Disclaimer: Stopping hounding me already! I don't own Yu-gi-oh! I can't even manage to get an ownership deed for my computer! Sheesh...
Chapter Seven: The Gates of Chaos
Taichi Nobuki stopped walking at the sound of a helicopter came from overhead. He smiled ever so slightly at the wonderful sound, a sound that meant he had been correct in assuming that every card he played would be tracked by Kaiba corp. He didn't know Seto Kaiba, but he knew how the CEO's brain worked, and that was more then enough.
The helicopter lowered itself enough for Seto Kaiba to descend from it on a rope ladder. He was carrying a brief case in one hand and his Duel Disk 2 was attached to the other. Mokuba Kaiba sat in the helicopter, awaiting his brother's business to be finished. "Are you Taichi Nobuki?"
Taichi smiled and inclined his head in greeting. Just because he was going to use the CEO, didn't mean he had to be rude to him...yet. "Yes. That's my name, but what would someone as important as yourself want with someone as insignificant as me?"
Kaiba's ice blue eyes pitifully attempted to search for some sign of fear within his own eyes, but there was no fear to be found. Fear was for the weak, and he was far from weak. "We tracked you using Toon World, a card that only one man owns, Maximilian Pegasus. Tell me, how did you gain possession of it?"
Taichi gave no outward response, but inside he was grinning. His ploy had worked perfectly, and now Kaiba was right in front of him, giving him the perfect chance to take Obelisk and be one step closer to accomplishing his goal. He smirked and drew a card at random from his deck, slowly he held it up for Kaiba to see. "This card? Yes I do own it, but I've got plenty of other cards that Pegasus owned, not just Toon World."
Kaiba frowned and came closer, so that he was practically staring down his nose at the shorter Taichi. A pathetic attempt at intimidation, one that would probably have worked...on a mortal. "You stole his deck?"
"No, I had Croquet deliver it to me."
"Pegasus' assistant? Why would he deliver it to you?"
Taichi smirked ever so slightly and shrugged his shoulders. "Possibly because I am the Pro Tem CEO of the company."
"You? Impossible!" A similar gasp of surprise could be heard from above coming from Mokuba. They acted like it was such a ridiculous statement, but he didn't see anything funny about it. Nothing at all.
Taichi merely shrugged his shoulders once more, and began to reach into his pocket for another blank card, and into his spirit for the necessary magic. "Anything is possible. You should realize that. Oh yes, I should say this now while I have the chance."
"And what might that be?"
"I challenge you to a duel 'Kaiba-boy'." Taichi laughed inwardly at Kaiba's furious expression upon the use of the annoying name Pegasus had always given Kaiba. From what he knew of the man, Pegasus had addressed virtually everyone younger then him in such a manner.
"You're not worth the time, if you do show up at the finals, I'll crush you there and then tear that Toon World card apart. Something like that shouldn't exist," Kaiba grabbed hold of the rope ladder and was pulled up off the ground, he smirked down at Taichi as he flew off. "See you at the finals loser."
"Coward!" Once more Taichi was smiling, but on the inside. Maybe things would work out easier then he had expected. Kaiba was so predictable it was astounding, and putting Obelisk in the hands of a fool like him was the perfect trap. Kaiba was skilled enough as a duelist that he was almost certain to be a semi-finalist, if not one of the two finalists. All that mattered was his god card, the rest of his deck was of no consequence. Laughing hysterically Taichi started walking again, this time with a destination in mind.
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Isis Ishtar had collapsed in the middle of a tour of the Ancient Egypt exhibit roughly thirty minutes earlier. She had been rushed to a medical ward so that she could be cared for, but by the time they got there, she had already recovered. The doctors decided that she had fainted because of the heat, and suggested that she return to wherever she was staying and get some rest. She accepted their judgement, thanked them, and immediately headed out into Battle City to gain the necessary six locator cards.
She had not fainted because of heat exhaustion, she had seen the future, and the future was far worse then she had anticipated. Her brother had made a decision that could rip the entire universe apart, and unless she did something to stop her vision from coming true, the entire universe would pay the price of her failure. She had seen the future, and what had so frightened her so much that she lost consciousness was the simple fact that there no longer was a future.
In two days all life would cease to exist.
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"What do you know. If it isn't Drake Ihachi, the little punk from Duelist Kingdom." Drake couldn't help but sigh, it wasn't everyday you ran into one of the people you wouldn't have preferred to run into, someone who was bound to want a rematch. But this was a tournament for the most skilled duelists, and he was bound to run into him, besides, Drake had already run into someone who he had wanted a rematch against, it seemed fate had decided to give the same option to the other duelist.
"Kensai...interesting to run into you here. I thought this was a tournament for skilled duelists." Drake smirked and cracked his neck, turning to face the older boy. He grimaced when he saw Kensai wearing the exact same kind of gi that had been wearing during Duelist Kingdom. Didn't this guy have anything else to wear?
The tall dark haired boy rolled his eyes and held up three locator cards. "My deck is a hell of a lot better then it was at Duelist Kingdom, and I've already got three locator cards. Just because I lost last time doesn't mean things will go the same way this time around."
"Yeah sure, but I've got three locator cards as well, and if you do duel me then that's risking everything you have. It means that the winner will be going to the finals." The two duelists eyed each other across a distance of only a dozen feet, the only thing that interuppted the silence that permeated the air between them was the clank of the duel disks locking into place and launching their projectors.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Kensai: 4000
Drake: 4000
A couple of things ran through Drake's mind as he gazed into the fierce eyes of his competition. The first was exactly what he had thought the first time he had met Kensai. How dangerous was he exactly? The second was similar to his first thoughts on such a matter, except instead of wondering what kind of deck he was using, it was wondering what changes he had made to his deck.
"Since you lost the last duel you get to decide who starts this one."
Kensai smirked and drew six cards, obviously to show that he would be going first. "What do you know, nice first hand. I'll discard two monsters to activate the ritual card Commencement to Dance to summon Performance of Sword(1950/1850), and lay one card face down." Now the woman with long red hair stood upon the field, hair flowing about her body, sword held high, and one card floating behind her.
The move confused Drake, it didn't seem possible that this move could have been made, not that the move was impossible, just unlikely. 'This is the same first move from our last duel. How could that have happened?' Shrugging it off Drake drew his opening hand and prepared himself for a potentially rigorous duel.
"Performance of Sword might match your likings for fighting monsters, but its power won't save you from my deck. Its even more powerful then it was last time we dueled."
Drake drew and added the card to his hand, he knew that he didn't have any monster he could summon straight of the bat that was capable of destroying Performance of Sword in one strike, so he would have to settle with defense. "I'll set a monster in reverse defense mode and the card Mass Driver, I'll finish my turn by playing Dian Keto the Cure Master."
