DDR CITY: Raves of Revolution Max Quartet
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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????
'Utter Silence…'
Ryan, as he looked three years ago, is at a crossroads, starring at the sky.
As the scene shifts to what appears to be a beach, a figure apparently materializes from a rock, his right eye glowing menacingly.
'A fragmented tale…the memory beyond…Something so Special'
"Where's Dark? He's late…" Ryan said, while walking along Twilight town's main district, a rain storm matching the cloaking darkness.
The neon lights reflect off the pooling water as Ryan walks along nervously.
Something appears out of the corner of Ryan's eye and before he can blink, there's a flash of light as he slices a Neo Shadow heartless in half.
"Seems you've finally showed up." Ryan said, materializing his X-Factor Keysaber and Core Strike Keysaber.
All hell broke loose as the Neo Shadows began to come at him.
Ryan sliced two to pieces then turned around and kicked another one.
"You guys really need to learn some new moves." Ryan said, jumping back into a stance.
As if in response, six heartless jumped at him simultaneously.
"Nice try!" Ryan shouted, jumping up.
The six heartless rebounded of the ground and followed Ryan.
"Almost, but…" Ryan said, slicing two up and then letting loose with a Strike Raid attack, taking care of the other four.
Leaping back and landing on one of the buildings, Ryan surveyed his options.
'Damn! There's so many…they must be determined to get us.' Ryan thought.
'Something so simple…'
Ryan looked upwards, 'Ah, there's Dark…about time he showed up.'
Ryan bounced off the side of the building before running straight up it, the heartless following him relentlessly.
"Leave me alone, dammit!" Ryan shouted, slicing heartless as he scaled the building.
Dark looked over the edge and saw Ryan running upward, towards him.
'Ansemian's other report…a creation of ignorance…'
Dark jumped off the building just as Ryan chucked the X-Factor Keyblade in a Strike Raid move.
Catching the blade as it spun upward, Dark began to run down the building towards Ryan.
Ryan pulled out his classic Kingdom Keysaber and continued moving up the building.
As Dark and Ryan pass each other, they exchange nothing more than a look before turning their attention back to the heartless.
'A world between…the forgotten world…change…the third key'
Images flashed through Ryan's mind…times before their life changed…when things were simpler…easier.
'What is this place? Is this the answer we've been looking for?'
'Maybe our journey meant nothing at all?'
'We'll go together……'
Reps…Scott…Dark…Ryan…
'II'
As Ryan reaches the rooftop, he's ambushed by a Neo Shadow. Scott, coming from almost nowhere, slices the Neo Shadow and lands with a spin, his own variant of a Keyblade in hand.
DDR HEARTS
A figure decked out in a full-body trenchcoat is sitting on a log as another figure dressed similarly walks up.
The two look at each other before the one on the log speaks…
…'He looks just like you.'
Ryan, as he looked three years ago before the events that have transpired, flies by, his body seemingly lifeless.
'Everything is coming back to me, the true…'
Kanbei's Airship: Ryan's Room
Ryan sat up in bed drenched in a cold sweat.
"What the hell was that?" Ryan said, shaking his head as he wiped off the sweat, "That was way too freaky. Why the hell were we all in those trenchcoats, too? And Charmy…her picture was on that monitor on the building I was running up. And Scott…he had a Keyblade…for what reason? What does this all mean?" Ryan said, getting out of bed and standing up.
"This whole thing makes no damned sense." Ryan said, looking out the window.
A knock at the door drew Ryan's attention.
"Come in." Ryan said.
As if expected, Dark came in and stood next to Ryan.
"I had a feeling you'd show up…you had the dream too, didn't you?" Ryan said, seeing the storm clouds brewing outside.
"Yes…" Dark said, seemingly focused on the same clouds as Ryan, "What do you think it means?"
"I'm not sure…" Ryan said, "But until we figure this out, I don't think the others need to know."
"I just don't get it…I've never seen that place before. It sorta reminded me of Traverse Town." Dark said, "And those Heartless…those are like the ones from End of the World."
"I still don't understand it…and who was the one with the eye? The only one who could glow like that would be Reps." Ryan said.
"Well, true…and Scott with a Keyblade styled weapon…" Dark said, then shook his head, "I'd better get back…Mia will know something's up if I'm gone too long."
Ryan nodded as Dark headed back to his room.
