The air was as calm as the surface of a pond in the Hall of Dragons, however, between the two duelists, the air was a whirlwind of strength that was roaring like a lion.
"Well Jacob, we meet on the dueling field once again, how many turns do you think we'll last? I believe 10 was our record." Roy spoke, holding out his right hand, gesturing that Jacob take the first turn.
"That maybe the case, but when last we dueled I was but the learner. Now I am the master." Jacob said, drawing his 6 cards, his life points rolled up to 8000.
"Only the master of bad quotes, Jarth." Roy smirked, "Remember, you may have learned a great majority of dueling knowledge from me, but you didn't learn it all."
"I learned a lot on my own too, let's see who burns who." Jacob said, taking a card from his hand, "I set one monster in defense mode, and two cards facedown! I end my Turn." 3 facedown cards appeared before him.
"Well now," Roy said, his eyes closed, he put his hand on his deck, "Draw." His eyes flashed open with an intense expression, but his mind was clear as crystal.
"I start off by playing my Graceful Charity; I draw 3 cards and discard 2." He said, pulling three card from his deck, but immediately threw 2 cards from his hand to his graveyard.
"Next I play the Magic Card Heavy Storm; I'll wipe out your facedown cards." He said, loading the card, and a massive windstorm began to sweep towards Jacob's cards.
"Activate Magic Jammer!" Jacob called out, throwing a card into his graveyard; his left hand trap card flipped up, black fumes flowed forth and calmed the air.
"Stubborn as usual, I play my Shallow Grave, allowing us both to special summon a monster from our graveyards facedown." Roy said, as two monster cards facedown appeared on field.
"Why'd he do that? If he's the Senva of Offense why did he provide another defense for Jacob?" Eva asked.
"Because what he's planning overcomes that problem." Dalin said, noticing that Roy was taking the monster off the field.
"I sacrifice my facedown card, and I summon my Death Volstargaf!" Roy called out, as the card on the field dissolved and his new card appeared on the field, but glowed brightly, and his beast appeared.
It stood about 16 feet, standing on all 4 massive blue limbs with red scaled armor covering its body. Its was one of the western style dragons, long scaled neck with twin leathery wings on its back and a tale rolling behind it. Its eyes were a cold blue, and it was staring directly at Jacob, small spews of smoke flowed from its nostrils. (2200/1700)
"That's not Good." Jacob muttered. His own dragon monster was facing him down.
"Looks like Roy's got the upper hand." Bryan said, "Tactically speaking even though its out numbered its strength is enough to over power any of Jacob's defenses."
"That's not all, look." Josh said, watching as the dragon's jaws began to glow.
"Death Volstargaf attack! Dragon Stream!" Roy roared, as a beam of blue energy flew from the dragon's mouth, incinerating Jacob's original monster, however off streaming from the card, the beam nailed Jacob in the chest, sending him back wards. (7500)
"What happened?" Amy gasped, looking at Jacob clutching his chest.
"Death Volstargaf's special ability allows it to inflict 500 points of damage to the opponent when ever it destroys a monster, hence the reason why Jacob and Roy use it in their decks." Kathryn said quietly.
Damn, I forgot how it did that and didn't put up a barrier. No matter, he made the real mistake here. "Activate Special Effect!" Jacob called out, his graveyard and deck glowing.
Appearing before him were twin blobs of slime that were also the size of basket balls. Patches of hair covered them and they hovered in the air, (1000/100)
"Ah, Giant Germs eh? No matter, I lose 500 life points as well, my turn is over." Roy said.
"Draw!" Jacob roared, as he drew his next card, Gilford the Lightning.
"Open facedown monster, I summon the Stealth Bird!" He called out as the monster card flipped over, a small bird appeared. Its wing span was about 2 feet long and its head was small with beady eyes and had what looked like ears. Its feathers lacked any pigment, but they reflected the surfaces around them, changing their color to match the surroundings. (700/1700)
"I activate its power, when this card is flip summoned I can inflict 1000 points of damage directly to your life points!" Jacob called out as the small bird took flight, flapping its wings and sending a barrage of small feathers at Roy.
