Another new chapter, yay. *Is running out of things to say at the author's note*
Whispering Hope: Yes. Ominous=Good! And yes, we all feel sorry for Olympion. Poor guy is so confused.
John: Thanks for the compliment. And he took a wrong plane. _
Zander: First time you told me that. _ And those collars are totally evil-who doesn't want one?
*Chapter 14: Light and Darkness Collide!*
Hope looked around the dark area, trying to find something… something important… so important, yet she had lost it…
She spun around, hearing someone approach. A black pitchfork with red prongs buried itself into her chest. She was aware of it piercing through her heart, to emerge from her back. The blood was nothing compared to the one who wielded the weapon… He stared at her, with a triumphant smirk as she fell, unsure of what was worse: the agony, or the feeling of loss.
Hope sat up, trying to steady her breathing. It was a nightmare she had experienced several times. She kept falling victim to Satan's pitchfork, while desperately calling for her friends. But they were never there.
Once she calmed down somewhat, she climbed down and opened the blinds in her room. Sunlight seeped in. She looked at her clock afterwards.
"Nine… we must have slept in. But who can blame us?"
She walked out to the hallway, to find Claire.
"Hi. Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, thanks. Where are the others?"
"Miles and Gen are in the guest room. Fell never came back into the house. Zack is still on the couch-he's completely out of it. Everyone else is still in the family room."
"WAS in the guest room," Miles corrected, coming outside.
"Is Gen awake as well?"
"He's coming around, yeah."
"I'd best check on him, then get back to Max." She gave Miles his bandana again. "I washed it last night."
"Thanks a lot." He tied it around his neck, hiding the dreadful scar.
"Glad I could help." She went into the guest room, the other two following.
"How are you feeling?" she asked the injured Soul Monster.
"Fine," Gen answered.
"As long as you don't move that arm around much, you should be able to walk around easily enough. Just take it easy."
"Thanks." He got up to come with them downstairs.
That's when they heard a yell of shock.
"Now what's happening?" Miles muttered.
It turned out that Daine had surprised Mrs. Gales when he and Fell had come back into the house. She was apologizing to all of the others, who had been awakened by her scream. The Soul Monsters had even jumped out of their Soul Cards to see the commotion.
"I just didn't expect to see something like you," she told the Mad Dog.
Daine didn't seem to mind.
"Well, now that we're all up, we might as well make use of it," Gaston suggested. "Let's go to the family room, and talk. There are quite a few things I would like to know."
They went to the family room, settling down. Soon everyone was comfortable, except Malon. He was all over the place. He tugged on Daine's paw, trying to get him to play. Daine knocked Malon over gently, which only seemed to energize the puppy.
"Here boy!" Hope called. Malon jumped into her lap, licking her face. "Stop it! That tickles!" she laughed. Obediently, Malon relaxed into her arms. "Aw, you're so cute! Thanks for helping yesterday." Malon yipped at her happily before running back to Larka.
"So I guess that's another mute," Gaston muttered.
Daine's sensitive ears caught the comment. "Malon cannot talk, for he is too inexperienced to use the human vocabulary. I am quite a bit more advanced in it however."
"So we're just calling him Malon for short? What about you?" Darche asked.
"I prefer to be referred to as Daine."
"Nice to meet both of you," Claire said politely.
Malon ran over to her and raised a paw for her to shake. She laughed at his adorable posture.
"He fits you Larka."
"I'm sure," she said in response. "Enough on that though. Malon, would you please do me a favor? Go get the newspaper, so we don't have to be distracted by your cuteness."
Malon galloped off instantly. Amy, who was just coming downstairs, was nearly knocked over. She immediately opened the door to let the dog out, and went outside herself.
"Before we say anything else, can you tell me what happened?" Claire asked.
"Yeah, I would like to know too," Perseus added.
Hope told of how she had been arrested, and then Rue explained their trip to the prison and their escape.
"So this collar controlled you completely? But you knew what was happening?" Claire asked Hope.
"Yes… it was terrible. I wanted to do anything to stop it, but couldn't…"
"If they have more of these, we're going to have a very hard time dealing with them," Perseus pointed out.
"True," Gaston replied. "All we can do is deal with it as it comes. Oh, one thing I wanted to ask you Hope. The way you talked last night, it sounded as though they had hurt you at some time."
"That collar released an awful pain when it was first put on," she explained.
"Well, it was controlling you. Maybe it was trying to 'connect' with your brain?" Will suggested.
"A possibility," Draken said. "Miles, you seemed to recognize that device yesterday. Did you know of it?"
"Somewhat. I heard they were trying to make some big project. I just worried that whatever that was, it wouldn't be good."
