Aurasoul: Hey everyone! Welcome to another chapter of Yugioh Zexal!
Manami: My duel with Nasch and Merag?
Aurasoul: Yes and I'm sure by the time the readers finish reading this they might have my head.
Darka: Especially Shark and Rio.
Aurasoul: Oh boy do I know. I don't own Zexal only my OCs but Antares and Sirius belong to Barian-chan, Shane to Shane Kor, Bakura to 0713MM, and Barian-chan and I share Lyra and also a shout out to MM for helping me with my work so now enjoy the show!
Chapter 31
"I'll start; I draw! I Summon Mage Helena in Attack Mode!" Manami said. A female mage wearing robes of blue and white appeared on the field. (Mage Helena Level: 4, Attribute: Light, ATK/DEF: 1500/1000)
"I activate Helena's effect! When she's Summoned, I'm allowed to draw a card. If it's a monster I can Special Summon it! If it's a spell or trap, I have to set it." Manami said.
"So you get a benefit no matter what you draw." Merag noted.
"All depends on the draw really." Manami admitted. "Draw!" She looked at her card. "It's a monster. So appear Aquen Tamer!" The blue haired tamer appeared on the field next to Helena. (Aquen Tamer Level: 4, Attribute: Water, ATK/DEF: 1400/1200)
"Now I activate the Ritual Spell, King of the Seas Ritual! By sacrificing Helena and Tamer I can Summon the true ruler of the seas! May he reign true! I Ritual Summon Neptune King of Atlantis!" Both monsters disappeared in water and in a massive wave Neptune appeared on the field on his chariot. (Neptune King of Atlantis Level: 8, Attribute: Water, ATK/DEF: 2700/2000. Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch/Merag's hand: 5 cards. Nasch/Merag/Manami's LP: 4000.)
"I place two cards face-down and end my turn." Manami finished, before thinking. In order for me to free Nasch and Merag from Don Thousand's curse, I need them to Summon their Over-Hundred Numbers. Not only that, but I would have to gain Abyss Splash and Crystal Zero from Nasch's Extra Deck to battle their Over-Hundred Numbers. Luckily since this is a Battle Royal neither of us can attack on the first turn for right now. Until I can figure out a way, I just have to survive. Nasch observed Manami's field, as if trying to figure out what her next move could be. Even Merag was doing the same thing. Nasch placed his right hand on top of his deck.
"I'll go first in regards to me and my sister." Nasch spoke. "I draw!" Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 6 cards. Merag's hand: 5 cards. Nasch/Merag/Manami's LP: 4000.) Nasch observed his hand carefully. Upon seeing his hand again, he'd be smiling if he had a mouth.
"Thanks for Summoning a WATER to your field." Nasch told Manami. "Because of that, you've just made move all the more easier." Manami didn't answer. She knew at once it would be difficult for her; considering the three used WATER attribute monsters, despite her extra use of LIGHT as well.
"Since you have at least 2 cards in your Spell/Trap Card Zones, I can Special Summon Escher the Frost Vassal to my field!" Nasch revealed. A small blue being appeared onto Nash's field. (Escher the Frost Vassal, Level 4 WATER Aqua-type monster, ATK/DEF: 800/1000. Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch/Merag's hand: 5 cards. Nasch/Merag/Manami's LP: 4000.)
Frost Vassal? That would mean. Manami thought. Nasch then pulled another card from his hand.
"I now activate the Quick-Play Spell, The Monarch's Stormforth!" Nasch revealed. "With this, if I'd Tribute Summon a monster, I can use your monsters, as well as my own, in order to Tribute Summon!"
"My monster?" Manami frowned.
"That's right!" Nasch retorted. "I Tribute your Ritual monster and my Vassal to Tribute Summon Mobius the Mega Monarch!" Both monsters vanished in blue energy. In their place appeared an icy behemoth onto Nasch's field. Which towered over Manami. (Mobius the Mega Monarch, Level 8 WATER Aqua-type monster, ATK/DEF: 2800/1000. Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 3 cards. Merag's hand: 5 cards. Manami/Nasch/Merag's LP: 4000.)
"Mobius the Mega Monarch. If I recall his effect, it allows you to destroy up to 3 cards in your opponent's Spell/Trap Zone." Manami remarked.
"That's not all." Merag added. "If it's Tribute Summoned using a WATER attribute monster, your opponent cannot activate any cards or effects in response to its effect's activation. In our case, you're our opponent, Manami." Nasch thrusted his purple right hand forward.
