Standard disclaimers apply…in other words, I don't own Yugioh.
Chapter 51
"So their castle is in that area?" Washi pointed to the map they had laid out on the table. They were in a room of a hut in the cavern, obviously the war room, since it had graphs, charts, and figurines as if for a simulation there. There was a large, round table in the center.
Washi, Shinbu, Yokan, Daisuke, Yugi, Yami, Anzu, Jou, Seto, Ryou, and a couple other soldiers were all gathered around the table, looking at the map of Gaia that Washi had. Anzu had pointed out where the main base of the enemy was, and filled them in on Honda's betrayal. Ryou didn't say anything when he was asked about what happened in the base, and his chocolate eyes seemed to grow confused and worried when they mentioned it. So, they just let it drop for now.
"We need to know as much about them as we can," Washi gritted his teeth, "Right now, we have information from the battlefield. We've been at a standstill. If they ever found us, it'd be the end of us."
"What kind of forces do they have?" Shinbu asked. He was the only one seated to take the pressure off his leg. Yugi couldn't heal him since it was an already healed injury.
"Sorcerers, warriors, monsters, and summoners," Washi said grimly, "We've been handling their sorcerers and warriors with our own, but we lack the monsters that the summoners call."
"Who are their summoners? Do we have a target?" Yami crossed his arms, "If we can take out their summoners, then the war will go to our favor."
"We've tried," Washi sighed, "We can't even get close to them."
"But…we're here now," Yugi blinked.
"Yug's right," Jou nodded, "I dunno what we can do, but we'll do it!"
"I can help," Anzu took a deep breath, "Summoning monsters. That's how Ryou and I escaped from that place. I can only summon Wind element monsters, though."
Shinbu smiled, "I'll explain about that later."
Anzu blinked, as did the others. Jou and Seto nodded. Ryou blinked in confusion.
"Back to the map," Yami indicated, "And the plan…do we know who their summoners are? If we do, then we can strike back."
"No," Washi shook his head, "Like I've said, we've never even gotten close enough to see their summoners. Their warriors and sorcerers are very powerful."
"It takes all we have just to hold them back," Daisuke sighed, "Going on an offensive has been something we've only dreamed about."
"Well, we're going on an offensive now," Yami responded, "So no more talk about that. We need to go over the facts we know and what we have to work with. Apparently, Anzu and the others have summoning power as well. Seto said he created a barrier once, and is also learning to summon. Jou, as well. Yugi can summon, and so can I. Ryou seems to have some sort of power as well. So, we've got summoners. We also have warriors. And, we have sorcerers."
Yokan nodded, "We've traded blows as sorcerers. Our numbers have diminished greatly."
"What's their usual set up?" Seto asked Washi.
Washi took some of the black colored humanoid figures and placed them in a certain order. "Warriors take the front, with sorcerers next. My guess is that the summoners are in the back. The monsters pass through the ranks to get at us." He moved some of the large blobs that resembled some monsters towards the front. "The land monsters have more trouble getting to us then the air ones. And the air type monsters are the most dangerous, since they have long range attacks and can wipe us out without going past the front line of warriors."
"So…," Yami looked at the 3-D diagram, "We need air monsters of our own."
"Leave that to me," Anzu stated, "Wind is my element. Most flying monsters are of the Wind type."
Yami nodded.
"What type of monsters do they use?" Ryou asked.
"Dark," Washi stated, "All dark types."
"I see," Shinbu nodded, "So they can get maximum power out of them. We should use the same strategy."
"Come again?" Jou blinked.
Shinbu sighed, "I suppose I will have to explain it now."
They looked at him expectantly.
"Each card, or monster, draws from a divine being…or energy. They are borne into the cards with two souls…," Shinbu started.
"Two souls?" Anzu questioned.
Shinbu nodded. "Right. There is no law that says that a vessel cannot posses more then one being inside of them. The monsters gain the assets of two beings. One soul gives the creature its internal functions…its personality, and intangible traits related to that. The other soul it possesses is what it draws its power from. It's what makes a Dark Magician a Dark Magician and not a Soldier of Stone."
