Chapter 31: Tower-Top Dueling
It was another one of those quiet days in the hospital.
Kari sat in her bed resting as usual. After she had been escorted off of the island and sent to the nearest hospital, she had been doing nothing but resting under the care of the local doctors. She spent most of her time just sitting around recovering parts of her memory and looking at her deck from the Battle of the Titans tournament. Truly she was grateful that the evil that had been embedded inside of her thanks to her activities with the Orichalcos had vanished for good, and she didn't feel any impulse or otherwise from it. In fact, she had reasoned that because of its disappearance, she was able to remember things much quicker than before, and for that she was grateful.
She had been told recently by the doctors that she would be able to leave the hospital within the next couple of days, but the idea was a bit scary for her. Outside of her identities, she was nobody in the real world, and even though she had been harped upon by various news reporters over her sudden reappearance as the last surviving member of the Asaila family, she felt no more real than any of her identities. What was she to do now?
A knock on the door interrupted her brooding thoughts as the nurse pleasantly announced, "You have a visitor."
Kari wondered who could be visiting her now but was surprised when her visitor walked in through the door and stood before her.
"Hello Kari," the visitor spoke. "It's been a little while, huh?"
"Andrew?" Kari recognized him from the semifinal match-ups of the tournament as the one who hadn't played a single card to defend himself. "What are you doing here?"
"I thought I'd stop by and check up on you," Andrew replied. "I hope it's not a bad time."
"No, no, not at all, come in," Kari invited, sitting herself more upright and more comfortable for her guest. She nodded over to the nurse to dismiss her as Andrew sat down in the chair next to the bed.
"I see you've been recovering nicely," Andrew noted, indicating Kari's minor injuries.
"Yeah, I should be able to leave within the next couple of days according to the doctors," Kari informed him.
A brief pause followed from this as she came back to her brooding realization from before, and she absentmindedly picked up her deck again and held it in her hands. Andrew noticed her action and looked at the deck for a little bit.
"That's the one you used in the tournament, right?" he asked.
Kari snapped back from her thoughts and looked down, realizing what he meant. "Yes," she replied, "it is."
She held the deck up in front of her and smiled. "I've been dueling with so many decks these past few years," she continued, "and even this one doesn't feel that real to me. I suppose it belonged to her more than it ever did me."
Andrew nodded, seeming to understand what she had meant without any spoken word. "I would suppose that that's the toughest part," he agreed. "Getting all of those memories back."
"Yes..."
Another pause occurred as Kari put the deck back down again. She finally spoke her mind, "I'm honestly a little scared to leave."
Andrew gave a curious look at her as Kari looked down and contemplated, "I mean, what am I supposed to do when I leave? Everyone knows who I am in some form or other, but I'm not even the people they think I am. Leanna's somebody, Leila's somebody, even Monica's the Driving King. Nobody knows Kari Asaila. I'm worried I'll leave here with not even an identity, a phantom of the real world."
A long pause followed. For a while, only the typical hospital hustle and bustle could be heard muffled in the room. After a couple minutes passed, Andrew finally stood up and held out his hand to Kari.
"Maybe a phantom's just what I need," he said. Kari looked over at the hand and then up at Andrew as he continued, "I need your help, Kari."
KaibaCorp HQ, 1 week after the Poseidon was destroyed
Seto Kaiba waited patiently as the elevator descended into the deeper parts of KaibaCorp. It wasn't enough that everyone wanted to get their hands on KaibaCorp, but they also had to make him retrieve his dueling deck from the vault most of the time. Dartz, Siegfried, Matt Zero, and now Montalban - all Kaiba wanted was to build Kaiba Lands across the globe and take a break from dueling.
At least this way he could probably get away with it for a little while.
The doors opened up, allowing Kaiba to walk out onto the vault floor. The high-tech lock system he had developed to prevent anyone from accessing anything behind the door in question. To say that he had developed this vault for just a simple dueling deck would probably be considered insanity, but then again there were a lot of things he did to construct that deck that he had since begun to regret and reform over.
After disengaging the locks and accessing the vault itself, Kaiba headed over to and opened the one drawer he knew contained the briefcase with his deck in it. Perhaps there was some way of bargaining with Montalban on this duel. Chances were strong that he'd want control of KaibaCorp, maybe Kaiba could attempt to force the same wager on Montalban's global conglomerate. Then again, he had enough on his hands managing his one company, who knows what would happen under the number Montalban controlled.
Kaiba strapped on the Duel Disk and proceeded to head back to the elevator, locking the vault as he went. He was stopped by the presence of his secretary, a rather plain woman with blue eyes and a wonderfully decorated hair bun, dressed in attire befitting a woman in her position, and with a smart set of glasses as well. The secretary stood at the elevator waiting, no doubt for Kaiba to return from the vault.
"Sir, we seem to have a problem," she announced as Kaiba approached. The elevator doors opened, and the two stepped onboard.
"What is it this time?" Kaiba asked as the doors closed and the lift began to rise.
"A large number of Montalban's personnel have secured the building," the secretary explained. "The staff is getting nervous that a physical takeover may be imminent."
Kaiba smirked. "So he thinks if he can't have it one way, he'll have it another," he sneered. "A selfish thought but not surprising from a man in his position."
"Then we'll be initiating Plan A?" the secretary asked.
"Absolutely," Kaiba answered.
The secretary then took off her glasses and undid her hair bun, letting her long hair drop down to mid-back. She reached into one of her eyes and pulled out a blue contact lens, revealing the minty green eye behind it.
"Does Andrew know?" Kaiba asked.
"I made sure to inform him right after you told me the news," the new woman replied.
"Meh heh," Kaiba chuckled. "Well, it looks like KaibaCorp is getting taken over, but it's not going to be by Montalban."
"So remind me again how dis is gonna work?"
"It's simple. We play it out like American football, tackling the defenders and making sure the quarterback gets to the end zone."
"Which means?"
"Basically just hold off the guards while I get to the rooftop. Rumor has it Montalban's flying in via helicopter."
"Is it really going to be that easy?"
"Relax, Yugi. With any luck, Montalban doesn't suspect a thing, and we'll be able to catch him by surprise."
Just as Kari had informed Kaiba, there was indeed a large number of henchmen around, all in the signature Montalban Corp's uniform of violet with gold trimmings and the black and curvy M pin. Some were patrolling the premises, a couple guarded the entrance, and a few more were strolling as if it were nobody's business. All was quiet at KaibaCorp.
"YEE-HAW!"
