A/N: Last chapter was intense, huh? In this chapter, major revalations are going to be revealed, new objectives learned, heart-wrenching secrets spilled, and grand powers earned![No, i didn't make that ryhme intentionally!]
Yami Alpha: Sounds fun!Stop talking and start typing!
Dracomon: YES! I'm still waiting for your crossover, and it's very irritating.
Alpha: *groans* Why are my friends always so impatient!?
Both, plus all reviewers of Alpha's stories: BECAUSE YOU'RE TOO SLOW!
Alpha: Oh, yeaaaaaaaaaaaah! ^__^
Disclaimer: * lifts paper, looks toward 4Kids* I own Yu-gi-oh! So do you! No I don't, so you no sue!
Claimer: Just a bunch of useless ideas. * starts running as Drake pulls out a sword*
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3rd Person Omniscient POV
"Finally!"Joey exclaimed, being at the top of the mountain they had just climbed." Hey, guys, look at this!"
In the valley beneath the mountain, a large city, furbished in Egyptian architecture.[An: If that word is misspelled, I DO NOT CARE!]
"'Finally' is right!" Mai said, climbing up to the same level."We've been looking for days!"
The entire group looked at the large city with relief. It was evident that the city was inhabited, as the crowds of people were visible from this height. But while the others looked on in great eagerness for civilization, one of the party frowned.
{Why does this view seem so familier?} Yami asked himself.{Have I been here before?}
"Since "somebody's" insane opinions of fun made us climb this stupid mountain, can we please use our monsters to get to town?" Mokuba all but demanded, glaring, with most of the others, at Ryo.
" I'm insane? Isn't your brother the one who bought out a whole farm for you to have a few pony rides?" Ryo shot back.
"He only bought the horse stables, and that's an entirely different subject!" Mokuba said while blushing
"Sure, Mokuba." Drake said." We can use our cards."
"I'll summon my Winged Dragon!" Yugi called, and the monster appeared.
[1400/1200]
"And I my Curse of Dragon!" Yami said, leaping into the air, then landing on the Dark Dragon. [2000/1500]
"I'm not one to stop a fad!" Mai said." Harpy's Pet Dragon!"[2000/2500]
"Me either. Baby Dragon!" [1200/700]
The group sweatdropped as the small dragon appeared.
"I need someone to ride Shotgun!" Joey said with a smirk." Go, Panther Warrior!" [2000/1700]
What looked like a panther in purple armor appeared, and Joey and his BD jumped on it.
"Show off." Ryo sighed." I'll bring out my Cyber Falcon!" [1400/1200]
What looked like an eagle covered in steel appeared, and Ryo grabbed hold of it's neck, which strangely had grips on it, as is it expected a rider.
Lara looked at her Locket, and sighed. She had learned over the last few days that she didn't need it to summon monsters. Still, it had one major advantage. The monsters she summoned with it had personalities and complete will, while the others never disobeyed unless they really hated their masters, and some monsters had no personality.
"I guess I'll just ride whatever Drake sends." She said, ignoring the snickers from the others and blushes from Drake."Plenty of room for two on most of his, right?"
Drake, however, looked thoughtful. He stared at the card he had called mentally to his hand, and thought of it.
*You should tell your friends.* His yami said; since the event with Buster, he and Lara had remained in normal form, to conserve their counterparts' energies.
*Ok, I will* Drake sent back.
"There's something I need to tell you guys." He said.
The group looked at him curiously, and Drake felt his face flush.
"My dad once created a card, just for me. He based it after me, and it was the only card in existance. But till now I've been too ashamed to use it."
"Cool!" Yugi said." Imagine having a card based after you, it must be neat."
"It is." Yami said, smiling.[An: First person to guess this gets my congrats.]
"Well, here goes nothing!" Drake said, lifting the card." Drake the Legendary Dragoon!"
In a blinding flash of light, he changed.
Where his normal clothes once were, he now wore fiery armor[think the armor Yugi wore in that Virtual World, only red] and were most would wear a cape, Drake had two large red wings, each coming out of a slit in the armor's back.
He had a small sheath on his back, probably fit for a dagger, but it had no hilt.
"WOW." Was the exclamation from the entire group, including Drake.
{Must resist,....erge....to glomp.....} Lara thought, seeing how Drake strangly looked even hotter than usual with armor and wings.
*Awww, that's no fun!* Her yami said. *If you don't glomp, I can't glomp. AND I WANNA GLOMP!*
"What's you stats?" Yugi asked, taking in the utter look of strength.
"The same as a Dark Magician's." Drake said, embarrased." My dad wanted me to be as strong as the first card I ever drew. I actually helped him with the cards, sometimes."
"Any effects?" Yami asked, wanting to know what powers he had.
"I'll leave that a secret, for now." Drake said, smirking.
He then blushed entirely, as Lara jumped into his arms.
"Like I said, I'm riding whatever you send!" She said, happily hugging him tightly.
"Ok. But be warned, I haven't flown before now."
"Wh...WHAT!"
With that, they all flew off, except for Joey, who rode off on the PW.
Lara admired the few, Drake enjoyed the ability to fly, and Lara also enjoyed being in Drake's arms like this; it was like a dream she used to have, of some hero flying her to a safe place.
The landed a few feet away from the village, and, very relunctantly, Drake changed back.
The other monsters dissapeared as well, but not before the BD shot one more fireball at a final, unsuspecting bush.
***************************************************************
The city was teeming, full of people and humaniod monsters alike. The group stopped several times checking out the scenery, before running into someone Yami had hoped to find.
"An Ancient Brain?" Drake asked incredulously.
