Chapter Eleven: Lockdown Showdown!
After all that had happened, Nick, Laurna, and Tony became even more aware that the threat coming from Blackheart and his Eliminators could be hidden anywhere. Laurna felt especially betrayed when they discovered that Dianah was an Eliminator. They realized that the city was no longer safe, making them all the more cautious when meeting new people.
As for their progress in the tournament, Nick was already qualified for the finals, awaiting the announcement that enough Duelists were qualified to enter the finals. Laurna and Tony were close behind with three Decoder Devices each. Of course, there were the other Duelists. There was of course, the wild card, Ace Sotras, who has been there to help Nick and his friends at every twist and turn. In addition, there were the countless others who entered the tournament.
Today was a seemingly normal Wednesday afternoon. Nick, Laurna, and Tony were all studying in the library afterschool. They were sitting at a table, with books and papers spread about.
"Okay, so the Blackheart Corporation building was built seventeen years ago. Blackheart had taken over the rights to print the Duel Monster cards and production of Duel Disk systems in this region. Industrial Illusions went bankrupt when he orchestrated a buy out of all major stockholders. Tony? Laurna? Are you listening to me?"
"Nope." said Tony as he continued writing in his notebook. "I have to turn this assignment in to Mr. Marcus before 4:30. I didn't have time to do it last night, so he gave me a break."
"Laurna, you're not paying attention either?" Laurna was daydreaming.
"Laurna? Do you hear me? Hello...?"
"Ace... I wonder where you are now? Are you watching over me?" Laurna sighed.
"Oh, Nick, did you say something?" asked Laurna.
"Yeah, I did." Nick was annoyed.
"Sorry...I was just thinking...about....something."
"Since we're not really getting any studying done, you guys want to just head home?" Nick started to pick up his materials and pack them away in his backpack.
"Okay. Just need a second..." Tony scribbled quickly on his papers. "Done!" Tony rushed out of the library with the completed assignment in hand, making sure he met Mr. Marcus' deadline.
"Laurna you want me to walk you home?" Nick asked.
She was spacing out again.
"What?" She woke up from her daydreaming. "Oh! Sure Ace--I mean Nick! Sorry that just slipped out."
"Whatever. Let's just wait for Tony to get back." Nick knew that she had been thinking of Ace.
"Ever since Ace had saved us... Laurna can't stop thinking of him! I could've saved us... At least I didn't steal a grenade!" he breathed out heavily and sneered at the thought of Ace. "What am I thinking!? Am I...jealous...of Ace?!"
It was silent and awkward. Nick knew that Laurna was starting to like Ace, Nick was jealous of Ace, Tony was jealous of Nick. There was a lot of tension between friends that was unspoken of. Laurna knew about Nick and Tony's feelings for her, but they promised each other not to let anything get in the middle of their friendship. Now that Ace was in the picture, things between them became even more complicated.
"Hey Nick, how did you do on that geometry test last week?" Laurna broke the silence.
"Oh I got 84%. How about you?" Nick knew she was just trying to make conversation, but he just went along with it.
"I got 100% on it... I thought it was easy, especially since I studied extra hard to make sure I...aced...it..." her voice trailed off.
Nick rolled his eyes. He could see Tony in the hallway, making his way back from Mr. Marcus' room.
"Oh look, Tony's back! We can get going now." Laurna exclaimed, as Nick continued to roll his eyes.
"Ready to go?" Nick asked.
"Yeah, just gimme a second to pack up my stuff." He shuffled some papers around and stuffed them into a folder. "There are a few errands I have to run though, so I'll probably only be able to walk with you guys about half the way. You won't mind will you?"
"Not at all. If we run into any of Blackheart's goons, I'm sure we'll be able to handle it."
"Yeah, Tony I'm sure Laurna and I-" Nick raised an eyebrow at Tony. "I'm sure the two of us will be fine without you."
Laurna turned around. "I think I know what's going on Nick... I'm standing right here, and I can hear the tone in your voice, hehe."
"She's right Nick! You should be ashamed of yourself!"
