Back at the castle, the Gradii came in for a landing, and the crews jumped out.
"So what's the plan?" Lily wondered. Kuro was licking her toxic claws clean, only now glancing at the others.
"We're going to have to defend this place with our spirit forms. It may sound suicidal against those numbers, but the best chance we have is if one of us can ascend to a higher form. So far all those who have ascended have had incredible energy, and if we can get a strong enough form, we may have a chance," Chuck planned.
"I'll go. Don may have one eye, but his aim is the best," Nick volunteered.
"I'll go too," Vic spoke up. He was somewhat concerned that Kuro might go mauling whomever remained, and he'd faced those acid claws before.
"I'll do what I can," Vaurnut said.
"I'll stay outside with them," Sarah chimed.
"All right, everybody else to the Chamber of the Dragons. We'll make our stand there in case they make it inside," Jacob ordered. The chosen four headed outside, knowing that they were walking right into the hornet's nest.
Back on the roof top, Aaron was under the gaze of two dragons, looking at him as though he were dinner. All he had was one card in his hand, Gearfried and a facedown card.
"It looks like you're in some deep trouble, knight boy. You know you could always surrender and run away." Tobias goaded him.
"I don't surrender to smug jerks that don't understand a thing about dueling for a cause or up holding their style; you may be a dragon master, but you're far from a Master of Dragons. Whatever happens to me, I know I can at least make your day a tad more difficult. I set a monster facedown and attack with Gearfried. Destroy that Majin!" he commanded as his knight dove straight for the large beast. Cleaving it in two, Tobias' lifepoints were cut down to 6100.
"That ends my turn. I'm not scared of you," Aaron said.
"Then why do I see such fear in your eyes, you pathetic excuse for a duelist? Draw!" Tobias roared, drawing a card.
"First, I summon Sapphire Dragon in attack mode," Tobias stated. A large crystal appeared on the field, then immediately burst into shards. When the corundum dust cleared, a dragon that looked like it had been forged from the crystal stood atop its remains (1900/1600).
"Blue Eyes White Dragon, destroy that Knight with your powerful Burst Stream!" Tobias ordered. The Dragon roared, charging powerful blast of energy. It soon fired an electrical blast at Gearfried, and blew him straight to dust. Aaron braced himself against the shockwave as his life points dropped to 7500.
"Now, Sapphire Dragon, attack with Azure Flames!" Tobias commanded. The dragon spat a stream of cyan fire from its mouth, only to incinerate a mechanical pod (900/900).
"You've just activated Cyber Jar!" Aaron exclaimed. The powerful suction of the monster drew in the two dragons on the field, and then exploded.
Appearing for both to see were the next five cards of both duelists. Tobias's were a pair of Blue Eyes, a Blue Eyes Shining Dragon, an Element Dragon, and a Spirit Ryu. Aaron's were Butterfly Dagger Elma, Sword of Dragon's Soul, Royal Magical Library, Pot of Greed, and the Warrior Returning Alive.
Aaron's monster stayed as the facedown card, (0/2000), while Tobias' kept both of his in Attack mode. (1000/1000) (1500/1200)
"Looks like tables have turned." Aaron said boldly.
"Don't think you are safe from me kid, for you're about to be shown true power!" Tobias crowed.
"What?" Aaron asked in disbelief.
"I play Polymerization! Combine, my Mighty beasts, into a form of true power!" Tobias called. The sky overhead darkened, a signal for the advent of the beast. Aaron looked in amazement as the 5 monsters were swept up into the swirling void in the sky. The vortex began to surge with incredible force as a mighty creature emerged with a deafening roar.
Back at the arena, Josh looked at the cocoon. It was squirming from within like a person having a nightmare. If I don't pop that thing soon, that little caterpillar will be strong enough to take on about anything in my deck, Josh winced.
He looked at his hand, and came to a decision. I can't attack, but it might not hurt to have something out on the field as a wall, he concluded.
"I play Polymerization! I fuse Dark Magician and Buster Blader to form my Dark Paladin!" he called out as he held up the three cards. Emerging in burst of bright energy, the wizard-swordsman leapt onto the field. Just looking at him would give off a taste of his power (2900/2400).