Drake: 5000
Kensai smirked completely aware that the power of his first monster was simply to great for anything Drake could summon in his first turn. He had the current advantage, and he wasn't going to waste it. "Defense as usual, well it won't do you much good. I'll use Pot of Greed to draw two more cards, bringing my total back to five. I toss away two more monsters to use the ritual card Turtle Oath I placed down last turn, and you know what that summons." On his second turn Kensai had already managed to summon what had been his strongest monster in their last duel, Crab Turtle(2550/2500), a distorted looking crab-like creature that was incredibly dangerous.
"I'll attack your face down monster with Performance of Sword, to leave the way open for Crab Turtle to attack your life points directly. Whirlwind Blade Technique!"
The blade wielding woman began spinning and came crashing down on his defense monster blades extended, and revealed an old looking magician in yellow armor holding himself erect with his staff. He snarled and thrust one hand out. "Vindictive Old Magician, its flip effect is to destroy one of your monsters. And I choose Crab Turtle."
The turtle monster exploded and the old magician faded off the field. Kensai groaned, unable to attack he was forced to end his turn. "I end my turn."
Drake drew and grinned. One of the coolest looking cards he owned, at least in his opinion, was about to get a boost. "I'll summon the ultra-rare Breaker Mage(1600/1000) which automatically gains a magic counter upon its summoning, raising its attack to 1900. Then I equip it with Big Bang Shot, raising its attack by another 400. Attack his Performance of Sword!" The knight-like Spell caster, with his shield, sword, and scarlet robes, charged across the field and sliced through Kensai's Performance of Sword, leaving the field open to Drake, and the beginning lead in his hands.
Kensai: 3650
"This is just the beginning to the duel Drake, it'll only get harder. So don't think that I'm easy prey. You might be in the lead but its by a small margin, and that can change quickly. No matter how good you think you are I will prevail in the end."
"Just duel, save the theatrics and your tough guy act for someone who's impressed by it."
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Bandit Keith cried out as his opponent removed two more magic counters from her Marionette Magician to destroy his Barrel Dragon, allowing her to attack directly with it powered up to 4000 by an insane combo she had used. He had cheated his way to the top only to have his position cut out from under him by some freaky girl with some sort of multiple personality disorder. His life was starting to seriously suck.
He was just about to make his move and pull his gun on her, to make sure that he was the winner of the duel, despite what the rules said, when the girl materialized a golden staff out of nowhere. "If you even try to attack me with your pitiful mortal weapon I will rip your soul from your body and let it rot forever in the Shadow Realm!"
He groaned as he was knocked backwards by some kind of invisible force. Snarling he tossed his Barrel Dragon and locator cards on the ground, and fled as fast as he was able. He had seen enough of those damned eyes to know not to mess with that kind of person. Whether it be Yugi Motou, Pegasus, or that freak who had taken over his mind and forced him into a duel with Yugi. It just wasn't worth his time to try and fight someone with those sorts of powers. Especially when that person suddenly became a trash talking bitch in the middle of the duel and tore him a figurative new one. He hadn't seen dueling techniques like hers ever, and he was the Intercontinental Champion!
Far behind him Autumn Kurai reverted to her normal self, abandoning Misuno's control. She had let her yami take over when AB noticed Bandit Keith pulling cards from underneath his armbands. It had payed off well enough, allowing her to win the duel and get the last few locator cards she needed for the finals. She was good enough, but she just seemed to have better luck in getting the right cards at the right time when Misuno or AB was in control.
Sighing she set the locator cards into the duel disk and watched calmly as the holographic image appeared, and gave her direction to the Battle City finals. She just wished AB would stop acting like the end of the world was coming.
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"Theatrics aside I'm being honest when I say I know a way to utterly defeat you. And that way is like this. I'll summon Jinzo #7 in attack mode and lay down the card Gravity Bind, which means its impossible for any level four or higher monster to attack. Leaving you wide open for plenty of direct strikes by my android."
Drake: 4500
"Do you like my new monster? I put it and Gravity Bind in my deck just for you, knowing you wouldn't be able to stop it." He smirked at his sudden lead, despite its small size.
Drake smirked right back at him. Despite his best efforts, Kensai was playing into his hands. "Looks like you're doing all the work for me in this duel. By removing a magic counter from Breaker Mage I can destroy one trap card on the field, and of course I choose Gravity Bind."
"No! Not gravity bind!" Kensai couldn't do anything to stop Breaker Mage from shattering the green barrier that would have prevented him from attacking. Now all that was between Drake and Kensai's life points was a pathetically weak monster.
"Sorry Kensai, but your dueling with me, and you never were up to my caliber. I'll tribute Breaker Mage for Chaos Magician(2400/1900). By sacrificing a monster I do 400 points of direct damage to your life points through Mass Driver's effect. Chaos Magician, annihilate his Jinzo #7!"
Kensai: 1350
Drake was certain that he is victory was assured, but Kensai's sudden laughter seemed to challenge that. "You're in for a big surprise, because I just drew my most powerful monster, and my favorite at that. Chaos Soldier-Messenger of Creation(3000/2500). To summon him I remove one light and one dark main-type monster from the graveyard and the game. He's the rare and powerful non-ritual version of the original Chaos Soldier, but he has something the other doesn't, two effects."
"What effects?"
"I can choose one of the two each turn, and for this turn the answer is obvious. I attack and destroy Chaos Magician!" The armored swordsman sliced through Chaos Magician like its body was made of butter. It had never stood a chance.
Drake: 3900
"Now I choose its second effect, that when it destroys a monster in battle, it can attack a second time during that turn!" There was nothing Drake could do to stop the path of Chaos Soldier's blade, and because of that his life points were cut into ribbons by the direct attack.
Drake: 900
"Damn! Where the hell did he come up with a monster like that. It makes the situation practically hopeless!" Drake felt his confidence slip away, shattering into pieces. He was going to lose to someone that he knew he was better then...it just didn't seem possible. "Don't give up Drake. If you beat me then you can certainly beat this arrogant punk."
Drake whirled around in surprise to find Kirani standing there, her dark hair whipping in the wind. "Kirani?"
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Taichi now stood in front of the secret location from where the Battle City finals would begin. But he had chosen to have one last duel, and that duel had ended quite well in his favor, as had every other duel he had participated in during this tournament.
He held his two brand new cards up and smiled, slipping them into his deck. He would need to make quite a few adjustments to his deck to accomodate all the cards he was collecting. On the other hand the cards he had just gained were relatively unimportant. At least when compared to what he held in his other hand.
A small circlet of gold, at a glance it did not appear to be that impressive, or worth all that much. But it was what was inside that mattered and made it worth all the trouble he had gone to. He smiled openely as he crushed it in his hand and felt a surge of power throughout his entire body.