"Begone Set cards!" Nasch declared. "Freeze Dry!" Mobius unleashed an icy breath from its mouth; thus freezing and destroying Manami's 2 Set cards. Manami frowned, unfazed by her cards were destroyed.
"Now your field is empty." Merag remarked. "No monsters to defend you, nor any Spell/Trap cards to help you either. You still hold 3 cards in your hand, so I'll admit those 3 cards could pose a problem. But my brother's turn isn't over yet."
"It's true that I cannot attack you this turn." Nasch admitted. "But that doesn't stop me from inflicting damage."
"Effect damage then?" Manami remarked.
"What else?" Nasch retorted.
"No need to be snippy." Manami sighed.
"Tch...Fine." Nasch remarked as he pulled another card from his hand. "I activate the Spell card, Absolute Zero! Now by reducing Mobius's ATK to 0 until the End Phase, I can inflict damage to you equal to half its ATK!"
"In other words 1400 points of damage." Manami frowned.
"Correct." Merag replied. An icy wind blasted from the spell card, through Mobius and towards Manami.
"How predictable. I activate the trap Thunder's Gift from my Graveyard!" Manami yelled, as a trap reappeared from the Graveyard. "This trap can be activated from the Graveyard if I am targeted for effect damage! The damage is negated and I can Special Summon a LIGHT attribute monster from my Deck that has the same ATK or DEF as the effect damage I would've taken."
"Tch…" Nasch grunted. "So you get a LIGHT monster from your Deck that has 1400 ATK or DEF…"
"That's right." Manami nodded. "I knew you would try to destroy my face-down cards along with having a way to get rid of Neptune, so I had to be prepared." Nasch closed his eyes.
"Absolute Zero's additional effect…" Nasch muttered. "Since I failed to inflict to you, I take it instead." The icy wind that was heading towards Manami turned around and hit Nasch. He grunted to ignore the cold. (Nasch's LP: 4000 - 1400 = 2600. Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 2 cards. Merag's hand: 5 cards. Manami/Merag's LP: 4000.) A card slid out from Manami's deck as she took it. "And I Special Summon Thunder Shaman from my deck." A white haired blind eyed shaman appeared on Manami's field wearing gold and white shamanic robes. (Thunder Shaman Level: 4, Attribute: Light, ATK/DEF: 1400/1000. Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 2 cards. Merag's hand: 5 cards. Nasch's LP: 2600. Manami/Merag's LP: 4000.)
"A double edge sword. And you took the brunt of it Nasch. How reckless." Manami remarked. "That's not like you."
"I have my reasons." Nasch snapped. "I set 1 card and end my turn." (Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 5 cards. Nasch's LP: 2600. Manami/Merag's LP: 4000.)
Manami's lips formed a sad smile. He doesn't want to hurt me too much. Still the same kind king I fell for. Merag placed her right hand on top of her deck.
"My turn, Manami." Merag spoke. "Draw!" (Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 6 cards. Nasch's LP: 2600. Manami/Merag's LP: 4000.) Merag observed her hand and if her mouth could be visible, she'd be smiling. She pulled one card from her hand and activated it. "I activate the Continuous Spell card, Water Hazard! Since you control a monster and I don't, I can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower WATER from my hand! Come, Blizzard Falcon!" The light blue bird soared onto Merag's field through a small snowstorm. (Blizzard Falcon, Level 4 WATER Winged-Beast-type monster. ATK/DEF: 1500. Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 4 cards. Nasch's LP: 2600. Manami/Merag's LP: 4000.)
Blizzard Falcon. So effect damage then. Manami thought.
"Next I Normal Summon Blizzard Thunderbird." Merag continued. A dark blue and yellow winged thunderbird appeared next to Falcon. (Blizzard Thunderbird, Level 4 WATER Winged-Beast-type monster, ATK/DEF: 1600/1400. Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's LP: 2600. Manami/Merag's LP: 4000.)
Two Level 4 monsters. Manami thought with a frown. Merag pulled another card from her hand.
"Next I activate the Spell, Blizzard Winds!" Merag spoke. "Now by paying 1000 LP, you take damage equal to half the total combined ATK of all WATER Winged-Beast-type monsters I control! The total ATK is 3100. Divide that by 2, you take 1550 damage! Now! Feel the wrath of my icy winds!" Manami gasped as the powerful cold winds blew harshly at her; causing her to hiss and shudder by the cold as her LP dropped. (Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 2 cards. Nasch's LP: 2600. Merag's LP: 4000 - 1000 = 3000. Manami's LP: 4000 - 1550 = 2450.) Merag then raised her right arm upwards.
