Disclaimer: I, the author of this fan fiction do not own any of the characters or cards from the anime or TV show. This is purely for the enjoyment of myself and any who decide they want to read it.
This is an AU fic set a little after the Pharaoh and Kaiba take down Dartz. Oh, I'm not sure how they spell Yugi's last name in the dubbed version, just bear with me with Moto, I'll only be using it when referring to Yugi's grandfather and in duel intros. Thanks for your patience. Also, I'm going to be making a few additions to the decks of the main characters nothing major just adding some flavor. This fic will contain several duels using a variety of deck types, some of which have not been used on the show yet. Yet meaning the dubbed version aired in the us on the WB. Right now they're up to the last episode of the Joey Mai duel.
After the trying events of the doom saga, Yugi, the pharaoh, Joey, and their friends are hoping to enjoy a Duel Monsters tournament without having to risk their souls or bear the responsibility of saving the world from ancient evils.
Friendly Competition: A New Rival. Joey Vs Heaven's Sanctuary"Hey Mr. Moto, long time no see!" a young man wearing a gray denim jacket over a white shirt with black jeans called out as he entered the Game Shop.
Grandpa Moto looked up from behind his display with a warm smile on his face, "Joey my boy! How have you been lately?"
Joey Wheeler flashed a grin and lifted a thumb into the air as he came closer, "You know me Mr. Moto, nuthin can keep Joey Wheeler down for long!"
Mr. Moto laughed gently, "Good to hear. I'm surprised you came by yourself. Where's Tristan and Tea?"
"Der off doin me and Yug a big favor, keeping a place in line at registration. You know dat big tournament is starting up today. In fact I came by to get dat grandson a yours, at dis rate we're gonna be late!" Joey crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned against the display case.
"Ah yes, now I remember Yugi mentioned something about a tournament a few weeks ago." Mr. Moto started scratching his beard, "I'm sure he'll be ready in a moment, most likely he's putting the finishing touches on his deck." A sly smile spread across Mr. Moto's face as he anticipated Joey's reaction, "I got a few new cards that he was really interested in."
Joey's eyes widened slightly at the mention of new cards, and he stiffened noticeably, "What? You guys got new cards in and didn't bother ta tell me!"
Mr. Moto laughed out loud at Joey's indignant expression, "Relax Joey, we didn't forget about you! In fact I already put a few cards aside that I thought you'd be interested in."
Joey's expression eased and his easy grin quickly returned, "You're da best Mr. Moto, pure and simple. Always lookin out for us. So don't keep me in suspense, show me what ya got." Joey was eagerly rubbing his hands together, as Mr. Moto was already spreading some cards out in front of him.
"I really think you'll like this one." Mr. Moto pointed to a monster card with the picture of a kneeling female warrior clad in armor, armed with both a sword and shield.
"Penumbral Soldier Lady eh?" Joey struggled a little to get the name of the card out of his lips, "I dunno Mr. Moto, maybe I should stay away from cards dat I can't hardly pronounce."
They both shared a small laugh, and a sweat drop appeared on the back of Joey's head. "Maybe you're right Joey, but when I saw the card I got a feeling that it could help you out."
"Oh yeah? Well you've never steered me wrong before Mr. Moto, so whats da deal with dis card?" Joey picked it up off the table and examined it carefully.
"Well, as you can see it has a decent number of attack points for a level six monster, but its special ability makes it especially effective against light monsters."
Joey grinned down at the card, "Well, don't know how often I'll be running into a duelist who uses light monsters, but Mr. Moto was nice enough to put it aside for me, I should take it." "Thanks Mr. Moto, I'm sure dis will be a big help. Ya got anything else?"
Joey and Mr. Moto were still examining cards when Yugi appeared wearing his school uniform, with the Millennium puzzle secure around his neck, "Oh hey Joey! Sorry I'm late, I was just getting my deck ready. We should get going, don't want to miss the start of the tournament."
"No worries bud, Tea and Tristan are holding spots in line at registration, but we should be on our way. Thanks again for da cards Mr. Moto!" Joey smiled as he shook Mr. Moto's hand.
"Anytime Joey, you boys have a good time now, and be sure to win!" Mr. Moto's voice was rising as Joey and Yugi quickly made their way to the door.
"You know it Mr. Moto, Later!" Joey called back over his shoulder with a wave.
"Bye grandpa, see you later!" Yugi added as he glanced down at his watch, but his expression quickly soured, "Oh no, there's no way we'll be able to get there in time."
"No worries Yug, don't ya know Joey Wheeler's on da case? I managed ta secure us some wheels…" Joey's voice trailed off and the color quickly drained from his face as a horrified expression settled in. "Oh no. I'm dead."
"Joey? Whats the matter?" Yugi asked as the door to the game shop closed behind them.
"Joseph Wheeler! Just how much longer did you expect me to wait out here for you? I'm not a cab driver you dork!" A sweat drop quickly appeared on both Joey and Yugi as an obviously annoyed Mai Valentine vaulted over the side of her convertible and stalked towards Joey with her arms crossed and her eyes narrowed.
"Wow, Mai sure seems mad." Yugi remarked as she approached.
Yugi heard a deep voice in his head chuckling lightly, "I don't think we have to worry. She won't inflict any permanent damage." The voice of the pharaoh echoed slightly in Yugi's mind.
The sweat drop on Joey's face only seemed to grow larger as Mai got closer, he started waving his hands in front of him as he tried to explain himself. "I'm so sorry Mai, I totally forgot dat you were waitin for us, Mr. Moto was showing me some new cards and I guess I got distra…." Joey's explanation was roughly cut off as Mai secured him in a headlock and started rubbing her knuckles up and down his scalp.
Yugi was chuckling nervously at the scene and the pharaoh was openly laughing as Joey started to thrash and yelp in pain.
"You got distracted? I was nice enough to offer you a ride to the tournament and you completely forget about me when someone flashes some new cards in front of your face!" She finally released Joey with an indignant huff and began to march back to her car. "See if I ever do you a favor again, you two can just walk for all I care."
Both Joey and Yugi's eyes bugged, and Yugi quickly nudged Joey in the ribs with his elbow and hissed, "Apologize!"
"C'mon Mai, please don't be upset. I said I'm sorry, you know I didn't mean nuthin by it." Joey pleaded.
A small spark of hope was ignited in Joey as Mai stopped and turned back to him with a small smile on her face, after considering for a moment she answered, "Well, I guess your absentmindedness is nothing new, so maybe I overreacted a little bit."
Joey's face fell a little at the insult but a small smile was still on his face, "Ya forgive me den?" He asked hopefully.
Mai laughed lightly and she reached out and gave Joey a playful nudge to the arm, "Not by a long shot." She said sweetly.
Joey looked at her nervously and braced himself as if preparing to defend himself from another assault, "Huh?" his voice was quaking slightly. "I don't like dat look she's got on her face!"
"I'll still take you and Yugi to the tournament, but after it's over you owe me big." She began counting off her fingers, "A trip to the mall, the stylist, a nice dinner at an obscenely expensive restaurant,". As Mai continued her list Joey cringed more and more as he attempted to add the costs in his mind, and all the while Yugi couldn't help but laugh out loud at the expression on Joey's face.
Mai finally stopped as he she got a good look at Joey's face and joined Yugi in a fit of laughter. "Relax Joey, I'm not going to put you into debt to buy back my good graces."
Joey's eye twitched even as he let out a sigh of relief. He grinned at Mai, "You are an evil woman sometimes, you know dat Mai?"
