"Why is the world so cruel to Flynn?", Isabeau thought.
Isabeau? Sorry to tell you, but this isn't even the beginning. Flynn is in luck as Krishna hasn't been released yet. -Lucian Naruto
Yup, she doesn't even know that the worst has yet to come. Perfect strat for him to avoid Krishna is not picking neutral.
Chapter 24 Synchro Killer
"We've come to find information on a dangerous heretic known as Ys. He used to be among our number…", Jonathan explained as he looked off to the side at the end.
"And here I thought after the crown Samurai were defeated we wouldn't have to worry about enemy Samurai anymore.", Manabu said as he rubbed his forehead sighing.
"He's no longer one of us…if he ever even was…", Jonathan explained.
"It sounds like you have a bit of a history with him.", Nikkari replied.
"It's a long story…but I'm afraid we don't have much time to waste. He must be brought to justice quickly.", Jonathan said.
"Hey, Samurai!", a voice called out drawing their attention.
It was an Asura Kai member that smirked cockily.
"I heard one of you bastards stole something important from our group. I'll have to ask you to hand it over.", the Asura Kai member said.
"Hah. You hear the audacity of this one, Jonathan?", Navarre laughed, making the Asura Kai member growl.
"You wanna back up that bravado?!", the Asura Kai member questioned.
"There's no need for us to duel. There isn't anything we want from you.", Jonathan replied calmly.
"Che! You say that as if you're sure you're going to win! Well…if you want anything out of it I can tell you where one of those special dragons is.", the Asura Kai member replied.
This drew the Samurai's attention and the Hunters perked up. The Asura Kai member swear dropped for a moment noticing Odd-Eyes.
"Speaking of which, why is there a spirit in this association?!", the Asura Kai member questioned.
"Just seeing friends.", Odd-Eyes replied casually, making the Asura Kai member give him an incredulous look.
"This is why I will never understand you Hunters…", the Asura Kai member replied.
Jonathan stepped up to duel before Navarre stood in front of him, surprising the former.
"Hoy, I think it's about time for me to show my improvements to you.", Navarre said.
"We've never seen that one duel. Is he as good as the others?", Nanashi thought.
"I see…if you're confident about it then go ahead.", Jonathan replied as Navarre puffed up his chest.
"Of course! You shall see the new and improved Navarre!", Navarre boasted.
"Kick his butt!", Asahi cheered as Boss tried to quiet her down.
"Don't say that. Just keep your head down.", Boss whispered.
"You've gotta believe in the Samurai, dad.", Asahi whispered back indignantly.
"Duel!", Navarre said.
Navarre LP 4000
Taiki LP 4000
"I draw.", Taiki said.
Taiki
Hand: 6
"I summon Playful Possum and I set two cards. I end my turn.", Taiki said.
Taiki
Hand: 3
"Is this really all the Asura Kai can offer? Hah! I draw!", Navarre replied.
Navarre
Hand: 6
"I activate the continuous spell Water Hazard.", Navarre said.
Navarre
Hand: 5
Water Hazard
(Continuous Spell)
Effect: Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower WATER monster from your hand. You must control no monsters to activate and to resolve this effect.
"I activate its effect allowing me to special summon a level 4 or lower water monster from my hand if I control no monsters. I will special summon Defender of the Ice Barrier with its effect.", Navarre said.
Navarre
Hand: 4
Defender of the Ice Barrier
(AQUA/WATER/TUNER/EFFECT/ ATK 200/ DEF 1600/ LV3)
Effect: While you control another "Ice Barrier" monster, monsters your opponent controls cannot declare an attack if their ATK is greater than or equal to this card's DEF.
"I summon Dance Princess of the Ice Barrier. When I control another Ice Barrier monster I can reveal any number of Ice Barrier monsters in my hand then I send an equal amount of set spell or traps you control to the hand.", Navarre said.
