A/N: Ummmm, yes.
Disclaimer: Gema J. Gall. 4Kids. Both owners of things I'm not.
Claimer: *sighs*
Notice: If anyone reads my other fics, you'll see some very special guest stars this chapter.
**************************************************************
Judgement, along with the others, felt a huge wave of grief when the podiums came down.
"Man! Not even Kaiba can beat this guy? We're toast," Joey grimaced.
"That will be for the future to decide," Ishizu said mysteriously as Shadi raised his Key.
The Necklace appeared, alongside what looked like a digitized dinoaur.
"That's you and me," Ryo said grimly to Ishizu.
As the others went upstairs, Judgement followed.
"Stop," she heard Shadi say. She turned around, slightly apprehensive.
"I believe you have a few questions worthy of answering," he said.
She considered this. "Not to sound rude, but why are you helping me?" She asked. "We're rivals in two days, rivals for our very lives!"
"I have a duty," he explained, "to protect the Millennium Items and their holders. Regardless of what must happen, I follow my responsibilities."
She smiled. "Okay, I've been having some strange dreams lately. Dreams about me, I think, but I'm in Egypt!"
"I believe what you are experiencing is your ancestor's memories," he answered.
"My...ancestor?" she asked, slightly anxious. She had been dropped at an orphanage at birth, so she knew practically nothing of her lineage.
Shadi smiled. "Yes. In those times, a theory was made: The ones who held Millennium Items would have decendants, ones who were like their forefathers in almost every way. However, your Item does not hold your ancestor's spirit, as the others often do, so you are reliving her memories, to make up for it."
"Harsh," she said, trying not to think too much. This guy seemed to like confusing explanations a tad too much.
"Yes, but it is necessary. Anything else?" he asked, glancing at a clock. It was getting a little late.
"Yes, I want to know, what exactly happened to her? What are my dreams telling me?"
Here, Shadi's smile faltered." That, I do not know. I am sorry."
"Is there anyway you can find out?" she asked as he started for the stairs.
He stopped, thinking. "Yes, my Key can unlock a person's mind, allowing me to search through it."
"Then you could do that?" she asked. Using her Scales again for a moment, she saw he was slightly embarrassed.
"Very well. I just don't like traveling in a woman's mind. It seems too perverse for me."
Judgement chuckled as he put the Key to her forehead, and turned.
**************************************************************
"You know, it might have been a good idea to learn a little more about this Fiend Empire before we left," Yugi said as his two travelling partners groaned.
It had been one day, eight pit stops, and a fried Boar Soldier since they had departed.
They were currently in Pub, a large metropolis city made entirely of bars, inns, and taverns.
"There are most likely a few fiends in this large cesspool," Yami muttered. "We could just 'ask'."
"I doubt 'asking' would work," Simon interjected. "Fiends are devious, but loyal to their masters to the end. Most likely, they would need more 'financial' persuasion to betray whoever they're working for."
"That persuasion is one we're not very skilled at, for lack of it," Yugi sighed.
"Yugi! Yami! What are you guys doing here?" came a familier voice from behind them.
"Drake! Lara!" Yugi said happily as they approached. "Why are you guys here?"
"We stopped for a little r'n'r before returning to the Coliseum," Lara explained, an evil smirk on her face again. "We've hardly had any sleep at all, which probably was Drake's intent."
Yugi chuckled as Drake's face predictably filled with color from his hair.
Drake, however, grinned through the blush and showed a large collection of blue color-coded cards. "We've managed to get all the Divine on our side! The Fiend Empire doesn't stand a chance!"
"That reminds me," Simon said gravely. "Is your last name Pegasus?"
"Yes," Drake said, face normal, but with a hint of worry. "Why?"
"I'm afraid I have some bad news. Your father's been kidnapped by the Fiends."
**************************************************************
Seto Kaiba opened his eyes. He probably wouldn't know where he was, were it not for his building in the distance.
"Kaiba Corp! I'm back in Domino!"
*Bully for you, but now what?* came Seth's voice in his mind.
"Huh, didn't know you were going to end up in my head again. You'd better not be poking around in there, you might get lost."
*Are you warning me or insulting yourself?*
Seto ignored him, and started trudging to his company.
The streets were empty, and few houses had their lights on.
*Helios's doing,* Seth spat. *This town is famous for better than average duelists, and anyone who can pull an eight turn win is in the Shadow Realm!*
"Which makes everyone else to afraid to leave their homes," Seto finished. "We'll go to Duelist Kingdom later, but for now we have a few traitors to thrash!"
*Somehow I knew this would be fun!* Seth grinned.
"Of course!" Seto replied, also grinning.
That was when they heard a rustling behind them.
