I confess that I'm not a big fan of these parts of duel chapters, I prefer to see the plot moving forward, but this chapter was also very good my friend... Especially the ending, because seeing interactions between Flynn and Isabeau always put a smile on my face. face. -Lucian Naruto
Yeah I can understand that. It was my bad for having five duels happen simultaneously. I wanted to get through them quickly so I crammed them together. The plot will be progressing now.
Chapter 9 Diabolic General
"Who?!", Walter questioned cluelessly with a funny face.
"Thomas. Don't you remember him, Walter? You dueled him.", Flynn replied.
"I did?!", Walter replied with surprise.
"Are you siding with the crown?", Jonathan asked Thomas.
"Of course. I am bound to serve my kingdom. Now, duel me Lord Flynn. When I win you'll return with meto Mikado.", Thomas said, confusing Flynn.
Flynn looked over the master Samurai with confusion. Something seemed incredibly off about him, especially the strange request. He didn't sense any resentment or hatred from him like he normally would.
"Well?", Thomas questioned.
"Are you…really Thomas?", Flynn asked and the others looked confused.
Isabeau's eyes widened realizing what he meant.
"He's right Thomas is usually much more…aggressive towards Flynn. However he's acting strangely calm and his request is strange.", Isabeau replied.
"Master, I sense a strong spirit nearby. Watch out.", Burroughs warned and they tensed.
"Don't tell me he's…", Issachar said as he sweated nervously.
An eerie smile appeared on the master's face.
"Oh well…Burroughs was bound to notice. I guess I shall reveal my true form now.", Thomas? said.
Darkness swirled around the master and the kids huddled behind the Samurai fearfully. The Asura Kai decided to bolt, not wanting to deal with any more of this. The swirling darkness created an intense wind. They all had this horrible and ominous feeling.
"H-Hoy! This doesn't look good!", Walter said.
"I am the king's right hand…", Thomas? said.
Glowing red eyes were visible through the vortex.
"Shit…this king's got spirits helping him too?!", Nozomi questioned.
The girl from before looked over to Flynn touching his hand fearfully. This drew Flynn's attention, making him look down to her briefly.
"I-I'm scared… you're a friend of uncle Daisuke's right?", she asked.
She had short brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a simple pink dress. Flynn's eyes widened in realization seeing he found her. He nodded in assurance.
"That's right and I'm going to protect you guys.", Flynn said, before turning to Thomas? As the darkness cleared.
In the master's place was the spirit with a scythe.
"You may refer to meeeeee asssss Dark Highlander. The Highlander works assssss well.", the spirit said.
Now, the king watched instead from Thomas' gauntlet as the Asura Kai had fled leaving Tayama unable to monitor.
"What do I get if I win?", Flynn asked as the Highlander smirked.
"You want to know what happened to your parentssssss' soulsssss right?", the Highlander replied as Flynn froze.
The others were completely stunned and Nozomi was shocked having not known any of this.
"People are getting their souls stolen even on the surface? I guess it isn't paradise after all.", Nozomi thought.
The others looked over to Flynn worriedly who looked slightly pale.
"What are you talking about?! How would you know?", Flynn questioned.
"That's because we'veeeeee found the one who took their soulsssss. It's up to you if you believeeeee meeee. If you win I'll reveal their identity to you.", the Highlander replied.
Flynn looked down deep in thought. It was a desperate hope sounding almost too good to be true. But, if the spirit was telling the truth he couldn't miss this opportunity.
"Your father'sssss soul was converted into a monster cardsssss...a zombieeee typeeee. Convinced yet?", the Highlander said as he smirked.
Flynn's eyes widened and Isabeau gasped in shock. She looked over to Flynn sympathetically and Issachar got in front of him angrily.
"Don't you dare tease him like that you bastard!", Issachar said.
"I'm not lying. Flynn, you know I'm telling theeeee truth. Soulssss only completely disappear if they'reeee power is absorbed. But, if that soul is used to createeeee a card theeee soul is reborn into that monster.", the Highlander said as the others looked over to Flynn.
