Chapter Seventeen: Spire's Trials II: Sanctuary of the Sky
Manny had just completed his trial successfully. He was proud of himself. There was no way anyone could bring him down now, as he was at the highest point at which he's ever been. The door in the lounge slowly opened, and Manny emerged from it. The Patrician of Darkness' cape flowed behind him as he walked towards the others.
"Hey guys, so how'd you like my performance in that trial?" Manny asked as he flopped down into a chair.
"You did great Manny... I'm impressed you managed to pull through all those tough spots." Jason was beaming with pride. "I'm glad you've learned a lot. Everything I've taught you has come into play."
"Yeah... Everything just seemed to pull together. I can't believe I did it myself with my own hands. Well, the virtual version of them... Or well, the Patrician of Darkness' powers helped too."
"Don't doubt yourself now, especially since you were the first one to do this. We're all proud of what you accomplished here today, Manny." Laurna patted him on the back.
"And your deck has undergone a lot of improvement. I'm very impressed. It would be a great match if we met in the Finals." Nick said.
"What makes you so sure you'll be in the Finals, Nick?" Ace taunted.
Everyone was quiet. That last comment from Ace seemed to raise the level of tension in the room. Even though they were all friends, they were still competing with each other. Nick looked a bit annoyed.
"Hey I was just kidding... You saved my ass back there against Manuel and Sumga. I don't doubt your skill as a Duelist...anymore." Ace snickered.
"Whatever Ace, just wait until my Lord of Dragons signals your demise with the Flute of Summoning Dragon..."
"Ah, I see the tension is rising among you all... I love it." Blackheart was standing there, with his table. The five remaining cards were facedown. Apparently, he had been listening to every word.
"Blackheart, I'd say it's a pleasure to see you again, but I'd be lying." Ace said.
"It's always nice to know that the youth of today is as impudent as it always has been. It's time to proceed to the next Trial. We'll decide once again by a random choice." Blackheart picked up the remaining cards and shuffled them around, then placed them back on the table. He picked one of them. "The card I've selected is..."
Everyone awaited the announcement. Their anticipation was clear, as the leaned forward expectantly.
"The card is... Berserk Gorilla. Will the owner of this card please step forward?"
"Heh, that would be me." Jason stepped up. He took the card as Blackheart handed it to him and inserted it back into his deck. "Looks like I'm next."
"Now to choose your area in which the trial will take place." The remaining cards which represented each area appeared in his hands.
Nick's gaze met Blackheart's. Jeff paid no attention to it. Nick was making sure that nothing was going on and that this was a fair game this time. Jeff merely thought that Nick was a simple little bug that would soon be crushed.
"Choose one." Blackheart said, as he noticed Nick keeping his eyes on him. He held out the cards.
"Okay... this one." Jason chose the card second from the right. He took a peek at it. "The Holy Sanctuary... Sounds interesting."
"The Holy Sanctuary was designed by my loyal employee, Sumga Hong... I bet you'll be pleased with the surprises he has created for whomever would come upon his trial. I'll be seeing you all later. Jason, enter through there." Blackheart pointed to the door as he vanished.
"All right then... I'll be going now." Jason ambled toward the door. He turned around and shot back at everyone with a confident grin, and entered.
---
Jeff Blackheart took off the helmet and stepped out of the virtual reality pod. He was immediately met by Hunter, who seemed frantic.
"Sir, we've detected a few hackers trying to break into the system through the virtual world. What should we do to stop them?"
"Well... How exactly are they doing this?"
"They disguised themselves as Non-Player Characters and monsters, and are planning to tear a hole in the network to reach our main database. If they had attempted to hack into the system through an external source, we would have detected them immediately, but they somehow slipped through our defenses. They're using an apparatus similar to ours, but if we stop them now, they won't be able to reach their bodies once we trap them here." Hunter said.
"I suppose I could go take care of them myself. They are invading my systems, and I should be responsible for making sure the threat is eliminated. Just give me their location and I'll see to it that they are completely disposed of."
"If you insist, sir. Re-enter the virtual world, and I'll relay the coordinates to you."
"Those hackers will find that they've made their final mistake, and they will pay for their actions..." Jeff smirked and slipped the helmet back onto his head. "Okay then Hunter, start it up again."
---
Jason stood inside the black room, waiting for his trial to begin. He looked around trying to see something through the darkness, but to no avail.
"I guess I should just be patient... I didn't get this far by being hasty." He ran his hand through his hair. "Good thing that choosing Kaiku as my Deck Commander didn't make me bald... I would look ridiculous..."
A small display flickered on in front of him, showing the progress of the system loading.
[Entering new area.]