**************************************************************
Judgement stepped back, shocked, as the light-headed feeling suddenly stopped.
"I see...." Shadi said, putting his Key away.
"What?"
Shadi gave a grim smile."Her real name was Shayla, and she served as a royal judge until her dying day. I will spare you those details, as they may hurt more than help."
"Thanks," she said, happily.
As she turned to leave, Shadi said, "Wait, there is one more thing."
She turned around, slightly nervous.
Shadi had an intrigued look. "I... look forward to our duel."
As he left a confused girl, who now knew her real name, Shadi smirked. "Of course I look forward to it. No yami, but somehow her lack of one gives her the same amount of skill? It will be an interesting match."
He then grimaced as he noticed the clock. It was only a few hours before another's fate would be decided.
**************************************************************
"How long?" Zera echoed to the Warrior of Tradition. His body was almost complete, but one more thing was needed. "The Ritual must take place soon!"
"The neccessary creatures have been located," she answered, shaking in anger and fear. Years of double-agent work against this, and a few days were about to end it?
"And what of our newest asset, Edals?" he asked. She tensed.
"My lord, she is dead. Helios's Coliseum targeted her. Since we made her from the evil you accidentally brought back with you, the Coliseum attacked her because young Buster, or Roan, was under 'her' influence at the time."
"It matters not," he said coldly, stepping up. "A few days, and I will do it myself anyway! The armor is already in position on my throne, and there the Three shall be sacrificed, giving me the power to dominate all!"
As she left the room, the Warrior grimaced. {That boy needs to hurry, humanity's spare time is almost up!}
**************************************************************
After quickly stopping the situation, knocking Drake out, and reviving Simon, Yugi assured their mysterious friend he would NOT be pinned to the wall and interregated by a highly worried Dragoon. At least, not anymore.
"But is there anyway we can save him?" Yami asked, gripping his hands again.
Lara suddenly got a look of enthusiasm. She stopped rubbing the unconscious Drake's neck [*Darn!* Lance thought as Prima also stopped], and quickly pulled out a card.
"Yami, can I see your Dark Magician?" She asked.
Slightly getting the idea, he answered," Sure, but DON'T harm it in any way!"
"Sheesh, I won't. My card, though, might be another story."
She put both in her Locket, and the DM and DMG appeared.
"Hey Dia! Great to see you again!" She said happily the the DMG.
"Lara! Um, why am I he- Darien?"
"Darien?" Both Yugi and Yami said, looking at their favorite card.
"Yeah, my name. It's great to finally meet the two of you! Not that it matters, but I'm probably now one of the only monsters since Ancient Egypt to actually meet the I'm fighting for!"
"So, why did you call us?" Dia asked.
Lara smiled." This unconcsious guy is Drake, my boyfriend that you're not going to reveal anything I've said about him." She said quickly, which most likely would have caused a concsious Drake to blush.
"And?" Darien urged, impatient.
"His dad, who turns out to be a pretty cool guy after all, had been kidnapped by the Fiend Empire."
At this, the two Spellcastors shared a glance full of excitement.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Darien asked.
"Besides that you look better in black, yes." Dia answered.
At this, the two shouted simultaneously,"FINALLY! A NEW CASE!"
**************************************************************
"Let the match begin." Shadi said half-heartedly as the two podiums reached the top. The only audience members were the remaining competitors.
"Well, I guess it would only be fair if the underdog went first, so-" Ryo was caught off, though, as Ishizu immediately played a monster facedown and another card facedown.
{Huh, guess I'm getting too predictable.} He thought, looking through his hand.
If he lacked what some called a 'poker' face, he would have grinned in pride at his cards.
His deck was made entirely of the cards he cared about most, meaning every one of them was once won from a duel or tournament.
{I worked hard and cared for these cards, and I trust this deck with my life. Which, ironically, I have to now.} He thought.
"I play one monster facedo-"
"I flip my trap, Light of Intervention." Ishizu interjected. Immediately, a large ray of light struck his monster, revealing it to be a very rare card indeed, the Illusionist Faceless Mage. [1200/2200]
{Ok, there's no way I could be THAT predictable! How did she do that?}
Her own monster was also flipped up, the Fairy's Gift. [1400/1000]
"Ok, I suppose my old method of surprise won't work," He joked slightly." So I'll just play another card facedown, and end my turn!"
{Well, my Defense Wall strategy's out, so I'd better bring on some more original things.}
"If you're through thinking up some useless plan, I'll go." Ishizu saud." I summon the monster, Dark Witch!" [1800/1700]
The Dark Witch, contrary to it's name, was a Light-type monster. She wore a tight-fitting, low-cut yellow dress, had bushy indigo hair, and held a staff in one hand.