"I don't get it…," Jou looked confused.
"It draws its energy upon that being, that pure celestial being that gives it an identity as part of its soul," Shinbu explained, "That single identity used to be the very first of that type of monster years ago. It's what gives the entity the powers it needs to be what it is named. To be able to do what is expected. Much like humans. Why were we born humans? Or Gaians? Why not birds? Or Kuribos? It is because a higher power, even greater then the celestial being that gives us our 'identity', deemed it so. We cannot even fathom the depths of this power. Therefore, it has been split into different categories, and live in the planet itself. That is how Gaia functions. The celestial beings that draw their power from the supreme power in the universe also draw their power from the planet to which they are born."
"You lost me again."
Shinbu sighed, glancing at Jou. "Let me show you. Look at your cards. Or, remember them. The upper right hand corner hosts a symbol. There is one for fire, water, wind, earth, light, and darkness. Light and darkness fall into the category of No-thing, a practiced element of the five elements of what is known as Zen in your background. So you have the five elements that the creatures draw their power from. A Firegrass will draw its power from fire. A Seven-Colored Fish will draw its power from the water. A Wyvern will draw its power from the air. And, both a Blue Eyes White Dragon and a Dark Magician will draw their power from the No-thing."
"But don't light and dark cancel each other out or some'n?" Jou blinked.
"I thought they were on opposite ends of the spectrum as well," Seto looked up.
"Yea…what he said…that's what I meant…"
"Yes, they are on opposite ends. Yet, the power in which they draw their energy from is the same source existing not on the planet, but in spiritual beings. That is where we end up back to our bit on spirits and celestial forms. They draw their power from either heavenly celestial forms or demonic forms. More specifically, the categories of light and dark you find on the card," Shinbu answered.
They looked at their cards.
"Does that affect how powerful they are?" Yugi asked.
Shinbu smiled at his son's perceptiveness, "Yes, it does. Let me use you and Ryuushin as an example, if I may…"
"I prefer 'Yami'…"
"Shh!" Anzu hissed.
"If you, Yugi, were to summon a monster, you would have more success with monsters of the light category then the others," Shinbu pointed out.
"But I can summon a Kuriboh or a Celtic Guardian, and their attributes are Dark and Earth," Yugi frowned.
Shinbu agreed, "So they are. What I mean, is that their power will be increased if they are of the light attribute."
"Lost me again, sir," Jou scratched his head.
"Let me describe it this way. Say you have a Dark Magician, drawing its power from the part of its soul that gets its power from the demonic form in No-thing. Now, Yugi has more strength in being a summoner of heavenly descent rather then any other element. Because of that, any light monster he summons will gain power as it passes through him," Shinbu pointed out.
"Passes through me?"
"You, the summoner, act as a medium for the monster…"
"What's a 'medium'?" Anzu asked.
"A medium is one who can summon or detect spirits or celestial bodies, and even communicate with them. Sort of a go-between. Ever wonder where the word 'mediator' came from? A mediator is someone who is the third party in a fight or dispute between the first and the second party," Shinbu replied.
"Oh…I think I get it…"
Jou had question marks above his head.
Shinbu went on, "Anyway, the monster, having dark powers, passes through the medium, and then out into the world we know. The spirit is altered slightly in the power it has. Because of Yugi's outstanding talent and ability in summoning, he can summon a monster like the Kuriboh and even Curse of Dragon, both of whom are dark attributes, without much decrease in the monster's abilities and powers. Though, there will be a noticeable decrease in the monster's spirit powers. However, if a summoner like Ryuushin…"
"It's YAMI…"
"…tried to summon a monster like the Blue Eyes White Dragon, which is a light attribute, the power of the monster would drop dramatically because he does not contain the ability to grasp fully the opposite end of No-thing. Yet, on the same hand, both of them could summon a monster like the Celtic Guardian and either have no change to the monster's points or, depending on the status of them being a summoner and medium, have barely-noticeable changes. For Yugi, there won't be any changes due to his level of summoning."
"Why?"
