Flynn's family was never revealed in the game, so no offense or criticism against you, this is just a comment, but seeing Flynn's family in this fanfic, I think he was better off when he was an orphan. -Lucian Naruto
None taken. Poor Flynn…yeah the Mallory's are very messed up and cut throat. But, yeah in older times often in noble families where only one could inherit the power it was rather often to see siblings kill each other for power. This is kinda showing the toxic side of noble families. To be fair Damien has never really been super nice. He's been implied to be like this for a while.
Chapter 34 Power Is Everything
After testing Navarre's deck for a bit Walter looked out into the distance. His thoughts focused on Gina. He didn't know what to think of Hiruko's reveal. Would she be facing him as an enemy next time they meet? He just wanted to talk to her and fully understand what was going on with her.
Navarre noticed him looking off into space. He didn't disturb him knowing Walter actually thinking wasn't very often. Though after Kaga's challenge they definitely had lots to think about.
At the Mallory manor…
Damien grimaced not wanting Flynn to get involved in their battle. Nanashi kept his guard up as he looked at the spirit warily.
"Duel!", the two said.
Flynn LP 4000
Keith LP 4000
"How did you become like this anyway?", Flynn questioned.
"I fused myself with the synchro monster I took from the old man to gain power.", Keith said.
"That wasn't enough for you? Was stealing your own flesh and blood's souls really necessary?", Flynn questioned.
"Heh. I didn't have a tuner.", Keith replied as Flynn glared intensely.
"You killed my father for a tuner monster?!", Flynn questioned angrily.
"Someone lucky like you wouldn't understand. After I was cast out of the family I had nothing! I had to scrounge for food with the Casualry trash just to survive!", Keith replied.
"Even still that doesn't give you the right to take the lives of other people!", Flynn replied.
"Try spouting that self righteous garbage when your devoured by Doomking! I draw!", Keith said as Flynn's eyes widened.
Keith
Hand: 6
"Doomking?!", Flynn questioned, completely surprised.
Damien looked much more wary now getting up again.
"I didn't survive when that evil bastard cast me out. I was resurrected by Doomking in exchange for killing the old man and giving your ass to him. Sweet deal considering I already wanted to kill Damien.", Keith explained.
Flynn sweated nervously not realizing what he just walked into. Damien looked surprised to hear he came back from the dead. Guilt welled up inside him because of it and getting Flynn in this situation.
"Another Death General…", Flynn murmured as he thought of Jack-o-Bolan.
"You better not lose. Doomking taking your body would be…catastrophic.", Damien replied.
"I won't! He shall face justice for killing my parents!", Flynn replied.
"Who's Doomking? What's this shit about it taking your body?!", Nanashi questioned, completely confused.
"It's a long story…", Flynn replied.
"I had a feeling you would say that…", Nanashi replied, sweat dropping.
"I activate Call of the Mummy!", Keith said.
Keith
Hand: 5
"With its effect I can special summon a zombie monster from my hand if I control no monsters. I choose Despair From the Dark.", Keith said as a familiar shadow rose up on his side of the files.
Keith
Hand: 4
Despair From the Dark
(ZOMBIE/DARK/EFFECT/ATK 2800/DEF 3000/LV8)
Effect: If this card is sent from your hand or Deck to your GY by an opponent's card effect: Special Summon this card.
"I activate Foolish Burial allowing me to send Shiranui Spectralsword to the graveyard.", Keith said as Flynn's eyes widened.
Keith
Hand: 3
"That's….!", Flynn thought.
"Now, I will set a monster facedown and end my turn.", Keith said.
Flynn's attention was focused on his graveyard. He knew Keith was planning something. Despair From the Dark was merely a distraction from the real threat.
"I draw!", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 6
"I activate Marionette Mite allowing me to discard it to gain control of a zombie or fiend monster you control. Then, I will tribute Despair From the Dark to summon Red-Eyes Zombie Dragon.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 4
"They're both using zombies so Flynn has no need for Zombie World. But…this Keith might have cards that can benefit from that too.", Nanashi thought.
"I will set a card and then attack your facedown with Red-Eyes! Inferno Necro Blast!", Flynn declared.
The blue fireball easily annihilated Keith's facedown monster.
"You destroyed Pyramid Turtle with its effect I can special summon a zombie monster from my deck with 2000 or less defense. I choose Skull Flame.", Keith said.