Roy waved his hand, a wall of Rema appeared and caught the feathers in mid air, but his life points dropped to 6500.
"Now I reveal my facedown card Cease Fire!" Jacob continued as his trap flipped and all the monsters on the field began to shine. "There are 4 effect monsters on the field, so that's 2000 points of damage!"
Roy remained calm as his life points plunged straight to 4500.
"And now watch, I sacrifice my 3 monsters, to Summon Gilford the Lightning!" Jacob roared as he slammed his card on the field.
The 3 monsters on the field changed into streamers of light that shot towards the ceiling. But descending from above came a blot of lightning, and stepping in front of the Gladiator Duelist stood the mighty warrior of lightning, (2800/1400)
"And you know what this means! Raigeki Blade!" Jacob commanded, as his warrior pulled his heavy blade from over his shoulder in a massive swing towards the ground, but following the arc was a hail of thunder bolts. The massive surges of electricity struck the dragon hard as it roared in pain before exploding into dust.
"Now let's see you handle this master. Gilford, Thunder Bolt Cut!" He shouted, as the huge warrior held the blade to the sky, and watched as the blade began surging with electricity. In a single bound, the massive warrior jumped into the air and swung his blade straight for the Senva's throat!
Roy however didn't let the strike go unchallenged, as the Blade came down on him, he snatched the blade with his two hands. Gilford looked shocked as the man held its blade with two old hands, and with an incredible feat of strength, Roy threw Gilford across the floor and sliding towards Jacob. Everyone was awe struck by the strength of the Senva.
"Not bad Jacob, but the duel's not won yet." Roy said, as his life points sinking to 1700.
"I end my turn." Jacob called out, his proud warrior got off his back and stood along side Jacob. Jacob turned to him and gave him a shrug, "Hey, don't worry about it, it could have been worse." Gilford gave a chuckle.
Back in the Soul Stone Chamber, Aaron and Erin were rowing down the swift currents of a river. The peaceful surroundings of the empty fields flowing in the breeze were as far as the eye could see for miles around them, save for directly ahead of them. A large cliff that seemingly reached up towards the heavens cast a large shadow to the west with the Sun high in the sky, and a torrential cascade of water falling right off the edge.
"So your telling me what I'm looking for it's behind that eh?" Aaron asked, he was soaking wet from the splashing water that slammed against the canoe.
"Yes, a card like that one is especially hard to get because of the test that reflects it. I believe you remember what you had to do to get that Mirror Force card." Erin answered, she was soaked to the bone as well, her hair shining brightly in the sun, and the drops on her face reflected like little diamonds.
"Oh yes, every time I got close to grabbing it I got shot off the cliff, 3 stories is a long way to fall you know." He grimaced.
"You wanted the card, and you figured out the test eventually."
"Taking 3 days to figure out that all I had to do is walk with my back to it and I wouldn't be shot of the cliff wasn't a true stroke of genius. How long do you think it will take for me to complete this one?"
"Hard to say, this Test doesn't have a definite answer to solve it, it requires you to figure it out on your own and at your own pace."
"Why do I have a bad feeling this could take me a week?"
"Because others have gone over a month and still never figured it out." She said calmly, as Aaron's face fell.
The two rowed along side the river bank, and moored the canoe. Stepping out, they headed the rest of the way to the falls on foot. Aaron's shoes squeaked against the grass, and he gave a small smile for something so stupid happening.
"You seem in higher spirits today, seeing Ashley's face again must have done you some good." Erin smiled walking alongside him.
"I suppose I do, it's been a long time. Not that I'm complaining, its been fun, but I'd like to see the guys in the flesh for a change."
"Yeah, I know, this world is peaceful and soothing, but it lacks a few bare essentials, one being people to talk to." She said, looking towards the massive wall of moisture.
"How long have you been alone in here?" Aaron asked.
"Ever since you were born, I was incarnated into this world inside your own soul. I have watched through your eyes since you first opened them, so I do know what has happened from when I first departed the world so many years ago. But with no one to talk to, leaves one feeling lonely." She said.
"What about the Gate Keeper, doesn't it keep you company?"
