Chapter 8
Smith vs. Pegasus
Patrick woke up the next morning to see Erica in a nightshirt walk out of the bedroom. She looked a wreck making him chuckle lightly before he felt something hit him hard. Looking around he saw his shoe resting on his chest. "Not a morning person?" Patrick asked yawning. "You still have an hour to sleep, where's your shower?" Erica asked dropping on the couch next to him. "Don't have one, been using the communal ones," Patrick replied rolling over. "WHAT!" He jumped as he heard her shriek. "You expect a class 'C' duelist to get a shower?" Patrick asked incredulously. "What do you mean class 'C' you should have been 'B' by now!" She screeched. "I don't know either, but trust me, I'm class 'C'," Patrick replied. He picked up the pillow security had given him, after a lot of flak about hiding another Eliminator in his room, and began moving to the bedroom. He collapsed on the bed when he felt something warm next to him. "Don't get any ideas, just sleep," She growled. He only nodded and fell asleep.
"Wake up sleepy pants," Erica said softly. Patrick grumbled saying something unintelligible. He jumped up when he felt something cold on his back. "WHOAH!" he felt the piece of ice slide down his back as he jumped up and realized he was in his boxers. He quickly covered himself with a blanket sitting on the bed glaring at the hysterical Erica. "Works like a charm!" She said between hysterics. "You better pray I don't retaliate. Now where are my pants?" He said looking around tossing the offending ice out the open window. "Not until you answer a question," She said putting both hands behind her back. "What?" Patrick asked exasperated. "Actually two questions," She said amending her statement. "Fine, just ask them," Patrick growled. "What did Bandit Keith do to make you mad at him?" She asked softly sitting next to him. Patrick sighed before he looked down, "You know how certain cards should be in every deck but the makers restricted to one to prevent abuse?" "Yeah like Change of Heart and Monster Reborn?" She asked. "Yeah, like those two, well I play with those cards, I mean who doesn't? The point I'm making is this. I was in the regionals and was set up to face Bandit Keith. I had prepped for this tournament and had been doing well until I reached him. I left to take a quick snack break leaving my deck at the duelist table thinking the judges would make sure it was alright. I brush against Bandit Keith on the way out and we kinda faced off like we always do. He gave me this weird grin, and I went and finished my snack. When I came back it was time to start the match. I draw my opening hand and the judge behind me calls an immediate disqualification," Patrick said slumping in defeat. "What happened?" Erica said gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "My starting hand," He snorted shaking his head, "I remember it like it was yesterday. My starting hand was: Beast of Talwar, Witch of the Black Forest, Monster Reborn, Mirror force, and Monster Reborn," He said softly. Erica looked at him in shock, "Two Monster Reborns?" "Yeah, somehow he had rigged my starting hand to have two. The tournament had two judges, one behind each player, to insure no cheating and to answer any questions without alerting your opponent to what you were doing," Patrick said slumping. "He knocked you out of the tournament? Why?" Erica asked. "He didn't give a reason, the word went out and I was immediately banned for cheating, because I had gone beyond the first round with an illegal deck. I was banned from every Industrial Illusion sanctioned tournament. The only reason I was allowed in the tag team was that it was sponsored but not sanctioned by Industrial Illusions, and trust me they tried," Patrick said tiredly. "I'm so sorry, I remember him talking about you, but never did I think he'd try to derail your career like that," She said softly looking down. "That was the injury. The insult came when I threw his stupid card back at him. He caught it and said 'Thanks Dweeb I was missing that.' The judges turned white, but what was done was done. They couldn't overturn themselves; in order for it to be overturned a senior official had to take the testimony of four people. Two judges and one player against Keith wasn't enough," Patrick said bitterly. "Oh my god," She whispered. "What was the other question," Patrick asked laying back down. "Do you hate me for being with him?" She asked distractedly. "No," Patrick whispered. "Now if you excuse me I don't think I'll duel today," "But you have a quota to meet!" Erica called out. "It's met trust me. I find out tomorrows quota and make sure I have that many incase I have a day like this. I exit the room for lunch turn in my chips and get the card, and then I'll probably sleep the day away. You should go duel. See if you can't catch up to me in the rankings," He said grinning. She tossed him his pants which he threw on before he picked out a shirt. "Patrick?" Erica asked quietly. "What?" "Why did you answer my first question?" "You had a right to know what your Ex did to get where he was," Patrick said softly. He got up picking up his stuff and carrying it to the Eliminator's den. The Scoreboard had been updated and showed Panic still at the top. Patrick frowned but let his anger subside. He and Paul had made top ten again after a lot of hard work to catch up. Walking over to the chip collector Patrick put his room card in the machine, and then put in the correct number of star chips. Patrick pulled out the recharged card and moved to the kitchen Erica still in tow. "Patrick..." She asked quietly. "Yes?" Patrick replied tired of hearing her say his name over and over. Instead of getting the usual question he felt the lips press on his cheek before she whispered in his ear, "I hope your day goes better."
