Chapter VIII Part Three: Her Strongest Card! Arise Legendary Slayer of
Dragons!
Hotaru decided screaming hurt her lungs. Even if she decided that, she also thought screaming was a good idea to do before meeting a possible end to her life.
She did not meet the end of her life, but met a short fall into a large stack of hay. For the next few moments she just laid there hyperventilating. It took just over two minutes for her to calm down. Once she did she got off the stack of hay and tried to look around. It was too dark however, the only light coming from a torch. She didn't know why it was lit, but she walked over to it.
Once she was within it's light she looked through her deck until she found the right card.
"I call you, Flame Swordsmen!" In a burst of light the mighty warrior of fire arose. With a blue skin-tight body suit, red robes, a helmet with what looked to be mandibles and a large orange sword, the Flame Swordsmen was a sight to see. When his sword burst into flames Hotaru was even happier to see him. She then cupped her hands around her mouth.
"RANMA! RANMA! WHERE ARE YOU!?"
Hearing nothing but her own echo Hotaru started down a passageway, the swordsmen by her side lighting the way.
---
"It couldn't have been THAT bad!"
Akane set the plate of her well cooked something into the fridge. Then she decided to take a jog to get her mind off the disgusting way Ryoga reacted to her food. What was wrong with it?
Half way into her jog she heard an explosion in the distance. 'Juuban probably. Almost as weird as Nermia.'
The following events then happened. A leg of the machine of war that was destroyed in Juuban flew into the air landing on one end of a teeter- totter. The other end had a bowling ball on it (No one was quite sure WHY it was there), which then sailed into the sky.
The ball landed into the empty passenger seat of a car, frightening the driver. The car rammed into an industrial crane afterwards.
This in turn spooked the crane operator who swung the crane around by accident.
A man in the path of the crane's hook jumped down to avoid it. In doing so he landed on an oddly placed lawnmower.
As the man fell off the lawnmower started up, moving forward cutting grass as it went.
It then ran into an A-Frame that was stood up so new construction workers could view it as it was explained to them.
The A-Frame tipped over landing on the end 2x4 on a bench, placed much like a lever. On the opposite end was a hammer that was sent sailing after the impact of the A-Frame.
The hammer then traveled some distance before landing atop of the head of one Akane Tendo, knocking her out like a light.
Who was then stumbled upon by one Tatawaki Kuno, who decided that the goddess Akane should be taken to his quarters to recuperate.
All this because of Murphy's Law. And it was Tuesday so a one-in-a- million chance HAD to happen.
---
Hotaru was once more getting a piggyback ride from a monster. Today it was Battle Warrior doing the honors. Flame Swordsmen still led the way, lighting the passages with his sword.
Eventually they came across a cavern with...
"A maze? Down here?"
She hoped down from her monster to get a better look.
"Why is it down here?"
"As a test of those who come here!"
As Hotaru looked for the voice a figure dropped down from above. He landed lightly on his feet and faced Hotaru as she faced him. White robes with black markings covered his body, and his head was bare save a ponytail that ran to the small of his back.
"I am Nai. One half of the cousins Gemin-Nai."
'Gemin-Nai? Like Gemini? What is going on?'
"It is fate you have come to Labyrinth Cave, and I am your first test. We play a friendly duel, but with stakes. If you win I will lead you into the end of the maze. Lose and you must find your own way. Step from the proper path and the traps laid here by my forefathers shall kill you."
She looked at him for a few moments. "And what about Ranma? He fell down here somewhere too!"
"If it is the man of whom you speak my cousin Gemin is his challenge. He will give him the same stakes as I have you."
'Great... I'm still not that good at dueling but... Well I don't have a choice.'
"All right. Let's duel!"
Hotaru recalled her monsters as the arena and podiums rose. The decks were shuffled and set in their spots. Five cards were drawn for each player as the duel started.
------------ Hotaru: 2000 Nai: 2000 ------------
"And now I would have the lady to make the first move of the duel."