"Because the Celtic Guardian draws its powers from the Earth. The four elements of fire, wind, water, and earth are the easiest to grasp. It is the element of No-thing that is the most difficult, and is extremely rare to find a sorcerer or summoner who can grasp both sides of the spectrum of No-thing, let alone the power of No-thing itself. That is why some monsters respond better then others in a summon," Shinbu finished, "Any questions?"
"What about what happened before? With the light-dark fusion?" Yami asked.
"Now that…is a display of complete mastery over No-thing. To be able to take two sub-elements that are on complete opposite sides of the spiritual spectrum from one another and combine the two into a powerful adversary is a task that even the most skilled and trained summoner dreams of being able to do. Even I am not sure exactly how or why it works," Shinbu frowned, "Normally, the two elements of No-thing would cancel one another out. But combined, the light-dark fusion creates a new element. Chaos."
"Chaos?" they echoed in question.
"Yes. Chaos. It is nothing, yet is everything."
"Could ya be even more clear on the meaning?" Jou muttered sarcastically.
Seto nudged him to be silent.
"Chaos is a combination of all the elements. No-thing, fire, water, wind, and earth. To be able to utilize the element of Chaos, you must be able to make a light-dark fusion. Once that is done, Chaos will draw the remaining power from the other four elements instead of the medium, making it even stronger then it can possibly be. The medium, being a vessel with spiritual energy, can only give off so much spiritual energy. Once a body's spiritual energy is used up, the only thing to keep the body alive is life energy, which, if burned with the spiritual energy, can even be diminished. And in that case, the medium will die," Shinbu answered seriously.
Some of them paled.
"That is why you lose so much energy after summoning, and why it took so long to adjust to the level of summons you were doing. It was draining your spiritual energy," clarified Shinbu.
"So…it was sort of killing me?" Yugi paled.
"No. Only if you use your life energy. If you use your life energy, then it will kill you. It was slowly draining your spiritual energy, however. The spiritual energy a person possesses aids the vessel in everyday activity. It can give you more energy. If you use too much spiritual energy, you can pass out and lose consciousness," Shinbu corrected his son, "Anyway, with Chaos, it is different. Chaos consumes. It draws its power from everything, not just the medium. It is the choice of the medium whether or not to lend their spiritual energy to the being of Chaos. But once Chaos starts to drink from the spiritual energy, it may want the life energy of the medium as well. Chaos is an element that is not meant to be trifled with. It is very dangerous. If anyone ever lost control of the element of Chaos, it would destroy the entire universe."
Silence blanketed the group.
"My main point is, that it may be more beneficial for you, Yugi, to summon monsters of a light attribute. And, it would be more beneficial for Ryuushin…"
"YAMI."
"…to summon a monster of a dark attribute."
"So…," Anzu blinked, "My element is Wind…why is that? Someone mentioned that it was because of my singing ability…"
"Maybe that's why you're such a good singer, Anzu," Yugi smiled.
Anzu blushed, "A-am I…?"
"Singing is often associated with the wind," Shinbu agreed, "If you try the summoning skill with wind monsters, you may find that you do have the power to locate and draw to this plane their celestial forms. In other words, summon them. The reason is, that they will respond to your own elemental signature, and will be drawn more towards you then a light attribute or a fire attribute will. The sub-elements in No-thing are extremely difficult if not impossible for summoners of the other four elements to grasp and be able to use. Even the most experienced fire, wind, water, or earth summoner may not be able to even attract a Kuribo, the smallest and easiest to summon of the Dark powers of No-thing. It is very rare to find a summoner who can. That is why Yugi and Yami…"
"Finally got my name right…"
"…are so important and can be so influential to what can happen here. None could harness the powers of No-thing."
"But isn't the leader of the Kurayami group using the powers of No-thing?" Yugi asked.
"It seems like it. In order to use the powers of No-thing, you need to be able to tap into the light or dark power. He is using the demonic powers of No-thing, referred to you as the Shadow Realm," Shinbu explained.
"Now it starts to make sense," Jou stated.
"I agree," Yugi nodded.
"Then what are our elements?" Ryou asked, "Can anyone summon?"
"Not just anyone can summon," Washi fielded that one, "If that were true, then we'd have ended this war a long time ago."
