Episode #30- Virtual Reality Check
In an unreal setting of a desert ruin, Kaiba and Ashley readied their Duel Discs for the next fight. But still, with Obelisk in Ash's Deck, and running on Exodia, there's no possible way to summon it in the conditions.
I felt Yami Marik standing behind me. Through the beaded barrier I made in the neckace, I can still track his emotions and his presence, and he had no escape. Kathy announced the Duel's beginning and the duel was well under way.
"We'll first begin by summon our Deckmasters." He announced, "In this Duel, our Deckmasters are our key factors and each monster in our Decks prove a different ability as one. So I'll use Lord of D. as my Deckmaster." He explained and Lord of D. appeared behind him.
'Hm, a monster can be a Deckmaster? I wish I knew exactly which monsters did what.' Ashley thought and shifted through her newly constructed deck, 'This one should do the trick. After all, with a little luck at my favorite casino, it shouldn't be much trouble.' She pulled a monster from her hand, "Alright Kaiba, for my Deckmaster I choose Tiki Master of the Palms-Unga." She announced and a monster appeared behind her, an island native wearing a mask that convered the upper half of its body.
'No way, Tiki Master Unga will get a power bonus from the ruins element. There's no way she could have known that.' Kaiba thought in discouragment, "Now I'll begin by summoning Spear Dragon in attack mode." He declared and a familiar Dragon came to the field. I'll also play one card faced down and end my turn." He finished.
'Already a monster with 1900 attack points, this won't be good.' Ashley drew her next card and reviewed her hand, 'Or maybe it won't. Kaiba seemed tensed when I played Unga, maybe I tripped on to his advantages match up.' Ashley glanced around the scenery, 'Temple ruins, an ocean, and desert sand. Yes!' Ashley pulled her card, "I think I've caught on to your setting advantages, so I play one trap card and summon Luxor Mummy in attack mode." She made her first move and summoned a ragged mummy complete with a cursed staff, a power of 1800 and gained 30% from the desert settings, adding it up to 2340.
'No she didn't, my Spear Dragon gains a boost from the open skies.' Kaiba thought.
"Luxor Mummy, attack the Spear Dragon with your Curse of the Sphinx!" She declared. The mummy, despite its weakily image, spung its staff over its head and launched a magic spell towards Spear Dragon.
"All attributes of this field counts, including the sky's condition. My Spear Dragon also gains a power boost, making it stronger than your mummy." He hissed, the Spear Dragon's attack power instantly jumped to 2470, "Spear Dragon, counterattack with Hurricane Strike!" He declared. The Dragon breathed a small cyclone, though powerful enough to destroy Luxor Mummy and decrease her Life Points to 7870.
"No, how could I miss that?" Ashley muttered.
"I'll put this in view, considering both of your monsters had the advantage. The Ancient Ruins field combines three other fields: Umi, Wasteland, and Mountains. The monsters who can gain a power bonus from any of these fields will by 30%. Any monsters who are affected by two fields from the selected three will have their power increased by 60%. And monsters who are affected by all fields will have an attack power nearly doubling their original strength." He explained, "However, neither of us will get the triple advantage. So I suggest you use common sense and know which monsters have the best advantage next time."
"Oh boy." I muttered under my breath.
"Now it's my turn, and I'll play Twin-Headed Behemoth in attack mode." He announced as another Dragon appeared next to Spear Dragon, "And with no monsters to hide behind, your Life Points are wide open for a direct assault. To add to that, My Twin-Headed Behemoth will get a field power bonus as well, making severe damage to your Life Points." Kaiba stated, his new Dragon's attack power rose to 1850, "Dragons attack her Life Points directly!" Kaiba declared, his Spear Dragon attacked first and knocked her Life Points to 5400. Twin-Headed Behemoth followed and dropped her Life Points further to 3550 while he still had a full 8000.
__________
'No, I can't lose to him like this.' Ashley thought and drew her next card, Cyber Jar, "Alright, one card faced down and a monster in defense mode." She muttered.
I watched on with hopeful eyes when I knew Ashley would fail. I detected Yami Marik's presence behind me. 'Ashley seemed to be at a disadvantage from the start, hasn't she?'
