Chapter
Toxic Situation
Evan stood still, locking eyes with his opponent, Lumi. They were currently in the aquarium area, letting the sound of water and aquatic animals to work as background noise.
"Kind of funny you chose this place. Considering you were the one who led that Kyle kid to his demise here." Lumi cracked a smirk."You sure have a morbid sense of humor."
"I could say the same to you." Evan retorted with a small smile.
Lumi cackled loudly, holding his stomach."That expression in your face is priceless! You know, I saw that look on Rin's face earlier. She really must trust you if she's willing to leave everything to a scumbag like you. But you didn't even tell her about Cody, did you? I'm sure you already know."
Evan activated his Duel Disk, his expression remaining unreadable."She won't have to worry about that because once I'm through with you, I'll save him. Then I'll go and get Yugo and get them back home so they can finally be at peace."
"Well, aren't you considerate?!" Lumi activated his own Duel Disk.
"Duel!"
Evan vs. Lumi 4000 LP each
"I'll start this off! I activate the Field Spell, Toxic Ruins!" From the ground, toxic plants began arising, surrounding them."Once this Field Spell is activated, I can add a "Radioactive" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand! When there are no monsters on the field, I can Special Summon Radioactive Dust in ATK mode!"
A brown creature began taking form from brown liquid, taking the shape of a creature with a fish face and two legs.
Radioactive Dust Level 3, Dark, Fiend, ATK: 2000, DEF: 1000
"Dust's effect activates. Once it's summoned on the field, I can add a "Radioactive" Spell or Trap Card and set it on my field! I end my turn with that."
Lumi hand: 3
'What's he planning...?' Evan looked around.' He set all this stuff up for a reason, I'm sure. Whatever it is, I'll have to play it safe for now.' He smirked."My turn! I draw! I summon Misfortune Magician in ATK mode!"
A sad-looking woman appeared on the field, clad in blue robes.
Misfortune Magician Level 4, Light, Spellcaster, ATK: 1200, DEF: 1000
"I activate her effect! Once per turn, I can roll a dice and if it lands on heads, I can draw a card! If it lands on heads, you can draw a card yourself. Not a bad deal, huh? And now, the moment we've been waiting for!" A dice appeared on the field, spinning around before it eventually landed on heads."Yes! Heads!" Evan drew his card."And now, from my hand, I activate the effect of Misfortune Dancer! I can Special Summon it from my hand once it's been drawn by a card effect! Come and make this your stage!"
A man wearing a tuxedo and a masquerade appeared on the field, bowing.
Misfortune Dancer Level 5, Dark, Spellcaster, ATK: 2100, DEF: 200
"Now, for the next move, I-"
"The effect of the Field Spell, Toxic Plant, activates. When there's more than one monster on my opponent's field, the ATK of all monsters on your field is reduced by 200 per monster. This means you can bring down as many weaklings as you want, you'll lose more and more ATKs!"
Misfortune Dancer ATK: 1700
Misfortune Magician ATK: 800
"Dust's second effect activates! I can target a monster whose attack has been lowered by effect and take control of it! I'll take that Dancer of yours and make him mine!"
Evan gasped as his monster was covered in blue liquid and was pulled over to Lumi's field.
"As easy as taking an infant's candy." Lumi cackled in delight."Now, what do you next?"
"Tch." Evan clicked his tongue."I still have a trick up my sleeve! I activate the Spell Card, Misfortune Charm! I can equip this card to a monster I control, and that monster will double its ATKs!"
A pendant appeared around Magician's neck, increasing her strength.
Misfortune Magician ATK: 1600
"Next, the Spell Card, Lucky Boarding! I can activate this card when a coin toss effected was activated and I had gotten tails! I can add a Fusion card from my Deck along with another monster! Now, let's begin! I activate the Spell Card Misfortunate Fusion! I fuse Magician with Misfortune Diamond from my hand!"
