Yeah... I read your story with Venom, and I liked it a lot, but again no offense, the only thing I didn't like was the course Nanashi took due to his insecurity and envy against Flynn, as well as Dagda's influence. , but anyway, that was a great fanfic, I guess I think that way because when I played this game, I didn't see any point in the options to turn Nanashi into a selfish a*. In the game Nanashi can be a good boy or an a*... I honestly saw this mechanism differently than the Alignments.
But now commenting on the chapter, the part when the group was attacked by zombies, it reminded me of something, in the game it was revealed that zombies, especially those in the Dungeon, are reality Samurai who died over the years being defeated by monsters.
Every zombie that Flynn and his friends originally faced was just like them, Samurais working for Mikado... In the game this was never shown, but in your opinion, how do you think Flynn, Isabeau, Walter and Jonathan might feel to see them? zombies in Samurai clothes, proving that these corpses were Samurai fallen over the years in Mikado's missions and if they weren't careful, could they end up like them? -Lucian Naruto
Yeah, in the Venom one I wrote Nanashi to be Anarchy aligned. So I was depicting how I thought Anarchy Nanashi would be. I thought it would spice things up. A bonds aligned Nanashi would be a good boy and an a*. I do show a bonds Nanashi in 'Shin Megami Tensei IV: Corrupted -Blade of Shadows-' chapter 2. Part of the point is that if Nanashi was bonds aligned things wouldn't have gotten as far. I don't like Anarchy Nanashi either and that's kind of the point. The Anarchy route in general irritates me. I showed that version of Nanashi to make a point and to criticize that route.
Yeah, I imagine it probably keeps them up at night. They probably can't help, but imagine if that will be them one day. Or perhaps wonder why such heroes were condemned to such fate. It could shake some of their faiths. It's a constant eerie reminder that they must always stay vigilant. Many Samurai being left as soulless shells is a similar idea. When that happens the family is just left with a comatose body they can't do anything with except watch it slowly die or kill it. They don't exactly have the means to keep a body without a soul alive in Mikado; eventually they'll die of thirst unless their soul is recovered. Recovering it is extremely difficult because you're looking for a needle in a haystack in Naraku. You not only have to find the right spirit, but also make sure that spirit hasn't already devoured it or something. This fics version of that eerie reminder a twist on a common Yugioh trope of 'character loses their soul when they lose'.
Chapter 3 The Terminal Guardian
There was suddenly a knocking on a door. Gaston looked over to the door before Navarre quickly ran down the stairs. Navarre opened the door and was shocked to see the official was there. He was very confused, raising his eyebrow at this.
"Hoy, there, prentice Navarre.", the official said, with an eerie smile.
In Tokyo…
Fuijwara and Skins announced their alliance with the prentices. Though, even then the residents of Shinjuku still looked very wary of them. Flynn had grown used to such stares from the master Samurai. His attention was focused on a metal door that looked just like the one that led to the Sky Terminal.
"Is this one of those 'Terminal' rooms?", Flynn asked, Nozomi as he looked at the door.
She was surprised the Samurai were aware of them.
"Yeah, that's Shinjuku's Terminal. How do you know about them?", Nozomi asked.
"There's one in that tower that leads to the surface and one in a place called Aquila Plaza.", Flynn replied, about to open the door.
"Wait! The Terminal Guardian is in there!", Nozomi warned.
"Who?", Flynn questioned and her and Issachar sweat dropped seeing he had already opened the door.
He was met by a man with brown hair and an orange jacket.
"It's been twenty years since I started looking after the Terminals. Folks call me the Terminal Guardian. Seein' as how I've found you here, you'd better be fixing to duel.", the Terminal Guardian said with a bizarre accent.
"What are the terms, sir? What happens if you win?", Flynn asked.
"You die, kiddo.", the Terminal Guardian replied.
"So, I just get access to the Terminal…? For risking my life that's kinda lackluster, sir.", Flynn replied as the guardian looked annoyed.