"Ahh, true love, if Mr. Smith was as smart as I was at his age he would have kissed her back. She is showing a keen interest in him. Probably as an apology for what her ex did to poor, poor, Mr. Smith. There is no telling when she'll be out of his life again," Pegasus mused watching the camera of the Kitchen while sipping wine. "Master Pegasus, an Eliminator was hidden in another one's room last night. Should we punish the culprit?" Crochet said bowing. "No need Crochet, I will allow him this infraction and any others that he will no doubt commit soon enough. As long as he doesn't hurt anyone permanently do not concern yourself with Patrick Smith, and as always your news isn't quite breaking. You should really learn to do security properly before I punish you again," Pegasus said a slight hint of amusement in his voice. "Yes my master," Crochet said bowing and taking his leave. "Cynthia, if I didn't have to seal his soul I would enjoy watching him in his relationship with Ms. Greenwich. However, I must get you back before I lose the opportunity," Pegasus said softly toasting the painting of his former bride. "Crochet, before you leave I want one last thing," Pegasus said halting his security officer before he could leave. "Yes my master?" "Set up the Dueling Arena and send an invitation to Mr. Smith. I wish to duel him today since he has already met his quota," Pegasus said. "Yes my master," Crochet said bowing and exiting. "Let's see if he's ripe for the taking," Pegasus said chuckling before sipping the wine. "His soul will be an excellent addition to my growing collection," He smiled looking at the Mokuba card that lay before him along with the Solomon card.
Patrick sat in the kitchen eating in silence. Security seemed a little tense at him, but for what reason he didn't know or care to know. When he finished his lunch he tossed his napkin on his plate and gathered his stuff ready to head back to the dorms when he heard someone call his name. He looked around and saw Crochet walking over to him. He felt a slow dread spread over him as he realized he might be expelled for last night, but the look on Crochet's face seemed to be conflicting. He couldn't tell what until he stopped in front of him. "Mr. Smith, Master Pegasus requests you go to the first balcony of the main chamber," He said in a strained voice. "Can I drop my stuff off in my room first?" Patrick asked confused. "One does not keep Master Pegasus waiting, doing so is detrimental to their...health," Crochet said slowly. "Then lead on," Patrick said hefting his bag in anticipation. Crochet lead him through the halls away from the eliminators quarters and near the Duelist's quarter before turning down a hallway and with a graceful motion showed Patrick the door. With a deep breath Patrick stepped forward.
Pegasus watched Patrick walk out on the walkway. It didn't take much to see the discomfort on his features as he saw the catwalk had no rails and even more was over a very deep hole. He smiled. Mr. Smith doesn't like high places. How Marvelous. I must make note of that later. He thought to himself. "You called sir?" Patrick said hiding the fear in his voice well enough. "Yes, ever since I saw you duel the Paradox brothers I had wondered how I would fair against you. Now I get the chance to see myself," Pegasus said. The catwalk moved the two further apart as Patrick looked up to see a dueling arena come down slowly. He walked back to the door. "Oh now don't leave," Pegasus said. Patrick gave him a funny look and dropped the bag on his shoulder onto the ground before the door. "I doubt I would get far anyways. I'm just going to have to fight my best here," Patrick said confidently. Pegasus looked into his mind and saw him going through his deck list. Perfect, I believe I won't have to change my strategy at all. Kaiba runs a very similar deck to his. He thought before he walked up to his podium.
"I don't know what Pegasus is thinking, but I got to stall out this time," Patrick whispered to himself. He looked through the deck. "Cyber jar is a must, and I guess I'll have to make sure my Solemn Judgment will have to come when it counts. Ok, I doubt I can pummel him into submission so let's go for the gold and deck him!" Patrick said to himself before stepping onto his platform.
Paul stepped into the kitchen and frowned. Patrick was no where to be found at all. Jeffery looked at him with a concerned look before Paul walked over to a security guard. "Excuse me, have you seen my brother?" Paul asked politely. "He's in a duel with Pegasus. If you wish to get there it's by the Duelist's quarters," The guard replied roughly before walking off. "Pat's in trouble," Paul said. "Why cause he's dueling the creator of the game? Or is it because he's dueling alone?" Jeffery asked. "Both," Paul replied as he ran off for the Dueling stage. Jeffery shook his head and chased after him.
Erica was heading back in after finally getting the last chips she needed to meet her quota for the day. "Don't want to have to sleep with Patrick again," She said chuckling. Patrick looked very cute when he slept, if you could get the chance to watch him. She had watched him for a half hour before she had torn herself away from him to take her shower. Then she had gone back and woken him up very unceremoniously. She chuckled as she went to the Eliminator den and deposited her chips. Looking around she took her key card and pondered showering before seeing him until she saw Paul and Jeffery sprint past the open door. "Oh shit, what's happened?" She asked herself before running to catch up. All three came to an abrupt halt one bumping into the other as they came to an abrupt stop in front of Crochet. "If you wish to watch the duel follow me, utmost silence is required. I will have no tolerance for heckling or cheering," Crochet said harshly pointing to a side hallway and leading them up to a balcony. Erica stepped in quietly as did Jeffery and Paul until they saw Pegasus and Patrick draw their starting hands. "It's too late!" Paul groaned. "What's going on?" Erica and Jeffery asked in unison. "He's going to fight Pegasus," Paul said softly as he looked over the edge at his brother as he went through his pre-duel warm-up.