Out from around the corner appeared a couple of Duel Runners, each one being ridden by Joey and Tristan. The duo sped past the guards, knocking them down with their bare hands and sweeping past them with ease to knock down even more guards.
"Betcha can't catch us now!" Joey taunted as he spun circles around the guards.
"Course not, they're too slow!" Tristan added, knocking down another couple of guards.
"Somebody get them!"
"Don't let them get away!"
The duo continued to distract the guards as some small pellets were tossed onto the ground. Joey and Tristan quickly grabbed for a couple of gas masks and strapped them on as the pellets exploded into a vibrant purple vapor that swept across the area. Several of the guards breathed in the vapors while only a couple managed to trigger their own gas masks to rise from their uniform to prevent themselves from breathing in the mysterious vapor. Those misfortunate guards that did end up breathing in the vapors were treated to a nasty set of hallucinations.
"Dear god, what are those things?!"
"How did those two multiply so fast?!"
"Ow! What are you doing?"
"Get away from me you fiend!"
The guards were trapped in a mass panic of chaos and confusion, beating themselves into bloody pulps all the while getting knocked down by Joey and Tristan. Meanwhile, a smaller group of people with masks and backpacks snuck past the disoriented guards and into the building. The lobby area had only a few more guards, and with a couple of stun guns wielded by a couple of people in the group, the guards were dealt with swiftly before they could even act. As for the KaibaCorp personnel, they were tossed some gas masks to prevent them from suffering from the vapors that leaked into the building.
"What'd I tell ya? Easy peasy," the leading person in the group remarked to the others in his group.
"I dunno, it seems way too easy," a shorter masked fellow noted.
"At the rate we're going, it might as well be the easiest thing in the world!" another short masked fellow added.
"With Auntie's fear gas, Kaiba's weapon stash, and Joey and Tristan providing the distraction, we'll be on the roof in no time," the leader declared, pressing one of the buttons for the elevator. "Now then, Izzy, Shannon, Tea, you girls stay down here and make sure no one comes up the elevator."
"Roger that," replied one of the other masked group members, heading over to the lobby desk with two others.
The leader and the two shorter masked members stood in front of the elevator, stun guns at the ready. The elevator doors opened, and-
"Crap."
PEW PEW
The trio dodged and fired off at several guards in the elevator as they were fired at. Fortunately they were able to take out one or two of the guards while not suffering any casualties, and after a few minutes of flanking the elevator doors, the guards became incapacitated without a hitch.
"I'm not moving those bodies around," one of the smaller masked fellows refused. The leader simply rolled his head around and burst through a door marked "Stairs".
"Keep an eye out for guards!" he shouted back as he ran up the stairs, removing his mask at last and continuing to ascend the staircase, smoothing out his frazzled hair and goatee and pulling out a Duel Disk from his backpack.
Kaiba exited the elevator with his secretary standing by as they appeared on the rooftop, waiting for Montalban's helicopter to appear in the distance. The secretary pulled out her PDA and tapped the screen a couple of times to check up on how things were going. The sound of motors roaring and whooping noises could be heard faintly from below.
"Guess the dweebs got their entertainment," Kaiba muttered as the secretary read the screen.
"Things are going well though," she nodded. "Andrew's group has taken control temporarily, and he's taking the stairs."
"Hope he enjoys them," Kaiba chuckled. "He's got a long way to go."
A few minutes passed, and soon enough Montalban's chopper appeared in the distance. Kaiba stood and watched as the chopper got closer to its final destination.
"Go ahead and help the others out, Kari," Kaiba told the secretary. "I think we can handle things from here."
"Alright." The secretary bowed once more before turning towards the elevator. As she strolled across the rooftop, her disguise was removed, revealing Kari brandishing her signature cloak flowing behind her. She entered into the elevator and finally pulled out a Duel Disk as the doors closed and she headed down to the lobby.
Kaiba looked onward as the chopper approached the building, whipping up a small whirlwind as it descended upon the rooftop. A single occupant dropped out and signaled for the chopper to lift off once again, adjusting his gold-trimmed purple jacket and smiling.
"Well, I'm glad you've agreed to see me here at this fine location," Montalban greeted, his sweet and mellow tone causing Kaiba to sneer.
"I'm glad you're working to see things my way," Kaiba retorted. "After all, you've decided to dig your own grave."
"Berating me as usual I see," Montalban smiled. "Not that it will matter, I'll deal with your insolence soon enough."
With that said, Montalban brandished a refined golden model of the regular Duel Disk and produced a small deck of Duel Monsters cards. Kaiba did the same with his own Duel Disk and deck, already prepared for Montalban's challenge. The two walked up to each other and proceeded to shuffle each other's decks.
"So then, this is for the fate of my company then," Kaiba reminded.
"Glad you remembered," Montalban replied. "We'll battle for the control of KaibaCorp. You win, you maintain that control. You lose, and the company's mine."
"Perhaps you'd be willing to raise those stakes," Kaiba sneered.
"Oh? And what might I have that you want?" Montalban asked.
"Actually, it's not what I want," Kaiba smirked just as the door to the stairs opened up. Montalban jumped with surprise and turned to the surprise visitor, who was now breathing heavily as the door closed.
"Hi! *huff* I have *huff* arrived! *huff*" Andrew breathed as he bent over on his knees to maintain his breath. "*huff* Kaiba...*huff*...why do you *huff* have so many *huff* stairs anyway? *huff*"
"Meh heh, emergency exit reasons," Kaiba replied. "Besides, I don't normally take the stairs."
"I can *huff* see why," Andrew wheezed as he strolled up to the two.
"And what's the meaning of this?" Montalban asked.
"Oh you know, just some *huff* good old-fashioned *huff* plotting," Andrew attempted to reply. "Phew! You mind explaining? I'm gonna *huff* take a breather."
Kaiba rolled his eyes as Andrew sat down and shuffled his own deck. "I've been in contact with Andrew for some time now," Kaiba explained. "The moment you made your move, I made mine. I gave him the location of a secret weapons stash of mine so he could take out your guards downstairs, and as you can see that's clearly worked."
"Hmph, so you brought your friend along to watch our duel," Montalban summarized.
"Not exactly," Andrew smirked, finally having caught his breath and standing up. "I'm here to participate in the duel."
"Interesting," Montalban mused. "And under what terms would you be dueling under?"
"Well, I've promised Kaiba he can use this card during the Duel," Andrew started out, placing a card on the deck in Montalban's hands. "If I win, I get it back from him. And from you, I'll be taking access to your archives and records."
