A/N: Chapter 39 is here! Now, believe it or not, this was the VERY FIRST I ever wrote of this story... and this segment was written before I even started Shielded Destiny. Yes, indeed, this was what spawned it all. Of course, it's since been tweaked here and there, but most of the content is exactly the same as it was when I first wrote it. I had no idea what I was writing or why I was writing it, but now... now I've got all this and more to show you. Who'd have thought?
Voakands: No problem about the Mary Sue thing. And as to the cards... well, you'll find out soon enough.
Monica: Not only are you not a mother, you're not mine, so I guess it's kinda useless as a Mother's Day present (my mom doesn't read this fic). Poor dinosaur. And no, I didn't list them all out; that would've been a waste of everyone's time, I think. Even my attention span isn't wide enough to try to wrap my brain around all 96 cards he got. I just listed some of the real goodies.
Eusine: Theoris appreciates the kudos, I'm sure. People didn't seem to figure Chubs as the other semi-finalist, so good to know I can still surprise everyone. As to the mysterious man, I imagine you'll see some of them.
Mira: Neither am I. But that apparently doesn't stop me from trying to write it up when the opportunity arises.
Wolf: Nobody knows. That's part of the fun, some mysteries just go unsolved. And yep, you'll find out soon.
Pheonica: There are those that might argue about the greed thing... perhaps even some like Kyle, who haven't chose a particular theme to their decks. But since Kyle's the guy he is now, it only makes sense he'd be generous; besides, there's plenty to go around. As for the YGO cast, take a look... you might be pleasantly surprised.
--
Three Days Later
--
Kyle paced slowly along the sidewalk, snaking around the northern campus of Trenton University. He was doing well... very well, it seemed. The writing classes he was taking were doing well to enhance his own abilities in that field. He was also making a multitude of friends with the addictive game of Duel Monsters. Ever since the Madison tournament, a plethora of people wanted to duel him and get to know him.
While he knew that many of them only wanted to do it to say they'd dueled the champion of that tourney, he also knew that others did it to learn what they could about the game. He could only chuckle where that was concerned. Chubs taught me better than he could have ever hoped for, it seems.
Funny thing is, he thought, I wouldn't even have dreamed of going to college a few months ago, much less winning Duel Monsters tournaments... I could only have recurring nightmares about my family and how they were always pushing me to be a doctor.
Medicine is a noble profession, Theoris observed.
I'm aware of that, make no mistake, Kyle assured. The problem was that it wasn't what I wanted. My first love has always been writing. Even when I had no concept of a decent story, I'd always write... I'd spend extra time on the computer I'd been given so that I could type up some little ditty or other. Most of them were really naive, especially at that age, but it's what I liked then. And it's what I love now.
I suppose I can testify to seeing others have to give up what they love in order to pursue what their families expected of them. In Egypt, it was expected of able-bodied men to be in the army for many long years.
And you were subject to this protocol.
Yes. I could only hold to my own sense of justice... I was simply a protector of the nation I loved so dearly.
And then you became one with the Millennium Shield, the ultimate protection.
It is appropriate, is it not?
I'd like to think so.
I am amazed by this free world you live in, that you may defy your family without fear of persecution.
That's just the thing. I didn't even think of trying, really trying, until you and the shield came to me. But then everything just seemed to start opening up; I suddenly felt like... I don't know... I felt like I could do anything. I didn't feel so trapped. I saw a whole range of options I hadn't considered before, because I was so narrow-minded. You've helped me a great deal, and now look where it's gotten me. Instead of being a high school dropout, here I am in college, studying the major I've always wanted!
I and the shield serve to help protect you and your interests.
And for that, I am indeed grateful.
Kyle allowed a smile to pass across his face as he stared down at the slabs of concrete that constituted the sidewalk. He could only hope his job interview with the publishing company would yield useful results; his hopes rode on getting an internship. He didn't even care where. Janitorial work would even do the trick, as long as he could make it into the writing community somewhere.
A light breeze kicked up and caused his burgundy tie to flap in the breeze, and his open sport coat to swish gently against his back. Only then did Kyle realize how warm he was feeling; he loosened his tie somewhat and unbuttoned the top button of his black dress shirt.
He returned to his apartment and was grateful for somewhere quiet. He removed his tie and sport coat and hung them both up nearby. There was a utility bill waiting for him, which he quickly made sure to pay off, and then sat down at his computer desk. He had writings to edit, and he also needed to check out the news. He activated his television and his desktop computer, and linked his desktop with his laptop to upload all the inspired writings he'd typed up out of the blue – today had yielded a high amount of those.
Kyle grinned. If there's one thing that I am, it's wired.
He accessed the Internet to see the latest national news, and also took the time to check out some of the latest gossip. There appeared to be whispers of another big Duel Monsters tournament being organized, but so far, the rumors were going entirely unsubstantiated.