[Loading Field: 13% complete.]
[Reloading Trial Data.]
Jason looked down as he mentally prepared himself for what was coming. He looked up again to see how far along the loading had gone.
[Loading Field: 91%.]
"Almost there..."
[Please enter.]
"Here goes nothing..." Jason said as he walked through the door. His eyes were greeted by a wondrous display of architecture and impressive sculptures. "This is amazing! It's like... It's like I'm in Ancient Greece or Rome or something!"
What Jason saw was a huge city... There were buildings of huge magnitude with pillars and arches that seemed to never end. Jason had never seen such a breathtaking sight. Everything was so bright... So... pure and untainted. There were a number of trail and roads on the ground that led all around the city. There were many statues of familiar figures of monsters and gods... Jason was speechless.
[Welcome to the Ancient City Area. You have 85 minutes to complete your task. The people of this city are being oppressed by a group of rogues. First, you must find the people within the city and evacuate them to the Shrine of Zeraht in the Southern edge of the city. Then you must defeat the group holding the city under their control before they destroy it and steal the treasures. Time will be deducted from your score if any of the people are harmed during the mission. Once the city is liberated, you must enter the Holy Sanctuary above the city. When you reach the Holy Sanctuary, you will receive further instructions. The time limit will be extended if you complete certain tasks successfully and in a brief manner. Your trial begins in 3...2...1.]
Jason snapped out of the trance he fell into while staring at the city. "Time to get busy..."
---
Meanwhile...
Blackheart was on his way to deal with the hackers that were invading his system. He had re-entered the virtual world and arrived in the Admin Area. It was basically a room designed to look exactly like Jeff Blackheart's office in the real world.
"Okay, I'm in. I'll enter the Main Network Area, and you send me the location of the hackers." Blackheart was communicating with Hunter. "It's time to get started, and deal with the problem... Vampire Lord, MERGE INTO MY SOUL!"
With those words, Blackheart had once again become the Vampire Lord. He exited his virtual office and entered an area which was basically composed of a grid of green lines. There were parts of the walls where the lines met to form a door, and over each door, there was an sign marking the entrance to various areas of the virtual world. This was the Main Network Area, a place where Blackheart could maintain the integrity of his virtual world. This one area lead to every area, so that Blackheart could manage any problems that would arise.
"Okay sir, the hackers were last detected within the Ancient City Area. There are four of them; One is disguised as Maha Vailo, another as Wandering Hero Freed, the next as Dimensional Warrior, and one is left unidentified. I'll let you know when I find out what the last one is disguised as. And just to make things clear, those monsters are not part of Sumga's trial. I checked, and he didn't include them."
"Okay then, but if I interfere in the current trial, I'm sure it won't matter. That kid Jason can do the trial again for all I care... I just want to get rid of these hackers. Enough things are pestering me already."
Blackheart entered the door marked, "Ancient City."
---
Jason had wandered around the city for a few minutes and found nothing. Everything was too quiet. It didn't seem that this place was under siege at all.
Current Status:
Jason Langdon
Deck Commander: Kaiku: Turner of the Dead
Current Lifepoints: 8000
Time Remaining: 81:48
Rescues: 0/16
Jason heard footsteps. "Who's there!?" He called. Someone peered out from behind the corner. It was a woman dressed in a tattered robe.
"Oh... Don't worry ma'am, I'm here to help. I'll take you to the Shrine of Zeraht." The woman reluctantly walked to him and nodded. "Do you know where anyone else is?"
"The people of this city are running around. It's hard to tell. We've been oppressed far too long. If you are our savior, I will help you find them. Perhaps you can help them unite and form a resistance, so we can stage a revolution against them!"
Jason was intrigued. This concept seems a bit familiar to him, but he wasn't sure where he heard it before. "Okay, well stay close so you don't get hurt.
Jason kept this woman under close watch, as if she was hurt, there would be a time penalty.
"Hey! Over there! A couple of the monsters from the group of rogues... Shining Abyss and Asura Priest... They're dragging a net behind them with some refugees inside! Help them!"
"I guess it's time... Summon! Mechanical Chaser and Gemini Elf!"
-1875
Jason: 6125
"Gemini Elf, attack the Shining Abyss with Gemini Radiation!"
The two elves simultaneously fired a wave of energy toward Shining Abyss, destroying it before it had time to react.
+800
Jason: 6925
Jason drew a card. "Mechanical Chaser, go for a sneak attack! Tunnel underground!"
Asura Priest turned around to see where the disturbance came from. Jason met its gaze with his own.
Asura Priest was indignant."You move one step closer, and all these people die." A sword materialized in each of his hands, and he threw the net in front of him. "I will do it... Now stay back!"