"I end my turn here. One more turn until those swords are gone," Josh reminded. The blades of light were growing dimmer, flickering like candles in the wind.
Antsy drew her card, then shook her head, "I'm afraid you'll be in no condition to attack me, for now even your Paladin will not be enough to defeat me."
"I don't think your reading the stats right, my Paladin carries more than enough attack power to crush your princess."
"I don't think so. I attack with my Princess. Poison Wing Scales will destroy your Paladin! " she declared. Her bug flew straight for the Paladin, wings filling the air with toxic dust. Josh watched as his monster raised his blade to slice her into quarters, only to reel with pain. Insect legs and wings were sprouting out of his body, giving him doses of pain as they wormed their way out of his flesh.
"DNA surgery," he growled.
Just then, the Insect Princess got a makeover. Her dainty butterfly wings got layered with silver plates. The rest of her exoskeleton became glossy metal as well, making her appear more like an alien technological marvel than a creature of natural origin.
"My Metal Morph!" He called out, as he raised a Rema barrier. The Princess smashed her fist into the monster's thorax and blew him away. Josh's life points dropped to 4750.
"Now that my monster has destroyed a bug, she gets another 500 attack points," Antsy smirked. Her Insect Princess blew Josh a kiss as her attack points increased further. "Now that your submissive swordsman is out of the way, I play Pot of Greed and draw 2 cards," she stated, drawing them. A wicked grin crossed her face shortly after playing the card.
"Now the fun begins! I play my Monster Reborn, and call this monster to the field," Antsy announced. In a burst of green light emerged a massive, feminine insect. She stood a good 10 feet tall, and 20 feet from her humanoid face to the end of her abdomen. Like all sensible insects, she stood on six, clawed legs. Her form was similar to that of the queen in an insect's colony, with her abdomen at least twice as long as her thorax. The covers of her abdomen cracked down the center, revealing a pair of vibrating wings. She let out a hiss similar to that of a cockroach, only amplified and in stereo, making the crowd gasp (2200/2400).
"My Insect Queen!" She called out, "And to make things a little more interesting, I play my Time Jump Magic card!" She called out, as time sped the turn tables up by 3. The Cocoon expanded dramatically.
"One more turn Josh, make yours count." She said, her insects were ravenous, and Josh was on the dinner menu.
Back at the castle, Don, Darkfire, Ancient Elf, and Freed, were awaiting the on coming forces that were going to devour the castle in less than a few minutes.
"Here they come," Elf said, seeing a black cloud hovering over the boarding mountains. If the Black Plague had been visible during the Middle Ages, this was surely the form it would have taken.
"Let's roll out the red carpet." V said, his blades glowing with roaring flame.
On top of the roof, Aaron was staring down 10 eyes. The behemoth's body was that of a 50 story yellow English style dragon but atop its body, were 5 separate, serpentine heads. One was made of flame, one of dark black scales, one machine, one like a sea dragon's head, and one matched the body, with spikes and cold yellow eyes (5000/5000).
"The Five God Dragon, a force that no mere duelist dare face, And there is no warrior in your deck that has the strength to conqueror it. Prepare for the end, for in my next turn, my dragon will crush you as the pitiful worm that you are!" Aaron looked at the monster in front of him, not with fear or dread, but defiance.
"I'm afraid I'll have to disagree. Draw!" He called out as he drew his next card. "I play my Warrior Returning Alive, and summon Gearfried the Iron Knight back to the field."
The black iron warrior landed in front of him, its blade held forth, pointing at the great beast. (1800/1600)
"What is your obsession with that card? It is a waste of space and effort, and even though you have what you need to play your infinite draw combo, I doubt you have the gall to use it," Tobias summized.
Aaron looked at his brace and hand, and indeed he had the means to complete his best combo. He closed his eyes, thinking, I don't need it. I have to show him the true power of my Iron Knight, once and for all!
"I play the magic of Pot of Greed!" Aaron called out, drawing his next two cards. "Prepare to face your fate!"
"What do you mean? A pitiful duelist like you has not the means even with your combo to win," Tobias scoffed.
"I have faith in my monsters. Now its time I show you the true power of my Knight! Gearfried, get ready!" Aaron called out, as the knight jumped into the air.