"Let's just say it's not much of a talker. It awaits a challenger to leave the world, and that is all it chooses to do."
"So," Aaron said, hesitating to ask, "What's gonna happen when I leave?"
"I'll continue to dwell in this chamber till my purpose is fulfilled, I came back to this realm of existence for a reason, and I have yet to find out what it is, but I will remain here till it is complete."
Aaron turned to her, her body was soaked, but he could swear he saw the beginning of tears in her eyes.
So If I go, she'll be trapped in here, all alone, till its time for her to die. I can't even imagine how horrible that is, I want to help her, but I don't even know what the hell I'm gonna do to get out of here myself.
"There it is." She said, raising her left arm and pointing at the waterfall, behind the millions of gallons of H20 was a large crack in the stone cliff, the opening of a cave.
The two clung to the rocky wall of the cliff, as they stepped along the slippery rocks. Thankfully, the millions of gallons over the years had worn the jagged edges down to dull and smooth stones. At the mouth of the cave, Erin held up her hand, and began to chant, a dialect Aaron could barely hear, let alone understand what it was. Suddenly, a ball of fire hovered over her palm. "And in we go." She said, taking the lead in to the dark cavern.
Aaron looked and was amazed, "And since when can you conjure fire? It would have been nice to know you could when you made me start a fire out of damp wood."
"Its been about 2 thousand years, and you should know the answer to that question."
"More appreciation for training eh? I'm starting to hate the fact I know the answers." Aaron grumbled, despite he knew the reasoning, it just didn't make him feel better.
They descended about a 100 feet into a lower portion of the cavern; the only light in the enclosed space was Erin's fire ball. They finally stopped at a large structure. It looked like a gateway, a stone doorway with ancient architecture, but where the door would be, there was a wall.
Aaron looked in mystification, the wall was made of solid brass, save for about 17 metal panels that were slightly extended from the surface of the wall. There were no markings to identify anything significant about them, and it looked like it would take a month just to cut through it with a plasma torch.
"Are you sure I'll find the card I want behind this thing?" He asked.
"This is the Wall of Dueling, if you want the card you seek, you must pass through it." She answered.
"Had to be a wall eh?" He sighed, but noticed Erin leaving the cave, but she had left the ball of fire floating high above him.
"Hey! Where you going?"
"It's you're test Aaron, you did all the others on your own, I'll be outside the cave if you need me." She said, waving him good-bye.
Aaron sighed again, and returned his gaze to the wall, "I had to be choosey didn't I?" He whined, as he stepped up to the wall.
He stepped up to a panel; all of them circled around the front of the gate save for one in the center. "I wonder." He said to himself as he pressed against the center one.
Just then, a panel to his lower left shot out of its slot and nailed his leg and caused him to crash to the floor! "OW!" He shouted in pain, and watched the panels return to their normal positions.
"Great, a fighting wall. What else are they gonna think up?" He growled, nursing his injured shin.
Back at the Castle, everyone was spellbound by the brutal counteract Jacob had pulled on Roy.
"Whoa, Jacob really took it to the Senva." Kristin stated.
"Yeah, but lets see how Jacob can hold it, the Senva of Offense is well known for pulling the winning card when he's out matched." Raikoo said, noting Roy's calm expression.
"You don't think that title gives him an edge do ya Paul?" Jordan asked.
"I would think not, but just look at Jacob, he's fighting with all his strength, while Roy looks like he's barely putting up a fight." Paul pointed out.
Jacob stared into the cool gaze of his master, I managed to drop him to less than one quarter his original life points, and he still as strong as I remember him, but it looks like he's watching my moves more than his own. What are you planning?
Roy drew his next card, making the total in his hand 4. "I place a monster in defense mode, and 3 cards facedown. I end my turn." He said, as his 4 cards appeared in front of him.
"Draw." Jacob said, drawing his next card, "I summon The Reflect Bounder." Appearing along side his warrior was the familiar machine, its mirror shining brightly in the well lit room. (1700/900)
"Gilford, carve up that defense monster." He said calmly. His large sword wielder acknowledged the command with a swing of his sword and a massive shockwave flowed as it soared towards the facedown monster.
