"I want to restore this world. But... it's not something I can do on my own." -Balmung, from .hackOUTBREAK.
"Even should my body perish...even if my humanity fades...I will know peace. As long as I can see the sky..." -Ryu 1/8192, from Breath of Fire: Dragon Quarter.
"I know you're stronger than me, but this isn't just MY power here!" -Goku, from Dragonball Z.
"Courage can always be found, even in the darkest times; as long as it remembers to turn on the light." -Albus Perciful Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. (movie.)
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"I'll go first." Ryou said briskly, drawing a card. (LP:4000)
"My first monster will be the Headless Knight, in defense mode!" (1400/1700)
True to it's name, the Headless Knight was suit of white armor, the head unarguably missing, with a long yellow cape attached to the back. In this case, the Knight was on it's knees, it's shield out in front.
Drake frowned as the miniature monster appeared, and Bakura played another card facedown. {This won't be like the duels back home, or even those in the colloseum. I'd better be ready for whatever happens.}
"I'll play two card facedown, and summon Solar Flare Dragon in attack mode!" (1500/1000)
The Solar Flare Dragon was one of Drake's newer cards, and not really a dragon, species-wise, but that didn't stop him from admiring it's long, red-scaled form, complete with a mane of fire along it's snakelike body. "I end my turn, and his special ability activates; you lose 500 points every time one of my turn ends."
The white-haired one simply smirked at the burning sensation he felt briefly." A smart strategy, though it may prove to be your undoing in THIS duel." (LP:3500)
Before Drake could respond, he drew again." My monster will take a large portion of your life points, as well as destroy your burning snake! Behold the Dark Ruler, Ha Des!"
The Headless Knight vanished, replaced by a stronger monster, wearing many-colored, noble-like robes. Its appearance truly could be described as a King of Fiends." Flare of the Higher Darkness!"
A green skinned hand stretched forward, shooting a spiralling pillar of black flame toward the already burning creature. Drake smirked, flipping a trap. "Draining Shield!"
A round, golden shield appeared in front of the Dragon, but it didn't seem to ward off the attack; it absorbed it. As the darker Flare finished, the shield dissolved into light, and seemed to dissapear into Drake himself.
"The Draining Shield trap card negates an opponant's attack, and send the power directly to my life points!" (LP:6450)
The Yami frowned, his appearance no longer casual." You wouldn't be so proud of your actions if you knew what was happening because of it...
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Portalway
The blue sphere/shield dissapated as the two spirits inside reached a dead end. Yami glanced to both sides, taking in the odd scenery: To their left, a slit in the air was visible behind a black barrier of energy, though that barrier shrank slightly as they appeared. To the right a red energy barrier protected another portal, but this one grew in size after several seconds.
"The energies these things give off is the same as the Shadow Realm's power.." the duelist murmered." But what could be within these portals that requires guarding like this? And how could this energy even exist in the Digital World?"
Taomon said nothing, but produced two more talismans, and flung one at each barrier. Electricity sparkled briefly as each connected, but both papers soon dissolved into ash." No effect. This darkness is somehow immune to my light techniques."
"Yami!" A familier voice called, and the mentioned one smiled, relieved to see Lara and Gatomon appearing from an alleyway." What happened? One minute we were all next to each other-"
"-and the next we all end up in different areas, am I right?" Seto asked rhetorically as he and Myotismon suddenly swooped down.
"I'd think so," Joey said as he appeared, riding a creature that Seto viewed suspisciously," oh, yeah; say high to Raidramon, Flamedramon's LIGHTNING using evolution!"
For a few seconds, there was silence as Seto glared at him. Then," the Blue Eyes White Dragon uses white-hot fire as its weapon. The phrase 'White Lightning' is merely for embellishment. However, if your aim was to humor me by fusing a dragon and a porcupine, congrats; you finally did something right."
"'Took him a few seconds to think that one up, didn't it?" Gatomon asked blandly.
Further arguments were cancelled by a large pinkish creature landing nearby, Roan grinning from its shoulder." Hey, guys! Introducing Kyukimon, living foe-dicer!"
Shayla appeared from another alleyway, looking out of breath," most secret passageways are short, right? This world seems to go out of its way to be strange."