The Ancient Brain was a strange creature indeed. About Yugi's height, his head was hairless, and skinless, showing his namesake. A horn stuck threw the top of his large brain, and he held a staff. [1000/700]
"Excuse me, sir." Yami said, bowing in some sort of respect." We're kind've lost, and-"
"You want to know if I knew where your friends are."The creature asked in a raspy voice. It was a comment, not a question."They are in an inn known as the Stallion's Wing. Just about two blocks west."
"Th..thanks!" Yugi said, amazed.
"You are welcome, youngling." The AB said."Oh, yes. Be careful of that one."He said, pointing to Joey."He seems to squander my favorite organ too much. Luckily, you have enough of it for the both of you."
Both Joey and Yugi both reddened, and Yami chuckled out loud.
"It was truly an honor, sir."He said." Thank you, and I hope we meet again."
"Wisdom be with you." The AB called as they walked toward their destination."And never waste knowledge! Even the smallest bit can be the difference."
***************************************************************
The Stallion's Wing was a large, spacious inn, with a picture of a Firewing Pegasus on the sign.
"Yugi!" An old, energetic voice called from the inn." Yugi! Is that really you?"
"Grandpa!" Yugi cried happily, rushing into his grandfathers arms." You're here! You're safe!"
"Of course I'm safe, Yugi!" Solomon Moto said happily, wiping his eyes slightly."Why wouldn't I be?"
"Maybe because you're "critically ill" and, "Cleaning gives you heart attacks"!" A familier voice griped.
"Seto!" Mokuba exclaimed, and ran over to his brother." You're OK!"
"Nevr better, Mokuba." Seto said happily." Although doing double chores to keep us in this inn's rooms is quite tiring."
"Quite a reunion, isn't it?" Yami asked."It's great that they're finally reunited. I hate failing my vows."
"Yeah, I'm really choked up." Joey said, nervous." Now let's go before he starts cracking dog jokes again."
"And look! You even got a bloodhound to track us down! Great job, Yugi!" Seto mocked.
Before Joey could say a word, Seto was hit by a very heavy-looking stick.
"NO ONE INSULTS MY APPRENTENCES!" Solomon yelled, repeatedly beating Seto with the stick.
As sweatdrops abound, most of the group burst out laughing.
Except for Seto, who seemed ready to go unconscious, and Solomon, who was wondering when he should stop.
***************************************************************
50 smacks and a half hour later.........................
The group sat around the fireplace of the inn, talking about their adventures and trying discreetly to touch Seto's even more swollen head.
The real shocker came about another few minutes later.
"When do you think he'll be back." Seto asked." I'm getting kind of hungry."
"Who?"Yugi asked, confused.
"I'm back!" A VERY familier voice called." And yes, Seto-boy, I did get the hot do-"
There was the sound of dropping bags.
There, in the doorway, was-
"PEGASUS!" Yami exclaimed, jumping to his feet."First you seal us in this realm, and now you have the nerve to track us down!"
It was indeed Pegasus, but something was wrong.
Whereas Pegasus had always worn fine clothes and had an insane smile on his face, he now wore what appeared to be an archeologist's clothes, and had a shocked look on his face." d...d..Drake?" He asked, his voice little more than a whisper.
"Oh yes, I forgot about that." Solomon said, grinning in a Joey-style.
Pegasus got a look of fear on his face, then ran.
"What was that?" Joey asked.
"Why is he here."Drake growled menacingly.
"Believe me, it's a long story." Seto said, taking the ice off his head."It appears that Max isn't really the one we should be focusing our efforts against.
"What do you mean?" Lara asked.
"Tell me, have any of you heard of Yamis?"
That single question stopped everyone's hearts.
"No. No. NO! YOU'RE JOKING!" Drake exclaimed.
"Our adversery is his dark side. My, how ironic." Bakura said, a strange tone to his voice.
"No way! You mean, Pegasus has a yami too?" Yugi asked, shocked.
"It was so obvious!" Drake said furiously, suddenly pulling power from his own yami and pounding his fists on the table." I should have known. I should have guessed from the moment I learned about Bakura!"
He looked down in self-hate."But I was too focused on my" manipulative, heartless" father!"
"Drake-" Lara started, but stopped. Drake's eyes held not only disbelief, but tears.
"I can't believe it....all this time....."
"It must be harsh." Bakura said." When my yami took over me, I could still hear what he heard."
Drake's heart officially smashed then.
"I've...i've hated him....for years......even said it....to his face........but he.....no control.........."
Drake broke. He completely put his hands over his face; It was neccessary to hide his tears.
"Well, I guess there's only one thing to do." Solomon said plainly."Apoligize."
"I can't." Drake said, and the group was shocked to hear a slight whimper in the tone." I have no right. I...I was so...such a....AGH!"
Lara had chosen that time to punch him in the stomach.
"Drake, listen to yourself!" She said angrily." You have every right! He probably hates himself more than you hate yourself right now, and if apoligizing, just letting him know you still care, that could help him!"
"What if I can't?" Drake nearly yelled, uncovering his tear-striken face." I haven't cared for him in years, I haven't even hoped he would be the same as before, how can I still know how to care?"
"You're crying, aren't you?" Lara pointed out, hugging him softly."That shows. You care about him, Drake. And I refuse to believe otherwise So, QUIT BEING SO STUBBORN!" She yelled, point-blank in his ear.
***************************************************************
Lying down in his office, a once-powerful man was squirming in his pain.
Maximilian Pegasus heard a knock at his door.
"Go away." He moaned."I'm not in the mood to trounce you tonight, Kaiba-boy."
"Then will you except your son?"
Pegasus looked up, and saw Drake in the doorway.
