If I remember correctly, in canon, Navarre drowned in an accident when he was trying to spy on Huntresses bathing in a lake, right? Just out of curiosity, how do you think Flynn would react if he caught Navarre trying to do this and Isabeau was among those women bathing? (sadism) -Lucian Naruto
He'd give him a harsh scolding. Though internally he'd be very angry he would try to stay mature.
Chapter 25 Fallen of Albaz
Issachar faced a smirking Asura Kai member.
"Are you stupid, Samurai?", the Asura Kai member questioned.
"Hehe. Look at this guy. He actually thinks he can mess with us.", Asura Kai member 2 said.
"Looks like you'll have to teach him something manners Kage.", Asura Kai member 3 said.
"You want Black-Winged Dragon? You better wager something worth my time.", Kage said.
Issachar revealed two synchro monsters Dark End Dragon and Exploder Dragonwing, the latter of which he had received from Hikaru. Asura Kai member 3 whistled at seeing two synchro monsters.
"Is that enough for you?", Issachar questioned.
"This is a signer dragon we're talking about. I'll need a little more if you know what I mean.", Kage replied as he stroked his chin.
Issachar raised up a Raigeki.
"A bit more.", Kage said as Issachar's eyebrow twitched.
"He sure is arrogant for someone so puny…If Flynn and the others are going to take me seriously as an enemy I need to do something.", Issachar mentally growled as his eyes glowed for a moment.
He held out his hand and Kage floated in the air. The Asura Kai members panicked in fear. Dark energy surrounded Issachar.
"W-wait are you?!", Kage questioned.
"If you win I won't beat the shit out of you. How's that?", Issachar said as Kage sweated nervously.
"F-Fine!", Kage replied.
The two raised their duel disks.
"Duel!", Issachar said.
Issachar LP 4000
Kage LP 4000
"You lousy bastard! I'll make you regret that! I draw!", Kage said angrily.
Kage
Hand: 6
"I activate the continuous spell Black Whirlwind!", Kage said.
Kage
Hand: 5
Black Whirlwind
(Continuous Spell)
Effect: When a "Blackwing" monster is Normal Summoned to your field: You can add 1 "Blackwing" monster from your Deck to your hand with less ATK than that monster.
"I summon Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame triggering the effect of my Black Whirlwind allowing me to add a Blackwing monster to my hand with less attack than a monster I normal summon. I choose to add Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr. It's effect activates! When it's added from my deck to my hand by a card effect I can special summon it.", Kage said.
Kage
Hand: 4
Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame
(WINGED BEAST/DARK/EFFECT/ ATK 1800/ DEF 1200/ LV4)
Effect: When this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard: You can Special Summon 1 "Blackwing" monster with 1500 or less ATK from your Deck, but its effects are negated.
Blackwing - Breeze the Zephyr
(WINGED BEAST/DARK/TUNER/EFFECT/ ATK 1100/ DEF 300/ LV3)
Effect: If this card is added from your Deck to your hand by a card effect: You can Special Summon this card from your hand. Cannot be used as a Synchro Material, except for the Synchro Summon of a "Blackwing" monster.
Issachar tensed knowing a Synchro monster was coming.
"Haha! I'm not done! I activate the effect Blackwing - Bora the Spear allowing me to special summon it when I control another Blackwing monster!", Kage said.
Kage
Hand: 3
Blackwing - Bora the Spear
(WINGED BEAST/DARK/EFFECT/ ATK 1700/ DEF 800/ LV4)
Effect: If you control a "Blackwing" monster other than "Blackwing - Bora the Spear", you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). If this card attacks a Defense Position monster, inflict piercing battle damage.
"You've got to be kidding me! This archetype is broken!", Issachar thought.
"I'm not even close to done! I activate the effect of Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind allowing me to special summon it when I control another Blackwing monster!", Kage said.
Kage
Hand: 2
Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind
(WINGED BEAST/DARK/TUNER/EFFECT/ ATK 1300/ DEF 400/ LV3)
Effect: If you control a "Blackwing" monster other than "Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind", you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). Once per turn: You can target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; that target's ATK and DEF become half its current ATK and DEF.
"I tune Breeze the Zephyr with Bora the Spear to synchro summon Blackwing Armor Master!", Kage said.