"Also, to overcome your illusions, I'll add some light to the subject!" She snapped fiercly." Luminous Spark, a field magic card!"
Another ray of light shone, this time over the entire field.
"Luminous Spark..." Ryo said." Not your ordinary field.
"That's true." Ishizu explained." Luminous Spark affects Light types only, increasing attack by 500 points, while decreasing defense 400." [1800-2300/1700-1300] [1400-1900/1000-600]
"I'll now have my Dark Witch attack your Mage, with Dark Disguise Staff!" The Witch lunged for the Mage, staff ready to strike.
"I flip my facedown Trap card!" Ryo said with an award-winning grin." Magic Arm-Shield!"
A metal shield appeared in front of the Mage, and instantly two mechanical arms shot out from it. The arms grabbed the Fairy's Gift, and placed it in the attack's path.
"Well, I suppose your Mage is safe for now." Ishizu admitted as her Fairy dissapated with the Staff's power." But it was very lucky you had that defense trap waiting."
The emphasis she put on 'lucky' was highly suspiscious.
"Hmm, interesting," Helios whispered quietly as she put a card facedown." Ryo has rare and powerful cards abound, but somehow Ishi-girl knows exactly how to overcome them. Since she has nothing to see into his mind as I can, how is she doing it?"
He tried probing her mind for an answer, but before he did, he noticed a magical wall somehow blocking his eye. Even more mysterious, it came from her Necklace!
{Did she know that too? How?!} He thought in surprise.
Shayla was also interested in these happenings, but for different reasons. Every time Ishizu had played a card so far, she had felt her Scales tip toward her.
{But that's only supposed to happen to those with guilty hearts, why is it pointing to her?}
Ryo drew, and grinned again." Allow me to show you a card I won in a tournament a few months ago! Seiyaryu, or aka, the holy dragon!" [2500/2300]
The card that Joey and the others knew as Drake and Lara's most significant card appeared, roaring. [3000/1900]
"Thanks for the help your Spark gives me, Ishizu." He said before commanding," Seiyaryu, Razor Flare!"
A burst of bright flame shone forth, hitting-
"Woboku." Ishizu said, flipping the card and defending her Witch.
"Ummm, yeah, ignore that last sentance." Ryo said sheepishly, earning face-faults from the audience.
"I can't tell who has the adantage or not!" Joey said in exhasperation." This duel is just going back and forth!"
"Something tells me it's my sister." Marik answered mysteriously.
"Next, I'll play one monster facedown, and two cards facedown. I also move Dark Witch to defense."
{Yes! With that Luminous Spark card, her defenses will be easy to demolish!} Ryo thought, drawing a card.
"I summon Witch of the Black Forest, in defense mode." He said. [1100/1200]
This new Witch wore a black robe, and her untidy purple hair held a brown feather. She also had a third, green eye.
"I also play one card facedown, and move Seiyaryu to defense mode!"
"Hmm, unusual strategy." Shadi said, looking between the two duelists." Ishizu can now easily destroy Seiyaryu, but that means that other card must be a dangerous Trap."
"Now, my Dark Witch will attack the Black Forest one!" Ishizu said, which caused Ryo to grimace slightly.
As he pulled one of his best cards with 1500 or less defense from his deck, Ryo thought{How did she guess? Most duelists would immediately go for the strongest destroyable monster, to eliminate the threat! Could she be reading my mind?}
"Fine, I now play one of my rarest cards, the Jinzo!" [2400/1500]
Ishizu smirked." Very well, this means no traps for you either!"
"But my facedown card wasn't a trap!" Ryo said confidantly," I now flip Raigeki, destroying your mo-"
"I flip the Living Arrow." Ishizu countered. "Meaning your Raigeki is redirected."
Ryo groaned as his monsters were defeated.
"But that's not all! I also flipTime Machine, which revives the last monster destroyed!" The Jinzo rematerialized.
"Finally, I play this card, Elf's Light, bringing my Witch's attack higher!" [2300-2700]
"And now, I destroy your Jinzo!"
The android was smashed, as were Ryo's points. [LP:1700]
"Good move, but it's not over yet!" He smiled. " Seiyaryu, attack her Witch!"
As the Witch burned, the match went again to a standoff. [LP:1700]
"Ishizu is incredibly talented." Shayla said, using her Scales again to see." Ryo's the champion of almost every card game there is, save this. He's almost undefeated, and some of his cards I haven't even heard of."
"You're kidding me, right?" Joey said apprehensively, knowing there was every chance he might have to duel him." I mean, Drake beat him in less than ten turns, and we all know THIS will take longer."
{Yes, well Joey, Drakey-boy had more luck drawing cards! I should know..} Helios thought deviously.