His eyes flashed with golden power and then faded, his smile changed to a cruel grin as it did. "Well what do you know? I never thought that the future would look that grim. So many dead people, so many attrocities. Its all so wonderful I could just cry. No future at all...its got to be the best bit of fortune telling I've ever seen!"
And he walked on into the building, whistling a merry tune. Behind him a dark haired woman in egyptian garb lay on the ground, eyes staring blankly at the sky above. She had seen what would come, and had gone to stop it from happening, gone to stop him. It was rather amusing to think that someone would willingly walk into a situation where they knew that the ending would not be happy for themselves. Or for anyone else for that matter.
Inside that building Kaiba awaited, and soon every other piece of the puzzle would be there. Kaiba was unimportant, Obelisk on the other hand was. "I'm off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz! I'm off to see the wizard, because of the wonderful things he does! Because because because because...because of the wonderful things he does!"
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"Its just around the corner, I'm sure of it, hurry if you don't want to miss the chance to reclaim your Blue Eyes!"
Ryu didn't respond in words, he responded by quickening his pace as he followed Dalin through the city at a dead run. He would get his Blue Eyes back if it was the last thing he did!
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"That's right. I've been looking for you, and how do I found you? Losing it while dueling this guy. You better not lose, because if you do then it's a disgrace to all the duelists you've beaten, including me. And of course you'll be a disgrace to all Rare Hunters, which I'm sure you don't want. So don't give up, don't lose hope even for an instant."
"Kirani...you're right," He turned back to face Kensai who was still smirking arrogantly. He might have the superior monster at the moment, but it'd take more then just a powerful monster to beat him. "I refuse to give up. And you'll see just the kind of skill it takes to be a real duelist. Lets end this."
Drake had long ago put his faith in his cards, gave them a heart that was part of his own. Each of the cards belonged to him in particular, and to win it would require giving the same heart the cards that he had won, cards that he had earned. He would show them the respect they deserved, and he would win!
"All right Kensai, this duel is nearing its end. I set one card face down and Mystical Elf(800/2000) in defense mode."
Kensai cocked an eyebrow, but after a little bit of thought decided not to bother commenting on Drake's own theatrics. He was claiming that he could win, but all he could do was defend, and as long as Kensai destroyed that monster he could attack a second time to finish the duel. "The duel is about to be over, but in my favor, not yours! Chaos Soldier attack his elf!"
"I activate Mirror Wall!"
Chaos Soldier's blade crossed path's with a mirror image of itself, and stopped it dead. The same trap that Mai had used so effectively against Drake he was now using to prevent his own defeat, and insure victory. Now all Drake had to do was manage to follow up and summon something more powerful then 1500 attack points.
"Drake!"
The two duelists turned in unison as an enraged seventeen year old barreled down the street towards them, a muscular blond haired man holding a girl in his arms standing a bit away. "Ryu?" The blow staggered him, sending him crashing into the pavement, blood trickling down his lip. Drake snarled and threw himself at the older boy's waist, knocking the other off his feet and sending him to the ground as well.
The two wrestled each other, with Drake barely managed to come out on top because of his greater size and strength. Now pinning the older boy he began to rain blows down on him...up until he was kicked square in the jaw. Groaning Drake started to rise in order to defend himself against Ryu's next attack, but the three combatants, Ryu, himself, and the girl who had just kicked him in the chin, were stopped dead as the muscular man stepped in between them.
"This is not the way to solve anyone's problems. Ryu, you can settle your problems with Drake after he finishes his duel, but not before. Hinata...now that you're awake you can keep an eye on Ryu, and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."
Drake spat blood on the ground and glared at the newcomer. Sure he had been in the middle of a duel, but he enjoyed a good fight just as much as a good duel. There wasn't any reason to get in the way. "Listen whoever you are, I don't need you to settle my problems for me. So just stay out of this."
"I am Dalin Sumatin, and I have made it my business. I wish to assist Ryu, but I do not want anyone to be hurt in the process." A mighty roar pulled their attention to the side, where they found a mighty Blue Eyes White Dragon starring down at them.
Kirani grinned as she deactivated her duel disk, causing the Blue Eyes to vanish. It had only been a hologram. " Break it up. I have it and we're going to duel for it. That is, if you're Ryu Shigeru."
"I'll agree to it as long as it doesn't take place in the Shadow Realm," replied Ryu.
Kirani closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't agree with Malik's methods, especially since recently he's been putting Rare Hunters in situations where failure means death, but I don't have much choice in the matter, it's the price I pay. If you win the duel then you get the Blue Eyes back, if I win you become whatever Malik wants you to be, you serve him."
Ryu nodded in acceptance and shot one last glare at Drake before turning his full attention on Kirani, "Now if you'll follow me, we'll get this duel started." Hinata shot a glance over her shoulder at Drake, but finally made her decision and followed after Ryu and Kirani. Dalin remained off to the side, apart from everything.
Drake rushed over and grabbed Kirani by the arm, stopping her exit. He leaned in close and whispered fiercely into her ear. "What in the hell are you doing? You're actually going through with what Malik wants? Why? If you lose then he'll banish you to the Shadow Realm. If you win then Malik wins, so either way things won't work out."
Kirani closed her eyes and pulled away, her dark hair whipping across Drake's cheek, stinging him. "It's my decision. I know what I'm doing so please, don't interfere."
She turned and began walking away, Ryu following. Drake let his head fall in defeat and turned so he wouldn't have to look at her. He had talked to her briefly before the tournament started and learned more about Malik and his crazy amibitions, and upon realizing just how dangerous Malik was, he found himself in a position where he'd be forced to confront a dangerous enemy eventually. Now a friend was in trouble, a friend in the troubles that he had, the only friend who truly understood what trouble they faced...and he might lose her. He breathed deeply to calm himself, but mostly succeeded in sucking blood into his mouth.
"Uh...so...whose turn was it again?"
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Kirani held five cards in her hand and faced Ryu who had a look of restrained fury in his eyes. He wasn't angry with her, it was Malik who was making him so mad. "You understand the terms and accept. But are you really prepared for serving a man you obviously despise."
Ryu's cheek twiched as he drew his sixth card, obviously wanting to go first. "I can accept that, since you seem to be able to."
"What does that mean?"
"Nothing. I'll summon La Jinn(1800/1000) in attack mode and one magic or trap card face down on the field." The green genie appear on the field and behind him came a floating card.
Kirani nodded and drew her sixth card, and then made her move. "For my first move I'll set a monster in defense mode and one card face down. Finally the Swords of Revealing Light card to seal you away for three turns. And once those three turns are over you'll be finished."
Ryu was obviously angry now, but he oddly enough still seemed to be thinking rationally. "Whatever you want to think, those swords won't save you." He drew and then smirked at the card.