'Don't even start with me.' I thought back, 'I know Ashley would lose, she just doesn't know when her wins are flukes or carelessness from the opponent.'
"Pathetic attempt to save your Life Points. Spear Dragon, attack her faced down card!" Kaiba commanded as his Dragon launched another attack.
"Heh. Cyber Jar was in defense mode." Ashley cocked, "And it destroyed your Spear Dragon."
"My Spear Dragon has the ability of taking on the opponent's Life Points even when the monster is in defense mode." Kaiba stated as Ashley's Life Points slid to a tiny 2010. However, both monsters were destroyed and both of them drew five new cards.
"Three monsters in defense mode." Ashley stated and three cards were set in front of her.
"Vorse Raider in attack mode and one monster in defense." Kaiba announced as well, "But ending my turn now adds another monster to the field, Twin- Headed Behemoth is back." Ashley shrugged back and drew her card, Bolban.
"Aw yeah!" Ashley cheered, "Kaiba, I sacrifice one of my Exodia pieces you forced out of my Deck to summon Bolban, in attack mode!" She declared as the cannon-armed sphinx appeared in battle again, only now it had an attack of 3250, "But I'm not done, I'll also play this magic card, Bet on BlackJack." Ashley pronounced her next move.
"Bet on Black Jack, what kind of magic card is that?" Joey asked.
"And Kaiba, I finally figured out what Tiki Master can do as my Deckmaster." Ashley sneered.
"You what?!" Kaiba shocked.
"Every time I use a ritual magic card, I'll play 500 of my Life Points instead of sacrificing monsters to summon the ritual monster." She briefed, "Tiki Master-Unga, perform the Bet on Black Jack ritual now!" Ashley declared. Her witch doctor of a monster swung his staff around, creating deep klunks in the spheres that were off-rhythm. Apparently, the trick worked. The next monster that came to the field looked like a Blackjack dealer with hands of cards on both hands and a sinister grin on his face, wearing a tuxedo of black slacks and a red vest over a white shirt. "Kaiba, I introduce to you, the Blackjack Ace. This monster has never lost a game, of Blackjack or Duel Monsters."
"Until now, that monster will be no match once I summon my Blue-Eyes White Dragon." Kaiba stated.
"Tch, I'm sure." Ashley rolled her eyes, "Go, Blackjack Ace, attack his Twin-Headed Behemoth with Dealer's Hit!" Ashley commanded. The card dealer flung both hands of cards at Kaiba's Dragon like kunai knives and actually decreased his Life Points by 1600. "Bolban, follow through with Cannon Fire!" Ashley declared her next assault on Kaiba's Vorse Raider. Bolban fired both shots at once and dropped Kaiba's Life Points to 5050. He seemed to react to the Life Point damage he took.
"You'll pay, I won't lose." Kaiba recovered from the damage and drew his next card, "I'll now use Lord of D.'s special ability. At the cost of 500 of my Life Points, I can summon one dragon from my hand. So I'll summon my Blue-Eyes White Dragon." He declared. Instantly, opposing all of Ashley's monsters with unmatched powers, came the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.
"Ashley's in trouble. That Blue-Eyes White Dragon will get a field power bonus from the mountains." Tea panicked.
"Blue-Eyes, attack Bolban! White Lightning Attack!" Kaiba commanded. His thunderous dragon fired a blast of white sparks that destroyed Bolban and dealt a blow of 900; Ashley's Life Points tumbled to 610.
"No." Ashley gasped.
"I'll finish with one trap card faced down." Kaiba announced and dropped a trap card.
Ashley just drew her card, "All monsters go defensive." She commanded as her Ace dropped to one knee with both hands of cards fanned out in front of him, "That will end my turn."
"And the Duel. I activate the trap, Dragon's Rage." Kaiba announced.
"Dragon's Rage?" Ashley questioned.
"It's a dragonic version of Fairy Meteor Crush, it works for all of my Dragons." Kaiba stated, Ashley jumped in surprise, "Now, to redeem my spot in the Finals. Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack the BlackJack Ace and finish her off!" Kaiba commanded. His Dragon fired another blast and obliterated Ashley's most powerful monster and sending her Life Points to zero.