"But why can't everyone summon?" Seto asked, "We seem to be able to do it, and some of us are from Earth."
"You can…?" Washi blinked.
"I started showing them as we made our way here," Shinbu interrupted, "We met up with a lot of unfriendly monsters roaming the place, so it was good practice. That, and Jounochi seems to be very skilled with a sword."
Jou blushed, "J-Jes' 'Jou' is fine…and I'm still learning…"
"Seto also seems very skilled as a sorcerer," Shinbu added, "The two can interchange between their skills, and use them wherever they are needed."
"But how come they…?" Daisuke started.
"Summoning is all about the amount of spiritual energy and willpower," Shinbu explained, "That is the core of it. Those with a high aptitude for that will have a higher chance of being able to summon. To be able to use the powers means that you would respond to one of the four elements or No-thing greater then the others, and that the monsters would be able to respond to your energy signal as well." He looked at the kids there, "Believe it or not…all of you have that ability."
Ryou was the only one who was really startled. Jou and Seto smiled. Yami and Yugi nodded. Anzu nodded as well.
"With the right strategy," Shinbu smiled, "We can win this war."
"Why's that?" Washi turned to his old friend.
Shinbu's smile broadened, "Because we were lucky enough to find six summoners. And not just any six. Each of them responds to a different element."
"You can tell that just by looking at us?" Anzu blinked.
"No. I just have to read your energy signal," Shinbu stated, "It's something I was taught to do when I was learning to be a summoner."
"Then…you can summon, too, tousan!" Yugi smiled.
"Yes," Shinbu responded, "However, I can not tell what my own element is, since we can't read our own energy signals. And, I had to break off the training when I would find out. I can't figure out which type of monster responds to me the best. I can use all of them, but they'll be considerably weaker then if the kids here summoned them."
"But we're just beginners," Jou stammered.
"Beginners with a very high spiritual concentration," Shinbu shook his head, "You may be new at this entire summoning thing, but you aren't beginners at the game, I'm willing to bet. And, you aren't beginners in tapping into your element."
"Wait…," Ryou said slowly, "You said we each had an element…what…?"
Shinbu smiled, "I think you know. Your element is Earth. Since you were the other boy described in the prophecy. Either you or Yugi would get the power of Light, the other would be Earth. Yugi was born with his power of Light, meaning that you had the power of Earth. Yet, nobody really knew that yet. We would have to wait until you two were older to find out."
Ryou's eyes were wide, "So that's why…when we first came to Gaia, I could feel the planet's pain…"
Shinbu nodded, "Your ability for Earth monsters is very high. Just like how Jou has an aptitude for Fire type monsters. Anzu has the element of Wind. Seto seems to be connected with the element of Water. And, of course, Yugi and Yami draw from No-thing, the elements of Light and Dark respectfully."
"What does that mean?" Daisuke spoke up, "Even if they can summon the elements…"
"It means," Shinbu stated, "That with the right planning and strategy, we have the advantage. Even if we mess up, we still have an advantage. We have to use it."
Silence reigned in the room.
As they stood there, taking it all in, Seto was the first to speak. He had been studying the map since near the end of Shinbu's speech, and his mind was calculating probabilities and scenarios.
"I have an idea," Seto's voice permeated the silence.
They looked at him.
Seto took some of the black colored soldiers and started to place them around the area marked as the castle.
The others watched silently.
"It's like a game of chess," Seto finally spoke when he had the pieces arranged in the way he wanted.
"Chess?" they echoed.
Seto nodded, "The pieces are all on the board. According to what I've heard, the last thing they would expect would be an offensive attack on their base."
Washi, Yokan, and Daisuke nodded.
Seto looked back at his diagram, "So, that tips things even more in our favor. We'll go with a sneak attack. According to Anzu, when she saw the castle from above, they have four main sides like a medieval castle would. Therefore, we would want to split up."
"Is that wise?" Daisuke frowned, "They've kicked our asses every time we've fought them, and that's with all our guys…"
"Don't forget," Seto smiled, "We have aces up our sleeves."