"Well, well, well, it looks like you have a fan club," Pegasus said. Patrick frowned across the stadium and looked up to see Paul, Jeffery and Erica standing there. His jaw dropped quickly before he shut it and tried to hide his emotions. "You aren't very good at Poker are you Mr. Smith?" "Why'd you say that Pegasus?" Patrick asked still trying to stop his heart from beating erratically. He knew what caused it but he didn't want to have it exposed. How predictable Mr. Smith, I should have known you liked her. Pegasus thought as he looked at his opening hand. "Because I can read you like an open book. Now let's get this game started. Entertain me and you'll keep your job. Fail and I get your job and everything else you own," He said deviously. Patrick gulped but nodded. He had no choice but to accept the terms. "Let's play! I put one card in defense mode and two cards face down," Patrick said before passing his turn.
"What's he doing?" Erica asked incredulously. "It's his standard opener. He's hoping to get someone by having them attack either a Mystic Tomato or a Witch of the Black Forest. It buys him time and a monster," Paul replied before turning to face her. "Which brings me to a question; why are you here?" "I owe him a favor," She said softly looking down. "What kind of favor?" Paul asked stepping forward. The girl had repeatedly been on the attack against him and he couldn't help but think she was here to mock him. "A big one and lets leave it at that. Pegasus is taking his turn," She said pointing.
"Mr. Smith tell me, I'm rusty and all, how do I deploy a monster? Like this?" Pegasus said putting a card face down in the vertical position. "Is that attack mode?" "No... Its either face up like that or face down in the horizontal," Patrick said exasperated. Good I'm getting in his mind. Pegasus thought grinning. "Oh so if I want to attack your monster I need to put him like this!" He said putting a parrot dragon in attack mode. (2000/1300 monster) "Yes," Patrick said cringing a bit seeing the strong monster. "Oh that's right, and then I say 'Parrot Dragon attack his face down monster, flying peck attack'?" Pegasus said. The parrot rushed forward and pecked the Witch of the Black Forest to death. Patrick grimaced as his monster shattered, but took it as a better sign than what he had formerly wanted. "Right, now I get a monster for my Witch of the Black Forest's ability," Patrick replied. Drawing out Summoned Skull from his deck to his hand he shuffled his deck. "Yes, I guess I should thank you for refreshing my memory," Pegasus said smiling. His millennium eye flashed as he saw what was coming up. Let him think he has the advantage, I'll get his Beast soon enough. "I draw to begin my turn and play one card face down," Patrick replied. "Your turn."
"I'm not seeing the strategy," Paul replied frowning. "He's on the run; I know he has stuff that can destroy that thing easily. His deck lives to draw monsters out and crush them." "He's changed to decking his opponent," Erica replied leaning forward. "What?" Paul asked incredulously. "He doesn't have the cards for that!" "Yes he does, Cyber jar is often used to deck opponents," Erica replied waiting.
"Parrot dragon, destroy that face down monster!" Pegasus cried. The dragon went forward again and destroyed a La Jinn Mystical Genie of the Lamp. Patrick only smiled, "Nice move boss. Now I got one of my own." He drew the top card and immediately played it. "Bistro Butcher and I play Malevolent Nuzzler on him!" The butcher powered up as Patrick took a second to catch his breath. "Bistro Butcher, Crazy Benihana Attack!" The butcher raced forth slicing up the parrot after tossing it in the air before he jumped back. (Pegasus 1500/ Patrick 2000) "Oh no," Pegasus said putting his hand to his forehead. "I don't think I have anything powerful enough to past that Butcher," Pegasus said before drawing a card. "I guess I'll just have to put one card face down."
Patrick couldn't believe it. He could kill Pegasus here and now! Better power up the Beast now while I still have the opportunity and chance. "I play the-" "Wait!" Pegasus said holding up a hand. Patrick looked at him. "I play the Prediction card. Before you drop that monster I get to guess if it's under 2000 attack or above 2000 attack." Patrick broke into a sweat as he looked at the card. He knew what Pegasus would do if he got this card. "Go on, make your guess," Patrick replied calmly. "I will say it's definitely over 2000 attack, and further more I will even guess it's your Beloved Beast of Talwar!" He said. "Oh do tell me I'm right. I hate it when I'm wrong." Patrick put the card on the panel before him. It immediately flipped over leaving him an empty space where his Beast would have been. "You're right," He muttered.
"Oh shoot, that's one of his better monsters," Erica said softly. "Lady, if he has a favorite card, that's it. He built the deck and added it in. I haven't been able to get it out of the deck ever since," Paul replied looking at her. "Looks like Patrick still has an opening," Jeffery pointed out. "True, and it looks like he's going to take it!" Erica said looking at him.