"OK then. Masaki, The Legendary Swordsman in Defence Mode!" (1100/1100)
What arose was a samurai in green armour as Nai held up a card.
"Very well then. Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress in Attack Mode!" (1400/1200)
Nai's dragon card was slightly smaller than a man, but was blue and had a large jaw.
"Use Fireball Attack!"
Gathering flames in it's mouth the dragon launched the ball of flames at the warrior, destroying it.
"Your move miss."
Drawing a new card Hotaru nodded. "Kojikocy, in attack mode!" (1500/1200)
Hotaru's new card was of a bearded man with a saber and with a bare chest and arms that looked to have muscles on muscles.
"Attack with Man-Hunter Slice!"
Charging forward the man-hunter swung it's sword destroying the dragon.
------------ Hotaru: 2000 Nai: 1900 ------------
'Yes, it is as I thought. I shall keep my defenses up for a little while, until I have all the cards I need at the ready.' "Another Dragon then, in defense mode." He set his card then ended his turn.
'Hey! I must have him on the run!' Hotaru thought as he saw the lack of offence from her opponent. She drew a card and played it. "Performance of Sword, in Attack Mode!" (1950/1850)
Arising was a new female warrior, dressed in an Arabian style outfit with long pink hair and two axe-like blades attached to her forearms.
"Dancing Twin Strike!"
Leaping at her opponent the dancing warrior sliced at the dragon card, destroying it.
"Not bad. Another dragon, defense mode of course."
And then that card too was destroyed. And then three more went as Nai collected his cards.
'Why isn't he attacking?' Hotaru had decided something was up with the complete defense, so had had placed Kojikocy to defense mode.
"And now milady," He began smiling. "The counter attack starts, with Parrot Dragon! In Attack Mode!"
The new monster to the field looked like a giant green parrot with a pair of stocky lizards legs. (2000/1300)
"Parrot Dragon, Clawed Dive Attack!"
Flying up high the bird-dragon dived back down into the Performance of Sword, destroying her.
------------ Hotaru: 1950 Nai: 1900 ------------
"Your move!"
A little shocked from the turn of events Hotaru drew a new card, but only added it to her hand. She ended her turn. Nai then quickly ordered the bird like dragon to destroy the warrior man-hunter. Once he was gone he held up a card.
"Before my turn ends, I place a card face down." After he placed the card down he ended his turn.
Hotaru drew a new card and nodded as she saw it. "Judge Man (2200/1500), Attack Mode!"
The robed and bearded man arose club in hand. "Heavy Club Bash!"
The judge-like warrior charged in as Nai flipped his card over. "I activate... Dragon's Treasure!"
Arising behind his monster a statue of a dragon arose. In between it's wings was a giant crystal ball with markings.
"What is that?"
"Dragon's Treasure! And with it's presence on the field all dragon's on the field gain three hundred in attack and defence, like my Parrot Dragon! (2300/1600) Clawed Dive Attack!"
Swooping in like a predator the Parrot Dragon struck Judge man, and destroyed him.
------------ Hotaru: 1850 Nai: 1900 ------------
"And before your move comes around again, I place Twin-Headed Fire Dragon (2200/1700 - 2500/2000) in attack mode!"
Rising from the ground came a winged dragon with two heads, three claws at the end of it's tail, but no legs or arms.
"You move now!"
Hotaru drew a new card and played it. "Goblin Attack Force (2310/0) in Attack Mode!"
What arose were seven moderately armed goblins. Each only had three hundred and thirty attack, but they were considered one monster with a total of two thousand three hundred and ten attack.
"Goblin Rush! Take out Parrot Dragon!"
Charging forward the seven goblins destroyed the bird-dragon, each member of the force cutting a severe blow.
------------ Hotaru: 1850 Nai: 1890 ------------
"Twin-Headed Fire Dragon, counter with Burning Twin Flames!"
In response the larger dragon spewed a steady burst of flames from it's mouth, incinerating the Attack Force.