"And the winner is Seto Kaiba," Kathy declared, "he will advance to the Finals along with Yugi Motou, Marik Ishtar, and Miranda Guinaldo." She turned to Kaiba with a smile like an infatuated fan.
'Nice, the odd one out.' I huffed in thought.
Ashley dropped her head down and looked to her Deck. 'I change out of Exodia and I still lost.' She thought and saw the top card of her Deck, Obelisk the Tormentor. 'If I'd only last just one more turn, I would have been able to summon Obelisk and win.'
Kaiba stepped towards her with a paralyzing glare and his arms folded "Ashley, I've won this Duel so fork over Obelisk now." Kaiba demanded. Ashley showed her hand that had Obelisk and Kaiba snatched it away like a cobra. Without another word, he stepped away from her.
Ashley, her spirit broken, slouched right on her feet. I saw a tear fall from her cheek; I couldn't help but approach her. "Ash, you all right?" I whispered and came in close.
"Sorry cuz." She muttered, "Sorry I couldn't help ya."
"It's forgiven, you've played well for a rematch." I replied.
"No." Her voice grew louder, though only to my range of hearing, "I know about Him, Uncle Ed told me about the demon residing within you. He was not avenged when I defeated Kaiba, someone else killed him. And I'm still trying to avenge your suffering, cuz."
"You've done your best. But now I have to help myself." I said and wrapped both arms around her, "I just don't want anyone else hurt because of me. I'm doing all I can to restrain him."
Kathy had her back turn as she backed the rest of them into the tower. She gave a questionable look behind me, but she didn't seem to bother and moved on. Moments past, Ashley soon calmed down enough to go ahead into the tower. I followed behind her, as did Yami Marik; I sensed his anger behind the barrier I set between him and me.
__________
After minutes of comforting Ashley, it was hard to concentrate on the way down, I couldn't help but second-guess what kind of actions Yami Marik would take if the beads were ever to come undone. I continued to sense his rage ready to erupt like an earthquake in San Fransisco.
We made it to the end of the hall, everyone seem to be waiting for me. Kaiba most especially stood impatient. But seeing everyone now present, he began to pull another stunt that contributed the Finals.
"Kaiba, did you really have to have that rematch against Ashley?" Yugi concerned himself, "She beat you fair and square the last time."
"Yugi..." Kaiba paused, "This is my tournament. And as such, I cannot be defeated by some rookie with a floating skull. That rematch was for a reason; I have a far greater purpose than what she had. And another thing, that Duel against Bowler was embarrassing to my reputation. I had to redeem my name."
Ashley slowly brought her head up, "Miranda, beat this jerk and show him he can't disrespect our family." She muttered.
"He's as good as retired." I whispered back.
"Now to begin the next round," He turned to speech us, "this will be a four- way Duel, each of us beginning with 4000 Life Points. The first two Duelists out will begin the semifinals with their Duel."
'Kinda like a double-elimination.' I thought to myself. Yami Marik appeared behind me in my eye only.
'Facing Yugi, Kaiba, AND Marik is going to be a pretty tough task, Miranda.' He commented, 'Are you sure you won't require my assistance?'
'I'll ask for it when I need it, thank you.' I stated, 'In the meantime, stay on your side of the beads...'
"The Duelists in this match may form alliances with one another to eliminate the competition, but there will be no discussion among us. Now let's start this." Kaiba stated and threw out a hand in signal. Four of the eight wall surrounding us opened up and pushed out a metal podeum each. The walls behind them closed until it left a crack about an inch wide. "Now, take your marks. I'd like to get this Duel done and over with, and that's when I claim all of your God Cards."
Silently, we all took our marks on the capsules. Marik was to my right, Kaiba was on my left, and Yugi was across from me. The side panels whirred shut and the entire system seem to engage. By judgement in my perception, we all had a display screen in front of us and a white wire with connection to the panel.
"Now that we're in position, take the Duel Disc hook-up link and plug it into the output on your Duel Disc. You play right on your Duel Discs but the holograms will be projected by the mainframe that stands before you." Kaiba walked us through. I looked to the bottom of my SR Duel disc and saw the output and plugged it in securely.