"Haha, you're one to talk about being ashamed! You're just about as bad as Nick!" She joked.
"Alright...Let's just get going before it gets late." Tony picked up his backpack.
The three of them left the library, joking and laughing, as if all was well in the world. Little did they know that they were being watched.
---
Meanwhile... Inside of a van parked outside the school...
"So... You want to know more about the Blackheart Corporation? Trying to snoop around getting information about us? They can dig all they want, but they won't find anything. Unless of course, we want them to. Right Hunter?" Zane said.
"Heh heh heh, yes sir... I made sure they only found out what we wanted them to know. That exactly how Nick fell into our little trap the first time." Hunter had been monitoring the school through the various security cameras.
"Well, all they've been doing is winning Decoders from us... While other Duelists duel each other for Decoders and their rarest cards, all we've been doing is supplying Nick and his friends with Decoder Devices! If any of us had a duel with someone with four Decoders, it would mean that we'd have to give up our rarest card if we lost. As Blackheart's Eliminators, we have to make sure that failure is NOT an option."
"True, but that's all that's been happening to us."
"I'm sure that if stall enough time for the construction at the Spire to be completed, the project will be successful, and none of this will matter.'
"Of course, but we still need to uphold the Blackheart Corporation's reputation." Hunter pushed his glasses up, since they were slipping off his nose.
"Exactly. That's why I'm going to take this matter into my own hands. I'd rather duel with one of them and give up a Decoder Device than have them win against an random amateur Duelist. This way, they don't get anymore rare cards to improve their decks, and they get confident that they were able to defeat Blackheart's finest Duelists. Duelists are out on the city winning the rarest cards from each other. Less than five minutes ago, I heard that a set of all five pieces of Exodia had changed owners as the result of a duel. All Nick has been able to get ahold of is a Time Wizard. And from who? His own teacher. At this point, it doesn't even matter whether we win or lose. At the current completion level of the Spire, everything should be ready in no time."
"You're right. Current completion of the construction is at 79%. That should be enough to host the finals. And while they're distracted with what we have in store for them, Blackheart will have everything he wants. And we'll be there standing victoriously alongside him."
"Keep monitoring them and let me know their every move. I'll keep behind them and strike at the perfect moment." Zane picked up his Duel Disk.
"I'll be sure to. Now hurry up before they get too far ahead."
Zane jumped out of the back of the van, leaving Hunter alone with his computer.
"Hmph. I should be Jeff's assistant. I do most of the work around here..." Hunter picked up a report of the recent duels the Eliminators had. "Ha! Laurna must be proud of herself for beating Dianah... Really now, would a Duelist of Dianah's caliber actually attack with her Injection Angel Lily and use it's effect to destroy a monster in defense mode? It's so obvious that Dianah was just going along with Blackheart's orders. Although, I can see why Ryosuke lost to Antonio. Ryosuke has a bad temper and doesn't play well with others..."
"Yeah I know. And no, you shouldn't be Jeff's assistant." Hunter heard Zane through his earpiece.
"I left this thing on didn't I?"
"Yeah, you sure did. Next time make sure the link is off when you want to say that you should have my job." Zane responded.
"Yes...sir...Mr. Takio. It won't happen again."
"It better not, I'm trying to practice stealth here as I follow them, and I can't be bothered by your constant whining."
"Whatever you say." Hunter pressed a button to turn off the link. "Sheesh, what a hardass."
---
Nick, Tony, and Laurna were walking along together when they came to an intersection.
"I guess this is where we split up. I'd walk home with you guys but I told my dad I'd take care of a few things for him at the Shopping District." Tony said as he looked down the road.
"Okay Tony, I'll see you later then. You too Laurna." Nick waved as he took the path opposite Tony.
"Bye guys!" Laurna turned the corner and started towards her house.
Zane was behind a low wall near the intersection where the three of them split up.
"Zane, Nick and Laurna are both heading to their homes. Tony is heading for the Shopping District. I suggest you go after him." Zane heard Hunter's message from his earpiece.
Tony walked along as he took out the list of errands he promised to complete for his dad.