"I play the Magic card that will seal your fate, I play Release Restraints! Come forth, Gearfried the Sword Master!" He called out as he threw the card into the duel brace.
Gearfried's armor blew apart into hundreds of pieces, but underneath was a form of a human man. Strong built with massive muscles, he was garbed in a loose cloth garment around his waist, thick leather crossed on his chest, bandaged hands, brown cloth boots. Extremely long black hair fell down his back, with piercing black eyes staring at Tobias. (2600/2200).
"You may have made your pathetic knight stronger, but he is no match for my dragon." Tobias stated.
"Then I'm going have to teach you the hard way!" Aaron called out, grabbing a card in his hand and prepared to use it.Just then, he felt a strange pulsing sensation. It was coming from his duel brace.
What the? Aaron asked himself. It feels like my body is being dragged away, something is calling to me. I'm going to have to make this count.
"I reveal my facedown card, Ceasefire!" He called out, as his card flipped up, and his library grew large and took up the field, surrounding him with the giant structure. "For every effect monster on this field, I can inflict 500 points of damage to your life points, and there are 3!" He held up that many fingers. Tobias's life point counter dropped by 1500, down to 4600.
"And what's the point of that? You still haven't made a difference."
"I'm afraid you're dead wrong, since its face up, I can set my plan in motion, now I play the magic cards, Butterfly Dagger Elma and Sword of Dragon Destruction!" He called out, as he threw the cards into the duel brace. Appearing in the Swordmaster's hands appeared the emerald-tinted dagger, along with a large sword. The sword was edged like a serrated knife on both sides, and a faint image of an eye was present on the blade's hilt. Both raised the monster's strength by 1000 (3600/2200). The massive Library's orbs lit up twice around Aaron.
"I know the effect of that Sword, fool, but you won't be able to stop me this turn with just that monster," Tobias laughed.
"How right you are, but that's not all. Gearfried the Sword master, use your special ability!" Aaron grinned, as the monster bounded into the air with the dagger in hand. He roared with a warrior's cry, slicing the dragon's original head with a single strike. With chorused roars of agony from every head, the monster exploded into dust.
"But how?" Tobias asked, awestruck.
"My monster's ability allows him to destroy a monster on your side of the field when ever he's equipped with an equip card. Now it begins! Blade of the Freed!" he commanded his monster. The warrior pulled the blade back, and, with an incredible strike, swung the blade with the force of a thousand men. A massive shockwave hit Tobias, causing a significant life point decrease.
The Dragon duelist raised a massive Rema barrier that was buckling under the tremendous strain. (1000)
"You haven't beaten me yet, fool, and now you're through!" Tobias spat, as he began to draw a card.
"I'm not done! Activate On Iron Wings!" Aaron called out as he slammed the card into the brace. The Library disappeared around him, wrapped in steel-plated wings. When the wings unfurled in a burst of light, there appeared another Gearfried the Iron Knight, battle set and ready for attack (1800/1600).
"METAL FOREARM THRUST!" Aaron called out. The metal warrior dove past its counterpart on the field. It pulled back its blade and swung at the Rema barrier, shattering it like glass. Tobias was sent flying off the edge of the building.
Aaron turned off the duel brace. He made a run for it, with "Got to pick up Josh," as the only thought racing through his mind.
Josh looked at the clock, and the duel was dragging along too slowly, he needed to win and do so quickly.Now that the Princess had the Metal Morph, her attack power stood at 2700, the queen carried a now 3000. He drew his next card, and his eyes bulged.
"I summon the Skilled Dark Magician in attack mode," he declared, placing a card containing a mage into attack mode on the field. The mage, wearing a cloak of blackest cloth and green gems, stood with his staff at the ready (1900/1700).
"Then I play the Magic card, Question!" Josh shouted. A man in a top hat and game show host garb appeared with a lightshow in Josh's Magic/Trap zone. His hand rested on a pedestal, which bore a red button in the center.
"What?" Antsy wondered, as the timer behind the pedestal glowed to life. It was counting down, to the second, how long she had to guess.
"You have to guess the card that's at the bottom of my graveyard. If you get it right, it's sent out of play, but if you mess up, I can summon it to the field. So, then," Josh smiled a challenging smile. "What do you think it is?"