The platforms jolted once before rising six feet, we all had the number "4000" in white lettering behind us. "Now that's settled, here's how the Life Point system will work. As each player loses Life Points, your platform will rise to the top of the tower. As I said, the first two people who reaches the top will be in the first match." said Kaiba, "But enough talk, draw your first moster card in your Deck, to whomever has the one with the highest attack power will go first, the weakest will go last." He stated and everyone drew their cards. My first draw and got Raikoukou of the Blue Lightning.
'Rai's back?' I thought, I felt Yami Marik behind me in the same shock.
'I thought I told Kikaita her attempts are useless now since she lost that Duel.' Yami Marik thought.
"I draw Raikoukou, with 2200 attack points." I declared first.
"Feral Imp with 1300." Yugi followed.
"Makyura: 1600." Marik boasted after him.
"Looks like I go first, I pulled my Blue-Eyes White Dragon." Kaiba said and showed the us, "So it's me, Miranda, Marik, and then Yugi going last. Amusing. This Duel will begin now!" Kaiba declared.
To be continued...
* * * * * * * * * * * *
New cards played
Tiki Master of the Palms-Unga: Rock/Earth. Monster, 5/1950/1500. Deckmaster ability: When you play a Ritual Magic Card, pay 500 Life Points instead of offering monsters as Tribute to Ritual Summon the monster.
Luxor Mummy: Zombie/Earth. Monster, 4/1800/0
Bolban: Rock/Earth. Monster/Effect, 6/2500/1000. When this monster attacks, switch it to defense mode after the Damage Step. If this monster is sent to the Graveyard, discard one monster card from your hand to Special Summon it back to the field in face-up attack mode or defense mode.
Bet on BlackJack: Ritual Magic. This card is used to Ritual Summon "BlackJack Ace". You must also offer monster whose total Level Stars equal 8 or more as a Tribute from the field or your hand.
BlackJack Ace: Warrior/Dark. Monster/Ritual, 8/2600/2200. This monster can only be Ritual Summoned with the Ritual Magic Card, "Bet on BlackJack". You must also offer monster whose total Level Stars equal 8 or more as a Tribute from the field or your hand.
In an unreal setting of a desert ruin, Kaiba and Ashley readied their Duel Discs for the next fight. But still, with Obelisk in Ash's Deck, and running on Exodia, there's no possible way to summon it in the conditions.
I felt Yami Marik standing behind me. Through the beaded barrier I made in the neckace, I can still track his emotions and his presence, and he had no escape. Kathy announced the Duel's beginning and the duel was well under way.
"We'll first begin by summon our Deckmasters." He announced, "In this Duel, our Deckmasters are our key factors and each monster in our Decks prove a different ability as one. So I'll use Lord of D. as my Deckmaster." He explained and Lord of D. appeared behind him.
'Hm, a monster can be a Deckmaster? I wish I knew exactly which monsters did what.' Ashley thought and shifted through her newly constructed deck, 'This one should do the trick. After all, with a little luck at my favorite casino, it shouldn't be much trouble.' She pulled a monster from her hand, "Alright Kaiba, for my Deckmaster I choose Tiki Master of the Palms-Unga." She announced and a monster appeared behind her, an island native wearing a mask that convered the upper half of its body.
'No way, Tiki Master Unga will get a power bonus from the ruins element. There's no way she could have known that.' Kaiba thought in discouragment, "Now I'll begin by summoning Spear Dragon in attack mode." He declared and a familiar Dragon came to the field. I'll also play one card faced down and end my turn." He finished.
'Already a monster with 1900 attack points, this won't be good.' Ashley drew her next card and reviewed her hand, 'Or maybe it won't. Kaiba seemed tensed when I played Unga, maybe I tripped on to his advantages match up.' Ashley glanced around the scenery, 'Temple ruins, an ocean, and desert sand. Yes!' Ashley pulled her card, "I think I've caught on to your setting advantages, so I play one trap card and summon Luxor Mummy in attack mode." She made her first move and summoned a ragged mummy complete with a cursed staff, a power of 1800 and gained 30% from the desert settings, adding it up to 2340.
'No she didn't, my Spear Dragon gains a boost from the open skies.' Kaiba thought.