"Negate Attack." Roy said, as his left hand facedown card flipped up.
A transparent swirling vortex appeared in the area in front of Roy, the shockwave dispersed among the rippling field.
"I set one card facedown, and that will end my turn." He called out, as the card appeared beside Reflect Bounder.
"Draw." Roy said, as he drew his next card.
"Activate Trap! Ring of Destruction!" Jacob called out as his facedown card flipped up, and a Ring of Grenades appeared around his Reflect Bounder's neck.
"Now watch as my monster explodes, taking the rest of your life points with it!" Jacob called out as the monster exploded in front of him.
But as the smoke cleared, Roy's duel brace was still running, and Jacob's life points had dropped to 4100.
"What the hell?" Nick demanded, Jacob's life points had nearly been cut in half.
"Normally that move Jacob would have clinched the match, I'm proud your skill is still as sharp as I remember. But you forgot who you're facing." Roy said, holding up a card, Barrel Behind the Door.
"Oh give me a break!" Dalin couldn't believe his eyes.
"The perfect defense against any of Jacob's normal tactics, I can't believe it." Josh gasped.
"This will be the final turn." Bryan said, noticing that Roy had closed his eyes as he glanced at the card in his hand.
"Pot of Greed." Roy said, as he placed the card in the duel brace, and the green jar appeared in front of him.
Roy lifted his head and stared at Jacob, his calm expression had changed to a frenzied face.
"You've learned much Jacob, but its time I showed how to finish your opponent effectively!" Roy said, as he drew his cards.
"I play Monster Reborn and call back my Death Volstargaf." He shouted, as a blinding flash of light summoned back the fierce dragon
"And so it begins." V looked on, as field began to rumble, Roy was drawing a lot of Rema to complete his next move.
"I remove from my Graveyard, Sangan, and Reflect Bounder." He said, taking two monster cards from his graveyard from play.
"Must have ditched 'em early when he played Graceful Charity." Joseph stated.
"That means the monster that was Shallow Graved earlier was Reflect Bounder." Eva pointed out.
Clever Roy, he could have special summoned Sangan and gotten a monster when it would be sacrificed for the dragon, but he chose Bounder because it hid the fact he had both a light and a dark monster in his graveyard. Chuck though to himself, as the two monsters appeared briefly on the field, but were swept up in a flaming green circle.
"Now watch as I summon the Deadliest Monster in the World of Duel Monsters, Chaos Emperor Dragon Envoy of the End!" Roy roared with great fervor, as the beast rose up from the great flames.
It stood about the height of a Blue Eyes; it was a monstrous dragon indeed. Its body was a sickle green with pale bony scales covering itself at its knees, claws, the segments of its neck and tale, the bones of the wings, chest and arms, and composing the skull. Flaming red hair sprayed from the back of the demonic looking face of the beast with its burning red eyes. Its arms and hands resembled humans rather a beast's and it roared with so much might that it caused the statues to vibrate. (3000/2500)
"Oh damn." Jacob muttered, as he was looking down a very serious problem.
"A CED. It's over." Bryan smiled gleefully, but causing the entirety of the DDL to scowl at him.
"Chaos Emperor Dragon, attack Gilford the Lightning, Fusion Annihilation!" Roy roared, as the Dragon heeded, a large ball of fire filled the bony teeth of the beast as it set loose a flame of incredible might. Gilford held up his blade to counter the strike, but the flames were too intense, he literally vaporized from the blaze!
"Death Volstargaf, Direct attack!" He called out to his second dragon, as a beam of energy flew forth from the creature's mouth and nailed Jacob dead on. His life points plunged straight to 1200.
Joshua looked up and saw that Jacob was struggling to stay up, the beast's assault had done a number on him as he tried to stay in the game.
"And now it ends." Roy said, his life points plunging straight to 700. "Chaos Emperor Dragon, RAGING INFERNO STORM!"
The beast's body glowed for a brief second, as a powerful light began to spew from its jaws. It was light that rivaled the intensity of the sun; the teeth of the dragon were beginning to melt from such intense heat. And with that, the dragon released the blaze with the force a small supernova!
