Chapter Twenty
Legendary Knight Timaeus
The violet blazes of the Monkey glyph roared like a dragon. The dark mark's reflection brightened against the black clouds blanketing the sky. Devack's curled smile stood out under the shadow of his gold-embroidered black cloak. "Your day of reckoning has arrived, Signer. The pitiful human will share your fate. I offer one final grace. You may have the first move."
I nodded at Luna. "You do the honors."
"Got it! I summon Regulus in attack mode, place two cards face down, and end my turn," Luna said. Our friend from the Spirit World burst into our field with a mighty bellow. Devack was next.
"I draw, summon Magician Ape in attack mode, and activate its ability. By discarding one card from my hand, I take control of your monster!" The beast wore garbs marked by stars and held a staff similar to the Cursed Needles. He cast dark energy upon Regulus, infecting him with the same curse Zeman cast upon him. His paws carried him to the opposing field with heavy steps. "Magician Ape attacks directly!"
The monkey zapped Luna with his staff, making her scream in pain as our life points dropped to 3200. I said, "Are you okay?"
Luna held a hand over her heart and stood rock-steady. The stipulations of a Shadow Duel meant all damage was real, and if we lost… Luna and I would both die.
If? No. When we won, Leo's wish would become reality.
"Now, I attack you with your own monster! Regulus, strike the girl directly!" Regulus bared his fangs and rushed forward. I shoved Luna out of the way. Regulus's tackle rocketed me through the air, and I hit the ground rolling. Our life points fell to 1500. Devack chuckled. "I can't say this comes as a shock. The shadows are no match for even a Signer to stand up to. I set one card face-down and end my turn!"
She cried, "Rain!"
I shoved to my feet. My right forearm pulsed from the action. "Like she said: I'll be the brawn side of things, 'kay? My turn. I draw! I summon Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV4 to the field and attack Magician Ape!"
The bronze dragon spewed a swarm of ebony flames, destroying the beast and burning through 800 of Devack's life points. Fire singed his robes, but he didn't flinch. I said, "Now that my turn is over and Horus destroyed a monster, he levels up! Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV6 takes the field!"
"Petty chicken. My turn again. I sacrifice Regulus to summon Fighter Ape!" A 5-star monster with 1900 attack sprung onto the field. The single card in Devack's backline flipped up. Two antler-like horns sprouted from Fighter Ape's temples, and his attack increased to 2700. "Horn of the Phantom Beast equips to my monster. Battle Horus LV6!"
Fighter Ape tossed off my dragon, who landed on me before breaking. I grit my teeth under the impact of his huge weight, and our life points fell to 1100. Devack chortled at my struggle and said, "My trap allows me to draw a card since your monster was sent to the grave, and Fighter Ape's ability increases its attack by 400 points. I set a spell or trap and end my turn."
Luna drew, but she looked unsure afterwards. I said, "A Beast-type deck like his will typically focus on high attack power, flooding the field, and little else. Any lockdown you have will help us here."
Luna nodded. "I know just the one. I summon Spirit of the Breeze in attack position, set one card face-down, and end my turn."
"Are you losing it, Signer?" Devack questioned. "You placed a monster with zero attack strength in attack position! You've doomed yourself! I summon Voltic Kong, and-"
"I activate Threatening Roar," Luna said. "This prevents you from entering your Battle Phase this turn!"
My heavy heart lightened.
She actually… added it to her deck.
"I end my turn, and Fighter Ape's attack decreases by the 400 it gained since it did not attack this turn. You can hide behind your weak, time-wasting cards as long as you want. They only delay the inevitable!"
"This card is anything but weak," Luna said. "It represents the friendship Rain and I have, and it shows that we're survivors!"
Survivors.
The crimson spark shot her same confidence through me, and it inspired my draw.
"Spirit of the Breeze's effect activates!" Luna called. Each of our Standby Phases it's in attack position, we regain 1000 life points!"
Our counter increased to 2100. My respect for her play was shared along our crimson thread. The joy in her smile was a light to overcome the dark around us. I looked to my hand again and observed the cards I had once considered dead weight.
The Eye of Timaeus displayed a blue dragon with a scarred eye, and the Claw of Hermos bore a similar red dragon. Though the descriptions used to be blank, green light etched words onto them in the same ancient language written on my duel disk and saber.