Mai stiffened slightly at Joey's words and painful memories quickly flashed in her mind, and the image of Joey's unconscious body in her arms made her heart clench tightly in her chest.
Both Yugi and Joey noticed the change in her expression. "Look dat didn't sound da way I meant it ta Mai." Joey started to explain himself.
"No no, it's all right. I know you didn't mean anything by it. It's just…" She trailed off and lowered her gaze to the ground.
"Hey Mai," Joey began softly, "I thought we agreed that you weren't going to beat yourself up anymore about dat whole mess. You know how I feel about what happened." Joey reached out and caught her hand in his and squeezed gently.
Mai managed a small smile, "I know Joey, and it means so much to me that you still want to be my friend after what I did." She looked away from him again and closed her eyes.
"Enough Mai." Joey said gently, "Its all behind us now. Now c'mon I got a tournament ta win!"
Mai's eye twitched slightly as she quickly rose to the bait, "Hun, I already told you that this time I'm coming out on top."
"Yeah well you'll have ta get through me first!" Joey shot back.
Yugi let out a small sigh as the two started to bicker back and forth, "This could take a while, I hope Tea and Tristan don't get too mad holding our place in line."
"I'll just go wait in the car." Yugi was almost certain that neither Mai nor Joey heard him, but didn't bother to repeat himself. As he hopped into the back seat of Mai's car he heard the pharaoh's voice, "Well at least we can be sure that this won't be a dull day"
&&&
"Where have you guys been? We've been holding your place in line for over an hour now!" Tea Gardner crossed her arms as she shot an annoyed glare at Mai, Yugi, and Joey who arrived out of breath, they obviously had ran from the parking lot.
"All the good it did, you guys are the last duelists to show up! All the other competitors have already gone through registration!" Tristan Taylor added with a sour expression on his face.
"Oh no! Are we too late ta get in ta the tournament now?" Joey asked.
Tristan shook his head, "Lucky for you guys Tea was able to sweet talk the tournament coordinator into letting her register you guys for you! That's the guy right over there." he pointed out an obese man with greasy skin and a balding head.
The five friends shuddered simultaneously and Tea angrily pointed out, "You guys owe me, big! He actually had the nerve to put his arm around me!" Tea rubbed at the offended portion of her sleeve.
"The first duels of round one will be beginning shortly. All participating Duelists please report to your stations." A female voice called over the convention center's P.A. system.
"Come on guys, we gotta get Joey to his station, he's in one of the first duels!" Tea explained.
Joey pumped his fist in the air, "All right! Let me at da guy! Lead the way Tea, and I'll show him how ta duel Joey Wheeler style!" Joey had a bright gleam in his eye and was grinning widely.
Tristan shook his head and ruefully added, "Joey Wheeler style? You mean all luck and no brains?"
"Watch yourself buddy, I'll take ya down any day of da week!" Joey shot back angrily.
As they made their way through the center many other duelists and spectators started talking excitedly among themselves and pointing out towards Yugi and Mai. "You see, these people know talent when they see it!" Joey exclaimed proudly.
"They're all talking about Yugi and Mai, Joey. Why don't you let some of that hot air out of your head before you pop?" Tea commented dryly as everyone else chuckled.
"Keep ya snide comments ta yourself Tea! Besides these people love me! Hey little buddy you want an autograph from your favorite duelist?" Joey bent down to smile at a little boy holding onto his father's leg.
"Who are you?" the little boy asked in response, and Joey promptly fell over and his friends laughed even louder.
Mai bent over and helped Joey to his feet, "C'mon lets get you out of here before you embarrass yourself any more than you already have."
"You might as well leave him on the ground, it's where low class duelists like him belong." A deep voice called out.
Joey immediately recognized the speaker and stiffened angrily, "And ta think I actually hoped dat you would live up to your high and mighty attitude and decide not ta compete in dis tournament Kaiba."
"Any chance I have to get back my championship dueling title from Yugi, I will exploit Wheeler. You better hope that you don't get between me and Yugi, because I will take you down." Kaiba shot a glare at Yugi who grinned back in response.
"Anytime you wanna go rich boy!" Joey got right in Seto Kaiba's face before Yugi could get a word in, "I told ya da last time we dueled dat I would fight you anytime anywhere!"
"And I told you last time that dueling you would just be a waste of my time Wheeler. Why don't you run along home and leave this tournament to the real duelists. I hear that next week they're holding the junior division finals, maybe you could qualify." There was no smile on Kaiba's face, but it was still evident he was enjoying putting Joey down.
Joey growled in response and tightened his fists, "You're just lucky I'm late for my first match rich boy." Joey stalked off and his friends followed closely behind him.
"Dat stinking Kaiba, just who the hell he thinks he is I haven't a clue." Joey was muttering angrily to himself.
"When are you going to learn to ignore him Joey? You know better than anyone what a jerk Kaiba is. Don't let him get to you, you're one of the best duelists around." Tea pointed out as she placed a hand on Joey's shoulder.
Joey smiled as the tension left his shoulders, "You know what Tea? You're right, Kaiba ain't worth it. Besides it'll just make it all da sweeter when I finally kick his can in a duel!"
Tea let out a small sigh as she shook her head, "Geez, one little compliment and suddenly you think you can take on the whole world. Don't get ahead of yourself Joey, Kaiba's a jerk sure, but he's still one of the best there is."
"I'll get him one day. You wait and see." Joey promised.
"One duel at a time Joey! Don't forget you have a match to get to." Yugi reminded him.
"Yeah, hey there's the dueling station over there." Joey pointed out an area where a rectangular barricade was set up. The barricade was barely two feet tall, enough to clear out a large enough space for a duel. The blue walls of the barricade were flanked by five row bleachers, which were quickly filling up with duelists and other spectators who were eagerly awaiting the upcoming match.
"Good luck Joey, we'll all be cheering for you!" Yugi beamed a smile at Joey.
"Give him one for me, okay hun?" Mai added with a wink and a smile.
"Count on it! Get ready for a dazzling display of dueling skill!" Joey laughed as he trotted over to the barricade, not noticing the sweat drops that were running down the backs of his friends' heads.
"Well he's as confident as ever." Yugi remarked.
"If by confident you mean arrogant and reckless, then yes. He's as confident as ever." Tea remarked dryly. "C'mon lets grab some seats before they're all taken up.
&&&
"Name please?" A young woman wearing gray khaki pants with a dark blouse asked Joey as he approached the barricade.
"Joey Wheeler." Joey answered as he offered his hand.
She smiled as he shook Joey's hand, "Megan Lewis, I'll be the tournament official for this duel. I just want to make one thing clear. While you are allowed to converse with your opponent during the duel, we will not tolerate any discourteous or disrespectful behavior among our competitors. So please be sure to restrain yourself, all right?"
Joey's smile didn't falter, "No worries, I'm just here ta have fun and win."
"Very good, please take your place and wait for my signal to begin. Your opponent is already waiting for you." Megan answered.
"Thanks." Joey answered as he calmly vaulted over the barricade and took his first good look at his opponent. The young man wasn't any taller than Joey. He was wearing blue jeans with a black hoody crowned at the cuffs in circles of red. Blue eyes framed his face, and his head was covered in short black hair. Joey offered his opponent and waved a greeting, "Joey Wheeler."
The young man smiled back, "The name is Ken Shiro. I've heard about you Joey, I'm sure this is gonna be a fun duel."
"Oh yeah? Which part did you hear about? Second in duelist kingdom or fourth at battle city?" Joey asked with a wide grin.