"And what should happen if I win against you?" Montalban asked, intrigued by this elaborate proposal.
"You get my life, simple as that," Andrew answered.
Montalban chuckled at that. "Very amusing. I'll have to think about what I'm going to do with you then," he remarked as he handed Kaiba back his deck with Kaiba returning his own back to him. "After all, I've so much to repay you for." He then turned and headed to one side of the building as Andrew walked back with Kaiba to another part.
"You remember the other part of my bargain, yes?" Andrew asked.
"I've considered it," Kaiba noted, "but there's nothing that can be offered for it."
"Then let's settle it this way; you're aware of the card I've added to your deck, yes?" Andrew asked.
"As per your word," Kaiba replied.
"Then you know its power?"
"Certainly. I've used it before after all."
"Then it's simple: summon it to the field, and if I defeat it, I get the three Blue-Eyes White Dragons until further notice," Andrew bargained.
"You think you have the cards for that?" Kaiba challenged.
"If I can defeat the King of Games, perhaps a god isn't that much harder," Andrew smiled.
"It'll be interesting to say the least to see how you pull that off," Kaiba sneered. "I assume the terms otherwise are the same?"
"Obelisk will remain yours if you beat me regardless if you summon him or not," Andrew agreed.
"Good. It'll be nice to summon him again after all this time," Kaiba chuckled, and the two headed into opposing corners.
"Conferring on a strategy, perhaps?" Montalban asked the two. "I should hope you're not both planning on defeating me."
"This'll be a three-way duel," Kaiba declared. "I'm Andrew's opponent as much as I am yours."
"Although we might take you out first, seeing as you're the most dangerous opponent in case either of us loses," Andrew added.
"Now this I'll have to see with my own eye," Montalban smiled, triggering his Duel Disk. "Perhaps I can start by repaying you for the other one."
"Bring it on," Andrew declared, triggering his own Duel Disk as Kaiba activated his.
"DUEL!"
Andrew: 4000
Kaiba: 4000
Montalban: 4000
"My turn!" Andrew said, drawing his first card. "And I summon Ancient Hero Bladegon (4/2000/1200) in Attack mode!"
The mighty blue dinosaur burst forth from the card onto Andrew's field, its razor claws glistening in the light of the slowly setting sun.
"And then I play one card face-down and end my turn," Andrew concluded.
"My turn!" Kaiba announced, drawing a card and declaring, "I summon Vorse Raider (4/1900/1200) in Attack mode as well!"
The devilish beast-warrior appeared, brandishing its signature axe and readying itself for battle.
"And now I place two cards face-down and end my turn," Kaiba continued, Setting his cards onto the field.
"Hmph, you each brought out some powerful monsters, I see," Montalban hummed, drawing his first card and looking at it. "But you don't have any idea how powerful a monster can be."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Andrew asked.
"I'm saying that I have in my hands the very cards I need to destroy you both with ease," Montalban replied, "and it starts with this! I activate The Life-Giver's Arena!"
Suddenly the skyscraper rooftop changed into an ancient arena of a dull brown stone. Several pillars rose up from the ground to support the roof that appeared from the sky, blotting out the sun and sealing the three in a large unforgiving dungeon. Several flames appeared in various altars surrounding the trio as a grand podium appeared before Montalban, signifying his control over the field.
"I hope you'll be comfortable in my arena," Montalban chuckled as Andrew and Kaiba became acquainted with the new landscape. "Now that that's out of the way, I'll activate Pot of Greed and draw 2 more cards from my Deck."
After doing so, Montalban continued, "Now let me show you a real monster. I discard 5 cards from my hand and Special Summon my Tributed Warrior (3/0/0) to the field!"
"You're discarding your entire hand?!" Kaiba exclaimed.
"For one monster?!" Andrew exclaimed.
"That's right," Montalban replied, summoning up a whirlwind that brought forth what appeared to be a ghoulish figure from the very earth of the arena. The monstrous humanoid rose up, its wrists clad in iron handcuffs chained to a large cast-iron vat on its back. The vat in turn was connected to the beast's neck via a large flexible tube, covered by its matted hair. Its soulless eyes peered out as it roared hungrily.
"Now allow me to explain what my monster does that makes it so terrifying," Montalban explained. "You see, now that I've summoned it to my field, I can use its special ability to give it power using life energy."
"You mean it's a monster that takes Life Points?" Andrew asked.
"Indeed it does," Montalban smiled. "But you see, it doesn't take my Life Points. No, instead it takes half of each of your Life Points!"
"Hold on," Kaiba exclaimed. "That means-"
"-that now I have the most powerful monster in play," Montalban interrupted. "And not only that, I've already taken you both down to only half of your Life Points!"
The monstrosity roared as it reached out and grabbed both Kaiba and Andrew, draining them both of their Life Points and increasing its own Attack points!
Andrew: 2000
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 4000
Tributed Warrior (3/0/0 - 3/4000/0)
"Luckily for you, my Tributed Warrior can't attack in the turn it was summoned this way," Montalban finished. "Not that that changes what it's already done."
"Sorry, but your monster's done for!" Kaiba declared. "I'll activate my-"
Suddenly, a yellow pot-bellied fiend appeared and landed on Kaiba's face-down card, chuckling as Kaiba was taken aback by its sudden appearance.
"Oh yes, I forgot to mention about my Ghoul in the Grave (2/900/300), didn't I?" Montalban taunted. "You see, this monster can remove itself from my Graveyard and prevent Trap cards from being activated when I discard it from my hand until my next turn's End Phase."
"What?!"
"That's right, Kaiba. Your Traps are useless until then! And now during the End Phase of my turn, my Life-Giver's Arena activates!"
One of the large rings in the center of the arena began to glow a faint white light, which proceeded into the outer rings slowly but surely until the white light surrounded all the monsters on the field.
"Now with my Arena in play, I gain Life Points equal to the total Attack of all monsters currently on the field!" Montalban declared, triggering the podium to glow brightly and bring him an enormous amount of white energy.
Andrew: 2000
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 11900
"That's insane!" Kaiba exclaimed.
"A monster that absorbs his opponent's health...an arena that constantly gives him Life...what a devastating strategy," Andrew remarked to himself.
"I'm glad you both realize the trouble you're in now," Montalban announced strictly. "Now I am the strongest duelist in the game!"
"Tch, I think we know that's a lie."
Montalban and Kaiba both turned over to Andrew, who simply stood there smiling. Montalban scowled and called out, "You dare to mock me? In the position you're in?"