Both monsters entered a multicolored vortex as Evan began chanting."Magnificent warrior that sleeps in the stars! Appear now and grace us with your good luck! Fusion Summon! Appear Level 7! Misfortune Exvault!"
A knight clad in white armor and a white helmet appeared on the field, wielding a spear.
Misfortune Exvault Level 7, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2400, DEF: 1700
"However, its ATKs goes down by 400!"
Misfortune Exvault ATK: 2000
"Exvault's effect activates now! Once per turn, I can deal you 100 points of damage per card on your field! That will be a total of 400!"
Lumi was struck by lightning as he howled in pain.
"However, when this effect is activated, Exvault cannot declare an attack. I set a card and end my turn."
Evan hand: 2
Lumi quickly stood up, his eyes gleaming in glee."At this moment, I activate my Continous Trap Card, Nuclear Reactor! At the end of your turn, you will take 400 points of damage!
A puddle of black liquid began rising from the floor, covering Evan's shoes and preventing him from moving.
Evan LP: 3600
"What's this?" His body began to feel weak, aching in pain in certain areas.
"This is my nuclear waste." He smiled wickedly."You've been exposed to high levels of radiation and will continue to do so until you lose this duel. You see, the damage will double as the turns go by, until you're dead!"
Evan gulped down the lump in his throat. He was running out of time and fast.
"Now, let's get this show on the road, shall we? My turn! I draw! Since you were so kind and summon a Fusion monster on the field, I will do the same! I activate the Spell Card, Polymerization! I fuse Radioactive Dust with Misfortunate Dancer!"
Both monsters entered a puddled of purple waste as it began boiling at high temperatures.
A large monster appeared on the field. Its armor was light green and hoses are connected to it. A line of toxins is made on its head, forming a mohawk and barrels on his back that contain its toxins are seen. It also had three large claws made out of the green toxin in each forearm. To top it all, it was wearing a metallic mask.
Radioactive Toxzon Level 8, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2700, DEF: 2300
"Since the number of monsters has changed, Exvault will gain 200 ATKs!"
Misfortune Exvault ATK: 2200
"Beautiful, isn't it? This is my strongest monster. He is the pinnacle of all toxic in this world and I will use that power to wither you away! Let's get this started! Toxzon's effect will activate! I can search for an Equip Spell from my Deck and add it to my hand. I equip Toxic Weapon - Acid!"
Toxzon's color changed from green to light yellow.
"With this, Toxzon's attacks become deadly. Let me show you what I mean! Battle! Toxzon attacks Misfortune Exvault! Claw of Mercury!" Toxzon jumped over to where Exvault was, preparing its acidic claws.
"Not so fast! I activate my Trap Card, Incoming Surprise! I can negate the battle phase and immediately go to Main Phase 2!"
Lumi cracked a smirk."Fool! Thanks to the effect of Toxic Weapon - Acid, when Toxzon doesn't destroy a monster on the field, you are inflicted 300 points of damage!"
Evan glanced up and noticed some yellow liquid flying towards him, hitting him on his right arm. He screamed in agony, feeling as if his skin was melting. He took off his jacket and ripped his sleeve, revealing a nasty burnt mark.
"You should see the look of despair in your eyes! Pathetic! That's all it took to get you on edge?!" Lumi continued laughing without a care in the world.
"This is nothing..."
Lumi stopped laughing glancing at his opponent who was beginning to stand up."What did you say?"
"I said this is nothing!" Evan snapped."Compared to all the pain everyone's felt up to this point! I will gladly keep on taking all this pain for them if it means a better future!"
Lumi scowled at those words."Even if it means you dying? I know how fond you are of that girl Rin. Will it really be alright for you to drop dead?"
"Yugo is the one who deserves her, not me." Evan gave him a pained smile."If they're happy, I will have achieved my objective."
"Sure." Lumi didn't bother responding with anything else."Welp, I end my turn here."
