DDR CITY: Raves of Revolution ~The Quarter Finals~
By
Darkness Shade
Disclaimer: Those items, person, things, etc used by me that are not of my own creation belong to their respective owners.
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Airship Arena
"I'll allow you the first move." Scott said.
"Very well." Reps said, playing 'Leading Cyber'.
"Here's a card you should recognize." Reps said, playing the 'Vic Viper' (2000/1800) in attack mode, "And I'll play one card face down. Your move Scott."
"Very well." Scott said, playing 'Gradiusic Cyber'.
"And now I play my 'Vic Viper' in attack mode as well." Scott said, "And I'll lay this card face down. Since our attack points are the same, there's no point in attacking. It's your turn."
"You're going to regret that." Reps said, playing 'Burning Heat (3 Options Mix)', "And now I play my face down card in conjunction with this card."
"'Full Option' and 'Full Force'? A tad on the overkill aren't we?" Scott said.
"Perhaps, but it allows me to combine my 'Vic Viper' on the field with the 'Vic Viper' in my hand in order to bring forth this card." Reps said, playing 'Dual V.V.' (2900/2500).
"Ack! It's those stupid bastard clones!" Scott said.
"Yep, and I'm afraid your 'Vic Viper' is no match for the 'Dual V.V.' Attack with your neutron laser." Reps said as the 'Dual V.V.' shot forth a beam, disintegrating Scott's 'Vic Viper'.
"You got lucky this time, I'll have to take you more seriously now." Scott said with a grin, his life points down to 7100, "Besides, I was hoping you would do that."
"You were?" Reps said, puzzled.
"Yes, it now allows me to use this card, 'High-Tech Reconstruction'. For a mere 500 life points, it will rebuild my 'Vic Viper', making it stronger and faster, turning it into the 'Gradius Mk. III' (3400/2700)." Scott said.
"*blink* Well shit…" Reps said as his 'Dual V.V.' was blown apart by Scott's 'Gradius Mk. III', his life points dropping to 7500.
"It's your turn." Scott said.
"I know…" Reps said, drawing his next card, 'Damn, no character cards. And no trap cards either.'
"Something the matter Reps?" Scott asked.
"I pass…I can't do anything." Reps said.
"Very well…my move." Scott said, 'Hmm, this card will come in handy later.'
"Now, 'Gradius Mk. III', attack Reps' life points directly." Scott said.
Reps recoiled from the blast as his life points dropped to 4100.
'Come on, deck, give me something good.' Reps said, drawing, 'Yes!'
"Ready to face your fears, Scott?" Reps said.
"What do you mean by that?" Scott asked.
"This!" Reps said, playing the 'SD Multiverse' card.
"Noooooooooo!" Scott said.
Needless to say, those in the crowd watching facefaulted from this display.
"And that means your 'Gradius Mk. III', besides getting SD'ed, also loses 1000 of its attack points." Reps said.
"So, you still don't have anything protecting your life points." Scott said.
"On the contrary," Reps said, grabbing a card, "I do. Thanks to the 2nd ability of this card, I can summon any SD character to my hand and then play it."
Reps played 'Destroyer Dom' (2600/2000) in attack mode.
"Attack his SD'ed 'Gradius Mk. III' with Ultimate Armament Destruction." Reps said.
"Gallop! Ready the weapons!" 'Destroyer Dom' said as his support unit opened up all weaponry, "Target found…target lost, target found…target lost, target found…target lost. Just open fire!"
A barrage of missiles, laser fire, and other nasty things that kill nailed 'Gradius Mk. III', blowing it to pieces.
"Ack!" Scott said, getting hit by the recoil of the blast, "Damn, there goes more life points."
"Well, this has been interesting so far." Dark said, munching on popcorn.
"Yes, they have similar attacking styles and yet they still have their uniqueness to it…where'd you get that popcorn?" Ryan asked.
"Popcorn guy." Dark said, pointing over at a vendor cart.
"What the hell is something like that doing here?" Charmy asked.
"Hello, don't you see? Entertainment like this is always better with food." Dark said, happily munching down on the popcorn.
Ryan and Charmy shook their heads and sighed.
"I was hoping I wouldn't have to use this card, but you leave me no choice." Scott said, selecting 'Max 300' as his song.
'So, it's about time Scott got to using his 'Max Brother' card.' Kanbei thought, 'I can't wait to see it in action…and yet I'm more curious about seeing Reps' 'Max Brother' card. Here's hoping he can last long enough.'
"I was wondering when you'd play that card." Reps said, "Let's see how you handle a 'Max Brother'."
"With pleasure." Scott said, playing 'Max 300'.
"Now, you shall see the true power that is, 'Max 300' (4500/3500)." Scott said, "And being a 'Max Brother' card, it is immune to your SD trickery."
"I've got a bad feeling about this." 'Destroyer Dom' said.
"Now, 'Max 300', attack with Arrow Obliteration!" Scott shouted.
'Destroyer Dom' and his Gallop both exploded in brilliant flashes of light as the arrows overloaded their circuits.
"Dammit it all!" Reps said, his life points now down to 2200.
"Suddenly things are looking very up for me." Scott said.