"Drake!" He gasped, sitting up." I...I..."
There was silence for a few seconds. Pegasus tuned over every excuse, every way he could explain in his mind, but he found nothing. Then-
"How long have you been trapped?" Drake asked in a sad voice.
Pegasus could have smiled, if he wasn't so mad at himself." 10 years. I've been a slave for ten years."
"10 years!" Drake exclaimed in shock." You mean that heartless scum has been controlling you for an entire decade?"
"Y..YEs." Pegasus said, also shocked." You're..you're not mad at me?"
"Of course not." Drake smiled, eyes watering."I'm only mad at myself. If I had just stopped to ask, once, I might actually have known the truth. But I was too stubborn, to caught up in my belief, that I refused to think anything else."
He walked over to his dad." Dad, I want to say that I'm sorry, and I hope you'll still have me for a son."
"Of course!" Pegasus exlaimed, suddenly smiling through his tears."Why wouldn't I?"
He then did something he hadn't done in ten years; he hugged Drake.
Drake, however shocked, started to cry. The last time has EVER been hugged by a parent was when he was 5.
Just then, everyone who had been hiding outside used their cameras. Drake and his dad didn't care; they would kill them later.
***************************************************************
Bakura smiled as he looked in the inn's restroom's mirror.
The normally innocent face was dark, menacing.
"Hard to believe mortals are so easy to disturb. I almost laughed out there, such a wimp."
He washed his face, unable to get the dirty look out of his eyes, and glanced at his Ring.
"Still, this will be more interesting as it develops." He smirked toward his reflection."I think I'll wait awhile before taking their Items, humans are such interesting comedians."
***************************************************************
"So, what's the plan?" Drake said, wiping a happy tear from his eye." We still need to get out of this realm, and stop your yami."
"Personally, I have no idea." Pegasus admitted." I've lived here for years, I actually own this inn! I've been thinking about it, but I haven't a clue!"
"Luckily, I do." Yami said." Even yamis in the real world have some sort of connection between the two realms. If we can find it, and destroy it, then maybe we can get home!"
"So, we have to kill Helios, then." Peasus said, a solemn look on his face." So be it."
"Helios?" Ryo asked.
"The name I gave my yami." Pegasus said.
"He has a name, then." Yami said."I personally like my title enough, but it's an interesting idea."
"Lance." Drake said." I think that would be good for mine."
*Finally, a good idea comes to your brain! Maybe you'll even think of going a little further with Lara ton-*
"Prima!" Lara said, inturrupting Drake's yami.
"Ryou." Bakura said." After my last name. Though I hope I never have to speak it."
[AN: Here in USA, it's Bakura Ryou. My, what Eternal Duelist Soul teaches you!]
"Ok, enough with the name games." Pegasus said, smiling."I don't know exactly how to find Helios's connection, but we have to try."
"Maybe you should try the upcoming tournament." Came a voice near the door. The Ancient Brain walked in."Many duelists around the realm are coming to participate. Maybe one of them will know."
"Great idea!" Pegasus said.
"A tournament?" Yugi asked."What tournament, Pegasus?"
"Please, call me Maximilian, or just Max if you prefer." He said politely." A few days ago, a Witty Phantom announced that a tournament is going to be held across the countryside. The prizes are said to be large, and the competition fierce!"
"We're in!" Both Drake and Yami exclaimed.
"The tournament lies across a desert that is extremely barren and dangerous." Solomon said." It will be risky for anyone who isn't a Monster to cross it."
"Then it's settled." Bakura said, smirking." If only Duel Monsters can cross, only Duel Monsters WILL cross!"
***************************************************************
"Are all the events in place?" A dark voice asked from the shadows.
"Indeed, my lord." Said a red-skinned man in a purple suit. Well, a monster actually. [1400/1300]
"Good." The mysterious monster in the darkness said; it's voice seemed to echo of pain and horror."Leave only their bones to serve as their markers. My plan must not be inturrupted!"
"It won't be, my Lord." The Phantom said, turning and walking into the hall,putting his hat back on.
He quickly entered the main hallway, also known as the most-guarded dungeon.
The Witty Phantom smiled as he walked."The master must be losing his nerve. How can such weak kids serve as threats to the Fiend Empire?"
"More so than you think, Wit."
The Phantom turned around. Doing so brought him face-to-face with the King of Yamimakai. [2000/1530]
"The master knows that those kids have extraordinary power. Even without their Millinium Items, their dueling skills rival our Generals'."
"Then they shouldn't be that tough." Witty spat. He dissaproved of the concept of having humans direct their artillery.
"It is no mean feat." Said the horrifying tone of the Lord of Zemia. [1300/1000] "They are constantly getting in the way of our plans on Earth, so we must deal with them."
"But they are young, that is true." Said a dark voice.
The other Fiend-type monsters jumped out of the way as the Reaper of the Cards suddenly appeared. [1380/1930]
"Their youth may be their weakness. But it also gives them the advantage in bravado and courage."
"Who shall take the job, then?" The LoZ asked."One of us must take them out."
"It will be me."Said a raspy voice in the shadows." I have been wanting ssssssssome niccccccccce ssssssssandy air to tasssssssste anyway."
"Ah, Air Eater, you do know how to mix business with pleasure." KoY said.
"Yesssssssss." The green Fiend answered. [2100/1600]
And with that, the winged air-sucking beast flew off, into the night.
"How long do you think it will take him to win?" The RotC asked.
"Without a Megamorph? Probably eternity." The WP answered."But the children lack experience, so their advantage in power may be nullified."
"Let us hope that is the case." Zemia said." The master will not tolerate failure anymore. Isn't that right?" He asked to a person in the dark.