Lumi hand: 3
"My turn! I draw! First, I activate Exvault's second effect! I can return a Polymerization from my Graveyard and add it to my hand! Next, I activate Polymerization and fuse Exvault with Misfortune Hat from my hand! From the abyss of the souls that luck did not smile upon them, rise from the depths of hell and take the balance of luck in your favor! Fusion Summon! Come, Level 8! Misfortune Magatsu Kyukana!"
A warrior clad in black clothing and crimson armor appeared on the field, wielding a black sword.
Misfortune Magatsu Kyukana Level 8, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2200
"From the grave, I use Misfortune Hat's effect! When it's used as a summoning material, I can draw 2 cards from my Deck!"
"I've noticed you haven't really used any luck-based effects that much." Lumi spoke up."Are you afraid? Thinking that maybe all your good luck vanished along with your chaos power? Or, is that not it? No, I think there's something else. You're still hoping for Rin to be happy, but your heart is in turmoil, isn't it? You think that saving her and that banana haired kid is your only motivation dragging you right now."
"How did yo-"
"I know the face of a man with no drive when I see one." Lumi placed his hands on his hips."That is why you are part of the Unifiers of Chaos, why we sought after you. People like you are desperate for a reason to live, for a reason to wake up in the morning. And you lost that reason and since you can't accept that, you chose a suicidal mission as your reason to live. What makes you think you can actually save both of them? Cody is carded, so by default you've already failed. If Yuri finds Yugo, that'll be it for him. As for Rin, she'll become part of something greater. It's just a matter of time. You are destined to fail, and your so-called friends will be sent along with y-"
"Shut your mouth!" Evan glared at him, his eyes had turned crimson."I will not let any harm come to them! Do you understand me?!"
"Oh, someone is fired up." Lumi mused with a satisfied grin."As expected, you still have some chaos energy in you. How long will that last, though? You are just an empty shell of what you once were."
"How about you try your luck, then?" Evan gave him an uncharacteristic smirk."I activate Magatsu Kyukana's effect! Once it's Fusion Summoned onto the field, I can add a Field Spell from my Deck to my hand! I activate the Field Spell, Trebol Magic Work!" The radioactive plants were replaced by falling trebles in the air.
"Next, I'll use Kyukana's second effect! When my opponent controls a monster whose ATKs are higher than itself, your monster loses ATK equal to half of Magatsu Kyukana's! Plus, it's effects are negated!"
"Not a bad show, but it won't be enough, I tell you." Lumi simply crossed his arms."As long as Toxzon is equipped with a Toxic Weapon, he is immune to card effects!"
"No way!" Evan gasped, noticing how his monster had no effect."Plan B it is, then. I activate my Spell Card, Royal Jackpot! I can send a card from my hand to the graveyard in order to give Kyukana an extra 300 ATKs!"
Misfortune Magatsu Kyukana ATK: 3100
"Battle! Magatsu Kyukana attacks Radioactive Toxzon! Vorpal Eruption!" Magatsu Kyukana grabbed its sword and leaped over to Toxzon who responded by clashing with its claws. The color of Toxzon's toxin began changing back to green.
"It wasn't destroyed?!" Evan blinked, baffled.
Lumi LP: 3200
"When Toxzon is about to be destroyed by battle, I can send a "Toxic Weapon" that is equipped to it to the graveyard and keep him alive." Lumi chuckled."You didn't think it was going to be that easy, right?"
"Maybe not, but I still did some damage to you! I can still win this duel! I set a card and end my turn!"
"Not so fast! Remember my Continous Trap card is still in play! Now, you will take 800 points of damage!"
The liquid began rising, now at Evan's knees. Evan took a step back, threatening to fall. His body was feeling numb and was feeling nauseous. The toxic waste was beginning to affect him more than he had anticipated.
Evan LP: 2800
"Next turn, the damage will be of 1600. You are running out of time, Evan." Lumi waved his finger around.
Evan hand: 1
"Maybe...But don't think I'll go down without a fight..." Evan panted, his energy leaving him slowly."I won't go down, not until I save them."