'Well, here goes nothing.' Reps said, drawing his next card, '*blink* I can't believe it.'
"This isn't quite over yet, Scott…not when I have this." Reps said, playing 'NeoMax'.
'Finally, I shall see the final 'Max Brother' card in action.' Kanbei said.
"And now, I summon 'NeoMax' (5250/2250) in attack mode!" Reps said.
"To quote Bender, "I'm boned!" Scott said.
"Attack 'Max 300' with Freeze Arrow Explosion!" Reps shouted.
'Max 300' was shattered by the overload of green arrows.
"Dammit!" Scott said, his life points dropping down to 6150.
"I wonder how much longer you'll last now, Scott. It would seem I have this in the bag." Reps said, "However, it is your turn, so make your move."
"I will…and it isn't over till the life points are 0." Scott said, drawing his next card, 'This would help, but I can't use it to protect myself.'
"Are you going to make a move or not?" Reps said.
"I can't, so I pass my turn." Scott said, cringing, as he knew what was to happen next.
"Very well, 'NeoMax', attack his life points directly!" Reps shouted.
'NeoMax' hurled his freeze arrows at Scott, who blocked the attack as best he could.
"Greeeeen!" Scott said, "That's all I can see."
"Snap out of it, Scott!" shouted Dark from the stands, "This isn't RAB!"
Scott shook his head, 'He's right…which is odd since it's Dark we're talking about.'
Scott drew his next card, "Yes, I play 'Paralyzing Trick Bars of Pain'. This'll halt your attacks for three turns."
"Do your best, but this is 'NeoMax'. Not many card's can beat it." Reps said.
"Yes, but you yourself beat it, which proves its possible." Scott said, drawing his next card, 'Good.'
Scott played 'PARANOiA Survivor'.
"You look tired, are you sure you should keep going?" Reps said.
"I will keep going…and I will win!" Scott said, playing the ritual card 'Power of the Heart' in order to summon forth, 'Ryan the Keysaber Legend' (4000/3500)' in defense mode.
"That won't be enough." Reps said, drawing his next card, "I pass. Two turns left."
'Come on deck, give me it, give me it. Yes!' Scott said, playing 'Outer Limits'.
'Another ten footer? What could he be up to?' Kanbei thought.
"*huff* And now I….*puff*….play this card." Scott said, playing 'Scott the IIDX Legend' (2700/2400).
"What a waste. One turn left, better make it count." Reps said.
"Oh, I will…I will." Scott said, drawing his next card, "Good, I lay one card face down and end my turn."
"My move." Reps said, "I can't do anything, but I doubt you can either. And with that, the bars are gone. This is your last move, use it wisely."
Scott took a deep breath and stared at his deck.
'This has to be it…if I can draw this card, then I'll win. Don't let me down deck.' Scott thought as he drew his next card.
Time seemed to stand still as Scott looked at the card in his hand.
"I've done it…Holy Shit, I've done it!" Scott said.
"Done what?" Reps said.
"Drawn the card that will lead to your defeat. I reveal my face down card, 'Fusion'." Scott said.
"No! You couldn't be doing that!" Reps shouted.
"I'm afraid I am. 'Ryan the Keysaber Legend' and 'Scott the IIDX Legend' fuse into 'Eclipse' (6000/3400)!" Scott said, playing 'Eclipse'.
"Fu-sion! Ha!" Shouted 'Ryan the Keysaber Legend' and 'Scott the IIDX Legend' as they did the move to combine themselves into one warrior.
"We are…Eclipse!" shouted 'Eclipse', his long cloak billowing in the wind as his hair glowed a bright bronze color.
"This is the end for 'NeoMax'!" Scott shouted, "Attack it with 'Arcs Arcanus'!"
"With pleasure." Said 'Eclipse', drawing his Keysaber and sword.
With a flurry of strikes, blows, and hits, all happening too fast to detect, 'NeoMax' was no more.
"Damn! One of my best cards…" Reps said, his life points down to 1450.
"With my 'Eclipse' card in play, there isn't much you can do." Scott said.
'As much as I hate to admit it, he's right.' Reps thought, drawing his next card, 'Of all the…I finally draw this, but I don't have enough life points to use it.'
"I take it you're disappointed with your draw?" Scott said.
"Unfortunately…I have nothing to protect myself with." Reps said, placing his hand on his deck.
"I see then…you were a honorable opponent Reps. I accept your surrender." Scott said, walking over and shaking Reps' hand.
"Yes, though I suppose I should've expected as much from someone with a deck like yours." Reps said with a grin.
"Scott is the winner of the first duel." Sonja said, "Will all duelists please assemble in the main hall for the selection of the next match."
Main Hall
"Good job there, Scott." Dark said, high-fiving him.
"Yeah, way to pull out our fused form." Ryan said, "Though I'll say your 'NeoMax' card is pretty tight, Reps."
"Yeah, but there's always next time." Reps said.
"You can bet on that." Scott said.
"Okay, if you're done being all friendly, it's time to see who'll duel next." Kanbei said.
"Grrr, I hope you get stuck facing me, Kanbei! I'd love to kick your ass!" Dark said.
"Down boy. As much as I'd love to kick your butt, I do have a reputation to uphold." Kanbei said, throwing the switch.