"You were right there… well, I'm more concerned with Zack then myself right now," Hope stated. "He absorbed an entire force field? How long will he be unconscious?"
"Who knows?" Rue shrugged. "I wouldn't be too worried. It took him a long time to notice the side effects. He should be up and about soon enough."
It was at that moment that Malon ran back in, carrying the newspaper.
"Thanks," Larka said to him, taking it from him. She looked at the front page, and yelped.
"What is it?" Brandi inquired. Hope had noticed that she seemed somewhat depressed, and was impressed that she could hide it so well.
"Just look at this!" Larka flung the newspaper into the middle of the room, revealing the headline.
Wanted: Criminals of Virtual Reality
"That's just perfect," Draken said sarcastically as they read the article. "It mentions all of us. Look! Our Soul Monsters were noted as well."
"At least they don't have any pictures of us, but the descriptions will give us away anyway," Gen noticed.
"In other words, we're totally screwed," Miles announced.
"Very much so," Hope agreed. "Everyone in my neighborhood knows me by now. Any one of them could just call to try and turn me in, which would result in you all being found."
"There's really only one way to get out of this dilemma, and that's to take out the Commanders that are hiding as officials," Will advised.
"But how are we supposed to do that?" Rue asked. "It was hard enough just trying to rescue Hope. Killing their leader will be even more difficult."
"That's true. But what if we could corner her in Teknisk Wereld?" Darche suggested.
"Why would she come there?" Mana argued.
"Well, if she can't find us in the real world, where else can she look but Teknisk Wereld?" he retorted.
"It might work, but that doesn't solve the problem that we might be discovered here anyway," Draken pondered.
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," Amy said, entering the room. "Don't worry about being found. I can take care of anyone who comes to the door. Besides, I doubt anyone in this neighborhood would give Hope's location away."
"Good point," Hope agreed. "People around these parts prefer avoiding trouble most of the time, and are usually not traitors at heart."
"Usually is the key word," Miles muttered. Fortunately, nobody heard him.
"We'd be appreciative if you helped," Claire told Amy. "I'll try to assist as well. I have to stay here to look over Max, after all. I'll also check on Zack. I can't help him, for I have no experience in the matter, but when he comes around I'll tell him where to go to find you guys."
"We'll owe you a lot at the end of this whole thing," Hope joked.
"I'm just trying to help."
"And for that we're grateful," Hope assured. "So when should we leave?"
"Why not now?" Larka suggested. "I don't see any reason for delay."
"Well, if all of you are ready, we can go now," Hope agreed.
"I see no problems with that idea," Draken stated, getting out his Envoyant Machine. "We'll be seeing you two later."
"Good luck!" Claire said as they slipped into the other world.
Amy shook her head sadly. "Why must all of this happen to one of my only siblings?"
"She'll get through it fine, as long as you trust in her," Claire promised. "I deal with the same thing every day, while Rue is gone. As long as they stick together, they'll get through it."
"Yeah… thanks…" Amy walked over to the living room, sitting in the remaining chair. "There isn't much else to do… I'll just read. If Zack wakes up, I'll handle it. You just take care of Max, ok?"
"Definitely."
*****
This time they arrived at the lake edge.
"How does it determine where we end up?" Larka inquired as she stood up. Malon was running around the area, barking excitedly at the new area. He almost plunged into the lake, but Daine grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and threw him back onto shore.
"It's random, as far as I know," Gaston replied. "We can worry about that later. The key thing here is to find the Commanders of Heaven while keeping away from others. It is better that few see us."
"But where to begin looking?" Mana wondered.
Suddenly, everyone's Duel Disks began to glow, as when the new bannings had been announced.
"Greetings duelists. It's Keith again-yes, two announcements in such a short amount of time. Very uncommon, but necessary. First of all, many of you might have seen the newspaper, and know about the wanted fugitives. Please, if you see them, report it to us immediately. Be careful though-they are extremely dangerous."
"This is overkill," Miles complained.
"The other thing I wish to discuss is that a new rule has been added. What is it? That is something you will need to figure out yourself. Good luck duelists!" The Duel Disks grew dull again.
"Well, that was fun," Rue stated. "Now we are really going to have to be cautious."
Bored from the talk, Malon had been running up the hill to search for something to do. When he got to the top, he saw two people and two Soul Monsters approaching.
Everyone was startled to hear a howl at the top of the hill. They looked up to see Malon leap down the other side, out of sight. In a few seconds, he reemerged, clinging to the arm of a confused Cyrus.
"Hm… even I did not expect such a greeting after so long." Sarius came into view, Raid and the Child following him. The Child still carried the golden ball in his arms. "Please, do us all a favor and call off your vicious friend."