Navarre
Hand: 3
Dance Princess of the Ice Barrier
(SPELLCASTER/WATER/EFFECT/ ATK 1700/ DEF 900/ LV4)
Effect: Once per turn, if you control another "Ice Barrier" monster: You can reveal any number of "Ice Barrier" monsters in your hand, then target an equal number of Set Spells/Traps your opponent controls; return those targets to the hand.
Navarre revealed Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier.
"I will send your left card back to your hand.", Navarre declared as he pointed at the facedown.
The Asura Kai member snickered in annoyance at this.
"Now, I will tune my Defender with my Dance Princess! The ground trembles before the mere roar of a subzero dragon! That roar pierces through like a mighty spear showing the strength of its spirit! Level 7! Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier!", Navarre chanted.
Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier
(DRAGON/WATER/SYNCHRO/EFFECT/ ATK 2500/ DEF 1700/ LV7)
1 Tuner 1 non-Tuner WATER monsters
Effect: Once per turn: You can discard up to 2 cards to the GY, then target the same number of cards your opponent controls; destroy them.
Boss looked nervous seeing a synchro monster summoned right before him.
"I activate the effect of Gungnir discarding two cards to destroy two of yours!", Navarre said clearing Taiki's field.
Navarre
Hand: 1
Jonathan's mouth was in an O shape, visibly impressed. He couldn't end the duel this turn, but he'd get very close.
"So, these Samurai are strong like the crown Samurai.", Boss thought.
"Not so fast! I activate the effect of Meklord Emperor Wisel when a monster I control is destroyed by a card effect I can special summon it from my hand!", Taiki countered.
Taiki
Hand: 2
Meklord Emperor Wisel
(MACHINE/DARK/EFFECT/ ATK 2500/ DEF 2500/ LV1)
Effect: Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned by its own effect. When a face-up monster you control is destroyed by a card effect and sent to the GY (except during the Damage Step): You can Special Summon this card from your hand. Other monsters you control cannot declare an attack. Once per turn: You can target 1 Synchro Monster your opponent controls; equip that target to this card. This card gains ATK equal to the combined ATK of the monsters equipped to it by this effect. Once per turn, when your opponent activates a Spell Card (Quick Effect): You can negate the activation, and if you do, destroy it.
"Woah, what the hell?! He summoned a monster that strong with hardly any effort?!", Nanashi questioned as the Hunters tensed nervously.
Nikkari looked especially worried, seeming to recognize the monster.
"No…", Nikkari whispered.
Navarre's eyes widened in complete shock reading its effect as he started to feel nervous.
"Don't worry, Navarre. It's equip effect is not a quick play effect which means he can't use it till his next turn.", Jonathan said.
"I see…while it's a rather boorish move….I will attack your monster with Gungnir to destroy them both! Sub Zero Spear!", Navarre declared.
The two monsters collided annihilating each other.
"I will have to end my turn there…", Navarre said.
"Hah! I can tell your quaking in your boots little Samurai. Time for you to meet the predators of Synchro monsters! I draw!", Taiki said.
Taiki
Hand: 3
"I activate the field spell Fortissimo the Mobile Fortress once per turn I can special summon a Meklord Army monster from my hand!", Taiki said.
Taiki
Hand: 1
Fortissimo the Mobile Fortress
(Field Spell)
Effect: Once per turn: You can Special Summon 1 "Meklord Army" monster from your hand.
"I choose Meklord Army of Skiel!", Taiki said.
Meklord Army of Skiel
(MACHINE/WIND/EFFECT/ ATK 1200/ DEF 1000/ LV4)
Effect: Gains 200 ATK for each "Meklord" monster on the field, except this card. When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the GY: You can Special Summon 1 "Meklord Army" monster from your Deck.
"Then, I will summon Meklord Army of Wisei!", Taiki said.
Taiki
Hand: 0
Meklord Army of Wisel
(MACHINE/DARK/EFFECT/ ATK 1800/ DEF 0/ LV4)
Effect: Gains 100 ATK for each "Meklord" monster on the field, except this card. Once per turn, when another "Meklord" monster you control declares an attack on a Defense Position monster: You can activate this effect; during that battle, if it attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage to your opponent.