"I overlay my Level 4 Blizzard Falcon and Level 4 Blizzard Thunderbird!" Merag announced as the 2 monsters turned into 2 light blue streams of energy and flew into the Overlay Network Portal. "Xyz Summon! Come forth, Number 103! Ragna Zero the Funeral Sub-Zero Maiden!" Manami gasped as the Over-Hundred Number appeared onto the field. (Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 2 cards. Nasch's LP: 2600. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2450.)
"So that's Merag's Over-Hundred Number." Manami said, stunned.
"That's right." Merag remarked. She then grabbed the last 2 cards in her hand and set them. "I end my turn with 2 face-downs." (Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 0 cards. Nasch's LP: 2600. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2450.) "It's your turn now, Manami." Manami staggered a bit from the cold wind her hand to her deck.
"My turn! Draw!" She yelled. (Manami's hand: 4 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 0 cards. Nasch's LP: 2600. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2450.) "I activate Thunder Shaman's effect! Once per turn, I can bring back a level 4 or lower monster from my Graveyard and Shaman gains the same attribute as that monster. Come back, Aquen Tamer!" Aquen Tamer reappeared on the field next to Thunder Shaman. "Aquen Tamer is a Water Attribute, so then Thunder Shaman becomes a Water Attribute." Thunder Shaman glowed blue as his attribute changed to water. "Now I overlay my Level 4 Thunder Shaman and Aquen Tamer!" Manami yelled, as the 2 monsters became light blue mists and went in the Overlay Network. "With these 2 monsters I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon!" Manami reached for the card; looking at it before she chanted. "Rise Number 37! Slumbering guardian of the sea rise to the land and weave the light of new life! Hope Woven Dragon Spider Shark!" Both Nasch and Merag gasped, shocked as a torrent of water rose from Manami's field and the white shark-like monster appeared with a large roar. (Number 37: Hope Woven Dragon Spider Shark, attribute: WATER, type: Sea-Serpent, Rank: 4, ATK/DEF: 2600/2100. Xyz Materials: 2. Manami's hand: 4 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 0 cards. Nasch's LP: 2600. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2450.)
"Number 37? I don't even recall Yuma having that Number, let alone you! Where did you find it?!" Merag demanded. Manami was silent as she stroked Spider Shark's head, Nasch growing wide eyed.
"Manami… That Number… Is it?" He began.
"My Legendary Number? It is." Manami nodded, not looking up at them. "I gained it back when me and the others went to Astral World to get Darka back. But really, this monster has been by my side since even back then."
"Back then?..." Merag questioned, then it hit her and she chuckled. "You mean in our former lives as humans all those years ago, right?" Manami twitched, still not looking at them.
"When you three died and I rebuilt the kingdom, it appeared before me and became the Guardian of the Land, along with my monster. It had been a dear companion of mine." She replied sadly.
"If that's your Legendary Number, then why are you fighting against us?" Nasch questioned.
"It's not like it's my Over-Hundred Number." Manami sighed. "Unlike you, I didn't die that day, nor pass to the Barian World. I may remember the past but…"
"But what?" Merag inquired coldly. Manami shook her head.
"You wouldn't understand even if I told you. I don't even think you'd believe me. That's why I have to fight." She said, facing them.
"What makes you think we wouldn't understand, nor believe you?" Nasch frowned.
Manami didn't answer as she picked another card from her hand.
"I activate the Spell Card Zero Blade! You should know this one Merag. With this, card 1 monster on the field loses 1000 ATK, but it allows my monster to attack twice! I choose Mobius the Mega Monarch to lose 1000 ATK!" Nasch tsked as his Mega Monarch lost 1000 ATK; leaving it at 1800. "Spider Shark, attack Mobius! But when it does, I activate Spider Shark's effect! When any players monster declares an attack, by using 1 Overlay Unit, all monsters on the opponent's field lose 1000 ATK!" Spider Shark launched thread from it's back; hitting Mobius as it once again lost 1000 ATK, followed up by Number 103 also losing 1000 ATK. "Attack Spider Shark! Spider Tornado!" Spider Shark launched the beam hitting Mobius as it was destroyed in an explosion. Nasch slid backwards a bit from the attack. (Nasch's LP: 2600 - 1800 = 800. Manami's hand: 3 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 0 cards. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2450.)
"And because of Zero Blade's effect, Spider Shark can attack once again! Spider Shark attack Ragna Zero! Spider Tornado!" Manami yelled. Once again Spider Shark launched the beam headed for Ragna Zero. Merag watched the attack came closer to her monster.
