Eliminator
Smokegirl: Is he around? No? Good. Well, BECA, I will say that Yami and Yugi will not take it well, I can tell you that. In fact-
Magicman: Stop giving away plot bits!
Smokegirl: Rats.
Magicman: Anyway, the wait is up and cool stuff with happen soon! Prepare for lots of duelling fun with Joey and the eliminators!
Smokegirl: That sounds like a band.
Magicman: Indeed. Anyway, as per Yoshimo and BECA's observations regarding Tea and Serenity.....well, you'll just have to wait and see. ^_// On a final note, I'll be using cards that I make up. Enjoy!
***
The new tournament had started and Pegasus had gathered his eliminators together in his castle's common room for one last pep talk. It was eight in the morning, and the billionaire was grinning from ear to ear. "I haven't been this excited since the inter-continental championships!" He did a little dance before containing himself. "Anyway, this is the big day. In exactly one hour I will start the tournament. You have until then to get into position and finish setting up your decks. Tournament rules state that if challenged by an eliminator, the defending duelist cannot back down, and to enforce this rule I have had a tiny computer built into your gloves."
Pegasus raised a gauntlet from a box on the floor and showed off a computer screen. "Activate this switch and point the glove in the direction of the duellist. The computer will activate a count down. If you two do not duel within thirty minutes, that duellist will be automatically disqualified. Other than that, they are allowed to wager as many star chips as they want." He smiled and passed out a pair of gauntlets to each duellist. "These gloves have extra slots to hold the star chips you win."
Joey fitted a glove on and admired it. The part that covered the hand was green and the grey chip holders went up to his elbow, with the computer screen halfway up his arm. "Sweet! Now this is stylish."
"They didn't give us uniforms back in the carnival" Espa commented, studying his glove curiously. "It feels kind of cool."
"We will strike with stealth and silence!" Para shouted.
"And defeat all duellists without violence!" Dox added. The two struck a pose.
"We'll make you proud boss!" Simon was grinning in anticipation.
"Good. Now get out there and give me your all!"
The assembled eliminators cheered loudly, sending echoes up to the ceiling.
"Shut up, why don't you?!" The group fell silent instantly as Shannon stumbled slowly down the stairs, still looking half asleep. Joey froze when he caught a glimpse of her hair.
During the month before the tournament, Joey had figured out that Shannon's hairstyle seemed to signify what mood she was in at any given time. When he'd first met her at Industrial Illusions headquarters, her wild and crazy hair had meant she was energetic and happy. When she wore her hair down and plain, like that time in the street, she was mellower and less hyper. But Joey and all of his colleagues had learned that when Shannon's hair was unkempt and frizzy, especially in the mornings, she was in a very bad mood. At times like this, kicking seemed to make her feel better.
Usually, he appreciated and enjoyed her little quirks. Now he was wishing he could crawl under the stone floor.
"Head for the hills, boys" Pegasus whispered urgently. "I'll try and hold her off." Aloud, he attempted to placate his daughter. "Shannon, my dear! You're up early today."
"I wouldn't be up so early if certain people around here would stop screaming their lungs out!!!" Her voice rose to a shriek at the end of the sentence.
At that moment, Joey and Espa had slipped from the room into a hallway. The blue-haired boy sighed with relief and slumped to the floor. "I'm glad my brothers are early risers."
Joey nodded. "I hear you pal."
"Joey?"
The two boys nearly screamed and leapt into each other's arms. Serenity blinked groggily. Clad in blue pajamas and clinging to her blanket, she was obviously still half asleep. "What's everyone screaming about?" she asked.
Joey took a deep breath and tried to still the hammering of his heart. "It's nothing, sis. Shannon's just not a morning person."
Serenity yawned and blinked uncaringly. "Need breakfast" she mumbled and walked down the hall slowly.
Joey sighed in relief. It was a good thing that Serenity didn't have a mean bone in her body, or he'd have gotten the ass kicking he'd just escaped from.
***
The firecrackers lit the sky and Joey stood up from his bench west of the castle. He dusted off his hands and put them in the pockets of his green jacket. "Alright" he said to no one in particular. "It's time to go to work and make Serenity proud of me."