In the depths of my subconscious, a memory sparked.
"Do not gape at me. We are equals, you and I."
My mouth had dropped open without my knowing it, so I forced it shut. Timaeus was unfazed judging by his unchanging expression. We stood by the shoreline observing a distant city floating on the ocean waves. I said, "S-sorry, I just, I don't agree. I'm- I mean, I've always looked up to you, and you know what I've done."
"The past is just that." Timaeus's violet eyes scanned me up and down. "There's no need to be nervous, general. How about a lesson to pass the time?"
"Um, okay."
"Hand signals," he started, "are useful for quick communication. We prefer to use different forms of salutes. Full-handed salutes are for showing extreme gratitude and respect, say, if a comrade were to save your life in battle. Index finger salutes indicate charge in. A three-finger salute laid over the heart means retreat. Thumb-folded salutes represent victory. Fists used in salutes mean defeat.
"The last salute is to be used seldom. It is the two-fingered salute, and it represents a personal farewell in face of a mighty struggle. Typically it shows victory through great sacrifice and honor in doing so. The two-fingered salute is an eternal farewell."
"I see," I said. Silence settled between us. Waves crashed against the shore. Black smoke climbed towards the heavens from the city on the sea. I snapped to attention, set two fingers against my brow, and saluted the Legendary Knight Timaeus.
"General." The word escaped on his breath like an uneasy sigh. "It is disheartening for an army to see their leader giving up so soon."
"You said it is personal. What's so wrong if I don't see myself surviving this?"
"Constantly expecting the worst case scenario is no way to live, Rain Orichalcum," Timaeus scolded. "We will live to see another day. Hold the sentiment in your heart, and our army will share your determination."
My laugh was empty. "How am I supposed to believe in myself? Have you looked at me, like, ever?"
"This is so much more than yourself, general. Look to them. They will show you the way."
Timaeus pointed down the shore, where hundreds of Duel Monsters gathered. Their grumbles and fidgeting were clear signs of nervousness, same as mine. I gulped. I wasn't some natural-born leader, nor was I brave in the face of death. But, for them…
I stood straighter, shouted for their attention, and executed a thumb-folded salute – a premature victory. The army shouted, and some leapt into the air with excitement.
I blinked as I took in my surroundings: the darkness above from the intensifying storm, the violet flames of Devack's dark sign, and the Dark Signer himself opposite me. I observed the cards in my hand. Their descriptions were in my language. They were my cards. They were my friends.
Timaeus, Critias, and Hermos were far from dead weight.
"I activate the Eye of Timaeus! Combining this card with Prime Material Dragon in my hand creates Healing Light Dragon!"
The one-eyed, cobalt dragon soared onto the field. His scales transformed into solid gold. Flakes from his flight resembled shooting stars. Healing Light Dragon had 2500 attack and 1700 defense.
"Next, I combine The Claw of Hermos with Exploder Dragon to create an Equip Spell known as Flamewing Webbing! Since Healing Light Dragon is a Dragon-type, he can know this spell's power!"
Fire danced along the skin of Healing Light's wings. His attack increased to 2800, 100 more than Fighter Ape's. "Healing Light Dragon attacks Fighter Ape!"
A wingbeat fired a tornado of golden sparkles towards Devack's monster. The flakes swirled around him and returned to me, healing some of my scrapes. Luna's and my life counter increased to 4800. Devack growled, "What?"
"When Healing Light Dragon successfully attacks a monster, I regain life points equal to that monster's attack! Unfortunately, my dragon can't destroy monsters by battle, but that doesn't stop my Equip Spell's ability. When the equipped dragon battles, the monster it battles with is destroyed at the end of the Damage Step!"
Flames leapt from my monster's wings, formed a smaller dragon, and shot through Fighter Ape like a missile. The monster and attached Continuous Trap went to the grave. Devack observed, "I didn't lose the 100 life from the battle."
"Correct. Flamewing Webbing prevents the equipped monster from inflicting any Battle Damage."
"Then what's the point?" he shouted. "All you fools can do is play defensively!"
"Defense is the strongest offense," Yusei offered from behind us. "Rain has set up a strong play that will be difficult to break without benefiting her. Nice work, teammate."