"Now my Skiel gains 200 attack since I control another Meklord monster! My Wisei has a similar effect instead gaining 100 attack!", Taiki said.
Meklord Army of Skiel ATK 1200 200 = 1400
Meklord Army of Wisel ATL 1800 100 = 1900
"This is going to hurt.", Navarre snickered.
"You bet it will! I attack you directly with Skiel!", Taiki declared.
Navarre LP 4000 - 1400 = 2600
"Now, I attack you directly with Wisei!", Taiki declared.
Navarre LP 2600 - 1900 = 700
"This isn't looking good!", Manabu said, sounding worried.
"It's over for you now Samurai! When I win all those Synchros will be mine!", Taiki said.
"As if! I draw!", Navarre said.
Navarre
Hand: 2
"I activate Medallion of the Ice Barrier allowing me to add an Ice Barrier monster to my hand!", Navarre said.
Medallion of the Ice Barrier
(Normal Spell)
Effect: Add 1 "Ice Barrier" monster from your Deck to your hand.
"I activate the effect of Water Hazard allowing me to special summon a level 4 or lower water monster from my hand! I choose Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier!", Navarre said.
Navarre
Hand: 1
Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier
(AQUA/WATER/TUNER/EFFECT/ ATK 1300/ DEF 0/ LV2)
Effect: While you control another "Ice Barrier" monster, Level 4 or higher monsters cannot declare an attack.
"Now, I summon Numbing Grub in the Ice Barrier!", Navarre said.
Navarre
Hand: 0
Numbing Grub in the Ice Barrier
(INSECT/WATER/EFFECT/ ATK 1300/ DEF 1800/ LV4)
Effect:When this card is Normal Summoned, select 1 unused Main Monster Zone. While this card is face-up on the field, that selected Main Monster Zone cannot be used.
"I will tune Cryomancer with Numbing Grub!", Navarre said.
"Hah! You Samurai really don't learn do you?", Taiki taunted.
"Oh can it! A beast clad in frost races forth! His fangs cut through its prey like blades! Synchro summon! Level 6! Dewloren, Tiger King of the Ice Barrier!", Navarre said.
Dewloren, Tiger King of the Ice Barrier
(BEAST/WATER/SYNCHRO/EFFECT/ ATK 2000/ DEF 1400/ LV6)
1 Tuner 1 non-Tuner WATER monsters
Effect: You can target any number of other face-up cards you control; return those targets to the hand, then, this card gains 500 ATK for each card returned to the hand by this effect, until the end of this turn. You can only use this effect of "Dewloren, Tiger King of the Ice Barrier" once per turn.
"I can return any number of my faceup cards to my hand to have him gain 500 attack for each till the end of the turn! I choose my Water Hazard!", Navarre said.
Navarre
Hand: 1
Dewloren, Tiger King of the Ice Barrier ATK 2000 500 = 2500
"Now, I'll attack your Wisei with Dewloren! Frozen Fang!", Navarre declared.
Taiki LP 4000 - 600 = 3400
Taiki snickered at this.
"Heh. As soon as I get another Emperor you're mincemeat.", Taiki said.
In Mikado…
Flynn looked off into the evening sky having returned to the barracks a few hours ago. He stood on the roof just thinking. He looked down at his hand.
"Was that evil really just from the spirit or was it inside me all along? If it was within me then…What exactly am I?", Flynn thought as he looked down, frowning.
He suddenly heard footsteps that drew his attention. It was Isabeau with one of those mangas in her hands.
"Oh, I didn't expect to find you here.", Isabeau said as Flynn looked away.
"It's fine I can leave.", Flynn replied before Isabeau raised up her hand.
"Wait. You can stay. I wanted to talk to you anyway.", Isabeau replied.
Flynn reluctantly sat back down dreading to talk about his feelings enough. It was horrible enough before. He didn't want his fellows to know how weak he is.
"So umm…", Isabeau said awkwardly, drawing Flynn's attention.