Ryan stood at the clouds a few moments more before crawling back into bed.
'I really hope this isn't a sign of something to come…but God knows I'd just be ignorant to think that.' Ryan thought as he felt Charmy cuddle close to him.
Next Morning
"Ah, there it is…" Kanbei said.
"Yes, brother…the ruins of our old home." Sonja said.
Kanbei scoffed, "That foolish step-father of ours didn't know what he was doing, and that's why I felt it necessary to take over the company…"
"I suppose so…but lately you've become a tad heartless brother…" Sonja said, "Much like you were back then…what's happened?"
Kanbei laughed, "Why nothing at all, dear sister. I've merely found the perfect way to retake my glory…when I win this tournament, I shall collect the greatest deck ever known…and then I shall be the best again."
"Some things aren't worth it, brother…remember that." Sonja said, walking out of the bridge.
"That silly girl just doesn't understand. Cid, how much longer till we arrive?" Kanbei asked.
"Another 15 minutes at most." Cid said, "It shouldn't be long."
"Good, now all we need is…" Kanbei started to say before the ship was being rocked from an unseen force.
The others rushed into the bridge.
"What the hell's going on Kanbei?" Dark shouted.
"Quiet you idiot! Can't you see that's what we're trying to figure out?" Kanbei said.
"It seems something's got us in a tracker beam." Cid said, "I can't break free!"
"Dammit! Wait, someone's contacting us." Sonja said, bringing up the monitor.
"Greetings…as you're well aware, you're ship is now under my control and you'll be making an unscheduled stop." Said the person on the monitor.
"Who the hell are you?!" Kanbei said, his eyes burning in rage.
"That will be told in good time, now, I suggest you prepare for landing." Said the person.
"Another fine mess you've gotten us into, Kanbei." Ryan said as he left the bridge.
"…" Kanbei said, seemingly lost in thought.
Inside the unknown craft
The group slowly walked outside of the airship.
"Okay, asshole, where are you?" Dark shouted.
"Ah, Darkness Shade, I've heard of you…let's see if what I've heard is true." Said the voice.
Without warning, four laser-mounted pods appeared from above and shot at Dark.
"Child's play…" Dark said, blocking them with his Keysaber.
"Hmm…you're better than I thought. Regardless, head through the hallway, less some of the less talented members of your group suffer." Said the voice.
Faced with that, the group headed down the hallway.
After the group left, two figures appeared in the hanger.
"Hmm…they appear to be in a bit of a mess." Said the first figure, his eyes glowing a bright red.
"True…but they've been through worse. Still…I think we can bypass this all, so we'll step in." said the other, dressed in a black jacket, "And will you change your eye color? I gave you another color for a reason."
"Jeez…fine." Said the first figure, changing his eyes from red to green.
"Besides, if Reps saw you with those red eyes, he might do something stupid."
"Oh, yeah…that other me. Fine, let's get this done with."
Unknown Craft: Large Hall
"Okay, we're here, now where the hell are you?!" Kanbei shouted.
"You haven't changed a bit, Kanbei."
"Hey, I know that voice…I thought I was rid of you guys." Kanbei said as five figures emerged.
"You know, this is looking very familiar." Dark said.
"I know what you mean." Ryan said.
"What the hell are you two blabbing on about?" Scott said.
"Will you idiots shut up!" said the voice.
Off in the corner, the two shadowy figures were talking.
"Okay, enough of this crap. You ready?" said the one in the jacket.
"Yep…let's do this!" said the other figure.
"I think it's time I stopped this stupidity." The jacketed figure said as he landed beside our group of heroes.
"Who the hell are you?!" Kanbei said.
"Wait a minute…why does he look like you two?" Scott said.
"That might be because he's the author." Charmy said.
"The lady is correct. I'm am the author of this story, Shades." Shades said.
Just then Reps noticed Shades' companion.
"What the hell?! I thought I killed you!" Reps said, his eyes flaring red.
"Chill down Reps…this isn't who you think it is." Shades said, "This is merely the Metal Sonic from my other series."
"So what the hell is your omnipotent ass doing here anyway?" Kanbei said, a tad annoyed.
"I'd watch my tongue if I were you." Shades said, "Regardless I'm here to blow by this crap. It served no purpose in Yu-Gi-Oh and it won't serve any purpose in my story."
The figure that started this suddenly appeared.