------------ Hotaru: 1660 Nai: 1890 ------------
"It was a nice try, but you need better than that to win!"
Nai's smiled as he watched his opponent draw a new card.
"One card in defence mode! That's all."
Nai smiled for a moment. "Twin-Headed Fire Dragon, Burning Twin Flames!"
Once more the mouths sent out flames as Hotaru's monster rose to greet the fire. When the fire cleared...
"What? The monster still stands!?"
He looked at Hotaru's defence card, a heavy armoured giant with a large sword in one hand and a very large shield in the other. It was kneeling with the shield ahead of it.
"Total Defence Shogun. (1550/2500) Since his defence is the same as your attack he can still survive."
Nai's face showed some frustration as he drew his new card. Seeing it he smiled.
"Cannon Solider, Attack Mode!" (1400/1300)
The mechanized artillery arose as Nai smiled wider. "I can sacrifice a monster to deal five hundred damage to your life points, even with your Shogun there. I will play that monster next turn. Of course if you try and destroy it my dragon will destroy your warrior! Your move."
"In that case... Shogun, Attack! Sword Slice Attack!"
Charging forward, slowed by its heavy armour, the Shogun severed Cannon Solider in two.
------------ Hotaru: 1660 Nai: 1740 ------------
"Ah ha!" Nai called as the Shogun returned to it's position. "Burning Twin Flames!"
Once more the fire dragon spewed flames. And to Nai's dismay the Shogun survived once more.
"WHAT IS THIS!? My attack is too great for the Shogun's attack to handle! Why is it alive?"
"Because it's in defence mode."
Nai looked at Hotaru as if she grew a second head. "Then how did it attack FROM defence mode?"
"The Total Defence Shogun has a unique ability. It can't switch to attack mode, but it can still attack while in defence mode."
"I see... A total defence indeed... Then I must punch past it." The duelling monk drew a new card and smiled. "Attack Mode, Serpent Night Dragon!" (2350/2400 - 2650/2700)
The dragon that rose up looked like a long, snake like black dragon. It was also very thin if one looked at it head on, giving it an almost two- dimensional look.
"Serpent Night Dragon, Sonic Blast Attack!"
Bursting forth from the serpent several black blades came out, dissecting the Shogun.
"Your defence is broken!"
Hotaru drew a new card, hoping for the best. She frowned for a moment before realizing something. "Red-Eyes Black Dragon in Attack Mode!"
Bursting from the ground the Black Dragon landed on the ground, growling at the serpent.
"So? Your dragon is strong (2400/2000) but not enough! Have you forgotten Dragon's Treasure boost to my Serpent Night Dragon!"
"No I haven't. But you forgot your Treasure powers up ALL dragons, even my Red-Eyes." (2700/2300)
"Oh No! This I forgot! Never have my own Treasure worked against me!"
"Red-Eyes, Inferno Fireblast!"
Powering up it's attack, it sent forth a burst of energy destroying the hovering serpent, and sending it to the graveyard.
------------ Hotaru: 1660 Nai: 1840 ------------
"I have no choice. Fire Dragon, defence mode!"
The double headed dragon curled it's tail and heads around it's self in an attempt to ward off an attack.
"Red-Eyes destroy it! Inferno Fireblast!"
Nai drew his next card and smiled as he saw it. "Red-Eyes is a strong dragon, but not the strongest! Meet one dragon that is higher up on the food-chain, Tri-Horned Dragon!" (2850/2350 - 3150/2650)
The large black dragon that rose had three large horns sticking out from it's head, as well as giant claws and teeth. It roared demanding a command. Nai gave it one.
"Destroy Red-Eyes, Deadly Black Fireball!"
The horned dragon gathered it's power, then in a burst of black flames burned Red-Eyes to a cinder.
------------ Hotaru: 1210 Nai: 1840 ------------
"Draw your card, and make your move."
With a shaky hand Hotaru drew her next card, wondering how she could beat so powerful a monster. Then she saw what she drew.
