Last time on Yu-Gi-Oh: The long awaited duel between Rathje Kiroishen and
Yasumi Shiroko commenced. They painfully played each card. In the end,
Yasumi spared Rathje having to defeat her, attacking his monster with Dark
Magician Girl to lower her own Life Points to zero, losing the duel. They
also learned of the Pharaoh's Items, much like the Millennium Items. They
are to be wielded by the Millennium Guardians, but are currently held under
the possession of Richard Pegasus.
Author's Note: Because I can't decide what the Romance fic should be, it'll probably end up being original fiction, which I don't like to do...I've had some pretty bad experiences with original fiction...
~
Gavin Threadbare sat in his room cross-legged on the floor. He was preparing for the duel ahead of him. His deck lay before him, spread out so each card was visible.
He sighs, sifting through the cards with his eyes. As he did this, something caught his eye. Something had glimmered. He reaches out, touching the fusion monster given to him.
"That blade..." he murmurs, staring at the card, "...I know of it..."
The wraith-like figure on the image of the card was holding a sword, and it was now quite visible to Gavin. It was golden, with an eye on the hilt.
"Yes," a new voice cut in, "for it is the Pharaoh's Sword."
Gavin looks up, seeing a robed man.
"Shadi," he mutters, more to himself.
"Yes, I have come to see your progress, Duelist Soul," Shadi answers, standing before Gavin.
"I have discovered two more of the Guardians, and I believe I know who the final one is..."
"Who?" Shadi asks.
"His name is Ryou Bakura," Gavin replies, rising to his feet, "I am dueling him later today. Yasumi Shiroko is of Skill, and Rathje Kiroishen is of Redemption."
Shadi nodded, and then turned to view the card still in Gavin's hand.
"The Pharaoh's Sword?" Gavin sighs, closing his eyes, "Is that really what it is?"
Shadi looks at Gavin, his eyes piercing Gavin's mind, "You know it is. It is the Pharaoh's Item that you will soon wield.
"Duelist Soul, there are two names for the Millennium Guardians. You know of Duty, Skill, Redemption, and Peace. There are alternate names, though. You are the Millennium Guardian of Light. Yasumi Shiroko, the Millennium Guardian of Skill, would be the Guardian of Space. Rathje Kiroishen, the Millennium Guardian of Redemption, would be the Guardian of Shadows."
"And what of Bakura?"
Shadi was silent. He pauses for a moment or two, trying to decide how to word his next sentence. Gavin opens his eyes, staring at Shadi. His eyes seemed to almost be void of all emotion.
Finally he spoke, breaking the awkward silence, "There are only three Pharaoh's Items, Duelist Soul."
"But you told me there were four!" Gavin shouts, throwing an arm forward.
"Yes..." Shadi whispers, "There are four Millennium Guardians, but only three Pharaoh's Items. The Millennium Guardian of Peace has no item, though I do not know why..."
"...Shadi...you mean to say that you do not possess all knowledge on the Millennium Guardians?" Gavin asks, barely above a whisper.
"No, I do not. It is for you to discover. I believe you are to lead the Millennium Guardians, leading them to saving the very world as we know it."
"But Shadi, if we are to defeat the Spirit of the Millennium Ring within the duration of Duelist Kingdom, them what of the Pharaoh's Items? If we complete our task, then are the items pointless?" Gavin continues.
"As I said, I do not know."
~
"Attention, please," Croquet shouted, his voice echoing through the room, "the final duel of the semi-finals will now commence."
The people on the balcony looked up. Joey and Yugi stood side by side. Yasumi and Rathje stood next to one another as well, but away from the other. Shadi stood behind them, arms crossed, unnoticed. Seto Kaiba watched as well, though he seemed uninterested.
"The duel will be between Duelist Soul and Ryou Bakura," Croquet announced, "Will both duelists take their places."
As if on cue, Gavin marched forward, his golden hair moving slightly as he walked, his emerald eyes shining brilliantly. He stopped at the dueling platform. As he did so, the bottom of his coat licked his ankles, dangling motionless afterwards.
Taking a deep breath, Bakura walked out. His white hair hung loosely as he turned to see his friends. He smiled back. Apart from his smile, he did not respond at all to their waves and cheers.
Both dueling platforms rose to their highest level, and the duelists looked at one another, their eyes meeting.
"Good afternoon, Bakura," Gavin greets.
"Yes, same to you, Duelist Soul," Bakura replies.
"Let the duel begin!" Croquet yells.