"It's too bad you don't have a choice in the matter! My turn! Draw! From my hand, I summon Radioactive Leach in ATK mode!"
A purple slug appeared on the field, standing up and showcasing its oval mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth.
Radioactive Leach Level 3, Dark, Fiend, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1300
"Then, I use Toxzon's other effect. When a "Radioactive" monster is summoned on my field, I can Special Summon another "Radioactive" monster from my Deck! Arise, Radioactive Phantom!"
A flying stingray appeared on the field, circling around Lumi.
Radioactive Phantom Level 2, Dark, Fiend, ATK: 600, DEF: 100
"Phantom has a dandy ability that lets me equip it to a monster you control!" The stingray went flying over to Magatsu Kyukana, landing on its back.
Misfortune Magatsu Kyukana ATK: 2600
"Your monster loses 500 ATKs, but that's not all. Your monster cannot attack or be destroyed."
Evan clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"As for Leach here...well, let's just say you will become highly acquainted with him. You see, this little guy is going to feed off your monster!" The leach jumped and wrapped itself around Magatsu Kyukana.
"What are you doing?" Evan asked, not wanting to know what this monster can do.
"For now, nothing. Don't mind it too much. Well then, let's go on with the second phase. Now, I activate the Equip Spell, Toxic Weapon - Bacteria!" Toxzon's armor began changing to a crimson color, his toxic flames intensifying.
"Another toxic weapon..." Evan gulped, not wanting to find out what this one could do.
Radioactive Toxzon ATK: 2900
"Thanks to this Toxic Weapon, Toxzon's ATKs are always set 300 ATks higher than a monster I target once per turn. But don't worry, I save a special surprise just for you. Leache's effect activates! The monster equipped with it loses half of its ATKs until the end of the turn!"
Misfortune Magatsu Kyukana ATK: 1300
"So that's what you were after!" Evan gasped, noticing how the leach was beginning to cover more of Magatsu Kyukana's body.
"Hahahaha! Now, the carnage shall begin! I activate my other Radioactive Weapon - Uranium! With this, my monster can attack twice!" The crimson and orange began mixing together as Toxzon's claws enlarged."Battle! Toxzon attacks your useless Magatsu Kyukuna!"
"Shit! I activate my Trap Card, Howl of Unfortunate Soul! I can double the ATK of a monster I control until the end phase!"
Misfortunte Magatsu Kyukana ATK: 2600
"But you will still take damage!" He reminded him as he was struck with the claws of the metallic monster. Evan felt on his knees, his hands being engulfed by the black liquid he was surrounded in. He began coughing violently, his body aching in pain.
Evan LP: 2200
"Now you're victim to the bacteria. It won't be long now before you die from too much radiation." Lumi observed with a satisfied smile."It's over. Can't really say it was nice knowing you. You've served your purpose. Now, you're just a broken tool."
"Maybe so...but as long as I can be of use for a greater cause, then it will all be worth it in the end," Evan responded with a pained smile, holding his sides.
"You keep saying that, but you'll have to do better than that." Lumi shook his head."I end my turn."
"Guess I will do just that...! My turn! I draw!" Evan's eyes widened at the card he had drawn."Chaotic Fusion...I can't..." Evan shook his head."But, if I were to use it...I would win the duel with no problem. If I can get Maiden of Luck out, then..."
Memories of him carding his own adoptive mother came flashing like a firework show in his mind. He was the cause that so many people were there. He was the cause of why Rin was captured in the first place. He was the cause of...
"Reina..." He muttered, a tear falling down his cheek as his eyes turned back to grey-green."I'm not going to go back to what I was. It doesn't matter if it wins me this duel. I activate the Spell Card, Card of Sanctity! We each draw until we have six cards in our hand!"
"Oh? Trying your luck, are we?" Lumi mused as he drew his cards.
"After this, I really should go and apologize to her. But I have to win! I summon Misfortune Neko in ATK mode!"
A small black cat appeared on the field, revealing its big yellow eyes.