"Sorry, but you can't be the strongest duelist in the game," Andrew smiled as he gestured to himself with his thumb, "cause that honor belongs to me."
Montalban twitched with a hint of anger but then relaxed and smiled. "Well then, aren't you a cocky one," he smirked. "Then let's see it! Your power that surpasses mine!"
I'm interested in seeing this as well, Kaiba thought to himself. He claims that he's got more power than an Egyptian God Card, and the only person I can think of with that kind of power is Yugi. He may have defeated Yugi, but he hasn't even seen an Egyptian God Card's power in action before. What will you do when faced against a god?
"It's my turn then!" Andrew declared, drawing his next card. He looked over his hand and mused. I don't have the cards I need to beat this monster, but I know that they're somewhere in this Deck. I just hope I draw it before his monster breaks my defenses. Good thing I've got the ultimate defense then!
"I activate my Spell Split Duo magic card!" Andrew declared. "Now I can use its power to drain 500 of your Life Points, so long as I guess a coin toss correctly."
Andrew then brought out a coin as a small fairy and devil appeared by his side. He flipped the coin in the air and caught it.
"I'll guess tails this first time around," Andrew said, then he revealed the coin to be heads. "Looks like that didn't work, but now I flip again!"
He flipped the coin once more, called out, "Tails!", and caught the coin. Then he revealed the result to be-
"Tails! Awesome! Now my spell works!"
The little devil then whacked Montalban as the fairy sprinkled Andrew with some fairy dust, altering their Life Points respectively.
Andrew: 2500
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 11400
"I'm afraid it'll take more than fairies and demons to defeat me," Montalban smirked, amused by these antics.
"I'm not done yet," Andrew continued. "Now I activate my Twist of Fate, allowing me to double my Life Points if you've got more than I do."
Andrew: 5000
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 11400
"And now I summon Ancient Hero Mirage (2/1100/200) to the field and switch Ancient Hero Bladegon to Defense mode," Andrew concluded. "That ends my turn."
"Hmph, if that was all your retort was worth, it wasn't much," Kaiba mocked dryly, drawing his next card. "I switch Vorse Raider to Defense mode and Set 1 monster on my field to end my turn."
"Good, now we can move on to my turn," Montalban declared, drawing his next card. "Now there is a small price to pay for my Life-Giver's Arena to remain. Each turn, I must pay half of my Life Points to maintain the field or else it will be destroyed. Naturally, I'll be paying this cost post-haste."
The rings of the arena glowed now with red light, draining away Montalban's Life Points back into their cryptic pattern.
Andrew: 5000
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 5700
If only there was a way to make Montalban's Life Points drop further, we'd be able to do some decent damage on him, Andrew thought as Montalban continued his turn.
"Now I activate the Mystic Barrier from my hand," Montalban continued, bringing forth a white veil over his terrifying monster. "Now my monsters are completely immune from any targeting card effects, so I've no longer anything to fear! Go, Tributed Warrior! Eliminate the Vorse Raider!"
The hulking humanoid lunged forward and delivered a devastating blow to the axe-wielding beast-warrior, destroying it instantly!
"And now with that out of the way, I can gain more Life Points from my Arena," Montalban concluded, the white glow of the rings restoring his Life Points once again.
Andrew: 5000
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 12800
"My turn then," Andrew announced, drawing into his next card. "At this point, Twist of Fate activates and halves my Life Points again."
Andrew: 2500
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 12800
"Meh heh, I guess this is the part where you start losing," Kaiba sneered. "Since I can't target Montalban's monsters, I'll just have to use yours! I activate Ring of Destruction and chain it to the Ring of Defense!"
Suddenly, Bladegon was equipped with a ring of explosives while a shielding ring appeared in front of Kaiba, opening up and whirling about.
"Now with Ring of Destruction, your monster will be destroyed, and all its power will hit you and Montalban while I'm safe!" Kaiba explained. "Looks like you won't be protecting your monster this time!"
With that, Bladegon was destroyed in a massive explosion as Andrew and Montalban's Life Points decreased significantly!
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 10800
Figures Kaiba would have planned on that, Andrew thought to himself. And I still don't have the cards I need. Not quite yet.
"I end my turn here," Andrew declared.
"Perhaps a precursor to your surrender then?" Montalban hummed. Then he suddenly laughed loudly and said, "I've got it! I know just what I'll do with you when your life is mine!"
Montalban then reached inside his jacket towards his belt and pulled out a sinister dagger. He tapped his eyepatch with the dagger's blade and said, "I'll pay you back for my eye by digging yours right out of your skull! You'll be scarred for life, just like me, and you too will experience the hatred I feel towards your brother! And yet you'll be helpless to stop me!"
"Maybe you should focus on the duel first before waving your vendetta around," Kaiba called out, drawing his next card. "I'm Setting this card down and ending my turn."
"Big talk from a small man," Montalban taunted as he drew his next card. "I can at least afford to make such talk. For now, I pay 2000 Life Points to keep my Mystic Barrier in play and half of my remaining Life Points to keep The Life-Giver's Arena in play."
The red glow of the rings appeared once again to drain Montalban of his Life as it slowly disappeared once again.
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 10800 - 8800 - 4400
"Now I summon forth my Indestructible Gambler (3/0/1500) to the field in Attack mode!" Montalban announced, bringing forth a dapper man with an afro and shaded spectacles. The man was dressed up in a tuxedo and shined luxuriously as he appeared on the field, an extraordinarily out of place sight in the dungeon arena.
"Now I think it's time to rid the field of your monsters, Kaiba," Montalban declared. "Go, Tributed Warrior! Eliminate his monster!"
The monstrous warrior then lunged forward and punched at-
"Go, Attack Guidance Armor!" Kaiba interrupted the attack with his face-down card, strapping the tuxedo man in a fiendish armor. The warrior's punch then turned and came down at the Indestructible Gambler!
"With my Attack Guidance Armor, I can throw off your monster's attack to another target instead," Kaiba explained. "And since I'm manipulating the attack itself, your Mystic Barrier can't do anything to stop me!"
"Exposing a loophole in my strategy will do no good here," Montalban retorted. "I activate the effect of my Indestructible Gambler! Now for every 500 Attack points on the monster that's attacking it, I can roll a die and gain Attack points based on the die roll unless it's a 6, in which case a monster will be destroyed instead."
The gambler then threw out several dice to match the warrior's strength, with eight distinct dice that glowed with their respectively rolled numbers.