"Perfect, I'll tribute La Jinn for Jinzo in defense mode, the unfortunate thing is with Jinzo on the field even my traps don't work."
Kirani just shrugged and made her play. "One monster in defense mode. That's it for me."
Ryu grinned, all she was managing was defense monsters, and it wouldn't be long before she was finished. "I summon Lord of Dragons in defense mode and equip him with the Flute of Summon Dragon and use it to summon Serpent Knight Dragon and Tri-Horned Dragon in defense mode mode! I end my turn."
Kirani smiled as she drew and then made her turn. "One monster in defense mode, thats all for me."
"Since this the last turn for the swords I'll summon Harpie's Brother in defense mode, and end my turn. The swords are now gone!"
The swords faded away, leaving the way open for the next turn. Kirani drew and smiled. "I'll now tribute all three of my monsters for Gilford the Lightning to activate his special effect. A lightning bolt now strikes from the sky to destroy all of your hard earned monsters!"
Ryu threw up his arms to shield his eyes from the blinding light of a bright bolt of lightning that speared from the sky and blasted away his monsters. "Damnit, and I had Curse of Fiend all ready to end the duel!"
"Well now you get to meet Gilford the Lightning directly along with his perfect weapon, Lightning Sword to raise his stats by 800. Gilford attack!" The warrior swept his blade sideways and a wave of lightning poured forth striking Ryu and knocking him backwards he rose in pain as his life points dropped dramatically.
Ryu: 400
He cursed himself for his stupidity. So soon against this girl and already he was at 400 life points, this was a bad idea, incredibly stupid. She was a Rare Hunter, a pro, and here he was just throwing out monsters with high attack. And now his strongest monster was gone, and he faced a monster whose stats he couldn't beat with any single monster in his deck. "This doesn't look to good."
Kirani smiled as she watched Ryu draw from his deck, he wasn't looking as confident anymore. "Don't worry Ryu, everything is going to work out just fine. Trust me."
"I lay one monster in defense and a card face down."
Kirani smiled upon her draw. "I told you not to give up. See, great move. But on the other hand...one card face down and then Hand Obliteration. Even better, I'll summon Stern Mystic in attack and then play my down card, Monster Reborn to revive your favorite card, Blue Eyes White Dragon! And I have it attack with Burst Stream!"
The mighty dragon roared at its former master and then poured forth a stream of white energy at Ryu, ready to finish him off. Hinata called out to Ryu over the roar of the Blue Eye's attack, but she didn't think he could hear her. It was horrible to see, Ryu was about to lose the duel and his freedom, to an attack from his favorite card. "Ryu!"
"I activate my face down card, Dark Hole!" A swirling vortex appeared above the field and a sweeping wind ripped out at the monsters and slowly pulled them up and through it. The Blue Eye's let out one final roar before the vortex closed.
Kirani smiled once more, it had been a good play, now that she had played her monsters she couldn't necessarily protect her field, leaving her open for a direct attack. "Congratulations, you defeated your Blue Eyes, but your still losing. I'll end my turn with one face down card."
Ryu nodded as he made his draw and then smiled. "Thanks to your Hand Obliteration card I now have what I need to end the duel here and now. I'll play my own Monster Reborn!"
Kirani's smile turned to shock as Ryu slapped the card down and its magic activated. "No! The Blue Eyes!" And she watched in horror as from the field arose...the Tri-horned Dragon.
"What? Why didn't you bring back the Blue Eyes?"
Ryu smile became a sad one and he turned his head away. "I lost the Blue Eyes to another person, and I don't deserve to give it any commands until I win it back. But the Tri-horned Dragon will due, since I'm adding Megamorph to double its attack strength!" The Tri-horn let out a gastly roar as its power rose from the already impressive 2850 to an awe inspiring 5700.
"This duel is over, Tri-horned Dragon, Dark Flame Attack!" The dragon opened its mouth and belched out a huge gout of black flame at the defenseless Kirani, and when it struck her life points began to drop drastically.
"Looks like I won Kirani, the Blue Eyes is rightfully mine again."
Kirani: 0
Ryu: 0
"Take a look at your life point counter if your so sure you won."
Ryu glanced down and then gasped in shock. "How? How is that possible?"
Kirani shrugged and held up a single card. "Just Desserts, and since you only had 400 life points remaining it finished you off. So its a tie."
"But then...then what happens now?"
Kirani smiled her amazing smile and handed Ryu his Blue Eyes. "You didn't win, but you didn't lose either, so you get the Blue Eyes back, and Malik gets nothing. I told you to trust me." Ryu could only watch in amazement as she turned and walked away. Idly he wondered whether she had planned the duel ahead of time...but that didn't seem possible.
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Kensai groaned as his life points were reduced to zero, courtesy of the Twin Mages card, he had lost, again. He dropped to his knees as the holographic field deactivated with the end of the duel, he look truly shocked and devastated. "How could I lose?"
"There's no heart to your deck."
Kensai looked up to see Drake's hand there, he grabbed it and let himself be pulled to his feet. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that you just made it powerful by using strong monsters, but you didn't put enough of your heart into it. You've got monsters in there that don't fit with your deck, or that you don't need. Like Jinzo #7, Crab Turtle, and Performance of Sword. That makes your deck too slow to play. You need to adapt it so that even the monsters you use to sacrifice for your stronger monsters have meaning to you."
Kensai grinned and reached into his pocket. "I think I see what you mean...and I know that you earned these. I also think that I shouldn't give you my soldier." Drake smiled as he accepted the three locater cards, bringing his total to six.
"What do you mean by that? You have to give me your rarest card."
Kensai grinned and began rummaging through the pack that was slung over his shoulder. "But my rarest card isn't a spellcaster, and that's what you use."
"I know, but the rules are the rules."
"Yeah, but who says we can't bend the rules. Ahh...here he is." And to Drake's surprise Kensai held up a card that Drake had been wanting for the longest time. He could only stare in shock.
"I got him while I was attempting to finish a particular set for my deck, and I just remembered that you told me during our duel that the only monster you really wanted to add to your deck was the Black Magician of Chaos, strongest of all magicians. So I figure since you like it, and I prefer warriors, you can have it in place of my Chaos Soldier."
Drake accepted the card and held it up in front of his eyes, just to make sure it was true. Black Magician of Chaos in all its glory, 2800 attack points and an effect that was extremely useful. "Thanks Kensai...I owe you one."
Kensai grinned back at him and then set his pack on the ground. "If you really think you owe me one, then maybe you can help me fix my deck to make it work better. What do you say?"
Drake nodded and then glanced back over his shoulder, "Sure, but first I think its time I had to the finals...why not come along? I could use some friendly support."
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Next Time: All the duelist gather at the place of the finalists and everything kicks off fairly quickly. However not everyone onboard the Battle Blimp is exactly what they seem...