A Rema barrier was formed around the Dueling field as the flames began to spread all over the field, everything inside was incinerating in the heat of the fire.
"JACOB!" Joshua called out as he dove into the fires of the Dragon, his duel brace was shining brightly.
"Spirit Merge!" Joshua called out as he entered the blaze, instantaneous growing to immense size to become Exodia, but even the strength of the forbidden one was waning in the flames of the Envoy.
Jacob was barely holding his Rema barrier together, it wasn't going to be long before it would fail and he'd be roasted alive! But it didn't matter, the mental exhaustion was his undoing, as he fell unconscious, but before his barrier faded away, he was quickly covered up by Exodia!
Joshua inside it was feeling the blaze melting the skin off the Forbidden One's rocky hide. "Have to hold it together! Can't let him die! I got to make it happen!" Joshua said to himself as he pulled a card from his duel brace, "Please God, let this work!" He closed his eyes and focused hard on the card, causing it to shine brightly.
"SPIRIT REVOLUTION!"
The form of Exodia transformed into a massive ball of energy that shrank down immensely, and vanished into the hell fire.
"JOSH! JACOB!" Paul called out as he tried to get in, but the blaze was too intense.
Outside the Castle, 3 figures darkened in the shadows of the Castle leaped over the wall and made a mad dash up the walls and towards the center of the structure.
When the flames finally died away, the ground had not been scoured since the barrier had kept the flames inside the dueling field. Roy had remained untouched by the power of his dragon. But were Jacob and Joshua once stood, there was nothing.
An ominous silence filled the room, "What happened to them? Where did they go?" Amy gasped.
Kuro sniffed the air, "They didn't get incinerated, no smell of burned flesh."
"But then where did they go?" Nick questioned.
As if to answer his question a dark vortex appeared in the floor, and something came up from it. It was covered in a large black cloak, with what looked like a large demon's hand holding it, but it lacked an arm to go with it.
"What the heck?" Kathryn wondered.
Vaurnut looked with disbelief, "Can it be?"
Josh looked shocked, "He…ascended!"
"What? Impossible!" Eva exclaimed.
"See for yourself." Roy said, with a smile on his face.
The cloak unfolded to reveal a man, wearing a purple and black suit, black dress shoes, a pair of bright yellow belts around his waist, a red underbelly of the black cape he wore, his face was calm, but animalistic, with his fierce eyes. His hair was a sea foam color and his skin a pale purple, and in his arms was an unconscious Ari Jacob Wolfe.
"A Vampire Lord!" Half the crowd gasped.
"How did that Loser Ascend!" Bryan demanded.
"He cares about others." Roy said, rather coldly to the Leader of the EDL, mostly likely getting fed up with his attitude.
Joshua inside the creature awoke to his new surroundings, "I…I…I did it!" He called out happily.
He looked down at the young man that was resting in his arms, scratched and bruised, but alive nonetheless. That was close, and for what? A promise you made with me along time ago, come on Jacob, you didn't have to nearly throw your life away for it.
(Flash Back Begins)
A younger Joshua stands on the Promenade and a younger Jacob and Chuck are walking towards him.
"So what about our offer? We know you've been on the run from them for a while now, but you're welcome to join us." Chuck says, standing in front of him.
"I don't know. Compared to the EDL, this place is paradise. But as long as they know I'm alive, they will keep coming after me for running away like that. I don't want to cause more trouble than I'm worth for you." Joshua answers.
"That maybe true, but as long as you're a member of the Dark Dragon League, we will standby you. I promise you, that if the EDL ever comes after you, I'll protect you with all that I am." Jacob says.
"Are you sure about that? You might live to regret it." Joshua points out.
"Hey, Safety isn't worth having if you aren't willing to fight for those who need your protection. So are you going to join or what, Joshua, Buster Duelist?" He asks.
Joshua is a little taken aback by Jacob's words, but smiles and says, "Sure, why not?"
(Flashback Ends)
I guess I learned the meaning of that a little late eh? Joshua chuckled, as he turned his gaze to Roy.