"You know I'm getting just a tad annoyed at all these interruptions. I'm supposed to be getting my revenge against Kanbei and his little friends."
"We aren't his friend!" said everyone but Kanbei and Sonja.
"Regardless, I don't care who you say you are, perhaps you can join in the pain as well." Said the figure.
"You know, I was going to give you a choice, but now I'm going to do what I originally planned to. Metal?" Shades said.
"Right." Metal said, charging up.
"What the hell is he doing?" Dark asked.
"I know what he's doing." Reps said, "He's getting ready to unleash an EMP blast."
"Wait, then wouldn't that mean that this whole place would fry and then go under?" Mia asked.
"Yes, but I'm on your side, so I wouldn't worry about things going wrong." Shades said.
"Somehow I get the feeling I shouldn't have pissed you off." Said the figure.
"You guessed right. Kanbei, take the others and get back on your ship." Shades said.
"…" Kanbei said, turning around and heading back.
When the others were gone, Shades turned to look at the idiots who were trying to cause the trouble.
"You fools…I don't really care that your counterpart in the Yu-Gi-Oh story turned good and whatnot, you're all going to go down." Shades said, "And why? Because it was the most idiotic, worthless part of the Battle City arc."
"It's ready." Metal said.
"No, you can't!"
"Yes, I can." Shades said, "Metal, send them to hell!"
Metal let loose with a brilliant blue blast that sent the entire complex haywire.
"Let's go." Shades said as the two of them warped out.
Airship Main Hall
"You guys can get back to the finals now." Shades said.
"Hmph, I'm surprised you started writing this thing again. You take too damn long with the chapters." Dark said.
"Sorry, can't be helped. Now…to finish my business here, I'm going to randomly select whom will duel whom to speed up the semi-finals." Shades said.
"You just don't want to write that four-way duel, you lazy bastard." Metal said.
"Ow…that hurt." Shades said, "Anyway…snaps fingers."
A chart appeared showing the four finalists and the setup.
"And thus my job is complete…don't let me down." Shades said as he and Metal disappeared.
'Arrogant Bastard!' Kanbei thought, before a lightning bolt zapped him.
"He told you not to piss him off." Dark said.
"Regardless," Kanbei said, dusting himself off, "this setup shall do. The duels will begin in five minutes when we reach the island."
With that, Kanbei walked off to his room.
"So, you ready Scott?" Ryan said, "I won't hold back."
"Heh, I wouldn't want you to do anything else." Scott said.
"I wonder how Kanbei will do against Sephiroth?" Dark said.
"I don't know…I'm fighting with whether I care if he loses." Charmy said.
"You wouldn't be alone with that." Reps said, "Hey, speaking of which…where's Cloud and Aerith?"
"Hmm…good question. I bet that thing I gave them to stay safe from Sephiroth kept them from being woken up." Ryan said.
"Someone call my name?" Cloud said, slowly limping in.
"Speak of the devil." Charmy said.
"So, we miss anything?" Aerith said, helping Cloud walk along before sitting on the couch with him.
"Oh, not much…author just showed up and saved us a bunch of time and trouble." Dark said.
"Oh, so nothing major then." Cloud said.
Ryan chuckled, "Yeah…"
A/N: I don't even get respect from my characters…--
"So, Kanbei's taking on Sephiroth…he'd better be wary." Cloud said, "He's more than he seems. I've learned that much from every battle we've had."
"Yes…I'm not sure why he strives so hard." Aerith said, "Normally it's just revenge against us…but it almost seems personal this time."
"I've felt that as well, I've got my own thoughts…" Ryan said.
"…Yet, well, we're not too sure on it; so it'd be best for us to not let you guys know till we're sure." Dark said.
"Very well…just be careful…knowing Sephiroth, even if he loses to Kanbei, he'll still come after us." Cloud said.
"I don't think Sephiroth will lose." Scott said, "Kanbei is in slightly over his head."
"That's putting it lightly." Charmy said.
"So?" Reps said, "We've faced people like him before."
"You know, I'm starting to think that Sephiroth has been behind all the stuff that's happened." Dark said, "Ryan's Rep self being activated…Konamison coming back to life. It all reeks of Sephiroth."
"That would explain the eerie feeling I had way back in Chapter 1." Ryan said.
"Stop breaking the fourth wall!" Shades' voice boomed, "Duct tape isn't working anymore, so if it collapses, it's your fault! Metal, hurry up and grab that support beam!"