His bench rested at the top of a hill, providing him with a good vantage point of the field below, and the scattering duellists. He shaded his eyes with a hand and looked down upon the lowly mortals he was about to duel. "Now" he muttered, "Who would make a good target? There're a lot of minor leaguers down there. They don't matter as much though. I'd really like to start off by taking out someone who has a big name. Someone like Weevil, or-"Joey cut off sharply as he saw someone stride arrogantly from the castle courtyard. This someone sported an American bandana, a pair of sunglasses, and a leather jacket, and he seemed to be bullying his way through a pack of younger duellists. A vicious grin slowly spread its way across Joey's face and he started down the hill.
"It looks like I've found my target."
***
'Bandit' Keith Howard smirked as he pushed his way past a duellist. The little brat stumbled and nearly fell. It served him right for getting in his way when he was in a hurry. Right now, he was heading for his cave where he'd set up shop last time, as he flipped a couple of star chips up into the air before catching them again. It never failed. People never guarded their chips well enough.
"Hey! Bandit Keith!"
Keith whirled at the familiar voice. He grinned at the sight. "Well, well, well. If it isn't good old Joey Wheeler." He laughed scornfully at the second rate duellist. "So, Blondie, where's the dweeb brigade? Did they leave you all alone? Not very smart of you."
Joey just stood there smiling pleasantly. Then he lifted a duelling glove and pressed a button. A light began blinking and beeping on Keith's own glove. The American looked down at it curiously. "What's this?"
"It's an elimination beacon." Joey explained condescendingly. "We're going to duel, Keith. You have thirty minutes to get in the arena. Then you'll lose. It's nice to see you again," he added carelessly. "How've you been?"
Keith frowned. "You're out of your mind, Wheeler! What do you think you are? An eliminator or something?"
Joey smirked and tapped his nose. Keith growled, suddenly aware of his danger. "Normally I'd allow you to bet as many star chips as you want, but this time I'm pulling rank on you. It's gonna be all or nothing this time, and you've got no little buddies to fight for you!"
Keith smiled. Then he actually laughed. "You're just making my job easier dweeb! When I beat you, I'll double my chips and be even closer to paying Pegasus back! I told you before, you runt. No one beats Bandit Keith!"
"Lets test that assertion! Let's duel!"
The earth parted beneath the feet of the duellists and one of Pegasus' great duel arenas rose from the depths. There was a hum as the holo-emitters activated and the stage was set for the clash. Other duellists at the sight of an eliminator match, but a few stayed, curious to see the result. A few who recognised Keith as the man who stole their star chips were secretly rooting for Joey.
"Okay Keith, what rare card are you putting up for stakes?"
Keith drew. "I'll bet my Machine King that I'll have ten star chips by the end of this match!"
Joey whistled. "Ten? Been stealing a few, eh? Fair enough. It won't matter since I'll beat you. And I'll bet my Red Eyes Black Dragon that you go down!" He drew. "Alright Keith, you've got seniority so you can go first."
"It's your funeral." Keith laughed obnoxiously. "I'll throw one card in defence to start off and back it up with one card facedown. Your move dweeb."
"Alright! You're going down, Keith! And I'll start with your facedown card!" Joey slapped down a monster. "I summon Marauding Captain (1200/1000) in attack mode!"
A tall, blonde warrior looking sort of like Joey in heavy armour appeared on the field. He lifted a horn to his lips and blew one long note. Out of a cloud of dust, another monster, short and sporting a braid, dashed into being.
"Once he's summoned," Joey said, "My captain can call out another warrior monster with him. Say 'Hi' to Sasuke Samurai (500/800). Wait until you see what his ability does! Sasuke, attack his facedown monster!"
Joey pointed and the samurai rushed the card. It leapt into the air and flipped a few times, drawing its sword in mid flip. Then it came down hard, slicing down through the card. The image of a Cyber Jar (900/900) appeared briefly before shattering. Keith laughed.
"You dweeb! You activated my Cyber Jar's effect!"