Chapter Seven: The Gates of Chaos
Taichi Nobuki stopped walking at the sound of a helicopter came from overhead. He smiled ever so slightly at the wonderful sound, a sound that meant he had been correct in assuming that every card he played would be tracked by Kaiba corp. He didn't know Seto Kaiba, but he knew how the CEO's brain worked, and that was more then enough.
The helicopter lowered itself enough for Seto Kaiba to descend from it on a rope ladder. He was carrying a brief case in one hand and his Duel Disk 2 was attached to the other. Mokuba Kaiba sat in the helicopter, awaiting his brother's business to be finished. "Are you Taichi Nobuki?"
Taichi smiled and inclined his head in greeting. Just because he was going to use the CEO, didn't mean he had to be rude to him...yet. "Yes. That's my name, but what would someone as important as yourself want with someone as insignificant as me?"
Kaiba's ice blue eyes pitifully attempted to search for some sign of fear within his own eyes, but there was no fear to be found. Fear was for the weak, and he was far from weak. "We tracked you using Toon World, a card that only one man owns, Maximilian Pegasus. Tell me, how did you gain possession of it?"
Taichi gave no outward response, but inside he was grinning. His ploy had worked perfectly, and now Kaiba was right in front of him, giving him the perfect chance to take Obelisk and be one step closer to accomplishing his goal. He smirked and drew a card at random from his deck, slowly he held it up for Kaiba to see. "This card? Yes I do own it, but I've got plenty of other cards that Pegasus owned, not just Toon World."
Kaiba frowned and came closer, so that he was practically staring down his nose at the shorter Taichi. A pathetic attempt at intimidation, one that would probably have worked...on a mortal. "You stole his deck?"
"No, I had Croquet deliver it to me."
"Pegasus' assistant? Why would he deliver it to you?"
Taichi smirked ever so slightly and shrugged his shoulders. "Possibly because I am the Pro Tem CEO of the company."
"You? Impossible!" A similar gasp of surprise could be heard from above coming from Mokuba. They acted like it was such a ridiculous statement, but he didn't see anything funny about it. Nothing at all.
Taichi merely shrugged his shoulders once more, and began to reach into his pocket for another blank card, and into his spirit for the necessary magic. "Anything is possible. You should realize that. Oh yes, I should say this now while I have the chance."
"And what might that be?"
"I challenge you to a duel 'Kaiba-boy'." Taichi laughed inwardly at Kaiba's furious expression upon the use of the annoying name Pegasus had always given Kaiba. From what he knew of the man, Pegasus had addressed virtually everyone younger then him in such a manner.
"You're not worth the time, if you do show up at the finals, I'll crush you there and then tear that Toon World card apart. Something like that shouldn't exist," Kaiba grabbed hold of the rope ladder and was pulled up off the ground, he smirked down at Taichi as he flew off. "See you at the finals loser."
"Coward!" Once more Taichi was smiling, but on the inside. Maybe things would work out easier then he had expected. Kaiba was so predictable it was astounding, and putting Obelisk in the hands of a fool like him was the perfect trap. Kaiba was skilled enough as a duelist that he was almost certain to be a semi-finalist, if not one of the two finalists. All that mattered was his god card, the rest of his deck was of no consequence. Laughing hysterically Taichi started walking again, this time with a destination in mind.
*****************************
Isis Ishtar had collapsed in the middle of a tour of the Ancient Egypt exhibit roughly thirty minutes earlier. She had been rushed to a medical ward so that she could be cared for, but by the time they got there, she had already recovered. The doctors decided that she had fainted because of the heat, and suggested that she return to wherever she was staying and get some rest. She accepted their judgement, thanked them, and immediately headed out into Battle City to gain the necessary six locator cards.
She had not fainted because of heat exhaustion, she had seen the future, and the future was far worse then she had anticipated. Her brother had made a decision that could rip the entire universe apart, and unless she did something to stop her vision from coming true, the entire universe would pay the price of her failure. She had seen the future, and what had so frightened her so much that she lost consciousness was the simple fact that there no longer was a future.
In two days all life would cease to exist.
******************************
"What do you know. If it isn't Drake Ihachi, the little punk from Duelist Kingdom." Drake couldn't help but sigh, it wasn't everyday you ran into one of the people you wouldn't have preferred to run into, someone who was bound to want a rematch. But this was a tournament for the most skilled duelists, and he was bound to run into him, besides, Drake had already run into someone who he had wanted a rematch against, it seemed fate had decided to give the same option to the other duelist.
"Kensai...interesting to run into you here. I thought this was a tournament for skilled duelists." Drake smirked and cracked his neck, turning to face the older boy. He grimaced when he saw Kensai wearing the exact same kind of gi that had been wearing during Duelist Kingdom. Didn't this guy have anything else to wear?
The tall dark haired boy rolled his eyes and held up three locator cards. "My deck is a hell of a lot better then it was at Duelist Kingdom, and I've already got three locator cards. Just because I lost last time doesn't mean things will go the same way this time around."
"Yeah sure, but I've got three locator cards as well, and if you do duel me then that's risking everything you have. It means that the winner will be going to the finals." The two duelists eyed each other across a distance of only a dozen feet, the only thing that interuppted the silence that permeated the air between them was the clank of the duel disks locking into place and launching their projectors.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Kensai: 4000
Drake: 4000
A couple of things ran through Drake's mind as he gazed into the fierce eyes of his competition. The first was exactly what he had thought the first time he had met Kensai. How dangerous was he exactly? The second was similar to his first thoughts on such a matter, except instead of wondering what kind of deck he was using, it was wondering what changes he had made to his deck.
"Since you lost the last duel you get to decide who starts this one."
Kensai smirked and drew six cards, obviously to show that he would be going first. "What do you know, nice first hand. I'll discard two monsters to activate the ritual card Commencement to Dance to summon Performance of Sword(1950/1850), and lay one card face down." Now the woman with long red hair stood upon the field, hair flowing about her body, sword held high, and one card floating behind her.
The move confused Drake, it didn't seem possible that this move could have been made, not that the move was impossible, just unlikely. 'This is the same first move from our last duel. How could that have happened?' Shrugging it off Drake drew his opening hand and prepared himself for a potentially rigorous duel.
"Performance of Sword might match your likings for fighting monsters, but its power won't save you from my deck. Its even more powerful then it was last time we dueled."
Drake drew and added the card to his hand, he knew that he didn't have any monster he could summon straight of the bat that was capable of destroying Performance of Sword in one strike, so he would have to settle with defense. "I'll set a monster in reverse defense mode and the card Mass Driver, I'll finish my turn by playing Dian Keto the Cure Master."