Skull Flame
(ZOMBIE/FIRE/EFFECT/ATK 2600/DEF 2000/LV8)
Effect: Once per turn, you can Special Summon 1 "Burning Skull Head" from your hand. You cannot conduct your Battle Phase the turn you activate this effect. You can add 1 "Burning Skull Head" from your Graveyard to your hand instead of conducting a normal draw in your Draw Phase.
"I activate the effect of Red-Eyes allowing me to gain control of a zombie monster he destroys. Dragonic Domination!", Flynn said, gaining control of Pyramid Turtle.
"So, it's similar to Doomkaiser.", Keith murmured.
"You can say that. I shall end my turn.", Flynn said.
"I draw!", Keith said.
Keith
Hand: 3
"I will set a monster and attack your Red-Eyes with Skull Flame!", Keith declared.
Keith
Hand: 2
"I activate Sakurestu Armor destroying your attacking monster!", Flynn countered.
Keith snickered in annoyance at this.
"I will banish Skull Flame from the graveyard to special summon Supersonic Skull Flame.", Keith said.
Keith
Hand: 1
Supersonic Skull Flame
(ZOMBIE/FIRE/EFFECT/ATK 2600/DEF 2000/LV10)
Effect: This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned by removing from play 1 "Skull Flame" from your Graveyard. Once per turn, you can inflict 400 damage to your opponent for each "Burning Skull Head" in your Graveyard. When this card is sent from the field to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 "Skull Flame" from your Graveyard.
"I end my turn.", Keith said.
"I draw!", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 5
"I shall summon Unknown Synchron.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 4
"I shall tune Unknown Synchron with Pyramid Turtle! Reawaken mystic relic from a time long past! Justice still needs you! Synchro summon! Level 5! Ally of Justice Catastor!", Flynn chanted.
Keith looked annoyed seeing Flynn summon an unfamiliar Synchro monster.
"I shall set a card then I shall attack your Supersonic Skull Flame with Catastor! Neo Thunder Ray!", Flynn declared.
"Hah! Are you stupid? That monster is too weak?", Keith questioned.
"I activate the effect Catastor when he battles a non-dark monster that monster is instantly destroyed! Evil Denier!", Flynn said, making Keith's eyes widen.
Catastor let out a sonic blast annihilating the zombie.
"Now, I will attack your facedown monster with Red-Eyes! Inferno Necro Blast!", Flynn declared.
Keith growled annoyed as Flynn annihilated his monster. The card destroyed was Burning Skull Head.
Burning Skull Head
(ZOMBIE/FIRE/EFFECT/ATK 1000/DEF 800/LV3)
Effect: When this card is Special Summoned from your hand, inflict 1000 damage to your opponent. You can remove from play this face-up card you control to return 1 removed from play "Skull Flame" to its owner's Graveyard.
"I activate Red-Eyes's effect once more! Dragonic Domination!", Flynn said.
Nanashi smirked, relieved that Flynn was dominating the duel, but Damien still looked wary.
"If he gained power from Doomking then he could actually be a threat.", Damien thought.
He then looked over to Flynn as a feeling of anxiety entered his chest. He was going to have to have faith in Flynn and hope Doomking won't be released. Just imagining that being in Flynn's body gave him shivers.
"Is that all you got? It seems this is as far as your blood cards can take you.", Flynn said as Keith's eye twitched in annoyance.
"Why you…you haven't seen anything yet!", Keith said angrily.
"I end my turn.", Flynn replied.
Flynn pointed at Keith challengly.
"It doesn't matter what beef you have with my father or grandfather. I won't forgive you for killing him, my mother, and her family.", Flynn declared.
"Then, the stupid bitch shouldn't have married him…I draw!", Keith said angrily.
Keith
Hand: 2
"I activate Foolish Burial allowing me to send Necroworld Banshee to the graveyard.", Keith said, revealing a monster that made Flynn freeze.
Keith
Hand: 1
Necroworld Banshee
(ZOMBIE/DARK/EFFECT/ATK 1800/DEF 200/LV4)
Effect: "Zombie World" in the Field Zone cannot be destroyed by card effects, also neither player can target it with card effects. (Quick Effect): You can banish this card from your field or GY; activate 1 "Zombie World" directly from your hand or Deck. You can only use this effect of "Necroworld Banshee" once per turn.