Everyone sweatdropped.
"That was random." Mia said.
"Regardless, we must be ready for the outcome." Ryan said, "Speaking of which, I believe their duel shall start soon."
"And why do you say that?" Scott asked.
"Because here comes Mr. Sunshine…" Ryan said.
"Cloud, I see that you're up and about…I suppose I held back just a bit too much." Sephiroth said.
"Sephiroth…" Cloud growled.
Aerith placed her hand on Cloud's shoulder and Cloud calmed down.
"How pathetic, the mighty Cloud, tamed by a sad little flower girl." Sephiroth said, "You should feel lucky that our creators decided to bring her back to life...but there shan't be a repeat of that."
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Dark asked.
"Let's just say I've been very busy and a certain group of creators are no longer around to protect their creations." Sephiroth said, following with an evil laugh.
"You can't mean…" Aerith said, "You really are a bastard!"
"Tsk, tsk, sticks and stones my dear girl. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a duel to get to." Sephiroth said, leaving.
"It would seem Sephiroth is much worse than I thought." Cloud said, "He was strong enough to destroy our world's creators."
"You mean, he killed your, for lack of a better word, "gods"?" Mia asked, rather puzzled.
"Unfortunately, yes…" Aerith said, "I just hope the others are doing okay."
"Well, wouldn't they have contacted you if the world was going a bit hay-wire." Dark said, "I know, not the best choice of words."
"I suppose…" Cloud said, "to Ryan He always this stupid?"
"to Cloud Only when people use big words…that or he hasn't gotten any. In which case, keep an eye on Aerith." Ryan said.
"Gotcha." Cloud said.
Scott could only chuckle at such a comment.
"What's so funny?" Dark asked.
"Oh, nothing…nothing." Scott said with a grin, "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm going out to see Kanbei and Sephiroth's duel, any of you coming?"
"Yeah, yeah…Even though I hate him, if Kanbei beat Sephiroth, that'd save quite a bit of trouble." Ryan said.
Airship Arena
"The first duel of the semi-finals shall now commence, Kanbei versus Sephiroth. Ready? Duel!" Sonja shouted.
"Prepare to lose, Sephiroth." Kanbei said, drawing his first hand.
"Just because you hold two Max Brother cards doesn't mean you shall win." Sephiroth said, drawing his.
"Heh, I wouldn't be so cocky you thief. Once I defeat you, I'm going to take back what you stole." Kanbei said.
"So very confident, aren't you? Now I see why that fool Darkness Shade dislikes you so much…of course you taking his original girl didn't help much either." Sephiroth said with a laugh.
"As soon as we face each other, Sephiroth, you ass is mine!!" Ryan shouted.
"Chill dude. Don't let him get to you like that." Dark said.
"Yeah, you're right." Ryan replied, "Still doesn't change the fact that was low."
"You can go first, Kanbei…you'll need the edge." Sephiroth said with a laugh.
"Let's see what I can do about that attitude of yours." Kanbei said, drawing his next card, "Ah, this'll work."
Playing 'B4U (B4ZA Beat Mix)', Kanbei summoned 'Fighter' (2000/1800) in attack mode.
"I'll also lay one card face down. Your move, Sephiroth." Kanbei said with a grin.
"That? That is your best opening move?" Sephiroth said, followed by a bout of laughter.
Sephiroth drew his next card, 'Ah, I've already drawn my Max Brother card…but I need time to summon it.'
Sephiroth played 'Celebrate Nite (Euro Trance Style)' and summoned 'Jenova-Life' (2200/2300) in attack mode.
"Damn him…" Cloud said, "He's using Jenova again…"
"I'm more concerned with the evil he must have to play that song!!!" Dark shouted, "EVIL!!!"
"What's wrong with him?" Aerith asked.
"He gets that way around that song." Scott said.
"So what if your character is stronger? Let us see what you've got." Kanbei said.
"Your eager to lose, aren't you?" Sephiroth said, "Very well, I place one card face down. Now attack him with 'AquaLung' my 'Jenova-Life'!"
"Heh, you triggered my face down card. Reveal 'Sword-chucks'!" Kanbei said.
"I like swords!" 'Fighter' said, as he grabbed his sword-chucks.
"This card raises his attack points by 500, so say goodbye to your 'Jenova-Life'!" Kanbei said, as 'Fighter' sliced 'Jenova-Life' to pieces.