"4, 1, 3, 4, 6, 5, 1, and 4," Montalban said. "That means my Indestructible Gambler will gain 2200 Atk points and destroy 1 monster. And I think I'll take care of that Ancient Hero Mirage right away!"
The gambler's power rose up as one of the dice rose up and flung itself at Ancient Hero Mirage!
Indestructible Gambler (3/0/1500 - 3/2200/1500)
"I don't think so!" Andrew said. "I activate Ancient Heroes' Shield to block the effect of your Gambler!"
Suddenly a mystical barrier arose that blocked the exploding die from destroying Mirage!
"And now you'll take damage equal to the difference in strength between your monsters!" Kaiba added, with the attacking finally connecting with its target!
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 2600
"Hmph, I'm impressed," Montalban admitted. "But it doesn't really matter, as my Indestructible Gambler is also a monster that can't be destroyed in battle! So now I can work on getting rid of your monster again!"
The gambler now leapt into the air and scattered several dice around Kaiba's monster, only for it to reveal-
"Now you'll get a taste of my Ancient Lamp (3/900/1400), which can also redirect an attack if it's targeted while face-down!" Kaiba announced. "Go, reflect the attack to Tributed Warrior!"
The lamp's magic then reflected the dice and scattered them all over the malicious being, exploding on contact. The beast-man survived the attack easily, but Montalban's Life Points were not so lucky.
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 800
"Hm, a shame that it didn't do a little more damage," Montalban pitied. "Now it looks like I'll be regaining quite a substantial amount of life with my arena!"
As he said these words, the rings once again glowed with their white light, restoring his life with ease.
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 9000
"It doesn't matter how much damage you do to me," Montalban called out. "I'll always be able to recover from it with great improvement! You two never stood a chance!"
"We'll see about that," Andrew replied, drawing his next card. This oughta speed things up.
"I activate my Ancient Time Acceleration so I can look at the next three cards of my Deck," Andrew announced, proceeding to do as such with his deck. He looked at the cards in question.
Not here. It must still be further down in my Deck.
"I'll return all three cards to the bottom of my Deck," he continued, "and then draw three new cards from the top of my Deck."
After he proceeded to do this, he looked over his new hand. This could work. I can only hope it's on top of my Deck!
"I now summon Ancient Hero Lucky Death (4/1900/200) in Attack mode!" Andrew said, bringing forth the skeletal reaper in its trademark robe. "And then I'll Tribute both my Ancient Hero Mirage and my Ancient Hero Lucky Death to summon Ancient Hero Superior (10/?/?)!"
The two monsters now disappeared in place of the flames that foretold of the new monster's presence. Kaiba looked on as he recognized the summoning of this warrior.
That's the monster that defeated Yugi! Could it be that it's the monster that can defeat god?! Kaiba thought as he looked on, the summoning sequence coming to a close as the monster brandished its signature weapon.
"Now I use the effect of my Ancient Hero Lucky Death," Andrew explained. "When it's sent to the Graveyard, I can discard 1 card from my hand to Special Summon it back to the field."
Andrew proceeded to do so and revive his reaper next to the warrior, the two monsters now united on his field.
"This doesn't serve you well," Montalban retorted. "I know your strategy from the Battle of the Titans tournament, and it won't do you any good here. Your monster is far weaker compared to mine, and with few Ancient Heroes in your Graveyard, it doesn't stand to gain anymore any time soon."
Indeed, there were only a couple of images that showed up beside Ancient Hero Superior. There was Bladegon, the dinosaur destroyed by the Ring of Destruction, and Mirage that was sent there. And then there was a smaller scalier shadier critter with shaded spectacles akin to those of the Indestructible Gambler, smiling a toothy smile with its A on its belly.
"Wait a moment, what monster is that?" Montalban asked as Ancient Hero Superior gained its Atk and Def via its own effect.
Ancient Hero Superior (10/?/? - 10/2400/2400)
"That's the monster that was discarded for Lucky Death," Andrew replied. "Meet Ancient Hero Greedgio (3/200/1400), and its effect lets me draw 2 cards when he's sent to the Graveyard from my hand or Deck."
Andrew then proceeded to draw into his next two cards, a sudden wind blowing through the arena. Kaiba felt it, as did Montalban: the real ace monster of the Ancient Heroes.
"Now I activate Ancient Hero's Ritual!" Andrew declared. "With its power, I remove Ancient Heroes Lucky Death, Bladegon, and Mirage from play in order to bring out the strongest Ancient Hero I've got!"
As the magic's effect activated, the designated heroes transformed into spectral beings and rose up, gathering around a single point from which a black mist formed. The energies combined together and became dense, forming a black sphere within the mist that now shrouded the field.
"What the devil is that?!" Montalban asked, recoiling at the sight.
"Glad you asked," Andrew smirked. "It's the monster I'm going to use to defeat your Tributed Warrior. Behold the power of the Ancient Hero Unknown (9/?/?)!"
Suddenly, the black sphere opened up, revealing a giant eye! The mist then formed around the eye, creating several horns that made the monster's head. The rest gathered below the creature, creating its body, its arms, its legs, and its tail. From the arms formed hands, and within those hands and the tip of the tail formed mouths that opened up hungrily, ready to devour whatever may have been unfortunate enough to be before them.
"Now allow me to explain my new monster's ability," Andrew explained grimly. "Ancient Hero Unknown has the ability to absorb the Atk and Def of all of my Ancient Heroes that have been removed from play, and since I just removed Lucky Death, Bladegon, and Mirage from play, my Ancient Hero Unknown absorbs their power!"
Ancient Hero Unknown (9/?/? - 9/5000/1600)
Ancient Hero Superior (10/2400/2400 - 10/800/800)
It's even stronger than Obelisk! Kaiba thought, his face showing his shock as much as Montalban's own face did at the sight of this ungodly being.
"Go, Ancient Hero Unknown! Take down his Tributed Warrior!" Andrew declared, sending the beast after the monstrous humanoid. The two devilish creatures battled each other for a bit, the humanoid struggling against the latest fiend's massive power. Eventually, the warrior sank to its knees, and the new beast tore it apart and feasted upon it, much to the horror of Montalban and Kaiba.
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 8000
"How...how could there be such a monster in your Deck?" Montalban stuttered.
Andrew simply looked on with a grim face. "It's not often I bring out my Ancient Hero Unknown," he continued. "After all, it's even stronger than Ancient Hero Superior, and I don't find that I need to rely on it. Now though, against someone like you, I know I need to use its power."