'Buster Blader? It's a strong card, but not enough. But it had an effect, maybe I can use it... Wait! What did Ranma tell me about it?'
---
"Remember Hotaru-Chan, a lot of monsters have a unique effect. See that card here?"
"Yea, it's from my deck."
"It too has an effect. It's called Buster Blader, and it's a legend in the game. It's sword has two jewels. One in the handle, the other on the back of the blade."
"I see them, but what do they do?"
"The first steals power from opposing dragons. The second from dragons killed nearby. That has earned it the title of 'He Who Slays The Dragons."
---
'Of Course! His deck is practically all dragons! I can use that against him'
"What is your move girl?"
"I play the Buster Blader, in Attack Mode!" (2600/2300)
Rising up to the field was a warrior with silver armour with a golden trim. It wore a helmet with what looked to be two long lightning bolt on either end. In it's hands at the ready was a silver saber with a golden handle. Two light blue jewels glowed, one where the handle met the blade, the other on the back of the saber.
"A strong card, but unable to win, my dragon is far beyond it's power."
"Wrong, Blader's effect means you're outmatched."
As she said that the blade of the warrior began to glow, the warrior began to glow with it.
"What is this?"
"Buster Blader gains five hundred attack power for every dragon you played, whether it's on the field or in the graveyard. And since your deck is full of dragons, Buster Blader gains a LOT of attack power!" (7600/2300)
"OH NO!"
"Buster Blader, Dragon Slave Slice!"
Charging the horned dragon the glowing warrior leapt into the air, bringing it's blade into and through the horned dragon.
"NO! IT IS TOO STRONG!"
------------ Hotaru: 1210 Nai: 0 ------------
As the arena left Nai shook his head. "Never had I dreamed... such a strong card existed... I would do well to prepare my deck for another meeting with it."
Turning to Hotaru he lifted his head. "As promised, I will lead you through the maze. Follow me."
---
Kasumi let herself collapse onto the sofa. Finally her kitchen was spotless after twelve LONG hours of labor. She then heard the door open as Akane called 'I'm Home' in a subdued voice.
Standing to greet her sister she gasped when she saw Akane's jogging outfit almost torn off. "Akane! Whatever happened?"
Akane thought that maybe she should tell her that she was rendered unconscious, all but raped by Kuno, battered him seventeen times before he was out cold, then tried to escape the Kuno Mansion by the back door, only to barley survive all the traps that Kodachi left in the back yard, tearing up most of her clothing in the process. Then the pervert parade tore her clothes up a bit more, and Happosai tried to remove them all together. As it was she was barley in modest clothing. So she decided on a different answer.
"Don't ask Kasumi. Just don't ask."
---
Duellist Profiles
Name: Nai
Deck Style: Deadly Dragon's Deck
Favourite/Best Monster: Tri-Horned Dragon
Other Monsters: Serpent Night Dragon, Parrot Dragon, Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress
Info: Raised by his father and uncle along side his cousin Gemin he has learned much about duelling. Forming the force 'Gemin-Nai' with his cousin, they are an unknown force in duelling.
Author's Notes: Another one bites the dust, as Hotaru shows off her strongest card in COMPLETE overkill! Now, for a couple of things...
Dragon's Treasure doesn't actually affect all dragons, but in the anime Machine Conversion affected all machines, so I figured this would work.
Also the Goblin Attack Force is really 2300 not 2310. Reason for the ten- point difference? Well the card seemed to have seven goblins, and 2310 divides by seven a lot neater. No other reason.
Performance of Sword is actually a ritual card, but since in the anime Joey plays Flame Swordsmen, a fusion card, as a normal monster I figured I could do the same with Performance of Sword.
And Buster Blader being in Hotaru's deck? Well it IS one of my favourite cards, and it's a warrior so it fits in well with her warrior-based deck. Go fig, huh?
Next Chapter: Ranma and Hotaru reunite! And their next 'test' awaits them! But what is the prize?