Daisuke blinked.
"Continue," Washi demanded.
"Wait," Yokan spoke up, "Wouldn't a frontal attack be best to just wipe them out? Isn't that our goal?"
"It is, yes," Seto nodded, "However, if we launch an all-out attack on the front, then we'll be defeated. We need to use strategy."
Yami glanced next to him, "What's wrong, Yugi?"
Yugi paused for a moment, and they looked at him.
"Yugi?" Anzu blinked.
"Iyo," Yugi shook his head, looking at Anzu briefly, "We have two goals."
"Two!?" Jou exclaimed.
"We have to rescue jiichan and the other prisoners," Yugi stated, "And we have to do it before we destroy the castle, or they'll be caught up in this." Tears filled his eyes when he thought of it, yet they didn't come down. His hands clenched into fists at his side, and he whispered, "No more innocent lives should be lost in this."
"Yugi…," Yami whispered.
Shinbu regarded his son. Dad's alive…? He nodded, "I agree."
"I know where the prisons are," Anzu stated, "If that helps."
"If we're dividing into groups," Yugi pointed out, "Then a small team should go in to rescue the people being held."
"An excellent point," Seto nodded, going over more strategies in his head to revise his old one, "But we can't put too many in that group, or our forces will be cut in half."
They nodded.
"I'll go in," Anzu volunteered, "You need me to locate the prisons."
"Demo…," Yugi turned to her.
Anzu smiled, "I'll be okay, Yugi."
Yugi looked uncertain, then wiped his eyes and nodded, "Un! I believe in you, Anzu!"
"Good," Shinbu spoke up, "We're going to need a lot of belief for this fight. Dad and the prisoners are fighting now…we can't let them down."
They nodded.
"Sugoroku is alive…?" Washi's eyes were wide, "Damn, now I'm starting to get hopeful."
"His powers aren't what they used to be," Anzu related what she had been told, "Ryou's mother is there as well. Maya, I think her name was."
Ryou gripped the table, his eyes widening. Mom is…? But Bakura said that she was dead! Is she really…? I haven't seen her…I don't remember anything of my mom. But she's really…alive…? "I'll go."
They glanced up. Yami had been saying something, when Ryou spoke.
"What?" Washi asked.
"I'll go with Anzu," Ryou gripped the table tighter, "I want to know…if she's really alive…" Even if I have to face Bakura…I don't care.
"Ryou…," Yugi whispered.
"We need all the summoners we can get on the battlefield…!" Yokan paled, "Or…!"
"Actually," Seto smiled, "It's a very good idea. Since we're dividing our forces."
They blinked.
"Look," Seto looked at them, "If they think that the Hikari Senshi is as weak as they always are, they won't even fathom that there are summoners with you. We have another element right there."
"Another…?"
"The element of surprise," Seto pointed out, "Not only are we giving a surprise offensive, but we'll be using summoners, too. They'll be forced to call out theirs, but if all their summoners don't go out to battle the main forces, we'll need someone on the inside group to help rescue the prisoners."
Understanding dawned on the ones who didn't get it.
"Though," Seto stated, "With what I have planned, they may take out all their men from the castle."
"So, what do you have planned?" Yami asked.
They all looked at the teen.
Seto dropped some more pieces on the map. He had found a square piece of a base to represent the castle. There were white pieces on the map as well as dark pieces.
"We're going to try this," Seto stated, "Because we also have to keep in mind the natural environment. Although, according to Ryou, Gaia is dying, it still may have enough energy to help the monsters when they are summoned. The elements of No-thing won't get a boost…except, Dark may get a slight bonus since the castle seems to be in a portal to the Shadow Realm sitting on Gaia. They've chosen their position for their castle well, with natural boundaries, but we can use that to our advantage."
They looked as Seto took some blue colored figures and placed them on the right side of the castle. "The objective of the groups not involved with the rescue is the annihilation of the Kurayami group. Everything has to go. Even the castle. And, I bet the summoners are protected within the walls. In other words, we have to break them down to get the summoners. That's what this group is going to do. This will be the Water group. There's a river flowing here, perfect to give the water type monsters a bonus. No warriors will be in this group…let's call it group One. Group One will consist of myself and most of the sorcerers. Because of the water boundary, soldiers cannot get past the river. However, monsters can transport some across. Once the wall is broken down, the monsters will take over some of the soldiers. It's a lot faster and more efficient then a boat."