"Joshua the Buster, you have done well." Roy said, clapping his hands.
"Huh? What do you mean? And what were you trying to kill Jacob for? He nearly died in there!" Joshua demanded angrily.
"Jacob risked his life, so that you could see the strength you have inside you. He told me of how you were chased by the EDL, and that he gave you refuge here. But I see a person different from what he told of when he first met you. You are brave and willing to throw yourself in the way of danger for your friends." Roy said answered.
But then he looked to Jacob, "He is still a kid, rash and foolhardy but a true duelist and great friend. He has learned a lot, I admit he has extended his potential far from the young kid who used to make fun of my mustache. But he still lacks the final lesson for one to become the Senva of Offense, and it is up to him to find out, if he ever truly wishes to be my successor."
He turned his gaze back to Joshua/VLord, "When he wakes up, be sure to tell him I have no intention of keeping that wager, as much as he could use a lesson in humility, I don't subject people of caliber to slime."
"I don't believe it, I missed Jacob lose! It's the end of the world!" A voice called out from a far end of the Chamber.
"Who's there?" Vic demanded.
"Oh come on, you guys forget us already?"
Ashley recognized the tone of the voice, "Tobias!"
Indeed, across the chamber stood the 3 Horsemen, Dan of War, Tobias of Strife, and Richard of Famine.
The leagues sprang to their feet, "What the hell are you doing here?" Patrick demanded.
"Are you guys insane?" Kevin asked.
"We've got you out numbered 27 to 3." Dalin stated.
"We've come to declare a Ceasefire." Dan said simply.
"What?" Casey was flabbergasted.
"There is no way you can defeat the Saparity with your ranks alone. You need people who can find them, and deal with them with force where as you can't." Richard explained.
"And anyone stupid enough to try and conjure the God cards is a threat to the tournament as well as the Daikai. So for now, We the Horsemen of the Daikai to halt all hostilities between us and the Dragon Leagues." Tobias stated.
"What about the North Division of the Daikai, what about Roger?" V Lord asked.
"Josh, if that's you in there, you did a real number on Roger. Ever since that defeat he's gone reclusive, hiding out in his Lion Den Castle in the DM world, he's been ranting about planning on joining the Daikai as a single unified body. But He has lost his place as the Horseman of Death and the Leadership of the Horsemen." Dan stated.
"Then who took his spot?" Kuro asked.
"A person who has taken the position, but has yet to reveal himself to us, he's been locked up along with the North Division in their Castle in the Daikai Territory." Dan said, then turned to the Senvas, "We know of your mission of sending a commando squad to find out about Roger, but we shall not interfere."
"Why not?" Sarah asked.
"Because he refuses to speak with us, and if he thinks he can strike out against you or us, he is a threat that must be dealt with. We are permitting you to travel through our domain, but do not linger for too long." Tobias said.
"Then what are you 3 gonna do?" Justin asked.
"We will spilt up among the other leagues, Tobias will go with the Emperor Dragon League, Richard will go with the Silver Dragon League, and I shall go with the Holy Dragon League." Dan stated.
"Hey! You can't just invite yourselves along for a journey like this." Kathryn argued.
"And what will you do against them? The Dragon Leagues have never seen what these people have been preparing for their rituals, and if they do manage to summon the Gods, you'll need fire power and more man power then you currently have available." Richard pointed out.
"And how come you know so much?" Josh inquired.
"While you people think were your only problem, we deal with all problems that threaten us or the Tournament. We've been dealing with the Saparity in the shadows, preventing them from getting too strong and causing chaos." Tobias said.
"They sound kinda like you." Bryan pointed out.
"When was the last time we attacked the public directly? I'm not talking about the random duelists you've dealt with, I'm talking us. We tried to create the Ultimate dragon to prevent the possible appearance of a God monster, but you interfered. We may be evil as you perceive us, but we do it to keep us and the whole world safe, maybe you shouldn't perceive us so badly." Richard barked.
"Yeah, the sacrifice of all the people on the bridge was going under necessary losses?" Kyle shot back.