The balls rolled around and around the machine till one finally came out.
"Ah, so it seems Ryan shall fight this time." Kanbei said.
"All right, I'm so ready!" Ryan said, squeezing his fists.
"And now, his opponent shall be…." Kanbei said, the second ball falling into place, "…Aerith."
"Ah, it seems I get to face you then." Aerith said, smiling at Ryan.
"Eh…yeah, that sounds like fun." Ryan said, rubbing the back of his head.
Scott nudged Ryan, "Something wrong? You don't seem too thrilled to be facing her."
"Oh, no it's nothing like that." Ryan whispered back, "I just seem to have this weakness when it comes to certain types of girls."
"Oh, I see now. So in this case it's the seeming girl in distress type, unlike with Charmy you have the crazy, psycho chick type." Scott said.
Ryan shook his head, "You do realize you said that outloud, right?"
"I did?" Scott said, then noticed a large darkness covering the room.
WHAM!!
Scott went flying courtesy of Charmy's frying pan.
Aerith just giggled, "Don't worry Ryan, he'll be okay."
Kanbei sighed, "If you kids are done playing, we can get to the duel."
"Oh, hold on. I just remembered something I needed to get." Aerith said, running to her room, "I won't be long."
"Very well…just be quick." Kanbei said.
10 minutes pass by…
"What's taking her?" Ryan said, tapping his foot.
"I'm sure she's just delayed…she wouldn't duck out of a fight." Cloud said, "She's a little scatter-brained at times as well, so just wait."
20 minutes pass by…
"Okay, this is ridiculous." Kanbei said, "Where is that stupid girl?"
"Watch it, Kanbei." Cloud said with a growl, "I'll go find her."
"I'll come with you." Ryan said, "She may be my opponent, but even I can tell when something must be wrong."
"Very well then, follow me." Cloud said.
Cloud and Ryan ran down the corridors of the airship till they got to Aerith's room.
All of a sudden Cloud just fell down on one knee.
"Cloud, what's wrong?" Ryan said.
"Something...bad has happened…I can't explain. Go see what's wrong." Cloud said, clutching his chest.
Ryan nodded and opened the door.
"Aerith? Aerith, you in here?" Ryan said, then smelt something.
"I know the smell…but what is it?" Ryan said, then seeing a red trail leading to the bathroom.
"Oh, God no!" Ryan said, opening the door and seeing Aerith there on the floor, bleeding from a large wound in her chest.
"Dammit! This is not good!" Ryan said, picking her up.
"Aerith! Damn!" Cloud said, seeing her like that, "Is she…she…"
"She will be if we don't hurry…Mia should be able to help with this." Ryan said, rushing back to the others.
Meanwhile…
"Your stupid little friends are beginning to annoy me." Kanbei said.
"You know what? Shut up asshole!" Dark said, "You'll get your chance to lose soon enough and we really don't want to hear your voice."
"I'm with Dark." Mia said, "You may have created this tournament, but you really have no people skills at all."
Scott was leaning against the wall, seemingly lost in his thoughts.
'I see…so that's what happened to her. I thought I sensed something earlier.' Scott thought to himself.
"You better shut the mouth on that little wench of yours, Dark or so help me I'll…." Kanbei started to say.
"You'll what?" Dark said, drawing his Keysaber.
Kanbei looked at Dark, then his weapon and then proceeded to shut the hell up.
Phirothes walked in and noticed the tension and made his way to one corner.
"And where have you been?" Scott asked.
About that time, Ryan and Cloud came back with the bleeding Aerith.
"Mia, we need your magic now!" Ryan said, lying Aerith down on a couch.
"I'm sorry, Ryan, but I don't have any healing items with me." Mia said, hanging her head.
"No, dammit! Not again…" Cloud said, holding Aerith's hand, "…she…she's gone."
Scott reached into his coat and pulled out an orange colored feather.
"Scott?" Ryan said, looking at him and then nodding.
Scott placed the feather on Aerith's midsection and the wound disappeared as Aerith slowly regained consciousness.
"Oh…feel so weak." Aerith said…and then passed out.
"I don't know who did this, but for now get her into the medical ward." Kanbei said, "Sonja, make sure she's taken care of."
Sonja nodded and led Cloud, who was carrying Aerith, to the ward.
"Well, I think its safe to say she forfeits." Kanbei said.
Everyone there glared at him.
"Okay…we'll go ahead and draw the next round then." Kanbei said, throwing the switch again.
"And the first duelist is…Phirothes." Kanbei said.
"Ah, finally…I get my chance to play." Phirothes said.
"And your opponent will be…Cloud." Kanbei said.
"I think it would be safe to say that we wouldn't be able to pull him away, so perhaps we should postpone our duel and you let the next to go." Phirothes said.
"Hmm…as much as the thought does not bode with me of that idea, I'm not completely heartless. So, since I can sorta sympathize with Cloud, I'll allow that." Kanbei said, "And, since there are only two balls left."
"That means you and me are going to duel…guess I got my wish." Dark said.
"Indeed…just don't lose." Scott said.
"Very well then. The next duel shall be between myself and Darkness Shade." Kanbei said.