They nodded.
"We'll expect fire," Seto placed some of the black figures on the wall, "I'd expect archers and sorcerers."
"We have archers," Washi told him.
"We don't need any in group One," Seto assured him, "The sorcerers and the monsters will take out the defense, then work on busting down the wall. Once that is done, half of our forces will go in. According to what I've seen with Yugi and his summons, as well as others we've encountered, is that the summoners aren't good fighters. They aren't made for close-range fighting. As soon as we get close, it's over."
"He's right," Daisuke said in a daze, "And we never realized it…"
"I've had more chances to observe," Seto assured him, "Trust me on that. Okay…now, at the same time, there will be another force on the other side." He placed some white figures on the left side, "We'll hit them from that side as well. Here's the biggest part of the plan. See, they'd expect us to send a large force at one of the sides or the back. Nobody is stupid enough to do a frontal assault on a castle."
The others nodded.
"But we will," Seto grinned.
"WHAT!?"
"But you just said…!!"
"A little reverse psychology," Seto smiled, "Psychology helps in a battle as well. It's a major aspect of it. Even with a sneak attack, once they get their forces mobilized, they'll expect a distraction in the front, and to be hit from the sides and back. That's exactly what we're going to do. Except, we're going to add something."
Seto arranged the ones on the side, "First, let's take care of these guys. Group Two. They will hit the left flank of the castle. Their goal will also be penetrating the walls and getting in. Therefore, we'll need another summoner and troops. Ryou, although I understand your sentiments for wanting to join Anzu with the rescue group, it won't work."
Ryou bit his lip.
"We need you in group Two," Seto said seriously, "Or else this won't work."
"Why can't someone else do it?" Ryou asked.
"Hn," Seto shook his head, "That's not like you at all. But, I'll tell you why. Because this area is predominantly a rocky area. The rocks are there to keep unwanted guests away. But we'll use them to boost the Earth element monsters. That's why you need to join that group."
"But…," Ryou stammered.
"Best to do as he says," Shinbu spoke up for the first time in a while, "Even though I can sympathize with your feelings on your mother, we need to get this right. We only have one shot at this. If we fail, it's all over."
Ryou gulped down his tears and bowed his head, "I'll do it."
Yokan, who was standing next to him, put a hand on the boy's shoulder.
Ryou looked up, tears in his eyes.
Yokan just nodded as if saying 'it's all for the best', then gave Ryou's shoulder another reassuring squeeze.
"Group Three will attack the back," Seto stated, "However, this is merely a distraction. This is where the archers will come in handy. Because of the tunnel systems, I assume getting behind the castle won't be too much of a problem."
They shook their heads.
"There are tunnels running throughout Gaia," Washi stated, "They were made a long time ago in case of we were ever under attack and needed to escape."
"Good," Seto nodded, "Jou, this is where you come in. You'll be the summoner in this group. Summon fire monsters. The area behind them is dead…and that is perfect kindling for a fire element."
Jou grinned, "Kindling."
Seto smiled, "Exactly. Just let something breathe fire into the ground first, and your monsters will be boosted in power as well. Your force will be whatever is left of the sorcerers that didn't to into groups One and Two, archers, and some warriors. Your group is a hit-and-run group. Make them think that the attack will be from behind."
Jou nodded, "Gotcha!"
"That leaves group Four, the one attacking the main gates," Seto stated, "Here's where we change up the tactics. We'll go in with a minimal force…"
"We'll be killed…," Yokan whispered.
"I'm sorry," Seto shook his head sadly, "But sacrifices must be made in order for this to work."
"No," Yugi whimpered.
Yami took his hand and gave it a squeeze, "We have to follow Seto's plan."
"Trust me," Seto took a deep breath, "I don't want to see anyone else killed, either. And, if the plan goes right, there won't be that many casualties. This is war, remember."