"That can't be…", Flynn murmured, his expression looking horrified.
Flynn remembered what Angel 07 had said.
"You are cursed. You will have fates befitting petty necromancers."
Angel 07 was referring to all of them. Even if he didn't get his parents at the time every one of them was still cursed by him.
"Why would he point out such a specific detail otherwise? He must know something…at least about the fates of my siblings to say that.", Flynn thought.
Though, he was too scared to get his hopes up too much. However he couldn't miss this chance.
"You have a deal.", Flynn replied as he raised his gauntlet.
"Are you sure about this Flynn? It's possible he's merely taunting you.", Isabeau warned as Flynn looked down.
"I know…but I can't let this opportunity pass me by. If there's even a 1% chance he isn't lying I have to take it.", Flynn replied.
"I understand…if I was in your position I'd probably feel the same way.", Isabeau replied.
"Be careful.", Issachar said and Flynn nodded.
They high fived each other before Flynn went in front of everyone to face the Highlander.
With the Hunters…
"Nanashi…what name did you just say?", Nikkari questioned.
He was sure he must have heard the boy wrong. He shouldn't even know who Ryou is.
"I think he said Ryou. Who's that?", Asahi said as Nanashi looked down.
"I dunno. I just have these weird feelings around 'that guy'. I saw a guy who looked just like Flynn in my dream last night. Except he was wearing black and red armor.", Nanashi explained as Nikkari's eyes widened.
"What?! You saw him in your dreams? Weird feelings? Don't tell me you've fallen in love with that pony tail guy?", Manabu said, making Nanashi give him an incredulous look.
"Of course not, dumbass! I dueled him because I wanted to know why I saw him in my dream!", Nanashi admitted.
"So, that's the real reason you dueled that guy?", Asahi questioned and Nanashi nodded.
Nikkari was completely silent with a contemplative look on his face. He put his arms behind his back deep in thought. The others were a bit worried having no idea what was on his mind.
"When you see that guy you associate him with the name Ryou?", Nikkari asked.
"Yes. Why? I don't know who that is really.", Nanashi replied.
"Ryou died 25 years ago to protect Tokyo. And he…he definitely does look like that Samurai.", Nikkari revealed and the others looked stunned.
"Then that Samurai obviously can't be that Ryou guy. Like you said he died.", Manabu replied.
"It might be too crazy, but…the way Ryou saved Tokyo was with his signer dragon. He used his dragon to create a barrier around Tokyo to protect it from the nukes that were fired at it. However, like it's card effect it needed a sacrifice and Ryou sacrificed himself.", Nikkari explained.
"Where are you going with this?", Manabu questioned, cluelessly.
"…If the effect truly played out in reality like it does in Duel Monsters then…that sacrifice would rise again at the end of the turn.", Nikkari said as the others looked stunned.
"Rise again? What the hell are you talking about you mean like a zombie?…Like a zombie…holy shit…", Nanashi said as he made a shocking connection.
"That has to be a coincidence right?! I mean you're saying a guy that used weird spirit magic to save Tokyo came back because of the technicalities of the specific monster's effect?! And there's a guy who looks just like that guy who uses cards that rise from the dead?! That's just stupid…right?", Manabu said, sounding unsure himself.
With the Samurai…
Burroughs activated the coin toss function.
"Duel!", the two said.
Flynn LP 4000
The Highlander LP 4000
"For theeeee crown! I draw.", the Highlander said.
The Highlander
Hand: 6
"I summon Doomcalibur Knight and I set two cardssssss facedown.", the Highlander said.
The Highlander
Hand: 3
Doomcalibur Knight
(FIEND/DARK/EFFECT/ ATK 1900/ DEF 1800/ LV4) Effect: Cannot be Special Summoned. If a monster effect is activated (Quick Effect): Tribute this face-up card; negate the activation, and if you do, destroy that monster.
"It looks like he's trying to stop me from special summoning.", Flynn thought.