Hotaru decided screaming hurt her lungs. Even if she decided that, she also thought screaming was a good idea to do before meeting a possible end to her life.
She did not meet the end of her life, but met a short fall into a large stack of hay. For the next few moments she just laid there hyperventilating. It took just over two minutes for her to calm down. Once she did she got off the stack of hay and tried to look around. It was too dark however, the only light coming from a torch. She didn't know why it was lit, but she walked over to it.
Once she was within it's light she looked through her deck until she found the right card.
"I call you, Flame Swordsmen!" In a burst of light the mighty warrior of fire arose. With a blue skin-tight body suit, red robes, a helmet with what looked to be mandibles and a large orange sword, the Flame Swordsmen was a sight to see. When his sword burst into flames Hotaru was even happier to see him. She then cupped her hands around her mouth.
"RANMA! RANMA! WHERE ARE YOU!?"
Hearing nothing but her own echo Hotaru started down a passageway, the swordsmen by her side lighting the way.
---
"It couldn't have been THAT bad!"
Akane set the plate of her well cooked something into the fridge. Then she decided to take a jog to get her mind off the disgusting way Ryoga reacted to her food. What was wrong with it?
Half way into her jog she heard an explosion in the distance. 'Juuban probably. Almost as weird as Nermia.'
The following events then happened. A leg of the machine of war that was destroyed in Juuban flew into the air landing on one end of a teeter- totter. The other end had a bowling ball on it (No one was quite sure WHY it was there), which then sailed into the sky.
The ball landed into the empty passenger seat of a car, frightening the driver. The car rammed into an industrial crane afterwards.
This in turn spooked the crane operator who swung the crane around by accident.
A man in the path of the crane's hook jumped down to avoid it. In doing so he landed on an oddly placed lawnmower.
As the man fell off the lawnmower started up, moving forward cutting grass as it went.
It then ran into an A-Frame that was stood up so new construction workers could view it as it was explained to them.
The A-Frame tipped over landing on the end 2x4 on a bench, placed much like a lever. On the opposite end was a hammer that was sent sailing after the impact of the A-Frame.
The hammer then traveled some distance before landing atop of the head of one Akane Tendo, knocking her out like a light.
Who was then stumbled upon by one Tatawaki Kuno, who decided that the goddess Akane should be taken to his quarters to recuperate.
All this because of Murphy's Law. And it was Tuesday so a one-in-a- million chance HAD to happen.
---
Hotaru was once more getting a piggyback ride from a monster. Today it was Battle Warrior doing the honors. Flame Swordsmen still led the way, lighting the passages with his sword.
Eventually they came across a cavern with...
"A maze? Down here?"
She hoped down from her monster to get a better look.
"Why is it down here?"
"As a test of those who come here!"
As Hotaru looked for the voice a figure dropped down from above. He landed lightly on his feet and faced Hotaru as she faced him. White robes with black markings covered his body, and his head was bare save a ponytail that ran to the small of his back.
"I am Nai. One half of the cousins Gemin-Nai."
'Gemin-Nai? Like Gemini? What is going on?'
"It is fate you have come to Labyrinth Cave, and I am your first test. We play a friendly duel, but with stakes. If you win I will lead you into the end of the maze. Lose and you must find your own way. Step from the proper path and the traps laid here by my forefathers shall kill you."
She looked at him for a few moments. "And what about Ranma? He fell down here somewhere too!"
"If it is the man of whom you speak my cousin Gemin is his challenge. He will give him the same stakes as I have you."
'Great... I'm still not that good at dueling but... Well I don't have a choice.'
"All right. Let's duel!"
Hotaru recalled her monsters as the arena and podiums rose. The decks were shuffled and set in their spots. Five cards were drawn for each player as the duel started.
------------ Hotaru: 2000 Nai: 2000 ------------
"And now I would have the lady to make the first move of the duel."