Issachar sweat dropped as he saw Flynn trying to haggle the guardian.
"Kids these days. What do you want if you win?", the Terminal Guardian grumbled.
"Do you have a synchro monster?", Flynn asked and the guardian grimaced.
"Are you trying to break me, man? Do you know how rare those things are?", the Terminal Guardian replied.
"This isn't exactly a duelist you want to mess with Mr.Samurai. He's never lost.", Nozomi warned.
"I guess I could just walk away then…I don't really need the Terminal it's just for a quest.", Flynn said, about to simply walk out of the room.
"Hey, come back here, kid! How about a different rare card?", the Terminal Guardian replied.
"Why does he want to duel Flynn so much?", Issachar asked Nozomi.
"The Asura Kai like having the Terminal Guardian make an example out of people every once in a while to show off their power. He even uses a different deck each duel just to flex.", Nozomi replied.
Flynn cupped his chin pondering.
"Do you have Pot of Greed?", Flynn asked.
"Oh yeah I have one of those.", the Terminal Guardian replied, partially lying.
"Flynn, are you about to bet your life on a Pot of Greed?", Issachar questioned incredulously.
"Your exactly right, Issachar.", Flynn said as the Terminal Guardian freaked out.
"Stupid kid! I have to reel a sucker in soon and he's the only one who's shown up in months! I only have a few days left to get one!", the Terminal Guardian thought.
"Wait a minute!", the Terminal Guardian said as Flynn tried to leave again.
"Three Pot of Greeds.", Flynn replied, holding up three fingers and his fellows fell over comically.
"You crazy…two Pot of Greeds!". the Terminal Guardian replied.
"So, he has two…judging by his face he does have three!", Flynn thought, smirking for a mere moment.
"Three Pot of Greeds take it or I'm leaving.", Flynn replied, with a deadpan expression.
"F-fuck! Fine! You won't win anyway, kiddo!", the Terminal Guardian replied with annoyance.
"Does he always haggle like this with his opponents?", Nozomi asked.
"Only when his soul or life is on the line…", Issachar said, with a funny look.
Flynn nodded, finally accepting the duel now.
"Since you are the challenger you go first.", the Terminal Guardian said as his eyebrow twitched with annoyance.
"That's fine with me, sir.", Flynn replied, politely making him more pissed.
"Flynn better be an amazing duelist or he's toast.", Nozomi thought.
"Duel!", the two said.
The guardian looked stunned as a black blade with blue edges materialized out of the side of Flynn's gauntlet.
"That can't be…?! Is that a military grade duel disk?! I mean…I've never actually seen one but I heard they look like that. No…that's impossible that kid isn't wearing purple. He's just trying to spook me. He probably had some guys make a duel disk that looks like one.", the Terminal Guardian thought.
Flynn LP 4000
Terminal Guardian LP 4000
"I draw.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 6
"I will set a monster and two cards facedown. I end my turn.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 3
"Ha! That's all you got for all that talk! I'm gonna enjoy destroying you kiddo! I draw!", the Terminal Guardian said.
Terminal Guardian
Hand: 6
"I activate the effect of Warrior of Atlantis to discard it from my hand to add Legendary Ocean to my hand.", the Terminal Guardian said.
Warrior of Atlantis
(AQUA/WATER/EFFECT/ ATK 1900/ DEF 1200/ LV4)
Effect: You can discard this card to the Graveyard; add 1 "A Legendary Ocean" from your Deck to your hand.
"Then I will activate A Legendary Ocean! All my water monsters gain 200 attack and their level is reduced by one.", the Terminal Guardian said.
Terminal Guardian
Hand: 5
A Legendary Ocean
(Field Spell)
Effect: (This card's name is always treated as "Umi".)
All WATER monsters on the field gain 200 ATK/DEF. Reduce the Level of all WATER monsters in both players' hands and on the field by 1.
The area around them became a vast ocean.
