THE ENCOUNTER OF LOST SOULS
Chapter Seventeen: When the Bonds of Friendship are Tested (Part Four)
Due to Sugoroku's Dark Hole card, a black vortex formed in the middle of the field. It cleared out Sugoroku's side of the field and then went over to Jonouchi's area.
Immediately after Jonouchi's monsters were wiped out, he declared, "I activate Scapegoat!"
Scapegoat
QuickPlay Magic Card
When this card is activated, you cannot summon any monsters in the same turn (including Flip Summon and Special Summon). Place four "Sheep Tokens" (Beast-Type / Earth / One Star / 0 ATK / 0 DEF) in Defense Position on your side of the field. The tokens cannot be used as a Tribute for a Tribute Summon.
Four colorful cuddly baby goats with rams' horns – one bright red, one hot pink, one purplish blue, and one yellowish orange – flanked Jonouchi's side of the field.
As the twister approached the other Yugi's side of the field, Emrys yelled, "I activate White Hole!"
White Hole
Normal Trap Card
If your opponent activates Dark Hole, the Monsters on your side of the field will remain untouched while your opponent's monsters will go to the Graveyard.
Four white cyclones formed above each monster card at the lovers' side of the field – merging itself with Dark Hole, neutralizing its devastating effect, and leaving all their monsters unharmed.
"Typical," Sugoroku sneered. "Do you think that the Dark Hole was the card to spell your doom? Before I end my turn, I activate the Pact with Exodia!"
Pact with Exodia
Normal Magic Card
This card can only be activated if there the five different parts of Exodia the Forbidden are in your Graveyard. Special Summon Exodia Necros from either your deck or your hand.
"With this Pact, along with the five pieces in my Graveyard, I summon Exodia Necros! Rise from the grave and avenge your death!"
As much as the other Yugi wanted to use Black Paladin's effect against the Pact with Exodia, he did not have any cards in his hand to discard. Neither he, nor Emrys, had any card to undo the dark magic.
A black fog blanketed the Shadow Realm. In total darkness, the ground shook and cracked. From the newly formed abyss came a bloodcurdling roar and a repulsive stench that could only be made from the grave.
Eventually, the black fog and the terrible stench cleared up – revealing the gargantuan figure of Exodia Necros standing before the four duelists.
Exodia Necros
Four Stars
ATK 1800 / DEF 0
Dark / Spellcaster / Effect
Effect: Can only be Special Summoned and only by a (Pact with Exodia). This card cannot be destroyed through Battle, Magic effects, or Trap effects. Increase this Monster's attack strength by 500 during each of your Standby Phases. If you don't have a (Left Leg of the Forbidden One), (Right Leg of the Forbidden One), (Left Hand of the Forbidden One), (Right Hand of the Forbidden One), and (Exodia the Forbidden One) in your Graveyard, this card is destroyed.
Emrys stood for seconds, as she looked at the dark god. Her Swords of Revealing Light wore off – leaving her Meteor Black Dragon and her face-down monster open to assault.
The other Yugi braced himself, placing all his faith on his teammate and her deck.
She placed her right hand – and all her hope – on her deck and mused, "We've been fighting side-by-side for two years now, and counting. We've never let each other down before, and I know we won't let each other down now..."
She then drew a card from the duel tray. After staring at her latest draw, she pondered, "Perfect timing!" Placing that card on the field, she declared, "I summon Rhea on the field, and I flip my face-down monster card to summon Cronus!"
Rhea
Four Stars
ATK 1800 / DEF 1900
Rock / Effect
When Cronus is on the field with this card, increase its ATK and DEF by 600 points.
Cronus
Four Stars
ATK 1900 / DEF 1800
Spellcaster / Effect
When Rhea is on the field with this card, increase its ATK and DEF by 500 points.
Rhea and Cronus' attack strengths were modified to 2400 due to their respective effects.
The four duelists gazed in awe at the newly summoned monsters.
The first monster – Rhea – was a beautiful goddess with long wavy black hair. Nurturing maternal instincts radiated from her kind face and expressive eyes. The second monster – Cronus – was a handsome god with wavy long hair and beard that were silver with the passage of time. His demeanor was filled with silent but profound wisdom.
Emrys gaped at the two colossal figures. Tears welled up in her eyes, as she pondered, "Pegasus immortalized Mum and Dad in these cards." She then focused on her glaring opponents and the ongoing duel, declaring, "I end my turn!"