"FOCUS." Dan said in a loud voice, not a shout or a scream, but enough to stop the arguing, "We may not like each other, but we have to work together, at least for now try and deal with your differences."
"Dan's right, we could use their help and for once we have a common view. No more arguing, we accept your ceasefire." Roy said, shocking a large portion of the crowd, but those who weren't surprised knew he was correct in his choice.
"We'll be waiting at the Castle Gate, seeya soon." Richard said, cutting through the crowd and heading for the door, Dan was in pursuit of him, but Tobias stopped in front of Ashley.
There was plenty of frustration between the two, but neither spoke a word to each other, until Tobias reached into his pocket and took something out and held it out to her.
Ashley looked, and was shocked, a silver colored frame, they had been expertly polished and the lens were flawless, but despite their new condition, she instantly recognized what they were. "Aaron's Glasses."
"I found them after our scuffle on the bridge. After I heard what happened to the guy, I figure I'd keep it as a trophy, however I decided to return them. Use them as a symbol of who you are and any Daikai will allow you entry into their territory." He said, as he headed away.
Before Ashley could say anything Tobias said, "Don't think this changes anything between me and him."
Ten minutes later, everyone had dispersed among the Castle. Chuck stood by the Ship, awaiting everyone's departure.
Paul and Kyle were the first of whom to arrive to leave. "Try and take care of the place while I'm gone." Kyle said, "With no Kuro to keep you guys in line the place is gonna fall apart."
"Well see about that. What about you Paul? Any final words before your voyage?" Chuck asked.
Paul took on last look back towards the castle, then to Chuck, "I'll be back, I hope." He said, as he and Kyle crossed the plank and headed below deck.
Paul, you've made a home here, going back there doesn't change it. You came here for your reasons, and I hope you haven't forgotten them. Chuck though to himself.
Next came Nick, Amy and Sarah, all of whom were in high spirits, save for Nick. "I can't believe I'm stuck with that ogre, he's going to ruin the whole trip."
"Oh come on, it could be worse." Sarah said, putting her hand on his shoulder and gave him a playful push onto the plank.
"I'll watch them Chuck, don't worry about us." Amy said to Chuck and dashed across the plank.
"Thankfully they're the group I can have faith in." He said, "It's the others I'm worried about."
Coming next arrived Jacob, still scowling about his loss. "I can't believe it! I had him so close! I just needed one more turn!"
"Oh give it a break man, He's still the best and you have to accept that you're still second best." Dalin said exasperated, getting fed up with the whining.
Joshua seemed in a better mood, he wasn't as depressed as he was when the convoy arrived.
"Are you going to be alright Josh?"
"Don't worry Chuck, I got it under control. I'll be okay." He said, as he hopped across the plank and followed the others down into the boat.
And coming up behind them, was the final group, Kuro and Ashley were dragging the wounded Vic across the carpeted floor.
"Come on Vic, if you don't get better you'll be food for the Kuribohs." Kuro baited, getting tired of dragging his carcass through the castle.
"Well I wouldn't be in this condition if you didn't beat the crap out of me now would I?" Vic countered.
"Sorry we're not in such good shape Chuck, we'll manage some how." Ash apologized.
Chuck gave a slight chuckle, as he watched the final group cross the plank and watch the entrance disappear beneath the planks.
The vessel pulled itself away from the stairs and floated backwards out the Gate and back into the realm where Duel Monsters called home.
Chuck watched as the gates closing, and the view of the ship was gone. "Good luck everyone, come back safe and sound. This is your home, and it will always be open to you."
To be continued…
Next Time on the DDL:
An image of Aaron appears writing on the ground, the pattern of the Wall of Dueling's panels is the subject.
"I have to find a pattern, something's got to trigger the spring action." Aaron says.
An image of Richard, Paul and Kyle standing before the SDL headquarters.
"Welcome to the Silver Liner Complex, this will be your base of operations during your stay." Says Josh.
The scene changes to a high class restaurant, Richard is ducking for cover as a hail of bullets fly over head.
Justin and Paul raise their duel braces, "C.A.S. ENGAGE!"
DDL Chapter 36: Armor Of the Silver Dragon