"Merag!" Nasch called out to his sister. However...Merag scoffed.
"You didn't think it'd be that easy did you Manami?" Merag told her. "I knew you'd lower my Number's attack, so I had this prepared! Trap card activate! Tidal Advantage! Now all WATER monster I control cannot be destroyed by battle, plus your monster's ATK is halved!"
"Hey!" Nasch crossed his arms. "Why didn't you use that when she attacked Mobius?"
"Don't worry about it, Nasch." Merag replied. She turned back to the still ongoing battle. "Ragna Zero, counterattack!" The Funeral Maiden thrusted her daggers forward and towards the Spider Shark.
"I activate Thunder Guardian's effect from my hand! By sending it to the Graveyard, Spider Shark isn't destroyed in battle!" Manami countered.
"But you still take damage!" Merag shot back. A gold shield appeared in front of Spider Shark; blocking the blades, but the shock-wave hit Manami; causing her to wince. (Manami's LP: 2450 - 100 = 2350. Manami's hand: 2 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 0 cards. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2350.)
"Thunder Guardian's additional effect! When sent to the Graveyard by its effect, I can Special Summon it in Defense Mode!" Manami yelled. And a gold statue golem appeared on the field raising it's shield like hands in Defense Position. (Thunder Guardian Level: 4 Attribute: LIGHT ATK/DEF: 200/2600. Manami's hand: 2 cards. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 0 cards. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2350.)
"So long as Thunder Guardian is on my field, you can't attack any of my monsters except him. I place a card face-down and end my turn." Manami finished. (Manami's hand: 1 card. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 0 cards. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2350.) Nasch placed his right hand ontop of his Deck. It began to glow a pinkish red.
"You think that Guardian of yours is going to save you from my Over-Hundred Number's wrath?" Nasch questioned. "I can assure you that it won't! Chaos Draw!" Manami grew wide eyed in shock by the draw and light. The Barian's Chaos Draw… She thought, stunned. Manami's hand: 1 card. Nasch's hand: 2 cards. Merag's hand: 0 cards. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2350.) Nasch observed the card he drew and he smiled. He then revealed the card to Manami.
"I activate Rank-Up-Magic- The Seventh One!" Nasch declared.
"The Seventh One?!" Manami gasped.
"This card represents the bond between the Seven Barian Emperors!" Nasch spoke. "With this card, I can target 1 Over-Hundred Number on my field, then rank it up into its Chaos Form! But! If I do not control an Over-Hundred Number on my field, I can Special Summon 1 from either my Extra Deck or Graveyard with its effects negated, then rank it up! I choose to Special Summon from my Extra Deck Number 101: Silent Honors Ark Knight!" Manami gasped as the ark-like monster appeared on the field. (Number 101: Silent Honors Ark Knight, attribute: WATER, type: Aqua/Xyz, Rank 4, ATK/DEF: 2100/1000. Manami's hand: 1 card. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 0 cards. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2350.) Nasch then raised his right arm upward as his monster turned into a pink stream of energy. "Go Chaos Xyz Evolution! Come forth Number C101! Guardian of the insatiable souls! Become the dark knight and crush the light! Silent Honors Dark Knight!" Dark Knight appeared wielding it's spear as Manami looked at it, shocked. (Number C101: Silent Honors Dark Knight, attribute: WATER, type: Aqua/Xyz, Rank 5, ATK/DEF: 2800/1500. Xyz Materials: 1. Manami's hand: 1 card. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 0 cards. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2350.)
"Dark Knight…" Manami whispered with a shudder. Nasch thrusted his hand forward.
"I activate Dark Knight's effect Now I can target 1 monster you control and turn it into a Chaos Overlay Unit!"
"What?!" Manami gasped.
"I choose your Legendary Number!" Nasch remarked. "Dark Soul Over!" Dark Knight twirled his staff before shooting a chaos energy beam at the Number; thus turning it into a Chaos Overlay Unit that flew over to Dark Knight.
"Spider Shark!" Manami gasped.
"With Spider Shark gone from your field, you cannot use it to lower our monster's ATK points." Merag pointed out. "This duel is as good as over, Manami. Once my turn comes, you'll be out of LP."
"We'll see about that." Manami frowned.
"Yes we will." Merag spoke. Nasch thrusted his right hand forward.
"Battle! Dark Knight, destroy her Guardian!" Nasch declared. Just like when it absorbed Spider Shark, Dark Knight shot a beam of chaos energy from its staff at the Guardian.