"I know, but…," Yugi wiped his eyes.
Shinbu looked next to him at his son, and rubbed the boy's back, "Be strong, Yugi."
Yugi sniffled, then nodded. I have to be brave…I have to show tousan how much I've learned. I can't let him down!
"Keep distance," Seto continued, "We'll charge in with the warriors as if we don't know what we're doing. But don't get too close. Just alert them to our presence, and draw their forces out. Then, retreat."
"Retreat?" Daisuke blinked, "But…"
"The rest will be waiting," Seto smiled, "Yugi, Yami, you two will be in this group. You both work well together, that's why. You two will be waiting with the majority of the force. Once the first half of the group has retreated back, summon a monster. Then, with the monsters, go in."
They nodded as they understood.
"Lure them away," Yami muttered, "And then throw more at them when they least expect it…"
"Shit," Washi whispered, "It may just work."
"Now," Seto grinned, "The order. Group Three will attack first. Lure them into what they think our strategy would be. They'll think we'd be attacking from the back, obviously. That's what anyone would think. Never make a frontal attack. When group Three starts their attack, group Four will start in, drawing their forces away from the back and into our trap. Then, start to slowly fall back, leading them away. When you have the majority of their forces, run. The rest of group Four will then show themselves and start to wipe out the remaining forces." Seto moved the pieces across the map, "At that time, groups One and Two will come in from where they were hiding on the sides, and start their attacks on the side of the castle. Since most of their forces will be on the front by then, it shouldn't be too hard to break through. Only groups One and Two will break through into the castle. For that reason, Shinbu, you'll be in group One with me. I may exhaust my powers before I can do any damage by using the waterways to summon the monsters."
Shinbu smiled, "An excellent idea. I was just about to suggest it."
Seto nodded, moving the pieces, "Group Three will hold their position throughout the battle. If needed, retreat once groups One, Two, and Four get into the battle."
Jou nodded.
"Now," Seto turned to Anzu, "Your group. Your group will go in once the full force of group Four is unleashed. Because some Dark and Light monsters are flying types, that will provide distraction. Summon your largest monster to take the group in. From what you've told us, the Skull Red Bird should be enough to bring in a group of five or so. Remember, we're trying to keep this small."
Anzu nodded.
Seto pointed to the sky above the castle, "You'll drop in from above at a high altitude. You'll use parachutes to get in. That way, by the time your bird may be spotted since it's so high up, you'll all be safely on the ground."
Anzu nodded, smiling, "I get it…!"
"As for an escape route," Seto stated, "Go out the back. Taking to the air isn't a good idea, and it'll become too cumbersome and tiring on your part, Anzu, to have to summon enough monsters to carry everyone out. Group Three, this is where you come in again. Anzu, let one of your monsters out as a signal to group Three that you're coming out. Group Three should have made a hole in the wall from the monsters by that point. Group Three will move in and help to escort Anzu's group out." He moved the red figures in the back closer. "Only the warriors and monsters should move in. Archers stay back and provide cover fire for them. Though, by this time, I estimate that all their forces will be in the front."
Anzu and Jou nodded.
"Ryou, Shinbu, and myself will move in from the sides and take down their summoners during the fray," Seto pushed the two groups towards the wall, "Along with some of the sorcerers and warriors. The remaining sorcerers and warriors will hold their positions outside the castle as back up in case we need it." He leaned back on the chair he had been sitting on, and looked up, "Any questions?"
They shook their heads.
"Excellent plan," Shinbu spoke up, "You've got a knack for this. The civilians should stay here and keep quiet."
They nodded.
"Some of the warriors should stay back," Yugi spoke up, "In case if they get soldiers through the tunnel systems. Since we'll be using them, if they see us using them, they may go down."
"Very good point," Shinbu nodded, "I agree."
"Right," Seto nodded. "A very good point, Yugi. I wasn't even thinking about a home-base defense. Washi, I expect that you know your men very well…you can assign the teams, right?"
Washi nodded.
"Don't forget the home base team," Seto nodded, "But keep the defensive forces to a minimum. We need everyone we can get for the offensive front."
