Chapter Forty-Five: Strike of Heroes

The two girls immediately threw punches at one another. Saria ducked and launched an uppercut that sent Cassidy backwards. Cassidy then lunged with a shoulder tackle that hit Saria in the chest. That blow made Saria's body burn like a fire.

I'm at a disadvantage in this fight. My wounds haven't completely healed. Saria thought as she stood up and held out her hands in a defensive posture. Cassidy lunged again with a kick that narrowly missed Saria's face by an inch. Saria then jumped forward and landed a kick on Cassidy's thigh only to be hit in the shoulder with a Cassidy judo chop. Saria retaliated with an attack to Cassidy's chest only to be hit in the jaw by Cassidy's fist.

I can't win this! She's stronger than I am. Saria thought hopelessly as she was hit in the back by a power kick.

Yes you can! You have something Cassidy doesn't! You have magic Saria! Use it to turn this fight in your favor. Came Link's voice. Saria knew what to do. She charged her body with what little magic she had and began to turn white in color, shocking Cassidy.

"Hey! No fair!" She cried.

"No, this evens the odds considering how I'm injured and you're not," Saria chastised. Saria then launched into an offensive. Cassidy pathetically defended as Saria launched punch after punch towards her until Saria saw something that caught her eye. Around Cassidy's neck was her Triforce Amulet.

"I'll take that!" Saria told the weakened Cassidy and she yanked it off her, "Now, go meet your fate!" Saria then swung around with the kick her father taught her, knocking Cassidy to her knees. She then grabbed Cassidy and threw her with a shoulder throw, throwing Cassidy off the platform.

"Saria!" Cassidy cried as Saria pulled on her amulet and collapsed from sheer exhaustion.

DOWN ON THE TOWER'S SURFACE...

"She did it. She won," Soukan breathed as he watched Cassidy fall to her doom. It was then the cry of demons filled his ears. He turned to see Kaiba coming, demon soldiers at his sides.

"I can't help her now. I'll come back," Soukan said to himself and he teleported out of the base, leaving Saria to Kaiba's demons. The platform lowered to the ground and Kaiba's goons saw a now unconscious Saria.

"Take her back to the room and punish her for her disobedience," Kaiba commanded. The guards picked up her body and hauled her away. It was then the roar of airships filled the air.

"What's that?" Kaiba wondered. He turned to the south to see hundreds of sea and airships approaching, the Courage X in the lead.

"An attack!" Kaiba realized and he ran off to sound the alarms.

IN THE COURAGE X...

"OK when Soukan gives us the signal, all units advance on the fortress!" Mr. Floyd commanded over the radio. He put the receiver back on the hook and put a finger to his temple to activate his nano-receiver.

"Are we all set to proceed with Operation Double?" Mr. Floyd asked.

"Yes. Your son is hooked up and ready. Just give the order," replied a crewman.

"Good, connect me."

"Yeah Dad? What's up?" Came Ryan's voice.

"You sure you want to go through with this?"

"Yes. You said only I can do this and besides, Kaiba's forces will be too busy defending the base to look for any intruders." That would have likely been his mother's logic.

"Good point. But just be careful. Where are you now?"

"I'm inside some capsule device."

"You in the SDV (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle)?"

"Is that what they call it? Seems more like a torpedo to me."

"Yeah and it fires like one too. Listen carefully; we're going to go over your equipment one more time. I take it the crew there gave you a special power suit to wear for this mission."

"Yeah. It's black and fits like a wetsuit."

"Is there any pressure on your torso?"

"Actually, yes. Quite a lot."

"That's good. That suit your wearing is designed to bring out the most of your abilities from enhanced strength to flexibility."

"Yeah I know. But if feels like I'm wearing a rubber suit."

"That 'rubber' coating is actually a proto-phasmic steel alloy. It's strong like steel but is flexible and light like rubber so you won't be restricted in movement. That alloy is called 'Hero Skin' in weapons R&D. That suit you wear we call the 'Shadow Suit' and not just because of its black color or resistance to most conventional weapons. The suit also has thousands of tiny nano-machines that can bend light around you. It makes you as good as invisible so long you aren't detected or in an area with strong harmonic resonance."

"That's nice to know."

"OK, now for your weapons. Obviously, you've got the Master Sword with you."

"Wouldn't leave without it."

"But you also have our latest weapon. A pistol that has the power and functions of a standard Hylian arm cannon. It's equipped with standard beam, fire beam, cold beam and shock beam. And of course it can convert into a handy saber should you need to battle in close quarters."

"Yeah, you called it a Hero Max." It was then Serenity's voice came over their receivers.

"How're things going over there?' She asked.

"Good so far. They're ready to fire the SDV. What are you doing?"

"Serenity and Teá are going to help with your infiltration mission."