"I activate the Continuous Trap, Sky High Chain!" Manami yelled. "This card not only stops your attack, but it also prevents your monster from attacking!" Gold chains shot out; tightly trapping Dark Knight. Nasch tsked, but then said that he ended his turn. Merag placed her right hand ontop of her Deck. Like Nasch, the top card of her Deck glowed a pinkish red, as did her right white-skinned hand.
"I shall perform Chaos Draw as well!" Merag spoke. "Chaos Draw!" (Manami's hand: 1 card. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 1 card. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2350.) Merag looked at the card she drew, and she made a noise that represented a smile.
"I drew a nice card." Merag spoke.
"Let me guess. The Seventh One?" Manami frowned. Merag showed her the card to prove her right.
"Right you are!" Merag remarked. "And of course, I shall activate it!" Upon activation, Number 103 turned into a pinkish red stream of energy that flew into the dark purple Overlay Network Portal. "Go Chaos Xyz Evolution! Please come forth! Number C103! The unlimited power to freeze even time itself rises once again! Ragna Infinity, the Funeral Sub Zero Maiden!" C103 twirled her scythe as she emerged onto the field. (Number C103: Ragna Infinity, the Funeral Sub Zero Maiden, attribute: WATER, type: Fairy/Xyz, Rank 5, ATK/DEF: 2800/2400. Xyz Materials: 3. Manami's hand: 1 card. Nasch's hand: 1 card. Merag's hand: 0 cards. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2350.)
"Ragna Infinity." Manami frowned.
"I'm not done!" Merag revealed as she gestured to her other face-down. "Trap card activate! Blizzard Shower! With this, since I control a WATER Xyz monster, your monster gains ATK equal to half the total combined ATK of all WATER monsters on my field and in my brother's Graveyard! The total combined ATK is 6400. So your Guardian gains 3200 ATK!"
"Eh? Why increase Guardian's ATK?" Manami questioned, shocked. Manami's Guardian's ATK rose to 3400. Merag gestured to Ragna Infinity.
"I activate Ragna Infinity's effect! By using 1 Chaos Overlay Unit, I can target your Guardian, and when I do, you take damage equal to the difference between your Guardian's current and original ATK!" Merag thrusted her right hand forward. "Like I said, your LP would run out on my turn!"
"Don't think so! I activate the Trap Card, Deep Sea Chains from my Graveyard!" Manami yelled, as chains sprouted from the Graveyard. "This was the second card Nasch destroyed with Mobius! I can activate it once it's been in the Graveyard after at least one turn. And with it, your monster can't use its effects!" The chains wrapped tightly around Ragna Infinity and her Chaos Overlay Units. Merag tsked in frustration at Manami's maneuver.
"So annoying…." Merag grunted.
"Yeah annoying. That's what this is." Manami muttered sarcastically.
"You may have stopped my monster's effects, but you didn't prevent Ragna Infinity from attacking." Merag pointed out. "You preventing Nasch from attacking and me from using my monster's effects is just prolonging your defeat." She paused for a brief moment. "You know deep down that you want to be with me and Nasch again, but you're just lying to yourself by fighting against us." Manami grew wide eyed at this before lowering her head; her hair covering her eyes.
"Lying to myself…? Hehehe you have no idea how much I had to do that Merag." She spoke hollowly. At her words, Merag outstretched her right hand.
"I may not know how much you had to do it, but you can end this pointless fighting between us." Merag spoke.
"Yeah you don't understand. Not you, not Durbe, and especially not Nasch!" Manami snapped, clutching her hand tightly. "You don't understand what I've been through! Not now, or even back then."
"Then stop lying to yourself!" Merag shot back. "Fighting against us is pointless! If you remember your past life, then certainly you remember being married to my brother!" She closed her magenta eyes and clenched her fists. "But it seems you don't care about that at all…." She opened her eyes and her magenta eyes flashes pinkish red.
"HOW DARE YOU!" Manami yelled in pure rage, shocking them. "You think I didn't care?! You have no right to say that! You wanna know what happened to me after the war all those years ago?! After I learned my husband and my best friend were dead, I knew I was all alone! I was the only one alive! I may have been able to rebuild the kingdom, I may have been able to help our people, but you don't know how much it hurt! Every day I would put a smile to the kingdom, to put the people at ease. But every night every night, I would cry my heart out in despair. Having to lose our comrades in arms, my sister, my best friend, and the love of my life!"
"SHUT UP!" Merag roared. "I'm sick of your excuses! Don't act like we don't know how much it hurt! When we're alive, we were there! We know your pain!"