Drake: 5000
Kensai smirked completely aware that the power of his first monster was simply to great for anything Drake could summon in his first turn. He had the current advantage, and he wasn't going to waste it. "Defense as usual, well it won't do you much good. I'll use Pot of Greed to draw two more cards, bringing my total back to five. I toss away two more monsters to use the ritual card Turtle Oath I placed down last turn, and you know what that summons." On his second turn Kensai had already managed to summon what had been his strongest monster in their last duel, Crab Turtle(2550/2500), a distorted looking crab-like creature that was incredibly dangerous.
"I'll attack your face down monster with Performance of Sword, to leave the way open for Crab Turtle to attack your life points directly. Whirlwind Blade Technique!"
The blade wielding woman began spinning and came crashing down on his defense monster blades extended, and revealed an old looking magician in yellow armor holding himself erect with his staff. He snarled and thrust one hand out. "Vindictive Old Magician, its flip effect is to destroy one of your monsters. And I choose Crab Turtle."
The turtle monster exploded and the old magician faded off the field. Kensai groaned, unable to attack he was forced to end his turn. "I end my turn."
Drake drew and grinned. One of the coolest looking cards he owned, at least in his opinion, was about to get a boost. "I'll summon the ultra-rare Breaker Mage(1600/1000) which automatically gains a magic counter upon its summoning, raising its attack to 1900. Then I equip it with Big Bang Shot, raising its attack by another 400. Attack his Performance of Sword!" The knight-like Spell caster, with his shield, sword, and scarlet robes, charged across the field and sliced through Kensai's Performance of Sword, leaving the field open to Drake, and the beginning lead in his hands.
Kensai: 3650
"This is just the beginning to the duel Drake, it'll only get harder. So don't think that I'm easy prey. You might be in the lead but its by a small margin, and that can change quickly. No matter how good you think you are I will prevail in the end."
"Just duel, save the theatrics and your tough guy act for someone who's impressed by it."
*****************************
Bandit Keith cried out as his opponent removed two more magic counters from her Marionette Magician to destroy his Barrel Dragon, allowing her to attack directly with it powered up to 4000 by an insane combo she had used. He had cheated his way to the top only to have his position cut out from under him by some freaky girl with some sort of multiple personality disorder. His life was starting to seriously suck.
He was just about to make his move and pull his gun on her, to make sure that he was the winner of the duel, despite what the rules said, when the girl materialized a golden staff out of nowhere. "If you even try to attack me with your pitiful mortal weapon I will rip your soul from your body and let it rot forever in the Shadow Realm!"
He groaned as he was knocked backwards by some kind of invisible force. Snarling he tossed his Barrel Dragon and locator cards on the ground, and fled as fast as he was able. He had seen enough of those damned eyes to know not to mess with that kind of person. Whether it be Yugi Motou, Pegasus, or that freak who had taken over his mind and forced him into a duel with Yugi. It just wasn't worth his time to try and fight someone with those sorts of powers. Especially when that person suddenly became a trash talking bitch in the middle of the duel and tore him a figurative new one. He hadn't seen dueling techniques like hers ever, and he was the Intercontinental Champion!
Far behind him Autumn Kurai reverted to her normal self, abandoning Misuno's control. She had let her yami take over when AB noticed Bandit Keith pulling cards from underneath his armbands. It had payed off well enough, allowing her to win the duel and get the last few locator cards she needed for the finals. She was good enough, but she just seemed to have better luck in getting the right cards at the right time when Misuno or AB was in control.
Sighing she set the locator cards into the duel disk and watched calmly as the holographic image appeared, and gave her direction to the Battle City finals. She just wished AB would stop acting like the end of the world was coming.
************************
"Theatrics aside I'm being honest when I say I know a way to utterly defeat you. And that way is like this. I'll summon Jinzo #7 in attack mode and lay down the card Gravity Bind, which means its impossible for any level four or higher monster to attack. Leaving you wide open for plenty of direct strikes by my android."
Drake: 4500
"Do you like my new monster? I put it and Gravity Bind in my deck just for you, knowing you wouldn't be able to stop it." He smirked at his sudden lead, despite its small size.
Drake smirked right back at him. Despite his best efforts, Kensai was playing into his hands. "Looks like you're doing all the work for me in this duel. By removing a magic counter from Breaker Mage I can destroy one trap card on the field, and of course I choose Gravity Bind."
"No! Not gravity bind!" Kensai couldn't do anything to stop Breaker Mage from shattering the green barrier that would have prevented him from attacking. Now all that was between Drake and Kensai's life points was a pathetically weak monster.
"Sorry Kensai, but your dueling with me, and you never were up to my caliber. I'll tribute Breaker Mage for Chaos Magician(2400/1900). By sacrificing a monster I do 400 points of direct damage to your life points through Mass Driver's effect. Chaos Magician, annihilate his Jinzo #7!"
Kensai: 1350
Drake was certain that he is victory was assured, but Kensai's sudden laughter seemed to challenge that. "You're in for a big surprise, because I just drew my most powerful monster, and my favorite at that. Chaos Soldier-Messenger of Creation(3000/2500). To summon him I remove one light and one dark main-type monster from the graveyard and the game. He's the rare and powerful non-ritual version of the original Chaos Soldier, but he has something the other doesn't, two effects."
"What effects?"
"I can choose one of the two each turn, and for this turn the answer is obvious. I attack and destroy Chaos Magician!" The armored swordsman sliced through Chaos Magician like its body was made of butter. It had never stood a chance.
Drake: 3900
"Now I choose its second effect, that when it destroys a monster in battle, it can attack a second time during that turn!" There was nothing Drake could do to stop the path of Chaos Soldier's blade, and because of that his life points were cut into ribbons by the direct attack.
Drake: 900
"Damn! Where the hell did he come up with a monster like that. It makes the situation practically hopeless!" Drake felt his confidence slip away, shattering into pieces. He was going to lose to someone that he knew he was better then...it just didn't seem possible. "Don't give up Drake. If you beat me then you can certainly beat this arrogant punk."
Drake whirled around in surprise to find Kirani standing there, her dark hair whipping in the wind. "Kirani?"
*********************
Taichi now stood in front of the secret location from where the Battle City finals would begin. But he had chosen to have one last duel, and that duel had ended quite well in his favor, as had every other duel he had participated in during this tournament.
He held his two brand new cards up and smiled, slipping them into his deck. He would need to make quite a few adjustments to his deck to accomodate all the cards he was collecting. On the other hand the cards he had just gained were relatively unimportant. At least when compared to what he held in his other hand.
A small circlet of gold, at a glance it did not appear to be that impressive, or worth all that much. But it was what was inside that mattered and made it worth all the trouble he had gone to. He smiled openely as he crushed it in his hand and felt a surge of power throughout his entire body.