The others looked surprised as a dark aura briefly flickered around Flynn. His eyes turned red for a moment as he recognized that spirit. It was that weeping spirit who was being forced to lure in his victims…it was…
"I'm guessing you knew her?", Keith questioned, tauntingly.
He flinched at the sheer murderous intent he felt from Flynn's glare.
"You bastard…", Flynn grumbled, lowly.
This surprised Damien and Nanashi. They could tell Flynn was pissed meaning Keith was right.
"I activate the effect of Shiranui Spectralsword. If this card is in my graveyard except the turn it was sent there I can banish it and a zombie monster from my graveyard if l do I can special summon zombie synchro monster in my extra deck who's level equals the combined levels of the monsters I banished!", Keith said as suddenly the tuner appeared holding out his sword sideways.
"He's synchro summoning from the graveyard?!", Nanashi questioned.
"Dad…", Flynn murmured.
Flynn and the tuner's eyes met and the latter froze for a moment. Flynn reached out and Keith growled in annoyance.
"Go on with it or I'll beat that worthless banshee again!", Keith threatened.
Spectralsword seemed to react to this reluctantly, continuing his effect. From the ground there was a tremor and Synchro rings burst out. Flynn's mind practically went blank when he heard Keith's threat. Pure unbridled rage welled up inside him.
Cast down fiend rise up again to take revenge on your enemies! Not even death with quell your rage! Necro Synchro summon! Level 6! Archfiend Zombie-Skull!", Keith chanted, before he flew onto the field emerging from the rings.
Archfiend Zombie-Skull
(ZOMBIE/DARK/EFFECT/ATK 2500/DEF 1200/LV6)
"Plaguespreader Zombie" 2 non-Tuner Zombie monsters
Effect: Zombie monsters you control cannot be destroyed by card effects.
Flynn struggled, barely holding back the darkness. He tried to calm himself and focused. He had to win if he wanted to save them.
"Destroy him…", the shadowy Flynn his Yami counterpart said.
"Shut up...", Flynn thought, waving it away.
"I will attack your Catastor! Infernal Necro Claw!", Keith declared swiping at the machine.
Flynn LP 4000 - 400 = 3600
"I end my turn. What's wrong? You seemed so confident before.", Keith taunted.
Flynn did not respond to Keith's taunt. His eyes were shadowed. Nanashi sweated nervously knowing very well Flynn was furious. That did not bode well. Flynn wordlessly drew his next card with a powerful gust of wind blowing and a tremble wracked the area. The trembling was caused by furious ghostly howls.
Flynn
Hand: 5
Nanashi gaped completely stunned by all the stuff being caused by him just drawing a card. Damien looked around, having the distinct feeling that Keith was completely screwed. He was astounded by just how much the undead spirits were reacting to Flynn. Keith was wary of what Flynn drew.
"Not important my ass you self deprecating idiot…", Nanashi thought.
"I activate Pot of Greed allowing me to draw two cards.", Flynn declared.
Flynn
Hand: 6
"Now, I activate my trap Needlebug Nest allowing me to send the top five cards of my deck to the graveyard.", Flynn said.
The cards sent were: Plaguespreader Zombie, Goku En, Defense Draw, Mezuki, and Zombie World.
"I summon Samurai Skull.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 5
"Lousy traitor…", Keith grumbled angrily.
"Take this you evil bastard!", Samurai Skull said, sticking his tongue out.
"Now, I activate the effect of Samurai Skull allowing me to send Zombie Master to the graveyard.", Flynn said.
Nanashi raised his eyebrow at the usual pick.
"I banish Mezuki from my graveyard allowing me to special summon a zombie monster from my graveyard. I choose Zombie Master. I activate Zombie Master allowing me to discard a zombie monster to special summon one from my graveyard. I choose Plaguespreader Zombie.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 4
Keith paled as he revealed Mezuki before sending him. Nanashi looked nervous, having the feeling this was going to be a massacre.
"I tune Plaguespreader Zombie with Zombie Master! Ruler of darkness slumbering within the depths! Rise up once more to reclaim your kingdom! Synchro summon! Level 6! Revived King Ha Des!", Flynn chanted.
"Now, I banish Mezuki to special summon Zombie Master again and I use its effect again.", Flynn said, sending Vampire Lord.
Flynn
Hand: 3
"Oof…", Nanashi said.
"You've got to be shitting me…", Keith murmured as he backed up.