"No you don't." Manami laughed humorlessly. "For you don't know how often… How often I wanted to follow you three…" Nasch and Merag were confused for a moment before growing wide eyed in horror.
"Manami…..! You don't mean….!" Nasch began.
"Like I said, I was in despair. You three were my light along with our comrades and even Iris. You all… I loved you all so much to the point I wanted to follow you all." Manami said with a sad smile. "But I knew I couldn't abandon the others in the kingdom. They already lost their princess and their king... I…I couldn't do that to them." Nasch closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them.
"I understand, Manami….." Nasch spoke softly. Manami shook her head.
"You don't-"
"Enough!" Merag snapped. "You're saying we don't understand you and your pain back then? That's complete bullshit and you know it! We've know all our lives! How can me and Nasch not understand you?! It's utter lies spilling out your mouth! Now you can make this easy on us all and join us, or, you can continue to fight hopelessly! Your choice!" Manami shook her sadly as she looked at her hand clutching her stomach.
"You really don't understand. Not when you don't know the whole story. The whole truth." She spoke. Merag made a clenching teeth noise.
"Is that so, Manami?" Merag spoke dangerously low. She then thrusted her right hand forward. "Then take this! Battle! Ragna Infinity, attack her Guardian!" Ragna Infinity twirled her scythe in her hands, then slashed at the Guardian. However...
"Trap activate! Thunder Calling! With this, when a Thunder monster is attacked, I can send a Thunder monster from my Deck to the Graveyard and negate the attack! I send Thunder Wiseman to the Graveyard!" Manami yelled. A shield formed in front of Guardian; blocking the attack.
"Wiseman's effect! When he's sent to the Graveyard by an effect, I can add a Spell card from my deck to my hand." A spell card slipped out from Manami's deck as she added it to her hand. Merag tsked in frustration at Manami's 2nd maneuver.
"How long do you plan to prolong your defeat?" Merag inquired irritably.
"I'm stubborn. What can I say?" Manami replied.
"Yeah, well, I say your viewpoints are all over the place." Merag remarked as cold as ice. "I end my turn." Manami looked at her Deck for a moment before Nasch spoke up. "Manami please stand down and quit. There's no reason for you to stay with them when your place is with us. With me." He said.
"As an Emperor?" Manami asked, eyes shadowed.
"As my queen. I've waited so long for you to come back to us, to me. I missed you." He spoke, putting his hand out to her. "Please come with us. That's all Merag, and I, are trying to tell you." Manami was silent, not moving or speaking; which worried them. She looked up at them and they gasped, seeing the tearful and loving smile on her face as she emanated a deep blue aura.
"Oh Nasch, Merag you know how much I wished things were different." She spoke with so much sadness and love, making them flinch. "Oh, how I wish nothing had happened back then. And we, along with Durbe lived happily, or the 4 of us could live here with our new friends and family." Manami weakly chuckled, tears in her eyes. "But that's foolish thinking, isn't it?"
"Manami..." Merag choked. Manami closed her eyes, letting her tears fall.
"That's why..." She spoke, as a tear fell from her cheek. "I have to move forward." The tear dropped; hitting the floor; causing the field to glow; making Nasch and Merag gasp as Manami glowed brightly; causing them to shield their eyes. Once the light died and they looked, they gasped. There stood Manami as a Barian. Her skin azure with lavender marks under her eyes, her hair grew to her waist, pure black with a blue hue and her hair tips gold. She had a crown-piece like Nasch's, but smaller and colored gold with a blue gem. She wore a regal blue and white dress with a slit that showed her boots. Her Baria Lapis on her chest was identical to Nasch's, but upside down colored gray with a blue stone. She slowly opened her eyes, showing her familiar blue. "M-Manami." Merag spoke, stunned. Manami gave a sad look.
"Let us finish this my love, my sister." She spoke. Manami raised her hand as it glowed pinkish red. "Oh light of life, lead me to the very card I seek." She chanted, hand to her deck. "Barian's Chaos Draw!" The light of the draw shined brightly as she drew. "I activate the Spell Card of Sanctity! Which allows us to draw until we hold 6 cards in our hands!" Both Nasch and Merag drew cards from the top of their Decks until they had 6 cards in their hand, along with Manami. "Next I Summon Abyss Pirate." She spoke. A pirate with dark blue clothing appeared laughing heartily. (Abyss Pirate Level: 4 Attribute: WATER ATK/DEF: 2000/500. Manami's hand:5 cards. Nasch's hand: 6 cards. Merag's hand: 6 cards. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000. Manami's LP: 2350.)