Chained, weak, and very messed up, the scowling, raven-haired boy answered "Yes."
"So enthusiastic, that Buster." KoY said as they moved to their personal chambers."But that temper may stop him from rising in ranks."
"If his rage powers his aggression, and he assumes his Soul Card form, he will be quite hard to pass in rank, actually." RotC stated.
"Do not remind me." The red fiend scowled.
***************************************************************
"So we can turn into whatever card we want?" Mai asked again.
"That is correct." Bakura said, fingering his Ring." But the spell will not dissipate until I make it, and I can only do that in protected towns and cities."
"So, I suggest you all choose wisely." Yami said.
"Harpy Lady!" Mai said immediately.
"My new fave!" Tristan said."Ax Raider!"
"Flame Swordsman." Joey said, sullenly.
"Whatsamatter?" Tristan asked." Isn't he your fave."
"I changed it too."Joey answered." My new fave is Giltia the Knight."
"But why be Flame Swordsman, then?" Yugi asked.
"Um, well, hehe." Joey said, blushing."It's a desert, right? Sorta like a Wasteland. And dinosaurs thrive in Wastelands." So if we run into some dino-"
"You're giving up your favorite to help us? How sweet!" Mai said.
Joey blushed very deeply after this, and started muttering about the heat.
"I have mine already, no transforming needed." Drake said, feeling the Dragoon card in his pocket.
"And I have what might be Lara's." Max said, coming back into the room." Lara, as my son's girlfriend, I'm deeply sorry for you for what Helios did."
He handed a card to her, and she gasped.
She could tell this card was new. It was HER. In red armor[like Mai's in the Virtual World!] and with wings like Drake, she saw herself perfectly painted on. It was titled "Lara the Dragonness." It's statistics were 2000/1800.
And its effect was amazing! For each Dragon type in the grave or field of either player, it gained an extra 200 Atk and Def.
"Amazing." She said, smiling." I guess incredible talents run in the family."
The group then gasped. It was evident Drake had enheireted his father's blushibility.
"Dark Magician!" Yami said, noticing Yugi was off guard.
"Darn, I wanted that!" Yugi said angrily." *sigh* Gaia the Fierce Knight, then."
"Neo the Magic Swordsman!"Ryo said." Then I'll be Ryo the Magic Swordsman!"
"Dark Ma- I mean, Dumanes Dark Witch!" Tea said, blushing.
Yami glanced at her for a second, confused, then ignored it.
Mokuba suddenly grinned, having an idea.
"Mr. Pegasus, whatever I turn into, an you make it my size?" Mokuba asked politely.
"Huh"" He said, confused.
" I wanna be a Toon Dark Magician!" He said happily, before Seto bopped him on the head.
"I think I can give you something better."Pegasus said, smiling. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out-
"You're deck!?"Everyone said incredulously.
"I'm not entering the tournament, so there's no need for it." Pegasus said, suddenly sullen." And I've wanted to make a new one anyway. Being forced to listen to cartoons all the time can make even me annoyed at them."
The group sweatdropped, and Mokuba got the deck.
"Now we can enter the tournament together, Seto!" He said happily, and Seto smiled.
In a flash of light, everyone was transformed.
Yugi had actually grown to his Yami's size[A/N: YES! NO MORE MIDGET!] and was on top of the purple horse.
Seto became the Vorse Raider, [1900/1200]. He wore a very immodest battle vest, showing a lot of muscles that few would believe were there, armored blue jeans that were flexible for quick movement, and had a cool-looking axe-like gauntlet on his right hand.
Tea drooled. Mai drooled. Seto fan-girls around the world cheered. Yami, Yugi, and Joey scowled.
[A/N: I rambled on, filling space with useless sentences.]
Bakura became Giltia, which caused the Flame Swordsman Joey to face-fault.
"Have fun!" Solomon said, waving as they left." And be wary of dark-types!"
"HEY!" Mokuba, Yami, and Seto cried.
"You'd better come back Drake!" Max shouted." Or you're grounded!"
Drake facefaulted into the sand. This would take some getting used to.
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In the city across the desert, citizens looked on occasionally, as hundreds of Skull Servants toiled building a vast arena.
The duel tournament would soon be started, and many anxious people in the city were waiting for some action.
Two people, however, were not interested in the slight humor of the Skulls sometimes breaking to pieces while working, then reassembling themselves.
One dark-skinned boy was sitting in the shade, staring at the ground. He was incredibly shy, and the women of this town were very beautiful in their Ancient Egyptian garbs.
The other one, a girl waring shades, took no interest in the extraordinary sights around them.
"Anything new, Martin?" She asked, not looking up.
"No." He said quietly."No new occurances."
The girl said nothing, instead she merely continued thumbing the object she was keeping in her backpack. She had a strange feeling that this item, however much she charished it, was what brought the two of them to this realm.
"Maybe we can find some answers at that tournament next week." She said finally." And I can actually do something. I'm tired of waiting in this inn."
"Oky." He said." Um, ready for lunch, Tempest?"
"Call me Shade, now." She said, turning, starting to feel the wall back to the door. "I have a feeling this town might get very dark."
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A/N: Another long chapter. Please read and review. also, note that Tempest/Shade and Martin are the cool creations of Gema J. Gall, who's works and great fic, Shayla's story, is a constant inspiration to me. Please read GJG's fics, review them, and see Drake and Lara make a guest appearance!
Next time: As the group tries to cross the desert, the powerful Air Eater tries to overtake them. Though weak compared to some of the group, this dastardly Fiend's Air-sucking abilities may choke more than our heroes progress! Can they survive? Tune in to the next exciting episode, of Dragon Ba- I mean, Fellowship of the Dragoon!