"Bistro Butcher, crazy cleaver attack!" Patrick cried pointing at the open Pegasus. "Foolish Boy did you honestly think I'd leave myself open? Mirror force!" Pegasus cried flipping the card. The butcher's knife rebounded off the barrier and stuck deep inside his gut. As the butcher exploded Patrick broke into a sweat. "Now its time to take this game to a new level," Pegasus cried gleefully. He drew his card and smiled, "I play Toon World!" A book opened up before Patrick showing a town on the pages before it closed. "More tricks from the maker? I've heard of that card. It wasn't put into print because testers found it too powerful," Patrick replied watching the book with a wary eye. "Yes, but here you go, you should enjoy this," Pegasus said playing another card. The Beast of Talwar rose up before Patrick. He had rarely seen the thing in that position and every time he had vowed to destroy it so he could get it back. "Just try it Mr. Smith," Pegasus taunted from his podium. Patrick looked up at him in shock only to see that damned smile on his face. He growled before he drew his next card. "Seeing as how I might have said what I was thinking out loud...I think I'll just have to destroy the beast anyways to go on. I summon the Summoned Skull!" Patrick cried slapping his other heavy hitter down. "Bravo, let's see this fight," Pegasus said his eye glinting again. "Summoned Skull, Electrical Storm!" The Skull sent a wave of Electricity towards the Beast. "How boring, I use Toon World's powers to protect him," Pegasus said. The book opened and a pink mist enshrouded his beast. Soon it shrunk in size and had a cartoon like appearance. It looked at the oncoming wave with wide eyes before it jumped in a rubber suit. The suit protected it from harm leaving Patrick very, very angry. "How on earth..." Patrick growled. "Toon world cartoonifies anything I put in it. Your Beast of Talwar has decided it was the right time to jump in his stylish rubber suit," Pegasus answered. "So I'm guessing that I won't be able to hurt it in the conventional means?" Patrick replied calmly. "If by conventional you mean with that ugly monster destroying my cute little Beast of Talwar, then yes conventional means won't work," Pegasus replied amusedly. Patrick spun through his deck thinking wildly. He looked at his hand. Monster Reborn, Mask of Darkness, and Cyber Jar, I better take a gamble. He played Cyber Jar in defense mode.
"This just went from bad to worse," Jeffery said watching from the balcony. Erica crossed her arms in front of her uncomfortably, "I got a bad feeling guys." "What's up?" Paul asked cautiously. "Remember how the duel started out?" Erica asked in return. "Yeah he asked how to drop monsters," Paul replied. "Well, my concern is what if it was all a big game to him? What would it have taken to get Patrick in his analytical mode?" She asked Paul "That same thing and he read..." Paul trailed off. "The wrong strategy, Pegasus got his goat in the beginning so Patrick would try and finish him off his usual way, and used that to get himself a Beast of Talwar. He's been playing Patrick like a cheap harp," Erica explained. Paul paled.
How predictable he wants his beast dead. Better get rid of him now before he gets ideas. "I'll equip the Beast of Talwar with negative energy increasing him 700 points!" Pegasus cried gleefully. "Brace yourself," Patrick said quietly gripping the side. "I attack the summoned skull with my Toon Beast of Talwar. Toon strike of Talwar attack!" The Beast of Talwar rushed the summoned skull with what looked like a badly made wooden sword. He began hacking at it and when his errant swings did nothing he pulled out the real sword slashing the Summoned Skull to pieces. Patrick covered himself as the smoke cleared. "Nice job Pegasus but you won't like my next move," Patrick said drawing a card. He played it face down before flipping Cyber Jar. "This match is about to explode!" "Was about to... Solemn Judgment," Pegasus said. Patrick sharply inhaled, "I play my own countering yours." "What?" Pegasus said looking at the board. The jar went off without a hitch and exploded. The beast shattered into a million fine pieces. "Draw five Pegasus," Patrick said sharply. Both men put aside their hands and drew.
"He did it!" Erica nearly shrieked. "You sound happy," Paul replied tartly. "Why the sour attitude?" She asked. "Because if Patrick doesn't get a lot of monsters Pegasus will have more targets for Toon World, he needs to destroy the Toon World if he's going to stand a chance," Paul responded. Erica's eyes widened.
Patrick dropped his Two Witch's Apprentices in attack mode as he watched Pegasus drop more monsters. "My turns not over Pegasus, before I finish I play Monster Reborn on Beast of Talwar!" The Beast of Talwar rose up high on the field in front of its proper master. "My you are clever aren't you Patrick? May I call you Patrick?" Pegasus started. "You can call me anything but late for dinner," Patrick said grinning. "Yes, of course. Well you may have gotten back your beast, but now I'm going to end this little charade. I play the Black Illusion Ritual!" A solitary jar absorbed the Dark rabbit on the field when out popped a monstrosity unlike anything Patrick had ever seen. "What is that thing?" Patrick asked reeling. "Meet Relinquished, a spell caster I designed for play against a particular duelist," Pegasus said grinning. "What does it do?" Patrick asked eyeing the thing distastefully. "Watch, Relinquished, absorb his Beast of Talwar!" The monster opened his wings wide before it began to suck in the Beast. "Beast of Talwar, stand your ground!" Patrick cried. The Beast shoved both swords into the ground, but it was no use. Relinquished sucked in the monster and absorbed it raising its own attack and defense. "Now for its attack! Relinquished, Strike of Talwar!" Relinquished shifted its form into a perfect Replica of Patrick's monster as it Cleaved a Witch's Apprentice in half ending the match.
Still not ripe enough, by the time I get the puzzle he should be ready. Pegasus thought before he turned to Patrick. "That was a very humorous duel. I especially like your determination to get rid of my Beast. I hope for an equally humorous duel later. If you would excuse me I have to reset the dueling arena, I'm expecting a guest soon enough. I have to prepare for an announcement for the Eliminators." He said walking away. Patrick turned to go before he heard Pegasus call after him one last time, "Oh Patrick, one last question." Patrick turned to face him, "What?" Pegasus' millennium eye glinted slightly, "What are your feelings for Erica Greenwich?" Patrick met Pegasus' eyes and stared hard at him as if he were going to bore a hole through them, "You leave my personal life out of this. You hired me to duel nothing more and nothing less."