They drew five cards each. Gavin looks down at his hand, picking one card and placing it on the field, "I set one monster and end my turn."
Bakura nods, drawing, "Then I will summon Rogue Doll in attack mode."
The monster appeared in a flash of light, wielding a small staff.
"Rogue Doll, attack the face-down monster!" Bakura declares.
Rogue Doll dashes forward, striking a Needle Worm.
"No!" Bakura shouts in distress.
"I take it you know the card," Gavin murmurs in response.
"Yugi," Tea starts, poking her friend, "What does that monster do?"
"Needle Worm?" Yugi states, looking up at Tea, "When it's flipped, Bakura has to put the top five cards on his deck into his graveyard."
After moving the cards into his graveyard, Bakura looks up at Gavin, "Alright, I end my turn.
Author's Note: And now for some music on the side...cue 'One Card Short' or 'Wild Drive'...either or, really.
"Bakura," Gavin states firmly after drawing a card, "I set four trap cards, and then summon Dark Elf in attack mode!"
Four face-down cards appeared vertically on the field, accompanied by a Dark Elf.
"Now, Dark Elf, attack Rogue Doll!"
-Bakura: 7600, Duelist Soul: 7000
Bakura drew, sighing, "First, I play Pot of Greed, drawing two cards."
He drew two cards, adding them to his hand with a nod, "And now I set one monster and end my turn."
Gavin nodded, a little intrigued, "Then I will set another monster and attack you face-down monster."
Rogue Doll attacked, revealing Magician of Faith, which allowed Bakura to return a card in his graveyard to his hand.
"Which card did you take?" Gavin asks.
"Final Destiny."
Gavin bites his lip, "I end my turn."
Bakura draws, smiling faintly, "I will discard five cards, which will allow me to play Final Destiny!"
The field exploded into a sea of flames, an explosion erupting through the very earth. This explosion wiped the field clean of every card, including Gavin's four trap cards.
"And now I set one monster and one trap card before ending my turn."
Gavin drew, a smirk slowly crossing his lips, "Ryou Bakura, I'm afraid you have made a grave mistake. You have no hand, but I still have cards at my disposal."
"Oh?" Bakura replies, cocking his head slightly to the side, "And what would that be?"
"For now I play Polymerization," Gavin declares, placing the three cards on the field, "Fusing the Fenrir and Warrior Soul from my hand to call Soul of Light from my fusion deck!"
"...alright..." Bakura smiles back, inwardly laughing.
Warrior Soul and Fenrir appeared, standing side by side. They then moved next to one another, melding to create a new monster. The wraith appeared, wielding a sword in its hand.
From the side of the dueling arena, Richard Pegasus looked up, watching as the blade glimmered in the light.
"Attack, Soul of Light, and destroy Bakura's only monster in his hand or the field!" Gavin shouts, holding out his right hand.
Soul of Light moved forth, handling its blade with an eerie form of grace. It struck, but Bakura activated his trap, causing the three robed figures to appear between the monsters.
"Then I will activate Waboku," Bakura grins, "But the attack still resolves."
"So?" Gavin responds.
"So you will be the first to witness a card given to me by Pegasus himself," Bakura states, his eyes catching the light for an instant.
The monster flipped, showing a single flame.
"What is that?" Gavin murmurs, his eyes widening.
"Yugi, what is that card?" Tea asks, looking at Yugi.
"I...I don't know..." Yugi mutters back.
Bakura sighs, lowering his head slightly. As he did so, the flame grew a little higher, as if responding to Bakura's movements, "This is Flame Incarnation, a Pyro monster with 1400 attack points and 300 defense."
"Then what is the point?" Gavin cut in.
"It has an effect."
Gavin bit his lip, awaiting Bakura's explanation. Bakura took this as a gesture to continue.
"Tell me Gavin," Bakura's voice moved like ice through the air, chilling Gavin's spine, "what level is Soul of Light?"
"Why does it matter?" Gavin asks solemnly.
"It does."
Swallowing dryly, Gavin stares at his card anxiously, "...it is level eight..."
Bakura reaches for his deck, licking his lips slightly, "Then I draw eight cards. For whenever Flame Incarnation is attacked, I may draw a card for each level of the attacking monster!"
"What?" Joey shouts from the stand.
Gavin chuckles under his breath, "Alright, Bakura, well done. That was a good counter-maneuver to the effects of Final Destiny...but if that is all you received from Industrial Illusions, then I'm afraid this will be a difficult duel for you, my friend..."