"It's that Magician of Faith you played," she said with a slight falter. It didn't matter if she was a bookworm; she didn't necessarily remember every detail. The man at the pedestal put his finger on the red button, and a loud buzzer sounded.
"Wrong!" Josh grinned, as the pedestal dispersed into mirror shards. A black portal appeared in its place, with a massive blue demon emerging from it. It was about 12 feet tall, with rough skin and teeth that were designed to tear up flesh. Its chin jutted out and its batlike ears swooped back (2600/1900).
"Meet the demon Zoa," Josh introduced. "I discarded him when I first used Graceful charity, then when I brought my Charity back for another turn, it put this guy at the bottom of my graveyard." Both of his creatures then changed into insects, clutching their ribs as they sprouted wings and antennae.
"With the summon of those two monsters, you raise the attack of my Queen by another 400 points. What are you going to do now? They both lack the attack power to destroy my monsters," Antsy calmly observed. Her Insect Queen's wings buzzed as she received a nice power boost from the two Monsters (3400).
"Maybe so, but now I play the magic card, Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw two more cards," he declared, as another of the Skilled Mage's orbs glowed thanks to the Pot.
"Now I play the magic of Mystical Space Typhoon, blowing away your DNA surgery!" Josh exclaimed.One of his facedown cards flipped up, and spiraling out of it was a burst of wind that tore Antsy's card apart.
"Now," Josh indicated his mage. "You'll notice that my mage has three counters. He shall now ascend to the next level, the Dark Magician!" Josh ordered.
The mage next to Zoa was engulfed in a black magic vortex, reemerging as the even more powerful Dark Magician (2500/2100).
"Now, I set this card and now, My Zoa will crush that Princess!" He called out, as the blue demon lunged at the petite bug.
"Now who's the crazy one?" She said, as the beast lunged at her's with 100 points less, but then, the beast changed to Silver and her's back to normal!
"I activate Collected Power! My Zoa now gets half of your attack power!" He roared as the monster's strength shot up to 4100. The princess was splattered with a shreik, large green chunks of her body spraying across the floor.
"Now my Mage, destroy one of the Ant Tokens!" He commanded, as the mage dove forward, and squashed an ant under its purple foot. Antsy's life points plunged straight down to 4300.
"And before I end my turn, I sacrifice my Zoa with my Metal morph to summon Metal Zoa," he declared. The beast's flesh suddenly flashed silver, right before hardening into steel plates (3000/2300).
"Fine then, it's my turn to dish out the pain! Emerge, my Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth!" she commanded, as the cocoon burst apart. Hovering over them was now a humongous moth, its body well over 40 feet in diameter. Its massive wings rumbled like thunder, flapping to keep the green monster in the air. Despite the fact that insects bore no human facial expressions, its rage and power loomed over any that opposed it (3500/3000).
"I also summon my second Arsenal Bug." She said, as she summoned another, gold-armored insect (2000/2000).
"Now, Great Moth, Destroy his Metal Zoa with Toxic Tornado!" she bade. The Beast flapped its massive wings, causing a powerful wave of poison dust to fly into the air. While the powder caused Metalzoa's armor to corrode, the gust blew what remained into the air (4250).
"I sacrifice my last token to allow my Queen to destroy your mage!" she continued. The Queen lowered her head towards the tiny green ant, shortly afterwards biting into its innards. Although this dropped her attack power (2600), she released a powerful blast of green energy. It shot straight through the mage's chest, but that wasn't the whole assault.
"And to end my turn, Arsenal Bug attack!" She commanded, as the bug dove straight towards his last facedown monster.
It was a Witch of the Black Forest (1100/1200). Josh's life points dropped straight to 4150, and a card was placed into his hand by the Witch's effect. As Antsy's turn ended, Insect Queen's abdomen began twitching. A liquid-slathered, foot-tall egg appeared behind the Queen, doing nothing but standing upright in its slimy pool (100/100, in Attack Mode). Josh looked at the two massive bugs before him.
"Don't think I'm afraid of you! I'm not going down without taking your master with me! DRAW!" he started. He pulled out the card, a Cost Down,
"Heh, It looks like fate has come through."
"Huh?" Antsy wondered.
"I reveal my facedown card, Double Spell!" He called out, as the card flipped up.