"I tune Ha Des with Plaguespreader Zombie! Majestic dragon, awaken from your long slumber your power is needed once again to protect the innocent! Spread your brilliant silver wings and strike down your enemies like a vibrant shooting star! Synchro summon! Level 8! Stardust Dragon!", Flynn chanted.
Nanashi gaped incredulously knowing Flynn could go further.
"I activate Plaguespreader Zombie's effect allowing me to special summon it from the graveyard in exchange for sending a card from my hand to the top of my deck.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 2
"I shall tune Plaguespreader Zombie with Samurai Skull! From the dark depths of the grave arise, great dragon noble even in death! Your dreadful roar signals your enemies doom! Synchro summon! Level 6! Doomkaiser Dragon!", Flynn chanted.
The dragon roared fiercely at Keith, the mere force nearly blowing Keith back.
"No…!", Keith said as his eyes widened.
"I activate the effect of Doomkaiser allowing me to special summon a zombie monster from your graveyard. I choose Supersonic Skull Flame. Roar of the Living Dead!", Flynn declared.
The dragon let out a roar which made the zombie rise from Keith's graveyard and go over to Flynn's side of the field. Flynn's field was nearly completely filled with only space left for summoning. Keith looked nervous at this and Flynn pointed at him again.
"There's one thing I want from you; my mother and father! When I beat you I'm getting both of them back! Necroworld Banshee and Shiranui Spectralsword!", Flynn declared, resolutely revealing his fierce gaze.
"That's why he got so pissed.", Nanashi said.
"That's right Spectralsword was David. But, I had no idea that Necroworld Banshee was Maria.", Damien said.
"I shall attack you with Supersonic Skull Flame! Necroworld Inferno!", Flynn declared.
Fire erupted from the controlled monster enveloping Keith. He was lucky that Flynn's gauntlet was on stun or it would hurt way worse.
Keith LP 4000 - 100 = 3900
"T-This can't be…!", Keith murmured as the image of a young David overlapped with Flynn in his mind.
Flashback
David was much younger around Nanashi's age curled up. Keith walked over to him, seeing him look down. Keith had short black hair and blue eyes.
"What's wrong?", Keith asked.
David looked over to him, his eyes watery.
"Why do we have to go through this? I would just give up if doing so wouldn't get me thrown on the streets…I don't know what do. After seeing Bertdolt's despair I just…", David said, sadly.
"We'll just have to stick through it. How about this? I will win and then as heir order that everyone is returned to their former status?", Keith said.
"Can you really do that…?", David questioned.
"I'll be able to do whatever I want as heir even if that old fart doesn't agree.", Keith replied.
Later…
Keith was completely stunned when his life points hit zero. Not only could he not believe it, but by who did it. David grimaced, looking guilty he was shaking. He turned his gaze away from Keith, unable to face him. It was the last duel leaving only the two of them to face each other, but surely David would do as he planned to do.
"Power is everything in this household. So you are hereby expelled and a Mallory no more.", Damien said, harshly appearing younger his hair was completely black with no gray hairs.
But, that did not happen. Much later he found himself starving on the ground barely able to stand. It had been years since then and he couldn't help, but feel betrayed. In his final moments he cursed his brother.
After that he woke up in the Shadow Realm looking around at the bizarre scenery. He jumped seeing a massive legless figure standing before him. The being's features were obscured in shadows all that was visible was his glowing blue eyes.
"D-D-Doomking?!", Keith blurted out in unparalleled fear as he stumbled back.
Flashback end
"-Shooting Sonic!", he heard from Flynn as a beam collided with his stomach.
Keith LP 3900 - 2500 = 1400
"I attack you directly with Doomkaiser Dragon! Death Spectral Howling!", Flynn declared as he pointed at Keith.
Fire dropped from the zombie dragon's mouth before he unleashed it on Keith. Keith was enveloped by the flames growling at the stinging pain.
Keith LP 1400 - 2400 = 0
Keith was left on the ground looking up at Flynn not like he had with David previously. Except Flynn did not look away from Keith. He looked him dead in the eye as he strode over to him. Flynn's gaze was fierce and unwavering, a complete contrast to his father.
"Give them back.", Flynn demanded as he held out his hand.
"Fine…", Keith said, with exhaustion handing him Shiranui Spectralsword and Necroworld Banshee.