"Heh, heh…thank you for doing that." Sephiroth said, "You've activated my 'Jenova-Life's special ability."
"You guys have fought this, what's he talking about?" Charmy asked.
"I'm not sure…I don't recall anything special…though that 'AquaLung' attack wasn't too pleasant to experience." Cloud said.
"Now, 'Jenova-Life' has been killed…and so that would make it, 'Jenova-Death'(2800/2400)." Sephiroth said with a grin.
"Damn…that means it's stronger than my 'Fighter.'" Kanbei said as 'Jenova-Death' vaporized 'Fighter'.
"Seems Kanbei's already losing it." Charmy said.
"You don't see me complaining." Ryan said.
"So what? That attack only did a measly amount of damage, putting me at 7700 life points." Kanbei said, "And it's my turn."
'Damn, nothing…' Kanbei thought, "Very well…I end my turn."
"Leaving yourself, wide open, are we?" Sephiroth said, "That's sloppy, Kanbei. I expected better from you."
Sephiroth played 'Castles in the Sky'.
"Why would he play a song like that? It doesn't really suit him." Ryan said.
"This is Sephiroth we're talking about…he's always been a bit of an enigma." Aerith said.
"And now I summon 'Saviour Sephiroth' (4000/3400) in attack mode. However, he takes one turn to prepare for attack, so you get out lucky this time, Kanbei. However, 'Jenova-Death' can take a shot at you no problem. Say good-bye to your life points." Sephiroth said with a wicked laugh.
Kanbei recoiled from the attack as his life points dropped to 4900.
"Damn it all!" Kanbei shouted.
"Seems he's losing his cool." Scott said.
"From what I gather, he isn't the most level headed person." Mia said.
"His fluctuation in temper almost reminds me of a certain someone." Charmy said.
"If that was a crack, I'll let it fly since you said it." Ryan said.
"A temporary victory at best." Kanbei said, drawing his next card.
"Heh, the delusional spouting of a fool." Sephiroth said.
'Ah, 'Max.(period)'. You should be very useful.' Kanbei thought to himself.
"Hey, Sephiroth…a question if I may?" Kanbei asked.
"What?!" Sephiroth said.
"Why do you need Konami Original Songs?" Kanbei said, picking 'Max.' and beating it.
"Well, this has changed things." Scott said.
"Prepare to face the might of a Max Brother." Kanbei said, playing 'Max.' (6500/4500), "Normally, I'd have to wait a turn before attacking, but with this magic card, '1st Stage', he can immediately attack. And as Darky up there knows all too well, both of your characters are going bye-bye." Kanbei said, ordering 'Max.' to attack.
Sephiroth let out a low chuckle, "I don't think so."
"What?!" Everyone said as 'Max.' seemed to be having a seizure.
"This character is now mine." Sephiroth said, "All thanks to the magic card, 'Forced Feedback'."
"Explain yourself!" Kanbei said.
"Easy…the intensity of the shockwaves produced from this card's feedback causes your character to be confused…and so it is now mine to use." Sephiroth said.
"Dammit it all!" Kanbei said.
"Hmm, I only thought us robots goofed with wording like that." Reps said.
"And now…you fool, I can summon this card." Sephiroth said, showing his Max Brother.
"What in the hell?! A seventh Max Brother?! Scott, did you know about this?" Ryan asked.
"Yes…I was hoping it was a lie, but some info I got awhile back stated that that card was stolen." Scott said, "In all actuality, though, Kanbei's 'Max Infinity' is really the seventh and the one Sephiroth has is the sixth one."
"I remember you mentioning something like that." Dark said, "Was that what had you so distracted during the earlier duels?"
"You could say that…" Scott said.
"You don't know what you're doing…" Kanbei said.
"I'm pretty sure I'm aware of what I'm doing. I'm going to win." Sephiroth said as he sacrificed his 'Jenova-Death', 'Saviour Sephiroth', and 'Max.' to summon 'Max Ascension' (13300/10300), "How does it feel to stare into the face of defeat?"
"You have no idea…what it means…to be a Max Brother…" said 'Max Ascension' as his black-cloaked, bald figure slowly materialized on the field.
"What's up with his attack points? How did they get so high?" Kanbei demanded.
"Easy…by sacrificing those three characters…their combined attack and defense points become 'Ascension's. As the creator of the card, I thought you'd know that." Sephiroth said.