"Hey, there were 665 empty cans along the passage, creepy, huh?" Chinchillamon said quickly, explaining how she had entertained herself along the way.
Kyukimon moved next to Taomon as the others either got off their partners our filed in behind them." There is a battle behind both 'firewalls'. In one, two digital beings are fighting without disturbance. But the smaller barrier shields us from two beings, each with two minds, though one is in a state of unconciousness. Their fighting seems to lack movement, and their actions are spastic, as though they are relying on luck partially.
"A duel." Yami, Seto, and Joey said simultaneously, stepping closer to the taller Digimon. Lara and Gatomon both grimaced." It must be Dracomon fighting Kimon in the digital one. And Drake must be dueling someone, but who?"
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Odjnmon leaped into the air, pulling a single sword from his large round sheath. Chetyremon grinned darkly, and held out his staff. "Summon Koryu!"
A dragon burst from the staff, made entirely of out dark energy, it flapped its mighty wings, opening it's mouth to release an attack. Odjnmon raised his katana...
And gripped the sheath with his other claw, spinning and throwing it into the creature." Wyrm Fangs!"
The black (living) dragon didn't seem concerned as the blade sides replaced the hilts, and his summon was shredded, the sheath still moving towards him." Eclipse Gale."
His wings burst open, and flapped once, sending a horizontal tornado of red wind toward the oncoming weapon. The wheel-like sword holder, and the blades within, tore to shreds, and the wind continued forward.
"Orion's Cut!" Odjnmon cried, his gi flapping as he swung his sword, and a large shockwave burst forth. however, it made no effect on the red wind, or even Chetyremon as it sturck the tyrant. The white-cloaked warrior spun downwards, avoiding the gale, only to meet his black-armored rival face-to-face.
His katana met the staff, and both shattered. His blue eyes widened in shock, but his rival wasted no time for reactions, instead grabbing Odjnmon by one red-scaled arm and piledriving him into the ground below.
The lighter one yelled in pain, but slashed his claw at close range in retaliation. Chetyremon caught it, still grinning, and Odjnmon winced as he was thrown several feet through the ground.
"I hadn't imagined our final battle to be so much anti-dramatic." He cracked in his superior voice, slowly stepping forward as the other struggled up, his gi ripped." But then again, my Ultimate form has so much power that it can't be helped. Especially considering what YOU are.."
"You figured it out?" Odjnmon said, half mocking, though obviously shocked.
Chetyremon smirked," although I could easily sue you for copying my idea, I admit it was smart to call yourself an Ultimate while still a Champion. Gives you the psychological advantage against an opponant, especially when you were just a Rookie moments before. The fact that you cancelled my first attack is commendable, even for your unnatural strength, but you're not fooling anyone."
"Then how about I let you in on a little secret?" Odjnmon said, Dracomon's cockiness in every word." I'd already be standing on your severed ass if I hadn't grown up. I'm sure you'll notice that everyone else it just outside this little dimension of yours, 'Chet.'"
The black one casually glanced behind him." Ah, so you transferred your surplus power amongst the others, making them just as strong as you are now. Your Champion form, unangered, is now capable of taking on weak Ultimates, and possibly experienced ones with the right motivation. That explains how your friends are right out there, so close, yet unable to help you-"
He shifted his head to ther side, completely avoiding the hero's slash, and spun around, merely slapping Odjmon back to the ground," -distract me."
He turned back as Odjnmon launched himself again, and leapt forward, the claw with Invincible ready to meet his opponant's claw. This would all be over, in a matter of seconds...
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"Now, I flip my magic card, Mimicat!" Drake called out. A goofy, blue, cat-like creature appeared from his facedown card." I choose to have him copy my Solar Flare Dragon, and then summon my other Solar Flare Dragon to the field!"
Yami Bakura's eyes widened as two more versions of the Dragon appeared, before all three suddenly seemed to merge together, their flames preventing any visibly seperated parts.
"Whenever my Solar Flare Dragon is on the same field as another Pyro monster, it latches on to the monster's aura, and becomes invincible." Drake explained, grinning broadly." This also works with more than one Solar Flare Dragon, so together, they aren't attackable."