"Actually, no I didn't."
"Say what?"
Joey smiled, pleased with himself. "Sasuke Samurai may be weak, but his special ability makes him very valuably. When he attacks a facedown monster, that monster is destroyed before damage is actually dealt. Without damage to trigger its effect, your Cyber jar doesn't get its affect or hurt my lifepoints!" He laughed at Keith's face. "Now take this! Marauding Captain, go for his lifepoints! Attack with Sabre Strike!"
Marauding Captain drew its sword and rushed to the attack. Bandit Keith cringed, as the weapon seemed to scythe through an energy field, only feet in front of his face. The field rippled and counted down receding lifepoints. Keith growled when they stopped at 2800.
"And now that I have the distinct advantage, I'll just set one card facedown and end my turn." Joey gestured mockingly.
"It's only been one round dweeb. You don't really think I'm done yet, do you?" Keith drew and laughed. "Nice! I activate my Time Travelling Time Machine trap to bring back my Cyber Jar. Then I sacrifice it for my Cybertech Alligator (2500/1600). And I think I'll play it in attack mode!"
"Let me stop you right there. I activate my Book of Moon magic card to flip your gator facedown!"
"Well that's just fine by me!"
"Eh?"
Keith chuckled. "I knew you wouldn't leave your samurai unprotected. So you card was obviously designed to make the best of its abilities. That's why I play one card facedown and end my turn." Keith shot Joey with an 'L' sign. "You are going down!"
Joey considered what Keith said and drew. 'He's probably bluffing, but I don't want him to get a shot at my lifepoints. My monsters work well together, but they're out in the open right now. I'll switch them to defence mode and let him make the next move.' He announced his move out loud. "It's your turn now Keith."
"Good, 'cause you're gonna lose your lead. I flip Cybertech Alligator and summon Gradius (1200/1100) in attack mode. First my alligator is going to blast your Samurai, then my Gradius will destroy your captain!"
Cybertech Alligator powered up and released a massive energy assault from its mouth. Sasuke was consumed in the ensuing explosion. Gradius, a hi-tech jet fighter jet, let loose with a barrage of missiles and bullets that demolished Joey's Marauding Captain. Keith laughed. "It's your move dweeb."
Joey drew and shrugged. "No problem. I'll just play Monster Reborn on my Marauding Captain. Then I'll sacrifice it for Total Defence Shogun (1550/2550)."
A big warrior with a sword and shield appeared, dressed in some ancient armour. "As you can see, he's more than a match for you Gradius. Attack Shogun!"
Joey's Shogun smashed down the machine with one swing from his sword, dropping Keith's lifepoints to 2450. Keith smirked. "Playing that thing in attack mode lets me finally damage your lifepoints! You made a mistake, you dweeb. Attack alligator!"
The machine powered its energy blast again. When it fired, the blast hurtled at great speed towards Joey's monster, which only raised its shield and blocked the attack, with a deafening crash. Keith stared in shock as his lifepoints dropped to 2400. "But.....your monster was in attack mode!"
"Partially correct, but you're mostly misinformed." Joey explained the effect of his card. "When he's played face up, Total Defence Shogun automatically switches to defence mode. But while he's in defence mode, he can still attack." He drew and grinned evilly. "So I'll just play this little diddy called Shield and Sword. I believe you know how it works, but just in case your memory is getting dusty, it switches each monster's attack with its defence. So my Shogun has an attack of 2500, while your mechanical crocodile has an attack of 1600. Guess what I'm going to do? Attack!"
The alligator screamed mechanically as it was cut down by the shogun, and Keith's lifepoints dropped to 1600. Keith slammed a fist down onto the field. "Are you done yet?"
"No. I'll summon monster in defence mode and place one card facedown. Now I end my turn."
Keith drew and took a deep breath. He needed to calm down and think. Some of the little runts watching were laughing at him. Laughing! He'd show them all. "I'll play the magic card Upgrade. It lowers all machine monsters' level by two, which lets me play this, my mighty Machine King (2200/2000). Then I'll play Premature Burial, giving up 800 lifepoints to bring back my Cybertech Alligator. Machine King gains 200 extra attack points because of my machines, and now I'll play Clockwork Knight!"