"...I never said that was all..." Bakura whispers, though not nearly loud enough for anyone to hear.
"Hey, Yug," Joey mutters to his friend, "does Bakura seem different to you?"
"Yeah, I just noticed..." Yugi replies, peering over the railing of the balcony, "He seems...determined..."
"Have you figured it out yet?" Rathje asks, approaching the two.
"Figured what out?" Joey turns to Rathje.
"I'll take that as a 'no'," Rathje grins, "Bakura must be the last Millennium Guardian, as there are four Guardians and four semi-finalists."
"Yeah, but why is he so determined?" Yugi sighs.
"I believe it has something to do with Richard Pegasus being possessed by the Spirit of the Millennium Ring," Rathje states, closing his eyes, "I think he is yearning for a chance to duel the Spirit, because of the time he was held under his control..."
"...so then Bakura knows he has to win..." Yugi murmurs, turning back to the duel.
Now his turn, Bakura draws a single card, having nine cards in his hand, "I will play my own Polymerization!"
"Fusing what?" Gavin asks across the field.
"My Flame Incarnation, for one."
"What?" Gavin shouts, "I thought that was all you were given!"
"I never said that," Bakura explains, "You assumed that. So now I fuse it with my 'Seraphim' in my hand!"
Bakura put the two cards on the field, an angel appearing on the field, then disappearing in an instant. Soon, another form of Angel appeared in its place, holding a blazing sword in one hand, the other holding its palm out forward.
"I summon Angel of the Flame!" Bakura declares, grinning.
"What is this card?" Gavin asks, looking at it.
"Angel of the Flame is a Light and Fairy-type monster," Bakura states calmly, "It has 2800 attack points and 2100 defense."
"Hmm..." Gavin responds, smiling, "but my monster has 2900..."
"I never said I was going to fight your monster."
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"It means that I haven't summoned a monster this turn," Bakura replies, placing his Change of Heart on the field, "So I will tribute Soul of Light for my Gyakutenno Megami, a monster with 1800 attack and 2000 defense points."
"No!" Gavin yells, gritting his teeth.
"Attack, Angel of the Flame and Gyakutenno Megami," Bakura shouts, throwing a hand into the air.
-Bakura: 7600, Duelist Soul: 2400
Beads of sweat making their way down his forehead, Gavin draws a single card from his deck. Gasping slightly, he places it on the field, "I discard my Thunder Dragon, allowing me to search my deck for two more!"
Bakura nods, waiting for Gavin to do so.
"Now I will play Polymerization, fusing the two Thunder Dragons in my hand," Gavin declares, feeling a bit more confident, "Thus summoning Twin- Headed Thunder Dragon onto the field!"
The massive creature appears, letting out a loud roar.
"Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon," Gavin begins, "attack and destroy Gyakutenno Megami!"
Launching two blasts of electricity, Thunder Dragon attacks the fairy, leaving nothing remaining.
-Bakura: 6600, Duelist Soul: 2400
'The attack points of the monsters are equal,' Bakura thought, 'so I can't just attack and destroy the Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon...so I can just end my turn and wait...'
"I choose to end my turn without playing any cards," Bakura calls out across the field.
Gavin nods, drawing a card slowly, 'There is only one card in my deck that would change this duel to the way I need it...'
In an instant, the breath left Gavin's lungs. He stares in awe at the card facing him. Time seemed to stop for him, allowing him to become fully aware of what had just happened.
"Ryou Bakura."
"Yes?"
"I'm afraid that this duel may as well be over."
"Why?"
"I play Monster Reborn!" Gavin shouts, "Returning Soul of Light to the field!"
Bakura merely nodded, awaiting the result as the spirit appeared before him.
"Soul of Light," Gavin starts, "Go, attack Angel of the Flame!"
Soul of Light moved forward, its blade cutting through Angel of the Flame.
-Bakura: 6500, Duelist Soul: 2400
"Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon," Gavin continues, "attack Bakura directly!"
In a shot of lightning, Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon attacked. With nothing on Bakura's side of the field, the attack succeeded.
-Bakura: 3700, Duelist Soul: 2400
"All I need is two more successful attacks, Bakura," Gavin states, "and this duel is over!"
Nodding in acknowledgement, Bakura draws a card. He closes his eyes, confused.
'I do not own this card,' he thinks to himself, 'How is it in my deck?'
Shadi looks over the edge of the balcony, a thin smile crossing his lips, 'So it starts. The beginning of the end...'