He continued to stare down Asura Priest. 'Mech Chaser, NOW!!"
"What!?" Asura Priest looked around for Jason's Mechanical Chaser. "That's it, these people are DEAD!"
Asura raised its arms an prepared to strike with all of is swords, but was met by Mechanical Chaser and all of its sharp blades.
"Looks like you're not the sharpest blade in the bunch. Good job there guys..."
+850
Jason: 7775
Jason looked at the card he just drew... "Hmm, not bad... I'll save this for later."
There were five people stuck in the net, and Jason abruptly freed them.
"Thank you kind sir," another woman in tattered rags said. "We appreciate you taking us to the Shrine of Zeraht... It isn't too far off."
"Sure thing... We'll be there in no time..."
---
Blackheart arrived in the Ancient City Area through a door hidden within an invisible wall, which marked the boundaries of the area. He took a brief glance at the area to check for any oddities.
"Nothing immediately strikes me as being tampered with here... Just tell me the location of the nearest one of the hackers and I'll go deal with them." He spoke to Hunter.
"They're hiding out in the Shrine of Shinato on the eastern end of the city. All of them are there... Although I can also see that there is a cluster of people in that spot. The current trial, which Jason is taking part in, is in progress, and there seems to be something going on over in the same place where the hackers are. You may want to check for yourself, I can't listen in on the interactions occurring in this virtual world without being there myself."
"All right then. Tell me if anything else comes up." Blackheart disappeared into the shadows of the huge buildings and headed towards Jason's location.
Jason had met up with several monsters who offered to help him. They had been watching over the people who were seeking refuge inside the Shrine of Shinato.
Current Status:
Jason Langdon
Deck Commander: Kaiku: Turner of the Dead
Current Lifepoints: 7775
Time Remaining: 70:14
Rescues: 9/16
Jason had successfully brought most of the people he had found to the Shrine of Zeraht, where they were safe. The people he rescued told him to check the other shrines within the city walls. As he approached the Shrine of Shinato, he was met by three monsters, Maha Vailo, Wandering Hero Freed, and Dimensional Warrior.
"So, you think you guys can help me out? The people tell me there are seven people still hiding out in the city." Jason said. His Gemini Elf and Mechanical Chaser were standing behind him. "I only want to help these people get to safety, and I would appreciate it if you would tell me if you know where anyone is..."
Maha Vailo stepped forward and spoke, "Perhaps you would prefer not to be tangled up in this web of destruction and deceit. Maybe you'd like to help ourcause, instead of playing these silly games."
Jason was baffled. "What exactly is that cause?"
Dimensional Warrior spoke this time, "We are trying to reach Blackheart's main database through this part of the network. We've been undetected so far, and we've heard that you're quite a skilled computer hacker, Jason Langdon."
"What? How did you know my name?" Jason stepped backwards.
"Don't be alarmed." Freed extended his hand to Jason. "We want to find a way to stop Blackheart, and you can help us."
"If I can trust you guys... I'll help you, but you have to help me first. I want to get through this trial, but I'm quite interested in you guys... Like, how the hell did you get in here?"
"All will be answered in appropriate time." said Maha Vailo. "We can help you complete this trial, we can tell you where the location of the rest of the people, but we ask just this..."
"What?" Jason was ecstatic at the opportunity of inflicting his own brand of justice upon Blackheart.
"Do you realize that the machine your real body is within at this moment, if shut off, could leave you trapped here forever? The human psyche can only take so much until the casing that protects the soul is shattered. As this technology is not meant for this world... Neither is Blackheart." Maha Vailo crossed his arms.
Jason was confused. "I don't understand..."
"You will." Freed said. "Now, if you'll help us, we'll take you to meet our leader, who has been watching over a few of the townspeople."
"Well, then I see no reason to refuse. Take me in."
"Allright then, Maha, open up the gates again." Freed said.
"At your command, sir." Maha Vailo took out a small key and opened up the gate which led to the main shrine.
---
"What is Jason doing?!" Manny was panicking. "Agreeing to mess with Blackheart is pretty much suicide!!!"
Laurna, Tony, Ace, and Nick all stared at Manny.
"What? Is there something on my face?"
Nick looked at him coldly. "How can you say that?! We're all here fine, and we've handled him and his eliminators more times than you can count. Jason thinks he is doing the right thing, and I do too. If this helps us, we may not have to go through all the trouble Blackheart is putting us through."
Manny sat back down and breathed out heavily.
"Besides... There's gotta be some sort of media coverage that all of us are in the Spire, and if any of us turn up missing, the federal authorities will be around... Rather than just the local corrupt Blackheart employees." Laurna said.