"Okay... So I have to pick up some files from his client at the department store, make duplicates of the key to the padlock on the tool shed, and buy that wax for his car. Hm, this shouldn't take more than an hour."
Tony kept walking, not knowing what danger was lurking, waiting to strike at any moment.
---
As he found his way to the department store, Tony glanced about, as he wasn't used to being by himself.
"Boy, it'd really suck to run into Blackheart's cronies right about now. Nick has been able to deal with them by himself before, but that hasn't gotten him anywhere. Oh well. I better just stay on guard."
Tony cautiously entered the department store, making his way to the manager's office in the back. Inside he saw a heavy set man sitting at a desk.
"Hello, Mr. Gordon? I'm Antonio Nicosia, Richard Nicosia's son."
"Ah, hello!" he stood up to greet him. "You must be here to pick up those files for your father. It's nice to meet you." He extended his hand.
"Same here." Tony shook his hand. "I can't be here long, though. My dad has me running errands."
"Oh, of course! That father of yours is quite the workhorse, and he sure is reliable. I'll have my secretary get them for you, it'll be but a minute."
"Thanks. I'll just wait outside then." Tony stepped outside of the office.
"So far, so good. No sign of Blackheart here." He thought.
Mr. Gordon peeked his head out of his office. "Antonio? Here they are." He handed Tony a folder. "I've got an important phonecall, but it was nice meeting you. Good-bye!"
Before Tony could respond, Mr. Gordon ducked back into his office. He put the folder in his backpack then walked out the way he came in.
---
Tony was walking towards the auto shop where he was going to buy the car wax for his dad, when he passed by a shop he'd never seen before.
"Hey...was this locksmith always here? Oh well, I should check it out since I can probably get those duplicates of the keys here."
Zane followed behind him, staying few steps back to avoid detection.
"Zane, he is heading inside YOUR Eliminator station. This is almost too perfect. He's going to be caught in a trap we haven't even set!" Hunter said through the earpiece.
"Good, I'll let the guy watching my station know about this. He can set something up for him." Zane took out his cell phone.
"Hello? This is Zane. Who's watching my post?"
"Hello son. Blackheart told me I could work at this shop." Apparently, it was Zane's father, Hiro.
"Oh...well dad, you might want to leave as soon as I show up, because I have to take care of a job there."
"You mean you're going to do your job as an Eliminator?"
"Yeah, there's one of the kids that's been causing trouble for us nearby, and he's heading for the store."
"Oh, I'll just wait in the backroom, then I can just press the button for the security doors to close when you give me the signal."
"See? You're actually enjoying being part of my work at Blackheart, now aren't you? You used to be so against it..."
"I've got to admit it, I am enjoying this. I actually get to spend some time with you this way."
"I know. Well, get ready, because he's about to go in."
"Okay, see you in a minute." Hiro hung up.
---
Tony entered the store, and Hiro greeting him kindly.
"Hello, what can I get you today?"
"I need a couple of keys duplicated." Tony searched his pockets. "Here they are." He took the keys from his pocket and set them on the counter.
"Okay, it'll be about ten min-" he stopped because the phone in the backroom started ringing. "Just a minute, I'll be right back."
Hiro picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Dad, it's time. As soon as you hear the front door close, activate the security doors to lock me and Tony inside the shop." Zane said.
"Right. Ready when you are."
---
Zane entered the store and was sure to slam the door behind him. Tony didn't mind the noise as he just leaned on the counter waiting for Hiro to come back from the back room.
"Antonio Nicosia, I presume...?" Zane said.
"Who wants to know?" Tony turned around to see who was behind him. His eyes immediately widened, as he saw the logo for the Blackheart Corporation embroidered on the stranger's jacket.
He turned around to see a young man not much older than himself, wearing an odd mix of blue, green and black. He wore a necklace with a small padlock on it, and around had chains wrapped around the ends of his sleeves. His hair was jet black, his eyes an eerie shade of green.
"You're one of Blackheart's eliminator's aren't you?" Tony questioned him.