"Fine, let's do this." Dark said, as he followed Kanbei to the arena.
Airship Arena
"Okay, Kanbei, I'm not letting you win this one." Dark said, his hands balled up into fists.
"You always were impatient." Kanbei said, shooting out his duel pad, 'If only this fool knew the trouble he was getting into.'
"I'm rather sure of my victory, so I'll allow you to go first." Kanbei said.
"Are you sure? I don't want you bitching when I beat you just cause I went first." Dark said with a grin.
"Just begin the damn duel!" Kanbei shouted.
"Jeez…" Dark said.
"The battle between Darkness Shade and Kanbei shall begin immediately!" Sonja said.
'Hmm, not a bad hand…I think this'll do for now.' Dark thought.
Dark played 'PARANOiA KCET Clean Mix'.
"Now I summon 'PARANOiA KCET Clean Mix' (2400/2300) in attack mode. I also lay one card face down and end my turn." Dark said.
"Very well, my move." Kanbei said, 'Ah, yes…and on my first draw too.'
"I'm not liking how Kanbei's smiling so much." Ryan said.
"Yes, he seems up to something." Scott said, "Something about him has just felt weird ever since we came on board."
"I think you guys are just over-thinking this." Charmy said.
"Maybe…but I've known this guy longer than anyone else…he's not someone to underestimate." Ryan said.
Kanbei couldn't help but chuckle.
"Something you wish to share with the rest of us, Kanbei? Or are you finally losing it?" Dark asked.
"You always were stupid, too. I don't know how it happened, but I drew this card much earlier than I ever dreamed was possible." Kanbei said.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Dark said.
"This!" Kanbei said, selecting the song…'Max.'
"What?!" Dark said, "You've got a Max Brother card too?!"
"I can't say I didn't see that coming." Ryan said.
"Of course you can't, you are a Jedi, remember?" Scott said.
"Oh, yeah…forgot about that."
Scott facefaulted hard, "How can you forget something like that?"
"Well, let's see…there was the whole DDRist Kingdom tournament…and then we went planet hopping, and, assuming I remember these stories right, about 4 years have passed. So, yeah, it could slip my mind." Ryan said.
"My that was…explanatory." Scott said, "And quit breaking the fourth wall, we've only got so much duct tape to hold it up.
"So what if you have 'Max.'? Just play the damn thing and get on with the duel." Dark said.
"I'm rather going to enjoy beating you, Darky. So say all you like…it only adds to my pleasure." Kanbei said, playing 'Max.'
'Well, shit! How in the hell will I win this one?' Dark thought as Kanbei finished playing.
"And now…I summon 'Max.'!" Kanbei said, playing the 'Max.' card.
An eerie wind settled over the arena broken only by a voice.
"Why do you need……Konami Original songs?"
"Okay, that was creepy! Wait, what's that?" Dark said, seeing something fade into view.
A humanoid figure, drabbed in a long black cloak, its face wrapped in black cloth slowly appeared on the field.
"I give you none other than…'Max.'!" Kanbei shouted.
'Max.' (6500/4500) let out a very creepy, evil laugh.
"Shit!" Dark said, his mind blanking.
"Oh, my." Mia said, "It seems that Darkness is losing it."
"Come on Dark, you can't let that stupid bastard win!!" Ryan shouted.
"Every card has to have someway that it can be beat…we've all had to face Max Brother cards before. And we all beat them." Reps said.
"Reps is right," Scott said, "You just have to find a way to beat this one."
'They're right…I know my deck will give me something to help.' Dark said.
"Well, since he is a Max Brother, I have to wait one turn before attacking." Kanbei said, "Put up any pitiful defense you'd like to, it won't do you any good."
"We'll see about that!" Dark said, drawing his next card.
Dark played 'Bad Routine'.
"I play 'Nurse-Zukin' (1800/2800) in defense mode, put 'PARANOiA KCET Clean Mix' in defense mode and place one card face down." Dark said.
"That should help, right?" Mia asked.
"Hmm," Scott said, "given his choices, that would seem to be the best move he could do at the moment. However…"
"…We aren't totally sure what secrets this Max Brother holds." Ryan said, "As we all know…"
"…Each Max Brother has some sort of ability unique to itself." Reps said, "So, while a defense like that might work on other cards…"
"…On this card, though, all we can do is wait and hope." Scott said.
"Okay, did anyone else find it creepy that those three managed to piece together such a complex thought flawlessly?" Charmy asked.
"You should know by know that those guys are always gonna be weird." Mia said, looking down at Dark.
"You really believe that that pathetic excuse for a defense will do anything for you?" Kanbei said with a laugh as he drew his next card.
"Give me your worst!" Dark said.
"Very well, 'Max.' attack his characters!" Kanbei shouted.
"What? You can't attack two at once!" Dark shouted.
"You fool! 'Max.' can…that is his special Max Brother ability!" Kanbei said as both of Dark's characters were wiped out.
"Damn! This is not good." Dark said.
"That felt so refreshing!" Kanbei said, "And next time, I'll take your life points."
"We'll see about that." Dark said, drawing his next card.
Dark put on his trademark grin.
"And why are you so damn happy?" Kanbei asked.
Dark played 'Tomorrow Perfume'.