A puzzled look crossed Ken's face, "Neither actually, I overheard a little kid asking Seto Kaiba if he could get help him get your autograph and he went off about…"
Joey waved Ken off, "Never mind I get da picture already. Let me just warn you dat Kaiba's got a habit of being less den honest about my dueling skills."
"Fair enough, I guess I'll just have to find out the old fashioned way. Lets get this duel started already." Ken eagerly called out to Megan.
Megan nodded once and brought a microphone up to her lips, "This first round duel between Joey Wheeler and Ken Shiro will now begin."
Joey and Ken simultaneously deployed their duel disks and each displayed four thousand life points, "Let's duel!"
Both players drew their first five cards but before looking at them Ken announced, "I hope you don't mind if I start things off." Before Joey could answer either way Ken drew his sixth card and spread his hand out.
"I guess not." Joey responded with a small grin on his face.
"Excellent. I couldn't ask for a better starting hand." Ken smiled as he moved two cards to his right hand; "First I'll place two cards face down on the field." As Ken placed his cards in his duel disk two shimmering holographic cards appeared at his feet. "Then I'll activate Different Dimension Capsule." A spell card appeared face up before Joey, displaying the picture of a sarcophagus.
"This card's effect allows me to remove one card from my deck from play. In two turns that card will come straight to my hand." Ken quickly pulled a card from his deck and deposited it inside his duel disk. "Finally I'll summon Absorbing Kid From the Sky in attack mode." Ken's duel disk generated a strange looking young boy with his heavy gut poking out from his white shirt. Small white wings flapped once as the monster stared at Joey with its arms crossed, a large blue box appeared displaying an attack strength of 1300. "That's all for now. Your move."
Joey had a frown on his face as he drew his sixth card; "I don't know about dat capsule a his, who knows what card he's hiding in dat thing. The good news is that he summoned a pretty wimpy monster, it should be easy enough to take out."
&&&
Meanwhile in the stands Mai, Tristan, Tea, and Yugi were all watching the duel attentively, "What do you think so far Yugi?" Tea asked.
"Its hard to say this early in the duel Tea. Joey has got to be worried about that card that Ken is going to draw, but he should be relatively safe for the next two turns." Yugi answered.
&&&
"All right den." Joey called out as he finished his plan. "I'll play two cards face down, den summon Alligator Sword in attack mode!" Three cards flashed into existence in front of Joey, one of them quickly assumed the form of a large alligator brandishing a sword. The display box revealed 1500 attack points.
"Dose two face down cards of his could be a problem, but I can't just sit back and take the risk dat he'll sacrifice dat monster ta play an even stronger one next turn. Besides my scapegoats should protect me if something goes wrong." Joey made up his mind and lifted to point at Ken's monster, "Alligator Sword, attack his monster with searing sword slash!"
Alligator Sword wasted no time in sprinting towards Absorbing Kid from the Sky, but Ken didn't look worried at all, "Reveal Energy Drain!" at his command one of the face down cards in front of him lifted itself. The purple card revealed an armored warrior struggling against an unseen force. "Absorbing Kid from the Sky counterattack!"
"What are you nuts?" Joey asked, "You're monster has less attack points den mine!"
Ken let out a laugh as his trap card flashed dangerously, suddenly Absorbing Kid from the Sky was bathed in a bright glow, and its attack strength leaped to 1900. When the two monsters collided, Alligator sword was thrown back and exploded into countless pieces. Joey gasped as his life point counter dropped to 3600.
"Allow me to explain," Ken began as his monster returned to his side of the field, "Energy Drain allows me to increase the attack strength of one of my monsters by two hundred points for every card in my opponent's hand." Ken pointed to Joey's hand, "Hence three cards means six hundred more attack points for my monster. But that's not the only thing you have to worry about."
"What do you mean?" Joey asked, and his eyes widened as Ken's life point counter leaped to 5200.
"Absorbing Kid From the Sky has a special ability. Whenever he destroys a monster in combat I gain three hundred life points for every star that monster had." He brandished his life point counter so Joey could easily see his score.
Joey frowned as he looked down at his duel disk. "All right, he caught me by surprise with dat trap and now he's got more life points den usual, but as long as I have my scapegoats ready to defend my life points I'll be able to comeback." Joey looked up at Ken with a smile on his face, "Good one pal, I guess its your move."
&&&
"That was a good move." Mai admitted. "Not only does Joey have no monsters on the field to protect his life points, but now he'll have to work even harder to bring Ken's life points to zero."
"I wouldn't be too worried yet." Yugi said, "Joey has gotten out of worse spots, and he still has two cards on the field."
&&&
Ken drew from his deck and examined the card with a smile, "Unfortunately, Energy Drain only works for one turn, so Absorbing Kid from the Sky goes back to 1300 attack points." Ken's monster wore a melancholy expression as its attack strength dropped back down. "Luckily, I have a monster right here with even more attack points." Ken quickly exchanged the monster card on his duel disk with another one, displaying the image of a winged warrior in large blue armor. "I sacrifice Absorbing Kid from the Sky in order to summon Airknight Parshath to the field in attack mode!"
Joey's eyes widened slightly with worry as a bright light enveloped Ken's first monster, when the light faded Joey was facing down a monster with 1900 attack points.
&&&
"This could be a problem." Yugi stated with a slight tone of awe in his voice.
"What do you mean Yugi? That isn't exactly the toughest monster I've ever seen." Tristan commented.
"Airknight Parshath is a rare Fairy type monster with powerful special abilities." Yugi began to explain, "And if Joey is going to play the card I think he is, he's in real trouble."
&&&
"Okay, I've got this guy right where I want him. I doubt his face down cards will be able to help him now." Ken lifted his arm, "Airknight Parshath, attack his life points directly!"
"Not quite pal!" Joey countered, "I activate scapegoats!" Shortly after revealing itself the green spell card spawned four small goats that arrayed themselves in front of the rushing Airknight Parshath.
Ken laughed out loud; "Sorry Joey, but your goats won't be able to protect you from my monster!"
"What are you going on about? My goats are all in defense mode!" Joey protested.
"Watch and learn!" Ken countered, "Airknight Parshath activate soul shear blade!" With a concentrated frown on its face Airknight Parshath lifted its sword above its head as it began emitting a bright yellow glow. With a casual sweep of the blade one of Joey's panicking scapegoats evaporated and an arc of yellow light slammed into Joey, nearly knocking him off his feet.
Joey grunted as he stumbled back to a standing position and looked on in amazement as his life point counter shifted again, dropping to 1700. "How did you do that if my goats were all in defense mode?"
"Airknight Parshath may not have a terribly impressive attack score for a level five monster, but its special abilities make it an invaluable asset nonetheless!" Ken was smiling as he addressed Joey, "You see when Airknight Parshath attacks a monster in defense mode, it deals the difference in damage directly to my opponent's life points. Since your goats have a nonexistent defense rating my Airknight was essentially attacking you as if your goats didn't even exist." Ken's Airknight casually swept its blade through the air as a small grin lit its features.
"No way." Was all Joey could think to say, "If he attacks another one of my scapegoats next turn, den dis duel is over!"
"I'm sure you'll be sorry to hear that my monster has another special ability that was activated when it damaged your life points." Ken continued.
"What do you mean?" Joey asked in a guarded tone.
"Since Airknight damaged your life points I can draw another card from my deck with no penalty." With a smile on his face Ken drew his card. After quickly reviewing his hand he looked back up to Joey, "Well I think that's enough for now, but don't forget that after my next turn is over I'll be able to open the different dimension capsule and access the card within it. Not that it matters, my Airknight only needs one more attack to bring your life points to zero."
