T.D.: Well, here we go again, another chapter from a tale of madness.

J.G.:184...

T.D.: Try not to be to scared by that, she's still hunting penguins. J.G.:185...

T.D.: This has actually been getting quite amusing.

J.G.:186...

Pegasus walks in

Pegasus: What's she doing?

T.D.: Not much really, I just find it amusing to have Cheetoh walk on ahead and leave a trail of penguins. Pretty soon though, the supply might actually run out.

J.G.:187...

Cheetoh: Problem here, we're out.

T.D.: What? All of them?

J.G.:188...

Pegasus: I'm outta here.

T.D.: Wait! Don't go! We need you! This is your fic!

Pegasus: Then I'll watch from out there.

J.G:189...

Cheetoh: Well, that didn't go well.

Kirbygurl: Come back Pegasus! I love you!

Pegasus: *runs a little faster*

T.D.: Well, better luck next time.

J.G.:190...

T.D.: Well, I'd better start this new chapter now, so enjoy.

J.G.:191...





"All right sorcerer, where have you taken us?" he cried into the darkness. Only then did he notice that Ryouji was no longer with them, but left behind in Crawford's hand were his more powerful dice. "If you must have it this way, then so be it. I'll start off with my friends Flame Cerberus!" Above his head appeared another ether from which the Flame Cerberus leapt.

"You'll have to remember that here each monster you summon will slowly tax your mind, and you being untrained, this will be a quick match."

He had already noticed that the summoning had induced a twinge of pain.

'Don't worry Crawford; I'll take the damage myself. This'll give you the chance at the clear thought of battle, although it may not last long.'

"Ryouji, don't do it, you'll destroy yourself!"

"He can't hear you now, for he has taken himself to a trance to focus on diverting the damage. If you hope to keep him from that damage, you'll defeat me quickly. If you do not, you'll both be lost forever."

"You have a cruel sense of mind and you'll be gone soon. If you do anything to him, you face my revenge and know the pain, so be warned."

"Oh! Tough words from a lonely man. What if I told you that you could bring back the one you love with our magic?"

This struck a blow close to his heart, for he had lost someone, before his life as a mercenary. She was a beautiful flower in a desert of weeds, a single bright light in these dark times. It had seemed as if when he found her, she was gone again. If the sorcerer spoke true, he could burry the pains of the past and live life again.

"If you can defeat this vessel now, you may be able to take his place in our ranks, allowing you to learn our secret arts. If you choose not, you will be hunted until you join. So prepare now for the power I have at hand, Vorse Rider with Cyber Armor!"

In the transfer to this world, Crawford had failed to realize that the beast had come with them. Now, as magic enfolded it, its armor grew larger and began to cover more area than before.

"Vorse Rider, attack the dice wielders Cerberus!"

"All right sorcerer, if that's the way you play, I'll play La Jinn and give it the Sword of Deep Seated!"

"Then I'll just have to use a jammer on that!"

"Ah, but I have foreign magic as well, Fairy's Hand Mirror, destroy the armor instead!"

As each card was played, another effect clouded the field. First the sword appeared in the hands of the genie, followed by the apparition of a seal that was aimed first at the sword, and was reflected at the armor.

"Looks like you've lost your touch, sorcerer."

"Oh, I wouldn't count myself out yet. I'll use another monster and shroud its ability in mists."

"To most, you would appear a coward, but I see you hiding a monster with great magic. I'll just prepare my spells and attack your new monster."

"You are quite the fool, for you have activated my monsters magic. Guardian shield, reflect that attack! Now you see the might of monsters and I'll just play another one, shrouded as the last was. All it waits for now is your attack, so be warned, I posses a great many monsters with skill enough to win this alone. All this duel means to me is more for my colleagues to toy around with, so prepare to meet your end!"

J.G.:204...

T.D.: Just keeps going and going and going..

J.G.:205...

Cheetoh: Should we stop her now? I think she's going in circles now.

T.D.: So?

Cheetoh: Just thought I'd ask.

J.G.:206...

Pegasus: *from behind a stack of crates* is it over yet?

T.D.: Not even close.

J.G.:207...

Cheetoh: Why can't Seto come?

T.D.: He had 'business' to take care of.

Pegasus: Lucky!