"You said you're working for the king right? Why does he want me and not the others?", Flynn asked.
"I'm sureeeee you'veeee realized there isssss something particularly special about you. You haveeeee a power in you which hasssss made you the target of a 12 star spirit. That power hasn't been manifested yet.", the Highlander explained.
"You mean the signer thing?", Flynn asked.
"Heheeeee. I can tell you It'ssss more than that. I only know a little on that matter however. If you win, why don't you try taking a trip to Ginza? I end my turn.", the Highlander replied.
"I'll register that as a new quest!", Burroughs said, cheerfully.
Flynn looked down to see he received the quest 'Trip to Ginza'.
"I draw. That's in Tokyo right?", Flynn asked.
Flynn
Hand: 6
"Yesssss. It'ssssss whereeeee your signer dragon restsssss.", the Highlander revealed, shocking them.
"How do you know that?!", Jonathan asked.
"Becauseeee it'ssss been in the same placeeeee sinceeee before Mikado'sssss founding. However, it is currently inactiveeeee.", the Highlander replied cryptically.
"The quest is going well.", Burroughs said as she updated the information for the quest.
"Inactive? What's that supposed to mean?", Flynn thought.
"I activate Call of the Mummy. When I control no monsters it allows me to special summon a zombie monster from my hand. I choose Vampire Lord.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 4
Vampire Lord
(ZOMBIE/DARK/EFFECT/ ATK 2000/ DEF 1500/ LV5) Effect: If this card inflicts battle damage to your opponent: Declare 1 type of card (Monster, Spell, or Trap); your opponent sends 1 card of that type from their Deck to the GY. Once per turn, during your next Standby Phase after this card in your possession was destroyed and sent to your GY by an opponent's card effect: Special Summon this card from the GY.
"I activateeeee my trap Bottomlesssssss Trap Holeeee. When a monster issss summoned with 1500 or more attack it is destroyed and banished.", the Highlander countered.
Bottomless Trap Hole
(Normal Trap)
Effect: When your opponent Summons a monster(s) with 1500 or more ATK: Destroy that monster(s) with 1500 or more ATK, and if you do, banish it.
"Aww! Come on!", Walter complained as a pitfall opened up and Vampire Lord fell in.
Despite this Flynn kept a poker face.
"I'll set a monster and a card facedown.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 2
"I end my turn.", Flynn said.
"For theeee crown! I draw.", the Highlander said.
The Highlander
Hand: 4
"I summon Dark Resonator. Then, I will tune Dark Resonator with Doomcalibur Knight! A shadow cast behind the grand king! That shadow forever sworn to be hissss sword and shield! That isssss I! Level 7! Dark Highlander!", the Highlander chanted, before jumping onto the field.
The Highlander
Hand: 3
Dark Highlander
(FIEND/DARK/SYNCHRO/EFFECT/ ATK 2800/ DEF 2300/ LV7)
1 Fiend-Type Tuner 1 or more non-Tuner Fiend-Type monsters
Effect: Neither player can Synchro Summon. Once per turn: You can target 1 monster your opponent controls that is equipped with an Equip Card; destroy all Equip Cards equipped to that monster, and if you do, inflict 400 damage to your opponent for each card destroyed.
Flynn's eyes widened at the effect of the monster. The others were speechless as they looked at their gauntlets.
"What in blazes?! He's locked Flynn out of Synchro summoning.", Walter said.
"That's not good…He can't summon Doomkaiser now.", Issachar said, genuinely worried now.
"I activateeeee Banner of Courage. My monstersssss gain 200 attack during my battleeee phaseeeee. Then, for my beloved king I will attack your facedown monster! Blood Crescent Slash!", the Highlander declared.
Dark Highlander
Hand: 2
Banner of Courage
(Continuous Spell)
Effect: All monsters you control gain 200 ATK during your Battle Phase only.
Dark Highlander ATK 2800 200 = 3000
Flynn wondered why this spirit sworn loyalty to the king. The only thing like it he'd seen was with Barcha and Aquila.