"Is it about what happened earlier?", Flynn questioned.
"That's not it. It's just…I know the way you're feeling and I want you to know that.", Isabeau said.
Flynn simply lowered his head.
"I know we both lost people…yet you've been acting way better than I have.", Flynn replied.
He looked up as Isabeau put her hand out again.
"Not just that, Flynn. Do you really think you're the only one of us that's had those kind of thoughts?", Isabeau questioned.
Flynn looked up to meet her gaze.
"It's one thing to think something. Actually acting on it is different.", Flynn replied as Isabeau sighed.
"I understand you're really beating yourself up about everything. But, Flynn, you can see what you did was wrong. Many people can't do that. I think it's a sign that you really are a good person. That wasn't you back there.", Isabeau replied.
Flynn narrowed his eyes at this.
"You're wrong. I'm not a good person! Not anymore…I feel like I've just been getting worse. Before I was a Samurai the worse thing I ever did was tip a cow.", Flynn replied as he rested his chin on his hands.
"You…tipped a cow? How did you do that?", Isabeau questioned with a funny expression.
Flynn lightly blushed as he looked away.
"Issachar talked me into it…you know it's when you knock over a sleeping cow.", Flynn said as he tried to hold in a wheeze as mentioning it made the memory flash in his mind.
Isabeau sweat dropped not understanding why it seemed so funny.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't laugh…it's so rude and stupid.", Flynn said as he held in his laughter.
It was extremely difficult as he imagined the cow sitting on its back with its hooves in the air.
"That's it? The worst thing you did before becoming a Samurai was pushing a cow over?! Trust me you're not that bad, Flynn.", Isabeau questioned as she started laughing.
Flynn blushed harder at her laughter. His heart beated against his chest like a jackhammer.
"Really I'm serious.", Isabeau assured as Flynn looked away.
Flynn was trying to hide his face, especially his blushing cheeks. Isabeau put her manga to the side before she held Flynn's hands, surprising him. He felt his heart beating faster as he felt himself look up to Isabeau without thinking.
"Let me tell you the story of a girl I knew.", Isabeau said.
"Alright…", Flynn replied.
"She was a bit of a problem child. Well…that's a bit of an understatement considering her powers. You see she was born with extremely strong spiritual powers to the point where she couldn't even control them.", Isabeau said.
Flynn thought about the powers he once had when he was a child. He wondered if Isabeau was trying to relate this girl to him.
"Many feared her powers, thinking her to be a monster. That fear made her see herself as a monster and she often lashed out. In that fear they tried to get rid of her, seeing her as too much of a threat. But, despite many attempts to tame her seemingly useless, a single monk, her father didn't give up on her. Despite what everyone said he spent years with her trying to help her tame both her powers and anger.", Isabeau said.
"You really knew someone like that? What did you think of them?", Flynn questioned as Isabeau sweat dropped feeling taken off guard by the question.
"Honestly I thought she was a lost cause but she surprised me. It really goes to show that even if you seem lost as long as people are willing to fight for you can bring yourself out of the darkness even when others think it's impossible.", Isabeau said, lightly blushing as she was looking away.
Her words made Flynn think back more to his childhood. He definitely found some similarities to his situation. If it wasn't for his parents or Doomkaiser he doesn't know what would have happened to him.
"…so umm…I am willing to fight for you and I'm sure the others are too. Surely together we can defeat the darknesses of the world including the darkness within ourselves. I know you can beat it, Flynn.", Isabeau said, seeming flustered.
Flynn on the other hand was completely red. His shoulders shook intensely.
"Thank you…umm…about that girl. What's her name?", Flynn asked as Isabeau flinched.
In a very rare moment Isabeau stumbled and was taken off guard for the second time today.
"Is something wrong? Did something happen to her?", Flynn questioned.
"T-that's not it. It's just why do you want to know?", Isabeau asked.
"Well, I thought it might be good to meet her and ask her how she pulled through.", Flynn replied as Isabeau sweated nervously.