The field changed. Suddenly gears and clock pendulums surrounded Joey and Keith. Keith laughed. "My magic card gives all machine monsters 500 extra attack points, more than enough to crush your two monsters. Attack Cybertech Alligator! Techno Gator shock!"
The alligator powered up its attack and suddenly fell into a pit of spikes. Joey held up his trap card tauntingly. "Chasm with spikes. Remember? It destroys your monster and deals one quarter of its attack points worth of damage to your lifepoints!" He examined the counter. "That leaves you with 50. You're really behind the ball on this one, aren't you?"
"It'll be enough, you little runt!" Keith all but snarled. "Machine King, attack with Rocket Punch!"
The Machine King raised its fist and fired it at Joey's Shogun. The monster was totally blown away.
"There! Try and hide behind the wreckage of your monsters!"
"I don't need to hide anymore, Keith." Joey waved a hand airily. "I've got what I need now. I'll sacrifice my facedown card, Alligator Sword (1500/1200) for my bigger Summoned Skull (2500/1200)."
"Your skull is no match for my Machine King, especially when I play this!" Keith flipped his facedown card, Rush Recklessly. "This boosts my monster's attack power all the way to 3000!"
"Maybe. But when I play Polymerisation, and fuse him with my Red Eyes Black Dragon, they'll become the Black Skull Dragon. Guess what his attack is now?" Joey grinned. "3200!" He pointed accusingly at Keith. "This is it, Keith. All your cheating and rule dodging have finally caught up with you. Any last words?"
"No! This is impossible!"
"Really? I must not have realised that. Black Skull Dragon, attack with Molten Fireballs!"
The dragon screamed its triumph, and hurtled a barrage of fireballs at the Machine King. The monster was blown to spare parts and the duel ended, with Keith's total defeat.
After the duel, some of Pegasus' security men escorted Bandit Keith off the island and Joey's win was recorded in the tournament logs. Joey himself felt a certain satisfaction at the knowledge that his career was officially under way.
***
The hunter bowed down before the throne in the dark, tomblike chamber. "Master Marik" he intoned deeply. "I bring news."
The cloaked man who sat upon the throne stirred slightly. His hood fell back revealing a dark face and tussled blond hair. One hand clutched a rod of gold, topped with a winged eye. The violet eyes stared piercingly at their servant. "What is it Odion?"
"Maximilian Pegasus has begun a new Duellist Kingdom tournament. Many of our targets have arrived and the duels have already begun."
Marik smirked cruelly. "Our friend was correct then. We shall not waste this opportunity, not when one of them may possess what we need." He reached to his right and grasped a hidden cord. He pulled and a silent bell rang in certain rooms of the silent fortress. In only a few minutes several dark cloaked figures had arrived.
"Your wish, master Marik?" one of them spoke in a raspy voice.
"Our targets have gathered. I have assembled your decks personally to give you the strongest card combinations. Go to Duellist and take their rare cards. And if one of you gains me the final Egyptian God card, I will be most pleased." Marik gestured slightly. "Go forth."
The five bowed low. Then they turned and departed. Marik turned to his other servant, who seemed to want to speak. "You disagree, Odion?"
"Yes master. Are you sure it is wise to trust him? He could cause us problems."
Marik smiled slightly. "Revenge and hatred are emotions that can be trusted, at least for the moment. He is on a short leash."
"And the other?"
"He is useful. He will not betray us as long as he gets what he wants, which will be inconsequential when I have the God cards. And the energy of the pharaoh, as well." Now Marik smirked evilly. "Is Yugi Mutoh at the tournament?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Then let us depart with the Hunters. My time of destiny is coming."
***
Magicman: Yay! Evil guys introduced! Bad things about to happen! Chaos and destruction on all who appear!
Smokegirl: Hi ya! *Whacks Magicman with a mallet*
Magicman: OW! Will you knock it off?!
Smokegirl: Sorry. My.....hand slipped.