Joey let out an indignant laugh, "If you think Joey Wheeler is just gonna sit back and let dat happen you got another thing coming!" "Talking big is one thing, but Ken's right. I'm in a lot of trouble here." Joey mused to himself as he reviewed the three cards in his hand. "Swordsman of Landstar, Tiny Winguard, and Sand Gambler, none of my monsters have enough attack points to take out his Airknight. Even if I summon one of them he'll just attack one of my goats to finish me off. My skull dice trap card could buy me another turn if I roll anything over a one, but I'd still lose life points and Ken'll be able to draw another card!" Joey gnawed on his lip for a moment as he continued to think, "My best shot is if I can draw a monster with enough attack points ta take his monster out."
"Come on, quit stalling and draw your card already." Ken called out with an impatient frown on his face.
"All right, All right, ya can't rush genius ya know." Joey replied with a nervous edge to his voice. He lifted his hand to his deck and closed his eyes as he drew his card.
&&&
"Unless Joey can draw a monster powerful enough to take out Ken's Airknight this could be his last turn." Yugi explained to his friends with a worried expression on his face.
"Don't count Joey out just yet." Mai responded, "I've got a feeling that he'll draw what he needs."
Tristan turned a disbelieving eye towards Mai, "I thought you gave up that whole psychic scam back at duelist kingdom."
Mai rolled her eyes, "I'm not psychic, it's just a feeling."
&&&
Joey opened his eyes and let out a mental cry of triumph, "Just what I was hoping for!". Joey looked up at Ken, "Hey Ken, check dis out, I summon Panther Warrior in attack mode!"
Ken's smile faltered slightly as Joey's Panther Warrior roared out a challenge as its 2000 attack points were displayed.
"All I gotta do is sacrifice one of my Scapegoats and your Airknight goes down da hard way! Go Panther Warrior, attack his Airknight Parshath!" With another roar Joey's Panther Warrior sprang forward and lifted its sword to strike even as another of Joey's scapegoats disappeared from the field.
Ken's Airknight Parshath rushed forward wearing a determined look on its face to meet the attack and the two monsters met with a vicious clash of steel, but Panther Warrior's sword sliced cleanly through Airknight Parshaths' blade and continued on to slice the monster in two. A small grimace appeared on Ken's face as his life points dropped to 5100.
"Yes! Joey Wheeler is back in control a dis duel!" Joey exclaimed happily.
"You're getting awfully excited over such a small victory. My Airknight may be gone but I still have 5100 life points and deck full of even more powerful Fairy type monsters." Ken answered, "So if you've finished your turn I think I'll take mine."
"Be my guest." Joey answered.
Ken wasted no time in drawing his card, after quickly reviewing his hand he placed another monster card on his duel disk, "I summon Mystical Elf in defense mode, and end my turn."
"So much for dat deck full of powerful Fairy monsters eh Ken?" Joey taunted as he drew his card.
"I only need to hold him off for this turn, then different dimension capsule will give me the card I need to help me wipe that smug grin off his face. My mystical elf has enough defense points to keep his panther warrior at bay." Ken let a smile drift onto his face, "After I summon my next monster I'll trigger my other trap card and I can end this duel with no fuss." Ken looked down at the trap card in question; it displayed the picture of an angel with wings widespread in front of an awesome light.
Joey also had a grin on his face as he reviewed his newest card, "I bet he thinks he's safe with that mystical elf protecting his life points, but dis monster can change all dat in a big hurry." "I summon Disc Fighter to the field in attack mode." A warrior in dark armor holding two green disks flared to life next to Panther Warrior the display showed an attack score of 1000.
"Big deal, that monster won't help you get past my mystical elf." Ken said.
"Well allow me ta educate ya. Disc Fighter, attack mystical elf, strategic strike!" With a growl Disk Fighter drew back and let both of its green disks fly. With a loud crash both of the projectiles collided with Mystical Elf, and the monster vanished without complaint as the disks returned to the warrior.
Ken's eyes were wide in his head, "But Disc Fighter's attack strength was no where near Mystical Elf's defense rate."
"You're not the only one that uses monsters with special abilities, whenever Disc Fighter attacks a monster in defense mode that has 2000 or more defense points, den dat monster is automatically totaled!" Joey was smiling as he lifted a finger to point at Ken's face down card, "And since you didn't use your face down card ta stop my Panther Warrior from destroying your Airknight I'd say it won't be able to stop me from attacking your life points directly. I offer up another scapegoat so Panther warrior can attack, say goodbye to 2000 of your life points!"
With a single slash of Panther Warrior's sword Ken was knocked back to the edge of the barricade and his life point counter quickly dropped to 3100.
After Ken collected himself he addressed Joey, "I gotta admit, you surprised me with that one Wheeler. You were right, Kaiba really doesn't tell the tale when it comes to you, but if your turn is over then this duel is mine because the different dimension capsule opens at the beginning of my turn!" Ken exclaimed.
"Yeah, go ahead and take your best shot, I'm ready for ya!" Joey challenged back.
&&&
"That's the way Joey, take it to him!" Tristan called from the stands as the crowd got more excited with the duel.
"Yeah show him whose boss!" Tea added in.
The voice of the pharaoh began talking in Yugi's head, "Joey did make an excellent play, but this duel is far from over. Ken pulled that card from his deck for a reason, and he'll be able to use it this turn."
"Yeah I'm worried too. That card could be anything." Yugi responded.
&&&
"My move!" Ken drew his card and his duel disk started emitting a bright light from the card graveyard. As Ken deposited his different dimension capsule into the graveyard another card immediately popped out into his waiting hand, "I play The Sanctuary in the Sky!" A slot opened at the far end of Ken's duel disk and he neatly deposited a green card, immediately the duel disks holo projectors began humming with intensity as they displayed a dazzling light show.
The audience was stunned silent and Joey was forced to shield his eyes from the glare. After a few moments Joey was able to lower his hands and get a good look at Ken's newest card. Behind Ken a massive white marble temple floated serenely on a bed of clouds. There was even a holographic sun behind it that was letting off the bright glow.
"What is dat?" Joey asked in awe.
"The Sanctuary in the Sky is a place of great strength, it allows me to unlock the hidden powers of my most devastating monsters!" Ken cried out as he lifted a card high above his head, "I summon the Agent of Force Mars, in attack mode!" Ken slapped his monster card in place, the duel arena was bathed in an eerie red glow as a bright white circle materialized in front of Ken. A red figure with dark wings, and white eyes slowly floated up from the portal bearing a double-sided weapon. One end was crowned with a heavy war hammer, while the other elongated into two spear points.
Finally the red light vanished as the Agent of Force twirled its weapon over its head and brought its spear points to bear in Joey's direction, but the crowd was puzzled to note that the monster had 0 attack points.
Joey actually let out a nervous laugh and made a show of wiping the sweat from his brow, "Dat light show a yours had me worried for a second dere, but dat's your most devastating monster? What can it do with no attack points?"
Ken smiled as his monster frowned at Joey, "You're quite right the Agent of Force has no attack or defense points, but like so many of his brethren, his inner powers can be brought forth by The Sanctuary in The Sky. I assure you, its special abilities make it more than capable of bringing you down, just look! Agent of Force activate force of life!"
The Agent of Force issued a deep booming cry as its red skin gave off a deep blue aura. It's eyes cast off a deep glare and before Joey and the awestruck audience it doubled in size and mass. When the monster stopped growing it looked down on Joey's side of the field and its eyes spilled an amber glow. The display informed Joey that the Agent of Force now possessed 1400 attack and defense points.