"O-oh…I see…it's just…you know you've met her before.", Isabeau replied as Flynn's eyes widened in shock.
"Really…I have?", Flynn questioned.
Isabeau seemed nervous realizing she just unsealed the lid in Pandora's Box. Flynn wondered why Isabeau was reacting this way. He's never seen her like this.
"Yes you have…because that was…me…", Isabeau muttered out quietly and awkwardly.
Flynn looked completely stunned, unable to even believe what he was hearing.
In Shinjuku…
"I'd like to see you try. I end my turn.", Navarre replied.
"I draw!", Taiki said.
Taiki
Hand: 1
"I set a card then I will change Skiel to defense mode.", Taiki said.
Taiki
Hand: 0
"As I thought. You possess some terrifying monsters, but obviously you don't have that skill to use them. I draw!", Navarre said.
Navarre
Hand: 2
"I will set a monster and then attack your Skiel! Frozen Fang!", Navarre declared.
"I activate of my Skiel when it's destroyed by battle I can special summon another Meklord Army monster from my deck! I choose Meklord Army Deployer Obbligato! Taiki said as he smirked.
Meklord Army Deployer Obbligato
(MACHINE/LIGHT/EFFECT/ ATK 1200/ DEF 1800/ LV4)
Effect: During your Main Phase: You can activate this effect; destroy this card, and if you do, Special Summon 2 "Meklord Army" monsters from your Deck in Defense Position, except "Meklord Army Deployer Obbligato", also you cannot Special Summon monsters for the rest of this turn, except Machine monsters. If this card is sent to the GY: You can activate this effect; during the End Phase of this turn, you can inflict 100 damage to your opponent for each "Meklord" monster you control. You can only use each effect of "Meklord Army Deployer Obbligato" once per turn.
"What is that card?! That's a new one! Did the Asura Kai…", Nikkari thought as he grew more wary.
"I end my turn.", Navarre said.
"As I said before this is the end of the line for you! I draw! Haha! Perfect!", Taiki said.
Taiki
Hand: 1
"I activate the effect of Obbligato it self destructs then I can special summon two Meklord Army monsters from my deck in defense position! I choose Wisei and Skiel!", Taiki said.
"Wait! It self destructed that means!", Jonathan warned as Taiki smirked.
"I can special summon Meklord Emperor Skiel!", Taiki said.
Meklord Emperor Skiel
(MACHINE/WIND/EFFECT/ ATK 2200/ DEF 2200/ LV1)
Effect: Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned by its own effect. When a face-up monster you control is destroyed by a card effect and sent to the GY (except during the Damage Step): You can Special Summon this card from your hand. Other monsters you control cannot declare an attack. Once per turn: You can target 1 Synchro Monster your opponent controls; equip that target to this card. This card gains ATK equal to the combined ATK of the monsters equipped to it by this effect. You can send 1 monster you control that is equipped to this card to the GY; this card can attack your opponent directly this turn.
"You've got to be kidding me! How lucky can a person be?!", Navarre questioned, as he sweated nervously.
"I activate the effect of my Emperor Skiel equipping your Synchro monster and allowing it to gain its attack!", Taiki said as cables flew out of the machine monster.
They wrapped around the beast who struggled to break free. However it was pulled into the machine's chest which opened up before clamping shut. Those watching looked completely horrified.
Meklord Emperor Skiel ATK 2200 2000 = 4200
Navarre gaped at the ridiculous amount of attack points.
"Oh dear….", Navarre said.
"I attack you directly with Emperor Skiel!", Taiki declared.
Navarre instinctively raised his arm to defend as the monster shot a beam at him which simply phased through him.
Navarre LP 700 - 4200 = 0
Navarre was surprised at the lack of physical damage, but then Taiki marched over to him cracking his knuckles making him flinch. However, Jonathan got in front of his fellow, putting his arm in front of him to hold him back.
"Wait there. If I beat you Navarre keeps his Synchro monsters and if you win you get both of ours.", Jonathan said.
"Are you serious, Jonathan? Did you see what he just did?! You can't do that!", Navarre said.