"Brilliant move, really!" Ishizu joked." Attacking straight out, not even I would think of that!"
"I should congradulate you, Ishtar, I didn't think it was possible to talk as much as this one girl I know!"
She smirked." Please don't compare me to the tomboy you call 'pumpkin', Akiyama."
This brought a jawdrop from the famous duelist.{How the... does she know....crap, if she does, I am soooooooo dead.}
Ishizu drew her card, and suddenly there was a victorious gleam in her eyes.
"First, I reveal my facedown Mystical Elf!" She said. [800-1300/2000-1600]
"Next, I summon the Shining Fairy, in attack mode!" [1400-1900/700-300]
"And now, I use the magic card, White Dragon Ritual!"
"Oh no!" Ryo shouted, but none of the audience shared surprise. Shayla, Joey, and Marik didn't know what it meant, but a stoic-expressional Shadi and Helios did.
In yet another flash of light, her two monsters were gone, replaced by a knight on top of a thin, long, white dragon with familier blue eyes. [1500-2000/1200-800]
"I suppose you know what this means?" Ishizu asked hypothetically to the white-faced champ.
She grinned, and continued in his silence." I now offer my Blue Eyes Knight, leaving his dragon un-tamed, thus creating..."
The knight dissapeared, and suddenly the dragon grew, it's width increasing dramatically, it's hight reaching near the ceiling;in short, becoming what every duelist in the world knew as-
"The Blue Eyes White Dragon!" She yelled in victorious mirth. [3000-3500/2500-2100]
"Sweet merciful crud," Joey said as Ryo's dragon was blasted away. [LP:1200] "Now I REALLY hope I don't hafta' duel her!"
"Well, don't count me out yet!" Ryo said as he drew."First, I play Shield & Sword!"
Ishizu didn't seem startled. [2600/3100]
"And now, I use Copycat, which lets me turn your hard work against you!" Ryo said with another smirk, as a Blue Eyes appeared on his side. [3500/2100]
"I hope you don't really think the tables have turned." Ishizu said. [LP:800]
"Not at all, Ms. Perfect, I wouldn't dream of feeling overconfidant dueling you."
"You have no idea." She said quietly, her Necklace glowing slightly.
"That's it!" Shayla said suddenly. She turned to Shadi," Her Millenium Item, what does it do?"
Shadi smiled." I wondered when you would figure it out. Her Necklace allows her to see through time, both past and future."
"SO, she knows exactly WHAT Ryo's going to do, not what he MAY do." Helios breathed in slight jealousy.
"Yes, but this isn't really an advantage." He said.
Noticing the others confused look, he answered," Look at her, if you look closely, you can easily see she's nervous. She not only knows what Ryo will so, she also knows how the entire duel will end!"
"But is she nervous about winning, which destroys Ryo, or nervous because she knows she's going ta lose?" Joey asked.
"That, I do not know." Shadi answered sadly.
***************************************************************
"King of Yamimakai..." The Lord of Zemia breathed shortly before continuing his chanting.
"I give my life willingly, to revive the Divine Darkness!" The King said, before dissapearing in a shriek of agony, replaced by a ball of brown light.
"Wicked Dragon with the Ersats Head..."
"I give my flame, to extinguish other lights, to spite the original." The malformed dragon said before turning into a yellow light.
"Ryu-Kishin Powered..."
"Once powered by the forces of Darkness, I give my own life to empower them further!"
The mechanical gargoyle dissapeared into a purple light, which suddenly started swirling to the back chambers with the others.
Each light was absorbed into Zera's throne, which held his completed armor.
Zemia, eyes ablaze with power, uttered the final phrases, which arcane sounds are not to be heard by any decent soul.
A final explosion sounded, and through the dust, a jagged, large shaped walked through. Zemia bowed down in fear, and an evil laughter ran though the fortress.
"It is finally time." The evil said, eyes gleaming. He threw out his arms, flinging his cape to the sides ant revealing his blue-white body, which looked stronger than steel.
"THE MANT'S TIME BEGINS NOW!"
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A/N: And with these words, the final stretch of Fellowship of the Dragoon begins. Stay tuned for the final duels, battles, victories, and losses.
Next chapter: As the duel between a Prophet and a Hero concludes, a pair of Magical slueths find the way to the Fiend's Fortress. With the Divine Class eager to battle, Drake and the others make their plans, but at the same time must hurry to reach the Coliseum for the Semi-Finals. Shayla duels Shadi, and a mighty struggle of female warriors and Millenium defenders takes place! Kaiba and Seth gain a new, reluctant ally against the executives, and the Mant begins creating an army to conquer both realms! All this, and hopefully not much more, next time, on Fellowship of the Dragoon!