His eyes flashed with golden power and then faded, his smile changed to a cruel grin as it did. "Well what do you know? I never thought that the future would look that grim. So many dead people, so many attrocities. Its all so wonderful I could just cry. No future at all...its got to be the best bit of fortune telling I've ever seen!"
And he walked on into the building, whistling a merry tune. Behind him a dark haired woman in egyptian garb lay on the ground, eyes staring blankly at the sky above. She had seen what would come, and had gone to stop it from happening, gone to stop him. It was rather amusing to think that someone would willingly walk into a situation where they knew that the ending would not be happy for themselves. Or for anyone else for that matter.
Inside that building Kaiba awaited, and soon every other piece of the puzzle would be there. Kaiba was unimportant, Obelisk on the other hand was. "I'm off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz! I'm off to see the wizard, because of the wonderful things he does! Because because because because...because of the wonderful things he does!"
**************************
"Its just around the corner, I'm sure of it, hurry if you don't want to miss the chance to reclaim your Blue Eyes!"
Ryu didn't respond in words, he responded by quickening his pace as he followed Dalin through the city at a dead run. He would get his Blue Eyes back if it was the last thing he did!
**************************
"That's right. I've been looking for you, and how do I found you? Losing it while dueling this guy. You better not lose, because if you do then it's a disgrace to all the duelists you've beaten, including me. And of course you'll be a disgrace to all Rare Hunters, which I'm sure you don't want. So don't give up, don't lose hope even for an instant."
"Kirani...you're right," He turned back to face Kensai who was still smirking arrogantly. He might have the superior monster at the moment, but it'd take more then just a powerful monster to beat him. "I refuse to give up. And you'll see just the kind of skill it takes to be a real duelist. Lets end this."
Drake had long ago put his faith in his cards, gave them a heart that was part of his own. Each of the cards belonged to him in particular, and to win it would require giving the same heart the cards that he had won, cards that he had earned. He would show them the respect they deserved, and he would win!
"All right Kensai, this duel is nearing its end. I set one card face down and Mystical Elf(800/2000) in defense mode."
Kensai cocked an eyebrow, but after a little bit of thought decided not to bother commenting on Drake's own theatrics. He was claiming that he could win, but all he could do was defend, and as long as Kensai destroyed that monster he could attack a second time to finish the duel. "The duel is about to be over, but in my favor, not yours! Chaos Soldier attack his elf!"
"I activate Mirror Wall!"
Chaos Soldier's blade crossed path's with a mirror image of itself, and stopped it dead. The same trap that Mai had used so effectively against Drake he was now using to prevent his own defeat, and insure victory. Now all Drake had to do was manage to follow up and summon something more powerful then 1500 attack points.
"Drake!"
The two duelists turned in unison as an enraged seventeen year old barreled down the street towards them, a muscular blond haired man holding a girl in his arms standing a bit away. "Ryu?" The blow staggered him, sending him crashing into the pavement, blood trickling down his lip. Drake snarled and threw himself at the older boy's waist, knocking the other off his feet and sending him to the ground as well.
The two wrestled each other, with Drake barely managed to come out on top because of his greater size and strength. Now pinning the older boy he began to rain blows down on him...up until he was kicked square in the jaw. Groaning Drake started to rise in order to defend himself against Ryu's next attack, but the three combatants, Ryu, himself, and the girl who had just kicked him in the chin, were stopped dead as the muscular man stepped in between them.
"This is not the way to solve anyone's problems. Ryu, you can settle your problems with Drake after he finishes his duel, but not before. Hinata...now that you're awake you can keep an eye on Ryu, and make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."
Drake spat blood on the ground and glared at the newcomer. Sure he had been in the middle of a duel, but he enjoyed a good fight just as much as a good duel. There wasn't any reason to get in the way. "Listen whoever you are, I don't need you to settle my problems for me. So just stay out of this."
"I am Dalin Sumatin, and I have made it my business. I wish to assist Ryu, but I do not want anyone to be hurt in the process." A mighty roar pulled their attention to the side, where they found a mighty Blue Eyes White Dragon starring down at them.
Kirani grinned as she deactivated her duel disk, causing the Blue Eyes to vanish. It had only been a hologram. " Break it up. I have it and we're going to duel for it. That is, if you're Ryu Shigeru."
"I'll agree to it as long as it doesn't take place in the Shadow Realm," replied Ryu.
Kirani closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't agree with Malik's methods, especially since recently he's been putting Rare Hunters in situations where failure means death, but I don't have much choice in the matter, it's the price I pay. If you win the duel then you get the Blue Eyes back, if I win you become whatever Malik wants you to be, you serve him."
Ryu nodded in acceptance and shot one last glare at Drake before turning his full attention on Kirani, "Now if you'll follow me, we'll get this duel started." Hinata shot a glance over her shoulder at Drake, but finally made her decision and followed after Ryu and Kirani. Dalin remained off to the side, apart from everything.
Drake rushed over and grabbed Kirani by the arm, stopping her exit. He leaned in close and whispered fiercely into her ear. "What in the hell are you doing? You're actually going through with what Malik wants? Why? If you lose then he'll banish you to the Shadow Realm. If you win then Malik wins, so either way things won't work out."
Kirani closed her eyes and pulled away, her dark hair whipping across Drake's cheek, stinging him. "It's my decision. I know what I'm doing so please, don't interfere."
She turned and began walking away, Ryu following. Drake let his head fall in defeat and turned so he wouldn't have to look at her. He had talked to her briefly before the tournament started and learned more about Malik and his crazy amibitions, and upon realizing just how dangerous Malik was, he found himself in a position where he'd be forced to confront a dangerous enemy eventually. Now a friend was in trouble, a friend in the troubles that he had, the only friend who truly understood what trouble they faced...and he might lose her. He breathed deeply to calm himself, but mostly succeeded in sucking blood into his mouth.
"Uh...so...whose turn was it again?"
***********************
Kirani held five cards in her hand and faced Ryu who had a look of restrained fury in his eyes. He wasn't angry with her, it was Malik who was making him so mad. "You understand the terms and accept. But are you really prepared for serving a man you obviously despise."
Ryu's cheek twiched as he drew his sixth card, obviously wanting to go first. "I can accept that, since you seem to be able to."
"What does that mean?"
"Nothing. I'll summon La Jinn(1800/1000) in attack mode and one magic or trap card face down on the field." The green genie appear on the field and behind him came a floating card.
Kirani nodded and drew her sixth card, and then made her move. "For my first move I'll set a monster in defense mode and one card face down. Finally the Swords of Revealing Light card to seal you away for three turns. And once those three turns are over you'll be finished."
Ryu was obviously angry now, but he oddly enough still seemed to be thinking rationally. "Whatever you want to think, those swords won't save you." He drew and then smirked at the card.