Removing a different monster from his hand, he set it face-down, "I set one monster and end my turn, Duelist Soul."
"Then if I draw a monster with 800 attack points or higher, Bakura," Gavin responds, "this duel could very well be over."
'But if you do not,' Bakura thinks, 'then it will still end sooner than you think.'
Drawing a card, Gavin frowns, thinking, 'You think I would have at least one monster in my hand...'
"Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon, attack the face-down monster!" Gavin shouts, clenching his free hand into a fist.
"Thank you," Bakura states, flipping his Magician of Faith, "For now I have my Change of Heart back."
Magician of Faith was destroyed, but Bakura removed Change of Heart from his Graveyard, adding it to his hand.
"It makes no difference," Gavin mutters, "What are the odds you will have a Goblin Attack Force? For that is the only card that will save you next turn!"
"Maybe not, Gavin..." Bakura replies, the words leaving his mouth barely a whisper, "...maybe not..."
"Now, Soul of Light," Gavin shouts, "attack Bakura directly!"
Soul of Light attacks, receiving no resistance. As it did, Bakura almost smiled, knowing how close he came to defeat in that single strike.
-Bakura: 800, Duelist Soul: 2400
"I end my turn, Bakura," Gavin murmurs, "Let's see your plan..."
"You will, Duelist Soul," Bakura says, drawing, "For first, I play Change of Heart, taking Soul of Light!"
Gavin nods, "I know."
'I hope this works,' Bakura thinks to himself, holding the next to cards separate from the rest of his hand.
'It will.'
The words echoed within Bakura's mind. He looked around, disoriented. He saw a robed man on the balcony, staring at him with fierce stolidity.
"Gavin Theodore Threadbare," Bakura shouts, placing the first card on the field, "I play Soul Exchange!"
"What?" Gavin gasps.
"I offer both Soul of Light and Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon as a tribute to summon..." Bakura paused, staring anxiously at the card.
"To summon?" Gavin urged.
"To summon Cosmo Queen!" Bakura continues.
The monster appeared, hovering high over Gavin. He fell forward, resting on the dueling arena, though the only three things on his side were his deck, his graveyard, and his fusion deck.
"No..." Gavin murmurs, "I-I was there...I had won!"
"I cannot attack this turn," Bakura states, "because of Soul Exchange. So I will set one trap card and end my turn."
Gavin drew, silently placing one card face-down, "I will set one monster and end my turn."
Bakura smiles, drawing a card from his deck, "Before entering my Battle Phase, I will set one monster, as well."
The card appeared face-down on the field next to Cosmo Queen.
"I will also play Stop Defense!" Bakura declares, laying the magic card on the field, "This card allows me to move your face-down monster into attack mode!"
"Alright," Gavin murmurs in a monotone voice, "It is a Man-Eater Bug, and I select Cosmo Queen."
The monster flipped, lunging at Cosmo Queen in a blind rage. In a flash, Cosmo Queen had moved, and the face-down monster was where it had been before.
"I activate Shift," Bakura countered, flipping his card, "Causing you to destroy my Spirit of the Harp."
Gavin nods, staring blankly at Bakura.
"Cosmo Queen," Bakura began, taking a deep breath, "Attack Man-Eater Bug, ending the duel!"
Cosmo Queen threw both of her hands into the air, sending a hail of meteors upon Man-Eater Bug, sending it to the Graveyard.
-Bakura: 800, Duelist Soul: 0
"Then...then I lose..." Gavin states, his head lowered.
Croquet steps forward, gaining everyone's attention, "The final duel of the semi-finals is over. Tomorrow, the final duel will take place between Rathje Kiroishen and Ryou Bakura. The winner will receive the prize of a complete set of cards from the new extension, Trial of Pharaohs, as well as a duel with Sir Richard Pegasus himself, at which anything may be requested as the prize."
"Just like old times..." Yugi sighs.
The two duelists turned, walking away from the arena.
"Bakura!"
Bakura stopped, turning at Gavin's voice. Gavin was not facing him, but was still speaking to him.
"Bakura, you are the fourth Millennium Guardian," Gavin states solemnly, "Congratulations, and good luck tomorrow."
~
Author's Note: Well, there's chapter nineteen. I won't be updating for a while, I'm going camping...I'll be back next Saturday; the nineteenth...heheheh...get it? Chapter Nineteen, Saturday the Nineteenth? *Forced laugh*
Author's Note: Thank you to Gabrielle Reed. I'm thanking you because...well...you helped me find a bit o' inspiration and everything...you know why...