"Oh, I'm much more than that. I'm Jeff Blackheart's personal assistant. My name is Zane Takio." Zane said as he stood confidently.
"If you're looking for trouble, let's take this outside. There's an innocent man back there that doesn't need to get involved."
"You're wrong, Tony." Zane snapped his fingers.
The entire store went pitch black, Tony couldn't see a thing. All he could hear was the sound of metal shifting and the movement of gears.
"Welcome Tony, to my own special Dueling Ground. Looks like you decided to get your keys duplicated at the wrong locksmith."
As the lights came back on, Tony viewed his surroundings. He could see that he was still surrounded by four walls, but on each door were two doors. Each of them had a huge lock on it.
"Now Tony," Zane was now holding a huge key. "If you defeat me in a duel, I'll give you this key. However, getting out of here won't be so easy. You won't be able to just put this key into each of the locks until one of them works. Each time you get it wrong, the lights are shut off, and all the locks are switched around. If I'm the one who wins, than you'll be stuck in here forever. I can come and go as I please to this place, while you cannot escape without this key."
"Then what are you waiting for? Let's duel!" Tony was all ready and fired up.
"Your enthusiasm will turn to utter despair and panic. You will never see your friends again." Zane activated his Duel Disk and inserted his deck.
Zane: 4000 Tony: 4000
---
Meanwhile... at the Blackheart Corporation Headquarters...
"I've called this meeting to inform you of the recent events, and to fill you all in on the progress of our current projects." Jeff Blackheart was sitting at the head of a long table. Along the sides were nearly all of his major employees, mainly his Eliminators.
"Now since Hunter is out working with Zane today, I'll give you the details he's left in his notes." Jeff picked up a stack of papers. "The current completion level of the Spire's construction is about 80% complete. The systems are now at 100% completion, and are functional whether or not the structure is complete. I expect all of you to input your data when you get the chance."
"What exactly is it that you want us to do?" Siefer asked.
"You see, the systems we installed are a very advanced Duel Monsters simulation device which we will be using during part of the tournament's finals. To determine who gets into the actual final matches of this tournament, they will need to be tested. This simulator will allow the Duelists to show who is truly worthy of being in the final matches."
"So what do you need us for?" Ryosuke was confused.
"Each of you will prepare a test for each of the Duelists who qualifies for entrance to the Spire. Whoever can complete this test most effectively will have a place in the final matches of the tournament."
"I see. So why do you need that huge drill?" Dianah was looking through a pile of blueprints.
"As you know, the Spire is built on top of an archaelogical dig site. The scientists who researched this area didn't find what they were looking for, however with my resources, I will uncover what is beneath it."
"And that is?" Manuel couldn't exactly understand what Blackheart's plan was.
"Ancient ruins. Rumor has it that the civilization who lived here discovered a so-called "Gate to the Underworld." I intend on unearthing it."
"But there are layers upon layers of concrete and rock beneath the Spire. That doesn't include the old structures of the original Mephisto City." Maggie said. "Much of old Mephisto City still exists, but has been covered by soil, cement, and also New Mephisto City."
"Which is exactly why we need to buy time. The reason I started this tournament is so that the projects at the Spire go unnoticed, and seen as innocent construction. We will go unscrutinized as long as they all believe we are building the Spire for tournament purposes. The longer this tournament lasts, the longer we can go unnoticed. Our first test of the drill will happen two days from now. If it is successful, we'll be able to dig into the ground deep enough to reach those ancient ruins."
"So it is our job to stall the Duelists from being able to enter the finals by taking their Decoder Devices..." Sumga said. "This will give us the most time to complete this project, right?"
"Correct. Although I fear that the finals will begin soon. The tests you prepare for the finalists will also stall for time, but since they will be inside the Spire, they may find out the true nature of our plans."
"True. I think that we could cause another diversion, however." Zander, one of Blackheart's most loyal Eliminators, said.
"Ah, but what do you mean?"
"The Dark Matter. When test out the giant drill, we release Dark Matter into the city and we'll call it some sort of chemical leak from nearby factories. Knowing what you're capable of doing with the Dark Matter is self-explanatory as to how you should use it."