"That's right. I'm going to be logged into your father's database so you can ask me anything and I'll look it up for you," Serenity explained.

"What's Teá going to do then?" Ryan asked.

"I'll be monitoring your movements by radar along with some analysts. I can warn you if enemies approach your position and maybe have some advice for you," Teá put in.

"OK, but I hope it doesn't come to that... Whoops! They're ready to launch. I'll contact you when I get inside." Ryan logged off and sighed.

This is it. I can't screw this up. Ryan thought as he gripped into the SDV's harness.

"You ready kid?" Asked a crewman over the nano-receiver.

"Launch!" Ryan replied. He felt the capsule move and lock into place. Somewhere ahead of him, he heard metal screeching as the torpedo port opened.

"Brace yourself!" Came Mr. Floyd's voice and the SDV shot out, shaking Ryan as it entered enemy territory.

"Listen carefully Ryan. You have three mission objectives. First, you must rescue Saria and your mother and get them off the base. Second, you must find the demon possessing Kaiba and stop it from evacuating the base. And lastly, you must meet me at the fortress exit for extraction." Mr. Floyd reminded him, "As with most covert operations, you must remain undetected for as long as possible. You must run not fight. The enemy is numerous and there's no guarantee that anyone will be there to save you should you run into trouble."

"I'm well aware."

"Just making sure."

"I'm about to lose the SDV."

"OK, good luck." Ryan cut the connection and pulled a nearby lever, disengaging himself from the SDV and into the water. The early morning sun didn't help to light up the waters around Ryan as he scanned the walls of the fortress for an opening. He then spotted what he was looking for: A gap in the wall near the bottom of the northern wall. Ryan swam in and looked around to see a wire fence blocked his path. Ryan reached into his thigh holster for his pistol and set it to fire beam. A few quick shots of the flaming beam and there was a hole big enough for him to slip through. He quickly swam through the tunnel past several mines and then silently surfaced. He looked around and saw no patrolling guards. He then swam over to a secluded dock in the corner and climbed out of the water. He pulled off his flippers and drew his pistol. After making one last check to see no one was around, he reached for his receiver.

"It's me. I'm in the lower dock area as planned," Ryan reported.

"Excellent work Ryan," Mr. Floyd replied.

"Yeah, but it's strange. There's no patrolling guards. It's too quiet."

"Not really," Serenity pointed out, "After all, Kaiba's guards are too busy trying to hold back our units remember?"

"I guess I forgot."

"Well, that's why we're here. Now, do you know what to do next?" Teá asked.

"Yeah. I need to reach the elevator in the back so I can find Saria."

"That's right. According to the information Soukan acquired, they moved your sister to basement ten," Serenity reported.

"OK."

"But there's a problem," Serenity added.

"What?"

"The elevator near your position won't take you down that far. You'll need to access the main elevator at the surface," Mr. Floyd replied.

"And there's guards patrolling near there and they have X-ray scanning," Teá added.

"What's the problem then?"

"With X-ray scanning, they can spot you even when you're cloaked. It will only take one sentry to spot you and come running with a strike force. No matter what, you'll have to fight," Serenity replied, looking into the database.

"Damn!"

"Relax. We're going to increase the intensity of our assault and hope it draws the remaining guards into battle. If it doesn't, then be prepared to fight," Commander Matson replied.

"OK."

"Get going Ryan. We don't have much time before Kaiba gets word of what we're trying to do," Lance urged.

"OK. Later." Ryan cut the connection and looked up to see guards in green were now patrolling. On their faces were strange goggles that covered their heads.

"Damn! X-rays!" Ryan mumbled as he ducked past a guard. He ran down a small corridor and spotted the elevator only to find two guards standing in front of it, not straying far enough from the elevator to run past. Ryan crouched behind a nearby forklift and reactivated his receiver.

"Dad! I can't get past here! The guards are guarding the elevator."

"You'll have to take them out but be quick!"

"Got it." Ryan ended the connection and drew his sword from his sheath.

"Hey boneheads!" Ryan called out. The guards turned towards the forklift and ran towards it, rifles drawn. Ryan popped out and shot twice with the shock beam, freezing the guards' radios. The guards fired only to find Ryan jumped upwards towards the ceiling, firing two fire beams, ending the demons' existence. Ryan landed on the ground and activated the elevator. He hopped on and pressed the button for the surface. Ryan took the opportunity to make another call.

"I did it!" Ryan said.

"We saw on the radar. Right now, we have another problem. Kaiba's not calling our bluff. He's locked down the sector where your sister is locked up. You won't be able to get in with your current equipment," Mr. Floyd replied.

"What do we do then?"

"I hate to say it but we'll get her later. Find your mother before her sector is locked down too."

"We can't just leave her here!"

"I know."

"Ryan relax. Your dad isn't about to abandon Saria," Teá said.