"I summon Terrorking Salmon! Due to my field spell it's now a level 4 monster.", the Terminal Guardian said.
Terminal Guardian
Hand: 4
Terrorking Salmon
(FISH/WATER/NORMAL/ ATK 2400/ DEF 1000/ LV5)
Card Text: A feared salmon, master of the Sea of Darkness. Its roe is the best delicacy in the World of Darkness.
Terrorking Salmon LV 5 - 1 = 4
Terrorking Salmon ATK 2400 200 = 2600
"How do you like that? That's probably more attack than you've ever seen in your life!", the Terminal Guardian gloated.
"Such a strong monster already…This isn't looking good for Mr.Samurai. Especially since he probably has more.", Nozomi commented.
"Then, I will set a card and attack your monster!", the Terminal Guardian said.
Terminal Guardian
Hand: 3
"You destroyed my Pyramid Turtle. When it's destroyed I can special summon one zombie monster with 2000 or less defense from my deck. I choose Plaguespreader Zombie.", Flynn replied.
Pyramid Turtle
(ZOMBIE/EARTH/EFFECT/ ATK 1200/ DEF 1400/ LV4)
Effect: When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: You can Special Summon 1 Zombie monster with 2000 or less DEF from your Deck.
Plaguespreader Zombie (ZOMBIE/DARK/TUNER/EFFECT/ ATK 400/ DEF 200/ LV2)
Effect: If this card is in your GY: You can place 1 card from your hand on the top of the Deck; Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field.
The guardian looked confused at seeing Flynn special summon a tuner.
"He must just be running that since that's all he's got. But…he could just use another turtle as tribute fodder if he wanted to.", the Terminal Guardian thought.
"I end my turn.", the Terminal Guardian said.
"I draw.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 4
"I will activate my facedown Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your facedown card.", Flynn said.
Mystical Space Typhoon
(Quick Play Spell)
Effect: Target 1 Spell/Trap on the field; destroy that target.
The card he destroyed was Bottomless Trap Hole.
"Darn…so one of his facedowns was a fakeout.", the Terminal Guardian murmured.
"It's really good that Flynn destroyed that card.", Issachar said.
"I summon Spirit Reaper.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 3
Spirit Reaper
(ZOMBIE/DARK/EFFECT/ ATK 300/ DEF 200/ LV3)
Effect: Cannot be destroyed by battle. After resolving a card effect that targets this face-up card, destroy this card. When this card inflicts battle damage to your opponent by a direct attack: Discard 1 random card from their hand.
"What are you doing kiddo?!", the Terminal Guardian questioned.
"I tune Plaguespreader Zombie with Spirit Reaper.", Flynn said as the Tokyo residents eyes widened.
"T-that's impossible! You're bluffing!", the Terminal Guardian said, getting freaked out.
"Reawaken mystic relic from a time long past! Justice still needs you! Synchro summon! Level 5! Ally of Justice Catastor!", Flynn said.
The two monsters became translucent before becoming stars that lined up. Around the stars was a green ring. A light shot through the stars as a new monster appeared.
Ally of Justice Catastor
(MACHINE/ DARK/SYNCHRO/ EFFECT/ ATK 2200/ DEF 1200/ LV 5)
1 Tuner 1 non-Tuner monsters
Effect: At the start of the Damage Step, if this card battles a face-up non-DARK monster: Destroy that monster.
The Terminal Guardian gaped incredulously, his eyes popping out comedically. He coughed awkwardly trying to regain his composure.
"This is the first time I've ever seen a synchro monster up close…", Nozomi said, amazed.
"Yeah, I felt the same way too.", Issachar replied.
"Doesn't everyone in the surface have one?", Nozomi questioned.
"Not exactly…only those who with fortunate backgrounds or those lucky enough to encounter a synchro spirit have one.", Issachar explained.
"So it's not too different from here then...? Those in power horde the synchro monsters?", Nozomi replied and Issachar nodded.