Author's Note: Thanks to my 'Mystery Reviewer', whom I figured out who you were...'nyo', indeed.
Author's Note: Because I can't decide what the Romance fic should be, it'll probably end up being original fiction, which I don't like to do...I've had some pretty bad experiences with original fiction...
~
Gavin Threadbare sat in his room cross-legged on the floor. He was preparing for the duel ahead of him. His deck lay before him, spread out so each card was visible.
He sighs, sifting through the cards with his eyes. As he did this, something caught his eye. Something had glimmered. He reaches out, touching the fusion monster given to him.
"That blade..." he murmurs, staring at the card, "...I know of it..."
The wraith-like figure on the image of the card was holding a sword, and it was now quite visible to Gavin. It was golden, with an eye on the hilt.
"Yes," a new voice cut in, "for it is the Pharaoh's Sword."
Gavin looks up, seeing a robed man.
"Shadi," he mutters, more to himself.
"Yes, I have come to see your progress, Duelist Soul," Shadi answers, standing before Gavin.
"I have discovered two more of the Guardians, and I believe I know who the final one is..."
"Who?" Shadi asks.
"His name is Ryou Bakura," Gavin replies, rising to his feet, "I am dueling him later today. Yasumi Shiroko is of Skill, and Rathje Kiroishen is of Redemption."
Shadi nodded, and then turned to view the card still in Gavin's hand.
"The Pharaoh's Sword?" Gavin sighs, closing his eyes, "Is that really what it is?"
Shadi looks at Gavin, his eyes piercing Gavin's mind, "You know it is. It is the Pharaoh's Item that you will soon wield.
"Duelist Soul, there are two names for the Millennium Guardians. You know of Duty, Skill, Redemption, and Peace. There are alternate names, though. You are the Millennium Guardian of Light. Yasumi Shiroko, the Millennium Guardian of Skill, would be the Guardian of Space. Rathje Kiroishen, the Millennium Guardian of Redemption, would be the Guardian of Shadows."
"And what of Bakura?"
Shadi was silent. He pauses for a moment or two, trying to decide how to word his next sentence. Gavin opens his eyes, staring at Shadi. His eyes seemed to almost be void of all emotion.
Finally he spoke, breaking the awkward silence, "There are only three Pharaoh's Items, Duelist Soul."
"But you told me there were four!" Gavin shouts, throwing an arm forward.
"Yes..." Shadi whispers, "There are four Millennium Guardians, but only three Pharaoh's Items. The Millennium Guardian of Peace has no item, though I do not know why..."
"...Shadi...you mean to say that you do not possess all knowledge on the Millennium Guardians?" Gavin asks, barely above a whisper.
"No, I do not. It is for you to discover. I believe you are to lead the Millennium Guardians, leading them to saving the very world as we know it."
"But Shadi, if we are to defeat the Spirit of the Millennium Ring within the duration of Duelist Kingdom, them what of the Pharaoh's Items? If we complete our task, then are the items pointless?" Gavin continues.
"As I said, I do not know."
~
"Attention, please," Croquet shouted, his voice echoing through the room, "the final duel of the semi-finals will now commence."
The people on the balcony looked up. Joey and Yugi stood side by side. Yasumi and Rathje stood next to one another as well, but away from the other. Shadi stood behind them, arms crossed, unnoticed. Seto Kaiba watched as well, though he seemed uninterested.
"The duel will be between Duelist Soul and Ryou Bakura," Croquet announced, "Will both duelists take their places."
As if on cue, Gavin marched forward, his golden hair moving slightly as he walked, his emerald eyes shining brilliantly. He stopped at the dueling platform. As he did so, the bottom of his coat licked his ankles, dangling motionless afterwards.
Taking a deep breath, Bakura walked out. His white hair hung loosely as he turned to see his friends. He smiled back. Apart from his smile, he did not respond at all to their waves and cheers.
Both dueling platforms rose to their highest level, and the duelists looked at one another, their eyes meeting.
"Good afternoon, Bakura," Gavin greets.
"Yes, same to you, Duelist Soul," Bakura replies.
"Let the duel begin!" Croquet yells.
They drew five cards each. Gavin looks down at his hand, picking one card and placing it on the field, "I set one monster and end my turn."
Bakura nods, drawing, "Then I will summon Rogue Doll in attack mode."
The monster appeared in a flash of light, wielding a small staff.