Jonouchi drew a card. "I summon Goblin Attack Force and arm it with Invigoration! My Goblins – attack Yugi's Dark Knight Gaia of the Gale!"
Goblin Attack Force
Four Stars
Earth / Warrior / Effect
ATK 2300 / DEF 0
When this card attacks, it is changed to Defense Position at the end of the Battle Phase. This position cannot be changed during your next turn.
Dark Knight Gaia of the Gale
Seven Stars
Dark / Warrior / Effect
ATK 2300 / DEF 2100
Effect: If this card is the only card in your hand, you may summon it in attack mode without sacrificing monsters. This counts as a Normal Summon.
Invigoration
Equipment Magic Card
An Earth monster equipped with this card increases its ATK by 400 and decreases its DEF by 200 points.
Goblin Attack Force's assault strength boosted up to 2700 due to Invigoration.
Before Jonouchi could gloat, the other Yugi raised his hand and said, "Activate Spellbinding Circle!"
Spellbinding Circle
Continuous Trap Card
Select one monster. As long as this card remains face-up on the field, the selected monster cannot attack or change its battle position except by the effect of a Magic, Trap, or Effect Monster Card. When the selected monster is destroyed, this card is also destroyed. If the selected monster is offered as a Tribute, this card is not destroyed.
A mystical circle trapped Goblin Attack Force. The trap also marked the end of the blonde teen's turn.
As of now, the four duelists' life points stood as follows: Jonouchi at 1000, the other Yugi at 1500, Sugoroku at 4000, and Emrys at 1500.
Drawing a card for his turn and looking at his draw, the other Yugi then placed it on the field. "I activate Remove Trap to destroy the Dragon Capture Jar!"
Remove Trap
Normal Magic Card
Destroy one face-up Trap Card on the field.
Dragon Capture Jar
Continuous Trap Card
All Dragon-Type Monsters are placed in defense position, and will remain in that position while this card is on the field.
Dragon Capture Jar exploded, much to Sugoroku and Jonouchi's disgusted dismay.
The amethyst-eyed duelist then set his sights over at Jonouchi's side of the field, clenching his fists at the difficulty of what he had to do. "Black Paladin, attack Goblin Attack Force!"
Black Paladin killed Goblin Attack Force in one stroke, and dwindled Jonouchi's life points to zero.
The blonde teen screamed, as the pentagram on his forehead burned and disappeared. Immediately thereafter, an unconscious Jonouchi dropped from the dueling platform into the hard ground.
When the other Yugi was about to leave the platform to see Jonouchi's condition, Sugoroku raised his hand. "Once you step out of your place, you forfeit this duel."
Emrys reassuringly glanced over to her seething teammate. Once amethyst met hazel, their exchanged gazes were a reminder to finish what they have already started. She nodded once to thank him for removing the Dragon Capture Jar.
It was now Sugoroku's turn. During this Standby Phase, Exodia Necros' effect gave the dark god an additional 500 attack points – bringing the gargantuan monster to 2300 attack points. After adding the card he just drew in his hand, he said, "I end my turn."
When her turn was about to start, Emrys felt a strong pulsation coming from her deck. From the corner of her eye, she saw the other Yugi stare at her – the latter feeling the same unknown mystical energies.
Once she drew a card, power surged through her – making the throbs from the card and her heart become one. Turning over that card and placing it on the field, she said, "I activate The Birth of Poseidon. I offer Rhea and Cronus as tributes to summon Poseidon Lord of the Seas!"
The Birth of Poseidon
Magic / Ritual Card
This card is used to Ritual Summon "Poseidon, Lord of the Seas." You must also offer monsters whose total Level Stars equal to eight or more as a Tribute from the field or your hand.
Poseidon, Lord of the Seas
Eight Stars
ATK 2500 / DEF 2500
This monster can only be Ritual Summoned with the Ritual Magic Card (The Birth of Poseidon). You must also offer monsters whose total Level Stars equal eight or more as a Tribute from the field or your hand.
ATK and DEF increases by 500 points for each Rhea or Cronus sacrificed during Ritual Summoning or as a tribute to activate power increase. If both Rhea and Cronus are on the field and are sacrificed together during Ritual Summoning or as a tribute to activate power increase, increase ATK and DEF of this monster by 2000 points.