"Although... we don't know that for sure... We can hope." Ace stared at his sword. His Deck Commander, Marauding Captain, had outfitted him with a pair of swords. He continued examining them. "Shouldn't you have more faith in your friend there Manny? Well, I don't know you, so maybe I shouldn't talk." Ace looked at the reflection in the blade.
"You're right, but I dunno... All this seems like a lot to handle. I barely got through my trial, and it doesn't look too great for Jason if he goes head-on to try and screw over Blackheart."
"Hey guys... I've figured it out." Tony said.
"Figured what out?" They asked.
"Well, the number of times we've had run-ins with Blackheart and his goons... It's about ten or so. That was all in the last three months."
"Uhhh... Okay... How do you figure?" Laurna asked.
"I read your diary... And also about those dreams you've been having about me."
"Hey!!! That's not true at all!! Perverted bastard!" Laurna was upset, even though she knew that was Tony's sense of humor.
Ace was laughing at the sight of Laurna getting so flustered over a little joke.
"Ace, why are you just standing there laughing?!" She got off her broomstick and walked towards him. "Go defend my honor!!!!" Laurna threw Ace on top of the broomstick and used her powers as Mystical Sand to force the broomstick towards Tony, as Ace hung on for dear life.
The broomstick carrying Ace collided with Tony, and both of them hit the wall hard.
"Ouch... Hey Ace...get off of me already!!!" Tony said.
"Ha! I thought I'd never see the day when Tony, the self-proclaimed womanizer, would have another guy on top of him... Heh..." Nick laughed.
"Geez, Nick, keep your fantasies out of this..." Ace said as he got up and brushed himself off.
Tony was still on the floor, dizzied by the attack. He looked up to see a big -1100above his head.
"What...? I thought we don't have a lifepoint value in this room?" He said as he re-oriented himself.
"We don't... Maybe you just made her that mad." Ace held back his usual snickering.
The broomstick returned to Laurna's hands. She shrugged as she was impressed by her own display of her abilities.
"I hate to interrupt, but the monitor has gone black... There's like no reception on this thing!" Manny yelled.
---
Maha Vailo led Jason into the basement of the shrine, while Dimensional Warrior and Freed stood guard. They reached the bottom of the staircase, where there was a simple desk and a chair. Jason couldn't see who was sitting there, as it was facing the wall. An arm motioned for Maha Vailo to bring Jason around the front of the desk.
"Jason, this is our leader. She's taken the form of Hysteric Fairy." Maha Vailo said.
"Why hello there..." Jason extended his hand.
"Hmph." She didn't shake his hand. "How do I know I can trust you Jason? It took us a long time to get in here, and we don't need some half wit screwing us up." She pushed up her glasses.
"Well, your guys have heard of me... So that counts for some credibility doesn't it? And I am here in this trial, which means I can't possibly be working with Blackheart."
"You bring up a good point. I suppose you're trustworthy enough..." She got up. She extended her own hand to Jason. "My name's Desta. I've been working to stop Blackheart for several years... We figured he'd be distracted now more than ever."
"Nice to meet you Desta." He shook her hand. "Now that the formalities are through and over with, how can I help you?"
"Maha, get the others. Then I'll explain our plan."
Maha Vailo rushed back up the stairs, then returned with Dimensional Warrior and Wandering Hero Freed.
"Okay all of you, listen carefully if you want to come out of this alive. We'll be tearing a hole into the boundaries of this area so that we can reach the Main Network Area. From there we will attempt to reach the Administrative Area and take as much information from there as we can undetected. Once we're finished there, you will all escape as I inject the virus data into the system. We'll meet up at the exit point. Jason will then return to his trial, ready to complete the next part."
"We've altered the surveillance so that it appears that you're still doing your trial Jason, and when you return, the transition will be seamless. So don't worry about your involvement. We just need as much help as we can get." Dimensional Warrior nodded.
"As soon as you're all ready, we can begin." Desta said.
They all nodded.
"Well then, Dimensional Warrior, do your thing."
"Yes ma'am!" He drew his swords and walked to the center of the room. "Everyone stand back, this could get a bit dangerous. ACTIVATE! Different Dimension Gate!!" He thrust his swords into the ground, and it began swirling in various colors and designs. A portal had formed out of it.
"Is it safe to go in there?" Jason asked.
Dimensional Warrior turned around. "Don't worry about it, I know what I'm doing." He leaned back and dropped into the portal.
"Let's go!" Desta dived in head first.
"This should prove to be interesting..." Maha Vailo jumped in.
"For great justice..." Freed stepped in.