Disclaimer: Gema J. Gall. 4Kids. Both owners of things I'm not.
Claimer: *sighs*
Notice: If anyone reads my other fics, you'll see some very special guest stars this chapter.
**************************************************************
Judgement, along with the others, felt a huge wave of grief when the podiums came down.
"Man! Not even Kaiba can beat this guy? We're toast," Joey grimaced.
"That will be for the future to decide," Ishizu said mysteriously as Shadi raised his Key.
The Necklace appeared, alongside what looked like a digitized dinoaur.
"That's you and me," Ryo said grimly to Ishizu.
As the others went upstairs, Judgement followed.
"Stop," she heard Shadi say. She turned around, slightly apprehensive.
"I believe you have a few questions worthy of answering," he said.
She considered this. "Not to sound rude, but why are you helping me?" She asked. "We're rivals in two days, rivals for our very lives!"
"I have a duty," he explained, "to protect the Millennium Items and their holders. Regardless of what must happen, I follow my responsibilities."
She smiled. "Okay, I've been having some strange dreams lately. Dreams about me, I think, but I'm in Egypt!"
"I believe what you are experiencing is your ancestor's memories," he answered.
"My...ancestor?" she asked, slightly anxious. She had been dropped at an orphanage at birth, so she knew practically nothing of her lineage.
Shadi smiled. "Yes. In those times, a theory was made: The ones who held Millennium Items would have decendants, ones who were like their forefathers in almost every way. However, your Item does not hold your ancestor's spirit, as the others often do, so you are reliving her memories, to make up for it."
"Harsh," she said, trying not to think too much. This guy seemed to like confusing explanations a tad too much.
"Yes, but it is necessary. Anything else?" he asked, glancing at a clock. It was getting a little late.
"Yes, I want to know, what exactly happened to her? What are my dreams telling me?"
Here, Shadi's smile faltered." That, I do not know. I am sorry."
"Is there anyway you can find out?" she asked as he started for the stairs.
He stopped, thinking. "Yes, my Key can unlock a person's mind, allowing me to search through it."
"Then you could do that?" she asked. Using her Scales again for a moment, she saw he was slightly embarrassed.
"Very well. I just don't like traveling in a woman's mind. It seems too perverse for me."
Judgement chuckled as he put the Key to her forehead, and turned.
**************************************************************
"You know, it might have been a good idea to learn a little more about this Fiend Empire before we left," Yugi said as his two travelling partners groaned.
It had been one day, eight pit stops, and a fried Boar Soldier since they had departed.
They were currently in Pub, a large metropolis city made entirely of bars, inns, and taverns.
"There are most likely a few fiends in this large cesspool," Yami muttered. "We could just 'ask'."
"I doubt 'asking' would work," Simon interjected. "Fiends are devious, but loyal to their masters to the end. Most likely, they would need more 'financial' persuasion to betray whoever they're working for."
"That persuasion is one we're not very skilled at, for lack of it," Yugi sighed.
"Yugi! Yami! What are you guys doing here?" came a familier voice from behind them.
"Drake! Lara!" Yugi said happily as they approached. "Why are you guys here?"
"We stopped for a little r'n'r before returning to the Coliseum," Lara explained, an evil smirk on her face again. "We've hardly had any sleep at all, which probably was Drake's intent."
Yugi chuckled as Drake's face predictably filled with color from his hair.
Drake, however, grinned through the blush and showed a large collection of blue color-coded cards. "We've managed to get all the Divine on our side! The Fiend Empire doesn't stand a chance!"
"That reminds me," Simon said gravely. "Is your last name Pegasus?"
"Yes," Drake said, face normal, but with a hint of worry. "Why?"
"I'm afraid I have some bad news. Your father's been kidnapped by the Fiends."
**************************************************************
Seto Kaiba opened his eyes. He probably wouldn't know where he was, were it not for his building in the distance.
"Kaiba Corp! I'm back in Domino!"
*Bully for you, but now what?* came Seth's voice in his mind.
"Huh, didn't know you were going to end up in my head again. You'd better not be poking around in there, you might get lost."
*Are you warning me or insulting yourself?*
Seto ignored him, and started trudging to his company.
The streets were empty, and few houses had their lights on.
*Helios's doing,* Seth spat. *This town is famous for better than average duelists, and anyone who can pull an eight turn win is in the Shadow Realm!*
"Which makes everyone else to afraid to leave their homes," Seto finished. "We'll go to Duelist Kingdom later, but for now we have a few traitors to thrash!"
*Somehow I knew this would be fun!* Seth grinned.
"Of course!" Seto replied, also grinning.
That was when they heard a rustling behind them.