"I know…I was merely testing you…and saying that for dramatic effect." Kanbei said.
"Oh, how lovely." Sephiroth said, rolling his eyes, "Regardless, you shall taste defeat. So much for you winning this duel. Heh, and you never got to use 'Infinity', what a shame."
'There has to be something I can do to win this.' Kanbei said, 'I don't have any cards in my hand that could be used…Ryan was right…'
"So, have you nothing to help you on your last turn?" Sephiroth said.
"…" Sephiroth stared at Ryan and Scott, "I may have lost, but whomever of you wins your match better bring Sephiroth down!"
"Kanbei…" Ryan said.
"No one can defeat me! Finish him off 'Max Ascension'!" Sephiroth shouted.
'Max Ascension' launched his Arrow Inferno attack at Kanbei.
"Brother!" Sonja shouted as Kanbei was overtaken in the attack.
Kanbei staggered a moment before falling down on one knee.
"I've won, girl, now make it official!" Sephiroth shouted.
"Jeez…the winner of the first semi-final match is Sephiroth." Sonja said, then ran to see her brother, "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine…ugh." Kanbei said, standing up.
"It just seems to be harder and harder to kill people nowadays…I messed up with Cloud, now you Kanbei…I shan't make the mistake again with my next opponent." Sephiroth said, walking off.
"…" Ryan said.
"…" Scott said.
Both merely looked at one another, nodded, and headed down to the arena.
"If you don't mind, Kanbei, we'd like to get our duel going…the longer this drags out, the more trouble Sephiroth will cause." Ryan said.
"He's right…this madness has to stop, Kanbei!" Scott said.
"…" Kanbei said, "Very well…we shall forego the waiting period between matches at your request. The second semi-final duel shall start now!"
Kanbei, with Sonja's help, limped over to the sidelines to observe the duel.
"The semi-final duel between Ryan Reid and Scott Broome shall now begin!" Sonja shouted.
"Let's do this, Scott." Ryan said, drawing his first hand and launching his duel pad.
"I agree…the sooner we finish this fight, the sooner one of us can kick Sephy's ass!" Scott said, doing the same.
"Very well…" Ryan said, drawing his next card, 'Good…this should get things going.'
Ryan played 'Brilliant2U K.O.G G3 mix'.
"And now I use this ritual card, 'Dark Side Conversion', in order to summon 'Robo2001' (2000/1900). I also play one card face down. Your turn." Ryan said.
"Not bad." Scott said, drawing his next card, 'Holy St! I already drew my Max Brother card.'
Scott played 'Max 300' and summoned 'Max 300' (4500/3500) in attack mode.
"I also play two cards face down, now attack his 'Robo2001' with Arrow Obliteration." Scott said.
"Heh, don't think so. Reveal face down card, 'Boomerang'." Ryan said.
"Nice try, Ryan, but I counter with this card, 'Sleeping Dragon.' This card nullifies any trap card you try to use on me." Scott said.
"Still was able to cancel your attack though." Ryan said, "My turn."
'I don't like how he has his Max Brother…not too many cards as strong as it in my deck.' Ryan thought, 'But this card shall help me.'
"I play the magic card, 'Trick Bars of Paralyzing Pain'." Ryan said.
"Heh, three turns then…good luck Ryan." Scott said with a grin.
'I'll need them.' Ryan thought, looking over his hand.
Ryan played 'Bag' and, via the ritual card 'Power of the Heart', summoned 'Ryan the Keysaber Master' (4000/3500) in defense mode.
"Hmm…." Scott said, "I pass my turn."
"Jeez…they seem so serious." Dark said.
"Yes, but they are pushing one another after all." Charmy said.
"When Sephiroth is the next opponent, they have no choice but to." Cloud said.
"Yes…but who shall snap first?" Mia asked.
Ryan drew his next card, 'Good…do I have the stamina though?'
Ryan played 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' and used his 'Unusual Darkness' ritual card to summon 'Dark the 2nd Keysaber Master' (2700/2400)' in defense mode.
"I was wondering why you played that song…its one of the only 10-footers in Disney Mix…and Dark's a level 10 character." Scott said, 'I know what he's up to…but I can't stop it.'
"I pass." Scott said, drawing his next card.