"Sarius?! What are you doing here?" Hope asked.
"Who are they?" Miles inquired.
"We don't know much about Sarius, the Child, Raid, or Cyrus. Sarius helped us defeat the Generals of Hell, but even then we don't know whose side he's on," Hope told him.
"So they will probably not try to kill us for no good reason?" Draken inferred.
"Most likely."
"Malon! Let go of him now!" Larka called.
With a small whine, Malon let go of Cyrus' arm, and ran back to Larka. She picked him up and patted him gently. "You're a great watchdog, ok? Just don't attack those who mean no harm." Malon licked her gently.
"It looks like you've added some new companions to your ranks," Sarius commented. His eyes darted over Miles and Draken, and then he directed his attention to Larka, looking into her eyes.
A surprised look crossed his face. What? No… that's can't be right… He looked at her again. No, it's true. I cannot deny it… what a coincidence. Then he looked over at Fell, narrowing his eyes. And he is... This is quite unusual, to find the one I seek with the group I observe the most. Not only that, but the boy holds potential-I did not expect to find one in Teknisk Wereld, of all places. Of course, he cannot unlock it for some time yet…
Larka fidgeted nervously under Sarius' gaze, and was relieved when he shifted it to her brother, who just stared back, undaunted.
"…I see." Sarius calmly walked over to them, the others following, to Larka and Fell. "For those I have not encountered yet, care to introduce yourselves?"
"I'm Miles, the pretty boy with silver hair is Draken, the girl who owns the rabid dog is called Larka, and the guy who never cuts his hair is Fell. OW!" He yelped as Malon bit his leg. "Geez, sorry I insulted you! Now let go!" Malon let go, growling once before trotting back to Larka.
"But what happened?" Hope asked. "You chased after Juno, but we didn't see what happened after that."
"For now, that is not of your concern." Sarius' eyes flicked over Malon and Daine. "Hm, ironic. A deck of Darkness, and another of Light. Quite interesting. As a matter of fact, I wish to test your skills. Not individually though." The Child stepped up beside him. "This will be a tag team duel; Larka and Fell versus the Child and me. Unless you decline?"
"What are the stakes?" Larka asked.
"None. I simply wish to test you."
"I'm up for it-I still need more practice," Larka announced. "Hey, Malon! Ready for your first duel?" Malon barked and ran up to her side.
Fell was silent for some time, before finally beckoning to Daine. He ran up obediently.
"You're actually going to duel?" Miles asked. "And here I thought you were someone who only cared for yourself."
"…I have my reasons."
"How will we order this?" Larka inquired.
Hope pulled a card out of her Duel Disk. "Larka, is this a magic or trap card?"
"Um… magic?" she guessed.
"It's a trap," Hope stated, showing her the Holy Barrier-Mirror Force. "Sarius gets to choose the dueling order."
"I will go first, then Larka, then the Child, then Fell. I have a unique way of playing tag team duels though. We will share one field, one Cemetery, and Life Points."
"We can do that?" Larka wondered.
"Yes. You just need to choose the correct programs on your Duel Disks. So basically, both of you only have access to the same five monster zones, and magic and trap zones. If you use Cry of the Living Dead, you can revive your brother's monsters, as you share the same Cemetery, and so on."
"Is that it?" she asked.
"All that is needed. Let us begin!"
Sarius and Child: 16000
Larka and Fell: 16000
"I will begin by summoning Magic Reflector Reflect Bounder. (2200/1500)"
"Whoa, wait a minute! He should only be at 1700/1000!" Larka protested.
"Raid's ability raises all of my Dark and Light Main-Types' stats by 500." He cast a quick look at the Child. "I lay two cards down to end."
"This will be tricky…" Larka murmured, drawing. "With only one field magic slot, it's either my power boost or Fell's… well, since he has Reflect Bounder out, I'll leave it up to Fell," she decided. Then she raised her voice. "I lay one monster in defense mode, and one card down. Your turn."
The Child looked at his hand, and summoned Executioner Makyura. (2100/1700)
"…One monster in defense. End."
"I will now summon Dark World Warrior Dark Sword. (2300/2000)"
I hope this is the right thing to do… "I activate Tidal Wave! This destroys all of our monsters, including my Twilight Zone Female Warrior!"
"My Black Forest Witch dies… (1100/1200) I now search my deck…"
"A rather good play. I can do nothing else."
"I will summon X-Head Cannon! (1800/1600) He attacks directly!"
"I activate Magic Cylinders," Sarius announced. "You should know what that does by now."