**************************************************************
Judgement stepped back, shocked, as the light-headed feeling suddenly stopped.
"I see...." Shadi said, putting his Key away.
"What?"
Shadi gave a grim smile."Her real name was Shayla, and she served as a royal judge until her dying day. I will spare you those details, as they may hurt more than help."
"Thanks," she said, happily.
As she turned to leave, Shadi said, "Wait, there is one more thing."
She turned around, slightly nervous.
Shadi had an intrigued look. "I... look forward to our duel."
As he left a confused girl, who now knew her real name, Shadi smirked. "Of course I look forward to it. No yami, but somehow her lack of one gives her the same amount of skill? It will be an interesting match."
He then grimaced as he noticed the clock. It was only a few hours before another's fate would be decided.
**************************************************************
"How long?" Zera echoed to the Warrior of Tradition. His body was almost complete, but one more thing was needed. "The Ritual must take place soon!"
"The neccessary creatures have been located," she answered, shaking in anger and fear. Years of double-agent work against this, and a few days were about to end it?
"And what of our newest asset, Edals?" he asked. She tensed.
"My lord, she is dead. Helios's Coliseum targeted her. Since we made her from the evil you accidentally brought back with you, the Coliseum attacked her because young Buster, or Roan, was under 'her' influence at the time."
"It matters not," he said coldly, stepping up. "A few days, and I will do it myself anyway! The armor is already in position on my throne, and there the Three shall be sacrificed, giving me the power to dominate all!"
As she left the room, the Warrior grimaced. {That boy needs to hurry, humanity's spare time is almost up!}
**************************************************************
After quickly stopping the situation, knocking Drake out, and reviving Simon, Yugi assured their mysterious friend he would NOT be pinned to the wall and interregated by a highly worried Dragoon. At least, not anymore.
"But is there anyway we can save him?" Yami asked, gripping his hands again.
Lara suddenly got a look of enthusiasm. She stopped rubbing the unconscious Drake's neck [*Darn!* Lance thought as Prima also stopped], and quickly pulled out a card.
"Yami, can I see your Dark Magician?" She asked.
Slightly getting the idea, he answered," Sure, but DON'T harm it in any way!"
"Sheesh, I won't. My card, though, might be another story."
She put both in her Locket, and the DM and DMG appeared.
"Hey Dia! Great to see you again!" She said happily the the DMG.
"Lara! Um, why am I he- Darien?"
"Darien?" Both Yugi and Yami said, looking at their favorite card.
"Yeah, my name. It's great to finally meet the two of you! Not that it matters, but I'm probably now one of the only monsters since Ancient Egypt to actually meet the I'm fighting for!"
"So, why did you call us?" Dia asked.
Lara smiled." This unconcsious guy is Drake, my boyfriend that you're not going to reveal anything I've said about him." She said quickly, which most likely would have caused a concsious Drake to blush.
"And?" Darien urged, impatient.
"His dad, who turns out to be a pretty cool guy after all, had been kidnapped by the Fiend Empire."
At this, the two Spellcastors shared a glance full of excitement.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Darien asked.
"Besides that you look better in black, yes." Dia answered.
At this, the two shouted simultaneously,"FINALLY! A NEW CASE!"
**************************************************************
"Let the match begin." Shadi said half-heartedly as the two podiums reached the top. The only audience members were the remaining competitors.
"Well, I guess it would only be fair if the underdog went first, so-" Ryo was caught off, though, as Ishizu immediately played a monster facedown and another card facedown.
{Huh, guess I'm getting too predictable.} He thought, looking through his hand.
If he lacked what some called a 'poker' face, he would have grinned in pride at his cards.
His deck was made entirely of the cards he cared about most, meaning every one of them was once won from a duel or tournament.
{I worked hard and cared for these cards, and I trust this deck with my life. Which, ironically, I have to now.} He thought.
"I play one monster facedo-"
"I flip my trap, Light of Intervention." Ishizu interjected. Immediately, a large ray of light struck his monster, revealing it to be a very rare card indeed, the Illusionist Faceless Mage. [1200/2200]
{Ok, there's no way I could be THAT predictable! How did she do that?}
Her own monster was also flipped up, the Fairy's Gift. [1400/1000]
"Ok, I suppose my old method of surprise won't work," He joked slightly." So I'll just play another card facedown, and end my turn!"
{Well, my Defense Wall strategy's out, so I'd better bring on some more original things.}
"If you're through thinking up some useless plan, I'll go." Ishizu saud." I summon the monster, Dark Witch!" [1800/1700]
The Dark Witch, contrary to it's name, was a Light-type monster. She wore a tight-fitting, low-cut yellow dress, had bushy indigo hair, and held a staff in one hand.