"I know."

"Listen well Ryan. Your mom's sector is already undergoing the countdown until lockdown."

"How long we got?"

"Not sure. Forget stealth. Be fast!"

"Got ya!" Ryan cut the connection and made sure his gun was of fire beam setting. When he reached the surface, he popped out and shot the first two demons that came into view. He looked around and reactivated the receiver.

"Your mom is being escorted to the lockdown zone. Head back down to basement level five. You should be close," Teá advised. Ryan got into an adjacent elevator and went down to basement five. He found himself in a long narrow corridor and saw his mother being escorted by three armed guards.

"Mom!" Ryan shouted as he charged forward.

"It's the Floyd boy! Get him!" a guard shouted. Ryan fired first and took out a guard with a headshot. The two other guards shot at Ryan only to have their bullets deflected. Ryan swung his pistol down into its saber mode and drew his Master Sword. The guards threw their useless rifles aside and drew their own swords. Ryan rolled in and knocked back one enemy saber and slashed that guard with his free saber, rendering him helpless. Mrs. Floyd then launched a fire bolt at the remaining guard, killing him. Ryan sheathed his weapons and hugged the woman.

"Mom! I can't believe it's you!" Ryan said.

"Ryan? It can't be you can it?" Mrs. Floyd asked, pulling off his helmet to see his face.

"Oh Nayru! It is you! But what are you doing here?"

"Saving you that's what!" It was then frantic footsteps could be heard from the direction Mrs. Floyd had come.

"It seems we won't get to have a happy reunion yet," Ryan said drawing his pistol. Mrs. Floyd picked up her recovered weaponry and drew her staff.

"We still have to find Saria," Ryan reported as he began firing at the first wave.

"I know. Leave that up to your father."

MEANWHILE, OUTSIDE THE FORTRESS, AT THE COURAGE X...

"Ryan's found Becky, but we need to get Saria too before we can execute the remainder of my plan," Mr. Floyd said to the teenagers.

"How are we going to find her? She's trapped in the lockdown zone," Teá wondered. It was then she noticed Yugi was running downstairs.

"Where's Yugi going?" Teá wondered.

"He's probably goin' to the john. Relax," Joey replied when he saw a black blur rush past the window.

"What was that?" Everyone rushed to the window and saw Yugi mounted on the Red Eyes Black Dragon flying towards the battle zone.

"Yugi! Come back!" The teens cried.

I'll make up for what I've caused by saving Saria. Yugi thought as he neared the fortress. The first thing he noticed was a window blocked by a steel plate.

"Red Eyes! Attack that steel plating!" Yugi commanded. The dragon charged its attack and Yugi watched as the entire wall came crumbing down. Yugi gasped as he saw a bloody Saria being whipped by Kaiba. Yugi could feel his blood boil as he flew down towards her.

"Kaiba! Back off now!" Yugi shouted furiously. Kaiba turned and grinned.

"Well if it ain't Yugi Moto, the King of Games. Too bad you can't stop me!" He shouted as he whipped Saria again. Saria wearily looked up only to find her head too heavy to support with her drained body.

"Yugi..." She mumbled. Kaiba grinned and leapt out the opening to float into the air.

"Lets dance!" He declared as he drew a card from his deck, "I summon the Blue Eyes White Dragon!" Yugi gasped as the dragon appeared and Kaiba mounted it. Yugi gritted his teeth in anger.

"You mortal fool! You haven't a chance!" Kaiba shouted.

"Too bad I disagree!" Came a roaring tone. Yugi looked to see the blond-haired Sage of Wind rushing towards them, carrying Darunia who was all balled up.

"Here! Catch!" The Sage shouted, throwing Darunia with amazing strength. Darunia uncurled and launched his best fist, destroying the dragon with his Sage powers. He then proceeded to fall only to be caught on a pillar of ice that raced to meet Kaiba. Kaiba stared only to be hit in the chest by the ice pillar and Darunia's fist. The ice pillar stopped in front of Saria's chamber. Yugi dismounted from his dragon and raced towards his friend.

"Saria! Wake up!" Yugi said desperately, trying to wake her. She could only groan. Soukan then dropped from the ceiling, clothed in a black body suit that wrapped firmly around his body and most of his head, showing only a single eye. He had Saria's pack slung over shoulder.

"Darunia! Take Saria! We have to get out of here!" Soukan shouted.

"Right!" The Fire Sage replied, picking up the prone girl. He jumped onto the ice pillar and proceeded to leave with the Ice and Water Sages.

"Oh no you don't!" Kaiba shouted, flying towards the group.

"Red Eyes! Stop him!" Yugi commanded icily. Red Eyes flew into Kaiba's path, stopping him. Yugi then watched as Kaiba blasted his dragon, destroying it.