"Okay." Joey began a bead of nervous sweat forming on his face, "Dat's a little more impressive den it was a second ago. How'd you do dat?"
"When The Sanctuary in the Sky is on field the Agent of Force's attack and defense scores become equal to the difference between our life points. Provided of course that I have more life points than my opponent, which has been the case for this entire duel." Ken had a confident smile on his face as he addressed Joey.
Joey was smiling as well, "I gotta hand it ta ya bud, I had no idea I was in for such a fight when I took my first look at you. You're monsters have thrown me for a loop more den once, but I'm still in control of dis duel! Your Agent may have more attack points den my Disc Fighter, but even if you destroy it my Panther Warrior will just take it down next turn!"
"Oh?" Ken asked with an amused grin on his face. "Do you really think so? Why don't we find out? Agent of Force, attack Disc Fighter, Heaven Fury!" The Agent of Force launched itself high into the air with one flap of its powerful wings, it let out a deep war cry as it plummeted towards Disc Fighter while twirling its weapon between its fingers.
"Reveal Skull Dice!" Joey cried out, with a bright flash the Agent of Force was halted in its attack and began floating in front of Disc Fighter.
A bead of nervous sweat flowed down Ken's face as he saw an impish creature toss a die in between Disc Fighter and The Agent of Force. "What are you up to Wheeler? What does that trap card do?"
Joey was grinning, "Its simple division Ken. Your monster's attack score will be divided by the number rolled on the die. Isn't math fun when it works for ya?"
Ken let out a strained breath as he anxiously watched for the die to stop rolling, and nearly fainted when it slowed on a six, but the die turned a final time and settled on a two.
"Not as good as I was hoping for, but still enough to let my Disc Fighter take your monster down! Counterattack with exploding disk throw!" Joey shouted as the Agent of Force's attack strength dropped by half to settle at 700.
"You won't take the Agent of Force down so easily Wheeler! Or have you forgotten about my face down card?" Ken challenged as he activated his other face down card.
"Oh no, what's dat?" Joey asked with dread as he gazed on the trap card.
"Solar Ray!" Ken answered. "For every light monster on my side of the field you lose 600 life points!"
"What?" Joey exploded with shock as a bright light burst from the trap card and slammed into him directly. Joey winced as he watched his life point counter drop to 1100 and gazed back up in time to see the Agent of Force's attack strength increase from 700 to 1300. Joey could only watch with dread as his Disc Fighter heaved a green disk at the Agent of Force with dizzying speed, but just as quickly the other monster used its hammer to bat away the projectile and quickly closed on Disc Fighter. With a blinding flash of steel the Agent of Force impaled Disc Fighter on its spear, it only took a moment for Joey's monster to shatter.
Once again Joey's life point counter shifted this time settling on 800 while the Agent of Force retreated to stand before Ken and displayed an improved attack score of 1600.
"Well then, I think you've had enough for this turn." Ken started with a satisfied smile on his face, "But before I let you draw your last card I'll place another one face down on the field." The card flashed to existence at Ken's feet. "Your move Joey."
"Dis definitely isn't good. Skull Dice only works for one turn, so as soon as I draw my card his Agent of Force will have more attack points den my Panther Warrior. None of the monsters in my hand will be strong enough to take it out either. I could always try Sand Gambler, but I'm really hoping for a clutch draw here." Joey admitted as he reached for his deck.
He drew his card and a big grin split his face, "I activate Pot of Greed! Now I can draw another two cards from my deck!"
Ken's smile faltered slightly even though his Agent of Force's attack power shifted to settle on 2300 attack points, "I don't like this, the more cards he draws the better the chance he'll find something that can destroy my Agent."
Joey drew his cards, "Not bad at all, Graceful Charity and Offerings to da Doomed. But before I use Offerings to take out his Agent I might as well see if I can't draw something dat can handle the job better."
"I play Graceful Charity!" Joey announced as he drew another three cards from his deck.
"Damn!" Ken swore angrily in his mind as he waited for Joey to play his next card.
"Very nice if I do say so myself." Joey looked at his cards in glee, "Roulette Spider, Graverobber, and Magic Arm Shield. So first I'll ditch the Swordsman of Landstar and Tiny Winguard." Joey took the two monster cards he picked out and deposited them in his graveyard, "I gotta discard two cards, and I pick dese."
"That's fine. Anything else?" Ken asked, his voice hopeful.
Joey actually laughed, "Yeah you'd like it if I didn't have any other moves, sorry to disappoint you. I play Offerings to da Doomed!" The Spell card appeared in front of Joey as he explained, "Dis card let's me destroy any monster on the field as long as I give up my next draw phase, so say goodbye to your Agent of Force!"
Several long bandages appeared from the face of Joey's spell card and they raced towards the Agent of Force. Joey let out a triumphant laugh as the first ones began wrapping themselves around Ken's monster.
"Sorry Joey, good idea, but you picked the wrong monster!" Ken retorted with a bright smile on his face.
"What are you going on about? Your monster is toast!" Joey shouted back. Joey's protest was cut short and he looked on in shocked amazement as the Agent of Force's eyes glowed with a fierce light. Before Joey's eyes his Spell card shattered, and the Agent of Force was undamaged.
"The Agent of Force is not only a powerful combatant, but he also possesses a natural resistance to all Spell cards!" Ken explained. "If you want to get rid of my Agent you can't rely on any of your Spell cards!"
"Ah well dat's just great. I just threw away my next draw phase for nothing!" Joey complained to himself as he surveyed the field and weighed his options. Dis is really starting to look bad!"
&&&
In the stands Joey's friends all concurred with his assessment, "This Ken guy has Joey against the ropes, and he's moving in for the knockout." Tristan exclaimed with quiet awe.
"Quit it with your pessimism Tristan, Joey will make a comeback, he always does." Mai answered back without much enthusiasm.
"You sound so sure of yourself when you say that." Tea remarked with worry in her voice.
"I am sure!" Mai defended herself more hotly, "Do you think Joey's gonna let himself be beaten in the first round of a tournament after what Kaiba said to him earlier? He'd sooner put on a dog costume than give up on this duel!"
Mai was extremely satisfied when she saw the grins form on her friends' faces, she was quite pleased with herself, not realizing that it was the memory of Joey in a dog costume at Duke Devlin's game shop that caused their smiles. Not any renewed enthusiasm in Joey's chances of winning.
"Don't worry Yugi. Joey is strong, he can turn this duel around, he just needs to have faith in his deck, and we need to have faith in him." The pharaoh's voice echoed in Yugi's mind.
"Mai's right guys, Joey will turn this duel around, we just need to keep believing in him." Yugi chimed in with a hopeful voice.
&&&
"Okay Joey. You let dis guy have his fun and let the dramatic suspense build up enough for da crowd. Its time ta win dis duel!" Joey tried to pump himself up in his mind, "I just have ta play my cards right, and Ken will give me da chance I need ta end dis!"
"Well Joey, are you gonna play any other cards, or should I just take my last turn and end this duel?" Ken asked.
"I don't think so Ken, Joey Wheeler never calls it quits! First I'll switch my Panther Warrior to defense mode!" Joey called back as he shifted his card from a vertical to horizontal position.
Joey's blood went cold when Ken let out a triumphant laugh, "I was just waiting for you to do that Joey! I activate Tragedy!" Ken pushed the appropriate button on his duel disk and his face down card was revealed to be a trap with the picture of a screaming woman and a dark figure menacing her.
"I can activate this card anytime you switch a monster from attack mode to defense mode." Ken informed him.
"Oh yeah?" Joey shot back, "Well don't keep me suspense, what does da card do?"