"This card is why!" Dark said, playing 'Servebot' (800/1200).
"What good could that card do you?" Kanbei said.
"Normally nothing, however…with this card, it gives me plenty to stop you in your tracks." Dark said, revealing his 'Roll Call' card.
'Servebot' made a motion and a really odd sound.
"What was the point of that?" Kanbei asked.
All of a sudden, four more Servebots parachuted onto the arena.
"Now I have five cards to protect my life points…try your best." Dark said.
"Fine. 'Max.' attack!" Kanbei shouted.
Two of Dark's Servebots shrieked as they were decimated.
"Hmm…I may have underestimated you." Kanbei said.
"You would." Dark said, drawing his next card, 'Ah…good, I've drawn it.'
"Hmm, he's got that grin again." Ryan said.
"I see…he must have drawn it then." Scott said.
"Drawn what?" Mia asked, "Wait…you don't mean 'MaxX Unlimited', do you?"
"I do…it's the only card that he'd make that face at." Scott said, "Unfortunately, I'm not sure how he'll summon it, given that he can't do it on Heavy."
"Hey, I found a way to summon 'Legend' without doing it on Heavy." Ryan said.
"Yes, but 'MaxX Unlimited' is a much different story." Scott said.
"Hmm…you've obviously got something in your hands that you really wanted." Kanbei said, "But I'm willing to bet you can't use it."
"Hmm, we'll see…there's always a way to summon a card other than its direct way." Dark said.
'Well, now how do I do this?' Dark said, looking over his card, 'Wait a minute…its all a stamina issue…why didn't I think of this sooner? I know exactly how I can beat it on Heavy.'
"No, he couldn't be doing what I think he's doing." Ryan said.
"So you felt it too?" Scott said.
"What are you two going on about?" Charmy asked.
"Oh, not much…Dark's just gonna go super so he can pass 'MaxX Unlimited' on Heavy." Ryan said.
"Oh…well, I guess that's one way to do it." Mia said.
Dark threw back his head as the silverish/bronze aura surrounded him.
"What the hell did you just do?" Kanbei said.
"I went super…no rule in the book that says I can't." Dark said, "I'll place this one card face down and end my turn as such."
"Okay, you are definitely up to something. 'Max.', attack two more of his 'Servebots'!" Kanbei shouted.
Two more 'Servebots' bit the dust as 'Max.' carried out his attack.
"I guess that proves what I thought all along…" Dark said, "You're deck more or less centers around that one card."
"And how might you figure that one?" Kanbei said.
"Well, for one thing, you haven't summoned another monster at all." Dark said.
"Believe what you wish to." Kanbei said.
"Fine…my turn." Dark said, playing 'MaxX Unlimited'.
"Somehow I feel he's cheapening this whole thing…playing it while super." Ryan said, "You didn't see me going super to summon 'Legend'."
"This is Dark, he'll do what it takes…besides, it isn't illegal." Scott said.
"…Technically." Reps added.
"As long as he can win, I don't really care." Mia said, "You can do it Darkness!"
"I've done what I needed." Dark said, powering down after beating 'MaxX Unlimited'.
"That's a nifty little trick." Kanbei said.
"Yes, I know…it most certainly is." Dark said, summoning 'MaxX Unlimited' (5250/5250).
"That's it? You really think that's enough to win?" Kanbei said.
"Yes, especially when I use this card." Dark said, revealing his face down card.
"Damn! I forgot all about that one!" Kanbei said.
"I reveal, 'Perfects and Greats'." Dark said.
"'Perfects and Greats'? What the hell is that?" Kanbei asked.
"Think of it like 'Sword and Shield'…it swaps the attack and defense points of all monsters on the field." Dark said.
"Which means…that 'Max.' is now weaker than 'MaxX Unlimited'." Kanbei said.
"Yep…so you know what that means. Next turn, your guy goes down. Now, I'll lay this card face down and end my turn." Dark said.
"There isn't much I can do, but put 'Max.' in defense mode." Kanbei said.
"I was hoping you'd do that." Dark said, activating his face down card, "Thanks to this card, 'Frozen Ray'. This card, which is permanent, prevents you from putting any cards into defense mode."
"Dammit!" Kanbei said, "I'll end my turn, since I can't do anything else."
"Very well. 'MaxX Unlimited', attack his 'Max.' with Arrow Decimation!" Dark shouted.
'MaxX Unlimited' let loose with the devastating attack, leaving Kanbei weakened at 7250 life points.
"And that takes care of your only character card, next turn, I'll wipe the floor with you." Dark said.
"We'll see…" Kanbei said, 'Now is the time I'd really hope I could get that one more extra stage.'
"Whee! It looks like Darkness shall win!" Mia said.
Scott and Ryan were quiet.
"Something wrong guys?" Charmy asked.
"I don't know what it is…but something doesn't feel right." Ryan said.
"I know…Kanbei may have one last trick left." Scott said.
Kanbei pulled his next card out and laughed.
"May I inquire as to what is so funny?" Dark asked.
"I've merely pulled the key to your undoing." Kanbei said, "The one card I know you've never heard of."
"You couldn't mean?" Dark said.