The Shadow Realm went pitch dark, followed by the roars of thunder and turbulent winds. In between each clap of thunder, lightning gave the duelists sneak peaks as a mystical whirlpool materialized and sucked the essence of Rhea and Cronus.
The scent of seawater then filled the dark realm, followed by the sound of crashing waves.
Eventually, the majestic Poseidon, Lord of the Seas emerged from the waters. With long and wavy silver hair, the monster stood at Emrys' side of the field. Due to the special tributes, his attack strength went up to a staggering 4500.
Sugoroku sneered, "You don't look well, crest-wielder. Once you overtax your energies, we'll be more than happy to claim your soul for greater power!"
She could hear her own heartbeat, as well as Poseidon's, more audible than before. Her head pounded for each throb she heard, and more drops of cold sweat formed on her forehead. Gathering the last ounce of strength, she declared, "I arm Poseidon with the Power of Kaishin!"
Power of Kaishin
Equipment Magic Card
An Aqua-Type monster equipped with this card increases its ATK and DEF by 300 points.
Due to the Power of Kaishin, the sea god's attack and defense powers were raised to 4800. Although still shaped like a trident, his new weapon could be used as a menacing axe or a lethal dagger – a weapon fit for a Greek god whose temperament ranged from paternal kindness to unrelenting anger.
Desperately clinging on the railing with her left hand, her breathing deepened for each second it took to complete her turn. Shaking and sweating, she said, "I arm Meteor Black Dragon with Fairy's Meteor Crush! My dragon, attack Exodia Necros – Meteor Flame Stream!"
The ferocious dragon followed its mistress' command – rendering a flaming assault against the dark god.
Sugoroku's life points went down from 4000 to 2800.
Deeply breathing to regain another ounce of strength, she ordered, "Poseidon, attack Exodia Necros - Hydro Cyclonic Blast!"
Exodia Necros withstood Poseidon's assault due to his power of immortality. Although unfazed by the attack, Sugoroku's life points dwindled down from a sizable 2800 to a sparse 300 – applying the 2500 attack strength difference between Poseidon and Exodia Necros.
After ending her turn, she bowed her head and wept.
As of now, the Life Points for the remaining players were as follows: Sugoroku at 300, the other Yugi at 1500, and Emrys at 1500.
Sugoroku, still reeling from the assault, drew a card for his turn. His dark god's attack strength once again boosted another 500 points - thereby bringing it up to 2800. He then placed a face-down card on the field and ended his turn.
The amethyst-eyed duelist studied the field and then drew a card from is deck.
After seeing his other self's latest draw, Yugi said, "Let me take your place."
"Are you sure, Aibou?" the young Pharaoh asked.
"Yes, I am," the young spirit vessel replied.
As the Millennium Puzzle activated and completed the switch, Emrys glanced over to her new teammate. She became somber as she saw the tear-filled glint from his innocent amethyst eyes. Understanding what he was about to do, she mused, "I believe in you, Yugi. You're doing the right thing..."
The younger Mutou placed the card he just drew from the deck. "I activate Soul Release, and I choose to remove all five pieces of Exodia from your Graveyard, Jii-chan!
Soul Release
Normal Magic Card
Choose one to five cards from either your or your opponent's, Graveyard and remove them from play.
Clenching his fists as tears welled and flowed from the corners of his amethyst eyes, he said, "Black Paladin – direct attack!"
The Black Paladin assaulted Sugoroku and reduced the elderly man's overall life points to zero, winning the duel for Yugi and Emrys.
The pentagram burned and disappeared from the elder Mutou's forehead. He then fell unconscious.
Instantaneously, Yugi and Emrys heard the crashing of mirrors and echoing screams. They kept their eyes shut as fragments of mystical glass shattered around them.
In the middle of the deafening noises, the Master threatened, "You two may have won your friends back, but this is just the beginning! Your destruction is near and inevitable!"
After everything became too hazy and noisy, the two victors slipped into unconsciousness.
"Yugi... Yugi..."
Yugi's heavy eyelids fluttered. Realizing that he was inside the cave, he struggled to stand. Still woozy from the ordeal, he landed hard on his back.
Offering a firm hand, platinum-haired Bakura helped the younger Mutou sit. Eventually, the two worked together in waking the others.
While Yugi helped Anzu – the last one to regain consciousness, the azure-eyed young woman groaned, "Was it a bad dream?"
Yugi smiled and gazed into her almond-shaped eyes. "It was real, but we're all safe now."