Ken grinned, "It destroys every monster on your side of the field in defense mode!"
Joey's eyes widened as a black mist quickly spread along the ground from Ken's trap card and moved in towards his Panther Warrior and Last scapegoat. As soon as the mist reached his monsters, dark hands reached up and clawed at them until they had a secure grip. With frightening speed Joey's monsters were dragged from site and were gone.
"I've got you right where I want you Wheeler, with no monsters on the field this turn will be your last!" Ken gloated.
"Sorry ta disappoint you Ken, but my turn ain't over yet!" Joey responded. "I summon Sand Gambler ta the field in defense mode!" A hologram of a smiling man kneeling on one knee and tossing three coins into the air flashed to life in front of Joey. "Then I'll place two cards face down on the field!" With a flash of light the cards appeared at Joey's feet.
Ken wasn't impressed, "Anything else Joey?"
"Yeah, as a matter of fact there is. I activate Sand Gambler's special ability!" With a flick of his wrist the Sand Gambler tossed all three of his coins high in the air.
"What are you up to Wheeler?" Ken asked with a hint of suspicion in his voice.
Joey grinned, "Just a simple coin toss is all Ken. Here's da rules, if I get all heads your Agent is destroyed, all tails means my Sand Gambler is toast! How does dat strike ya?"
Ken frowned, "You only have a one in six shot Wheeler, and its just as likely that you're monster will be destroyed as mine."
"Dat's what makes it so interesting!" Joey called back. "Now pay attention, da coins are coming down."
Both the duelists and the audience watched with rapt attention as the coins began their descent to the floor. The first coin that struck landed on heads, and Joey smiled while Ken quickly wiped his brow. The second coin landed, bounced into the air and finally settled on heads, now the ground was murmuring excitedly amongst themselves while Ken's eyes widened in disbelief. The last coin came down and was spinning rapidly on its edge, and Ken suddenly felt faint as more sweat began decorating his brow. After an agonizing wait the last coin finally settled and Ken let out a deep breath of relief as the crowd broke out into an amazed groan as they realized that Ken's monster wouldn't be destroyed.
Joey couldn't believe his bad luck, "I was so close!" but he quickly composed himself "But close don't count in duel monsters. Get it tagether Wheeler, dis duel ain't over yet."
"All right Ken, its your move."
Ken let out another relieved breath as he drew his next card, "I'll place one card face down on the field and summon Hysteric Fairy in attack mode." The cards flashed into existence and a Fairy with white wings, blue hair, and glasses stood next to the Agent of Force, displaying an attack strength of 1800. "I gotta hand it to you Wheeler, you had me worried back there, but this is it, the last turn. Agent of Force, attack Sand Gambler, Hammer blow!"
"Not this time Ken! I activate Magic Arm Shield!" Joey's trap card sprang into action just before the Agent of Force could bring its hammer down on top of Sand Gambler, a large spring arm exploded from the face of the card and grabbed Ken's Hysteric Fairy. "Say goodbye to 500 life points Ken, cause your Agent of Force has a new target!" With blinding speed Joey's trap card threw Hysteric Fairy into the Agent of Force's path, Ken's monster seemed to be confused for a moment, but with one swing of the Agent's hammer Hysteric Fairy was no more.
Joey's grin didn't last however, because Ken's life points didn't even flicker for a moment. "Hey! What's da deal! You shoulda lost five hundred life points!"
Ken answered quickly, "Sorry to disappoint you Joey, it was a good move but you forgot about The Sanctuary in the Sky!" Ken waved a hand to indicate the temple behind him still floating gently on a bed of clouds.
"What are you talking about? You telling me dat card has another ability besides hyping up the Agent of Force?" Joey asked.
Ken shook his head, "I guess you didn't catch on yet Joey. The Agent of Forces' special ability gives it the additional attack and defense points when The Sanctuary in the Sky is in play."
Joey couldn't believe his ears, "So what does dat card do den?"
"As long as The Sanctuary is in play neither one of us can lose any life points when our fairy type monsters are destroyed as a result of battle." Ken informed him proudly. "But you shouldn't feel too bad Joey, you protected your monster and managed to take out one of mine. Good play, I have to end my turn." Ken announced with an approving smile on his face.
"Yeah, he can afford to be gracious. He knows as well as I do dat I can't draw dis turn, and the cards I already have can't hurt him" Joey frowned in concentration as he tried to think. "Since I can't draw I'll just activate Sand Gambler's special ability." Once again Joey's monster threw three coins high into the air. "C'mon lady luck, you've been so good to me up til now just give me a little more love!" Joey silently prayed.
Ken and Joey shared frowns when the coins hit the floor, two tails and one head, once again neither one of them got the result they wanted. "I end my turn." Joey announced.
"I only have one shot to stay in dis duel now. If he can summon another monster, he has to attack with his Agent of Force first."
Ken drew his card and smiled, "I summon Mystical Shine Ball in attack mode." With a flash of light a bright translucent orb appeared next to the Agent of Force and displayed an attack strength of 500 points. "I'm sure you don't think much of it Joey, but after my Agent of Force destroys your sand Gambler it'll take more than half of your remaining life points from you." Ken pointed at Joey's monster, "Agent of Force, destroy his Sand Gambler now!"
With one quick blow Joey's monster was destroyed, and Ken followed up with another command "Mystical Shine Ball attack his life points directly!"
Joey was activating his trap card before Ken could even finish his order, "Reveal Graverobber! Dis trap card lets me play any card I want from your graveyard!"
"What?" Ken called out in surprise. "What's the matter Wheeler, your own cards can't save you so you have to take mine instead?"
"What can I say? I'm a bright guy. Dis trap card lets me use my opponents' best cards against them, and dis time I choose Airknight Parshath!" Joey exclaimed as his laughing gnome flipped the card it was holding to reveal Ken's Airknight Parshath. "Somehow I don't think dat Airknight is too impressed with your Mystical Shine Ball Ken." Joey taunted as a casual sweep of the Airknights' sword cut Ken's monster clean in half.
"Damn it Wheeler, stop being so stubborn! Not even my Airknight can stop the Agent of Force. You're just delaying your inevitable defeat." Ken snapped angrily.
Joey started wagging a finger in the air as he smiled, "Now now, don't start pouting. You've fought a great match so far, no need ta get upset."
"Fine, just make your move Wheeler." Ken acquiesced.
"I'd be happy to." Joey drew his card and looked down on it. "Yes! Just what I needed ta get rid of his magic card!" "Sorry Ken, but I'm about ta take a huge chunk of your life points!"
Ken laughed, "Yeah right Wheeler you don't have any monster powerful enough to get past my Agent of Force."
"Sure I do." Joey argued with a light tone, "Or should I say, sure I will?"
"What are you talking about?" Ken asked in an annoyed tone.
"I play Giant Trunade!" Joey called as he slapped the Spell card home, "Dis magic card sends all your magic and trap cards back ta ya hand!"
Pure panic seized Ken as a massive whirlwind issued forth from Joey's card threatening to blow his sanctuary away and leave him completely open to a devastating attack, "Activate Cursed Seal of the Forbidden Spell!" Ken quickly took a card from his hand that was framed in green and sent it to his graveyard. "Since I've discarded a spell card from my hand to the graveyard, my trap card will stop your magic card!" Ken declared loudly over the roar of Joey's magic card. A circle of light appeared at Ken's feet and glowed brightly as dark red mist issued forth. When the mist touched the whirlwind it completely died without any complaint.
"Okay, dis is officially getting annoying. Dis guy has managed to stop almost every strategy I've used since dis duel began!" Joey growled inside his mind as hot anger bubbled up in him.