"Abyss Pirate's effect! When he's Normal Summoned, I can Special Summon a level 4 or lower WATER attribute monster from my Graveyard! So once more, come Aquen Tamer!" Aquen Tamer appeared once more on the field standing with Guardian and Abyss Pirate. "I Overlay level 4 Guardian, Abyss Pirate, and Aquen Tamer!" She spoke, as her 3 monsters became mist going in the Overlay Network. "With these 3 monsters, I build the Overlay Network! Xyz Summon! Surface Number 116! Sadden queen cradled in the abyss rise with the spear of the sea and bow of the sky, it's time to fight for everyone! Queen Aquarion!" And appearing on the field was a woman with long shiny black hair with blue streaks, alabaster skin, blue eyes flecked in gold, wearing a deep blue long bell sleeve dress with white ruffles, silver armor over the dress, a gold bow over her shoulder, a blue spear in hand, and 116 on the hem of her dress in gold. (Number 116: Queen Aquarion Rank: 4, Attribute: WATER, Type: Aqua/Xyz/Effect, ATK/DEF: 2400/2100. Xyz Materials: 3. Manami's hand: 5 cards. Nasch's hand: 6 cards. Merag's hand: 6 cards. Manami's LP: 2350. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000.)
"Your Over-Hundred Number….." Nasch spoke softly.
"Aquarion's effect! When she's Xyz Summoned, I can Special Summon two Xyz monsters from my opponent's Extra Deck that have 2500 ATK or less." Manami spoke. Nasch and Merag looked at each other, then back at Manami.
"Our Legendary Numbers.." Merag began.
"Have less than 2500 ATK." Nasch finished.
"Exactly. Go Aquarion! Thunder Lifeline!" Manami yelled. Aquarion tossed her spear before aiming her bow; launching two arrows connected with strings of light in Nasch and Merag's Extra Decks as she retrieved 2 cards; which Manami caught. "Now arise Number 73: Abyss Splash, the Roaring Waterfall Deity and Number 94: Crystal Zero, the Princess of Polar Ice!" The 2 Numbers appeared on Manami's field both standing tall next to Aquarion who caught her spear. (Number 73: Abyss Splash, the Roaring Waterfall Deity Rank: 5 ATK/DEF: 2400/1400, Number 94: Crystal Zero, the Princess of Polar Ice Rank: 5 ATK/DEF: 2200/1600. Manami's hand: 5 cards. Nasch's hand: 6 cards. Merag's hand: 6 cards. Manami's LP: 2350. Nasch's LP: 800. Merag's LP: 3000.) Manami looked up at Abyss Splash, hearing a familiar voice in her mind. Thou sure of this milady? Abyss asked her.
Yes. To free them I shall do so. She thought to him, facing the others. "I activate the Spell Card, Abyss Overlay! When I have Xyz monsters on my field with no Overlay Units, I can use the monsters in my Graveyard to give them Overlay Units."
"So, you plan to give the 2 Legendary Numbers either 1 or 2 Overlay Units." Nasch noted.
"That's right. I use Wiseman as an Overlay Unit to Abyss Splash and use Mage Helena as an Overlay Unit to Crystal Zero." Manami spoke. Two Overlay Units floated out of the graveyard to swirl around Abyss Splash and Crystal Zero. "Now I activate Crystal Zero's effect! By using 1 Overlay Unit, I can half the ATK of one of my opponent's monsters. I chose Ragna Infinity! Crystal Eraser!" Merag watched as Ragna Infinity's ATK got cut in half; thus putting it at 1400. "Next I activate Abyss Splash's effect! By using one Overlay Unit I can double his ATK!" Manami explained. Abyss Splash raised his scepter the waterfall behind him as his ATK doubled to 4800.
"Nasch, Merag, this duel will end with my turn." Manami spoke solemnly.
"You can defeat one of us this turn, but not the other." Merag spoke. If Manami could smile, she would.
"Queen Aquarion's effect! By using 1 Overlay Unit, I banish a monster from my Graveyard and 1 monster on my field gains its ATK! I banish Neptune and give his 2700 ATK to Crystal Zero! Gift of the Sea!" Aquarion hit her Overlay Unit, causing blue sparkles to fall on Crystal Zero as her ATK rose to 4900.
"Now I see." Merag spoke. "With that, both Legendary Numbers that belong to me and brother have enough ATK to defeat the both of us."