"Luxor Mummy, attack the Spear Dragon with your Curse of the Sphinx!" She declared. The mummy, despite its weakily image, spung its staff over its head and launched a magic spell towards Spear Dragon.
"All attributes of this field counts, including the sky's condition. My Spear Dragon also gains a power boost, making it stronger than your mummy." He hissed, the Spear Dragon's attack power instantly jumped to 2470, "Spear Dragon, counterattack with Hurricane Strike!" He declared. The Dragon breathed a small cyclone, though powerful enough to destroy Luxor Mummy and decrease her Life Points to 7870.
"No, how could I miss that?" Ashley muttered.
"I'll put this in view, considering both of your monsters had the advantage. The Ancient Ruins field combines three other fields: Umi, Wasteland, and Mountains. The monsters who can gain a power bonus from any of these fields will by 30%. Any monsters who are affected by two fields from the selected three will have their power increased by 60%. And monsters who are affected by all fields will have an attack power nearly doubling their original strength." He explained, "However, neither of us will get the triple advantage. So I suggest you use common sense and know which monsters have the best advantage next time."
"Oh boy." I muttered under my breath.
"Now it's my turn, and I'll play Twin-Headed Behemoth in attack mode." He announced as another Dragon appeared next to Spear Dragon, "And with no monsters to hide behind, your Life Points are wide open for a direct assault. To add to that, My Twin-Headed Behemoth will get a field power bonus as well, making severe damage to your Life Points." Kaiba stated, his new Dragon's attack power rose to 1850, "Dragons attack her Life Points directly!" Kaiba declared, his Spear Dragon attacked first and knocked her Life Points to 5400. Twin-Headed Behemoth followed and dropped her Life Points further to 3550 while he still had a full 8000.
__________
'No, I can't lose to him like this.' Ashley thought and drew her next card, Cyber Jar, "Alright, one card faced down and a monster in defense mode." She muttered.
I watched on with hopeful eyes when I knew Ashley would fail. I detected Yami Marik's presence behind me. 'Ashley seemed to be at a disadvantage from the start, hasn't she?'
'Don't even start with me.' I thought back, 'I know Ashley would lose, she just doesn't know when her wins are flukes or carelessness from the opponent.'
"Pathetic attempt to save your Life Points. Spear Dragon, attack her faced down card!" Kaiba commanded as his Dragon launched another attack.
"Heh. Cyber Jar was in defense mode." Ashley cocked, "And it destroyed your Spear Dragon."
"My Spear Dragon has the ability of taking on the opponent's Life Points even when the monster is in defense mode." Kaiba stated as Ashley's Life Points slid to a tiny 2010. However, both monsters were destroyed and both of them drew five new cards.
"Three monsters in defense mode." Ashley stated and three cards were set in front of her.
"Vorse Raider in attack mode and one monster in defense." Kaiba announced as well, "But ending my turn now adds another monster to the field, Twin- Headed Behemoth is back." Ashley shrugged back and drew her card, Bolban.
"Aw yeah!" Ashley cheered, "Kaiba, I sacrifice one of my Exodia pieces you forced out of my Deck to summon Bolban, in attack mode!" She declared as the cannon-armed sphinx appeared in battle again, only now it had an attack of 3250, "But I'm not done, I'll also play this magic card, Bet on BlackJack." Ashley pronounced her next move.
"Bet on Black Jack, what kind of magic card is that?" Joey asked.
"And Kaiba, I finally figured out what Tiki Master can do as my Deckmaster." Ashley sneered.
"You what?!" Kaiba shocked.
"Every time I use a ritual magic card, I'll play 500 of my Life Points instead of sacrificing monsters to summon the ritual monster." She briefed, "Tiki Master-Unga, perform the Bet on Black Jack ritual now!" Ashley declared. Her witch doctor of a monster swung his staff around, creating deep klunks in the spheres that were off-rhythm. Apparently, the trick worked. The next monster that came to the field looked like a Blackjack dealer with hands of cards on both hands and a sinister grin on his face, wearing a tuxedo of black slacks and a red vest over a white shirt. "Kaiba, I introduce to you, the Blackjack Ace. This monster has never lost a game, of Blackjack or Duel Monsters."