Beside him, Trudge grunted. "Coming from the guy with the best stall in the Satellite, I'd say that's a fine compliment."
I grinned. Trudge really hated him, didn't he? I bet he'd lost to Yusei more than once. "I swap Spirit of the Breeze to defense position, set one card face-down, and pass my turn to you."
Devack drew, observing me in silence for a moment. "What connections do you have to Timaeus and Hermos, human? Does this relate to the past Roman mentioned?"
I threw up my good arm. "Thanks to Roman, I can't tell you. Can't explain what you don't know and all that."
A look of horrible realization overcame his features. "You were in the Spirit World, but the young Signer is the only human who can cross between realms. That means you're not human. You truly are a monster!"
"Eh?"
That erased whatever fear he may have had of me. "Humph. Whatever amalgamation you are, beast, you will witness the fall of both of your worlds today! I sacrifice Voltic Kong to summon another Fighter Ape and use my trap, Graceful Revival, to restore my discarded Dark Tuner Dark Ape! The spell card Dark Wave will corrupt Fighter Ape's 5 levels into negative 5, allowing Dark Ape to tune with Fighter Ape for the Dark Synchro Summon of Zeman, the Ape King!"
The cloaked excuse for a king strode from the black Synchro portals like royalty among plebeians. His staff remained clenched in his grip. I couldn't wait to see his mortal wound returned to him. Devack said, "I activate the Field Spell, Closed Forest. This increases the attack of my Beast-type monsters by 100 for each monster in my grave!"
A deep thicket enclosed us. The spindling wilds locked out Yusei and Trudge's view of the duel. I called Yusei's name to no response. Devack chuckled at my attempts. Zeman's 2500 attack increased to 2900. "The spell card Enemy Controller changes your Spirit of the Breeze to attack position. Zeman! Prove your loyalty! Cursed Flare!"
The Ape King held his staff aloft. Black energy blasted through Luna's monster and shocked me. I screamed as our life counter dropped to 1900, and my clothes were left steaming. My muscles twitched. I was still standing. Devack scowled, saying, "I'll kill the both of you yet. I set one card face-down and end my turn."
Luna peered at me. "Rain, you-"
"Take care of this, Luna," I said. "It's your turn to eliminate Zeman."
Though still reluctant, she nodded. "I attack Zeman, the Ape King with Healing Light Dragon!"
"Zeman's effect activates," he said. "By discarding, your attack is negated!"
"I was hoping you'd do that," Luna said. "I use Rain's trap, Divine Wrath! I send a card from my hand to the grave to negate Zeman's effect and destroy him!"
The heavens opened. A beam of white-red from the sky incinerated Zeman. His howls sounded for several seconds. I didn't take as much pleasure in them as I thought I would.
Despite the loss, a wide smile was on Devack's face. I wondered why he tested Zeman's loyalty when he was clearly the heavier on the scale of corruption.
"You triggered the Dark Matter trap! When a Dark Synchro is destroyed, I draw two cards and immediately set them on my monster field. Oh, and I've been paying attention to the details of your special dragon cards. Healing Light Dragon cannot target a face-down monster for attacks!"
Luna glanced at me with fear cast over her features. I said, "It's true. A dragon of light cannot strike those cowering in the dark."
She set her jaw and said, "I end my turn."
"Finally, the time has arrived for you to experience pain only hell can deliver! I sacrifice my two set cards to summon Earthbound Immortal Cusillu!"
A brown, shell-shaped object appeared high in the air among Closed Forest's branches and pulsed like a heart. The Crimson Dragon said, Your observation is correct. The Earthbound Immortal's heart must employ the power of absorbed souls to materialize the dark god in this realm.
What souls? No one's here-
"My Earthbound Immortal requires more than holographic sacrifices. By infecting the Spirit World with my negative energy, I created a breach so my Earthbound Immortal can absorb your precious spirits!"
"No!" Luna and I shouted in unison. A bright portal opened beneath the heart, and souls streamed through the tear. I saw Torunka, Regulus, and some of my favorite monsters like Vanguard of the Dragon and Alien Shocktrooper. Their screams, grunts, and roars deafened me. I pressed my palms to my ears and noticed Luna doing the same. Tears stained her cheeks.