"I'll discard my Cost Down, and use a Magic card in your graveyard. Your Card of Sanctity will do just fine!" Josh declared. Antsy's graveyard flared with light, as the 2 of them drew up to six cards.
"I set one card facedown, and then I play the magic card, Fusion Challenge!" he said, loading the card. It bore the image of a pair of swirling fusion vortexes on both sides of a dueling field.
"What kind of card is that?" Antsy demanded.
"This card causes the both of us to destroy all the monsters on our fields, and we must both summon a monster from our fusion decks to the field to battle! I choose this!" He called out as he pulled out the card and slammed it on the field.
Appearing from swirling vortex appeared a giant dragon. Its body was gray and black, but it resembled the Summon Skull's body. Its wings were demonic, and its face had the horns of the Skull, but the jaws of a dragon.
"My Black Skull Dragon! (3200/2500) And since you don't have a fusion deck, you're in for a pounding! Molten Fire Balls!" he roared. The great dragon's mouth filled with fire, a giant ball of cooling lava gushing forth moments later. Antsy threw up a Rema barrier, but the blast was too powerful. It sent her flying backwards, crashing straight to the ground (1100).
"Nice shot, but you haven't beaten me yet!" she spat, after climbing back to her feet.
"You should have stayed down, this duel is just about over," Josh said. "I end my turn, and yours ends, as well."
"What?" She gasped.
"Activate trap card, Backup Soldier!" He called out as the facedown card flipped up. It had an image of three men bandaged and bruised on it.
"This card allows me to take up to 3 level four or less normal monsters from my graveyard if I have 5 monsters in there. So now I take back these 2 !" He said, as 2 cards popped out of his graveyard, and his hand of cards began to glow brightly.
"What?" she wondered, and then it dawned on her. "No! It's impossible! You couldn't!"
Josh's Rema began to broil and glow, "I have unlocked the magic seals, and collected all 5 parts. This duel is done, for I summon the unstoppable Exodia the Forbidden One!"
He picked up his Black Skull Dragon from his monster zone, and placed down the Right leg, the Right arm, the Left arm, the Left leg, and in the center, the head of Exodia, the Forbidden One. A massive black void appeared before him, with a crisscrossing, light blue pentagram. Emerging from it were large golden limbs, bound by bronze chains, along with the massive head that looked like that of an Egyptian Pharaoh. The ancient behemoth of gold and stone stepped along side of Josh, whose Rema was flaming like a torch.
"For Eliza, Exodia, Obliterate!" he roared, as the giant's hands filled with a burning light that rivaled the sun's. Antsy formed a massive Rema barrier in the form of a beetle shell to prepare for the incoming force, but she knew it wasn't going to be enough. The giant swung out its hands, collecting and launching a ball of solar energy. It collided with Antsy's Rema barrier, which shattered to pieces. The force sent her flying off the stage, and slammed her into the arena wall (LP 0). The giant vanished into thin air, and Josh's rema returned to normal.
Just then, Aaron burst into the stadium, yelling, "Josh, we've got a problem!"
Back at the castle, the swarm was descending by the millions. The automated weapons systems of the castle were overheated in an attempt to wipe out the oncoming invasion.
"Heads up!" Don called out, pulling a dagger from its sheath and throwing it. The blade speared a Killer Needle to the wall over Vic's head.
"Thanks." Vic said, as he swung his blade, carving a Hercules Beetle in half.
"Soul Scepter Flare!" Ancient Elf announced. Her scepter lit up with crimson magic, striking down an Insect Soldier of the Sky.
"Flame Saber Incineration!" V struck an Insect Knight's carapace with his flaming swords, only to have the enraged bug parry with its own. The blaze suddenly burned like a wildfire on V's swords, causing the Knight's sword to incinerate.
"We're not making any decent amount of damage!" V growled.
"How long till we get half way?" Sarah asked. She herself was struggling with a Neo Bug, whose compound eyes were looking at her hungrily.
"Another 10 minutes." Jeregrine stated.
"We're not going to hold them off another 3!" Vic shouted, skewering a Dragonfly at the same time. Another came up in its place.
"That negative attitude is getting old!" Nick growled.
"What about the other swarm?" Sarah worried.