"Until now, that monster will be no match once I summon my Blue-Eyes White Dragon." Kaiba stated.
"Tch, I'm sure." Ashley rolled her eyes, "Go, Blackjack Ace, attack his Twin-Headed Behemoth with Dealer's Hit!" Ashley commanded. The card dealer flung both hands of cards at Kaiba's Dragon like kunai knives and actually decreased his Life Points by 1600. "Bolban, follow through with Cannon Fire!" Ashley declared her next assault on Kaiba's Vorse Raider. Bolban fired both shots at once and dropped Kaiba's Life Points to 5050. He seemed to react to the Life Point damage he took.
"You'll pay, I won't lose." Kaiba recovered from the damage and drew his next card, "I'll now use Lord of D.'s special ability. At the cost of 500 of my Life Points, I can summon one dragon from my hand. So I'll summon my Blue-Eyes White Dragon." He declared. Instantly, opposing all of Ashley's monsters with unmatched powers, came the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.
"Ashley's in trouble. That Blue-Eyes White Dragon will get a field power bonus from the mountains." Tea panicked.
"Blue-Eyes, attack Bolban! White Lightning Attack!" Kaiba commanded. His thunderous dragon fired a blast of white sparks that destroyed Bolban and dealt a blow of 900; Ashley's Life Points tumbled to 610.
"No." Ashley gasped.
"I'll finish with one trap card faced down." Kaiba announced and dropped a trap card.
Ashley just drew her card, "All monsters go defensive." She commanded as her Ace dropped to one knee with both hands of cards fanned out in front of him, "That will end my turn."
"And the Duel. I activate the trap, Dragon's Rage." Kaiba announced.
"Dragon's Rage?" Ashley questioned.
"It's a dragonic version of Fairy Meteor Crush, it works for all of my Dragons." Kaiba stated, Ashley jumped in surprise, "Now, to redeem my spot in the Finals. Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack the BlackJack Ace and finish her off!" Kaiba commanded. His Dragon fired another blast and obliterated Ashley's most powerful monster and sending her Life Points to zero.
"And the winner is Seto Kaiba," Kathy declared, "he will advance to the Finals along with Yugi Motou, Marik Ishtar, and Miranda Guinaldo." She turned to Kaiba with a smile like an infatuated fan.
'Nice, the odd one out.' I huffed in thought.
Ashley dropped her head down and looked to her Deck. 'I change out of Exodia and I still lost.' She thought and saw the top card of her Deck, Obelisk the Tormentor. 'If I'd only last just one more turn, I would have been able to summon Obelisk and win.'
Kaiba stepped towards her with a paralyzing glare and his arms folded "Ashley, I've won this Duel so fork over Obelisk now." Kaiba demanded. Ashley showed her hand that had Obelisk and Kaiba snatched it away like a cobra. Without another word, he stepped away from her.
Ashley, her spirit broken, slouched right on her feet. I saw a tear fall from her cheek; I couldn't help but approach her. "Ash, you all right?" I whispered and came in close.
"Sorry cuz." She muttered, "Sorry I couldn't help ya."
"It's forgiven, you've played well for a rematch." I replied.
"No." Her voice grew louder, though only to my range of hearing, "I know about Him, Uncle Ed told me about the demon residing within you. He was not avenged when I defeated Kaiba, someone else killed him. And I'm still trying to avenge your suffering, cuz."
"You've done your best. But now I have to help myself." I said and wrapped both arms around her, "I just don't want anyone else hurt because of me. I'm doing all I can to restrain him."
Kathy had her back turn as she backed the rest of them into the tower. She gave a questionable look behind me, but she didn't seem to bother and moved on. Moments past, Ashley soon calmed down enough to go ahead into the tower. I followed behind her, as did Yami Marik; I sensed his anger behind the barrier I set between him and me.
__________
After minutes of comforting Ashley, it was hard to concentrate on the way down, I couldn't help but second-guess what kind of actions Yami Marik would take if the beads were ever to come undone. I continued to sense his rage ready to erupt like an earthquake in San Fransisco.
We made it to the end of the hall, everyone seem to be waiting for me. Kaiba most especially stood impatient. But seeing everyone now present, he began to pull another stunt that contributed the Finals.
