heh, I happen to hold many secrets, Denizen of the Deep. Now then, I must be off." Gundham turned to the side, but not before striking one last overzealous pose. "Be on the lookout in the finals and keep track of my exploits for I, GUNDHAM TANAKA, am the man that shall rule this world!" Gundham then took off in a ninja-like sprint, vanishing like the wind.
Mako sighed and began to hobble away, with no intention of catching up to the oddly-dressed and oddly behaved duelist. I may have lost this tournament, but I have no regrets. Mako took out his Legendary Fisherman card. As long as I have my pride and my courage, I shall continue to move down the path I have set for myself. Kaiba, I appreciate the opportunity to participate in one of your tournaments, but sadly this is where my ferry comes to an end.
Mako exited the aquarium. But next time, I will return more skilled than ever so that no land or even sky based duelist will be able to match the might of Mako Tsunami!
(A/N: And thus ends the battle between land and sea, with Gundham victorious and proceeding to the finals…and with two extra locator cards to boot. Next time we continue following Gundham and Sonia as the latter will find herself facing down an unexpected adversary. And until then, as always, from all of me, to all of you, let your hearts stay human and your wrath draconic. Ja ne!)