{Heh, that's what he thinks.} Ryou thought, his hand moving toward his facedown card.{ My trap card has already possessed one of his Flare Dragons. When he attacks, he'll have only one on the field, and be vulnerable!}
"And now, to end this duel!" Drake said, to Bakura's surprise playing a magic card." Delta Attack! It allows three monsters with the same name to attack directly, at the same time!"
Ryou shouted as a huge flame struck him directly in the chest. A small spirit flew out of one snakey body, unable to control the movement of the magic card's effect. (LP:0)
"Even our first duel was longer than this." The Dragon Duelist said spitefully as the monsters vanished." With all of your boasts, I'd have thought you'd actually last longer."
{I don't believe this, he didn't have ANY strategic thought in that move!} the yami complained mentally. {Had I been able to negate his magic cards, he would have been decimated, but he rushed forward, completely defenseless, like a novice! Then again, I expected him to be more strategic, and played thinking he would be more defensive..bah, this was all a waste of time!}
"Congratulations, Pegasus." he said, trying to look angrier than he was." I vow to leave this world, forever more. You can go and help your little friends now."
"As long as you're serious, I won't stop you." Drake countered, still smirking.
Ryou nodded, and his body began to vanish. However, he had to fight back a smirk. {THIS world, I leave, forevermore. Perhaps he IS just a novice with powerful cards...to not notice the loophole...}
"By the way, you DO realize we're in the Shadow Realm, right?" Drake said suddenly." So no more Shadow Duels from you, even if you ARE going back to the real world!"
Drake grinned at the slowly vanishing curses, then blinked as he was suddenly facing a wall, and covered his ears at several surprised shouts.
"Drake!" Lara's familier tones shouted, and he flushed immediately at the hug he recieved."You vanished again, you idiot!"
He didn't have time to feel surprised before her hug became a bone-crunching hold. "L-lara....please...geh..."
"If you haven't noticed, while you two are killing each other, the others are gone." Gatomon said curtly, a catlike glance of annoyance on her face. Both duelists blushed (Drake moreso, from lack of air) as they noticed how everyone else had moved on.
"We can settle this when we're back home, and don't make any embarassing remarks." Drake said, still red. Lara grined sheepishly, then leapt through the portal with her boyfriend and Digimon.
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The first thing he notcied was that, instead of armor, a black gi covered his body. The next was the pain as the 'Invincible' claw burst into pieces under his rival's now-stronger grasp.
"Well, well, well, nice to see you're back, KImon." The now-shirtless dragonoid said, continuing to apply pressure. Kimon ground his teeth together to keep from screaming.
"Impossible, the only way I could be back is if my part-" he stopped short, feeling several things pierce his back. A Buddhist sutra, a small bat, and a yellow-gloved paw.
"I stilled owed you, too.." Gatomon whispered dreadfully, and pulled out, leaping back to where here partner stood, along with everyone else.
"He....lost.........." Kimon stuttered out, already seeming to choke." But...no.............so fast.......how........why-"
"If there's one thing I hate about VILLIANS-" Odjnmon said, the last word grunted as he pulled his own claw out of Kimon's stomach," -it's their unstoppable desire to whine as they're dying. So, do us all a favor, and just SHUT UP!" He swung his claw like a karate chop, cutting the now-Champion Virus in two."
He closed his eyes, his smirk changing into a sad smile as he heard the data dissolving. Then, he opened them again, surprised, as a small applause was coming from his friends' standing area.
"Yes, yes, fine work!" A new voice said, causing them all to jump. From out of nowhere, Gennai appeared, a small smile on his face and his hands behind his back." Though I really expected it to last a lot longer, and I have to refund a lotta tickets, you finished off Kimon with little trouble."
"So.....that's it?" Yugi asked, reverting back to his normal self." No post-final enemy fights, no surprise opponant revealing himself as the true mastermind, nothing?"
"Surprisingly enough, yes. It has a very Grandia II-esque ring to it, doesn't it?" The sage asked, confusing them." Nevermind. In any event, I think it's time to get you guys back where you belong."
The mood, which had changed so suddenly from that of a climactic battle to a still-forming victory rush, became silent, still.