"Kaiba, did you really have to have that rematch against Ashley?" Yugi concerned himself, "She beat you fair and square the last time."
"Yugi..." Kaiba paused, "This is my tournament. And as such, I cannot be defeated by some rookie with a floating skull. That rematch was for a reason; I have a far greater purpose than what she had. And another thing, that Duel against Bowler was embarrassing to my reputation. I had to redeem my name."
Ashley slowly brought her head up, "Miranda, beat this jerk and show him he can't disrespect our family." She muttered.
"He's as good as retired." I whispered back.
"Now to begin the next round," He turned to speech us, "this will be a four- way Duel, each of us beginning with 4000 Life Points. The first two Duelists out will begin the semifinals with their Duel."
'Kinda like a double-elimination.' I thought to myself. Yami Marik appeared behind me in my eye only.
'Facing Yugi, Kaiba, AND Marik is going to be a pretty tough task, Miranda.' He commented, 'Are you sure you won't require my assistance?'
'I'll ask for it when I need it, thank you.' I stated, 'In the meantime, stay on your side of the beads...'
"The Duelists in this match may form alliances with one another to eliminate the competition, but there will be no discussion among us. Now let's start this." Kaiba stated and threw out a hand in signal. Four of the eight wall surrounding us opened up and pushed out a metal podeum each. The walls behind them closed until it left a crack about an inch wide. "Now, take your marks. I'd like to get this Duel done and over with, and that's when I claim all of your God Cards."
Silently, we all took our marks on the capsules. Marik was to my right, Kaiba was on my left, and Yugi was across from me. The side panels whirred shut and the entire system seem to engage. By judgement in my perception, we all had a display screen in front of us and a white wire with connection to the panel.
"Now that we're in position, take the Duel Disc hook-up link and plug it into the output on your Duel Disc. You play right on your Duel Discs but the holograms will be projected by the mainframe that stands before you." Kaiba walked us through. I looked to the bottom of my SR Duel disc and saw the output and plugged it in securely.
The platforms jolted once before rising six feet, we all had the number "4000" in white lettering behind us. "Now that's settled, here's how the Life Point system will work. As each player loses Life Points, your platform will rise to the top of the tower. As I said, the first two people who reaches the top will be in the first match." said Kaiba, "But enough talk, draw your first moster card in your Deck, to whomever has the one with the highest attack power will go first, the weakest will go last." He stated and everyone drew their cards. My first draw and got Raikoukou of the Blue Lightning.
'Rai's back?' I thought, I felt Yami Marik behind me in the same shock.
'I thought I told Kikaita her attempts are useless now since she lost that Duel.' Yami Marik thought.
"I draw Raikoukou, with 2200 attack points." I declared first.
"Feral Imp with 1300." Yugi followed.
"Makyura: 1600." Marik boasted after him.
"Looks like I go first, I pulled my Blue-Eyes White Dragon." Kaiba said and showed the us, "So it's me, Miranda, Marik, and then Yugi going last. Amusing. This Duel will begin now!" Kaiba declared.
To be continued...
* * * * * * * * * * * *
New cards played
Tiki Master of the Palms-Unga: Rock/Earth. Monster, 5/1950/1500. Deckmaster ability: When you play a Ritual Magic Card, pay 500 Life Points instead of offering monsters as Tribute to Ritual Summon the monster.
Luxor Mummy: Zombie/Earth. Monster, 4/1800/0
Bolban: Rock/Earth. Monster/Effect, 6/2500/1000. When this monster attacks, switch it to defense mode after the Damage Step. If this monster is sent to the Graveyard, discard one monster card from your hand to Special Summon it back to the field in face-up attack mode or defense mode.
Bet on BlackJack: Ritual Magic. This card is used to Ritual Summon "BlackJack Ace". You must also offer monster whose total Level Stars equal 8 or more as a Tribute from the field or your hand.
BlackJack Ace: Warrior/Dark. Monster/Ritual, 8/2600/2200. This monster can only be Ritual Summoned with the Ritual Magic Card, "Bet on BlackJack". You must also offer monster whose total Level Stars equal 8 or more as a Tribute from the field or your hand.