Blackwing Armor Master
(WINGED BEAST/DARK/SYNCHRO/EFFECT/ ATK 2500/ DEF 1500/ LV7)
1 "Blackwing" Tuner 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
Effect: Cannot be destroyed by battle, and you take no battle damage from attacks involving this card. At the end of the Damage Step, if this card attacked a monster: You can place 1 Wedge Counter on that monster (max. 1). You can remove all Wedge Counters from your opponent's monsters; the ATK and DEF of those monsters that had Wedge Counters become 0 until the end of this turn
"Then I will tune Gale the Whirlwind with Bora the Spear to synchro summon another one!", Kage said.
Issachar sweated at being faced with two synchro monsters on the first turn. He should have known this will be difficult.
"Hah! That bastard can't stand up to a top Asura Kai member!", Asura Kai member 2 said.
"I set a card and end my turn. Let's see you top that, bitch!", Kage said.
Issachar jumped when he noticed Hikaru was watching him from a distance. She seriously creeped him out.
"I draw!", Issachar said.
Issachar
Hand: 6
"I activate Pot of Greed allowing me to draw two cards!", Issachar said.
Issachar
Hand: 7
He made sure to quickly check the effects of Kage's Synchros on his gauntlet.
"I activate Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy your facedown card!", Issachar said.
Issachar
Hand: 6
Kage snickered as his Icarus Attack was destroyed. Issachar looked intently at the monster in his hand. Was it really himself? Considering its effect it seemed cruelly fitting.
"I will normal summon Fallen of Albaz.", Issachar said.
Issachar
Hand: 5
Fallen of Albaz
(DRAGON/DARK/EFFECT/ ATK 1800/ DEF 0/ LV4)
Effect: If this card is Normal or Special Summoned (except during the Damage Step): You can discard 1 card; Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters on either field as Fusion Material, including this card, but you cannot use other monsters you control as Fusion Material. You can only use this effect of "Fallen of Albaz" once per turn.
Despite being a dragon the monster was a tanned boy with black clothes and a tattered red cape. He had pointy ears and red eyes along with white hair with orange highlights.
"Is that pathetic monster really all he can muster against Kage?!", Asura Kai member 3 questioned.
"What a joke!", Asura Kai member 2 laughed.
"I activate the effect of Fallen of Albaz allowing me to discard a card from my hand to fusion summon using this card and monsters on my opponent's field as material.", Issachar said as he discarded Treeborn Frog.
Issachar
Hand: 4
"T-there's no way!", Asura Kai member 2 questioned, gaping as Hikaru smirked.
"Within this spirit lies a whole new path to greater potential. The question is if you can walk down it, Issachar.", Hikaru thought.
Albaz raised up his hand like Issachar had previously causing the monster to hover in the air much to it and Kage's terror. The spirit clenched his fist as dark energy radiated from it and the synchro monster was harshly pulled towards it. Darkness enveloped the area, making the Asura Kai members raise up their arms to guard.
In Mikado…
"But…you're you!", Flynn blurted out as Isabeau chuckled.
"You're not uniquely evil, Flynn. We all have our imperfections.", Isabeau replied.
Flynn scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"I can't even imagine you being like that. Your always so calm and composed.", Flynn replied.
"I could say the same thing about you. The first time you lost it back in that duel with Nathan surprised me. I felt really worried for you especially when you faced Lilith. You were completely losing control of yourself just like…", Isabeau trailed off.
"That's why you've been so willing to forgive me?", Flynn questioned.
"You are going through a lot of tough things for the first time and you don't know how to deal with them yet. But, as I told you I have faith you can overcome it.", Isabeau replied as Flynn looked down blushing.
"About the dance…before the Ritual heretics ruined it…Did you get to enjoy yourself?", Flynn asked.
Isabeau sweat dropped as she thought back to what transpired before the attack.
"My sister Stella was trying to find me a spouse…it really makes me feel guilty thinking she was there because of me. You know one of the only ways to get out of Samurai service is to start a family. Honestly…I think deep down she did it because she was understandably worried about me.", Isabeau replied.
"Right…we have lost many of our fellow Samurai including the Commander…My parents were like that too, especially my mom. She would always try to discourage me from becoming a Samurai…", Flynn replied, looking down sadly.
"My parents are like that too. They weren't thrilled about me being chosen at all. I guess that's just natural. All parents are like that. At the ball I did get to dance with a few men but…they weren't for me.", Isabeau replied.
"Why didn't you like them?", Flynn asked.
"I don't know how to word it, but…they were all business you know. To them getting married wasn't about love, instead gaining more money and power.", Isabeau explained.
Flynn rubbed his hands together nervously as he lowered his head. His face was so obviously red.