"OK then. Masaki, The Legendary Swordsman in Defence Mode!" (1100/1100)
What arose was a samurai in green armour as Nai held up a card.
"Very well then. Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress in Attack Mode!" (1400/1200)
Nai's dragon card was slightly smaller than a man, but was blue and had a large jaw.
"Use Fireball Attack!"
Gathering flames in it's mouth the dragon launched the ball of flames at the warrior, destroying it.
"Your move miss."
Drawing a new card Hotaru nodded. "Kojikocy, in attack mode!" (1500/1200)
Hotaru's new card was of a bearded man with a saber and with a bare chest and arms that looked to have muscles on muscles.
"Attack with Man-Hunter Slice!"
Charging forward the man-hunter swung it's sword destroying the dragon.
------------ Hotaru: 2000 Nai: 1900 ------------
'Yes, it is as I thought. I shall keep my defenses up for a little while, until I have all the cards I need at the ready.' "Another Dragon then, in defense mode." He set his card then ended his turn.
'Hey! I must have him on the run!' Hotaru thought as he saw the lack of offence from her opponent. She drew a card and played it. "Performance of Sword, in Attack Mode!" (1950/1850)
Arising was a new female warrior, dressed in an Arabian style outfit with long pink hair and two axe-like blades attached to her forearms.
"Dancing Twin Strike!"
Leaping at her opponent the dancing warrior sliced at the dragon card, destroying it.
"Not bad. Another dragon, defense mode of course."
And then that card too was destroyed. And then three more went as Nai collected his cards.
'Why isn't he attacking?' Hotaru had decided something was up with the complete defense, so had had placed Kojikocy to defense mode.
"And now milady," He began smiling. "The counter attack starts, with Parrot Dragon! In Attack Mode!"
The new monster to the field looked like a giant green parrot with a pair of stocky lizards legs. (2000/1300)
"Parrot Dragon, Clawed Dive Attack!"
Flying up high the bird-dragon dived back down into the Performance of Sword, destroying her.
------------ Hotaru: 1950 Nai: 1900 ------------
"Your move!"
A little shocked from the turn of events Hotaru drew a new card, but only added it to her hand. She ended her turn. Nai then quickly ordered the bird like dragon to destroy the warrior man-hunter. Once he was gone he held up a card.
"Before my turn ends, I place a card face down." After he placed the card down he ended his turn.
Hotaru drew a new card and nodded as she saw it. "Judge Man (2200/1500), Attack Mode!"
The robed and bearded man arose club in hand. "Heavy Club Bash!"
The judge-like warrior charged in as Nai flipped his card over. "I activate... Dragon's Treasure!"
Arising behind his monster a statue of a dragon arose. In between it's wings was a giant crystal ball with markings.
"What is that?"
"Dragon's Treasure! And with it's presence on the field all dragon's on the field gain three hundred in attack and defence, like my Parrot Dragon! (2300/1600) Clawed Dive Attack!"
Swooping in like a predator the Parrot Dragon struck Judge man, and destroyed him.
------------ Hotaru: 1850 Nai: 1900 ------------
"And before your move comes around again, I place Twin-Headed Fire Dragon (2200/1700 - 2500/2000) in attack mode!"
Rising from the ground came a winged dragon with two heads, three claws at the end of it's tail, but no legs or arms.
"You move now!"
Hotaru drew a new card and played it. "Goblin Attack Force (2310/0) in Attack Mode!"
What arose were seven moderately armed goblins. Each only had three hundred and thirty attack, but they were considered one monster with a total of two thousand three hundred and ten attack.
"Goblin Rush! Take out Parrot Dragon!"
Charging forward the seven goblins destroyed the bird-dragon, each member of the force cutting a severe blow.
------------ Hotaru: 1850 Nai: 1890 ------------
"Twin-Headed Fire Dragon, counter with Burning Twin Flames!"
In response the larger dragon spewed a steady burst of flames from it's mouth, incinerating the Attack Force.