"Rogue Doll, attack the face-down monster!" Bakura declares.
Rogue Doll dashes forward, striking a Needle Worm.
"No!" Bakura shouts in distress.
"I take it you know the card," Gavin murmurs in response.
"Yugi," Tea starts, poking her friend, "What does that monster do?"
"Needle Worm?" Yugi states, looking up at Tea, "When it's flipped, Bakura has to put the top five cards on his deck into his graveyard."
After moving the cards into his graveyard, Bakura looks up at Gavin, "Alright, I end my turn.
Author's Note: And now for some music on the side...cue 'One Card Short' or 'Wild Drive'...either or, really.
"Bakura," Gavin states firmly after drawing a card, "I set four trap cards, and then summon Dark Elf in attack mode!"
Four face-down cards appeared vertically on the field, accompanied by a Dark Elf.
"Now, Dark Elf, attack Rogue Doll!"
-Bakura: 7600, Duelist Soul: 7000
Bakura drew, sighing, "First, I play Pot of Greed, drawing two cards."
He drew two cards, adding them to his hand with a nod, "And now I set one monster and end my turn."
Gavin nodded, a little intrigued, "Then I will set another monster and attack you face-down monster."
Rogue Doll attacked, revealing Magician of Faith, which allowed Bakura to return a card in his graveyard to his hand.
"Which card did you take?" Gavin asks.
"Final Destiny."
Gavin bites his lip, "I end my turn."
Bakura draws, smiling faintly, "I will discard five cards, which will allow me to play Final Destiny!"
The field exploded into a sea of flames, an explosion erupting through the very earth. This explosion wiped the field clean of every card, including Gavin's four trap cards.
"And now I set one monster and one trap card before ending my turn."
Gavin drew, a smirk slowly crossing his lips, "Ryou Bakura, I'm afraid you have made a grave mistake. You have no hand, but I still have cards at my disposal."
"Oh?" Bakura replies, cocking his head slightly to the side, "And what would that be?"
"For now I play Polymerization," Gavin declares, placing the three cards on the field, "Fusing the Fenrir and Warrior Soul from my hand to call Soul of Light from my fusion deck!"
"...alright..." Bakura smiles back, inwardly laughing.
Warrior Soul and Fenrir appeared, standing side by side. They then moved next to one another, melding to create a new monster. The wraith appeared, wielding a sword in its hand.
From the side of the dueling arena, Richard Pegasus looked up, watching as the blade glimmered in the light.
"Attack, Soul of Light, and destroy Bakura's only monster in his hand or the field!" Gavin shouts, holding out his right hand.
Soul of Light moved forth, handling its blade with an eerie form of grace. It struck, but Bakura activated his trap, causing the three robed figures to appear between the monsters.
"Then I will activate Waboku," Bakura grins, "But the attack still resolves."
"So?" Gavin responds.
"So you will be the first to witness a card given to me by Pegasus himself," Bakura states, his eyes catching the light for an instant.
The monster flipped, showing a single flame.
"What is that?" Gavin murmurs, his eyes widening.
"Yugi, what is that card?" Tea asks, looking at Yugi.
"I...I don't know..." Yugi mutters back.
Bakura sighs, lowering his head slightly. As he did so, the flame grew a little higher, as if responding to Bakura's movements, "This is Flame Incarnation, a Pyro monster with 1400 attack points and 300 defense."
"Then what is the point?" Gavin cut in.
"It has an effect."
Gavin bit his lip, awaiting Bakura's explanation. Bakura took this as a gesture to continue.
"Tell me Gavin," Bakura's voice moved like ice through the air, chilling Gavin's spine, "what level is Soul of Light?"
"Why does it matter?" Gavin asks solemnly.
"It does."
Swallowing dryly, Gavin stares at his card anxiously, "...it is level eight..."
Bakura reaches for his deck, licking his lips slightly, "Then I draw eight cards. For whenever Flame Incarnation is attacked, I may draw a card for each level of the attacking monster!"
"What?" Joey shouts from the stand.
Gavin chuckles under his breath, "Alright, Bakura, well done. That was a good counter-maneuver to the effects of Final Destiny...but if that is all you received from Industrial Illusions, then I'm afraid this will be a difficult duel for you, my friend..."
"...I never said that was all..." Bakura whispers, though not nearly loud enough for anyone to hear.
"Hey, Yug," Joey mutters to his friend, "does Bakura seem different to you?"