"Unfortunately, yes… I end after laying one card down."
Sarius and Child: 16000
Larka and Fell: 14200
The Child summoned a Mad Dog of Darkness. (2400/1400) Cyrus then began to glow, pointing his sword at the ground. Another Mad Dog of Darkness appeared, growling menacingly. (2400/1900)
"But how?!" Larka protested.
"By paying 500 Life Points, the Child can special summon another Dark or Light Main-Type monster."
Sarius and the Child: 15500
Larka and Fell: 14200
The Child pointed at the X-Head Cannon. His Mad Dog rushed to destroy it, only to be blocked by three women.
"I activate Emissary of Harmony!" Larka declared.
The Child nodded, signaling the end of his turn.
Fell looked at his hand. "Summon Breaker, and remove his magic counter to destroy your remaining magic or trap."
"That was my Wicked Barrier-Dark Force…"
"You know what's sad?" Miles commented. "That's the longest sentence I've ever heard Fell say." He shut up when Daine glared at him.
"Play Dark Zone. (2100/600) (2900/1400) Equip Breaker with Demon Axe. (3100/600) Attack a Mad Dog. Then one card down."
Sarius and the Child: 15300
Larka and Fell: 14200
"This is going to be one long duel…" Rue complained.
"Hm… this should be interesting," Sarius commented. "I remove Dark World Warrior Dark Sword and Magic Reflector Reflect Bounder to special summon Chaos Soldier-Messenger of Creation! (3500/3000) Now he attacks Breaker, and then uses his effect to attack X-Head Cannon as well!"
"Activate Skill Drain," Fell announced. "After paying 1000 Life Points, all effects are negated."
"I knew I should have brought some magic and trap removal," Sarius muttered in disgust. "I lay one card down and end."
Sarius and Child: 15300
Larka and Fell: 12800
Larka looked at her hand. Hm… this might work… but Fell's Skill Drain is ruining it for me. "I lay one monster in defense mode, and switch X-Head Cannon to defense mode. I also play Sealing Swords of Light."
"I counter it with Curse of Magic-Sealing. By discarding Dunames Valkyria (1800/1050) from my hand, your magic card is negated."
"No! I end…"
The Child summoned a Dark World Warrior Dark Blade (2800/1600) and had both of his creatures attack Larka's monsters. Her X-Head Cannon and Mimic Illusionist were cut to shreds.
Larka looked at her hand, at what she wanted to play. "Fell! We're in a tight spot right now! I have an idea that might work, but I need your help to pull it off!"
"…" Fell looked at his hand. "Daine."
"Yes?"
"I need a method to get another monster on the field."
"Then I'm the one to ask." Daine gave a long, haunting howl.
When it finished echoing, a monster emerged from Fell's deck. The Blood Vors (2400/700) snarled at the opposing monsters.
"So that is your Deck Master's special ability?" Sarius assumed.
"That is correct," Daine answered. "Once per duel, my master can special summon a level four or lower Dark Main-Type monster from his deck. Of course, he can still normal summon as well."
"Summon Demon Soldier. (2400/1000) Lay one card down, and end."
"That does no good. I remove Dunames Valkyria and Mad Dog of Darkness to special summon Chaos Emperor Dragon! (4000/3100) Then I play Seeds of the Beginning. Since I have Chaos Soldier and Chaos Emperor Dragon face up, I can activate this card. I take two monsters removed from the game and add them to my hand. I pick Magic Reflector Reflect Bounder and Mad Dog of Darkness. Now I summon Mad Dog of Darkness. (2900/1500) My Mad Dog attacks Demon Soldier."
Fell flipped over his Attack Nullification.
"In that case, I lay one card down, and end."
Larka looked at her hand. "This might just work… Malon! Can you use your Deck Master ability?"
Malon's howl filled the area. A Dunames Valkyria appeared instantly. (1800/1050)
"Thanks! Now I activate Tempest!"
"A rather foolish move," Sarius stated. "You may have destroyed my Holy Barrier-Mirror Force, but you also destroyed your brother's Skill Drain and Dark Zone."
"That was part of my plan," she told him.
"What?"
"I sacrifice Dunames Valkyria, Blood Vors, and Demon Soldier to summon Gilford the Lightning! (2800/1400) I can bring him out by just sacrificing two monsters, but if three are used, all of your monsters are destroyed!"
"…Damn it."
"Now Gilford attacks directly!"
Sarius and Child: 12500
Larka and Fell: 12800
"I lay one more card, and end my turn."
The Child played Raise Dead. The Chaos Emperor Dragon roared, sending a stream of energy at them. (3500/3000)
"I activate Magic Cylinder!" Larka countered.