Kyle was rather sure that if there was going to be one taking place, he'd end up being invited. His visibility had gone up volumes due to the Madison tournament, and if this supposed new tourney was going to be based on rare cards, as the rumor pool was indicating, then it was a sure thing. After all, he had two pieces of Gate Guardian already. All he had to do was locate the remaining two. He had a constant search running on all auction websites for Kazejin and the Guardian itself, but so far, nothing seemed forthcoming.
Not as if Jade would really sell Kazejin, anyway. It's too valuable as a Duel Monster. She wants Sanga and Suijin just as badly as I want Kazejin, so now we're hiding from each other to keep them safe. She'll come after them eventually, though.
He sensed Theoris bristle. He frowned. What's wrong?
Another Millennium item. Perhaps hostile.
Kyle perked. Which one?
I cannot tell. But it does not appear to have a spirit within it.
So what does that leave?
The Millennium Scale, Eye, Ankh, and Tauk were all without spirits when Khensthoth and I encountered them. However, that may have changed since.
Kyle wasn't encouraged. How close?
Extremely. To judge would be for me to estimate whoever possesses it is just outside.
Kyle stood up and moved to his front door. He softly opened the door and stared through the storm door's screen.
Standing on the sidewalk just beyond the landlord's property was a man wearing a beige robe and matching turban. His skin was a deep tan, and his blue eyes were piercing, even from this distance. Around his neck was a thick brown cord carrying what appeared to be an artifact of solid gold.
A guardian! What does he want?
Kyle was taken aback by Theoris' reaction to the man. He did not speak aloud. That's the item?
Yes, the Millennium Ankh. It has the ability to see into your mind.
I thought the Millennium Eye did that.
This is on a different level. It does not scan just your surface thoughts, it looks through your heart.
The man on the sidewalk did not move, but instead stared straight at Kyle, his arms limply at his sides.
Maybe I should go talk to him...
No, not yet.
Kyle frowned. Why? What's the problem?
He is a guardian... one who has been tasked to keep the balance of the Millennium items. He and his ilk have maintained that balance for millennia. But now the balance has been disrupted because you found the shield. They are the last bastion of the ancient council that ordered the shield's destruction. The shield has been untouched – uncorrupted – by an evil user. They wish to maintain the balance.
Kyle gripped at his pendant protectively. I'm not an evil user.
Such matters make little difference to these people. It is the same now as it was then.
Then what do I do?
I believe he wants to destroy the shield. But the only way he can take the shield from you is by dueling you for it.
What does Duel Monsters have to do with all this? Kyle was confused.
The game of Duel Monsters is much more ancient than you know. This is something I have yet to teach you; for now, you only need know that this will be his method, should be choose to attempt to deprive you of the shield.
Okay, so what do I do about it, if I can't go out there and talk to him?
I did not want you to go to him with no knowledge of what he may desire. I believe he will not leave unless you duel him.
Duel him for what's already mine?
If you do not, he will remain here until you do.
I could just call the cops on him.
It would not be so easy to simply remove him from your sight. You must do it now.
What if I lose?
Do not allow yourself to gain that mindset, or it will consume your every thought. You have your deck?
Kyle patted his pocket, where his Duel Monsters deck sat protected within its case. Right here.
Then go out to meet him. You are that much more safe with your deck.
Kyle took a deep breath and pushed the storm door open. He slowly approached the man on the sidewalk. His features got clearer as Kyle moved closer, and Kyle noted that the man appeared Egyptian. That helps confirm he's a guardian.
Kyle stopped in the middle of the lawn and stuck his hands casually in his pockets. The one in his right pocket clutched his deck's plastic case like a lifeline. "Is there something I can do for you?"
The man's voice sounded light, airy, almost both male and female. "I believe you already know what I desire. The powers of the Millennium Shield were not meant for use. If it had not escaped our grasp, it would have become simply another Duel Monsters card, not a weapon of such terrible power."
"How did you know I even had the shield in the first place?"
"I am able to detect such powers as those of your shield. Besides... it is impossible to go unnoticed as part of your attire, especially after becoming a face seen across the nation."
Argh... he's right, I got caught in the cameras and so did the shield...
You may find even more enemies now that such an occurrence has taken place.
I hope not.
"As it is, I maintain the shield is an extremely dangerous tool."
"I don't use it as a weapon," Kyle remarked, "and if you're as watchful a guardian as I've heard, then you ought to know that."
"I am aware that you have already proven yourself as a worthy owner, but I cannot simply allow the shield to continue to exist."
Kyle's heart skipped a few beats, but he didn't back down. "That's not your choice anymore."
"Perhaps not, but I possess the ability to change that."
"And I possess the ability to stop you. What do you plan to do about the shield's existence? You want to simply destroy it?"
"It cannot continue to exist simply because it now has an owner. It is not worthy as a Millennium item. Its powers are too volatile."
"I haven't found them to be. And the spirit within it has helped me in countless ways. You can't begin to imagine his effect on me."
"And that is why it must be destroyed."
"Why?"
"I am aware of the spirit within the shield. His concern with justice would overshadow his ability to maintain the secret of the items and their power. He would reveal that power to the world through his intentions to do good."
"He hasn't so far."
"He will."