Andrew then turned to Kaiba and smiled. "If you think that the card I gave you can beat my monster, then try your luck," he taunted. "I end my turn."
He's challenging me to bring out Obelisk the Tormentor against that thing, Kaiba thought, a menacing glare being shot towards Andrew. Then Kaiba smiled and declared, "I'll accept that challenge."
He drew his next card and announced, "I use the power of the Ancient Lamp so that I can summon La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp (4/1800/1000) to my field from my hand!"
The lamp then began to leak out a green fog that brought forth the mighty genie of the lamp to the field, chuckling as he appeared on the field.
"Next I play Card of Demise to draw until I have five cards in my hand," Kaiba continued, proceeding to draw another three cards from his deck. "Next, I play Ancient Rules to Special Summon a Level 5 or higher Normal Monster, and the monster I choose will be the Blue-Eyes White Dragon (8/3000/2500)!"
With the power of his spell card, Kaiba's signature dragon rose up and roared its mighty roar, ready to serve its master once again. Needless to say, it was about to serve its master in a greater way.
Let's see what you'll do now against the power of god! Kaiba thought. "I sacrifice my La Jinn, Ancient Lamp, and Blue-Eyes White Dragon in order to summon forth Obelisk the Tormentor (10/4000/4000)!"
With a howl of wind and a crash of thunder, Kaiba's monsters became light and pierced through the ceiling of the arena. For a moment, nothing appeared to happen. Then just like that, an entire corner of the arena broke apart, revealing the destructive force that was the Egyptian God Card.
Meanwhile, down at the bottom of KaibaCorp, Joey and Tristan looked up towards the top to see several ancient walls and Obelisk the Tormentor peering through the only broken corner of it.
"Is dat Obelisk?" Joey asked.
"I guess Kaiba managed to summon it after all," Tristan said.
"Just as Andrew planned it, huh?" Joey noted.
"It sure is," Tristan said, punching a goon that wandered up to him.
Back at the duel, the god loomed over the field as Montalban looked on with fear at the sight of this monster, its power exceeding most anything he could think.
"Now I'll show you the power of an Egyptian God Card," Kaiba smirked. "I activate Graceful Charity to draw 3 cards and discard 2 from my new hand."
After doing as such, Kaiba said, "Now I use my Monster Reborn to revive the Blue-Eyes White Dragon from my Graveyard!"
Kaiba's monster once again returned to the field, roaring its mighty roar as the others watched on.
"Next, I Special Summon Clone Dragon (4/?/?) with its effect and use its power to copy my Blue-Eyes White Dragon," Kaiba said, bringing forth an aurora coated being that soon transformed into the likeness of Kaiba's Blue-Eyes White Dragon.
"And now for my monster's greatest power," Kaiba said. "I sacrifice two of my monsters so that I can destroy all opposing monsters and inflict 4000 damage to the opponent's life points!"
Kaiba turned to Andrew and called out, "Now show me the power you claim to surpass god! Go, Obelisk! Fist of Fate!"
The god reached down and absorbed the power of the Blue-Eyes White Dragons, increasing its strength to unfathomable heights and descending down upon the field! It lunged forth with a supercharged fist and prepared to pound the field!
"I'll use the power of Ancient Hero Unknown!" Andrew declared. "With it, I can use it as a shield and protect my monsters from the effects of your god for this turn!"
The mist being then formed around Andrew and Ancient Hero Superior and solidified itself, creating a shield that Obelisk's fist clashed with. Eventually the energy dissipated, and Andrew remained standing with his monsters.
"It intercepted the attack?!" Kaiba looked on astonished.
"What did you expect?" Andrew asked with a smile. "I told you I had the power to beat Obelisk."
Kaiba faltered for a little bit, but then he remembered that Obelisk's power was still in effect. "I suppose then I'll have to concede to just destroying one opponent," he sneered, then he pointed towards Montalban and declared, "Go, Obelisk! Show Montalban your power as the Tormentor!"
Obelisk then proceeded to charge his fist again and descended upon Montalban's only monster, obliterating the Indestructible Gambler and hitting Montalban with all the power of a god!
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 4000
Kaiba then lowered his hand and concluded, "I now end my turn here."
Montalban stood there on the other side, his field devastated by two extraordinarily powerful creatures. Slowly he began to chuckle, and then he began to laugh.
"So this is the power of an Egyptian God Card," he exclaimed. "And to think the Ancient Heroes were able to bring about such power as well! I have to give credit where credit's due, this duel was well worth it just to witness the power of these colossal beings. And yet even they cannot defeat the power I have!"
Montalban then drew his next card and looked at it. "Looks like I'll have to forgo my Mystic Barrier's cost, as it will do me no good now."
With that said, the Mystic Barrier dissipated from the field as the red rings of the arena activated and drained Montalban's life away.
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 2000
"I'll admit that you have both brought forth extraordinary monsters," Montalban continued, "but the power of my arena is far greater still for it. Since you've brought out these monsters, I have now only gotten stronger! I only need to Set this one card, and the two of you will have defeated yourselves!"
The white rings reappeared and glowed, increasing Montalban's life by an extraordinary amount.
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 2000
Montalban: 11800
"Perhaps you wish to retract your statement about your great power now?" Montalban asked Andrew. "You cannot win with the power I possess."
"You make this too easy," Andrew scolded, sparking Montalban's scorn. "It's my turn again!"
Drawing his next card, Montalban spoke up again, "I'll activate my Call of the Haunted card to bring back Indestructible Gambler!"
With the trap card's power, the dapper tuxedo man reappeared once again on the field, with no power to its name.
"It won't matter what you summon, Montalban," Andrew remarked. "I've already won! I activate my City of the Ancient Pyramids, wiping out your Life-Giver's Arena!"
"What?!"
Montalban could do nothing but watch as the dungeon arena crumbled away into nothingness, replaced now by the three pyramids rising up behind Andrew and a flurry of sand.
"Now that your arena's destroyed, you won't be regaining any Life Points," Andrew continued. "Next, I equip my Key of the Ancient Heroes onto Ancient Hero Unknown, raising its power by 1000!"
The key appeared in midair, allowing for the mysterious creature to reach out and grab it.
Ancient Hero Unknown (9/5000/1600 - 9/6000/1600)
"Next, I'll summon Ancient Hero Morpher (3/0/0) to the field in Attack mode!" Andrew continued, summoning forth the ring that would in turn bring out the oozing shapeshifter of the Ancient Heroes. "I'll now use Ancient Hero Morpher's power to clone my Ancient Hero Unknown!"