"Also, to overcome your illusions, I'll add some light to the subject!" She snapped fiercly." Luminous Spark, a field magic card!"
Another ray of light shone, this time over the entire field.
"Luminous Spark..." Ryo said." Not your ordinary field.
"That's true." Ishizu explained." Luminous Spark affects Light types only, increasing attack by 500 points, while decreasing defense 400." [1800-2300/1700-1300] [1400-1900/1000-600]
"I'll now have my Dark Witch attack your Mage, with Dark Disguise Staff!" The Witch lunged for the Mage, staff ready to strike.
"I flip my facedown Trap card!" Ryo said with an award-winning grin." Magic Arm-Shield!"
A metal shield appeared in front of the Mage, and instantly two mechanical arms shot out from it. The arms grabbed the Fairy's Gift, and placed it in the attack's path.
"Well, I suppose your Mage is safe for now." Ishizu admitted as her Fairy dissapated with the Staff's power." But it was very lucky you had that defense trap waiting."
The emphasis she put on 'lucky' was highly suspiscious.
"Hmm, interesting," Helios whispered quietly as she put a card facedown." Ryo has rare and powerful cards abound, but somehow Ishi-girl knows exactly how to overcome them. Since she has nothing to see into his mind as I can, how is she doing it?"
He tried probing her mind for an answer, but before he did, he noticed a magical wall somehow blocking his eye. Even more mysterious, it came from her Necklace!
{Did she know that too? How?!} He thought in surprise.
Shayla was also interested in these happenings, but for different reasons. Every time Ishizu had played a card so far, she had felt her Scales tip toward her.
{But that's only supposed to happen to those with guilty hearts, why is it pointing to her?}
Ryo drew, and grinned again." Allow me to show you a card I won in a tournament a few months ago! Seiyaryu, or aka, the holy dragon!" [2500/2300]
The card that Joey and the others knew as Drake and Lara's most significant card appeared, roaring. [3000/1900]
"Thanks for the help your Spark gives me, Ishizu." He said before commanding," Seiyaryu, Razor Flare!"
A burst of bright flame shone forth, hitting-
"Woboku." Ishizu said, flipping the card and defending her Witch.
"Ummm, yeah, ignore that last sentance." Ryo said sheepishly, earning face-faults from the audience.
"I can't tell who has the adantage or not!" Joey said in exhasperation." This duel is just going back and forth!"
"Something tells me it's my sister." Marik answered mysteriously.
"Next, I'll play one monster facedown, and two cards facedown. I also move Dark Witch to defense."
{Yes! With that Luminous Spark card, her defenses will be easy to demolish!} Ryo thought, drawing a card.
"I summon Witch of the Black Forest, in defense mode." He said. [1100/1200]
This new Witch wore a black robe, and her untidy purple hair held a brown feather. She also had a third, green eye.
"I also play one card facedown, and move Seiyaryu to defense mode!"
"Hmm, unusual strategy." Shadi said, looking between the two duelists." Ishizu can now easily destroy Seiyaryu, but that means that other card must be a dangerous Trap."
"Now, my Dark Witch will attack the Black Forest one!" Ishizu said, which caused Ryo to grimace slightly.
As he pulled one of his best cards with 1500 or less defense from his deck, Ryo thought{How did she guess? Most duelists would immediately go for the strongest destroyable monster, to eliminate the threat! Could she be reading my mind?}
"Fine, I now play one of my rarest cards, the Jinzo!" [2400/1500]
Ishizu smirked." Very well, this means no traps for you either!"
"But my facedown card wasn't a trap!" Ryo said confidantly," I now flip Raigeki, destroying your mo-"
"I flip the Living Arrow." Ishizu countered. "Meaning your Raigeki is redirected."
Ryo groaned as his monsters were defeated.
"But that's not all! I also flipTime Machine, which revives the last monster destroyed!" The Jinzo rematerialized.
"Finally, I play this card, Elf's Light, bringing my Witch's attack higher!" [2300-2700]
"And now, I destroy your Jinzo!"
The android was smashed, as were Ryo's points. [LP:1700]
"Good move, but it's not over yet!" He smiled. " Seiyaryu, attack her Witch!"
As the Witch burned, the match went again to a standoff. [LP:1700]
"Ishizu is incredibly talented." Shayla said, using her Scales again to see." Ryo's the champion of almost every card game there is, save this. He's almost undefeated, and some of his cards I haven't even heard of."
"You're kidding me, right?" Joey said apprehensively, knowing there was every chance he might have to duel him." I mean, Drake beat him in less than ten turns, and we all know THIS will take longer."
{Yes, well Joey, Drakey-boy had more luck drawing cards! I should know..} Helios thought deviously.