Fiend's Suck. No, Really!
Yami Alpha: Sounds fun!Stop talking and start typing!
Dracomon: YES! I'm still waiting for your crossover, and it's very irritating.
Alpha: *groans* Why are my friends always so impatient!?
Both, plus all reviewers of Alpha's stories: BECAUSE YOU'RE TOO SLOW!
Alpha: Oh, yeaaaaaaaaaaaah! ^__^
Disclaimer: * lifts paper, looks toward 4Kids* I own Yu-gi-oh! So do you! No I don't, so you no sue!
Claimer: Just a bunch of useless ideas. * starts running as Drake pulls out a sword*
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3rd Person Omniscient POV
"Finally!"Joey exclaimed, being at the top of the mountain they had just climbed." Hey, guys, look at this!"
In the valley beneath the mountain, a large city, furbished in Egyptian architecture.[An: If that word is misspelled, I DO NOT CARE!]
"'Finally' is right!" Mai said, climbing up to the same level."We've been looking for days!"
The entire group looked at the large city with relief. It was evident that the city was inhabited, as the crowds of people were visible from this height. But while the others looked on in great eagerness for civilization, one of the party frowned.
{Why does this view seem so familier?} Yami asked himself.{Have I been here before?}
"Since "somebody's" insane opinions of fun made us climb this stupid mountain, can we please use our monsters to get to town?" Mokuba all but demanded, glaring, with most of the others, at Ryo.
" I'm insane? Isn't your brother the one who bought out a whole farm for you to have a few pony rides?" Ryo shot back.
"He only bought the horse stables, and that's an entirely different subject!" Mokuba said while blushing
"Sure, Mokuba." Drake said." We can use our cards."
"I'll summon my Winged Dragon!" Yugi called, and the monster appeared.
[1400/1200]
"And I my Curse of Dragon!" Yami said, leaping into the air, then landing on the Dark Dragon. [2000/1500]
"I'm not one to stop a fad!" Mai said." Harpy's Pet Dragon!"[2000/2500]
"Me either. Baby Dragon!" [1200/700]
The group sweatdropped as the small dragon appeared.
"I need someone to ride Shotgun!" Joey said with a smirk." Go, Panther Warrior!" [2000/1700]
What looked like a panther in purple armor appeared, and Joey and his BD jumped on it.
"Show off." Ryo sighed." I'll bring out my Cyber Falcon!" [1400/1200]
What looked like an eagle covered in steel appeared, and Ryo grabbed hold of it's neck, which strangely had grips on it, as is it expected a rider.
Lara looked at her Locket, and sighed. She had learned over the last few days that she didn't need it to summon monsters. Still, it had one major advantage. The monsters she summoned with it had personalities and complete will, while the others never disobeyed unless they really hated their masters, and some monsters had no personality.
"I guess I'll just ride whatever Drake sends." She said, ignoring the snickers from the others and blushes from Drake."Plenty of room for two on most of his, right?"
Drake, however, looked thoughtful. He stared at the card he had called mentally to his hand, and thought of it.
*You should tell your friends.* His yami said; since the event with Buster, he and Lara had remained in normal form, to conserve their counterparts' energies.
*Ok, I will* Drake sent back.
"There's something I need to tell you guys." He said.
The group looked at him curiously, and Drake felt his face flush.
"My dad once created a card, just for me. He based it after me, and it was the only card in existance. But till now I've been too ashamed to use it."
"Cool!" Yugi said." Imagine having a card based after you, it must be neat."
"It is." Yami said, smiling.[An: First person to guess this gets my congrats.]
"Well, here goes nothing!" Drake said, lifting the card." Drake the Legendary Dragoon!"
In a blinding flash of light, he changed.
Where his normal clothes once were, he now wore fiery armor[think the armor Yugi wore in that Virtual World, only red] and were most would wear a cape, Drake had two large red wings, each coming out of a slit in the armor's back.
He had a small sheath on his back, probably fit for a dagger, but it had no hilt.
"WOW." Was the exclamation from the entire group, including Drake.
{Must resist,....erge....to glomp.....} Lara thought, seeing how Drake strangly looked even hotter than usual with armor and wings.
*Awww, that's no fun!* Her yami said. *If you don't glomp, I can't glomp. AND I WANNA GLOMP!*
"What's you stats?" Yugi asked, taking in the utter look of strength.
"The same as a Dark Magician's." Drake said, embarrased." My dad wanted me to be as strong as the first card I ever drew. I actually helped him with the cards, sometimes."
"Any effects?" Yami asked, wanting to know what powers he had.
"I'll leave that a secret, for now." Drake said, smirking.
He then blushed entirely, as Lara jumped into his arms.
"Like I said, I'm riding whatever you send!" She said, happily hugging him tightly.
"Ok. But be warned, I haven't flown before now."
"Wh...WHAT!"
With that, they all flew off, except for Joey, who rode off on the PW.
Lara admired the few, Drake enjoyed the ability to fly, and Lara also enjoyed being in Drake's arms like this; it was like a dream she used to have, of some hero flying her to a safe place.
The landed a few feet away from the village, and, very relunctantly, Drake changed back.
The other monsters dissapeared as well, but not before the BD shot one more fireball at a final, unsuspecting bush.
***************************************************************
The city was teeming, full of people and humaniod monsters alike. The group stopped several times checking out the scenery, before running into someone Yami had hoped to find.
"An Ancient Brain?" Drake asked incredulously.