Teary-eyed, Anzu embraced her childhood friend and said, "Thanks..."
Honda rubbed the nape of his neck and then slapped Jonouchi's back. "Let us get out of this dump! I've had enough of it!"
"I agree," said Anzu as she brushed off the dirt from her short skirt, smooth legs, and knee-length socks with her handkerchief.
Yugi placed his left hand over Sugoroku's back. "Come on, Jii-chan. It's time for us to go home."
The elderly man grinned and hugged his grandson.
As everyone followed Yugi and Emrys' lead towards the metal staircase, Bakura walked a few feet behind everyone else. As the Millennium Ring activated, his dark other self emerged from the Item.
The other Bakura's piercing eyes were transfixed at Emrys as he mused, "Just like the Pharaoh's Puzzle, your power will be mine. Mark my words, especially if you really are who I think you are."
"Man, am I starving!" Jonouchi exclaimed.
"You're always starving!" a smirking Honda remarked as he emphasized the word 'always'.
"It's already five in the morning," said Sugoroku. "Do you young ones want breakfast?"
Yugi interjected as he tapped on Emrys' shoulder, "Come on..."
One eyebrow rose as Emrys asked, "You want me to help you in the kitchen?"
"You're not cooking, if that's what you're asking me," the younger Mutou replied. "Helping and cooking are two widely different activities."
Emrys smirked from Yugi's teasing while his other self observed in amusement.
"Why don't we all help?" Anzu chimed as she tapped on Honda's and Jonouchi's shoulders.
As they all marched in the kitchen, Bakura went towards the pantry. He then spotted and grabbed a box of ready-mix pancakes. Seeing that Emrys was the one closest to him, he told her while handing the box, "We could make some..."
"Oh, no –" Yugi said in a panicked voice. He vigorously waved his hands in front of him.
An invisible other Yugi chuckled, especially when Emrys blushed.
"What in the world is going on with you?" Anzu frowned as she saw her childhood friend act in a non-customary fashion.
Emrys laughed in embarrassment. She crossed her arms in front of her and leaned against the pantry door. "He already tasted my cooking."
"Oh, come on," Honda interjected in disbelief. "It doesn't take brains to make them. Any moron could make pancakes. You only put water in the batter. How bad could one mess it up?"
Blushing even more without getting offended, Emrys said with a sheepish smile while pointing at herself, "I'm a moron, then. I could not make them. If I could do something well when it comes to cooking, it's how to botch it as badly as I possibly could."
"So you and the box need to be away from each other." A cringing Jonouchi then quickly grabbed the pancake mix from Emrys' hands. "I don't know about the rest here, but I still want to live another day..."
Everyone laughed and then prepared breakfast while Sugoroku and Emrys talked more about archaeology and Professor Hopkins. After the light meal and merry chatter, Emrys then cleared out the table and washed dishes.
Marching off to bed, Sugoroku stayed in his room. Anzu and Emrys shared the guest room. The young men slept in Yugi's bedroom.
As Yugi stared at the ceiling while the others slept, the spirit of the Pharaoh said, "We saved them, Aibou. I'm very proud of you."
Closing his eyes, the young spirit vessel replied, "Something tells me, though, that our troubles aren't over yet."
The other Yugi contentedly sighed, "Ah... It may not be all over yet, but we'll always prevail together. Trust on that..."
End of Chapter Seventeen
Author's Note
Rhea, Cronus, The Birth of Poseidon, and Poseidon Lord of the Seas are not real cards from the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game.
Just a bit of trivia: do you know that the magic card Brain Control – a staple in Yami Yugi / the other Yugi's deck - does not exist in either the Japanese or the English trading card game version? There is no Brain Control, only Change of Heart. However, for the story's purposes, Brain Control appears in this duel. I give my many thanks to Edo for clarifying this piece of information.
If you want to find out more about Emrys' parents, how they die, and how she takes it, read my short story There Will Come Soft Rain – a prequel set two years before the events narrated in The Encounter of Lost Souls.
Normal Disclaimer
Yu-Gi-Oh is the copyrighted property of Kazuki Takahashi. Alexa, Yoshiko, Koji, Rhea, Cronus, The Birth of Poseidon, and Poseidon Lord of the Seas, and this fan fiction are the properties of the author. This fan fiction is written for entertainment purposes only – thereby releasing the author from any liabilities.