"You destroyed my Pyramid Turtle. When it's destroyed I can special summon a zombie monster with 2000 or less defense from my deck. I choose Pyramid Turtle.", Flynn said.
"What a peculiar card to use.", Jonathan said.
"Unfortunately I'm saddled with thissss foolssss deck.", the Highlander said as Flynn's eyes widened.
"Then you weren't disguised as Thomas you've…", Flynn said, grimacing.
"I'veeeee taken that pathetic excuseeeee of a Samurai'sssss body. Heh. He was so weak I devoured him instantly. Obviously someone so weak minded was ill fit for hisssss position. Thus, I have replaced him.", the Highlander replied as the others looked horrified.
"Just like Jack-o-Bolan…", Issachar murmured.
"I won't forgive you. Even if we didn't get along Thomas didn't deserve to have some evil spirit take his body.", Flynn said as he glared at the spirit.
"Heheeeee. You'reeeee in no position to worry about him now. I end my turn.", the Highlander said.
"Can Thomas be saved?", Isabeau asked.
"It's impossible as I said I've devoured him completely soul and all.", the Highlander said.
"Then h-he's really…!?", Jonathan said.
"I draw!", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 3
"I set a monster facedown and end my turn.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 2
"I activateeeee my continuous trap Royal Decreeeee. When it'ssss face up trap cardssss can't beeeee activated.", Dark Highlander said.
Royal Decree
(Continuous Trap)
Effect: Negate all other Trap effects on the field.
"He can't activate traps either?! What's he supposed to do then?", Walter questioned as Flynn looked down at his facedown card.
"Heheeeee. Fortunately I wasssss ableeeee to makeeeee minor changesssss to theeeee foolssss' deck. For theeee crown! I draw.", the Highlander said.
The Highlander
Hand: 3
"I summon Goblin Attack Force.", the Highlander said.
The Highlander
Hand: 2
Goblin Attack Force
(WARRIOR/EARTH/EFFECT/ ATK 2300/ DEF 0/ LV4)
Effect: If this card attacks, it is changed to Defense Position at the end of the Battle Phase, and its battle position cannot be changed until the End Phase of your next turn.
"I attack your facedown monster with Goblin Attack Force!", the Highlander declared.
"You attacked my Spirit Reaper. He can't be destroyed by battle.", Flynn said.
"Unfortunately my Attack Force switches to defense mode after attacking. Now, for my beloved king! I attack your Pyramid Turtle! Blood Crescent Slash!", the Highlander said.
"I will special summon my last Pyramid Turtle.", Flynn said.
"I end my turn.", the Highlander said.
With the king…
"It seems Lord Flynn has already been drawn into a corner. This duel will be over shortly.", the official said.
"It's too soon to say. Neither of them have lost any life points yet.", the king replied.
With the Samurai…
"Come on, Flynn! Do the windy draw!", Walter said.
"Windy draw?", Issachar questioned with a funny expression.
"You know that dramatic draw that sometimes happens. The person does it then gets the card they need.", Walter explained.
"I…never noticed that.", Jonathan said as he rubbed the back of his head.
"I draw.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 3
"I summon Goku En. Then I'll attack your Goblin Attack Force.", Flynn declared.
Flynn
Hand: 2
The zombie mech shot blue flames at the attack force.
"I end my turn.", Flynn said.
"S-seriously! Get it together Flynn! Why is your luck so inconsistent?!", Walter said.
"He can't control probability…", Issachar said, sweat dropping.
"Perhaps we should pray for him?", Jonathan suggested.
"Considering the bind he's in he'll need it.", Nozomi said.
"You can do it Mr!", the girl cheered, surprising them.
"Yeah! Beat that scary spirit!", a boy joined in and the other kids started cheering.
Flynn hid his flustered expression and Issachar smiled.
"Hoy, don't let them down.", Issachar said to Flynn as he slapped Flynn's back.
"The cheers of the Unclean Ones will change nothing. For theeeee crown! I draw.", the Highlander said.