The hole closed, and darkness exploded from the lingering heart. A massive, black simian with yellow veins spawned. Its high-pitched battle cry made the tree trunks shiver. Earthbound Immortal Cusillu's 2800 attack boosted to 3300.
"It doesn't matter," I said. "Flamewing Webbing keeps Healing Light Dragon from being destroyed, and your Earthbound Immortal will be destroyed if it attacks my dragon!"
"You assume any monster in your deck poses a threat to the power of a wicked god," Devack said. "As long as a Field Spell exists, Earthbound Immortals gain three special abilities. First, they cannot be targeted by attacks from your monsters. Second, they are unaffected by your spells or traps. Third, Cusillu can attack you directly!"
My face fell. We couldn't survive this. Luna would be crushed, and… we'd both die.
Devack laughed at my hopelessness. "Attack the little Signer directly, Earthbound Immortal Cusillu! Deliver them unto hell!"
The monkey's paw descended upon Luna. She stared at it with unwavering bravery. The attack bounced off a protective bubble. "I activate my Kuribon's effect! Since you attacked directly, I can change your damage to zero and special summon Kuribon!"
The tiny, furry creature bounded onto the field while I released a sigh. My chest was still tight and my pulse pounded, but Luna had saved us. Kuribon's huge, green eyes closed in an upward angle as though it smiled despite having no mouth. I giggled at the sight.
"You've only been saved one turn," Devack stated. "With my Earthbound Immortal on the field, you have no chance of winning. I set one card face-down and end my turn."
My draw boosted my hand size to two. My focus bounced between the two cards. The answer spread out before me like the patchwork fields from the Spirit World's bell tower. I thought of the knight who'd done all the work of saving the place.
If she could hear me, I hoped she understood it was my turn to carry the burden; I hoped she knew her friends would be free of their dark prison soon.
Mimicking the knight's defiant stature, I threw a monster onto the field. The pain from my forearm didn't make me so much as wince. "I summon the White Stone of Legend. I have level 6 Healing Light Dragon, level 1 Kuribon, and level 1 tuner White Stone. My three monsters unify for a Synchro Summon!"
"A fool's errand when faced with a dark god."
"A fool I must be."
Burgundy markings bled onto my pale limbs. The lines glowed scarlet. Ghastly red energy danced and leapt like electricity. The blaze of the crimson spark extended my incisors. I thrust my good arm towards the suffocated sky.
Tremendous wings of red soared from within. I proclaimed, "Synchro Summon: The Crimson Dragon!"
Luna's eyes sparkled from the molten lava pattern of the Synchro's hide. His 2500 attack and 2000 defense appeared on the display. She tried to speak and failed.
I stated, "When The Crimson Dragon is special summoned, I can target a monster on your field and negate its abilities. I choose Earthbound Immortal Cusillu! Crimson Masquerade!"
A red mask with lengthy whiskers formed on the wicked god's face. Cusillu tore at the mask with his paws and accomplished nothing. I said, "Battle Phase begin. The Crimson Dragon attacks Earthbound Immortal Cusillu!"
"A fool born and bred!" Devack spat. "Your 'god' is weaker than mine! You cannot hope to win, even if he thrives within you!"
I tut-tutted. "When attacking a monster afflicted with Crimson Masquerade, The Crimson Dragon gains that monster's attack during the Damage Step! Crimson Star Flight!"
The Dragon cloaked himself in a harsh red glow and surged through the dark being. Cusillu melted by the sheer intensity of my Synchro. Devack had a horrified look on his face as his life points dropped to 700.
"Before my Earthbound Immortal is destroyed, I'll activate my trap card, Cursed Prison! This will bring Ancient Fairy Dragon to the field in defense position with its effect negated. My dark god has a personal, special ability. By sacrificing another monster when Cusillu would be destroyed by battle, my dark god remains intact and your life points are halved!"
The powder blue dragon with pixie wings appeared and deteriorated in the blink of an eye. Ancient Fairy Dragon's essence stained black and buzzed around me like a swarm of stinging insects. Our life counter dropped to 950.
"You triggered Luna's trap card, Respect Synchron! She played this at the beginning of the duel because she knew you would use her Signer Dragon recklessly. When you destroy your own Synchro with your own card effect, I can bring her to my field, where she rightfully belongs."