The Ancient Brain was a strange creature indeed. About Yugi's height, his head was hairless, and skinless, showing his namesake. A horn stuck threw the top of his large brain, and he held a staff. [1000/700]
"Excuse me, sir." Yami said, bowing in some sort of respect." We're kind've lost, and-"
"You want to know if I knew where your friends are."The creature asked in a raspy voice. It was a comment, not a question."They are in an inn known as the Stallion's Wing. Just about two blocks west."
"Th..thanks!" Yugi said, amazed.
"You are welcome, youngling." The AB said."Oh, yes. Be careful of that one."He said, pointing to Joey."He seems to squander my favorite organ too much. Luckily, you have enough of it for the both of you."
Both Joey and Yugi both reddened, and Yami chuckled out loud.
"It was truly an honor, sir."He said." Thank you, and I hope we meet again."
"Wisdom be with you." The AB called as they walked toward their destination."And never waste knowledge! Even the smallest bit can be the difference."
***************************************************************
The Stallion's Wing was a large, spacious inn, with a picture of a Firewing Pegasus on the sign.
"Yugi!" An old, energetic voice called from the inn." Yugi! Is that really you?"
"Grandpa!" Yugi cried happily, rushing into his grandfathers arms." You're here! You're safe!"
"Of course I'm safe, Yugi!" Solomon Moto said happily, wiping his eyes slightly."Why wouldn't I be?"
"Maybe because you're "critically ill" and, "Cleaning gives you heart attacks"!" A familier voice griped.
"Seto!" Mokuba exclaimed, and ran over to his brother." You're OK!"
"Nevr better, Mokuba." Seto said happily." Although doing double chores to keep us in this inn's rooms is quite tiring."
"Quite a reunion, isn't it?" Yami asked."It's great that they're finally reunited. I hate failing my vows."
"Yeah, I'm really choked up." Joey said, nervous." Now let's go before he starts cracking dog jokes again."
"And look! You even got a bloodhound to track us down! Great job, Yugi!" Seto mocked.
Before Joey could say a word, Seto was hit by a very heavy-looking stick.
"NO ONE INSULTS MY APPRENTENCES!" Solomon yelled, repeatedly beating Seto with the stick.
As sweatdrops abound, most of the group burst out laughing.
Except for Seto, who seemed ready to go unconscious, and Solomon, who was wondering when he should stop.
***************************************************************
50 smacks and a half hour later.........................
The group sat around the fireplace of the inn, talking about their adventures and trying discreetly to touch Seto's even more swollen head.
The real shocker came about another few minutes later.
"When do you think he'll be back." Seto asked." I'm getting kind of hungry."
"Who?"Yugi asked, confused.
"I'm back!" A VERY familier voice called." And yes, Seto-boy, I did get the hot do-"
There was the sound of dropping bags.
There, in the doorway, was-
"PEGASUS!" Yami exclaimed, jumping to his feet."First you seal us in this realm, and now you have the nerve to track us down!"
It was indeed Pegasus, but something was wrong.
Whereas Pegasus had always worn fine clothes and had an insane smile on his face, he now wore what appeared to be an archeologist's clothes, and had a shocked look on his face." d...d..Drake?" He asked, his voice little more than a whisper.
"Oh yes, I forgot about that." Solomon said, grinning in a Joey-style.
Pegasus got a look of fear on his face, then ran.
"What was that?" Joey asked.
"Why is he here."Drake growled menacingly.
"Believe me, it's a long story." Seto said, taking the ice off his head."It appears that Max isn't really the one we should be focusing our efforts against.
"What do you mean?" Lara asked.
"Tell me, have any of you heard of Yamis?"
That single question stopped everyone's hearts.
"No. No. NO! YOU'RE JOKING!" Drake exclaimed.
"Our adversery is his dark side. My, how ironic." Bakura said, a strange tone to his voice.
"No way! You mean, Pegasus has a yami too?" Yugi asked, shocked.
"It was so obvious!" Drake said furiously, suddenly pulling power from his own yami and pounding his fists on the table." I should have known. I should have guessed from the moment I learned about Bakura!"
He looked down in self-hate."But I was too focused on my" manipulative, heartless" father!"
"Drake-" Lara started, but stopped. Drake's eyes held not only disbelief, but tears.
"I can't believe it....all this time....."
"It must be harsh." Bakura said." When my yami took over me, I could still hear what he heard."
Drake's heart officially smashed then.
"I've...i've hated him....for years......even said it....to his face........but he.....no control.........."
Drake broke. He completely put his hands over his face; It was neccessary to hide his tears.
"Well, I guess there's only one thing to do." Solomon said plainly."Apoligize."
"I can't." Drake said, and the group was shocked to hear a slight whimper in the tone." I have no right. I...I was so...such a....AGH!"
Lara had chosen that time to punch him in the stomach.
"Drake, listen to yourself!" She said angrily." You have every right! He probably hates himself more than you hate yourself right now, and if apoligizing, just letting him know you still care, that could help him!"
"What if I can't?" Drake nearly yelled, uncovering his tear-striken face." I haven't cared for him in years, I haven't even hoped he would be the same as before, how can I still know how to care?"
"You're crying, aren't you?" Lara pointed out, hugging him softly."That shows. You care about him, Drake. And I refuse to believe otherwise So, QUIT BEING SO STUBBORN!" She yelled, point-blank in his ear.
***************************************************************
Lying down in his office, a once-powerful man was squirming in his pain.
Maximilian Pegasus heard a knock at his door.
"Go away." He moaned."I'm not in the mood to trounce you tonight, Kaiba-boy."
"Then will you except your son?"
Pegasus looked up, and saw Drake in the doorway.
"Drake!" He gasped, sitting up." I...I..."
There was silence for a few seconds. Pegasus tuned over every excuse, every way he could explain in his mind, but he found nothing. Then-
"How long have you been trapped?" Drake asked in a sad voice.