"Yeah, I just noticed..." Yugi replies, peering over the railing of the balcony, "He seems...determined..."
"Have you figured it out yet?" Rathje asks, approaching the two.
"Figured what out?" Joey turns to Rathje.
"I'll take that as a 'no'," Rathje grins, "Bakura must be the last Millennium Guardian, as there are four Guardians and four semi-finalists."
"Yeah, but why is he so determined?" Yugi sighs.
"I believe it has something to do with Richard Pegasus being possessed by the Spirit of the Millennium Ring," Rathje states, closing his eyes, "I think he is yearning for a chance to duel the Spirit, because of the time he was held under his control..."
"...so then Bakura knows he has to win..." Yugi murmurs, turning back to the duel.
Now his turn, Bakura draws a single card, having nine cards in his hand, "I will play my own Polymerization!"
"Fusing what?" Gavin asks across the field.
"My Flame Incarnation, for one."
"What?" Gavin shouts, "I thought that was all you were given!"
"I never said that," Bakura explains, "You assumed that. So now I fuse it with my 'Seraphim' in my hand!"
Bakura put the two cards on the field, an angel appearing on the field, then disappearing in an instant. Soon, another form of Angel appeared in its place, holding a blazing sword in one hand, the other holding its palm out forward.
"I summon Angel of the Flame!" Bakura declares, grinning.
"What is this card?" Gavin asks, looking at it.
"Angel of the Flame is a Light and Fairy-type monster," Bakura states calmly, "It has 2800 attack points and 2100 defense."
"Hmm..." Gavin responds, smiling, "but my monster has 2900..."
"I never said I was going to fight your monster."
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"It means that I haven't summoned a monster this turn," Bakura replies, placing his Change of Heart on the field, "So I will tribute Soul of Light for my Gyakutenno Megami, a monster with 1800 attack and 2000 defense points."
"No!" Gavin yells, gritting his teeth.
"Attack, Angel of the Flame and Gyakutenno Megami," Bakura shouts, throwing a hand into the air.
-Bakura: 7600, Duelist Soul: 2400
Beads of sweat making their way down his forehead, Gavin draws a single card from his deck. Gasping slightly, he places it on the field, "I discard my Thunder Dragon, allowing me to search my deck for two more!"
Bakura nods, waiting for Gavin to do so.
"Now I will play Polymerization, fusing the two Thunder Dragons in my hand," Gavin declares, feeling a bit more confident, "Thus summoning Twin- Headed Thunder Dragon onto the field!"
The massive creature appears, letting out a loud roar.
"Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon," Gavin begins, "attack and destroy Gyakutenno Megami!"
Launching two blasts of electricity, Thunder Dragon attacks the fairy, leaving nothing remaining.
-Bakura: 6600, Duelist Soul: 2400
'The attack points of the monsters are equal,' Bakura thought, 'so I can't just attack and destroy the Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon...so I can just end my turn and wait...'
"I choose to end my turn without playing any cards," Bakura calls out across the field.
Gavin nods, drawing a card slowly, 'There is only one card in my deck that would change this duel to the way I need it...'
In an instant, the breath left Gavin's lungs. He stares in awe at the card facing him. Time seemed to stop for him, allowing him to become fully aware of what had just happened.
"Ryou Bakura."
"Yes?"
"I'm afraid that this duel may as well be over."
"Why?"
"I play Monster Reborn!" Gavin shouts, "Returning Soul of Light to the field!"
Bakura merely nodded, awaiting the result as the spirit appeared before him.
"Soul of Light," Gavin starts, "Go, attack Angel of the Flame!"
Soul of Light moved forward, its blade cutting through Angel of the Flame.
-Bakura: 6500, Duelist Soul: 2400
"Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon," Gavin continues, "attack Bakura directly!"
In a shot of lightning, Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon attacked. With nothing on Bakura's side of the field, the attack succeeded.
-Bakura: 3700, Duelist Soul: 2400
"All I need is two more successful attacks, Bakura," Gavin states, "and this duel is over!"
Nodding in acknowledgement, Bakura draws a card. He closes his eyes, confused.
'I do not own this card,' he thinks to himself, 'How is it in my deck?'
Shadi looks over the edge of the balcony, a thin smile crossing his lips, 'So it starts. The beginning of the end...'
Removing a different monster from his hand, he set it face-down, "I set one monster and end my turn, Duelist Soul."
"Then if I draw a monster with 800 attack points or higher, Bakura," Gavin responds, "this duel could very well be over."