------------ Hotaru: 1660 Nai: 1890 ------------
"It was a nice try, but you need better than that to win!"
Nai's smiled as he watched his opponent draw a new card.
"One card in defence mode! That's all."
Nai smiled for a moment. "Twin-Headed Fire Dragon, Burning Twin Flames!"
Once more the mouths sent out flames as Hotaru's monster rose to greet the fire. When the fire cleared...
"What? The monster still stands!?"
He looked at Hotaru's defence card, a heavy armoured giant with a large sword in one hand and a very large shield in the other. It was kneeling with the shield ahead of it.
"Total Defence Shogun. (1550/2500) Since his defence is the same as your attack he can still survive."
Nai's face showed some frustration as he drew his new card. Seeing it he smiled.
"Cannon Solider, Attack Mode!" (1400/1300)
The mechanized artillery arose as Nai smiled wider. "I can sacrifice a monster to deal five hundred damage to your life points, even with your Shogun there. I will play that monster next turn. Of course if you try and destroy it my dragon will destroy your warrior! Your move."
"In that case... Shogun, Attack! Sword Slice Attack!"
Charging forward, slowed by its heavy armour, the Shogun severed Cannon Solider in two.
------------ Hotaru: 1660 Nai: 1740 ------------
"Ah ha!" Nai called as the Shogun returned to it's position. "Burning Twin Flames!"
Once more the fire dragon spewed flames. And to Nai's dismay the Shogun survived once more.
"WHAT IS THIS!? My attack is too great for the Shogun's attack to handle! Why is it alive?"
"Because it's in defence mode."
Nai looked at Hotaru as if she grew a second head. "Then how did it attack FROM defence mode?"
"The Total Defence Shogun has a unique ability. It can't switch to attack mode, but it can still attack while in defence mode."
"I see... A total defence indeed... Then I must punch past it." The duelling monk drew a new card and smiled. "Attack Mode, Serpent Night Dragon!" (2350/2400 - 2650/2700)
The dragon that rose up looked like a long, snake like black dragon. It was also very thin if one looked at it head on, giving it an almost two- dimensional look.
"Serpent Night Dragon, Sonic Blast Attack!"
Bursting forth from the serpent several black blades came out, dissecting the Shogun.
"Your defence is broken!"
Hotaru drew a new card, hoping for the best. She frowned for a moment before realizing something. "Red-Eyes Black Dragon in Attack Mode!"
Bursting from the ground the Black Dragon landed on the ground, growling at the serpent.
"So? Your dragon is strong (2400/2000) but not enough! Have you forgotten Dragon's Treasure boost to my Serpent Night Dragon!"
"No I haven't. But you forgot your Treasure powers up ALL dragons, even my Red-Eyes." (2700/2300)
"Oh No! This I forgot! Never have my own Treasure worked against me!"
"Red-Eyes, Inferno Fireblast!"
Powering up it's attack, it sent forth a burst of energy destroying the hovering serpent, and sending it to the graveyard.
------------ Hotaru: 1660 Nai: 1840 ------------
"I have no choice. Fire Dragon, defence mode!"
The double headed dragon curled it's tail and heads around it's self in an attempt to ward off an attack.
"Red-Eyes destroy it! Inferno Fireblast!"
Nai drew his next card and smiled as he saw it. "Red-Eyes is a strong dragon, but not the strongest! Meet one dragon that is higher up on the food-chain, Tri-Horned Dragon!" (2850/2350 - 3150/2650)
The large black dragon that rose had three large horns sticking out from it's head, as well as giant claws and teeth. It roared demanding a command. Nai gave it one.
"Destroy Red-Eyes, Deadly Black Fireball!"
The horned dragon gathered it's power, then in a burst of black flames burned Red-Eyes to a cinder.
------------ Hotaru: 1210 Nai: 1840 ------------
"Draw your card, and make your move."
With a shaky hand Hotaru drew her next card, wondering how she could beat so powerful a monster. Then she saw what she drew.