Magicman: -_//
Smokegirl: Is he around? No? Good. Well, BECA, I will say that Yami and Yugi will not take it well, I can tell you that. In fact-
Magicman: Stop giving away plot bits!
Smokegirl: Rats.
Magicman: Anyway, the wait is up and cool stuff with happen soon! Prepare for lots of duelling fun with Joey and the eliminators!
Smokegirl: That sounds like a band.
Magicman: Indeed. Anyway, as per Yoshimo and BECA's observations regarding Tea and Serenity.....well, you'll just have to wait and see. ^_// On a final note, I'll be using cards that I make up. Enjoy!
***
The new tournament had started and Pegasus had gathered his eliminators together in his castle's common room for one last pep talk. It was eight in the morning, and the billionaire was grinning from ear to ear. "I haven't been this excited since the inter-continental championships!" He did a little dance before containing himself. "Anyway, this is the big day. In exactly one hour I will start the tournament. You have until then to get into position and finish setting up your decks. Tournament rules state that if challenged by an eliminator, the defending duelist cannot back down, and to enforce this rule I have had a tiny computer built into your gloves."
Pegasus raised a gauntlet from a box on the floor and showed off a computer screen. "Activate this switch and point the glove in the direction of the duellist. The computer will activate a count down. If you two do not duel within thirty minutes, that duellist will be automatically disqualified. Other than that, they are allowed to wager as many star chips as they want." He smiled and passed out a pair of gauntlets to each duellist. "These gloves have extra slots to hold the star chips you win."
Joey fitted a glove on and admired it. The part that covered the hand was green and the grey chip holders went up to his elbow, with the computer screen halfway up his arm. "Sweet! Now this is stylish."
"They didn't give us uniforms back in the carnival" Espa commented, studying his glove curiously. "It feels kind of cool."
"We will strike with stealth and silence!" Para shouted.
"And defeat all duellists without violence!" Dox added. The two struck a pose.
"We'll make you proud boss!" Simon was grinning in anticipation.
"Good. Now get out there and give me your all!"
The assembled eliminators cheered loudly, sending echoes up to the ceiling.
"Shut up, why don't you?!" The group fell silent instantly as Shannon stumbled slowly down the stairs, still looking half asleep. Joey froze when he caught a glimpse of her hair.
During the month before the tournament, Joey had figured out that Shannon's hairstyle seemed to signify what mood she was in at any given time. When he'd first met her at Industrial Illusions headquarters, her wild and crazy hair had meant she was energetic and happy. When she wore her hair down and plain, like that time in the street, she was mellower and less hyper. But Joey and all of his colleagues had learned that when Shannon's hair was unkempt and frizzy, especially in the mornings, she was in a very bad mood. At times like this, kicking seemed to make her feel better.
Usually, he appreciated and enjoyed her little quirks. Now he was wishing he could crawl under the stone floor.
"Head for the hills, boys" Pegasus whispered urgently. "I'll try and hold her off." Aloud, he attempted to placate his daughter. "Shannon, my dear! You're up early today."
"I wouldn't be up so early if certain people around here would stop screaming their lungs out!!!" Her voice rose to a shriek at the end of the sentence.
At that moment, Joey and Espa had slipped from the room into a hallway. The blue-haired boy sighed with relief and slumped to the floor. "I'm glad my brothers are early risers."
Joey nodded. "I hear you pal."
"Joey?"
The two boys nearly screamed and leapt into each other's arms. Serenity blinked groggily. Clad in blue pajamas and clinging to her blanket, she was obviously still half asleep. "What's everyone screaming about?" she asked.
Joey took a deep breath and tried to still the hammering of his heart. "It's nothing, sis. Shannon's just not a morning person."
Serenity yawned and blinked uncaringly. "Need breakfast" she mumbled and walked down the hall slowly.
Joey sighed in relief. It was a good thing that Serenity didn't have a mean bone in her body, or he'd have gotten the ass kicking he'd just escaped from.
***
The firecrackers lit the sky and Joey stood up from his bench west of the castle. He dusted off his hands and put them in the pockets of his green jacket. "Alright" he said to no one in particular. "It's time to go to work and make Serenity proud of me."