Smith vs. Pegasus
Patrick woke up the next morning to see Erica in a nightshirt walk out of the bedroom. She looked a wreck making him chuckle lightly before he felt something hit him hard. Looking around he saw his shoe resting on his chest. "Not a morning person?" Patrick asked yawning. "You still have an hour to sleep, where's your shower?" Erica asked dropping on the couch next to him. "Don't have one, been using the communal ones," Patrick replied rolling over. "WHAT!" He jumped as he heard her shriek. "You expect a class 'C' duelist to get a shower?" Patrick asked incredulously. "What do you mean class 'C' you should have been 'B' by now!" She screeched. "I don't know either, but trust me, I'm class 'C'," Patrick replied. He picked up the pillow security had given him, after a lot of flak about hiding another Eliminator in his room, and began moving to the bedroom. He collapsed on the bed when he felt something warm next to him. "Don't get any ideas, just sleep," She growled. He only nodded and fell asleep.
"Wake up sleepy pants," Erica said softly. Patrick grumbled saying something unintelligible. He jumped up when he felt something cold on his back. "WHOAH!" he felt the piece of ice slide down his back as he jumped up and realized he was in his boxers. He quickly covered himself with a blanket sitting on the bed glaring at the hysterical Erica. "Works like a charm!" She said between hysterics. "You better pray I don't retaliate. Now where are my pants?" He said looking around tossing the offending ice out the open window. "Not until you answer a question," She said putting both hands behind her back. "What?" Patrick asked exasperated. "Actually two questions," She said amending her statement. "Fine, just ask them," Patrick growled. "What did Bandit Keith do to make you mad at him?" She asked softly sitting next to him. Patrick sighed before he looked down, "You know how certain cards should be in every deck but the makers restricted to one to prevent abuse?" "Yeah like Change of Heart and Monster Reborn?" She asked. "Yeah, like those two, well I play with those cards, I mean who doesn't? The point I'm making is this. I was in the regionals and was set up to face Bandit Keith. I had prepped for this tournament and had been doing well until I reached him. I left to take a quick snack break leaving my deck at the duelist table thinking the judges would make sure it was alright. I brush against Bandit Keith on the way out and we kinda faced off like we always do. He gave me this weird grin, and I went and finished my snack. When I came back it was time to start the match. I draw my opening hand and the judge behind me calls an immediate disqualification," Patrick said slumping in defeat. "What happened?" Erica said gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "My starting hand," He snorted shaking his head, "I remember it like it was yesterday. My starting hand was: Beast of Talwar, Witch of the Black Forest, Monster Reborn, Mirror force, and Monster Reborn," He said softly. Erica looked at him in shock, "Two Monster Reborns?" "Yeah, somehow he had rigged my starting hand to have two. The tournament had two judges, one behind each player, to insure no cheating and to answer any questions without alerting your opponent to what you were doing," Patrick said slumping. "He knocked you out of the tournament? Why?" Erica asked. "He didn't give a reason, the word went out and I was immediately banned for cheating, because I had gone beyond the first round with an illegal deck. I was banned from every Industrial Illusion sanctioned tournament. The only reason I was allowed in the tag team was that it was sponsored but not sanctioned by Industrial Illusions, and trust me they tried," Patrick said tiredly. "I'm so sorry, I remember him talking about you, but never did I think he'd try to derail your career like that," She said softly looking down. "That was the injury. The insult came when I threw his stupid card back at him. He caught it and said 'Thanks Dweeb I was missing that.' The judges turned white, but what was done was done. They couldn't overturn themselves; in order for it to be overturned a senior official had to take the testimony of four people. Two judges and one player against Keith wasn't enough," Patrick said bitterly. "Oh my god," She whispered. "What was the other question," Patrick asked laying back down. "Do you hate me for being with him?" She asked distractedly. "No," Patrick whispered. "Now if you excuse me I don't think I'll duel today," "But you have a quota to meet!" Erica called out. "It's met trust me. I find out tomorrows quota and make sure I have that many incase I have a day like this. I exit the room for lunch turn in my chips and get the card, and then I'll probably sleep the day away. You should go duel. See if you can't catch up to me in the rankings," He said grinning. She tossed him his pants which he threw on before he picked out a shirt. "Patrick?" Erica asked quietly. "What?" "Why did you answer my first question?" "You had a right to know what your Ex did to get where he was," Patrick said softly. He got up picking up his stuff and carrying it to the Eliminator's den. The Scoreboard had been updated and showed Panic still at the top. Patrick frowned but let his anger subside. He and Paul had made top ten again after a lot of hard work to catch up. Walking over to the chip collector Patrick put his room card in the machine, and then put in the correct number of star chips. Patrick pulled out the recharged card and moved to the kitchen Erica still in tow. "Patrick..." She asked quietly. "Yes?" Patrick replied tired of hearing her say his name over and over. Instead of getting the usual question he felt the lips press on his cheek before she whispered in his ear, "I hope your day goes better."