"Perfect, I'll tribute La Jinn for Jinzo in defense mode, the unfortunate thing is with Jinzo on the field even my traps don't work."
Kirani just shrugged and made her play. "One monster in defense mode. That's it for me."
Ryu grinned, all she was managing was defense monsters, and it wouldn't be long before she was finished. "I summon Lord of Dragons in defense mode and equip him with the Flute of Summon Dragon and use it to summon Serpent Knight Dragon and Tri-Horned Dragon in defense mode mode! I end my turn."
Kirani smiled as she drew and then made her turn. "One monster in defense mode, thats all for me."
"Since this the last turn for the swords I'll summon Harpie's Brother in defense mode, and end my turn. The swords are now gone!"
The swords faded away, leaving the way open for the next turn. Kirani drew and smiled. "I'll now tribute all three of my monsters for Gilford the Lightning to activate his special effect. A lightning bolt now strikes from the sky to destroy all of your hard earned monsters!"
Ryu threw up his arms to shield his eyes from the blinding light of a bright bolt of lightning that speared from the sky and blasted away his monsters. "Damnit, and I had Curse of Fiend all ready to end the duel!"
"Well now you get to meet Gilford the Lightning directly along with his perfect weapon, Lightning Sword to raise his stats by 800. Gilford attack!" The warrior swept his blade sideways and a wave of lightning poured forth striking Ryu and knocking him backwards he rose in pain as his life points dropped dramatically.
Ryu: 400
He cursed himself for his stupidity. So soon against this girl and already he was at 400 life points, this was a bad idea, incredibly stupid. She was a Rare Hunter, a pro, and here he was just throwing out monsters with high attack. And now his strongest monster was gone, and he faced a monster whose stats he couldn't beat with any single monster in his deck. "This doesn't look to good."
Kirani smiled as she watched Ryu draw from his deck, he wasn't looking as confident anymore. "Don't worry Ryu, everything is going to work out just fine. Trust me."
"I lay one monster in defense and a card face down."
Kirani smiled upon her draw. "I told you not to give up. See, great move. But on the other hand...one card face down and then Hand Obliteration. Even better, I'll summon Stern Mystic in attack and then play my down card, Monster Reborn to revive your favorite card, Blue Eyes White Dragon! And I have it attack with Burst Stream!"
The mighty dragon roared at its former master and then poured forth a stream of white energy at Ryu, ready to finish him off. Hinata called out to Ryu over the roar of the Blue Eye's attack, but she didn't think he could hear her. It was horrible to see, Ryu was about to lose the duel and his freedom, to an attack from his favorite card. "Ryu!"
"I activate my face down card, Dark Hole!" A swirling vortex appeared above the field and a sweeping wind ripped out at the monsters and slowly pulled them up and through it. The Blue Eye's let out one final roar before the vortex closed.
Kirani smiled once more, it had been a good play, now that she had played her monsters she couldn't necessarily protect her field, leaving her open for a direct attack. "Congratulations, you defeated your Blue Eyes, but your still losing. I'll end my turn with one face down card."
Ryu nodded as he made his draw and then smiled. "Thanks to your Hand Obliteration card I now have what I need to end the duel here and now. I'll play my own Monster Reborn!"
Kirani's smile turned to shock as Ryu slapped the card down and its magic activated. "No! The Blue Eyes!" And she watched in horror as from the field arose...the Tri-horned Dragon.
"What? Why didn't you bring back the Blue Eyes?"
Ryu smile became a sad one and he turned his head away. "I lost the Blue Eyes to another person, and I don't deserve to give it any commands until I win it back. But the Tri-horned Dragon will due, since I'm adding Megamorph to double its attack strength!" The Tri-horn let out a gastly roar as its power rose from the already impressive 2850 to an awe inspiring 5700.
"This duel is over, Tri-horned Dragon, Dark Flame Attack!" The dragon opened its mouth and belched out a huge gout of black flame at the defenseless Kirani, and when it struck her life points began to drop drastically.
"Looks like I won Kirani, the Blue Eyes is rightfully mine again."
Kirani: 0
Ryu: 0
"Take a look at your life point counter if your so sure you won."
Ryu glanced down and then gasped in shock. "How? How is that possible?"
Kirani shrugged and held up a single card. "Just Desserts, and since you only had 400 life points remaining it finished you off. So its a tie."
"But then...then what happens now?"
Kirani smiled her amazing smile and handed Ryu his Blue Eyes. "You didn't win, but you didn't lose either, so you get the Blue Eyes back, and Malik gets nothing. I told you to trust me." Ryu could only watch in amazement as she turned and walked away. Idly he wondered whether she had planned the duel ahead of time...but that didn't seem possible.
****************
Kensai groaned as his life points were reduced to zero, courtesy of the Twin Mages card, he had lost, again. He dropped to his knees as the holographic field deactivated with the end of the duel, he look truly shocked and devastated. "How could I lose?"
"There's no heart to your deck."
Kensai looked up to see Drake's hand there, he grabbed it and let himself be pulled to his feet. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that you just made it powerful by using strong monsters, but you didn't put enough of your heart into it. You've got monsters in there that don't fit with your deck, or that you don't need. Like Jinzo #7, Crab Turtle, and Performance of Sword. That makes your deck too slow to play. You need to adapt it so that even the monsters you use to sacrifice for your stronger monsters have meaning to you."
Kensai grinned and reached into his pocket. "I think I see what you mean...and I know that you earned these. I also think that I shouldn't give you my soldier." Drake smiled as he accepted the three locater cards, bringing his total to six.
"What do you mean by that? You have to give me your rarest card."
Kensai grinned and began rummaging through the pack that was slung over his shoulder. "But my rarest card isn't a spellcaster, and that's what you use."
"I know, but the rules are the rules."
"Yeah, but who says we can't bend the rules. Ahh...here he is." And to Drake's surprise Kensai held up a card that Drake had been wanting for the longest time. He could only stare in shock.
"I got him while I was attempting to finish a particular set for my deck, and I just remembered that you told me during our duel that the only monster you really wanted to add to your deck was the Black Magician of Chaos, strongest of all magicians. So I figure since you like it, and I prefer warriors, you can have it in place of my Chaos Soldier."
Drake accepted the card and held it up in front of his eyes, just to make sure it was true. Black Magician of Chaos in all its glory, 2800 attack points and an effect that was extremely useful. "Thanks Kensai...I owe you one."
Kensai grinned back at him and then set his pack on the ground. "If you really think you owe me one, then maybe you can help me fix my deck to make it work better. What do you say?"
Drake nodded and then glanced back over his shoulder, "Sure, but first I think its time I had to the finals...why not come along? I could use some friendly support."
__________________________________________
Next Time: All the duelist gather at the place of the finalists and everything kicks off fairly quickly. However not everyone onboard the Battle Blimp is exactly what they seem...