His bench rested at the top of a hill, providing him with a good vantage point of the field below, and the scattering duellists. He shaded his eyes with a hand and looked down upon the lowly mortals he was about to duel. "Now" he muttered, "Who would make a good target? There're a lot of minor leaguers down there. They don't matter as much though. I'd really like to start off by taking out someone who has a big name. Someone like Weevil, or-"Joey cut off sharply as he saw someone stride arrogantly from the castle courtyard. This someone sported an American bandana, a pair of sunglasses, and a leather jacket, and he seemed to be bullying his way through a pack of younger duellists. A vicious grin slowly spread its way across Joey's face and he started down the hill.
"It looks like I've found my target."
***
'Bandit' Keith Howard smirked as he pushed his way past a duellist. The little brat stumbled and nearly fell. It served him right for getting in his way when he was in a hurry. Right now, he was heading for his cave where he'd set up shop last time, as he flipped a couple of star chips up into the air before catching them again. It never failed. People never guarded their chips well enough.
"Hey! Bandit Keith!"
Keith whirled at the familiar voice. He grinned at the sight. "Well, well, well. If it isn't good old Joey Wheeler." He laughed scornfully at the second rate duellist. "So, Blondie, where's the dweeb brigade? Did they leave you all alone? Not very smart of you."
Joey just stood there smiling pleasantly. Then he lifted a duelling glove and pressed a button. A light began blinking and beeping on Keith's own glove. The American looked down at it curiously. "What's this?"
"It's an elimination beacon." Joey explained condescendingly. "We're going to duel, Keith. You have thirty minutes to get in the arena. Then you'll lose. It's nice to see you again," he added carelessly. "How've you been?"
Keith frowned. "You're out of your mind, Wheeler! What do you think you are? An eliminator or something?"
Joey smirked and tapped his nose. Keith growled, suddenly aware of his danger. "Normally I'd allow you to bet as many star chips as you want, but this time I'm pulling rank on you. It's gonna be all or nothing this time, and you've got no little buddies to fight for you!"
Keith smiled. Then he actually laughed. "You're just making my job easier dweeb! When I beat you, I'll double my chips and be even closer to paying Pegasus back! I told you before, you runt. No one beats Bandit Keith!"
"Lets test that assertion! Let's duel!"
The earth parted beneath the feet of the duellists and one of Pegasus' great duel arenas rose from the depths. There was a hum as the holo-emitters activated and the stage was set for the clash. Other duellists at the sight of an eliminator match, but a few stayed, curious to see the result. A few who recognised Keith as the man who stole their star chips were secretly rooting for Joey.
"Okay Keith, what rare card are you putting up for stakes?"
Keith drew. "I'll bet my Machine King that I'll have ten star chips by the end of this match!"
Joey whistled. "Ten? Been stealing a few, eh? Fair enough. It won't matter since I'll beat you. And I'll bet my Red Eyes Black Dragon that you go down!" He drew. "Alright Keith, you've got seniority so you can go first."
"It's your funeral." Keith laughed obnoxiously. "I'll throw one card in defence to start off and back it up with one card facedown. Your move dweeb."
"Alright! You're going down, Keith! And I'll start with your facedown card!" Joey slapped down a monster. "I summon Marauding Captain (1200/1000) in attack mode!"
A tall, blonde warrior looking sort of like Joey in heavy armour appeared on the field. He lifted a horn to his lips and blew one long note. Out of a cloud of dust, another monster, short and sporting a braid, dashed into being.
"Once he's summoned," Joey said, "My captain can call out another warrior monster with him. Say 'Hi' to Sasuke Samurai (500/800). Wait until you see what his ability does! Sasuke, attack his facedown monster!"
Joey pointed and the samurai rushed the card. It leapt into the air and flipped a few times, drawing its sword in mid flip. Then it came down hard, slicing down through the card. The image of a Cyber Jar (900/900) appeared briefly before shattering. Keith laughed.
"You dweeb! You activated my Cyber Jar's effect!"
"Actually, no I didn't."