"Hey, no one gets to hear the cool thing that I was gonna say..." Jason just jumped in.
The next thing Jason saw was a mass of swirling colors, similar to the one he saw when entering the virtual world. He couldn't tell which direction was which, but felt as if he was falling. He looked and saw the others a short distance away.
"Hey guys!!! How long is this gonna take? I think I might get sick if this lasts any longer!!" He called to them.
"Here..." Desta used her wings to glide towards Jason. She grabbed Jason's arms. "This should slow down that falling sensation." Her wings kept them descending at a slower pace, and Jason didn't feel so sick. "The traveling time should take a few minutes since we aren't taking a direct route to the Main Network Area. This helps us stay undetected."
Jason couldn't respond to what she was saying. He felt sick. "Ugghhnn... My head...is swirling just like these colors..."
"Oh, I guess you must not be used to this... We'll be there soon, just close your eyes."
"Okay... but I was... wondering... How am I going.... to be... any help to you?"
"Apparently the entrance to the Database Area from the Admin has a lock that requires representation from four authorized users. If any of the four authorized users stop their data input to the control center, anything in the area is immediately terminated within thirty seconds. We needed another person to help us."
"But....why me?"
"We're aware that you're versed in using various equipment that no one else would. That's why we waited until your trial, and chose these monsters to blend in with the landscape."
Jason tried to smile, but he was too disoriented. His technological abilities had finally got him somewhere that might matter.
"Well, it looks like we're here, hold on." Desta said.
Jason grabbed onto her tightly.
"Hey, you might want to those hands of yours down a bit... Hysteric Fairy doesn't play that way... Especially since we just met." She laughed. "Now when we get out of here, we'll end up in the Main Network Area, but there will be some impact. As you probably know by now, your thoughts and actions are transferred into the virtual world, so that whatever happens here, you'll be able to feel as if it were real... Just like how you're getting sick here. Don't be surprised if you feel a little sore when we get there..."
Suddenly, there was a huge flash of light...
---
"Hunter, I'm at the coordinates you gave me, but no one is here at all. There are just people who are useless NPCs."
"I apologize sir, I've lost their coordinates. I'll comb the network until I find them."
"You'd better. Or else." Blackheart's voice was very assertive. He turned his communicator off. "Damn it... How could this happen...?"
He was overcome by rage. He screamed out in anger. "GRAAAAHHRR!!! No one does this to me... I am Jeff Blackheart! I answer only to the Dark Lord of Chaos and Destruction, Mephisto!"
He attacked the innocent people who hid inside the Shrine of Shinato. There was a time deduction from Jason's trial, but he wasn't present at all.
Blackheart checked the status screen.
Jason Langdon
Time Remaining: 49:36
Rescues: 9/16
Deaths: 7/16
"Hmm, looks like I've made an even tougher challenge for the fool. No matter... The fear in those peoples eyes... As I, Vampire Lord, struck them down... That quenches my thirst as I feed off the fear and despair that comes from suffering... It darkens my soul... The fact that the people whose souls I've taken are the ones controlling these characters makes it even better... Their souls will serve as an excellent sacrifice to my Lord..."
"Sir, somehow they've gotten into the Main Network Area! They're attempting to reach the Administrative and Database Area. And they have another person with them... Kaiku, Turner of the Dead, AKA Jason Langdon."
"So, he's with them? Perhaps he needs to be taught a lesson. If these people are friends of his, they'll suffer... Jason will agonize as he watches them scream."
"I'll transport you immediately to the Main Network Area."
"This... this will be amusing!! HAhahahAhhAhHAhahaAA!!!!
---
"Okay Jason, we'd like to see what you can do. Try and open up the lock to the Main Network Area Section B. It should be pretty simple." said Desta.
"All right then..." He approached the door. He looked into the console and saw that a code needed to be entered. "It'd help if you gave me something I can use to interface with this thing..." He laughed dryly.
"Oh sure... Here" Dimensional Warrior handed him a handheld computer. "Don't worry, even though we're in the virtual world, it'll work the same way as in the real world.
"Okay.... Let's see..." He plugged some cords into the console. "Ah-ha! I've unlocked it! Now we can go through."
Desta looked on. "Good job there. You got it almost as fast as I would have."
"Looks like you've got some competition, eh Desta?" Freed said.
Jason pressed the button to open the door. It rose slowly... as if something was keeping it from opening. Mist spilled into the room from the doorway....
There was a vague figure standing there. They couldn't see who it was... The mist obstructed their vision. The door continued to open.
"Who's there!?" Jason called out.
"I'll give you one guess." the figure said.