"I thought it was just a rumor…looks like I was hoping against hope." Scott said.
"What in God's name are you going on about?" Reps asked.
"I had heard about this…supposedly Kanbei's company had been making something." Scott said, "Some sort of new cards…I have a feeling that Kanbei just drew one of them."
"A new card? What kind of card?" Ryan asked.
"A Max Brother…"
"Yes…and now to activate one of the new protocols created for this tournament." Kanbei said, sifting through the song list.
"What in the hell are you talking about?" Dark said.
"A new song…one no one has heard of yet…except for me and a select few others…and then those who know things like your troublesome friend Scott." Kanbei said, selecting 'Max Infinity'.
"'Max Infinity'? You mean there's a sixth Max Brother?!" Dark said.
Kanbei finished playing 'Max Infinity'.
"And now I summon the ultimate Max Brother, 'Max Infinity'!" Kanbei said, laying his card in play.
The entire field darkened as a shimmering, crystal pathway appeared on Kanbei's half of the arena.
Upon that appeared the ghastly figure of 'Max Infinity' (4000/4000), garbed only in a long, concealing black robe, tied together at the waist by a single rope.
"Jeez, he looks so…odd." Dark said.
"You shouldn't say such things…especially to a character that will annihilate you." Kanbei said.
"With what? He's weaker than 'MaxX Unlimited'." Dark said.
"True…but not when I invoke his special ability." Kanbei said, "I add all but one life point to 'Max Infinity's Attack power."
"Then that means that his attack power is…11249!!" Dark said, "I'm so F***ed!"
"Indeed." Kanbei said as he ordered 'Max Infinity' to attack.
'Max Infinity' walked toward the front of the pathway, as the arena grew darker.
As 'Max Infinity' reached 'MaxX Unlimited', it grabbed at its robe, undid it, and pulled back its robe.
"ACK!" Dark said as 'Max Infinity' released a blinding flash.
When the flash subsided, Dark had no characters to protect him and was down to 5999 life points.
"Your turn, though I doubt anything good will happen." Kanbei, "Well, for you anyway."
'Damn…I don't have any cards to protect me.' Dark said, "Well…I can't do anything."
"It appears as if I win." Kanbei said, "Now, 'Max Infinity', finish his life points with your 'Galactic Explosion'!"
Dark barely had time to brace for the blow before he was knocked back by the destructive blast.
Dark's life points dropped to zero as he fell to one knee.
"Game, set, and match." Kanbei said.
"The winner of this duel is Kanbei." Sonja said, "There shall be a small intermission as we ready for the final duel between Cloud and Phirothes."
Main Hall
"Easy there Dark." Ryan said, helping him sit down.
"Eh, I'll be okay." Dark said, "It wasn't that strong."
"I wonder if you'd be saying that if you hadn't gone super at the last moment." Scott said.
"Ah, so you caught that too, eh?" Ryan said.
"What? You can't say that either of you wouldn't have done the same." Dark said.
"Maybe." Ryan and Scott said.
"I must say I rather enjoyed your battle." Phirothes said, "You duel honorably."
"Thanks…I'm sure it'll be interesting to see you duel." Dark said.
"Yes, speaking of which, perhaps I should see how Cloud is doing." Phirothes said.
"I'll come with you." Scott said, "I need to talk with Cloud anyway."
"Okay, let's go then."
Medical Ward
"Oh, Aerith. I hope you'll be all right." Cloud said, holding her hand.
"I'm sure she will." Scott said, "Since I got her that Phoenix Down as soon as I did."
"Yeah, I never did get to thank you for that." Cloud said, shaking Scott's hand.
"Eh, don't worry about it." Scott said with a grin.
"It's good to see that she's okay." Phirothes said, running a hand through her hair.
"Hmm." Cloud said, eyeing Phirothes, "So, how's the dueling gone?"
"Good enough." Scott said, "Dark unfortunately got his ass handed to him by Kanbei when he pulled out some Max Brother card I hoped he hadn't had."
"I see…so, I take it my duel is next." Cloud asked, "Who might I be dueling?"
"That would be me." Phirothes said.
"I see, this should be fun." Cloud said with a grin.
"I'll see you back at the hall." Phirothes said, leaving.
Scott put his hand on Cloud's shoulder, "I need to talk to you real quick."
"What's up?" Cloud asked.
"There's something about that Phirothes guy…" Scott said.
"Yeah, I felt it too…he's almost, familiar." Cloud said, "Though I can't place why."
"I just want you to keep a heads up, I have a feeling he's not all he pretends to be." Scott said.
"Okay. Well, I have a duel to get to, so perhaps we should be on our way?" Cloud said.
"Right, I'll see you there then." Scott said, leaving.
Cloud bent down and kissed Aerith on the forehead, "Don't worry, love, I won't be long."
Main Hall
"Okay, I'm ready." Cloud said, holstering his deck.
"Good, then let's get the final quarter-final duel over with." Kanbei said.
"Gladly." Phirothes said.
Airship Arena
"The final quarter-final match between Cloud Strife and Phirothes shall begin now." Sonja said.
"I'll allow you the first move." Phirothes said to Cloud.
"Very well." Cloud said, drawing.