"W-Woah?! You said from the surface! Is your buddy from the surface too?!", the Terminal Guardian questioned.
"I activate my facedown card Terraforming. It allows me to add one field spell to my hand. I choose Zombie World.", Flynn said.
Terraforming
(Normal Spell)
Effect: Add 1 Field Spell from your Deck to your hand.
Flynn
Hand: 4
"Both your facedowns we're fake outs?!", the Terminal Guardian questioned incredulously.
Nozomi looked surprised as well and Issachar sweat dropped.
"I would have hit him harder if I wasn't concerned about a possible Sakuretsu Armor or Mirror Force!", the Terminal Guardian thought.
"I activate Allure of Darkness. I can draw two cards in exchange for banishing one dark monster. I choose to banish Unknown Synchron.", Flynn said as he revealed the monster.
Allure of Darkness
(Normal Spell)
Effect: Draw 2 cards, then banish 1 DARK monster from your hand, or, if you do not have any in your hand, send your entire hand to the GY.
"I activate Monster Reborn allowing me to resurrect my Pyramid Turtle.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 3
Monster Reborn
(Normal Spell)
Effect: Target 1 monster in either GY; Special Summon it.
"I activate the effect of Plaguespreader Zombie allowing me to special summon it from the graveyard. But, I must put a card in my hand to the top of the deck when it leaves the field it's banished.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 2
"Now, I activate my Zombie World turning all monsters on the field and the graveyard into zombies.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 1
Zombie World
(Field Spell)
Effect: All monsters on the field and in the GYs become Zombie monsters. Neither player can Tribute Summon monsters, except Zombie monsters.
An eerie purple fog entered the ocean and the sky turned purple. The guardian gasped seeing his salmon had become rotten. Part of its face was missing, revealing a skeleton.
"I tune my Plaguespreader Zombie with Pyramid Turtle.", Flynn said as the guardian panicked.
"Not j-just one but two?!", the Terminal Guardian questioned, not sure how to deal with this.
"I haven't dealt with a synchro user in years!", the Terminal Guardian thought.
"From the dark depths of the grave arise, great dragon noble even in death! Your dreadful roar signals your enemies doom! level 6! Doomkaiser Dragon!", Flynn chanted.
Doomkaiser Dragon
(ZOMBIE/ FIRE / SYNCHRO/ EFFECT/ ATK 2400/ DEF 1500/ LV 6)
"Plaguespreader Zombie" 1 or more non-Tuner Zombie-Type monsters
Effect: When this card is Special Summoned: You can target 1 Zombie-Type monster in your opponent's Graveyard; Special Summon that target to your side of the field in face-up Attack Position, but destroy it when this card leaves the field.
The ocean started swirling as a ghostly howl could be heard. Nozomi sweat dropped at just how ominous it looked. The water formed ghostly looking spirits who were howling. Doomkaiser rose out of the swirling ocean outstretching its wings with a loud roar. The guardian gaped at seeing the zombie dragon.
"What's with all the dramatic chanting? Is that a Mikado thing?", Nozomi questioned as Issachar looked confused.
"You guys don't do that?", Issachar questioned.
"…No we don't.", Nozomi replied.
"I activate the effect of Doomkaiser. When it's special summoned I can special summon a zombie monster from your graveyard. I choose your Warrior of Atlantis. This is his…Roar of the Living Dead!", Flynn said, pointing at the guardian.
"You guys are so dramatic…it's actually kinda amusing.", Nozomi replied.
Purple smoke came from Doomkaiser's mouth over to the guardian's side of the field as it roared. The guardian jumped as his fish man leaped out of the ocean. It had also become rotten and its rib cage was visible. Its eyes were glowing an eerie purple. It's floated in place with just its top half visible on Flynn's side of the field.
"Since it's still a water monster it gains the field bonus.", Flynn said.
Warrior of Atlantis ATK 1900 200 = 2100
"Darn kid, you stole my monster! Didn't ya parents tell ya never to steal?!", the Terminal Guardian questioned.