"That's right." Manami nodded, before thinking. And hopefully free you both of Don Thousand's curse. She held her arm out. "Go now! Crystal Zero attack Ragna Infinity! Abyss Splash attack Dark Knight!" Crystal Zero raised her blade and slashing Ragna Infinity, while Abyss Splash launched a beam from his staff that hit Dark Knight; thus both were destroyed in an explosion; sending both Nasch and Merag flying. Yet as they did, Merag gasped, seeing her memories of the past her in the castle and seeing what could be known as a cloaked reaper before her mind faded as she and her brother landed roughly; thus reverting to their human forms. (Nasch/Merag's LP: 800/3000 - 2000/- 3500 = 0.) Manami sighed in relief before slowly walking to the two and kneeling down.
"...So you saw it right?" She asked softly.
"M-Manami." Rio spoke.
"I told you that you wouldn't believe me. Not unless you saw it for yourself." Manami replied solemnly. "The Barian Emperors, the Guardians, our people we have all been played by Don Thousand. He had you all die for the sake of his revival." While Rio was surprised, Shark on the other hand, was not.
"It's true that Don Thousand treated us as tools." Shark began. "But unlike the others, I willingly chose to become a Barian. So my memories weren't altered by that deity." Manami looked at him shocked.
"Willingly?" She demanded, before she thought for a moment. "That explains why me and Hotaru couldn't find your body that day then. And that would mean Don Thousand used your loyalty to our people to his advantage all in order to make you a Barian…" She then shook her head. "But you both should realize now you're being pawns; especially considering the situation." She said.
"What do you mean?" Rio questioned. Manami motioned to the pillar of chaos at the distance.
"This world and Barian World are becoming one. It's the work of Don Thousand gaining help from Vector." She explained.
"Vector?!" Rio gasped.
"Vector is working with Don Thousand. Not only that, but behind all of this and will no doubt try to absorb the Barian Emperors. For that is the purpose of him turning them to Barians; all in order for his revival." Manami told them. Both were shocked by this as Manami gently took their hands in her own. "You see, this is why I couldn't return to your side. No matter how much I wished, I couldn't. Not when you two didn't know the truth." She told them. "I had to set you free from the curse, no matter what pain I had to go through. Even if… You two would see me as a traitor."
"Manami no. We could never see you as a traitor; never." Shark frowned, clutching Manami's hand tightly. Manami shook her head letting go before standing. "But in a way, I am a traitor. After all, I was unable to help Rio 700 years ago, nor could I stop you from your revenge." She said sadly, before giving a humorless chuckle. "Some queen I am. I've hardly done any good."
"Don't say that Manami!" Rio frowned, quickly standing.
"She's right you were a wonderful queen and still are. That's why our people were intent on waiting for your arrival in the Barian World." Shark frowned, also standing.
"No but the one thing is me not forgiving myself Shark." Manami shook her head. "I couldn't help you when you were hurting and consumed with revenge. And I couldn't even tell you what I had wanted to tell you 700 years ago."
"Tell me?" He questioned.
"What I wished to tell you, Rio, and Durbe all those years ago but unable to.I couldn't." Manami said sadly, hugging her middle.
"Mana?" Shark began.
"Hehehe~ Having a lover spat already?" They all gasped quickly turning to see Vector coming out of the network with a sneer.
"Vector!" Shark scowled.
"Hey there Nasch and Merag!" Vector greeted mockingly. "And of course our dear queen Manami." Manami flinched clenching her hands tightly. "I'll admit I was surprised that you were an Emperor but now it makes sense." Vector said, glaring at her. "Why you especially make my blood boil." Manami felt her skin crawl while Vector chuckled.
"But I won't have to worry about that for long. Because you 3 are gonna die here." He sneered. "And I'll also be taking your powers too."
A dark shape appeared behind Vector making them gasp. "And I'm starting with you Nasch!" Vector yelled. "Go Chaos Marionetter!"
The monster shrieked launching its claws toward Shark. "Ryoga!" Rio yelled.
Shark quickly moved to shield himself…
*STAB*
Shark and Rio had mirrored expressions of horror as Shark could only helplessly look to see the claws pierce not himself but instead stabbed through Manami who shielded him before they were pulled out. "Well that's one down." Vector smirked wickedly. "Hahahaha!"
"M-Manami…" Shark choked.
"Shark…" Manami looked up at him weakly. "Th-Thank goodness you're ok…"
Manami fell as she glowed reverting to her human form before Shark quickly caught her.
"MANAMI!"
Aurasoul: And that's the end of that chapter.
*Everyone was watching horrified while I sigh*
Aurasoul: Yes I actually did it do with me what you will! Read and review everybody!