"I see what you mean, Zander, but such an uncontrolled usage could be extremely dangerous. However, you just gave me an even better idea."
"What is it?" Siefer asked, with a sadistic look in his eyes.
"No, it won't involve violence Siefer."
Siefer looked disappointed.
"You all could learn a great lesson from Zander here... He's been working for me almost as long as Zane. He's innovative, something that many of you lack."
"Now what's going to happen to that Poljacik kid that's trying to get into the finals as quickly as possible?" Zander inquired.
"Hopefully, Zane and Hunter are dealing with him and his friends right now. I've heard from Hunter that Zane is dealing with Nick's little friend Tony as we speak. I'll deal with Nick myself later tonight..."
"What about your idea?" Dianah said.
"I'll explain my idea soon enough. This meeting's over, you may all go back to your duties." Jeff got out of his chair, and the rest of the men and women sitting around the table began to leave.
"Poor Zander, he trusts me too much. Too bad he'll never know what I did to his family!" Hahahaha!!"
Blackheart stood at the window, staring out upon the city which he was capable of crushing with just a single thought.
---
Nick had arrived home from school and logged onto the internet on his computer. He had been searching for more information about the Blackheart Corporation. An instant message popped up on his screen.
[ HopefulHeart01: Hey Nick, what are you up to? ]
It was Laurna. During the recent incidents, she had been incredibly concerned for Nick's well-being. Laurna made it a habit of checking on Nick every now and then.
[ PolKid99: not mcuh... just looking up inof abuot da Blackheart Corp. ]
[ PolKid99: much* info* about* Sorry about that, I was reading something ]
[ HopefulHeart01: Are you doing okay? It seems like you've been really fixated on finding information, but you're not finding anything new. ]
[ PolKid99: I kno, but I have to do something. I'd feel bad if I were just sitting here doing nothing. ]
[ HopefulHeart01: I see. Well, I'll just leave you to your research then. ]
As Nick closed the window with his conversation with Laurna, a new instant message popped up on both Nick and Laurna's screens.
[ NicoTony7: Help. NOW. ]
"What? Tony is at the shopping district... Unless he got into some trouble down there..."
[ NicoTony7: Sendin msgs fr cell. Shop Dist, locksmith. Elim. Dueling. Help. NOW. ]
A message from Laurna came up again.
[ HopefulHeart01: Nick, you got the message right? ]
[ PolKid99: Yeah, we better hurry. I'll meet you on the corner of Oak and Windmere Street. ]
Nick grabbed his backpack, and rushed down the stairs. As he went to the door, his aunt entered.
"Where are you off to Nick?" she asked.
"I'm going to meet Laurna at the Shopping District." he bolted out of the door.
"Be home soon." before she could finish speaking, Nick was already half a block away.
---
Back at the locksmith...
"Zane, I detected some signals coming from the room you're in. Tony must've sent a message to his friends or something." Hunter informed him.
"Good... Blackheart told me he wanted to draw Nick away from his house. He wants to take care of some business there."
Zane turned to Tony.
"If you're ready to begin, go ahead and make the first move."
Zane: 4000 Tony: 4000
"I'll play my White Magical Hat in defense mode, set a card facedown, then play my magic card, Mirage of Nightmares. During your Standby Phase, I'll be able to draw cards until I have four in my hand, then during my own Standby Phase, I must discard the same number I drew from my hand. Your turn, Zane."
"I'll draw." Zane said.
"I choose to draw a card as well, from my Mirage's effect."
Zane nodded his head, acknowledging the play. "It's too bad I've created a deck that was made to perfectly counter yours! I'll play the magic card Dark Tutor! I name a monster card, then if that card is in your deck, it will go directly to your hand."
"What monster card do you choose?" Tony thought this was an odd move. "A duelist wouldn't want to put any monster that could be a threat to themself into their opponent's hand. I don't think that was a wise move on your part, Zane."
"Oh, was it? I choose Yata-Garasu."
Tony looked at him in a puzzled way. "If you say so..." He took the card from his deck and put it into his hand. He let out a small snicker.