"Say what?"
Joey smiled, pleased with himself. "Sasuke Samurai may be weak, but his special ability makes him very valuably. When he attacks a facedown monster, that monster is destroyed before damage is actually dealt. Without damage to trigger its effect, your Cyber jar doesn't get its affect or hurt my lifepoints!" He laughed at Keith's face. "Now take this! Marauding Captain, go for his lifepoints! Attack with Sabre Strike!"
Marauding Captain drew its sword and rushed to the attack. Bandit Keith cringed, as the weapon seemed to scythe through an energy field, only feet in front of his face. The field rippled and counted down receding lifepoints. Keith growled when they stopped at 2800.
"And now that I have the distinct advantage, I'll just set one card facedown and end my turn." Joey gestured mockingly.
"It's only been one round dweeb. You don't really think I'm done yet, do you?" Keith drew and laughed. "Nice! I activate my Time Travelling Time Machine trap to bring back my Cyber Jar. Then I sacrifice it for my Cybertech Alligator (2500/1600). And I think I'll play it in attack mode!"
"Let me stop you right there. I activate my Book of Moon magic card to flip your gator facedown!"
"Well that's just fine by me!"
"Eh?"
Keith chuckled. "I knew you wouldn't leave your samurai unprotected. So you card was obviously designed to make the best of its abilities. That's why I play one card facedown and end my turn." Keith shot Joey with an 'L' sign. "You are going down!"
Joey considered what Keith said and drew. 'He's probably bluffing, but I don't want him to get a shot at my lifepoints. My monsters work well together, but they're out in the open right now. I'll switch them to defence mode and let him make the next move.' He announced his move out loud. "It's your turn now Keith."
"Good, 'cause you're gonna lose your lead. I flip Cybertech Alligator and summon Gradius (1200/1100) in attack mode. First my alligator is going to blast your Samurai, then my Gradius will destroy your captain!"
Cybertech Alligator powered up and released a massive energy assault from its mouth. Sasuke was consumed in the ensuing explosion. Gradius, a hi-tech jet fighter jet, let loose with a barrage of missiles and bullets that demolished Joey's Marauding Captain. Keith laughed. "It's your move dweeb."
Joey drew and shrugged. "No problem. I'll just play Monster Reborn on my Marauding Captain. Then I'll sacrifice it for Total Defence Shogun (1550/2550)."
A big warrior with a sword and shield appeared, dressed in some ancient armour. "As you can see, he's more than a match for you Gradius. Attack Shogun!"
Joey's Shogun smashed down the machine with one swing from his sword, dropping Keith's lifepoints to 2450. Keith smirked. "Playing that thing in attack mode lets me finally damage your lifepoints! You made a mistake, you dweeb. Attack alligator!"
The machine powered its energy blast again. When it fired, the blast hurtled at great speed towards Joey's monster, which only raised its shield and blocked the attack, with a deafening crash. Keith stared in shock as his lifepoints dropped to 2400. "But.....your monster was in attack mode!"
"Partially correct, but you're mostly misinformed." Joey explained the effect of his card. "When he's played face up, Total Defence Shogun automatically switches to defence mode. But while he's in defence mode, he can still attack." He drew and grinned evilly. "So I'll just play this little diddy called Shield and Sword. I believe you know how it works, but just in case your memory is getting dusty, it switches each monster's attack with its defence. So my Shogun has an attack of 2500, while your mechanical crocodile has an attack of 1600. Guess what I'm going to do? Attack!"
The alligator screamed mechanically as it was cut down by the shogun, and Keith's lifepoints dropped to 1600. Keith slammed a fist down onto the field. "Are you done yet?"
"No. I'll summon monster in defence mode and place one card facedown. Now I end my turn."
Keith drew and took a deep breath. He needed to calm down and think. Some of the little runts watching were laughing at him. Laughing! He'd show them all. "I'll play the magic card Upgrade. It lowers all machine monsters' level by two, which lets me play this, my mighty Machine King (2200/2000). Then I'll play Premature Burial, giving up 800 lifepoints to bring back my Cybertech Alligator. Machine King gains 200 extra attack points because of my machines, and now I'll play Clockwork Knight!"