"So, you didn't have fun then?", Flynn questioned.
"No, did you?", Isabeau asked.
"I don't think so…I met my aunt for the first time, but not for long…", Flynn replied with a frown.
"I'm sorry…", Isabeau replied.
The air around them grew awkward. They stayed quiet for a while in a melancholic atmosphere. Then, Flynn shakily raised his hand to Isabeau while looking away.
"W-Well, if neither of us had favorable dances…would y-you…want to dance with me?", Flynn asked, feeling like his heart was going to explode.
Isabeau blushed, shocked by the gesture before looking thoughtful. She smiled so bright Flynn found himself blinded. She wordlessly accepted the blushing Flynn's hand. The two faced each other with visible blushes as their hearts jackhammered within their chests.
"I think we should try making good memories to help carry us through the darkness.", Flynn said.
"Wise words. Now, your sounding more like yourself.", Isabeau replied.
There was no music and Flynn was still far from a perfect dancer, but Isabeau helped guide him. She chuckled in amusement at just how embarrassed Flynn was the whole time, especially when he accidentally stepped on her feet, but she could tell he was trying his best for her. That kindness made her believe in him seeing his care for her and their fellows. When they were done they prepared to go back downstairs.
"H-Hoy, Flynn.", Isabeau said, stopping him as she held her manga close to her chest.
"Is something wrong? We're your toes hurt more than you let on?", Flynn asked in concern.
Isabeau looked nervous practically hopping over to Flynn. What Flynn did not expect was to receive a light peck on the cheek that made his brain short circuit.
"Thank you, Flynn. I w-was trying to help you and you ended up helping me too.", Isabeau said, quickly before scurrying away like a mouse.
Flynn was left completely stunned, unable to process what just happened. Steam oozed from his ears as he blushed uncontrollably. Flynn touched his cheek that was kissed stumbling as he nearly fell against the wall catching himself at the last minute.
In Tokyo…
"A warrior of the cursed brand absorbs in his enemies claiming their power for his own! He becomes a terrifying dragon clad in silver armor with a titanic hunger for destruction! Fusion summon! Level 8! Titaniklad the Ash Dragon!", Issachar chanted.
Out from the swirling darkness emerged a dragon on all fours clad in silver armor. It had four devil-like horns and red eyes. It had glowing orange spikes along its back and on its shoulders. It had wings with the same orange glow. The dragon let out a thunderous roar as Issachar's eyes appeared red for a moment.
Titaniklad the Ash Dragon
(DRAGON/DARK/FUSION/EFFECT/ ATK 25 00/ DEF 2000/ LV8)
"Fallen of Albaz" 1 monster with 2500 or more ATK
Effect: Gains ATK equal to the combined original Levels of the monsters used for its Fusion Summon x 100. After this card is Fusion Summoned, for the rest of this turn, it is unaffected by the activated effects of any other monsters Special Summoned from the Extra Deck. During the End Phase, if this card is in the GY because it was sent there this turn: You can add to your hand, or Special Summon, 1 "Dogmatika" monster or 1 "Fallen of Albaz" from your Deck. You can only use this effect of "Titaniklad the Ash Dragon" once per turn.
"It gains attack equal to the combined original attack of the monsters used to fusion summon it. Titanic Soul Drain!", Issachar said.
Titaniklad the Ash Dragon ATK 2500 (11x100) = 3600
"Now, I activate the effect of Effect Veiler allowing me to discard it and make an effect you control lose its effect!", Issachar said.
Issachar
Hand: 3
"You've got to be shitting me!", Kage cursed.
"I attack your Blackwing Armor Master with Titaniklad the Ash Dragon! Titanic Ash Inferno!", Issachar declared as the fusion monster shot vibrant orange fire from its mouth enveloping the synchro monster.
Despite not being hit directly he felt himself recoiling from the intensity of the flames. Just being close to them made him feel like he was going to be melted away. Issachar noticed this, his eyes widening in alarm not knowing his own strength right now.
Kage LP 4000 - 1100 = 2900
"…I will set a card and end my turn.", Issachar said, trying to hide how bothered he was.
Issachar
Hand: 2
"What the hell was that?! What about the deal?", Asura Kai member 3 questioned.
"You weren't burned….", Issachar replied as Kage shakily got to his feet.
"Thank God you weren't….", Issachar thought.
"You lousy bastard! I draw!", Kage said, pissed.