"Yugi! Jump!" Yugi looked up to see Joey in a waiting drop ship. Yugi dove to the side as Kaiba missed him. Yugi scrambled to his feet and leaped for Joey's outstretched hand and caught it.

"Hey driver! Get us out of here!" Joey shouted as he pulled Yugi up. Soukan and the Sage of Wind, Jennifer, joined them in the ship as it prepared to leave.

"Stop!" Kaiba shouted, his body glowing bright red. Everyone watched as Kaiba's base exploded in a flash of fire. But instead of the rubble being sent flying, it gathered in the heart of the explosion and formed a dark version of the Tower of the Gods.

"Hey! What about Ryan and Mrs. Floyd? I hope they got out OK," Yugi said, slightly worried.

"Don't worry. Mr. Floyd went and got them out before you tried to be a hero," Joey replied, a slight tinge of anger in his voice.

LATER ON IN THE COURAGE X...

"How is she Mr. Floyd?" Teá asked. Several hours had past since the Floyd girls had been rescued. However, because of the dire circumstances, Mr. Floyd had decided a retreat would be best. Kaiba's side had suffered terribly with the loss of the base but the Hylian forces had suffered some casualties as well.

"Saria's critical. Her blood loss is very severe. I gave a pint but I don't think she's gonna pull through," Mr. Floyd thought, lifting a bandaged arm, "We can't give up hope though. She's tough that one and I'll do everything in my power to save her."

"But what about Mrs. Floyd?"

"She's not even close to being as bad as Saria is."

"That's good to hear."

"Yeah. I just wish Saria was just as good."

IN SARIA'S DORM...

"She's so pale," Ryan noticed. He and his mom were sitting in Saria's dorm room, staring at her. Saria had been hooked up to an IV and other equipment to check on her status. Mrs. Floyd had already been pronounced as in good enough health to not require such equipment. Ryan had changed out of the Shadow Suit and back into his green street clothes.

"What am I going to do now? I don't feel like letting Kaiba get away with this," Ryan asked. Mrs. Floyd drew him close.

"Oh, I know. But I hate to see you try to battle him on your own sweetheart," Mrs. Floyd replied, hugging him, "I don't want to see you again only to lose you. But I know you have to do it. I know you have to go. It's in your blood."

"What is?"

"Your father's courage. It's calling you to battle."

"I know and I also have your wisdom and it's given me a good idea."

"Tell me all about it," Mrs. Floyd replied, leaning forward.

"I think if we rescue the human Kaiba, we can stop the demon possessing him."

"And how will you do that?"

"By defeating Kaiba and the demon in a duel."

"But didn't you already try that?"

"Yeah but we never used the other Triforce Destiny Cards against him. Maybe combined they can stop Ganondorf."

"I can see where you're coming from. And I think you should go for it."

"Then lets call the others in and build the deck that will defeat Kaiba and the demon possessing him."

"No need to," Came Tristan's voice. Standing in the doorway was the Domino teenagers and the Sages who had come aboard the Courage X.

"We overheard your plan and we think it's a good idea," Serenity replied as everyone gathered in the room.

"OK, if we're going to beat Kaiba, I say we bust out the old teamwork strategy," Tristan announced.

"What's the teamwork strategy?" Ryan asked.

"It means we each put a monster card into the deck and then see where we go from there," Teá replied.

"OK. Everyone search your decks and show us the card you want to play," Ryan commanded, pulling his deck out. Everyone, including the Sages searched through their Duel Monsters' decks and pulled out their favorite card.

"OK, but there is definitely one card we have to add in," Ryan said as he looked over the cards. He looked into Saria's deck and pulled out the Dark Blade.

"Teran would choose this card without a doubt," Ryan told everyone.

"I know and that is why it must go in the deck," Yami admitted as Ryan began putting in other magic and trap cards. When the group was done, the deck was ready for use.

"All right. With those cards in your arsenal, there's no way you can lose," Darunia boasted as Ryan shuffled the deck and slipped it into his duel disk, "All you need to do now is get back to the tower and face Kaiba."

"Yeah. So lets go," Ryan said standing up.

"Hold on!" Came Mr. Floyd's voice. He walked into the room, Master Sword in hand, "If you're going to face Kaiba, then you might want a weapon strong enough to get you inside. Give me your Master Sword for a moment." Ryan gave his father a confused look as he handed him the sword. Everyone stood back as Mr. Floyd held the swords high into the air and they began to glow white. Everyone watched captivated as the swords fused together to form a new one. The new sword had a black and crimson hilt with an eyeball symbol in it. The sword itself was double bladed and had the Triforce mark engraved on it.

"Here you go Ryan. The Master Sword in its most supreme form," Mr. Floyd said, offering the sword to his son.

"Thanks!" Ryan said, swinging the blade.

"Now go and defeat Kaiba!"