"Ahh, true love, if Mr. Smith was as smart as I was at his age he would have kissed her back. She is showing a keen interest in him. Probably as an apology for what her ex did to poor, poor, Mr. Smith. There is no telling when she'll be out of his life again," Pegasus mused watching the camera of the Kitchen while sipping wine. "Master Pegasus, an Eliminator was hidden in another one's room last night. Should we punish the culprit?" Crochet said bowing. "No need Crochet, I will allow him this infraction and any others that he will no doubt commit soon enough. As long as he doesn't hurt anyone permanently do not concern yourself with Patrick Smith, and as always your news isn't quite breaking. You should really learn to do security properly before I punish you again," Pegasus said a slight hint of amusement in his voice. "Yes my master," Crochet said bowing and taking his leave. "Cynthia, if I didn't have to seal his soul I would enjoy watching him in his relationship with Ms. Greenwich. However, I must get you back before I lose the opportunity," Pegasus said softly toasting the painting of his former bride. "Crochet, before you leave I want one last thing," Pegasus said halting his security officer before he could leave. "Yes my master?" "Set up the Dueling Arena and send an invitation to Mr. Smith. I wish to duel him today since he has already met his quota," Pegasus said. "Yes my master," Crochet said bowing and exiting. "Let's see if he's ripe for the taking," Pegasus said chuckling before sipping the wine. "His soul will be an excellent addition to my growing collection," He smiled looking at the Mokuba card that lay before him along with the Solomon card.
Patrick sat in the kitchen eating in silence. Security seemed a little tense at him, but for what reason he didn't know or care to know. When he finished his lunch he tossed his napkin on his plate and gathered his stuff ready to head back to the dorms when he heard someone call his name. He looked around and saw Crochet walking over to him. He felt a slow dread spread over him as he realized he might be expelled for last night, but the look on Crochet's face seemed to be conflicting. He couldn't tell what until he stopped in front of him. "Mr. Smith, Master Pegasus requests you go to the first balcony of the main chamber," He said in a strained voice. "Can I drop my stuff off in my room first?" Patrick asked confused. "One does not keep Master Pegasus waiting, doing so is detrimental to their...health," Crochet said slowly. "Then lead on," Patrick said hefting his bag in anticipation. Crochet lead him through the halls away from the eliminators quarters and near the Duelist's quarter before turning down a hallway and with a graceful motion showed Patrick the door. With a deep breath Patrick stepped forward.
Pegasus watched Patrick walk out on the walkway. It didn't take much to see the discomfort on his features as he saw the catwalk had no rails and even more was over a very deep hole. He smiled. Mr. Smith doesn't like high places. How Marvelous. I must make note of that later. He thought to himself. "You called sir?" Patrick said hiding the fear in his voice well enough. "Yes, ever since I saw you duel the Paradox brothers I had wondered how I would fair against you. Now I get the chance to see myself," Pegasus said. The catwalk moved the two further apart as Patrick looked up to see a dueling arena come down slowly. He walked back to the door. "Oh now don't leave," Pegasus said. Patrick gave him a funny look and dropped the bag on his shoulder onto the ground before the door. "I doubt I would get far anyways. I'm just going to have to fight my best here," Patrick said confidently. Pegasus looked into his mind and saw him going through his deck list. Perfect, I believe I won't have to change my strategy at all. Kaiba runs a very similar deck to his. He thought before he walked up to his podium.
"I don't know what Pegasus is thinking, but I got to stall out this time," Patrick whispered to himself. He looked through the deck. "Cyber jar is a must, and I guess I'll have to make sure my Solemn Judgment will have to come when it counts. Ok, I doubt I can pummel him into submission so let's go for the gold and deck him!" Patrick said to himself before stepping onto his platform.
Paul stepped into the kitchen and frowned. Patrick was no where to be found at all. Jeffery looked at him with a concerned look before Paul walked over to a security guard. "Excuse me, have you seen my brother?" Paul asked politely. "He's in a duel with Pegasus. If you wish to get there it's by the Duelist's quarters," The guard replied roughly before walking off. "Pat's in trouble," Paul said. "Why cause he's dueling the creator of the game? Or is it because he's dueling alone?" Jeffery asked. "Both," Paul replied as he ran off for the Dueling stage. Jeffery shook his head and chased after him.
Erica was heading back in after finally getting the last chips she needed to meet her quota for the day. "Don't want to have to sleep with Patrick again," She said chuckling. Patrick looked very cute when he slept, if you could get the chance to watch him. She had watched him for a half hour before she had torn herself away from him to take her shower. Then she had gone back and woken him up very unceremoniously. She chuckled as she went to the Eliminator den and deposited her chips. Looking around she took her key card and pondered showering before seeing him until she saw Paul and Jeffery sprint past the open door. "Oh shit, what's happened?" She asked herself before running to catch up. All three came to an abrupt halt one bumping into the other as they came to an abrupt stop in front of Crochet. "If you wish to watch the duel follow me, utmost silence is required. I will have no tolerance for heckling or cheering," Crochet said harshly pointing to a side hallway and leading them up to a balcony. Erica stepped in quietly as did Jeffery and Paul until they saw Pegasus and Patrick draw their starting hands. "It's too late!" Paul groaned. "What's going on?" Erica and Jeffery asked in unison. "He's going to fight Pegasus," Paul said softly as he looked over the edge at his brother as he went through his pre-duel warm-up.