The oozing monster then began to change form into the black mist demon, their only difference being the original's wielding of the key.
Ancient Hero Morpher (3/0/0) - Ancient Hero Morph-Unknown (9/6000/1600)
"Are you ready?" Andrew asked, indicating both duelists. "I now use the original Unknown to attack Obelisk the Tormentor!"
The key-wielding Unknown then lunged forth and leapt into the air above Obelisk the Tormentor. It soared for a moment before striking down the god with the key, slicing it clean in half and destroying it!
He did it, Kaiba thought as Obelisk's remains came crashing down on him. He beat god.
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 0
Montalban: 11800
"Now with the Key's power, I can attack my opponent's monster again," Andrew continued. "So thank you, Montalban, now I can destroy your Indestructible Gambler!"
The key-wielding Unknown now turned its attention to the gambler, who reached into his pocket and threw out a load of dice!
"I hope you haven't forgotten my Gambler's ability," Montalban countered. "And since your monster has 6000 Atk, I can roll 12 dice!"
The dice then landed, with several glowing their numbers in the air.
"2, 3, 4, 6, 5, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 6, 5! Your monsters will now die!" Montalban laughed, as the Gambler proceeded to increase its attack! And then suddenly it destroyed itself!
"What?! What happened?" Montalban asked, once again shocked by the outcome.
"Your Indestructible Gambler used its effect, and in turn it destroyed itself," Andrew explained. "My City of the Ancient Pyramids makes my Ancient Heroes completely immune to your card effects, and with no other monsters to destroy, the Gambler destroyed itself. And since that came in the midst of an attack!"
"No!"
The key-wielding Unknown now lunged forth and plunged its key into Montalban's Life Points!"
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 0
Montalban: 5800
"And now, Ancient Hero Superior and Ancient Hero Morph-Unknown! Attack Montalban directly and end this Duel!" Andrew declared, sending in his last two monsters to bring Montalban's Life Points down to nothing!
Andrew: 500
Kaiba: 0
Montalban: 0
Montalban now knelt down on the ground with Kaiba, the winner of the duel standing above them. Kaiba couldn't help but chuckle.
"You really were telling the truth," Kaiba sneered once more.
"Naturally, though I find that people are always surprised regardless," Andrew shrugged. He then turned his attention to Montalban and said, "Now that I've won the duel, I'll be taking my prize from you. I'm gonna need those access codes for your archives and records."
Montalban scoffed. "I don't see any reason you'd want such trivial information," he grunted. "Your brother isn't coming back, and there's no way you can get to the Beyond to save him."
Just then, Montalban was picked up from behind and held at knife-point by Kari. Andrew stepped a little closer to Montalban and deliberately seethed, "I asked for those access codes, and you're gonna give them to me."
Montalban scoffed again. "That desperate, are we?" he asked. "You know I'm the only person who would willingly give you the codes to such valuable resources, and you know I won't give them to you if I'm dead. Let's face it, the only reason you haven't gotten your girlfriend here to off me yet is because you need me. You know it, and I know it too."
"The codes, Montalban! I won the duel fair and square!" Andrew commanded.
Finally Montalban sighed, pulling out a small piece of paper and handing it over to him. "That will get you into the main archives," Montalban responded. "You don't need anything more beyond that to find out what you're looking for."
Andrew nodded over at Kari, who then released Montalban from her grasp. He turned back to Kaiba and nodded, "And you know our deal."
Kaiba nodded and handed Andrew Obelisk the Tormentor as well as the three Blue-Eyes White Dragons. "I wouldn't hand over these cards to just anybody, you know," Kaiba threatened. "Keep them safe, or your life is forfeit."
Andrew nodded in return as the chopper returned for Montalban. A ladder was thrown down that he grabbed for.
"I'd hate to duel and run, but it seems I'm needed in other parts of the world," Montalban said, and he disappeared with the chopper into the distance. The trio watched him leave, each one bothered in some way by his departure. Kaiba was bothered that this wouldn't be the end for their feud. Kari was bothered by the man that Andrew had told her about, the person more detestable in person than in her head.
And Andrew was bothered most of all by what Montalban had said. Your brother isn't coming back, and there's no way you can get to the Beyond to save him.
There had to be a way.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Man, what an intense duel! I wonder what's up with some of those cards.
Ancient Hero Bladegon (Effect Monster)
Level 4, 2000 Atk, 1200 Def, Dinosaur, EARTH
Effect: Cannot be destroyed by battle. If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent. If this card attacks, it cannot attack during your next turn.
Vorse Raider (Normal Monster)
Level 4, 1900 Atk, 1200 Def, Beast-Warrior, DARK
The Life-Giver's Arena (Field Spell)
Effect: During your End Phase: gain LP equal to the total Atk of all face-up monsters on the field. During your Standby Phase, pay half your LP or destroy this card.
Pot of Greed (Normal Spell)
Effect: Draw 2 cards.
Tributed Warrior (Effect Monster)
Level 3, ? Atk, 0 Def, Warrior, DARK
Effect: Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must first be Special Summoned (from your hand) by discarding 5 other cards from your hand. When this card is Special Summoned by this effect: halve your opponent's LP. This card's Atk is equal to the amount of LP lost by this effect. This card cannot attack during the turn it was Special Summoned.
Ghoul in the Grave (Effect Monster)
Level 2, 900 Atk, 300 Def, Fiend, DARK
Effect: When this card is sent to the GY: you can banish it, and if you do, your opponent cannot activate any Trap cards until your next turn's End Phase.
Spell-Split Duo (Normal Spell)
Effect: Toss a coin twice and call it each time. For each flip you call correctly, your opponent loses 500 LP and you gain 500 LP.
Twist of Fate (Normal Spell)
Effect: Activate only if your LP are lower than your opponent's LP. Double your current LP. During your next Standby Phase: halve your LP.
Ancient Hero Mirage (Effect Monster)
Level 2, 1100 Atk, 200 Def, Warrior, LIGHT
Effect: Cannot be destroyed by battle. You take no Battle Damage from battles involving this card.
Mystic Barrier (Continuous Spell)
Effect: Your opponent cannot target your monsters with card effects. Once per turn, during your Standby Phase, pay 2000 LP or destroy this card.
Ring of Destruction (Normal Trap)
Effect: Destroy 1 monster on the field, then inflict damage to both players equal to that monster's Atk.
Ring of Defense (Quick-Play Spell)
Effect: Activate in response to a Trap card that would inflict damage to you. You take 0 damage from that card's effect.