Ancient Fairy Dragon burst onto our Monster Zone. The Earthbound Immortal loomed over us, but I knew it wasn't long for this realm. "I'm using Ancient Fairy Dragon's special effect. I can destroy the active Field Spell and regain 1000 life points! Plain Back!"
Pink wings stretched wide. Their soft glow erased the thick jungle. The now-visible sky, though dark and bleak, broke my claustrophobia. I breathed in deep. My aches eased. Our life increased to 1950.
"Is- is that the Crimson Dragon?" Yusei shouted. The absence of the Field Spell allowed him and Trudge to view the duel again.
"A weak dragon!" Devack exclaimed. "300 points weaker than my Earthbound Immortal, to be exact. Give up now if you don't want to see your precious 'god' hurt."
Luna's head lowered. "He's right. The effects won't work because it's only when he's special summoned, right?"
I laughed. "That doesn't matter. He's making an attempt to trick us. Watch! I end my turn! At my End Phase, I use The Crimson Dragon's ability to send himself to the graveyard! Also at the End Phase…"
Cusillu lurched. The simian clawed at empty air. Devack's Earthbound Immortal collapsed in a black puddle. Luna said, "Huh? It's gone!"
"The wicked gods gain effects with Field Spells, but I was careful to pay attention to all of them," I said. "Without an active Field Spell, they destroy themselves. Ancient Fairy Dragon saved us."
"The duel isn't over," Devack growled. "I play Monster Reborn to restore Zeman, the Ape King in attack position! Your Signer Dragon lacks the attack power to match it!"
Right, because Ancient Fairy Dragon's 2100 attack wasn't enough for Zeman's 2500. She was currently in defense position, though, so her 3000 protected her. Luna's brows pushed in as she drew. At her Standby Phase, ruby light shone from my graveyard. I said, "If sent to the grave by his own effect, The Crimson Dragon special summons himself during our next Standby! Crimson Molting!"
Scarlet claws ripped apart the earth, and grand wings carried him towards the sky. Luna said, "And now that it's special summoned- um. Rain, is it okay for me to use him?"
I laughed a little. "Of course."
"Okay! Since The Crimson Dragon was special summoned again, Crimson Masquerade activates! Now, their attacks won't match! The Crimson Dragon battles Zeman, the Ape King, and Crimson Star Flight increases his attack!"
"This can't be real," Devack said. Scarlet light was cast upon his skin. "The dark god's power promised a new world!"
The blaze of the Synchro's flight resembled a solar flare. Devack's screams matched his Dark Synchro's as the attack scorched master and servant. The dark fires of the glyph faded away, and the Dragon returned to me. His aura lingered around the maroon marks staining my skin.
Excellent work to you and the young Signer. You command your strokes in battle with confident stride, young dragon. You make me proud once again as does she.
My smile was meek. I gave Ancient Fairy Dragon to Luna, who accepted it gratefully. "The Dragon says he's proud. From me personally, it's a shame you haven't been dueling. You're very skilled at it."
"W-woah. Thanks…"
"Wow, that was awesome, you guys!" Leo stumbled between us. "Those dragons were all bam and- and man, I'm kind of tired."
Luna smiled and moved to support her brother. The Dragon's senses fired a warning through me. I pushed them back and stepped away myself as Devack fell with his arms outstretched towards us like claws.
"Roman… forgive me."
He collapsed as a pile of dust like the simians under his command. A moment of silence settled. With the adrenaline of the battle gone, the passing of a Dark Signer was nothing short of grim.
The sound of skidding drew us out of our mourning. Yusei had reached the bottom of the ridge. Trudge struggled to slide down like he had. Yusei stopped to catch his breath. "You two did it. God, I'm relieved. When I saw that crazy white light, I thought something horrible happened to you guys. Rain, I- I'm so glad Director Godwin was wrong about the Dragon and you."
"Aww, thanks!"
"What do you mean about the white light?" Luna asked.
"It happened when you guys went to the Spirit World," Leo said. "Stupid Security man wouldn't believe me."
"Ghosts aren't real!" Trudge barked upon approach. "You little punk. I can't believe you challenged the Dark Signer! How dare you not listen to the adults!"