Sarius and Child: 9500
Larka and Fell: 12800
The Dragon sent a wave of black and white upon them. Everyone was forced to shield their eyes. When it vanished, everything was destroyed.
"I will explain," Sarius said before Larka could ask. "By paying 1000 Life Points, the Chaos Emperor Dragon can destroy all cards on the field, and in our hands. You take 300 damage for each card destroyed by this effect. I discarded one. The Child lost four, and he lost his own Dragon."
"I lose one card as well," Larka informed them.
"I lose two…" Fell stated.
Sarius and Child: 8500
Larka and Fell: 10100
"So now it's a luck of the draw," Miles realized.
"…Summon Skilled Black Magician. (1900/1700) Attack directly."
Sarius and Child: 6600
Larka and Fell: 10100
"I activate Angel's Gift." Sarius smirked. "Perfect! I discard Breaker and Blade Knight. Now I remove both of them to summon Chaos Sorcerer! (2800/2500) He will attack your Skilled Black Magician."
Sarius and Child: 6600
Larka and Fell: 9700
"I lay one card down, and end," Larka decided.
The Child lay one card down, and ended.
Fell simply said, "Cyclone," and then ended his turn as the Child's Tidal Wave was destroyed.
"I will have my Chaos Sorcerer attack directly."
"Activate Cry of the Living Dead to revive my Gilford! (2800/1400)"
"I will call off the attack, instead choosing to use my Chaos Sorcerer's ability. Once per turn, he can remove one face up monster from the field out of the game. Now I end."
Larka breathed a sigh of relief at her next card. "I summon Wandering Hero, Freed! (1700/1200) By removing my Mimic Illusionist and Dunames Valkyria, he destroys your Chaos Sorcerer! Then he attacks directly!"
Sarius and Child: 4900
Larka and Fell: 9700
The Child summoned Magician's Valkyria (2100/2300) and had her attack Freed.
Sarius and Child: 4900
Larka and Fell: 9300
"Activate Theft, taking Magician's Valkyria," Fell said. "Attack directly."
Sarius and Child: 2800
Larka and Fell: 9300
"All I can do is play Black Core. By discarding Soul Absorption, the Valkyria is removed."
"I summon Magic Reflector Reflect Bounder! (1700/1000) Attack!"
Sarius and Child: 1100
Larka and Fell: 9300
"Quite a dilemma," Sarius stated.
"Can you do anything?"
The Child shook his head, laying one monster in defense mode.
"Emissary of Obliteration," Fell said. "It removes your facedown monster from the game."
His Dunames Valkyria (2200/1550) was removed instantly.
"I lay one monster in defense, and end," Sarius decided.
"I summon Twilight Zone Female Warrior! (1500/1600) She attacks your defense monster!"
"My Magician's Valkyria will not be destroyed that easily. (2100/2300)"
"That may be true, but I can still activate my Female Warrior's effect, to remove both monsters from the game! Now Reflect Bounder attacks directly!"
Sarius and Child: 0
Larka and Fell: 8500
"Impressive," Sarius stated as he shut off his Duel Disk. "You work well together."
"Thanks," Larka replied. She was keeping a tight hold on Malon now, for the little puppy had almost tripped Neo when running around in excitement about their victory.
"We will be leaving shortly," Sarius told them. "But first, I would like to ask something of you, Fell. Please come over here-I do not wish to be overheard."
Eyeing him cautiously, Fell followed him over the hill, out of sight and hearing. Daine followed; Sarius made no movement to stop him.
Sarius turned to Fell. "I originally came to this area to see how the group is doing after their run in with Satan. I did not expect to find one such as yourself."
"...What do you mean?"
"You have something that very few have," Sarius explained. "A great power… but you cannot access it yet. To be able to put these powers to use, you need proper training. Not many can offer something like this, but I am a rare exception in that category. That is why I offer this. If you wish to, you may come with me, to be taught how to use your powers to the greatest extent. I will not lie-it is not an easy thing to learn, or do. If you choose not to, I will completely understand."
Power… what I would have given for it previously. But now, I do not know… Is it right to desire death?
"…I can give no definite answer," Fell replied. "I must think on it for a long time… even then, I may reach no conclusion."
"Take as much time as you need," Sarius said. "Time means nothing to me at the moment." They walked back to the others.
Malon had managed to escape Larka's grasp, and had fallen into the lake. The poor puppy had managed to swim to the bank, but was too tired to run about when he finally made it to Larka again.
"Our time here is done, for now," Sarius announced. "We shall meet again, later. Do not get captured in the meantime."
They walked off, leaving the group to discuss what to do next.
To be continued…