Kage
Hand: 3
"I summon Blackwing - Blizzard the Far North! When this monster is normal summoned I can special summon a level 4 or lower Blackwing monster from my deck! I choose Shura and I'll use Black Whirlwind to add Blackwing - Mistral the Silver Shield to my hand!", Kage said.
Blackwing - Blizzard the Far North
(WINGED BEAST/DARK/TUNER/EFFECT/ ATK 1300/ DEF 0/ LV2)
Effect: Cannot be Special Summoned. When this card is Normal Summoned: You can target 1 Level 4 or lower "Blackwing" monster in your Graveyard; Special Summon that target in Defense Position.
"Not so fast! I activate my trap Divine Wrath! I can discard a card to negate the activation of your monster's effect and destroy it!", Issachar countered.
Issachar
Hand: 1
Divine Wrath
(Counter Trap)
Effect: When a monster effect is activated: Discard 1 card; negate the activation, and if you do, destroy that monster.
Kage sweated buckets as he wearily reached for his sleeve. In response the fusion monster huffed fire menacingly making him flinch.
"You don't want to do that.", Issachar warned.
"F-fuck! I end my turn…", Kage said.
"I draw!", Issachar said.
Issachar
Hand: 2
"I attack you directly with Titaniklad the Ash Dragon! Titanic Ash Inferno!", Issachar declared.
The fusion monster fired again making the Asura Kai members look fearful. They desperately dove out of the way of the flames.
Kage LP 2900 - 3600 = 0
In Shinjuku…
Jonathan LP 1500
Taiki LP 2100
The Tokyo residents watched nervously as Jonathan faced Taiki who smirked sinisterly. He had out Emperor Skiel which had absorbed his Light End Dragon.
"What will you do now? I have your dragon and you're running out of options!", Taiki taunted.
"I have faith and the will to pull through! I draw!", Jonathan said as he drew his next card which created a strong gust of wind.
Jonathan
Hand: 3
"I activate the effect of Charge of the Light Brigade! It allows me to add a Lightsworn monster to my hand then I send three cards from the top of my deck to the graveyard! I will add Ryko!", Jonathan said.
The cards sent were: Lightsworn Sabre, Solemn Wishes, and Wulf, Lightsworn Beast.
"I activate Wulf's effect! Since he was sent from the deck to the graveyard I can special summon him! Now I summon Chaos End Master!", Jonathan said.
Jonathan
Hand: 2
"Another Synchro summon? Really? You Samurai really are one trick ponies! All you can do is Synchro summon a bunch and without it your nothing.", Taiki taunted.
He sneered when he was met by Jonathan's intense gaze not fazed by his taunts.
"I tune Chaos End Master with Wulf! The lost angel has returned to answer the prayers of the weak! He is Heaven's greatest champion! Synchro summon! Level 7! Michael, the Arch-Lightsworn!", Jonathan chanted.
The others shielded their eyes from the light the angel radiated. The Tokyo residents looked wary seeing the angel.
"An Unclean One…", Michael thought.
He hadn't expected it, but he had no issue with bringing scum to justice.
"With his effect once per turn I can pay 1000 life points to target a monster on the field and banish it! I choose your Skiel!", Jonathan declared as Taiki gasped in shock.
Jonathan LP 1500 - 1000 = 500
Lightning shot from Michael's divine sword causing the machine to short circuit before fading into particles.
"I attack you directly with Michael! Blade of God!", Jonathan declared as he pointed at Taiki.
"N-no way!", Taiki questioned.
Taiki was sliced by the angel sending him flying back.
Taiki LP 2100 - 2600 = 0
Blood leaked from the cut across Taiki's chest. Michael looked down at Taiki intensely, making him fearful. However then Jonathan ran up to him to both their shock. He his hand over Taiki's wound, making the angel raise an eyebrow.
"W-what are you doing?!", Taiki questioned, freaking out as he saw Jonathan's hands glow golden.
"Just because you were my opponent doesn't mean I should leave you to bleed out.", Jonathan replied simply leaving him stunned.
He looked down at his stomach seeing his cut was completely healed in an instant making the Tokyo residents gape.
"That's Jonathan for you always ever compassionate.", Navarre commented.
"And they seriously thought we were the sorcerers?!", Manabu questioned, sweat dropping.
"Haha! He did it!", Asahi cheered and Nanashi scratched his cheek.
"I guess even though he uses angels he's not that bad…", Nanashi thought.