"Brilliant move, really!" Ishizu joked." Attacking straight out, not even I would think of that!"
"I should congradulate you, Ishtar, I didn't think it was possible to talk as much as this one girl I know!"
She smirked." Please don't compare me to the tomboy you call 'pumpkin', Akiyama."
This brought a jawdrop from the famous duelist.{How the... does she know....crap, if she does, I am soooooooo dead.}
Ishizu drew her card, and suddenly there was a victorious gleam in her eyes.
"First, I reveal my facedown Mystical Elf!" She said. [800-1300/2000-1600]
"Next, I summon the Shining Fairy, in attack mode!" [1400-1900/700-300]
"And now, I use the magic card, White Dragon Ritual!"
"Oh no!" Ryo shouted, but none of the audience shared surprise. Shayla, Joey, and Marik didn't know what it meant, but a stoic-expressional Shadi and Helios did.
In yet another flash of light, her two monsters were gone, replaced by a knight on top of a thin, long, white dragon with familier blue eyes. [1500-2000/1200-800]
"I suppose you know what this means?" Ishizu asked hypothetically to the white-faced champ.
She grinned, and continued in his silence." I now offer my Blue Eyes Knight, leaving his dragon un-tamed, thus creating..."
The knight dissapeared, and suddenly the dragon grew, it's width increasing dramatically, it's hight reaching near the ceiling;in short, becoming what every duelist in the world knew as-
"The Blue Eyes White Dragon!" She yelled in victorious mirth. [3000-3500/2500-2100]
"Sweet merciful crud," Joey said as Ryo's dragon was blasted away. [LP:1200] "Now I REALLY hope I don't hafta' duel her!"
"Well, don't count me out yet!" Ryo said as he drew."First, I play Shield & Sword!"
Ishizu didn't seem startled. [2600/3100]
"And now, I use Copycat, which lets me turn your hard work against you!" Ryo said with another smirk, as a Blue Eyes appeared on his side. [3500/2100]
"I hope you don't really think the tables have turned." Ishizu said. [LP:800]
"Not at all, Ms. Perfect, I wouldn't dream of feeling overconfidant dueling you."
"You have no idea." She said quietly, her Necklace glowing slightly.
"That's it!" Shayla said suddenly. She turned to Shadi," Her Millenium Item, what does it do?"
Shadi smiled." I wondered when you would figure it out. Her Necklace allows her to see through time, both past and future."
"SO, she knows exactly WHAT Ryo's going to do, not what he MAY do." Helios breathed in slight jealousy.
"Yes, but this isn't really an advantage." He said.
Noticing the others confused look, he answered," Look at her, if you look closely, you can easily see she's nervous. She not only knows what Ryo will so, she also knows how the entire duel will end!"
"But is she nervous about winning, which destroys Ryo, or nervous because she knows she's going ta lose?" Joey asked.
"That, I do not know." Shadi answered sadly.
***************************************************************
"King of Yamimakai..." The Lord of Zemia breathed shortly before continuing his chanting.
"I give my life willingly, to revive the Divine Darkness!" The King said, before dissapearing in a shriek of agony, replaced by a ball of brown light.
"Wicked Dragon with the Ersats Head..."
"I give my flame, to extinguish other lights, to spite the original." The malformed dragon said before turning into a yellow light.
"Ryu-Kishin Powered..."
"Once powered by the forces of Darkness, I give my own life to empower them further!"
The mechanical gargoyle dissapeared into a purple light, which suddenly started swirling to the back chambers with the others.
Each light was absorbed into Zera's throne, which held his completed armor.
Zemia, eyes ablaze with power, uttered the final phrases, which arcane sounds are not to be heard by any decent soul.
A final explosion sounded, and through the dust, a jagged, large shaped walked through. Zemia bowed down in fear, and an evil laughter ran though the fortress.
"It is finally time." The evil said, eyes gleaming. He threw out his arms, flinging his cape to the sides ant revealing his blue-white body, which looked stronger than steel.
"THE MANT'S TIME BEGINS NOW!"
***************************************************************
A/N: And with these words, the final stretch of Fellowship of the Dragoon begins. Stay tuned for the final duels, battles, victories, and losses.
Next chapter: As the duel between a Prophet and a Hero concludes, a pair of Magical slueths find the way to the Fiend's Fortress. With the Divine Class eager to battle, Drake and the others make their plans, but at the same time must hurry to reach the Coliseum for the Semi-Finals. Shayla duels Shadi, and a mighty struggle of female warriors and Millenium defenders takes place! Kaiba and Seth gain a new, reluctant ally against the executives, and the Mant begins creating an army to conquer both realms! All this, and hopefully not much more, next time, on Fellowship of the Dragoon!