The Highlander
Hand: 3
"I summon Koa'ki Meiru Bergzak.", the Highlander said.
The Highlander
Hand: 2
Koa'ki Meiru Bergzak
(WARRIOR/EARTH/EFFECT/ ATK 2000/ DEF 200/ LV4)
Effect: During each of your End Phases, destroy this card unless you send 1 "Iron Core of Koa'ki Meiru" from your hand to the Graveyard or reveal 1 Warrior-Type monster in your hand. If this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle, it can attack once again in a row.
"Bergzak attack his Pyramid Turtle!", the Highlander declared.
"I activate its effect allowing me to special summon Mezuki.", Flynn said.
"For my beloved king! I attack your Mezuki! Blood Crescent Slash!", the Highlander declared.
"At least he's keeping his life points in tact.", Nozomi thought.
"I end my turn. To keep Bergzak on the field I must reveal a warrior monster or another monster in its archetype. I will reveal Marauding Captain. You can only stall for so long, Lord Flynn.", the Highlander said in a condescending tone.
"I draw!", Flynn said with a determined expression.
Flynn
Hand: 3
Wind kicked up as Flynn drew his card and ghostly howls could be heard. The howls spooked the children who held onto the Samurai tightly making them sweat drop.
"There it is!", Walter said as he pointed.
"Final turn. I activate Pot of Greed allowing me to draw two cards!", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 4
The others' sweat dropped hearing the familiar line.
"I activate Mystical Space Typhoon allowing me to destroy your facedown.", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 3
The card destroyed was Tuner's Scheme.
"Then I will activate…", Flynn said as he closed his eyes.
"Sir Daisuke…led me your support one last time.", Flynn thought.
"I activate Polymerization.", Flynn said as the Highlander looked completely shocked.
With the king…
"Polymerization? When did Lord Flynn acquire a fusion monster?", the official questioned, genuinely surprised.
"It must have been a recent development.", the king said.
With the Samurai…
"I was not made aware you possessed the ability to fusion summon.", the Highlander said.
"It is because of sir Daisuke that I am able to…I fuse Red-Eyes Zombie Dragon with Spirit Reaper! Plaguespreader Zombie with Red-Eyes Zombie Dragon. Ghastly dragon awaken from the depths of darkness! All shall fear the great dragonic manipulator of souls! Fusion summon! Level 8! Dragonecro Nethersoul Dragon!", Flynn chanted.
Flynn
Hand: 1
Daisuke's niece's eyes widened seeing the familiar monster.
"Uncle must have lent him it. I wonder where he is.", Daisuke's niece thought.
"I activate the effect of my Mezuki banishing it to special summon a zombie monster from my graveyard. I choose my Red-Eyes. Then I'll change Spirit Reaper to attack mode and summon Plaguespreader Zombie..", Flynn said.
Flynn
Hand: 0
The Highlander tensed at being stared down by the two dark dragons.
"Warning! Warning! Critical Danger! Master, you are in danger of losing if you don't do something.", Thomas' Burroughs said.
"Red-Eyes attack Bergzak! Inferno Necro Blast!", Flynn declared.
The Highlander LP 4000 - 400 = 3600
"Dragonecro attack Dark Highlander! Soul Reaper's Claw!", Flynn declared as the spirit braced himself.
Dragonecro roared as it thrusted its hand through Dark Highlander as ghostly energy emitted from its hand.
The Highlander LP 3600 - 200 = 3400
"Those flicks won't be enough to defeat me, Lord Flynn.", the Highlander said as Flynn smirked.
"Whoever said I fusion summoned Dragonecro merely to attack you?", Flynn said.
Dark Highlander looked down, noticing the fusion monster's hand was still in his chest. There was no blood, instead it seemed to phase through him like a ghost.
"Monsters attacked by Dragonecro aren't destroyed by battle. Instead that monster's attack becomes zero.", Flynn explained.
Dragonecro pulled out the soul of the Highlander causing its body to go slack. The others who hadn't seen the effect before were wide eyed at seeing the effect in action.