"What? Just like that? We have to go home immediately?" Shayla said, disbelievingly.
"I'm afraid so." Gennai said grimly, no longer smiling." The darkness that possessed Chimon so long ago was actually an old 'aquaintance' of mine, one who also warped the Digital World's timeline. Time has started flowing normally now, with both worlds going at the same rate. For example, Drake, you'll notice your eyes are back to normal."
Drake glanced at Lara, who, relieved, nodded as she viewed their red color again.
"But what about us?" Flamedramon asked, he and the others now back to their natural stages." Can we go with them?"
Gennai shook his head." I'm sorry, but I'm afraid it's not that simply. Maybe it's because of the Millenium Items, but this variation of the real world is very volatile to digital life. I'm afraid it would be like sending you out of a spaceship without a suit to send any of you to the real world with your partners."
Not even Kaiba seemed to have something to say to this. In fact, he joined with the others as they glanced at their respective partners.
"So, I guess this is 'so long'."
"Yeah...." Demidevimon said," I guess so...."
"But I really wanted to go with you guys!" Chinchillamon said tearfully.
"I know you did....I wanted you to come, too." Shayla said weakly, realizing that her Digimon may be the last thing she ever saw naturally.
"It was an unforgettable adventure, however soon it ended." Kotemon said to his kneeling partner, bowing, tears forming around circular eyes." I hope we meet again one day."
"Kotemon....me too." Roan agreed, nodding with effort.
"This won't be the end, I'm sure it won't!" Flamedramon said forcefully, eyes shining." I'm positive that we'll see you guys again, and I can't wait for that day to come!"
"Yeah....yeah!" Joey said, grinning again." And when it does come, we'll throw a wrap party the size of rich-boy's ego! Maybe I'll bring Serenity, if it's safer!"
"I know I'll be there." Lara said, her voice slightly edgy as she glared at her D-Navi." I've still got a Crest to unlock. And I definately wanna see this world without having to fight in it!"
"I'll throw in a tour, free-of-charge!" Gatomon giggled." I'll even get some special visors to fit Yami's head!"
"I'm sure glad I met you, Renamon." Yugi said, wiping his eyes and smiling broadly." You've taught me a lot, and I hope we meet in the future!"
"And I'll never forget you. Either of you." The kitsune said, her face in its normal stoic position but here eyes full of emotion." If we truly represent Balance more than anything, we'll see have to be in the same world mroe than once."
Drake and Dracomon looked at each other, both with small, proud grins. The former leaned slightly, hand outstretched, and felt the scales on the claw of his partner." I couldn't have known a more arrogant guy I liked."
"Yeah, yeah, don't rub it in." Dracomon countered mockingly. Then, with remorseful eyes, he added," I'm sorry about all the crap I said. And the Wannabe crack. And-"
"It's okay." Drake inturrupted, to his partner's indignation.
"Hey! Here I am trying to make up for being such a jackass, and you won't even let me talk!" He shouted. Drake growled." Excuse me, I forgot you're too stuck up to shut up once in a while!" "Look who's talking!" "I take it back!" "SAME HERE!"
Gennai sighed, and finally lifted the remote he had behind his back." Sayanora, Digidestined. I'll try and fit in a day for you to visit after this tournament Seto keeps complaining about."
As energy the color of their crests started circling, Seto stiffened, and glared at the others." By the way, this doesn't change anything. I'm STILL going to destroy you all in the tournament."
"And we'll do our best to overlook that fact at Christmas, Kaiba." Joey said sourly. With that, and several blasts of light, they were gone.
Dracomon looked up as the plains turned back into a deserted city, his angry look shifting back to a content glance into the skies. "And thanks, Drake... I'll miss ya."
"Really, now?" Gatomon purred from behind him, causing him to have a large sweatdrop."That's so sweet, Draco, I didn't know you could care about those you hate."
"Er, well, just goes to show how strong I am, even at friendship!" Dracomon said loudly, laughing in an obviously fake way." Besides, I'm only saying it cuz' we'll NEVER see them again. Of that I'm sure."
"Really?" the white cat repeated, sarcasm etched onto her entire form.