Without warning, Jason saw a fist come out of the fog and he was struck down. When Jason recovered, standing above him was Vampire Lord... Jeff Blackheart.
-2000
Jason: 5775
"And now, thanks to Vampire Lord's effect, I can take one card from your deck... I'll take a trap card!"
Jason jumped up to his feet and stoodguard with Maha Vailo, Wandering Hero Freed, Dimensional Warrior, and Hysteric Fairy. However, a card from his deck floated over to Blackheart's hand.
"Hmm... This is a fine card I've taken from you. I'll set it on the ground." He dropped the card on the floor and it disappeared. "Now, what made you think you could get away with what you're all doing?"
"I'd ask you the same thing." Desta said.
"Useless... Just like you Jason. I opened that door for you. You didn't unlock the mechanism." He shook his head. "I think it's also about time to deal with these hackers... Don't you think so Jason? Or are they friends of yours?"
"Leave him out of this... We made him come with us." Dimensional Warrior said.
"Hm, well I've heard enough. Come with me into the place where light cannot escape... Where the most cruel of evils seem like nothing compared to what you'll experience! Watch as I bring all of you into the Negative Zone!" Blackheart threw up his arms.
Everything went black. Nothing could be seen but the red glow of Blackheart's eyes, who stood in front of them. A deeper red glow emanated from the center of the room. They could finally see again. The walls around them were covered in strange markings and characters. Everything was dark... The glow came from a symbol painted in the center of the floor.
"Where did Blackheart go? I can't see him anymore..." Jason said.
"I'm right here..." His voice was ominous as it echoed through the area. His head poked through the ceiling. He jumped out of the ceiling and landed on the ground, in the center of the glowing symbol. "Welcome to the Negative Zone everyone... I hope you enjoy your short stay.... as this will be the place of your demise!"
"If it's a fight you're looking for, we'll give you one!" Desta called out.
"Let's do this!!" Dimensional Warrior drew his swords and rushed Blackheart.
"No!!! Wait!!" Desta screamed.
"Ha! It's too late! You triggered the trap I took from Jason! Ring of Destruction!"
The grenade laced ring shot from the floor and affixed itself to Dimensional Warrior's neck...
"Sorry guys...I made a mistake..." Dimensional Warrior said. The grenades exploded.
"Oh God..." Freed said to himself.
The smoke cleared, and Dimensional Warrior's lifeless body lay there.
"You see, when you're here in the Negative Zone, things work differently..." Jeff laughed as he looked at the lifeless body. "For one thing, I've noticed that the four of you hackers have gone much deeper into the virtual world than you should have. Since you couldn't break into my system using conventional means, you've used your very souls to penetrate my magical barrier... A highly risky move, and it looks like it will cost your friend here his life. When you experience physical damage here, and your soul is encased in your Deck Commander, you'll feel and experience that same damage in the real world. Your friend must be in excruciating pain right now."
"You heartless son of a...!" Desta said.
"Now now, no need for profanity... Give up your souls willingly, and I'll spare you, my pretty little Fairy... Or should I say... Desta?"
"You knew my name...? How?"
"The imprint of your soul... I can read it like an open book. And I believe we met before." He walked towards Dimensional Warrior. "It looks as if his physical body in useless in the real world... So I'll be taking his soul."
"No! Begone Demon!" Maha Vailo was furious. "Activate! Mage Power! United We Stand! Axe of Despair! Another Axe of Despair! And now, taste my suffering Blackheart!" Twin axes in hands, he rushed toward Blackheart with fire in his eyes. "Your evil ends here!"
Blackheart raised his cape to shield himself from the attack. Maha Vailo was relentless in his striking, but his axes would not damage Blackheart.
"Heh, guess what?" He peeked out from behind his cape.
Maha Vailo hesitated. "What?"
Blackheart lowered his cape. Behind it was a purple cylinder. Magic Cylinder. Maha looked at it...And closed his eyes.
"...." Maha Vailo lowered his weapons. He was defeated.
The Magic Cylinder fired back an immense stream of energy. As it struck Maha Vailo's midsection, his body went limp. The energy stream penetrated his whole body before dissipating. Desta, Freed, and Jason could all see the gaping hole as Maha fell to the ground.
"You are all so foolish... You try to face me in my own Network, in my own System, in my own WORLD?! Anyone else wish to die in vain so that your souls can be together when my master devours them all?"
"I'd rather fall defending the memories of my friends than be a coward. Show me all you've got Blackheart!" Freed said.
"....." Desta didn't say anything.
Wandering Hero Freed rushed Blackheart, but he just stood there, smiling.
As Freed ran past Maha's body, he reflected on his own fate... That would soon be him.