The field changed. Suddenly gears and clock pendulums surrounded Joey and Keith. Keith laughed. "My magic card gives all machine monsters 500 extra attack points, more than enough to crush your two monsters. Attack Cybertech Alligator! Techno Gator shock!"
The alligator powered up its attack and suddenly fell into a pit of spikes. Joey held up his trap card tauntingly. "Chasm with spikes. Remember? It destroys your monster and deals one quarter of its attack points worth of damage to your lifepoints!" He examined the counter. "That leaves you with 50. You're really behind the ball on this one, aren't you?"
"It'll be enough, you little runt!" Keith all but snarled. "Machine King, attack with Rocket Punch!"
The Machine King raised its fist and fired it at Joey's Shogun. The monster was totally blown away.
"There! Try and hide behind the wreckage of your monsters!"
"I don't need to hide anymore, Keith." Joey waved a hand airily. "I've got what I need now. I'll sacrifice my facedown card, Alligator Sword (1500/1200) for my bigger Summoned Skull (2500/1200)."
"Your skull is no match for my Machine King, especially when I play this!" Keith flipped his facedown card, Rush Recklessly. "This boosts my monster's attack power all the way to 3000!"
"Maybe. But when I play Polymerisation, and fuse him with my Red Eyes Black Dragon, they'll become the Black Skull Dragon. Guess what his attack is now?" Joey grinned. "3200!" He pointed accusingly at Keith. "This is it, Keith. All your cheating and rule dodging have finally caught up with you. Any last words?"
"No! This is impossible!"
"Really? I must not have realised that. Black Skull Dragon, attack with Molten Fireballs!"
The dragon screamed its triumph, and hurtled a barrage of fireballs at the Machine King. The monster was blown to spare parts and the duel ended, with Keith's total defeat.
After the duel, some of Pegasus' security men escorted Bandit Keith off the island and Joey's win was recorded in the tournament logs. Joey himself felt a certain satisfaction at the knowledge that his career was officially under way.
***
The hunter bowed down before the throne in the dark, tomblike chamber. "Master Marik" he intoned deeply. "I bring news."
The cloaked man who sat upon the throne stirred slightly. His hood fell back revealing a dark face and tussled blond hair. One hand clutched a rod of gold, topped with a winged eye. The violet eyes stared piercingly at their servant. "What is it Odion?"
"Maximilian Pegasus has begun a new Duellist Kingdom tournament. Many of our targets have arrived and the duels have already begun."
Marik smirked cruelly. "Our friend was correct then. We shall not waste this opportunity, not when one of them may possess what we need." He reached to his right and grasped a hidden cord. He pulled and a silent bell rang in certain rooms of the silent fortress. In only a few minutes several dark cloaked figures had arrived.
"Your wish, master Marik?" one of them spoke in a raspy voice.
"Our targets have gathered. I have assembled your decks personally to give you the strongest card combinations. Go to Duellist and take their rare cards. And if one of you gains me the final Egyptian God card, I will be most pleased." Marik gestured slightly. "Go forth."
The five bowed low. Then they turned and departed. Marik turned to his other servant, who seemed to want to speak. "You disagree, Odion?"
"Yes master. Are you sure it is wise to trust him? He could cause us problems."
Marik smiled slightly. "Revenge and hatred are emotions that can be trusted, at least for the moment. He is on a short leash."
"And the other?"
"He is useful. He will not betray us as long as he gets what he wants, which will be inconsequential when I have the God cards. And the energy of the pharaoh, as well." Now Marik smirked evilly. "Is Yugi Mutoh at the tournament?"
"Yes sir."
"Good. Then let us depart with the Hunters. My time of destiny is coming."
***
Magicman: Yay! Evil guys introduced! Bad things about to happen! Chaos and destruction on all who appear!
Smokegirl: Hi ya! *Whacks Magicman with a mallet*
Magicman: OW! Will you knock it off?!
Smokegirl: Sorry. My.....hand slipped.
Magicman: -_//