Meanwhile Ken was breathing heavily as he tried to calm his racing heart, "That was way too close. Not only would he have destroyed my Agent, he would've knocked me down to twelve hundred life points."
Joey finally calmed down and looked down at the last card in his hand. "Its my only option right now, I have ta go for it!" "All right Ken, listen up."
Ken's blues eyes rose up to meet Joey's, "Yeah? What's next Wheeler, you ending your turn?"
"Not just yet, buddy. I play roulette spider!" Joey announced as he slid the magic card into place.
Ken let out an exasperated groan as the mechanical spider appeared on the field, "Skull Dice, Sand Gambler, Roulette spider? Has anyone ever told you that you're a candidate for a major gambling problem?"
Joey laughed out loud and scratched the top of his head as he closed his eyes in embarrassment, "What can I say? It's fun ta play da odds!"
Ken shook his head slightly even as he smiled, "Fine then, just get on with it. What does this card do?"
"I'm delighted you asked," Joey responded, "After I give up half of my life points Roulette Spider will attach itself ta the strongest monster on the field." As he spoke Joey's life point counter flashed down to 400, while the Agent of Force's attack strength climbed to 2700.
Ken frowned in confusion, "I already told you that no spell cards can effect the Agent of Force, you just gave up half your life points for nothing."
"Now now, you didn't let me finish." Joey complained. "Since Roulette spider can't attach itself to your Agent of Force, it has to attach itself to Airknight Parshath!" As Joey pointed to the Airknight the spider obediently attached itself to the monsters' face and began spinning it rapidly in a circle.
"What's going on Wheeler?" Ken called out nervously as the monster began to spin faster and faster.
"Well, since Airknight is your monster you're gonna have to tell it ta stop, and when it does its going ta be facing one of three targets on da field." Joey began to point, "Either the Agent of Force, Me, or You!"
A bead of nervous sweat made its way down Ken's face as Joey continued, "And whatever target the Airknight is facing will be attacked directly." Joey flashed a bright smile, "So what are ya waiting for Ken? Go ahead and tell it ta stop!"
"This guy has got guts I have to give him that. There's just as much of a chance that Airknight Parshath will attack him as it will me. The only way that this can help him is if Airknight attacks me directly, but that won't cost me the duel, if it attacks him he's finished!" Ken mused silently to himself as his brows furrowed in concentration.
After a few moments of watching his monster spinning helplessly in the middle of the field Ken finally called out, "Airknight Parshath! Stop!"
&&&
The audience was completely silent as the monster began to slow down, and Joey's friends jaws were slack in shock and excitement.
"What was he thinking?" Tristan complained out loud. "If that thing lands on him he's out of the tournament!"
"Yes!" Yugi agreed, "But if it lands on Ken, then he'll drop down to 1200 life points and his Agent of Force will be weaker than Joey's Airknight Parshath!"
"Of course, it could always land on the Agent of Force, and Joey's monster will get completely creamed!" Tea added.
Mai didn't bother to add her comments, "C'mon you have to land on Ken!" She silently pleaded.
&&&
Ken was suddenly feeling nauseous and weak, "What's taking this thing so long? And how can Wheeler look so calm? Doesn't he realize he could lose the duel right here?"
Joey was wearing a calm smile on the outside, but he was much more worried than he let on, "Come on, give me a break here! I can't lose da first duel of da tournament! Kaiba'll never let me live it down, dat arrogant prick!" Joey's eye twitched for a moment but he managed to hold onto his calm face.
With an agonizing delay that was really only a few moments the monster finally began to slow down, and to Joey's panicked eyes, it was pointing at the wrong side of the field. "Ah no, don't do dis ta me. You better keep on rolling ya stinking monster!" Joey silently pleaded. He couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh when the arrow passed him by without stopping. Joey grinned while the color drained from Ken's face. "Dis is it. One in two shot, either its gonna be da Agent or Ken."
"Stop! Stop! Stop!" Ken was frantically repeating over and over again in his mind, trying to will the monster to stop on his Agent, but his request was ultimately denied as his own monster settled directly in front of him.
The audience exploded into an amazed cheer as Joey shouted in glee, "Go Airknight Parshath! Attack his life points directly!" As Joey pumped his fist into the air Ken covered his face with both of his arms as a beam of golden light slammed into him and pushed him back several feet until the back of his heels came into contact with the barricade. With an agonized grunt Ken shot both of his arms out to balance himself in order to avoid falling over.
By the time Ken's life point counter stopped flashing it showed that he had 1200 life points remaining. His Agent of Force suddenly shrunk in both size and mass and its attack and defense ratings both plummeted to 800.
"How sweet it is!" Joey called out. "But wait, dere's more! After all since Airknight Parshath has dealt damage to your life points dat means I can draw another card from my deck!"
"So go ahead and draw your card so I can finish this duel!" Ken called out.
Joey drew his card and reviewed it carefully. "Dis ain't a bad card ta have on da field for emergencies." Joey decided. "I place one card face down on da field and end my turn."
With a shaking hand Ken drew his card and looked at it and a large smile spilled across his face. "This is too perfect. I was just going to use Monster Reborn, but there's no need to bother with it now. With this monster I'll finish him this turn!" Ken looked up at Joey, "I just drew it." He announced.
A bead of nervous sweat colored Joey's face, "Drew what? Whaddya talking about?"
"I sacrifice the Agent of Force Mars!" A vicious wind immediately began swirling around the legs of the Agent of Force and before long the Monster faded in a red haze of light. The howling winds only intensified as Ken continued, "To bring forth The Agent of Judgement Saturn in attack mode!" Ken finished with a powerful shout as his hair and cloths were billowing around him under the fierce glades. Ken placed the monster card on his duel disk and a pillar of brilliant blue light shot up from the ground where the Agent of Force had stood.
As the light faded Joey was confronted with the image of a blue monster draped in white robes that was flanked by matching blue feathered wings that sprung from either shoulder. Bright yellow eyes peered at Joey as if they were staring straight through him, and Joey suddenly felt nervous and insecure under the scrutiny. It didn't help when the display informed him that the monster had 2400 attack points.
"It's been fun Wheeler, but this duel is over!" Ken called out with a wide smile on his face.
"You seem ta be forgetting da fact dat I have a Fairy monster on my side of the field. Your field magic card will make sure dat I don't lose any life points even if you attack!" Joey responded.
Ken actually laughed before explaining himself, "Sorry Joey but you're wrong. The Sanctuary in the Sky won't save you, in fact that's the reason why I'm going to win this duel!"
"Are you saying dat da sanctuary gives dat monster a special ability too?" Joey asked shocked disbelief coloring his voice.
Ken nodded slowly, enjoying himself immensely, "That's right Joey. As long as I have more life points than my opponent and the Sanctuary is in play, then I can sacrifice my Agent of Judgement to deal the difference between our life points as direct damage to yours!"
Joey took an unconscious step back as Ken lifted an arm to point straight at him, "Go Agent of Judgment, attack his life points directly with Heaven's Justice!" The Agent of Judgement folded its arms in front of its chest and began glowing with an intense yellow light. Suddenly a ball of white-hot energy began growing in front of the Agent of Judgement even as the monster began to fade from view. When the monster finally vanished from sight the energy wave launched itself at Joey at an incredible speed.
Joey couldn't even keep his eyes open as he turned away from the glow, he desperately wanted to cover his eyes with his hands to shield himself from the glare, but his right hand was blindly groping for his duel disk as he shouted as loud as he could, "Activate TRAP!". At the last possible moment Joey managed to snag the proper button on his duel disk and his face down card sprung into action, but it wasn't fast enough to stop the explosion of light that caused the entire audience and Ken to shy away from the scene and cover their eyes.