Pegasus could have smiled, if he wasn't so mad at himself." 10 years. I've been a slave for ten years."
"10 years!" Drake exclaimed in shock." You mean that heartless scum has been controlling you for an entire decade?"
"Y..YEs." Pegasus said, also shocked." You're..you're not mad at me?"
"Of course not." Drake smiled, eyes watering."I'm only mad at myself. If I had just stopped to ask, once, I might actually have known the truth. But I was too stubborn, to caught up in my belief, that I refused to think anything else."
He walked over to his dad." Dad, I want to say that I'm sorry, and I hope you'll still have me for a son."
"Of course!" Pegasus exlaimed, suddenly smiling through his tears."Why wouldn't I?"
He then did something he hadn't done in ten years; he hugged Drake.
Drake, however shocked, started to cry. The last time has EVER been hugged by a parent was when he was 5.
Just then, everyone who had been hiding outside used their cameras. Drake and his dad didn't care; they would kill them later.
***************************************************************
Bakura smiled as he looked in the inn's restroom's mirror.
The normally innocent face was dark, menacing.
"Hard to believe mortals are so easy to disturb. I almost laughed out there, such a wimp."
He washed his face, unable to get the dirty look out of his eyes, and glanced at his Ring.
"Still, this will be more interesting as it develops." He smirked toward his reflection."I think I'll wait awhile before taking their Items, humans are such interesting comedians."
***************************************************************
"So, what's the plan?" Drake said, wiping a happy tear from his eye." We still need to get out of this realm, and stop your yami."
"Personally, I have no idea." Pegasus admitted." I've lived here for years, I actually own this inn! I've been thinking about it, but I haven't a clue!"
"Luckily, I do." Yami said." Even yamis in the real world have some sort of connection between the two realms. If we can find it, and destroy it, then maybe we can get home!"
"So, we have to kill Helios, then." Peasus said, a solemn look on his face." So be it."
"Helios?" Ryo asked.
"The name I gave my yami." Pegasus said.
"He has a name, then." Yami said."I personally like my title enough, but it's an interesting idea."
"Lance." Drake said." I think that would be good for mine."
*Finally, a good idea comes to your brain! Maybe you'll even think of going a little further with Lara ton-*
"Prima!" Lara said, inturrupting Drake's yami.
"Ryou." Bakura said." After my last name. Though I hope I never have to speak it."
[AN: Here in USA, it's Bakura Ryou. My, what Eternal Duelist Soul teaches you!]
"Ok, enough with the name games." Pegasus said, smiling."I don't know exactly how to find Helios's connection, but we have to try."
"Maybe you should try the upcoming tournament." Came a voice near the door. The Ancient Brain walked in."Many duelists around the realm are coming to participate. Maybe one of them will know."
"Great idea!" Pegasus said.
"A tournament?" Yugi asked."What tournament, Pegasus?"
"Please, call me Maximilian, or just Max if you prefer." He said politely." A few days ago, a Witty Phantom announced that a tournament is going to be held across the countryside. The prizes are said to be large, and the competition fierce!"
"We're in!" Both Drake and Yami exclaimed.
"The tournament lies across a desert that is extremely barren and dangerous." Solomon said." It will be risky for anyone who isn't a Monster to cross it."
"Then it's settled." Bakura said, smirking." If only Duel Monsters can cross, only Duel Monsters WILL cross!"
***************************************************************
"Are all the events in place?" A dark voice asked from the shadows.
"Indeed, my lord." Said a red-skinned man in a purple suit. Well, a monster actually. [1400/1300]
"Good." The mysterious monster in the darkness said; it's voice seemed to echo of pain and horror."Leave only their bones to serve as their markers. My plan must not be inturrupted!"
"It won't be, my Lord." The Phantom said, turning and walking into the hall,putting his hat back on.
He quickly entered the main hallway, also known as the most-guarded dungeon.
The Witty Phantom smiled as he walked."The master must be losing his nerve. How can such weak kids serve as threats to the Fiend Empire?"
"More so than you think, Wit."
The Phantom turned around. Doing so brought him face-to-face with the King of Yamimakai. [2000/1530]
"The master knows that those kids have extraordinary power. Even without their Millinium Items, their dueling skills rival our Generals'."
"Then they shouldn't be that tough." Witty spat. He dissaproved of the concept of having humans direct their artillery.
"It is no mean feat." Said the horrifying tone of the Lord of Zemia. [1300/1000] "They are constantly getting in the way of our plans on Earth, so we must deal with them."
"But they are young, that is true." Said a dark voice.
The other Fiend-type monsters jumped out of the way as the Reaper of the Cards suddenly appeared. [1380/1930]
"Their youth may be their weakness. But it also gives them the advantage in bravado and courage."
"Who shall take the job, then?" The LoZ asked."One of us must take them out."
"It will be me."Said a raspy voice in the shadows." I have been wanting ssssssssome niccccccccce ssssssssandy air to tasssssssste anyway."
"Ah, Air Eater, you do know how to mix business with pleasure." KoY said.
"Yesssssssss." The green Fiend answered. [2100/1600]
And with that, the winged air-sucking beast flew off, into the night.
"How long do you think it will take him to win?" The RotC asked.
"Without a Megamorph? Probably eternity." The WP answered."But the children lack experience, so their advantage in power may be nullified."
"Let us hope that is the case." Zemia said." The master will not tolerate failure anymore. Isn't that right?" He asked to a person in the dark.
Chained, weak, and very messed up, the scowling, raven-haired boy answered "Yes."