Dark Highlander ATK 2800 - 0
"Flynn…could you look more villainous?", Walter questioned as the fusion monster infused a dark aura into the soul and its eyes glowed red.
"Don't you use fiends? Literal demons?", Flynn replied with a funny look.
"I'm just saying…", Walter replied with a funny look.
"Yeah…you can't exactly talk Walter. The others got the part but you twos monsters don't seem just a little…", Nozomi said as Flynn and Walter looked offended.
"Dragonecro's effect isn't over; it creates a token with the same level and attack. Ghastly Replica!", Flynn said.
On his field was now a dark doppelgänger of Dark Highlander.
"I attack Dark Highlander with Spirit Reaper!", Flynn declared.
The diminutive zombie swiped at the de powered Synchro monster.
The Highlander LP 3400 - 300 = 3100
"When Spirit Reaper deals damage to you have to discard a random card from your hand.", Flynn said.
The Highlander struggled in his weakened state to discard.
The Highlander
Hand: 1
"I attack you directly with Plaguespreader Zombie.", Flynn declared as the others sweat dropped.
The weak zombie whacked the synchro monster over the head.
The Highlander LP 3100 - 400 = 2700
Then I attack you directly with my token! Phantasmal Crescent Slash!", Flynn declared.
The Highlander LP 2700 - 2800 = 0
With Tayama…
He was silent after the last duel he saw. He was sure of it now there was some sort of connection. After seeing that card there was no mistaking it.
"How did that Samurai…possibly get a hold of Super Polymerization? The card is…one of a kind. There's only one possible explanation.", Tayama thought, feeling nervous as he thought about the card.
With the Samurai…
Flynn walked over to the Highlander who recovered after the token disappeared.
"Transferring files…", Burroughs said, confusing him.
Flynn raised up his gauntlet seeing something was being uploaded to it.
"I have sent you all the details we currently know to your gauntlet.", the Highlander said as Flynn opened the file.
"I will register this a new quest!", Burroughs said, cheerfully.
Flynn's attention was immediately drawn to the file on a card which he clicked on without thinking. It depicted a samurai in a white uniform with silver armor underneath and black shoulder pads. These shoulder pads had red spikes and the chestplate had a circular red necklace which had a horn attached to it. The samurai had long light purple hair in a ponytail and purple eyes. Floating in front of him was a spectral katana with blue flames bursting from it. Under the eyes were purple markings and he wore some sort of metal headband. Flynn was more drawn to the face. It was unmistakably similar to his father's. Not to mention his father had been a Samurai. Issachar looked over the silent Flynn's shoulder in curiosity followed by Walter soon after. The Highlander had disappeared simply leaving the information behind in Flynn's gauntlet.
Shiranui Spectralsword
(ZOMBIE/FIRE/TUNER/EFFECT/ ATK 800/ DEF 0/ LV2)
Effect: If this card is in your GY, except the turn this card was sent to the GY: You can target 1 non-Tuner Zombie monster in your GY; banish both it and this card, and if you do, Special Summon 1 Zombie Synchro Monster from your Extra Deck whose Level equals the total Levels those 2 monsters had. You can only use this effect of "Shiranui Spectralsword" once per turn.
The two were stunned as they read the card's stats and effect. It was too much of a coincidence how much the card supported the Mallory's deck and especially their sacred card.
"Hoy, wasn't Flynn's dad a Samurai?", Walter questioned, slightly freaked out.
"Hoy, Flynn are you alright?", Isabeau asked in concern, making them turn their attention to Flynn.
There were visible tears in Flynn's eyes. A glimmer of hope finally allowed to blossom within him. Flynn was slightly shaking; he desperately hoped it was more than a fleeting hope. Burroughs very tastefully titled the quest "Bonds Beyond the Grave". It seemed Burroughs believed this was real. Issachar patted him on the shoulder and Flynn actually pulled him into a hug surprising everyone else.
However it wouldn't last as an explosion could be heard in the distance. The crown Samurai have returned.
To be continued…