"Well, well, well, it looks like you have a fan club," Pegasus said. Patrick frowned across the stadium and looked up to see Paul, Jeffery and Erica standing there. His jaw dropped quickly before he shut it and tried to hide his emotions. "You aren't very good at Poker are you Mr. Smith?" "Why'd you say that Pegasus?" Patrick asked still trying to stop his heart from beating erratically. He knew what caused it but he didn't want to have it exposed. How predictable Mr. Smith, I should have known you liked her. Pegasus thought as he looked at his opening hand. "Because I can read you like an open book. Now let's get this game started. Entertain me and you'll keep your job. Fail and I get your job and everything else you own," He said deviously. Patrick gulped but nodded. He had no choice but to accept the terms. "Let's play! I put one card in defense mode and two cards face down," Patrick said before passing his turn.
"What's he doing?" Erica asked incredulously. "It's his standard opener. He's hoping to get someone by having them attack either a Mystic Tomato or a Witch of the Black Forest. It buys him time and a monster," Paul replied before turning to face her. "Which brings me to a question; why are you here?" "I owe him a favor," She said softly looking down. "What kind of favor?" Paul asked stepping forward. The girl had repeatedly been on the attack against him and he couldn't help but think she was here to mock him. "A big one and lets leave it at that. Pegasus is taking his turn," She said pointing.
"Mr. Smith tell me, I'm rusty and all, how do I deploy a monster? Like this?" Pegasus said putting a card face down in the vertical position. "Is that attack mode?" "No... Its either face up like that or face down in the horizontal," Patrick said exasperated. Good I'm getting in his mind. Pegasus thought grinning. "Oh so if I want to attack your monster I need to put him like this!" He said putting a parrot dragon in attack mode. (2000/1300 monster) "Yes," Patrick said cringing a bit seeing the strong monster. "Oh that's right, and then I say 'Parrot Dragon attack his face down monster, flying peck attack'?" Pegasus said. The parrot rushed forward and pecked the Witch of the Black Forest to death. Patrick grimaced as his monster shattered, but took it as a better sign than what he had formerly wanted. "Right, now I get a monster for my Witch of the Black Forest's ability," Patrick replied. Drawing out Summoned Skull from his deck to his hand he shuffled his deck. "Yes, I guess I should thank you for refreshing my memory," Pegasus said smiling. His millennium eye flashed as he saw what was coming up. Let him think he has the advantage, I'll get his Beast soon enough. "I draw to begin my turn and play one card face down," Patrick replied. "Your turn."
"I'm not seeing the strategy," Paul replied frowning. "He's on the run; I know he has stuff that can destroy that thing easily. His deck lives to draw monsters out and crush them." "He's changed to decking his opponent," Erica replied leaning forward. "What?" Paul asked incredulously. "He doesn't have the cards for that!" "Yes he does, Cyber jar is often used to deck opponents," Erica replied waiting.
"Parrot dragon, destroy that face down monster!" Pegasus cried. The dragon went forward again and destroyed a La Jinn Mystical Genie of the Lamp. Patrick only smiled, "Nice move boss. Now I got one of my own." He drew the top card and immediately played it. "Bistro Butcher and I play Malevolent Nuzzler on him!" The butcher powered up as Patrick took a second to catch his breath. "Bistro Butcher, Crazy Benihana Attack!" The butcher raced forth slicing up the parrot after tossing it in the air before he jumped back. (Pegasus 1500/ Patrick 2000) "Oh no," Pegasus said putting his hand to his forehead. "I don't think I have anything powerful enough to past that Butcher," Pegasus said before drawing a card. "I guess I'll just have to put one card face down."
Patrick couldn't believe it. He could kill Pegasus here and now! Better power up the Beast now while I still have the opportunity and chance. "I play the-" "Wait!" Pegasus said holding up a hand. Patrick looked at him. "I play the Prediction card. Before you drop that monster I get to guess if it's under 2000 attack or above 2000 attack." Patrick broke into a sweat as he looked at the card. He knew what Pegasus would do if he got this card. "Go on, make your guess," Patrick replied calmly. "I will say it's definitely over 2000 attack, and further more I will even guess it's your Beloved Beast of Talwar!" He said. "Oh do tell me I'm right. I hate it when I'm wrong." Patrick put the card on the panel before him. It immediately flipped over leaving him an empty space where his Beast would have been. "You're right," He muttered.
"Oh shoot, that's one of his better monsters," Erica said softly. "Lady, if he has a favorite card, that's it. He built the deck and added it in. I haven't been able to get it out of the deck ever since," Paul replied looking at her. "Looks like Patrick still has an opening," Jeffery pointed out. "True, and it looks like he's going to take it!" Erica said looking at him.