'Buster Blader? It's a strong card, but not enough. But it had an effect, maybe I can use it... Wait! What did Ranma tell me about it?'
---
"Remember Hotaru-Chan, a lot of monsters have a unique effect. See that card here?"
"Yea, it's from my deck."
"It too has an effect. It's called Buster Blader, and it's a legend in the game. It's sword has two jewels. One in the handle, the other on the back of the blade."
"I see them, but what do they do?"
"The first steals power from opposing dragons. The second from dragons killed nearby. That has earned it the title of 'He Who Slays The Dragons."
---
'Of Course! His deck is practically all dragons! I can use that against him'
"What is your move girl?"
"I play the Buster Blader, in Attack Mode!" (2600/2300)
Rising up to the field was a warrior with silver armour with a golden trim. It wore a helmet with what looked to be two long lightning bolt on either end. In it's hands at the ready was a silver saber with a golden handle. Two light blue jewels glowed, one where the handle met the blade, the other on the back of the saber.
"A strong card, but unable to win, my dragon is far beyond it's power."
"Wrong, Blader's effect means you're outmatched."
As she said that the blade of the warrior began to glow, the warrior began to glow with it.
"What is this?"
"Buster Blader gains five hundred attack power for every dragon you played, whether it's on the field or in the graveyard. And since your deck is full of dragons, Buster Blader gains a LOT of attack power!" (7600/2300)
"OH NO!"
"Buster Blader, Dragon Slave Slice!"
Charging the horned dragon the glowing warrior leapt into the air, bringing it's blade into and through the horned dragon.
"NO! IT IS TOO STRONG!"
------------ Hotaru: 1210 Nai: 0 ------------
As the arena left Nai shook his head. "Never had I dreamed... such a strong card existed... I would do well to prepare my deck for another meeting with it."
Turning to Hotaru he lifted his head. "As promised, I will lead you through the maze. Follow me."
---
Kasumi let herself collapse onto the sofa. Finally her kitchen was spotless after twelve LONG hours of labor. She then heard the door open as Akane called 'I'm Home' in a subdued voice.
Standing to greet her sister she gasped when she saw Akane's jogging outfit almost torn off. "Akane! Whatever happened?"
Akane thought that maybe she should tell her that she was rendered unconscious, all but raped by Kuno, battered him seventeen times before he was out cold, then tried to escape the Kuno Mansion by the back door, only to barley survive all the traps that Kodachi left in the back yard, tearing up most of her clothing in the process. Then the pervert parade tore her clothes up a bit more, and Happosai tried to remove them all together. As it was she was barley in modest clothing. So she decided on a different answer.
"Don't ask Kasumi. Just don't ask."
---
Duellist Profiles
Name: Nai
Deck Style: Deadly Dragon's Deck
Favourite/Best Monster: Tri-Horned Dragon
Other Monsters: Serpent Night Dragon, Parrot Dragon, Winged Dragon, Guardian of the Fortress
Info: Raised by his father and uncle along side his cousin Gemin he has learned much about duelling. Forming the force 'Gemin-Nai' with his cousin, they are an unknown force in duelling.
Author's Notes: Another one bites the dust, as Hotaru shows off her strongest card in COMPLETE overkill! Now, for a couple of things...
Dragon's Treasure doesn't actually affect all dragons, but in the anime Machine Conversion affected all machines, so I figured this would work.
Also the Goblin Attack Force is really 2300 not 2310. Reason for the ten- point difference? Well the card seemed to have seven goblins, and 2310 divides by seven a lot neater. No other reason.
Performance of Sword is actually a ritual card, but since in the anime Joey plays Flame Swordsmen, a fusion card, as a normal monster I figured I could do the same with Performance of Sword.
And Buster Blader being in Hotaru's deck? Well it IS one of my favourite cards, and it's a warrior so it fits in well with her warrior-based deck. Go fig, huh?
Next Chapter: Ranma and Hotaru reunite! And their next 'test' awaits them! But what is the prize?