"Don't look so confident Tony! Next, I play the magic card, Confiscation!"
"What?!" It was a card that Tony was familiar with. He knew what was coming.
"I don't care what the other cards are in your hand. I'll discard Yata-Garasu. It may cost me 1000 lifepoints, but those won't matter much to me anyway."
Zane: 3000 Tony: 4000
"No, without my Yata-Garasu, I can't use my lockdown! I'll be able to win by taking out all his lifepoints, but one of my biggest weapons is gone. Although I do have a way of getting it back..."
"Now I'll summon Don Zaruug in attack mode! I'll have him attack your White Magical Hat!"
"Not with this trap! Gravity Bind!" Tony pushed a button on his Duel Disk to activate his facedown card.
"Well, I'll get rid of it with my Mystical Space Typhoon. My attack remains unhindered."
Zane: 3000 Tony: 3600
"Now, thanks to my Don Zaruug's effect, I can either discard a card from your hand, or two from your deck. I'll choose one from your hand."
A card was randomly selected by the Duel Disk, and Tony discarded it.
"I set this card facedown and end my turn."
"I draw, and now I have to-"
"You must discard the card you just drew. I play my trap, Drop Off."
"No... That was my Monster Reborn. Next I'll have to discard a card from my hand, as I used my Mirage's effect during your Standby Phase."
Tony inserted a card from his hand into the Graveyard slot on his Duel Disk.
"Only two cards in my hand... That's not much to work with."
"I set a monster in defense mode and end my turn."
"Okay," Zane drew from his deck. "Are you using your Mirage of Nightmares this turn?"
"I'll use it to draw three cards from my deck."
"I play the magic card, Exchange. Now I choose a card from your hand, and you do the same, then we trade cards. I only have one card in my hand, Spirit Reaper."
"The four cards in my hand are Pot of Greed, Harpie's Feather Duster, Messenger of Peace, and White Magical Hat."
"I'll take your Pot of Greed. Then I'll activate it to draw two cards. I set this monster facedown, then attack your set with Don Zaruug."
The Black Scorpion Graverobber took his guns from his holsters and aimed at the facedown card, and pulled the triggers. The facedown card was Tony's Sangan.
"Since you destroyed my Sangan, I'll use the effect to take Exiled Force from my deck."
"I play no other cards this turn. Go ahead."
"I draw, then I have to randomly discard three cards from my hand."
The Duel Disk once again selected random cards, and Tony discarded them.
"No... I'm left with Spirit Reaper, Exiled Force and Messenger of Peace. Exiled Force will do me some good, but Messenger of Peace won't help against his Don Zaruug."
"I'll summon my Exiled Force in attack mode, then attack your set monster."
"Not a good idea Tony. It was my Morphing Jar. We each discard our hands and draw five cards."
"I'll tribute Exiled Force to use it's effect, and destroy Don Zaruug. I set two cards facedown and end my turn. And now during your turn, I'll use Mirage's effect to draw one card."
"I set three cards facedown, then set a monster in defense. End."
Tony drew, waiting for Zane to respond with something.
"What are you waiting for Tony? Do you really want me to activate my facedown trap, Drop Off?"
Tony discarded the card he just drew.
"Don't forget Tony, you still have to discard one card because you used Mirage of Nightmares."
"Quiet you jerk, I know the rules!"
"Just a reminder, no need to be angry."
"No need to be angry? No need to be angry when the very company you work for has been causing my friends and I endless problems? No need to be angry when you've got me locked in here?!"
"I think you need to calm down! You're quite threatening when you're angry!" Zane laughed.
Tony discarded a card from his hand. I summon White Magical Hat, and send it to attack your set monster."
"I play my trap, Waboku, protecting me from your attack. However, my monster's flip effect is still activated."
The card that was facedown on the field revealed itself, much to Tony's dismay.
"My monster was Needle Worm. You must discard the top five cards of your deck. Unfortunately for you, nearly half your deck is gone now. When you run out of cards, you automatically lose!"
"I'll set two cards facedown then end my turn. Then after you draw, I'll draw three new cards."