"They are breaking through the other line, they'll be in the human world in less than 5 minutes," Jacob called through the duel brace.
"You're just full of good news aren't you?" Jordan smeared on the other side of the line.
Don looked at the swarm with a furious rage, "You aren't getting past me you stinking bugs! If I go down I'm taking all of you with me!" Just then, Don began to glow like a star, feeling growth and a surge of energy.
What the hell? he thought. Am I ascending?
Don jumped off the wall as he grew to double his size, the light dying away to reveal what he had changed into. Its massive body donned a scarlet red cape, and was made of a light purple grayish metal. Its face was covered by a mask, but on its arms were orbs marked with spell counters.
"Magical Marionette," Nick said in awe. The power flowing through his body was incredible.
"All right!" Sarah called out.
"Now then, let's see what you got!" The giant stated, as the swarm began to circle around him. The spell counter orbs on the monster's arms began to charge up more and more brightly. Nick held his hands together and energy began to gather. Where's this energy coming from? I can feel something transferring energy into me, Nick wondered.
Back in Chicago, a massive vortex appeared in the sky, as many insects began to descend from it. Josh stood atop a roof, the money in hand, and his duel brace ready. Gearfried was nearby in a emerald green shade next to him.
"I hope this is reaching Nick. You ready?" he asked.
"Leave this to me." Josh said, as the brace unfolded. "It's been awhile since I've gone all out."
"SPIRIT MERGE!" he called out as he slammed his Exodia cards on to the brace. He grew almost instantaneously, his body changing from flesh and bone to ancient metal and rock. His face froze up into the Forbidden One's, dangling chains sprouting from his wrists and ankles. He held his hands together, powerful fusion energy pouring inside.
Back at the castle, the other DDL members stood and watched as Nick's power was reaching its final stage.
"IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE, I CONDEM YOU TO THE REALM OF THE DEAD," he ordered, forming a man-sized puppet. In its hands were a pair of sharp blades.
"EBONY RAZOR SLASH!" he called out as he poured all his energy into the puppets blades. The blades shown like massive torches when set against the darkened sky of insects. The puppet swung in a cross, a massive shockwave of energy spreading from the swing. The insects screeched with pain as the inferno tore them apart like so many razors.
Back at the rooftop, Exodia was glowing with unbridled strength.
"DIVINE INFERNO OF JUSTICE!" the Forbidden One announced. He swung out his hands, and a wave of unbelievable energy spewed forth, streaking across the sky towards the vortex. The bugs were incinerated by the heat of the energy as it shot towards them, causing the vortex to collapse in a burst of hellfire!
Exodia nodded and vanished back into the cards, leaving Josh back to normal.
"The world saved with time to spare," He grinned.
"Let's get going, we've got a friend of yours to see! Hop on," Gearfried beckoned, changing back to his regular shade. Josh hopped on to his back, as Gear jumped off the roof top, heading straight for the hospital.
The castle air cleared as the swarm vaporized. The Marionette was swept up in energy, and Nick reappeared on the castle wall.
"You da Man Nick!" Jordan congratulated, wrapping his arm around Nick's neck.
"Hey take it easy. And put on some deodorant on, you smell like you took a bath in a pig sty!" Nick said, his face turning green.
"Hey..."Kuro gave Jordan a death glare, and skimmed through her deck. "I was experimenting with pig cursing last week. JORDAN! YOU'RE THE ONE THAT TOOK WHIP-CHAN! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU! FEEL THE HARPY'S WRATH!" Kuro roared as she went charging straight at him, shifting to Harpy Lady 1 in her pursuit.
"Uh oh," Jordan whimpered as he let go of Nick, missing the Harpy's claws by a hair.
"You did a go job Nick, nice work," Chuck complimented.
"But this was the first time an ascendance has occurred without Aaron being present. I wonder why you were able to do it?" Jacob questioned.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that; I could feel the power of his Butterfly Dagger. He was helping me get stronger, but I don't think he helped out with my transformation." Nick said.
"He still knew you had changed, and that is something we should note," Paul observed.
"Either way, we've got to check up with Josh and him to see if they managed to deal with the other swarm," Amy reminded.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that," assured Jeregrine. Lady Crystalia was standing beside him, wings glistening in the sunlight.