Flynn looked at the cards longingly as he held them in his hand. A genuine smile appeared on his face. Even if they were different now and may not recognize him he was glad to finally have his parents back. He held them close to his chest. Keith regretted that he could not relate to it. His father abandoned him and his mother let him do it. But, he could tell Flynn loved his parents greatly. He thought Flynn was probably the only Mallory who did. Unlike him he got to experience an ordinary upbringing.
"He truly is lucky…", Keith thought.
The spirits were taken aback by Flynn's love. They appeared translucent looking at Flynn. Something about him felt familiar to them, but they couldn't remember what. But, it was definitely a nice change of pace from Keith's terror. Nanashi walked up to Flynn when he got close he noticed he was crying which took him aback though it was out of joy.
"Thank you.", Necroworld Banshee said quietly as Flynn raised his eyes to see them.
The tuner nodded in agreement silently.
"This might sound strange…but do I know you?", Shiranui Spectralsword asked.
Flynn nodded, seeming very overwhelmed by emotion. Damien walked over to Flynn's side his gaze focused on Spectralsword. Looking up close the resemblance between David and the ghost was obvious. He hesitated to say something when he felt his words getting caught in his throat. He stopped feeling he did not have the right after what he did to his children because of tradition.
"It's better he doesn't remember me…", Damien thought, with melancholy.
"Yes…dad…mom…", Flynn replied, simply his voice cracking.
The spirits looked surprised hearing this. But, when they thought of it he did look like them though he was living. The spirits looked over to each other.
"Is that why I felt an urge to protect her? Because she was my wife?", Spectralsword thought.
"That's why he looks familiar and perhaps why the only songs I know are lullabies.", Necroworld Banshee thought.
"I'm so sorry…I couldn't protect you…", Flynn apologized.
Damien put a hand on his shoulder.
"It's not your fault…grandson. Neither of us were able to do anything.", Damien said as he looked away.
"Grandfather…?", Flynn questioned.
"You should have just let him kill me.", Damien said as Flynn hastily grasped his arm.
"Hoy, what are you saying?!", Flynn questioned.
"He came back because of me right? Keith would be able to pass on if he killed me.", Damien replied.
"No!", Flynn said, holding his arm tightly.
Even with his parents recovered he still cared about being with his grandfather.
"You can't die…If you want to make it up to my father, Keith, and your other children you have to live!", Flynn said, his eyes pleading 'stay with me'.
Nanashi was astounded that after everything Flynn heard he still cared about his grandfather.
"Flynn really is soft on the inside isn't he?", Nanashi thought.
"Fine…if you're going to cry about it. Don't you know a real man doesn't cry?", Damien said, huffing before smiling.
Flynn smiled in relief at his response.
"Heh...He's a nice kid. Nicer than that bastard deserves.", Keith thought.
As they talked Keith tried to sneak away. However, he was suddenly struck by a blade of light. Their attention turned to the skewered Keith. Michael flew down pulling out his blade. The spirits quickly dematerialized fearful of the angel.
"Now, all ritual heretics in Mikado have been eliminated. You have our thanks, Lord Flynn.", Michael said.
Flynn looked guilty as he saw the blood leak from Keith's corpse. He had been killed in an instant struck through the heart. He wondered if things could have ended differently between them. Keith's deck was scattered on the ground. Flynn picked up the cards putting them back in Keith's deck box which he held in his hands. He put Archfiend Zombie-Skull on the top. He wondered if he should use it or if doing so would be disrespectful. The card wasn't technically originally Keith's though. Instead it was originally his father's.
"Are things always this crazy around you?", Nanashi questioned.
"Like…at least half the time I think.", Flynn replied.
"Oof…So uh…congratulations on finding your parents. I never knew mine so I can't really relate.", Nanashi replied.
"Yeah…I'm really glad. Though, Nanashi…I was under the impression sir Boss was your father.", Flynn replied, awkwardly at the end.
"Nah, he just adopted me. Odd-Eyes found me all alone when I was a baby and brought me to Kinschio so I could be raised by my kind.", Nanashi explained.
Flynn looked very surprised hearing this. Like him he was saved when he was young by the kindness of a spirit. Nanashi looked confused when Flynn had a dumb smile on his face.
"We're more alike than you realize, Nanashi.", Flynn said.
In the Barracks…
Navarre gaped when he saw Jonathan stumble in. He caught Jonathan before he fell and Walter ran up to him.
"Hoy, Jonathan what happened?!", Navarre questioned with concern.
"Asuma has gotten stronger…much stronger…", Jonathan said as he lowered his head.
To be continued…