"Don't worry, Navarre. I'll handle this.", Jonathan said with a determined expression as Navarre looked down.
"You wouldn't have had to had I just won…", Navarre murmured quietly.
"Don't blame yourself too much. I barely won the two duels I had with their members.", Jonathan admitted to Navarre quietly as his eyes widened.
"Even you?!", Navarre questioned.
"You didn't do bad, Navarre. It was just a bad matchup.", Jonathan replied.
"That sounds great to me! Master Tayama will be thrilled to hear about all the synchros I bagged!", Taiki said.
Elsewhere…
Walter was looking around having found himself in an underground lab. He saw files on the table and rushed over to them quickly looking through each. He gasped in shock when he found a file which listed Samurai currently in the captivity of the Asura Kai.
"No way…how could they bag that many?!", Walter thought feeling a bit nervous.
The list was rather long, seeming to have at least 30 names, but Walter was looking for one. Most of them were Steve with a few outliers. The one that stood out to him was…Gina. Walter hit the wall angrily.
"So, she really got herself captured after becoming a crown Samurai? But she still has her name so that means her soul wasn't devoured.", Walter thought as he gripped the paper tightly as he looked over the room more.
There was some strange small green bug-like spirits in tubes which made him green.
"At least it's not a fish. But, what exactly are these things?", Walter thought as he touched the glass.
He flinched as he heard a shriek from another part of the building then suddenly the spirits grew at Walter looked freaked out.
"What the fuck?!", Walter blurted out.
"This is the truth of the face of true evil, the Asura Kai.", a familiar voice said as Walter suddenly turned to see Hiruko with her arms crossed.
"Hoy, what are you saying?! What the hell are those things?!", Walter questioned.
"Those spirits are known as Fusion Parasite.", Hiruko revealed.
Somewhere else in Tokyo…
Issachar looked down, furrowing his brow.
"How did I get myself in this situation...? I will just have to believe in Flynn and the others.", Issachar thought.
He looked over to the person by his side which was Hikaru. They were in front of a big building.
"One of the signer dragons is forced to stand guard over this Asura Kai faculty. Now, it's time for you to prove to me your continued survival is more than a fluke.", Hikaru said as Issachar looked back at her.
He reluctantly listened knowing she had the power here.
Flashback
"You've surprised me once again. I thought you were a goner there, but you're still conscious after merging with a spirit. Not many can say that.", Hikaru said as Issachar got up looking at her warily.
"Who are what exactly are you really?", Issachar questioned as Hikaru gave him an inhuman smile.
"That's not for you to know yet at your current level. But if you prove yourself to me you'll have the privilege of knowing.", Hikaru replied.
"Why should I have to prove myself to you?", Issachar questioned.
"Because you'll be working for me, Issachar. And you don't have a choice. If you don't I can easily kill Flynn.", Hikaru replied as a power aura emanated from her.
It made Issachar stumble. It was more intense than anything he's ever felt before. It was an all consuming darkness threatening to swallow you like a back hole. Issachar sweated nervously, stepping back. Just feeling it made him feel like he was going to have a heart attack.
"What do you want me to do?", Issachar asked.
"I need you to act like you really did get consumed. Really play it up so it convinces him. You'll be fighting against him and the Samurai with some allies.", Hikaru said.
"Why…? You seem to be going through quite the effort to put up such a charade. It's like you guys want to break Flynn. What do you want with him anyway?", Issachar questioned, protectively.
He felt extremely nervous as Hikaru's smile became infinitely more disturbing. After learning the truth Issachar wished he never asked.
Flashback end
Issachar looked down at his deck which had a dark aura around it.
"The merging has brought a completely new spirit into existence. That spirit is your true form. Your new deck is much better for you bringing that potential out. After all, your old one was pathetically weak.", Hikaru informed as Issachar looked down at the card on top of his deck.
Issachar frowned at the comment. This would all take a lot of getting used to. But, before he could think about the future he had to get through this.
To be continued…