Leo blew a raspberry. "Duh I won't listen to the dude who won't believe me about the spirits! And I totally wore that creepy dude out so Rain and Luna had an easy time cleaning him up."
My smile was small. "You sure did."
"And like always, you knew exactly what to do," Leo whispered. "Thanks, Rain. Thanks for helping her."
Leo held out his fist. My head tilted. "Are you offering to punch me?"
"No! It's a fist bump, you weirdo!"
"Oh."
We bumped fists. He gave a wide grin. The talks about my and Luna's disappearance reminded me my runner had stopped far away. I pressed the green button on the remote. Yusei said, "Remember to seal your control unit, Luna."
He gestured to the gray tower behind where Devack had awaited us. Luna nodded and approached the structure. Blinding lights turned on inside. Luna sprinted out as the tower rumbled and sank beneath the surface.
"One down, four to go!" Luna said. "Oh, Rain. Are you doing okay? You took the worst attacks, and your arm from Regulus…"
"I'll live," I said. Actually, it hurt less than I thought it would.
That would be my power, said the Crimson Dragon. The true pain will hit you once my energy runs out.
Oh, joy.
Luna addressed Leo next. "How about you? Do you need to head back?"
"No way I'm missing the other battles! If they're anything like this one, I gotta see 'em!"
Luna rolled her eyes. "They're not for entertainment, dummy! They're for the fate of the world!"
"That makes it even better!"
"Kids are crazy," Yusei muttered, but he wore a lopsided smile.
"Luna."
The duel had faded. Ancient Fairy Dragon had not.
"Huh? It's speaking? Must be some kinda glitch," Trudge said. "The holograms must still be active or something."
"I am most definitely real, Tetsu Trudge," she told him.
He promptly fainted, making Yusei catch him. I snorted. Regulus appeared before us as well. He said, "Thanks to you, all of the spirits are safe."
"Oh, it wasn't just me! I couldn't have done it without Rain and Leo!"
Ancient Fairy Dragon said, "Of course. Thank you all as well. Best of luck with your war. Knight, stand with humanity!"
The Signer Dragon transformed into sparkles, which caught in the passing winds. I thought about that other person – the one who did all the heavy lifting. I wished they would thank her instead. She was the real knight.
I wondered if she was a part of my past, too. Regulus called me ancient, Torunka said I created the Spirit World, and Ancient Fairy Dragon appeared forlorn when discussing my former self.
"Is something wrong?" Luna asked. "You look sad all of a sudden."
I wound a strand of hair around my finger. The gesture reminded me of how my partner holding my hand would save me from my nervousness. I flicked the hair away from me, squared my shoulders like the real knight had, and stated, "I'm going to be perfectly fine."
"Ugh… must have been hallucinating," Trudge muttered. Luna, Leo, and I broke into laughter. He tossed Yusei a disgruntled look as though he was somehow at fault.
After quieting down, Leo said, "Sooo what's next?"
Yusei and I locked eyes. He said, "I'm going to the Giant's tower to face Kalin."
A flash blurred my eyes. I gripped my temples while the Dragon spoke. Another Dark Signer has been born!
Who is it?
Greiger is his name.
Isn't that the name of the man from the Fortune Cup who tried to kill Rex Godwin?
Perhaps.
You're no help at all!
Recall I saved your lives a moment ago.
That was a card-
"Rain! What's wrong?"
Yusei's voice stopped us from arguing. I steadied myself on his shoulder. "Another Dark Signer showed up. His name's Greiger."
"Greiger? Why would he be a Dark Signer?"
"Dunno. I've never met him."
Yusei grasped his chin as he thought. "This could be a problem if he goes after anyone else. I know him. I'll try to talk him down, see where he's at."
"Then let's get going!" Our group of five boarded our respective vehicles. Exhaust coughed in our wake. The Lizard, Hummingbird, and Giant shone against the black clouds in the distance. The newest glyph formed closest to us and shone brightly compared to the rest.
Leo gasped. "A whale!"
The Crimson Dragon corrected him in my thoughts. Killer whale.
Is that really necessary?
"It's already lit up! We've gotta get there," Yusei urged. "Rain, can you tell who's dueling?"
"I know it's not a Signer, but that's it."
"Worse than I thought. Let's ride, quickly!"