"You should know what comes next." Ryan said, playing the 'Fusion' card, "Because now I'll summon 'DR the Keysaber Legend' (5500/4000)' in attack mode."
There was a bright flash as 'Ryan the Keysaber Master' and 'Dark the 2nd Keysaber Master' fused into 'DR the Keysaber Legend'.
"Dammit!" Scott shouted, "I knew you'd do that."
"Then you should know this move too. 'DR' attack with Tertiary Rush!" Ryan shouted.
'DR' did a double spin slash on 'Max 300', then finished up with a double stab of his Keysabers.
"I guess he didn't have what it takes to be a Max." Ryan said with a grin.
"Ugh…" Scott said, his life points dropping to 7000, "Nice move…I'd expect no less."
"I'll place one card face down and end my turn." Ryan said.
"My move!" Scott said, drawing his next card.
Looking at his hand, Scott formulated a plan.
'Good…these four will work well…now to fix Ryan first.' Scott thought to himself.
Scott played 'PARANOiA Survivor' and summoned his 'Ryan the Keysaber Legend' (4000/3500).
"That won't do you much good." Ryan said.
"Oh, but it will after I play this card." Scott said, "I'm sure you'll understand this card."
"How did you get ahold of that?!" Ryan asked, "It's incredibly rare!"
"My deck is something to not be taken lightly." Scott said, playing the 'Split Personality' magic card.
"Is it just me, or does 'DR' look a little sick?" Charmy asked.
"It seems like the fusion is failing." Dark said.
"I wondered why Scott was so calm about Ryan summoning 'DR'." Reps said, "Guess this is why."
"Come on Ryan! You can do it!" Charmy shouted.
"Damn! Who knew you had such a card?" Ryan said as 'DR' split back into 'Ryan the Keysaber master' and 'Dark the 2nd Keysaber Legend'.
"Yep…so it's a stalemate." Scott said, "And I know you only have one fusion card, so I needn't worry about you giving me trouble again."
"I switch my characters to defense mode." Ryan said, out of options, "And end my turn."
Scott drew his next card, played 'PARANOiA Survivor Max' and summoned 'Scott the IIDX Legend' (2700/2400).
"Oh, gee, I wonder what you're next move could be?" Ryan said.
"Very funny…I now use my 'Fusion' magic card to summon 'Eclipse'." Scott said as 'Ryan the Keysaber Master' and 'Scott the IIDX Legend' fused into 'Eclipse' (6000/3400).
"Say goodbye to your 'Ryan the Keysaber Master'." Scott said as 'Eclipse' sliced Ryan's card to bits with Arcs Arcanus.
"Damn…but at least I didn't lose any life points." Ryan said, drawing his next card.
Ryan studied over his hand, 'There has to be something I can do…four pieces of Ansemian…I can lay down this card in defense…and this card…it might work…but it all depends on what I draw next time.'
Ryan played 'I Need You (Insideout 3 Doors Mix)' and summoned 'Charmy (4th Mix)' (1700/1400) in defense mode.
"Is that it?" Scott said, shaking his head, "I would've thought you'd be more challenging than that. However, I know you have that 'Legend' of yours in there, so I'll have to give it my all."
Scott played 'Stoic (Challenge)' to summon 'Lectrikfro the Enigmatic' (3300/3300).
"Josh?! You summoned Josh to the field?!" Ryan said, his eyes large in disbelief, "Do you know the chaos you could unleash?!"
"Um…yes." Scott said.
Needless to say, everyone present was sweatdropping like crazy.
"I won't even ask." Cloud said.
"There's still one more trick up my sleeve." Scott said, producing another 'Fusion' card.
"You wouldn't." Ryan said.
"I would." Scott said as 'Eclipse' fused with 'Lectrikfro the Enigmatic' to form 'NightFire' (7500/5500).
"Dammit…" Ryan said, "Things just go from bad to Holy Shit with me, don't they?"
"I actually find that amusing." Kanbei said with a laugh before doubling over in pain from his wounds.
"Yes, sadly they do…but you're the main protagonist, so I know you'll pull something out of the brink on nowhere to win this." Scott said.
"Hello!" Boomed Shades voice, "Fourth wall!! Fragile!!"
"She can't take much more, Shades!" Metal said, "I've patched her all I can…"
"That was…random." Scott said.
"Yeah…well, finish your turn." Ryan said.
"Heh, 'NightFire', attack both of his characters to destroy his defense." Scott said.