Indestructible Gambler (Effect Monster)
Level 3, 0 Atk, 1500 Def, Spellcaster, EARTH
Effect: Cannot be destroyed by battle. If this card is attacked by another monster: roll a six-sided die for every 500 Atk that monster has; for each die rolled, activate one of the following effects based on the result:
● 1-5: This card gains ATK equal to the result x100.
● 6: Destroy 1 monster on the field.
Attack Guidance Armor (Normal Trap)
Effect: Change the target of an attack to another monster on the field.
Ancient Lamp (Effect Monster)
Level 3, 900 Atk, 1400 Def, Spellcaster, WIND
Effect: During your Main Phase: You can Special Summon "La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp" from your hand. This card must be face-up to activate and resolve this effect. Before damage calculation if this card is being attacked by an opponent's monster, and was face-down at the start of the Damage Step: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls, except the attacking monster; the attacking monster attacks it instead, and you proceed to damage calculation.
Ancient Time Acceleration (Normal Spell)
Effect: If you control an "Ancient Hero" monster: Excavate the top three cards of your Deck; place any number of those excavated cards at the bottom of the Deck, also place the rest (if any) on top in any order, then draw cards equal to the number of cards you placed at the bottom.
Ancient Hero Lucky Death (Effect Monster)
Level 4, 1900 Atk, 200 Def, Zombie, DARK
Effect: Cannot be destroyed by battle. If this card is sent to the GY: you can discard 1 card, and if you do, Special Summon it to your field.
Ancient Hero Superior (Effect Monster)
Level 10, ? Atk, ? Def, Warrior, EARTH
Effect: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) by Tributing all "Ancient Hero" monsters you control. Cannot be destroyed by battle. Unaffected by your opponent's Traps. This card's original Atk and Def are equal to the number of "Ancient Hero" monsters in your GY x800. Once per turn, during your Main Phase: you can have this card gain 500 Atk.
Ancient Hero Greedgio (Effect Monster)
Level 3, 200 Atk, 1400 Def, Reptile, LIGHT
Effect: Cannot be destroyed by battle. If this card is sent from the field to the GY: draw 1 card. If this card is sent from your hand or Deck to the GY: draw 2 cards.
Ancient Heroes' Ritual (Ritual Spell)
Effect: This card can be used to Ritual Summon "Ancient Hero Unknown". You must also banish "Ancient Hero" monsters from your hand, field, or GY that have a total Level of 9 or more.
Ancient Hero Unknown (Ritual Monster)
Level 9, ? Atk, ? Def, Fiend, DARK
Effect: Must first be Ritual Summoned. This card's Atk/Def are equal to the total Atk/Def of all banished "Ancient Hero" monsters. Cannot be destroyed by battle. Cannot be targeted by your opponent's card effects. Once per turn (Quick Effect): cards you control cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects.
La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp (Normal Monster)
Level 4, 1800 Atk, 1000 Def, Fiend, DARK
Card of Demise (Normal Spell)
Effect: Draw until you have 5 cards in your hand. During your 5th Standby Phase after activation, send your hand to the Graveyard.
NOTE: This is using the effect of the card from the anime. In the real card game, you only draw until you have 3 cards in hand, you cannot Special Summon in the same turn you play it, your opponent takes no damage after you play it, and you must send your entire hand to the GY during the End Phase.
Ancient Rules (Normal Spell)
Effect: Special Summon 1 Level 5 or higher Normal Monster from your hand.
Blue-Eyes White Dragon (Normal Monster)
Level 8, 3000 Atk, 2500 Def, Dragon, LIGHT
Obelisk the Tormentor (Effect Monster)
Level 10, 4000 Atk, 4000 Def, Divine-Beast, DIVINE
Effect: Requires 3 Tributes to Normal Summon (cannot be Normal Set). This card's Normal Summon cannot be negated. When Normal Summoned, cards and effects cannot be activated, except DIVINE monsters. This card is also treated as Warrior while on the field. Your opponent cannot Tribute this card. Control of this card cannot switch. Cannot be removed from the field by card effect, except DIVINE monster. Card effects targeting this card last until the End Phase. This effect cannot be negated. During the End Phase, if this card was Special Summoned: Send it to the GY. During either player's turn: You can Tribute 2 monsters; apply 1 of these effects.
● Destroy all monsters your opponent controls, and if you do, inflict 4000 damage to your opponent. This card cannot declare an attack the turn this effect is activated.
● This card's ATK becomes Infinity until the End Phase.
NOTE: There's a lot of effects on the God cards, so I tried simplifying it as best I could without removing the basic meaning. In addition, I treated Obelisk's basic, "Tribute 2, destroy all monsters, 4000 damage" effect as an "If you do" effect for the sake of the storyline (that is, you Tribute 2 monsters as a cost, then destroy all your opponent's monsters and if you do, inflict 4000 damage to your opponent).
Monster Reborn (Normal Spell)
Effect: Target 1 monster in either player's GY; Special Summon it.
Clone Dragon (Effect Monster)
Level 4, ? Atk, ? Def, Dragon, LIGHT
Effect: When you Summon a monster: you can Special Summon this card from your hand, and if you do, its name, ATK, and DEF become the same as that monster's. You must pay 1000 LP to attack with this card.
Call of the Haunted (Continuous Trap)
Effect: Activate this card by targeting 1 monster in your GY; Special Summon that target in Attack Position. When this card leaves the field, destroy that monster. When that monster is destroyed, destroy this card.
City of the Ancient Pyramids (Field Spell)
Effect: "Ancient Hero" monsters you control cannot be destroyed by your opponent's card effects. If this card would be destroyed, you can Tribute 1 "Ancient Hero" monster you control instead.
Key of the Ancient Heroes (Equip Spell)
Effect: Equip only to an "Ancient Hero" monster. This card's activation and effect cannot be negated. It gains 1000 ATK, also when it attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing Battle Damage. After the equipped monster attacks an opponent's monster, if the opponent controls at least 1 monster, the equipped monster can attack again.
Ancient Hero Morpher (Effect Monster)
Level 3, 0 Atk, 0 Def, Aqua, WATER
Effect: Cannot be destroyed by battle. Once per turn: you can target 1 monster on the field; while this card is face-up on the field, this card's name, Level, ATK, DEF, Type, and Attribute become the same as the targeted monster, also it gains its effects.
Really now, that was a hefty duel to go through! But it's not over yet for our heroes. Can Andrew and the others retrieve the info they need now that they have access to Montalban's archives? Or will they remain helpless without Matt?