Kyle shook his head. "Your Millennium item can't see the future. You don't know that events will turn out that way. And I believe you should give both the shield and Theoris a fair chance."
"I intend to do precisely that. I am here to challenge you to a duel. The winner keeps the Millennium Shield."
"Accepted, on one condition."
"Being?"
"Tell me your name."
The man pulled a Duel Monsters deck from within the folds of his robe. "I am Shadi."
Kyle pulled his own deck out of his pocket and removed it from its case. "Where will we duel, then? On the sidewalk?"
The man called Shadi shook his head, and his free hand touched his Millennium Ankh. "No... I have a much different location in mind. Since we are dueling for the fate of an item in possession of Shadow powers, it is only fitting that we duel where the game was truly born."
He is going to take you to the Shadow Realm!
Kyle frowned. What?
He wants to show you what you are really dueling for. This is precisely what I had hoped to avoid. He is taking you to the Shadow Realm to show you the true power within the cards and the items!
The Millennium Ankh began to emanate a dazzling golden glow, and Shadi's blazing blue eyes bored straight into Kyle's.
What is this "Shadow Realm"? And what's the point of taking me there when we could duel anywhere on Earth?
The Shadow Realm is the place from whence the creatures in the ancient pharaonic Shadow Games come. It is a place of eternal torment for any who dare venture there – or worse, are lost. Furthermore, the reason he takes you there now is because the ankh and the shield both have great powers within them, and it is those powers both he and you must employ to do battle.
But why?
The space around Kyle and Shadi grew dark and cloudy, and the features of their surroundings faded into darkness. They seemed to be enveloped in a black cloud, with violet lightning flashing overhead.
Kyle could still see his opponent, though... but Shadi appeared to be further away than he had been just moments ago. The smartly-dressed teen registered this and briefly wondered how that was possible, but then recalled Theoris telling him that in the Shadow Realm, pretty much anything involving the unknown was possible. He chose not to question that.
This is not simply a duel. This is to determine my fate, and the fate of the shield. The stakes are higher than you have ever known. This is your ultimate proving ground. You must use the monsters at your command wisely and to the highest advantage. Keep in mind that you must respect them and their power... this is the only way they will obey you unquestioningly.
Gee, thanks for not putting any pressure on me...
All features of the world that Kyle knew had by this time disappeared. The only light came from some unknown source above the dark clouds, which caused those clouds' edges to shine a bright purple. Violet lightning continued to flash between the clouds.
The ground below them had also been replaced. Instead of grass and sidewalk, Kyle found himself standing on a plateau of smooth gray stone.
Shadi held his deck in his hand in such a way as to suggest that he was going to put it down somewhere. However, his hand was hovering high above the ground, and there appeared to be no convenient pedestal for him to place the cards.
Shadi released his deck.
And it seemed to hang in midair.
Kyle frowned, again wondering how that was possible. Must be whatever powers he's got. Now I've got to play on his level.
Then you must reveal the shield.
His pendant glimmered gold, shades of purple zapping across it. At the same time, his right forearm began to glow with the same effect. The pendant disappeared into a beam of golden energy and shot straight to his forearm.
The energy expanded across the outside of his arm and formed the shape of the Millennium Shield. On the inside of his arm looped two bands of energy of the same intensity. The glow dimmed, and the shield revealed itself in its true proportions.
As usual, the shield did not seem to bear any remarkable weight to it, which had always baffled Kyle. When he'd first picked it up, it'd had some weight to it, but now that he was its owner...
He shook his head. He had to live in the present. The fate of the Millennium Shield depended on it.
He began to concentrate. Bending the Shadow powers within the item to his will took a conscious effort, especially as he'd never really tried to do anything more than change the shield's size; fortunately, Theoris' wisdom proved useful in this regard. The symbol at the center of the shield – the Eye of Horus – glimmered as he focused the energies of his item. I've never done this before. Help me out.
First, you must envision a dueling board. Then, simply let there be one in front of you, and place your deck on it. You will feel the power flow and bend to your command.
He held his deck out in midair, the same way Shadi had, and simply let it sit there.
It hung there, just as Shadi's.
The lightning flashing above their heads abruptly shot down at them and struck their decks. Kyle's eyes widened, but he dared not touch his cards.
Do not be frightened; your deck is being shuffled by the powers of the Shadow Realm, as is his deck.
The lightning retracted into the sky, leaving both decks seemingly unscathed. Shadi silently drew five cards. Kyle did the same.
"We shall play for 8000 Life Points," Shadi announced. "This is how the ancients battled each other. Your life force embodies those points; as you lose them, you will be weakened. We shall also play under sacrifice rules. I should hope you are aware of those rules."
Kyle rolled his eyes, but was nevertheless intrigued. Eight thousand LP? This should be quite interesting.
The two duelists stared at their cards for a moment. Since Shadi had issued the challenge, Kyle got to make the first move. He drew his sixth card, then perused his hand carefully. Though he had built his deck and placed his faith in each card, he also knew he had to prove that he was capable of handling the power.
And the Shadow Game began.
-------
Next up: the Shadow Game.