"Blackheeeart!!! You'll pay for your evils!"
"Jason..." Desta said quietly. "You're the only one with a Duel Disk. Please! Do something to help us! Jason! Can you hear me!?!?"
Jason stood there, mesmerized... "I'm sorry... I'm terrified..."
"What are you waiting for Blackheart? I want a fight!" Freed stared into Blackheart's red glowing eyes.
"There's nothing... I can do..." Jason muttered.
Blackheart kicked Freed down. Freed prepared for him to strike, but instead, Blackheart just stood there, pointing at the ceiling.
"What...?" Freed looked up.
"I hope you and my Needle Ceiling enjoy getting acquainted."
The section of ceiling above Freed slammed down HARD. They could hear the spikes pierce flesh.
"Why, the only one left is Desta... And of course there's Jason too, but he'll be returning to his trial..."
Desta moved forward. She decided to face her fate courageously.
"Come closer...!!" Blackheart opened up hs cape, and a barrage of chains flew towards Desta. "Shadow Spell! Drag her in!"
The chains pulled Desta into close quarters with Blackheart.
"I'm sorry, I didn't want to end you this way..." As the chains held her up, Blackheart caressed her face. "But it was necessary.." He placed his lips on hers and kissed her... Desta struggled to free herself, but the chains held her too tightly. Then, Jeff bit into her neck, and began draining her of life.
"Desta..." Jason couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"Jason... You're still here... Away with you!" Jeff pointed his finger at Jason, ejecting him from the area. Jason fell unconscious from the force.
He released the chains and Desta's limp body fell to the floor. He could hear faint moans coming from her. She was bleeding profusely from her neck.
"Such a cruel fate has befallen you... Had you joined me, you wouldn't be in such a position..." He picked her up and forced her on her feet. "And as for the time we met before... You may remember me if you think back... Think back ten years ago..." She couldn't stand up, so he held her in his arms.
"You never wanted to be in my embrace before Desta... Now you have no choice." He held her in his arms. "Under different circumstances, this would've been a dream of mine... Me holding you in my arms... But it was your choice to reject me."
Desta was silent.
Blackheart kissed her again, but this time passionately, rather than coldly. His hands flowed over her as he groped her seemingly lifeless body. She couldn't stand anymore, so she collapsed. Blackheart gently placed her on the floor.
Desta gathered all her strength, turning her head to Blackheart. "Jeff... This is the only way you would've gotten this far with me..."
"You always had to have the last word, didn't you?" Desta had struck a nerve. He picked her up again and bit into the other side of her neck. He drained whatever life she had left inside her.
"Edward, Joseph... Curtis... Sorry for dragging you all into this..." Desta thought. Her held fell back as her life faded away.
He was through messing around. Jeff extended his arm and drew out the souls of from the dead bodies on the floor. The blue lights flew around before Jeff absorbed them.
"I left your friends bloody messes. I wouldn't want anyone to see your beautiful body mutilated... Nor would I want you to experience a painful death. Your lifeless body in the real world must be beautiful... Your skin so pale from loss of blood..." He caressed her face once again. He began walking away. "There was a time when I once loved you Desta..."
A single tear ran down Blackheart's face. He quickly brushed it away.
"Jeff Blackheart, logging out." And then he was gone.
The four bodies disappeared from the Negative Zone. Everything was black once again.
---
Current Status:
Jason Langdon
Deck Commander: Kaiku: Turner of the Dead
Current Lifepoints: 5775
Time Remaining: 26:21
Rescues: 9/16
Deaths: 7/16
Jason laid on the ground motionless. He slowly re-oriented himself and picked himself up.
"That was all my fault... That evil, heartless man. He must be stopped."
Jason woke up in front of the Shrine of Zeraht. He entered to find that all the people he rescued were forming a plan."
"Ah! Kaiku is here!" Their leader said. "We have decided to form a resistance so that we may start a revolution! This should push out the rogues who hold our city captive!"
"Good. What can I do?"
"Go to the Holy Sanctuary Area. You can get there by standing in that pillar of light over there." The man pointed at the altar, where light poured in from a stained glass window. The window had an image of Archangel Zeraht.
"What do I do there?"
"Find Archangel Zeraht and ask him for his protection over our city. By then our revolution should push the rogues out. Now go."
Jason did as he said and stepped into the light. He was instantly transported to the Holy Sanctuary.
"This place is almost as breath-taking as the city!"
"Mortal, do you seek something?" An angel dressed in blue asked.
"Oh me? Please, take me to Archangel Zeraht! I need to speak to him!"
"State your business."
"A city below is under siege! They NEED protection and aide!"