I hunched over my frame and zoomed alongside Yusei. At the flaming whale glyph, we stopped on a crumbled highway overlooking the area. Down below, I was surprised to find a familiar teammate dueling Greiger.
"Crow!" Yusei called. "What are you doing?"
The screen on our runners flashed, and Crow's face popped up. "I'm taking this guy out for what he did to the Satellite!"
"You're out of your mind! We're coming down there to help you." Yusei shut off the screen and turned to me. "Let's go, Rain."
I nodded as he started up his runner and catapulted off the broken road. His impressive runner would catch up to the duelists within a minute. He had no need to look back.
Releasing the handlebars, I directed my attention to the Giant glyph in the eastern sky. As if Crow needed help. No – This'd work out just fine.
Luna noticed my point of attention. "Are you thinking what I think you're thinking?"
I stared at her. She stared at me. She said, "We need to wait for Yusei!"
"When you see Yusei," I said, "you tell him it's between partners."
She stuck out her lower lip. Leo pumped his fists into the air. "Cool! We get to watch, right? I really want to watch. Please Trudge, Rain?"
I said, "It's very personal. I wouldn't recommend it."
"Hold on a second," Trudge said. "I don't get it! What are you guys talking about?"
"Rain's gonna duel a Dark Signer!" Leo said. "One she lo-oves!"
My murderous glare had him flinching. Luna frowned. "Rain, are you really sure about this? I mean, after what happened to Yusei… Kalin was really strong in that duel!"
"Believe me when I say I'm prepared."
I spun in a quick one eighty and zoomed away from the killer whale glyph. The car started behind me, and the wheels burned rubber. My cape flapped as a dusk trail behind me. Showing emotion would hurt me. I'd have to remain stone-faced.
Acknowledge your weaknesses, young dragon. You will falter on the emotional front.
How very supportive of you, I deadpanned. In reality, I hated how right he was.
The burden in my back pocket grew heavier and heavier as I approached the point of reckoning. The Crimson Dragon said, Perhaps you could employ the mindset of simply seeing the boy as a Dark Signer out to kill you.
I could never see my partner that way.
The Dragon's low growl reminded me of a humph. I see. In such a case…
The tower's rapid approach set my heart to racing. I could make out details of the awaiting rider. Any remaining courage I clung to folded in on itself. In such a case?
The Crimson Dragon said, Your partner wishes desperately and ferociously to end your life.
End of Chapter Twenty
A/N: NEXT CHAPTER. Ohhh, next chapter. It's what I like to call a double feature. The word count easily doubles a regular chappie like this'n. Figured I'd go ahead and warn ya. I'll probably post it around Wednesday-Thursday next week. In the words of the great DROELOE + Nevve, "better grow a fucking BACKBONE"
I made big changes to 3 of the most important duels in this final war segment, this being one of them - hope you like! New version of The Crimson Dragon is a large part of that. C:
Below are the descriptions of the original cards appearing in this chapter:
Healing Light Dragon
6-Star, LIGHT Attribute
[Dragon/Fusion/Effect] [2500 ATK /1700 DEF]
The Eye of Timaeus + Prime Material Dragon
If this card targets a monster for an attack: gain LP equal to that monster's original ATK. This card cannot destroy monsters by battle and cannot target face-down monsters for attacks.
Flamewing Webbing
Equip Spell Card
The Claw of Hermos + Exploder Dragon
Can only be equipped to Dragon-type monsters. The equipped monster gains 300 ATK and cannot be destroyed by battle. If the equipped monster battles, destroy the monster it battled at the end of the Damage Step. The equipped monster cannot deal Battle Damage.
The Crimson Dragon
8-Star, LIGHT Attribute
[Dragon/Synchro/Effect] [2500 ATK / 2000 DEF]
1 LIGHT Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monster(s)
When this card is Special Summoned: you can target one of your opponent's monsters; as long as this card is on the field, that monster's effect is negated. (Ability Name: Crimson Masquerade) When this card battles a monster targeted by this effect, during the Damage Step only, this card gains ATK equal to the ATK of the targeted monster. (Ability Name: Crimson Star Flight) At your End Phase: you can send this card to the GY; Special Summon it during your next Standby Phase. (Ability Name: Crimson Molting)