"Hmm... Bad move Tony... You're getting rid of more cards in your deck, and you'll have to discard more of them during your next turn."
"Not when I do this. I use my facedown card, Mystical Space Typhoon, to destroy my own Mirage of Nightmares."
"I guess it's too bad... I'll activate my two facedown cards, which are Robbin' Goblin trap cards!"
"That means you'll be able to take out two cards in my hand with an attack!"
"Precisely. I'll use Raigeki to destroy White Magical Hat. Now I attack you with my Needle Worm."
Zane: 3000 Tony: 2850
"The effect of my Robbin' Goblin trap cards are now activated. Discard two cards from your hand."
Tony did as he said.
"Next, I use the magic card, Delinquent Duo. By paying 1000 lifepoints, I get to take two cards out of your hand."
"And since I only have two cards in my hand, you don't need to choose randomly."
"I'll set a monster and end my turn."
Zane: 2000 Tony: 2850
Tony drew a card.
"Whew, this card should help."
"I use Swords of Revealing Light to reveal all the monsters on your field, and keep them from attacking for three turns."
"Ha! You flipped my second Needle Worm! After its effect activates, you'll have less than fifteen cards in your deck remaining!"
"I'll end my turn."
"I begin my turn by setting a monster facedown. Next, I'll end my turn since I cannot attack."
"You have two more turns remaining under my Swords of Revealing Light. I set a trap card facedown and end my turn."
"I'll flip over my last Needle Worm, discarding the top five cards of your deck, leaving you with less than ten cards... I think you should give up now."
"It's not over until it's over, Zane. I won't give up."
"Your choice. I end my turn. I have one more turn until I'm free to attack."
"I have no choice but to play this card, Graceful Charity, so I can draw three new cards, but only keeping one. I'll discard my Heavy Storm and Mystical Space Typhoon. I play the card I kept in my hand, The Forceful Sentry, to shuffle a card in your hand back into your deck."
"Here, take a look. I hold Fissure, Severing Samurai, and Secret Pass to the Treasures."
"Shuffle Severing Samurai back into your deck. End my turn."
"After this turn, I'll be able to attack again. I play my own Pot of Greed, drawing two cards from my deck." Zane smiled. "I drew the perfect card to finish you off with. Blackheart's Sacrificial Offering: Spiritual Passage! By sacrificing all the monsters I have on the field, and discarding the card "Secret Passage to the Treasures" from my hand, any Spirit monster I summon will be able to attack directly, as long as this Continuous Magic Card remains on the field! With three cards left in your deck, I would say that your in a very tough predicament. I end my turn."
"This might be the last card I'll be able to draw... It better be good. Come on deck... Don't fail me now!"
"I'll set a monster facedown and end my turn."
"Is that all? With no cards in your hand, and only two cards left in your deck, it appears that you've given up. Or maybe not. I guess you'll see this one out to the end. I'll summon Yata-Garasu, and thanks to my Spiritual Passage, it can attack you directly!"
Eight Giant Crows pecked at Tony, lowering his lifepoints by a mere 200 points, but causing him to skip his Draw Phase.
Zane: 2000 Tony: 2650
"I end my turn, and my Yata-Garasu returns to my hand as I do so."
"Hmm..." Tony said as he began his turn.
"Do you give up or not? What will you actually do when you have no cards left in your hand, two cards in your deck, and one monster on your field that won't protect you from my Yata-Garasu?"
"I'll do this. I flip summon my monster... It just happens to be Fiber Jar !!"
"What you say !!" Zane coughed, then cleared his throat. "Excuse me, I meant, what did you say? Fiber Jar? You had the one monster that could help you facedown this whole time?"
"Now this duel has restarted, with both of us shuffling our graveyards back into our decks, and drawing five new cards." Tony said.
"This is not right! I had you right where I wanted you. You had nearly decked out, and I had my Yata-Garasu keeping you from drawing! Your inability to use your own Yata-Garasu had nearly clinched the duel for me!"