Flynn didn't respond to that simply giving the guardian a look that made him flinch.
"I attack your Salmon with Catastor. When it battles a non-dark monster that monster is instantly destroyed. Evil Denier!", Flynn said as his monster emitted a loud frequency that made the salmon squirm.
The salmon cried out struggling before it was destroyed.
"I attack you directly with Warrior of Atlantis!", Flynn declared.
The guardian cried out in pain when the mini harpoon from its launcher hit him in the stomach. Because Flynn's gauntlet was on stun it didn't leave the kind of wound it normally would. It simply pricked him like a needle instead, but it still drew a small amount of blood.
Terminal Guardian LP 4000 - 2100 = 1900
"Then, I attack you directly with Doomkaiser! Death Spectral Howling!", Flynn declared pointing at the guardian again as Doomkaiser roared.
It breathed fire which engulfed the guardian sending him crashing into the wall. The guardian was surprised he wasn't actually burned, but it still stung.
Terminal Guardian LP 1900 - 2400 = 0
The holograms faded away and Flynn walked up to the guardian.
"Y-you have real solid vision! Your one of those angels!", the Terminal Guardian said angrily.
"I am not an angel, sir. Merely a Samurai. You're not too hurt so you should be able to fix yourself up without issue. Now, we made a deal.", Flynn replied as he put his hand out.
The guardian trembled before hastily handing Flynn three copies of Pot of Greed then ran out. Nozomi was wide eyed and stunned as Flynn's gauntlet reacted to the Terminal. Honestly he looked a little villainous, especially when he was his opponent's stealing monsters.
"Looks like the quest is going well. Activating scan mode…This is the Shinjuku Terminal. I'm going to run the Terminal activation program. Activation complete. A link with other Terminals is established now. You can travel to them from here.", Burroughs said.
Issachar linked his up too. Suddenly Flynn handed him a Pot of Greed.
"Hoy, Flynn what are you doing?", Issachar questioned.
"Do you really think I got three all for myself? I'm not greedy. I will give the third one to one of our fellows.", Flynn replied with a light smile.
"Well, that's nice. I certainly wasn't expecting that Flynn.", Nozomi replied.
Flynn lightly blushed which made her giggle.
"He really is just a kind boy isn't he? He was getting cards to share with his friends. If it was me I probably would have hogged them all.", Nozomi thought.
"I wish I could have avoided hurting the Terminal Guardian, but my gauntlet or duel disk can't turn off the real solid vision. The best I can do is have it in stun mode.", Flynn said.
"Stun mode? Sorry I'm not familiar with real solid vision duel disks.", Nozomi questioned.
"As you saw with the crown Samurai our duel disks can kill. They have a stun mode and a kill mode. When it's in stun, those hit by the spirits only take light damage from their attacks. However when it's in kill the damage is much more…realistic.". Flynn explained.
Nozomi made an 'oh' motion with her mouth completely unaware of that. She just thought real solid vision always dealt realistic damage.
"I'm glad it was on stun. You had it on that even when he said he was going to kill you.", Nozomi replied.
Flynn looked down at this frowning. His thoughts drifted to Vincent and to when he lost it against Nathan. Nozomi noticed how bothered he became when killing was brought up. Issachar put his hand on Flynn's shoulder, noticing his discomfort. From the guilty look in his eyes she could tell he has killed someone before.
"I want to avoid killing anyone if it's possible.", Flynn replied.
Elsewhere in the Shinjuku underground district…
Asahi looked happy again, bouncing in excitement when she saw Isabeau synchro summon. They were dueling on one of the mats there.
"Your so cool, Miss Isabeau!", Asahi said and Isabeau was surprised at being called 'Miss'.
Nanashi looked over to the white framed card that made Asahi's eyes sparkle in childish amazement. Jonathan and Walter were watching curious to see what people from Tokyo were made of.