"Guys?" Chinchillamon said, curiosity evident." Gennai just left without warning again. How're we gonna get out of this city without Digivolving?"
Several tense seconds later, in Beetleland, a newly Re-Digivolved, black-armored Mega heard a yell of eternal rage, which sounded suspisciously like that of a Rookie dragon he's once seen.
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The DD Cave Hideout
"So, that was the big climax." Vemmon said, yawning widely as he put down a textbook." I've seen better in video games."
The shadowed figure beside the mechanical Rookie nodded," at least we don't have to listen to Ki anymore, or his failures."
"By the way, don't you have to stand up?" The shorter one asked eagerly." You promised to drop the shadow scheme when they went back to their world."
The taller one grumbled." Well, I WAS hoping to wait until I actually do something worthy of my appearance, but that won't be til' they return, so..."
Vemmon blinked as his friend stood up, and a light suddenly flickered on.
He was slightly shorter than Lara, with a very teenaged look on his face. He wore a red cape and black jeans, and his slightly muscular form was gray-skinned. He had brilliant red eyes, which were no longer slits, and he held a schythe at his side. He had short, greyish-purple hair, which look like it had been put through eighty blowdryers, in terms of bushyness. All in all, he barely looked older than fourteen.
"When the Digidestined finally return, they will face me, and all of my unstoppable power!" He said dramatically." Let the name of DemiDaemon be feared!"
Demidaemon, as he had introduced himself, suddenly glared angrily at his friend." Now give me the remote, before I smite you."
Vemmon shrugged, tossed the control to the Mega, then went back to his book.
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The events that our heroes went throguh apon exiting the Digitwal World were, if nothing else, interesting. Kaiba immediately left as the others helped Mai regain consciousness, and Drake and Lara bailed as well. Roan caught up quickly after Mai woke up, and Joey left for the hospital as Yugi, Mai, and Shayla went to their homes.
For a while, on the boat back, the three teenaged inhabitants of Duelist Kingdom said nothing. Roan absentmindedly circled the boat, while the two lovers merely stood by each other, watching the sun set for the first time in weeks. As they finally returned to the castle, Duel Disks in arm, however, the enivitable happened.
"Welcome home!" Maximillain Pegasus said as his adopted son and two 'tenants' entered." I'm glad you didn't stay away for too long-"
His Millenium Eye glowed, and three faced immediately blanched at the startled expression he obtained from viewing what had happened.
"Er, well, Dad....I can...explain..." Drake began timidly.
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Digimon: Saga of the Divided Paladin part One, COMPLETE.
MAJOR Human CAST.
Drake Ryusuke Pegasus.Lance Agni.
Lara 'Justina'.
Roan 'Buster' Sladiar.
Yugi Moto.
Yami Yugi/ Yu-Gi-Oh / Pharoah Atemu.
Seto Kaiba.
Joey Wheeler.
Ryo Akiyama.
Shayla.
Bakura Ryou.
Yami Bakura / Ryou Bakura.
Hyve Underwood.
Gennai?
MAJOR DIGIMON CAST. (Evolutions not listed.)
Dracomon.Monodramon.
Gatomon.
Nyaromon.
Renamon.
Kotemon.
Veemon.
Chinchillamon.
Demidevimon.
Kunemon.
Black Wargreymon.
LadyDevimon.
Alluremon.
Datamon.
Skullsatamon.
Kimon.
Shadowed Figure/Demidaemon.
Yumon????
Vemmon.....
WRITERS.
E-100 Alpha / Alpha Unknown.Author's Note Drake Ryusuke Pegasus.
Sephiroth.
Ryumasa the Ryuhaitou.
Disclaimer.
SPECIAL THANKS.
Gema J. Gall, the inspirational.Quantam Ranger, the constant supporter.
Gearfriend the Iron Angel, the constant fan/reviewer/insert generic title here.
Coca-Cola, the lifesaver.
Digidestined of Courage, for inspiration.
And finally, you. If you'll review. And you aren't already here. Or a Penguin.
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Dragon Duelist Saga, END.
Next: From Victory, Truth. The Dragon Duelist rendition of Battle City, and part one of the new Dragon Rivalry Saga.