"A burning fire appeared coming from the other side and destroyed the swarm and the vortex. It was as bright as the sun itself. I believe you had a member of your group who could do such a feat," she explained.
"So Josh was waiting for them, that's good," Vaurnut stated.
"Now comes the hard part. Who's going to save Jordan from Kuro?" Vic inquired.
A dead silence filled the air, bar Jordan's, "NO, KURO! NOT MY LADY-CHARMING FACE!"
Back at the Hospital, Aaron and Josh were waiting in recovery.
"How long is it supposed to take?" He asked.
"Long. It's out of our hands now, all her from here," Aaron said, trying to remain positive, but even he couldn't see what the future was for this girl now.
For hours on end they waited, Aaron's Rema refilling in the meantime. They decided to duel, but they didn't really get into the game; there was too much to worry about to have fun. Aaron took a look at his 3 Gearfried and his Sword Master.
"Hey Josh, who's Tobias, the Horseman of Strife?" Aaron wondered.
"One of the best duelists of the Daikai, he's well known not to forget an opponent who has beaten him in battle or a duel and let him get away with it. Unlike Dan, he's a duelist who's a strict user of one form of monsters, dragons. He's had a few scrapes with Jacob in the past, but Jacob has beaten him rather badly. Aaron, if you face him you might have a hard time dealing with him, he's not as bad as Dan, but he's close enough to crush most duelists, and he really hates Warrior users. Why do you ask?" Josh inquired.
"I met him today. I beat him with my Gearfrieds, but he was a tough opponent, he was different than Viper; he seemed to want nothing more than to try my patience. Is it because he hates my knights?" Aaron responded.
"I've personally never dueled against him. I've faced off against the former 4th horseman of the Daikai. His name was Roger, the Horseman of Death, and the Guardian of the North. He was one of my toughest opponents I've ever faced, a dangerous Beast Warrior user, but when he was beaten, and they say he disappeared. Since then, there have only been 3 horsemen of the Daikai: Dan of War, Tobias of Strife, and Richard of Famine. Each is a powerful opponent in his own right. They are usually ruled by the fourth horseman, but as of my last battle with him, no one knows if they are being lead by anyone. All of the Daikai activity seems like last minute planning, but no one really knows what they do. All of our intelligence is mainly guess work. So far as I know, Tobias only hates warriors because they are the sworn enemy of dragons, his favorite monsters. They're the source of his power," Josh explained.
"His power?" Aaron asked.
"I'm sure you noticed that Gauntlet on his wrist. It apparently gives him greater power than even Dan. You'll find out soon enough; he's bound to come back for more," Josh said.
"Yeah, I can't wait." Aaron muttered sarcastically.Just then, the doctor from before, stepped down into the room.
"What's her condition?" Aaron asked, as both he and Josh got up from there seats.
"The operation was a success. You're lucky you came in with that payment as soon as you did. She'll be here for another 3 days, for observation and recovery, but she's out of the woods with a clean bill of health," the doctor reported. Aaron could see the weight evaporate off Josh's face and shoulders, and asked, "So, can she see visitors?"
"She's pretty tired, and needs her rest, but I think she can handle one," the doctor premised. Aaron looked over his shoulder.
"Josh, get in there and give your girl a kiss goodnight," he commanded with a smile.
"My girl?" Josh stammered.
"It was a little obvious you think? I'm heading back," Aaron calmly stated, picking up his cards and heading towards the door.
"Wait! What about the money I owe you and the cards?" Josh demanded.
"I took my money out of the pile already and the checkbook. As for the cards, keep the ones you want, but don't worry about it. Now get in there before she goes to sleep," Aaron bade, walking out the double doors. Josh chuckled a little. I wonder if he knows that Tobias is known for picking on those with good hearts out spite. He may need to be a bit tougher on himself to not let that soft side of him be a liability, but he seems to keep it in check. Good night, Aaron, Josh silently well-wished.
Down the road, Aaron stepped onto the train rails.
"I wonder…Maybe I could use that in my deck," he pondered aloud, staring at a pile of rocks. The shape it took looked very familiar.
Aaron then raised his hand. He was soon swept from the ground on board the Zephyr Express, homebound.
To be continued…