"So enthusiastic, that Buster." KoY said as they moved to their personal chambers."But that temper may stop him from rising in ranks."
"If his rage powers his aggression, and he assumes his Soul Card form, he will be quite hard to pass in rank, actually." RotC stated.
"Do not remind me." The red fiend scowled.
***************************************************************
"So we can turn into whatever card we want?" Mai asked again.
"That is correct." Bakura said, fingering his Ring." But the spell will not dissipate until I make it, and I can only do that in protected towns and cities."
"So, I suggest you all choose wisely." Yami said.
"Harpy Lady!" Mai said immediately.
"My new fave!" Tristan said."Ax Raider!"
"Flame Swordsman." Joey said, sullenly.
"Whatsamatter?" Tristan asked." Isn't he your fave."
"I changed it too."Joey answered." My new fave is Giltia the Knight."
"But why be Flame Swordsman, then?" Yugi asked.
"Um, well, hehe." Joey said, blushing."It's a desert, right? Sorta like a Wasteland. And dinosaurs thrive in Wastelands." So if we run into some dino-"
"You're giving up your favorite to help us? How sweet!" Mai said.
Joey blushed very deeply after this, and started muttering about the heat.
"I have mine already, no transforming needed." Drake said, feeling the Dragoon card in his pocket.
"And I have what might be Lara's." Max said, coming back into the room." Lara, as my son's girlfriend, I'm deeply sorry for you for what Helios did."
He handed a card to her, and she gasped.
She could tell this card was new. It was HER. In red armor[like Mai's in the Virtual World!] and with wings like Drake, she saw herself perfectly painted on. It was titled "Lara the Dragonness." It's statistics were 2000/1800.
And its effect was amazing! For each Dragon type in the grave or field of either player, it gained an extra 200 Atk and Def.
"Amazing." She said, smiling." I guess incredible talents run in the family."
The group then gasped. It was evident Drake had enheireted his father's blushibility.
"Dark Magician!" Yami said, noticing Yugi was off guard.
"Darn, I wanted that!" Yugi said angrily." *sigh* Gaia the Fierce Knight, then."
"Neo the Magic Swordsman!"Ryo said." Then I'll be Ryo the Magic Swordsman!"
"Dark Ma- I mean, Dumanes Dark Witch!" Tea said, blushing.
Yami glanced at her for a second, confused, then ignored it.
Mokuba suddenly grinned, having an idea.
"Mr. Pegasus, whatever I turn into, an you make it my size?" Mokuba asked politely.
"Huh"" He said, confused.
" I wanna be a Toon Dark Magician!" He said happily, before Seto bopped him on the head.
"I think I can give you something better."Pegasus said, smiling. He reached into his pocket, and pulled out-
"You're deck!?"Everyone said incredulously.
"I'm not entering the tournament, so there's no need for it." Pegasus said, suddenly sullen." And I've wanted to make a new one anyway. Being forced to listen to cartoons all the time can make even me annoyed at them."
The group sweatdropped, and Mokuba got the deck.
"Now we can enter the tournament together, Seto!" He said happily, and Seto smiled.
In a flash of light, everyone was transformed.
Yugi had actually grown to his Yami's size[A/N: YES! NO MORE MIDGET!] and was on top of the purple horse.
Seto became the Vorse Raider, [1900/1200]. He wore a very immodest battle vest, showing a lot of muscles that few would believe were there, armored blue jeans that were flexible for quick movement, and had a cool-looking axe-like gauntlet on his right hand.
Tea drooled. Mai drooled. Seto fan-girls around the world cheered. Yami, Yugi, and Joey scowled.
[A/N: I rambled on, filling space with useless sentences.]
Bakura became Giltia, which caused the Flame Swordsman Joey to face-fault.
"Have fun!" Solomon said, waving as they left." And be wary of dark-types!"
"HEY!" Mokuba, Yami, and Seto cried.
"You'd better come back Drake!" Max shouted." Or you're grounded!"
Drake facefaulted into the sand. This would take some getting used to.
***************************************************************
In the city across the desert, citizens looked on occasionally, as hundreds of Skull Servants toiled building a vast arena.
The duel tournament would soon be started, and many anxious people in the city were waiting for some action.
Two people, however, were not interested in the slight humor of the Skulls sometimes breaking to pieces while working, then reassembling themselves.
One dark-skinned boy was sitting in the shade, staring at the ground. He was incredibly shy, and the women of this town were very beautiful in their Ancient Egyptian garbs.
The other one, a girl waring shades, took no interest in the extraordinary sights around them.
"Anything new, Martin?" She asked, not looking up.
"No." He said quietly."No new occurances."
The girl said nothing, instead she merely continued thumbing the object she was keeping in her backpack. She had a strange feeling that this item, however much she charished it, was what brought the two of them to this realm.
"Maybe we can find some answers at that tournament next week." She said finally." And I can actually do something. I'm tired of waiting in this inn."
"Oky." He said." Um, ready for lunch, Tempest?"
"Call me Shade, now." She said, turning, starting to feel the wall back to the door. "I have a feeling this town might get very dark."
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A/N: Another long chapter. Please read and review. also, note that Tempest/Shade and Martin are the cool creations of Gema J. Gall, who's works and great fic, Shayla's story, is a constant inspiration to me. Please read GJG's fics, review them, and see Drake and Lara make a guest appearance!
Next time: As the group tries to cross the desert, the powerful Air Eater tries to overtake them. Though weak compared to some of the group, this dastardly Fiend's Air-sucking abilities may choke more than our heroes progress! Can they survive? Tune in to the next exciting episode, of Dragon Ba- I mean, Fellowship of the Dragoon!
Fiend's Suck. No, Really!