"Right," Washi nodded.
After the meeting let out, Washi went about briefing the soldiers and sorcerers on the task at hand while Shinbu showed Anzu, Jou, Seto, and Ryou some more tricks and tips to summoning. Anzu, Jou, Seto, and Ryou also exchanged cards for the moment to get more cards of the other person's summoning ability into their deck.
"Kuso!" Jou swore, "Nobody's got many fire monsters?"
"You may have to rely mostly on your fighting skills," Shinbu said grimly, "I have one monster that may aid you. He's not used to having a different master, though. Hopefully, he'll understand the circumstances and give you a hand." He handed the fire based card to Jou.
"Twin Headed Fire Dragon?" Jou blinked, "This guy's got an attack of 2200! That'd be a big help! And, I've got the Flame Swordsman. Attack of 1800 and defense of 1600!"
Shinbu nodded, "Good. You will need all the allies you can get."
"Here, Ryou," Anzu handed over one of her cards, "The Queen's Double. It's not the best, but it may help."
Ryou silently took it, nodding a thanks.
"What's wrong?" Anzu asked.
Ryou clenched a hand into a fist, "I really wanted…to see if…"
"Don't worry," Anzu put a hand on his shoulder, "I'll get your mother out. Trust me. You will see her again."
Ryou looked at the ground.
"There won't be time there for joyous reunions, anyway," Yami walked over to the group, "Anzu's group is going to have to get in and get out. There'll be time for reunions when this is all over."
Ryou angrily bit his lip, "Reunions…Yugi got to see his father, and Malik got to see his father. But I have to wait to see my mother…"
"Don't you think that's a little selfish?" Seto interrupted.
Ryou glanced up at him.
"There's a war going on," Seto said seriously, "It was pure luck that Yugi and his father were reunited before the war. If we hadn't stumbled upon him while we tried to find you and the others, then Yugi would have had to wait until after the fighting as well. And finding Malik's father was luck as well."
"You don't understand!" Ryou suddenly burst out, tears rolling down his face, "My father is dead! If my mother dies, then I have nobody!!"
They were silent for a little while.
"I don't want to interrupt this," Shinbu suddenly spoke up, "But I have to point something out. Ryou, was it?"
Ryou wiped his eyes with his arm.
"Look around you," Shinbu stated, "You aren't alone. You never will be."
"But…it's different," Ryou's shoulders slumped, "Having a family as opposed to having friends…"
"Ryou."
They turned around and saw Yugi standing there, smiling.
"Friends can be family, too," Yugi stated, putting a hand on the boy's shoulder, "I consider all of you to be my family. Especially between each battle, when I had nothing to go back to. I know how you feel, Ryou. I wanted to find my real father…and I didn't get to spend too much time with jiichan. And my adoptive parents…well, I'd rather not think of that." He glanced at the ground, then back up at Ryou, the smile coming to his face again, "We can be your family for now. We're here for you, Ryou."
Ryou sunk to his knees, tears running down his cheeks. He put his face in his hands and cried.
"Ryou…," Anzu whispered.
Yami knelt down next to him and placed a hand on the sobbing boy's shoulder, "Come on, Ryou. Buck up, kid. We have a war to fight. Afterwards…I'm sure you'll be able to see your mother again. And last time I checked, your father was alive. What's this all of a sudden? Something they told you when you were a prisoner at their base? You know you can't believe them. They'd say or do anything to get their way."
"What if it's really true?" Ryou asked in a shaky voice, sniffling but looking up.
"Then…at least you know the truth," Yami responded, "And, until you know it's true, you can still hope. What do we have without hope? What do you say, Ryou?" He stood up and offered his hand.
Ryou was quiet for a few moments, then wiped his eyes and took Yami's hand, allowing the older boy to help him to his feet. "Sorry, minna…"
"That's okay!" Jou grinned, "Some'n like that ain't gonna change the fact that we're buddies!"
Ryou nodded.
Shinbu smiled, "Well, then…let's get back to work. We don't have long, and we should use every second we've got to prepare."
The group nodded, "Right!"
TO BE CONTINUED…