'Let's see…ah, good.' Cloud said, playing 'Frozen Ray'.
"I play 'Diamond Weapon' (3800/3400) in attack mode. I also place one card face down and end my turn." Cloud said.
"Nice move." Phirothes said, "My turn."
'Ah, these shall do nicely.' Phirothes thought.
"I'll place these two cards face down and end my turn." Phirothes said.
"He didn't place any character cards." Scott said.
"This guy is either really stupid or…" Ryan said.
"…Or he's leading Cloud into a trap." Dark said.
"Heh, you shouldn't have left yourself open like that." Cloud said, "'Diamond Weapon', attack his life points directly!"
'Diamond Weapon' charged up and let loose its attack.
"Nice try, Cloud." Phirothes said, revealing one of his face down cards, "But I use my 'AP Production' to convert your 'Diamond Weapon' into the power necessary to use my other face down card."
"What the hell?" Cloud said, seeing the turned over card.
"Ah, I see that you recognize this card…you should." Phirothes said, revealing the 'Black Materia' card, "Care to guess what this'll do?"
"You can't be serious…" Cloud said.
"I believe I am, in four turns, Meteor itself shall plummet forth and finish you off. There's no way you can possibly stop it." Phirothes said, pointing upward at where Meteor could be seen.
"Damn! This is most unexpected." Ryan said.
"It appears this Phirothes guy knows how to push Cloud's buttons." Dark said.
"Almost too well." Scott said.
"So all that means is I need to beat you in four turns." Cloud said, "That shouldn't be a problem."
"Oh, I'm afraid you'll find things hard to do." Phirothes said, "I'll end my turn by placing another two cards face down."
'Damn, who knows what he's got this time around?' Cloud thought, drawing his next card.
Cloud played 'Xenon'.
"Now I summon 'Ruby Weapon' (4200/4000) in attack mode." Cloud said, "Attack his life points directly."
"Sorry, but I'm going to have to stop you once again." Phirothes said, revealing one of his face down cards.
"That card has a picture of me on it!" Cloud said.
"Yes…since the effect this card will have on your character will do the same thing I did to you back at the Temple of the Ancients." Phirothes said.
"What do you mean by that?" Cloud said, "There's no way…it is!"
Medical Ward
Aerith is seen moving restlessly in her bed, very disturbed.
Suddenly her eyes open and she sits straight up in bed.
Aerith says only one word, "Sephiroth…"
Airship Arena
"Yes, it is I." Phirothes said, "It's been such a long time, Cloud."
"Sephiroth…I can't believe you're still alive!" Cloud said.
"Yes…but you are merely one of the people I have to get revenge on." Sephiroth said, "Your friend Darkness Shade, as well as his little friends, shall all feel my wrath."
Sephiroth's card took control of 'Ruby Weapon' and teleported it to his side of the field.
"How does it feel Cloud?" Sephiroth said, "To be so weak and unable to do anything."
"You've said that before." Cloud said, "And I believe you remember what happened."
"Perhaps, but Aerith won't be making a miraculous save this time." Sephiroth said.
"I've still got three turns to defeat you, and I will make them count." Cloud said, drawing his next card, "And I only needed one to finish you last time."
'Hmm, I believe this card may be helpful.' Cloud thought.
"I'll place this one card face down and end my turn." Cloud said.
"Yes, but this isn't like last time." Sephiroth said, "And I see that you have nothing to protect your life points with. 'Ruby Weapon' attack his life points directly!"
"Heh, I'd hope you'd do something that stupid." Cloud said, "This move should be familiar to Shades up there. I activate my trap card, 'The Plothole of No Return'!"
"Dammit!" Sephiroth shouted, "Still, that leaves you with only two turns."
"All right, Cloud! Let him know who's the best!" Dark shouted.
'Hmm…two turns…I need something to attack his life points.' Cloud thought, drawing his next card, 'Yes! This should work well!'
Cloud played 'A' and summoned 'Cloud' (1900/1900) in attack mode.
"That's it?" Sephiroth said, "I'm insulted."
"I'm not through yet. I play this magic card, 'KH+' to transform 'Cloud' into 'Cloud Excel' (3950/3000)." Cloud said, as 'Cloud' was engulfed in what seemed darkness and changed, his clothes turning darker and his sword wrapped in cloth; a single black wing appearing from his back finished the change.
"Heh, now he looks like you." Sephiroth said with a laugh.
"Enough!" 'Cloud Excel' said, "Laugh at this!"
'Cloud Excel' slashed at Sephiroth with his buster sword, dropping his life points to 4050.
"Ow! Grr!" Sephiroth said, "You'll pay for that…in one turn."
Sephiroth drew his next card, "Dammit! I pass!"
"My turn then." Cloud said, drawing.
'Damn, no more characters.' Cloud thought.
"This isn't good." Scott said.
"I know…he doesn't seem to have drawn anymore character cards and his 'Cloud Excel' isn't strong enough to rid Sephiroth of the rest of his life points." Dark said.
"Damn him!" Ryan shouted, "You think for once we could deal with someone not trying to kill us."
"And I can't even figure out why he wants to." Dark said, "Though…something about him…it's eerily familiar."
"I know…I've sensed this energy once before, but I can't pinpoint it." Ryan said.