'But if you do not,' Bakura thinks, 'then it will still end sooner than you think.'
Drawing a card, Gavin frowns, thinking, 'You think I would have at least one monster in my hand...'
"Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon, attack the face-down monster!" Gavin shouts, clenching his free hand into a fist.
"Thank you," Bakura states, flipping his Magician of Faith, "For now I have my Change of Heart back."
Magician of Faith was destroyed, but Bakura removed Change of Heart from his Graveyard, adding it to his hand.
"It makes no difference," Gavin mutters, "What are the odds you will have a Goblin Attack Force? For that is the only card that will save you next turn!"
"Maybe not, Gavin..." Bakura replies, the words leaving his mouth barely a whisper, "...maybe not..."
"Now, Soul of Light," Gavin shouts, "attack Bakura directly!"
Soul of Light attacks, receiving no resistance. As it did, Bakura almost smiled, knowing how close he came to defeat in that single strike.
-Bakura: 800, Duelist Soul: 2400
"I end my turn, Bakura," Gavin murmurs, "Let's see your plan..."
"You will, Duelist Soul," Bakura says, drawing, "For first, I play Change of Heart, taking Soul of Light!"
Gavin nods, "I know."
'I hope this works,' Bakura thinks to himself, holding the next to cards separate from the rest of his hand.
'It will.'
The words echoed within Bakura's mind. He looked around, disoriented. He saw a robed man on the balcony, staring at him with fierce stolidity.
"Gavin Theodore Threadbare," Bakura shouts, placing the first card on the field, "I play Soul Exchange!"
"What?" Gavin gasps.
"I offer both Soul of Light and Twin-Headed Thunder Dragon as a tribute to summon..." Bakura paused, staring anxiously at the card.
"To summon?" Gavin urged.
"To summon Cosmo Queen!" Bakura continues.
The monster appeared, hovering high over Gavin. He fell forward, resting on the dueling arena, though the only three things on his side were his deck, his graveyard, and his fusion deck.
"No..." Gavin murmurs, "I-I was there...I had won!"
"I cannot attack this turn," Bakura states, "because of Soul Exchange. So I will set one trap card and end my turn."
Gavin drew, silently placing one card face-down, "I will set one monster and end my turn."
Bakura smiles, drawing a card from his deck, "Before entering my Battle Phase, I will set one monster, as well."
The card appeared face-down on the field next to Cosmo Queen.
"I will also play Stop Defense!" Bakura declares, laying the magic card on the field, "This card allows me to move your face-down monster into attack mode!"
"Alright," Gavin murmurs in a monotone voice, "It is a Man-Eater Bug, and I select Cosmo Queen."
The monster flipped, lunging at Cosmo Queen in a blind rage. In a flash, Cosmo Queen had moved, and the face-down monster was where it had been before.
"I activate Shift," Bakura countered, flipping his card, "Causing you to destroy my Spirit of the Harp."
Gavin nods, staring blankly at Bakura.
"Cosmo Queen," Bakura began, taking a deep breath, "Attack Man-Eater Bug, ending the duel!"
Cosmo Queen threw both of her hands into the air, sending a hail of meteors upon Man-Eater Bug, sending it to the Graveyard.
-Bakura: 800, Duelist Soul: 0
"Then...then I lose..." Gavin states, his head lowered.
Croquet steps forward, gaining everyone's attention, "The final duel of the semi-finals is over. Tomorrow, the final duel will take place between Rathje Kiroishen and Ryou Bakura. The winner will receive the prize of a complete set of cards from the new extension, Trial of Pharaohs, as well as a duel with Sir Richard Pegasus himself, at which anything may be requested as the prize."
"Just like old times..." Yugi sighs.
The two duelists turned, walking away from the arena.
"Bakura!"
Bakura stopped, turning at Gavin's voice. Gavin was not facing him, but was still speaking to him.
"Bakura, you are the fourth Millennium Guardian," Gavin states solemnly, "Congratulations, and good luck tomorrow."
~
Author's Note: Well, there's chapter nineteen. I won't be updating for a while, I'm going camping...I'll be back next Saturday; the nineteenth...heheheh...get it? Chapter Nineteen, Saturday the Nineteenth? *Forced laugh*
Author's Note: Thank you to Gabrielle Reed. I'm thanking you because...well...you helped me find a bit o' inspiration and everything...you know why...
Author's Note: Thanks to my 'Mystery Reviewer', whom I figured out who you were...'nyo', indeed.