"That's where you're wrong. Yata-Garasu may be one of the most powerful cards in my deck, but it isn't me deck's only strength. Now, as I drew five new cards, I'll activate this, Confiscation!"
Zane: 2000 Tony: 1650
Zane held out his hand so that Tony could see the cards he held.
"I'll discard the Raigeki magic card from your hand. Then I set two cards facedown, and summon White Magical Hat and attack you directly!"
Zane: 1000 Tony: 1650
"Next, a card must be randomly discard from your hand, leaving three cards in your hand."
Zane knew that if he made a mistake during these next turns, it could mean the end for him. He reached for his deck and drew a card very cautiously.
"I set a monster in defense mode, then set a trap card. Now I play the Magic Card, Harpie's Feather Duster which I drew this turn."
The two cards Tony had set facedown began to glow. A coffin emerged from each one. They stood up then exploded in a cloud of smoke.
"What happened?" Zane said as he shielded his eyes.
"You destroyed my facedown Dark Coffin trap cards. That means their effects are activated. For each one you destroyed, you must either destroy a monster on your side of the field, or discard a card from your hand. Since there is one card in your hand and one monster on your field, that means you will have to get rid of both of them."
"I'll end my turn."
"Now Zane, why don't you give up? You have no cards in your hand, no monsters on the field, and just one card facedown. Is that one of the cards you put in your deck to counter mine? Or is it only a measly bluff? I'd rather not take the risk, so I'll use my own Harpie's Feather Duster."
"That last card was my Mirror Force..." Zane looked as if he had accepted his defeat.
"That was close... I'll attack you with White Magical Hat to end this duel!"
The thief dressed in white punched Zane, knocking him down.
Zane: 0000 Tony: 1650
"A duel well-played Tony. Here, take this, the key and a Decoder Device for defeating me." Zane handed him the key and Decoder. "Don't think this is the last time we'll meet."
Zane snapped his fingers. The lights went out again. They came back on, and Zane was gone.
"Now to find a way out of here..." Tony said to himself.
---
Laurna and Nick were running around the Shopping District to find any sign of a locksmith. They had check out several of them, but had not found the right one yet. They had just reached Zane's Eliminator station when they could here Tony's voice coming from inside.
"Hello? If anyone can hear me... I need some help getting out of here!!"
"Laurna, over there! There's the locksmith!"
"Tony? Is that you in there?"
"Yeah it's me! Now here's the thing: There are eight doors around me, and only one gets me out of here. I have the key, but if I put it into the wrong door, the lights go out and the locks on the doors shuffle around. I need you to stand by the door and make a lot of noise so that I know which door is the right door on the first try!"
"Okay! Here goes!" Nick and Laurna stared pounding on the steel panel covering the front door of the shop.
"Good!" Tony listened carefully. He stepped towards the door he could hear the noise coming from. He put his hand to the wall, and could feel the vibrations. "This must be the door."
Tony put the key in and turned it. "Yes! It worked!"
The lock clicked and fell off the door. Tony pushed on the door and it opened. His first sight was of Laurna and Nick, standing there beside the door.
"Hey guys. Thanks for the help."
"Say Tony... Is that a Decoder Device in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" Laurna asked.
"Haha...Nice one Laurna. Actually it's a Decoder Device, and my fourth one, at that. I guess I'm qualified for the finals, just like you Nick."
"Good. We'll be at the Spire in no time!"
"So now that two of you are qualified for the finals, wanna go celebrate somewhere? I mean, we are here at the shopping district, maybe we could grab a burger or something?" Laurna asked.
"So how about it Tony? Do you need to get home?" Nick looked to Tony.
"I don't see why not. Just remind me to get the car wax and help me find an actual locksmith before we head home."
"Sure thing Tony. We found a coupe of them while we were lookin' for ya."
From behind the locksmith, Zane watched them as they left.
"Boss, they aren't heading to their homes. You can go take care of your business at the Poljacik residence." Zane was on his cell phone.
"Thanks for the heads-up. Inform me if they start heading home."
"Yes sir, Mr. Blackheart." He turned off his cell. "I'm sure Nick will get a rise outta this..."