"Attack his life points directly, 'Cloud Excel'!" Cloud shouted.
Sephiroth recoiled from the attack as his life points dropped to 100.
Sephiroth stood up and laughed.
"You fool…the four turns have done their job…and now Meteor will annihilate you." Sephiroth said.
Suddenly, Aerith came through the doors of the arena, "Cloud!"
"Aerith, look out!" Cloud shouted.
"Ah, the stupid little flower girl…things would've been so different had she been mine…but you had to get to her first." Sephiroth said, drawing his blade.
'Oh, shit!' Ryan thought, 'I know what he's up to!'
"This time, I'll make sure you stay down!" Sephiroth said, charging at Aerith.
"Not this time!" Ryan shouted, dashing over and blocking Sephiroth's attack with his Keysaber, "You won't kill anyone this day! Not so long as I'm around!"
"Hmm, intriguing…perhaps this is the same spirit that she seemed to underestimate." Sephiroth said, jumping back, "Very well…the girl lives for now…but know this. I shall have my revenge against you all for what you did…starting with Cloud!"
Sephiroth threw back his hand as Meteor came plowing through the atmosphere, headed straight for Cloud.
"I'll stop that!" 'Cloud Excel' shouted, flying up to attack it.
"You idiot, you'll merely get yourself killed!" Sephiroth shouted.
'Cloud Excel' gave it his best, but in the end he couldn't overpower it.
"Damn!" was all Cloud could say, his loss eminent.
Meteor hit with a huge impact, causing an earth-shattering blast.
"Hold on!" Ryan said, grabbing hold of Aerith who was about to be blown away.
"Damn! I know it's just a card, but it's like the real Meteor hit." Scott said.
When the dust settled, Cloud was out cold.
"Is he…?" Aerith asked.
"No…I can sense his energy, barely." Ryan said, "He should be okay."
Sephiroth let out with a horribly, evil laugh.
"None of you will be all-right…I don't know how Cloud managed to survive, but it seems his stupid card self was able to weaken Meteor just enough." Sephiroth said, "But be warned; when you and I face, Ryan, you won't come back. And then I'll take delight in killing your little friends off, one by one. I think I'll start with that little wench of a girlfriend of yours and then finish off Darkness Shade's girl as well…and then the little flower girl."
"You're so damn sure of yourself." Ryan said, "Even if I were to lose, how can you be so sure the others wouldn't beat you?"
"Because you are the one that's kept them together…you're the unifying link. It also helps that you are the strongest among them." Sephiroth said, "But enough of this…I've won, now declare it!"
Sonja jumped back, "Um, Sephiroth is the winner. That concludes the quarterfinal matches. Moving on are, Ryan, Scott, Kanbei, and Sephiroth. The semi-final match shall begin tomorrow morning. Until then, you are free to relax."
Main Arena
Ryan set Cloud down on the couch.
Aerith lightly shook Cloud, "Come on, now…wake up."
Cloud winced and slowly opened his eyes, "Ugh, what happened? Did I lose another wrestling match to Barret?"
"Good, your okay." Ryan said.
"Ryan? Okay, now I remember what happened." Cloud said.
"Yeah, I must admit you took that blow pretty well." Ryan said.
"I'm just glad your safe." Aerith said, hugging Cloud.
"Hey, Ryan, thanks for stepping in when you did and saving Aerith." Cloud said, shaking Ryan's hand, "It almost turned into four years ago."
"Hey, you know how I am. I can't let a pretty girl die, especially not Aerith." Ryan said with a goofy grin.
"You're definitely all I'd expect and more." Cloud said.
"Well…the semi's are tomorrow." Scott said, stretching and giving a yawn, "And I'm way worn out from all of today's fun. I'm hitting the sack."
"That sounds like a good idea." Dark said, grabbing hold of Mia, "See ya in the morning, guys."
"Heh, no amount of sleep will help you. I'm going to beat you all." Kanbei said, heading towards his room.
"Dream on, Kanbei." Ryan said, "…moron. Anyway, yeah, you two should rest. Oh, and here, take this."
Cloud held out his hand and took what Ryan handed him.
"What's this for?" Aerith asked.
"That'll help keep you two safe tonight…I know Sephiroth isn't the type to do something as petty as killing someone in there sleep." Ryan said.
"Yeah, he always did have a flare for the dramatic." Cloud said, "Well, we'll see you in the morning."
With that, Cloud and Aerith headed to their room.
Charmy looked at Ryan as he stared out the window, seemingly lost in his thoughts.
"Something wrong, hon?" Charmy said, putting her arms around him.
"Sorta…something that Sephiroth said." Ryan said.
"You mean how he was talking about someone?" Charmy said.
"Yes…he kept mentioning a 'her'…who could he mean?" Ryan said, "His power seems so odd, familiar yet…different. I have my own thoughts about that…but I'm probably wrong."
"Well, not getting any sleep won't help you figure this out. Now, come on, let's go off to bed." Charmy said, pulling Ryan's arm.
"Oh, you…very well. Tomorrow's the semi's…" Ryan said, 'I just hope what I'm thinking isn't what's really going on…cause if it is true…things might be worse than I thought…'