"Bistro Butcher, crazy cleaver attack!" Patrick cried pointing at the open Pegasus. "Foolish Boy did you honestly think I'd leave myself open? Mirror force!" Pegasus cried flipping the card. The butcher's knife rebounded off the barrier and stuck deep inside his gut. As the butcher exploded Patrick broke into a sweat. "Now its time to take this game to a new level," Pegasus cried gleefully. He drew his card and smiled, "I play Toon World!" A book opened up before Patrick showing a town on the pages before it closed. "More tricks from the maker? I've heard of that card. It wasn't put into print because testers found it too powerful," Patrick replied watching the book with a wary eye. "Yes, but here you go, you should enjoy this," Pegasus said playing another card. The Beast of Talwar rose up before Patrick. He had rarely seen the thing in that position and every time he had vowed to destroy it so he could get it back. "Just try it Mr. Smith," Pegasus taunted from his podium. Patrick looked up at him in shock only to see that damned smile on his face. He growled before he drew his next card. "Seeing as how I might have said what I was thinking out loud...I think I'll just have to destroy the beast anyways to go on. I summon the Summoned Skull!" Patrick cried slapping his other heavy hitter down. "Bravo, let's see this fight," Pegasus said his eye glinting again. "Summoned Skull, Electrical Storm!" The Skull sent a wave of Electricity towards the Beast. "How boring, I use Toon World's powers to protect him," Pegasus said. The book opened and a pink mist enshrouded his beast. Soon it shrunk in size and had a cartoon like appearance. It looked at the oncoming wave with wide eyes before it jumped in a rubber suit. The suit protected it from harm leaving Patrick very, very angry. "How on earth..." Patrick growled. "Toon world cartoonifies anything I put in it. Your Beast of Talwar has decided it was the right time to jump in his stylish rubber suit," Pegasus answered. "So I'm guessing that I won't be able to hurt it in the conventional means?" Patrick replied calmly. "If by conventional you mean with that ugly monster destroying my cute little Beast of Talwar, then yes conventional means won't work," Pegasus replied amusedly. Patrick spun through his deck thinking wildly. He looked at his hand. Monster Reborn, Mask of Darkness, and Cyber Jar, I better take a gamble. He played Cyber Jar in defense mode.
"This just went from bad to worse," Jeffery said watching from the balcony. Erica crossed her arms in front of her uncomfortably, "I got a bad feeling guys." "What's up?" Paul asked cautiously. "Remember how the duel started out?" Erica asked in return. "Yeah he asked how to drop monsters," Paul replied. "Well, my concern is what if it was all a big game to him? What would it have taken to get Patrick in his analytical mode?" She asked Paul "That same thing and he read..." Paul trailed off. "The wrong strategy, Pegasus got his goat in the beginning so Patrick would try and finish him off his usual way, and used that to get himself a Beast of Talwar. He's been playing Patrick like a cheap harp," Erica explained. Paul paled.
How predictable he wants his beast dead. Better get rid of him now before he gets ideas. "I'll equip the Beast of Talwar with negative energy increasing him 700 points!" Pegasus cried gleefully. "Brace yourself," Patrick said quietly gripping the side. "I attack the summoned skull with my Toon Beast of Talwar. Toon strike of Talwar attack!" The Beast of Talwar rushed the summoned skull with what looked like a badly made wooden sword. He began hacking at it and when his errant swings did nothing he pulled out the real sword slashing the Summoned Skull to pieces. Patrick covered himself as the smoke cleared. "Nice job Pegasus but you won't like my next move," Patrick said drawing a card. He played it face down before flipping Cyber Jar. "This match is about to explode!" "Was about to... Solemn Judgment," Pegasus said. Patrick sharply inhaled, "I play my own countering yours." "What?" Pegasus said looking at the board. The jar went off without a hitch and exploded. The beast shattered into a million fine pieces. "Draw five Pegasus," Patrick said sharply. Both men put aside their hands and drew.
"He did it!" Erica nearly shrieked. "You sound happy," Paul replied tartly. "Why the sour attitude?" She asked. "Because if Patrick doesn't get a lot of monsters Pegasus will have more targets for Toon World, he needs to destroy the Toon World if he's going to stand a chance," Paul responded. Erica's eyes widened.
Patrick dropped his Two Witch's Apprentices in attack mode as he watched Pegasus drop more monsters. "My turns not over Pegasus, before I finish I play Monster Reborn on Beast of Talwar!" The Beast of Talwar rose up high on the field in front of its proper master. "My you are clever aren't you Patrick? May I call you Patrick?" Pegasus started. "You can call me anything but late for dinner," Patrick said grinning. "Yes, of course. Well you may have gotten back your beast, but now I'm going to end this little charade. I play the Black Illusion Ritual!" A solitary jar absorbed the Dark rabbit on the field when out popped a monstrosity unlike anything Patrick had ever seen. "What is that thing?" Patrick asked reeling. "Meet Relinquished, a spell caster I designed for play against a particular duelist," Pegasus said grinning. "What does it do?" Patrick asked eyeing the thing distastefully. "Watch, Relinquished, absorb his Beast of Talwar!" The monster opened his wings wide before it began to suck in the Beast. "Beast of Talwar, stand your ground!" Patrick cried. The Beast shoved both swords into the ground, but it was no use. Relinquished sucked in the monster and absorbed it raising its own attack and defense. "Now for its attack! Relinquished, Strike of Talwar!" Relinquished shifted its form into a perfect Replica of Patrick's monster as it Cleaved a Witch's Apprentice in half ending the match.
Still not ripe enough, by the time I get the puzzle he should be ready. Pegasus thought before he turned to Patrick. "That was a very humorous duel. I especially like your determination to get rid of my Beast. I hope for an equally humorous duel later. If you would excuse me I have to reset the dueling arena, I'm expecting a guest soon enough. I have to prepare for an announcement for the Eliminators." He said walking away. Patrick turned to go before he heard Pegasus call after him one last time, "Oh Patrick, one last question." Patrick turned to face him, "What?" Pegasus' millennium eye glinted slightly, "What are your feelings for Erica Greenwich?" Patrick met Pegasus' eyes and stared hard at him as if he were going to bore a hole through them, "You leave my personal life out of this. You hired me to duel nothing more and nothing less."