He noticed Odd-Eyes seemed bizarrely quiet seeing the angel in front of him. Boss started to reconsider his earlier opinion of the Samurai. Michael's attention was focused squarely on Jonathan's actions. He was perplexed to see Jonathan showing such compassion to his enemy. It wasn't disapproval. There was no rule or order saying he could not. The angel simply found it peculiar. There was no benefit or reason for doing it. It surely seemed like a waste of energy, but Jonathan made the effort.
"He reminds me of Zelenin…The Lord only chooses certain kinds of people as his champions after all.", Michael thought.
Elsewhere in Tokyo…
"Shit…he beat me before even summoning the damn thing! What kind of monster are you?", Kage said fearfully as Issachar walked up to him and put his hand out.
"The dragon and its medium.", Issachar demanded as Kage grimaced.
"F-fine! Just don't kill me okay!", Kage replied shaking.
The medium was a black and red kunai. Issachar looked at the card to make sure it was the right one before he let the Asura Kai members run away.
Black-Winged Dragon
(DRAGON/DARK/SYNCHRO/EFFECT/ ATK 2800/ DEF 1600/ LV8)
1 Tuner 1 non-Tuner monsters
Effect: If you would take damage from a card effect, place 1 Black Feather Counter on this card instead. This card loses 700 ATK for each Black Feather Counter on it. Once per turn: You can remove all Black Feather Counters on this card, then target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; that target loses 700 ATK for each Black Feather Counter you removed, and if it does, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK lost by this effect.
"Congratulations on completing the quest!", Burroughs said, cheerfully making him sweat drop.
"Why exactly was it supposed to guard this building anyway?", Issachar asked as Hikaru walked over to him.
"It houses a signer dragon much more powerful than it. This building has the strongest signer dragon the Asura Kai possess second to only Clear Wing Synchro Dragon locked up.", Hikaru informed and Issachar's eyes widened.
"What dragon's that?", Issachar questioned, before his attention was drawn by the arrival of Kaga and the Ring of Gaea member from before.
Issachar looked stunned and confused to see them. However Hikaru smiled at them.
"The infamous Black Rose Dragon. Commonly referred to as the thorn of destruction. So, this is the one you want us to work with? A Samurai?", Kaga said, glaring at Issachar who flinched.
Hikaru put her arm around Issachar's neck bringing him close.
"I hope you guys will get along. You need all the power you can get to get your revenge on the Samurai.", Hikaru said as Issachar sweated nervously.
Elsewhere…
"You see, Walter. The Asura Kai harvest souls not just to satiate the spirits, but also to create weapons to dominate Tokyo's populace.", Hiruko explained.
"Hoy, how do you know this anyway?", Walter questioned as Hiruko smirked dangerously.
"Because both I and your precious Gina were created by the Asura Kai to be enforcers.", Hiruko revealed as Walter was completely speechless.
"That's impossible! Gina can't be…", Walter questioned as he paled.
"I know for sure you have met my sister because you possess Super Polymerization. That card is one of a kind.", Hiruko said.
"That's rubbish I got this card from Evil HERO Dark Gaia!", Walter replied.
"Walter oh Walter…you really know nothing do you? She must have given it to him for safe keeping.", Hiruko questioned as darkness swirled around her.
Walter wearily raised his gauntlet in response. Before him now stood Evil HERO Malicious Fiend. Walter gaped completely speechless recognizing the monster from his duel with Dark Gaia. He thought back to when he received Sparkman from Gina. After he was given it a new fusion monster suddenly appeared in his deck Evil HERO Lightning Golem. He has always thought it was odd, but now knowing what Gina really was…But if what Hiruko was saying was true did he really know Gina?!
"It seems you have much to think about, Walter.", Hiruko said to the stunned Walter.
In Mikado…
Flynn stared up at the ceiling as he laid in bed. There was so much going on to process. But, he felt…he wanted a future with Isabeau and his fellows. So, he needed to do everything in his power to protect everyone without losing himself to the darkness inside him.
"I need to live up to their expectations for me. I need to be stronger not just when it comes to dueling but internally too.", Flynn thought as he looked down at his deck.
Doomkaiser Dragon was on top as usual. Flynn wondered how he felt about his recent duels. He thought his ace must surely be disappointed that the boy he protected acted in such a way.
"I need to be better for them too. To be worthy of being their Lord.", Flynn thought, before he turned over to go to sleep.
Flynn couldn't see it, but in his sleep Doomkaiser's spirit curled around him protectively like a lioness trying to protect her cub.
To be continued…