After a few moments the light died down and Joey was revealed, breathing heavily. He let off a grin as he lifted his duel disk so Ken could see his life point counter, it still read as 400.
"What? That's impossible! Your life points should have gone down to zero!" Ken called out in outraged amazement.
"Sorry Ken, but not dis time. Did ya forget my face down card?" Joey pointed down at his trap card that had the picture of several grinning goblins watching in amusement as a shoe was falling on one of their brethren. "Dis Trap of Board Eraser changes the amount of damage inflicted to my life points from a card effect ta zero!" Joey lifted his finger to point at Ken, "Which means dis duel is still on!"
Ken was seething, he couldn't believe that his attack had failed to win him the duel. "I can't believe this guy is still hanging on! What do I have to do to finish him off?" Ken let out a haggard breath and looked down at the last card in his hand. "All right, he wants to drag this out for another turn, I'll oblige him. But I have the card I need to end this duel next turn."
"Okay Wheeler, you obviously want this duel to last another turn, so I guess I can be patient for a little longer. But before I let you draw your last card I have one last move to make. I'll play Monster Reborn to bring the Agent of Judgement Saturn back to the field!" With a flash of blue light the Agent of Judgement was back on the field. "Since I can only use the Agent of Judgements' effect once per turn you're safe for now. But my next turn will be the last turn." Ken promised.
"Isn't dat about da third time you've said dat today Ken?" Joey asked with a grin as he drew his card. He looked down at a picture of a man standing over a table with duel monster cards on it pointing out as if to accuse the person holding the card of wrongdoing. "Well now dis is interesting." Joey said. "I activate da magic card Reasoning!"
Ken's eyes widened in surprise, "Reasoning?"
"Dat's right." Joey assured him. "Here's how it works, you pick a monster level and I start picking up cards from my deck until I find a monster card. If you guessed the correct monster level, all the cards go to my graveyard, but if ya guess wrong den da monster is automatically summoned ta da field!" Joey crossed his arms in front of his chest, "So go ahead Ken, pick a number!"
"Okay, there's no reason to panic. All I have to do is make sure he doesn't summon a monster with more attack points than my Agent of Judgement. So the safe bet is to guess level 7 since there aren't many level six or lower monsters that have more than 2400 attack points." Ken thought to himself.
"Fine Wheeler, I choose level seven!" Ken declared.
Joey smirked, Dat's right, play it safe Ken. Sure dis means dat I can't rely on good ol Red Eyes, but I got another monster in mind. I only hope dat I draw it or it will be my last turn!"
"Fair enough Ken, here goes." Joey drew three cards before the dull brown edges of a monster card caught his full attention. He gazed down at it with rapt attention for a moment before he broke out into a full smile. He lifted the monster so that Ken could see that six stars decorated it and not seven.
A knot tied itself in Ken's stomach as he realized that Joey would get to summon his monster, "Relax, the odds are with you. As long as it has less than 2400 attack points you'll be fine." "Fine, go ahead and play your monster." Ken said icily.
"I summon Penumbral Soldier Lady in attack mode!" Joey called out as he slapped the card in place on his duel disk. With a bright flash a female warrior clad in armor and equipped with a sword and shield joined Airknight Parshath on Joey's side of the field. Ken let out a sigh of relief when the display showed that it only had 2100 attack points.
"Penumbral Soldier Lady, attack his Agent of Judgement Saturn!" Joey called out.
Ken couldn't contain his surprised response, "What are you doing Wheeler? Your monster has fewer attack points than mine!"
"Watch and learn Ken! Penumbral Soldier Lady gets an extra thousand attack points whenever she enters battle with a light monster! I'd say your Agent of Judgement fits the bill pretty well." Joey called back as the display showed Penumbral Soldier Lady's new attack score of 3100. With one determined stroke of her sword the Penumbral Soldier Lady sheared the Agent of Judgments' head clean off its shoulders. In an instant the monster was gone, and Ken's side of the field was left bare.
Joey couldn't keep the happy smile off his face, "Well Ken, it's been a lot of fun, but its over."
Ken's face fell and his arms hung limp at his side, "Yeah, I guess your right. Well then, go ahead and finish it."
"Airknight Parshath attack his life points directly!" With one final swing of its sword Ken's life points plummeted to zero, and the duel disk's holographic projectors dimmed as they turned themselves off.
"Ladies and gentleman your winner in this round one duel Joey Wheeler!" Megan called from the sidelines. The crowd erupted in generous applause and shouting as Joey and Ken approached each other and shook hands vigorously.
"I can't say I'm not disappointed losing in the first round and all." Ken admitted with a sad face. "But I'm glad I was able to play such a great match with you Joey."
"Same here Ken, and hey don't sweat it. You fought a great duel." Joey encouraged him with a smile.
"Thanks Joey. I'll sure feel a lot better if I know I lost to the man who became tournament champion. I'll be rooting for you, don't let me down eh?" Ken asked with a small smile.
"You can bet on it bud." Joey responded with a wink and a thumbs up.
They left the barricaded dueling arena together and Joey was immediately tackled into headlock by Tristan, "Way to go Joey! I can't believe you actually pulled that one out!"
Joey struggled against Tristan's grip as he shot back, "Whaddya men you can't believe it? I had him where I wanted him da whole time!"
"Joey Hun, I'm ecstatic that you won the duel, but do you think could show at least a little modesty?" Mai asked with a hand on her forehead. "I can't stand it when men can't be honest with themselves."
A panicked look crossed Joey's face, "No no! I'm real honest. I thought da guy had me at least half a dozen times! I swear I was petrified dat Kaiba would hear I lost in da first round and never let me hear da end of it!"
Mai lifted an eyebrow while Tea, Tristan, and Yugi had knowing looks on their faces.
Tea decided to change the subject to save Joey any more embarrassment, "C'mon guys we gotta get to the next match. Yugi is up!"
"Me and Joey will catch up with you." Mai answered as she grabbed Joey by the elbow and walked off with him.
"Uh Mai? What's up? Why aren't we going with da others ta watch Yugi's duel?" Joey tried futilely to struggle against her grip but she held him secure.
There were a few questions that Mai wanted to clear up with Joey.
End
Okay folks that's chapter one. A few notes for you. I'm trying to stay true to the rules we're used to on the TV show and whenever that conflicts with the tcg in real life I went with the rules on the show. Some of you might be wondering whether or not the Sanctuary in the Sky card would have protected Ken from direct attacks involving Fairy monsters, but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't. I tried to write the best duel I could, and put in new cards in Joey's deck since I couldn't exactly recall all of his cards. I thought the cards I added fit with Joey's style and I'd love to hear your opinions on the matter.
So I'm wondering if I should just continue writing duels or try to add in some more serious plot lines like an evil madman with the millennium scale out to capture the souls of powerful duelists. Right now the only thing for sure that I know I want to do is write good duels and try to throw in a good Joey/Mai element which I unfortunately think was the weakest part of the story so far.
So please let me know what you think as far as criticisms or suggestions to plot lines and the story and the next chapter will be Yugi Vs a Dragon Deck with the Envoy of the End as the main monster.
Oh one more thing, the three legendary dragons and god cards won't be in this fic. Don't get me wrong they're awesome, but I think they're too powerful for Yugi Joey and Kaiba to use in what is so far a casual tournament for fun.
So please read and review, and hopefully I can have the next chapter up soon.
Thanks,
Madmanmay