"Ah, I see. I am the Angel of Judgment, Saturn. Come with me." He extended his hand. Jason took it in his. "Hold on!"
Saturn flew quickly towards a small tower, and up to the top. There stood an intimidating looking angel.
"Zeraht, this is a man from the town below. He says that they are under siege and need our protection. What do you think of this matter?"
"It is a very noble cause that you've come here to serve." Archangel Zeraht said. "What is your name?"
"My name is Jason. I've taken the form of Kaiku."
"I've looked into your eyes, I can see that you're truthful. The city below does need my help... You were brave to come up here, as not all can reach here so easily through the pillar of light in the Shrine. Your heart is pure. I will protect this city as you have asked." He drew his sword and flew into the air.
Archangel Zeraht thrust his sword into the air and called out, "SWORDS OF REVEALING LIGHT! PROTECT THIS CITY FOR 300 YEARS! NO DARKNESS OR EVIL SHALL BEFALL THIS CITY!" Swords rained down and fell towards the city. "SEALING WALL OF LIGHT! I CAST YOU AS WELL OVER THIS CITY! PROTECT THOSE WHO CANNOT DEFEND THEMSELVES!" A huge wall of light surrounded the city and became invisible.
Zeraht flew back to his post. "It is done."
"Thank you, you have my deepest gratitude."
"Evil only succeeds when good men do nothing. Let those words sink in." Zeraht said.
Saturn then carried Jason back to the point at which he entered.
"Stand in the center of this altar, and you will reach the Shrine of Zeraht."
Jason stepped into the center, and was instantly back inside the main Shrine of Zeraht.
Jason looked around and saw that everything was in ruins. "I'm too late..."
Current Status:
Jason Langdon
Deck Commander: Kaiku: Turner of the Dead
Current Lifepoints: 5775
Time Remaining: 13:08
Deaths: 16/16
In big red letters in front of him, a message displayed:
[HUGE REVOLUTION: FAILED]
"Damn! Then what is Archangel Zeraht protecting?"
"Maybe you need protection." A voice came from the doorway.
"It's you... Sumga..."
"I am Paladin of White Dragon. The people cannot defend my attack. It is too easy to finish them. Now I destroy you!"
"No, if I beat you, I'll at least complete this trial! Go Berserk Gorilla!"
-1000
Jason: 4775
A huge gorilla appeared and it beat its chest loudly.
"Your effort is useless. Summon Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"
-1500
Sumga: 6500
"I don't think so, I'll activate Enemy Controller! I'll sacrifice my Berserk Gorilla to take control of your Blue-Eyes ATTACK SUMGA! WHITE LIGHTNING!"
"Come, White Dragon, escape!" A smaller dragon flew Sumga out of harm's range. A huge side of the Shrine was blown off by the dragon's attack.
"Summon Dragon Princess!"
-0
Sumga: 6500
"Change Blue-Eyes to defense position!"
An aura covered the Blue-Eyes under Jasons control and it raised its wings to defend.
"Summon two new Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"
-3000
Sumga: 3500
Two huge, majestic dragons appeared in front of him.
"Ha, you've left your Dragon Princess unprotected and it has 0 attack! If I attack it with something strong enough, I'll defeat you!" He eyed the Riryoku card in his hand. "I'll summon Mechanical Chaser!"
-925
Jason: 3850
"Now I use this! Riryoku! I'll take half the attack power of one of your Blue-Eyes White Dragons and add it to Mech Chaser, bringing it up to 3350 ATK! Now I'll use Limiter Removal! It now has 6700 ATK!"
"Too bad. I use Earth Crusher now. Mech Chaser destroyed!"
"No!! That destroys the monster with the highest attack strength!"
"Now, I use Creature Swap. You take Dragon Princess, I take Blue-Eyes. Blue-Eyes, attack Dragon Princess now! Burst Stream attack!!!!"
The dragon completely obliterated the tattooed young woman.
-3000
Jason: 0850
"Ugh... there's nothing else I can do... The monsters in my hand have too high of an attack strength to summon them... I've lost..."
"My Blue-Eyes White Dragon have defeat you! Attack Jason direct!!! Burst Stream attack!!"
The streams of lightning struck Jason with great impact.
"This pain is nothing compared to what they felt... I've failed..."
-6000
Jason: 0000
He looked up at Sumga, the Paladin of White Dragon. Sumga flashed two V-signs at him with his hands, then threw his head back.
Everything went dark for him as the world around him changed. He was in the loading area again.
"..." Jason was speechless.
[Trial II Complete.]
[Result: Lose ]
[Time Remaining: --]
[LP: 0000]
[Current Status: Last Place]