Ryan shielded himself from the explosion, as both his characters were defeated.
"No one destroys a card version of me." Charmy said, being held back by Reps, Dark, Cloud, Aerith, and Mia.
"That girl of yours is scary sometimes." Scott said.
"Let me guess…multiple attacks for Josh's run by committee thinking, right?" Ryan asked.
"Yep!" said 'NightFire', "Though it seems the committee part is fighting with both 'Dark' and 'Scott's consciousness. Being a fusion character can suck!"
"Hey, hey, hey! No comments from the cards!" Scott said, "It's your own fault for being in my deck. Anyway, it's your turn, Ryan…what will you do?"
'I know my deck shall not fail me…I have to face off against Sephiroth…it's me and Dark he's after…' Ryan said, drawing his next card, '…now my plan can work.'
"I know that look Ryan…it never means anything good when you've got it on." Scott said.
"Yes…first I play this magic card, 'Sacrifice Blow' and discard any characters from my hand to my graveyard. And now…." Ryan said, selecting 'The Legend of Max' on Standard.
"He's doing just what he did last time." Charmy said, "He's gonna beat Scott the same way he beat Callie."
Scott could only look on as Ryan full comboed 'The Legend of Max' on Standard.
'It's only fitting this way…at least I know he won't lose to Sephiroth.' Scott thought as Ryan summoned 'The Legend of Max' (8000/8000).
"Can you feel it, Scott? That's the sound of history being created." Ryan said, as 'Legend' sent 'NightFire' into oblivion with Boost Arrow Blitzkrieg.
"I know…" Scott said, drawing his next card, 'I've nothing left.'
"Scott…" Ryan said.
"I know…now do what you have to." Scott said with a grin.
"Right…'The Legend of Max', attack Scott's life points directly!" Ryan shouted.
Scott stood his ground as 'Legend's attack hit him head on, eliminating the last of his life points.
"The winner of the second semi-final match is Ryan Reid!" Sonja shouted, "The final battle between Ryan and Sephiroth shall take place in one hour."
"Well…in one hour…it'll all come down to Ryan." Aerith said.
"I know he can win…we won't let Sephiroth be victorious!" Dark said.
"Besides, even if he wins, we can still take him down the old fashioned way." Cloud said with a grin.
"Yes…but I hope we can just avoid more fighting." Mia said.
"Just let me at him now!" Charmy shouted, being held down by everyone again, "I'll show that bastard what I think of him!"
"Ryan, a little help?" Dark said, trying not to slip.
"Oh, right…you good Scott?" Ryan asked.
Scott looked at Ryan, shook of the layer of ash that 'Legend's attack had left on him, and grinned.
Ryan nodded and went to get Charmy, "Come on girl, I'll find some way to calm you down."
Charmy whispered into Ryan's ear and Ryan blushed.
"I'll, uh, uh…see you guys in an hour." Ryan said, rushing off with Charmy.
"Heh, and usually you're the one like that Dark." Scott said.
"Hey, I guess I've just rubbed off on him." Dark said grinning, "I don't know about you, but I'm hungry!"
"That's the best thing anyone's said so far!" Cloud said.
Everyone laughed and headed to the cafeteria to chat and rest.
"Well, they seemed happy enough." Sonja said to her brother, helping him walk.
"Yes…as much as I dislike him, I'd rather he beat Sephiroth." Kanbei said.
"Why, brother, it seems you're almost human again." Sonja said with a smile.
"Ha, ha, very funny sister…" Kanbei said, then winced, "Let's just get me some Tylenol or something."
Sonja sighed as she led her brother to the infirmary.
Sephiroth's Room
'It seems Ryan has won his little duel against Scott.' Sephiroth thought, 'Heh, it'll be rather interesting to see how he suffers when I defeat him.'
Sephiroth was holding a photo in his hand.
The picture was of Sephiroth, a silver-haired man, and a silver-haired girl, Sephiroth with his usual scowl, the girl wearing a cute smile, and the man seemingly lost in thought.
"Sister…I'm going to get revenge for what he did to you." Sephiroth said in disgust, "What you became is disturbing…and even if I can't…I always have my back up plan."
Sephiroth laughed menacingly as he threw the photo at the wall, where it's frame broke.
As the photo floated out of the picture frame, something was written on the back in silver letters.
Memories of family are the best…I hope we're always together
-Anse