Isabeau had out XX-Saber Gottoms and X-Saber Souza. Asahi only had Ohka in attack mode.
"I attack Ohka with Gottoms. X Great Sword!", Isabeau declared, making the girl more excited.
"Maybe Asahi was born in the wrong place. These surface guys love doing chants and attack names like her.", Manabu commented.
Asahi LP 3000 - 700 = 2300
"Then attack you directly with Souza! Dual X Tornado!", Isabeau declared.
Asahi LP 2300 - 2700 = 0
"W-Woah! That was so cool even though I lost!", Asahi said.
"I'm glad you had fun.", Isabeau replied with a smile.
"Do any other kids wanna challenge us? Waiting for those old dudes to gather everyone is so boring.", Walter replied as Nanashi looked down at his deck.
"I want to duel that guy.", Nanashi said, drawing their attention.
"Who? Him?", Asahi questioned.
"Flynn.", Nanashi replied, which made the prentices have funny expressions.
"You don't know what you're asking for, kid. Flynn's the strongest one among us.", Walter replied.
"All the more reason to duel him then right?", Nanashi replied.
"Woah. You have some guts, kid. I'm impressed.", Walter replied.
As if on cue Flynn returned with a Pot of Greed in his hand showing it to his fellows.
"Which one of you wants it?", Flynn asked his fellow Samurai waving the card.
"Where did you get that Flynn? Are you sure you shouldn't keep it?", Jonathan questioned, before he revealed a second one leaving them stunned.
"I got three and gave one to Issachar.", Flynn replied.
"H-How?!", Walter questioned.
"He haggled the Terminal Guardian.", Nozomi replied, nearly laughing as she thought back to it.
"Wait…how? You didn't beat him did you?", Manabu questioned, completely stunned.
"Yes, I did.", Flynn replied as Manabu and Nikkari looked horrified.
"I'm not surprised…", Isabeau replied, sweat dropping.
Elsewhere…
The Terminal Guardian looked down sweating as Tayama glared down at him.
"You lost?! How?", Tayama questioned.
"It was one of the s-surface guys. He caught me off guard because he wasn't wearing purple like the others. He tricked me then he summoned two synchro monsters.", the Terminal Guardian explained as Tayama rubbed his chin.
"Right…those on the surface do still have them. I want you to give the research guys all the information you have from the duel. I'll need to warn the guys about synchro users on the streets so we can prepare.", Tayama replied.
In Cafe Florida…
"Hey, Fuijwara…considering 'they' are back somehow. Do you think Akira is too? You know like reborn considering they told us it's been over 1500 years for them?", Skins asked after he walked in with some men they gathered.
"Who knows. I never expected to see the three of them again. Especially Ryou I mean…we saw him die right in front of us.", Fuijwara replied.
In the Shinjuku underground…
Nanashi looked at Flynn intently. He didn't know why Flynn was in his dreams, but he wanted to see what his deal was. To know more about this man from the surface.
"I couldn't accept such a gift.", Jonathan replied, bashfully waving his hands.
"Well, if you really don't want it Flynn I'll gladly take a free Pot of Greed.", Walter replied.
"I bet you would.", Isabeau replied.
"Do you want it Isabeau? We never got to duel during our little tournament. Whoever wins can take the card.", Walter replied.
"That's fine by me.", Isabeau replied.
Nanashi got up facing Flynn, drawing their attention. Flynn was very confused seeing this.
"Nanashi?", Flynn questioned.
"I want to duel you.", Nanashi challenged, pointing at Flynn.
Flynn, Issachar and Nozomi were completely surprised by this. Flynn pointed at himself with confusion.
"Why me?", Flynn replied cluelessly, reminding the prentices of the party making them sweat drop.
To be continued…
More lighthearted chapter this time around. I feel like I should take a break, but also I feel like writing please help. I will take one after chapter 5, but dang I've gotten shockingly invested in this story. I really didn't expect this. I was supposed to take the break after finishing the first season.