Misfortune Neko Level 1, Dark, Beast, ATK: 200, DEF: 0
"Neko's effect activates! I can target a monster on your field and copy its level! Next, I toss a coin!":
"What's the point of this?" Lumi bemoaned."I knew I was expecting more of this luck gimmick of yours, but enough with the coin toss."
"You see, if it lands on heads, I can Special Summon a monster from the Extra Deck with its same level, ignoring its summoning materials!"
Lumi gasped."What did you just say?!"
The coin began rolling around them before it landed on heads."Alright! Now, Neko will evolve into a much stronger monster!"
The cat began being absorbed by a multicolored vortex as he began to chant."The golden dawn of luck that shows the path to utter glory! Bless me with the power to serve my role and to protect those I hold dear! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 8! Misfortune The Seventh!"
A man wearing a cowboy outfit appeared on the field, holding two golden revolvers. He had a bandana with the number seven covering his face and a cowboy hat.
Misfortune The Seventh Level 8, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 777, DEF: 777
"That's an odd ATK and DEF for a monster to have..." Lumi observed with curiosity.
"Yeah, this card is special, you see." Evan gestured to his newest monster on the field."A person close to me gave this to me a long time ago. Back before I strayed off the path that I was going to walk on. It's what's been keeping me human all this time. I'll show you what I mean. I activate The Seventh's effect! Once per turn, I can target a monster on your field and give it a "Bad Luck Counter"!"
"A bad luck what-" A mirror suddenly appeared above Toxzon and smashed itself onto it.
"When you break a mirror, you're exposing yourself to a world of bad luck. Couple of years at most. Regardless, your monster won't be so lucky during your following moves."
Lumi scoffed at his words."If you think luck will get you out of this soon, you're wrong. Look at your body." He said, pointing at the left side of Evan's body.
Evan pulled his left sleeve up, noticing how his skin had turned purple."What is this?"
"It's the effect of the bacteria. It starting to finally kick in in your nervous system." Lumi snickered."I wonder how long your body can hold until you're dead."
"Do you have an antidote?" Evan asked, hiding his emotions by showing a blank expression.
"Of course I do!" Lumi pointed at himself proudly."But what makes you think I'll use it?"
"Good point." Evan shrugged, closing his eyes."I set a card and end my turn."
"What? Not going to attack?" Lumi hissed."Need I remind you of my Trap's effect! Now you'll take 1600 points of damage!"
"Not so fast! At this moment, I activate The Seventh's effect! When an effect is directed to me that would inflict damage, or harm me, I can make that effect reverse, and benefit from it! Instead of losing 1600 points of damage!"
Evan LP: 2200+1600=3800
"He's back almost to full LP!" Lumi snarled, frustrated that all his work was for naught."Whatever! Don't think you've won just because you're back to full power! You are still dying! My turn! I draw! I attack Misfortune The Seventh with Toxzon!"
"Hold it right there! Don't forget that Toxzon has a "Bad Luck Counter!" And with bad luck, comes great risks! For example...!" Evan grinned as Toxzon suddenly changed trajectory and headed for his master.
"W-w-what are you doing?!" Lumi took a few steps back, panicking."Why is it coming towards me?!"
"A monster that has a "Bad Luck Counter" has their actions, effects and everything else altered depending on what they do. Since you attacked, you've run into the ba luck of having your monster attack you instead. And remember it's attacking twice!"
Toxzon slashed Lumi's body, tearing his uniform as he was sent flying against the floor.
Lumi LP: 0
Winner: Evan
"That was a close one..." Evan breathed in relief, shifting his gaze to meet his monsters."Magatsu Kyakuna...The Seventh...thank you..." He knelt on the floor, panting heavily. He crawled his way to where Lumi was and took a look at his hand, noticing a small bottle with green liquid inside."Is that..."
"The antidote..." Lumi groaned."I only brought one...with me...and you've infected me too, you asshole..."
"You only have one..." Evan looked at him in disbelief."Then only one of us can take it."
"Stop...it's obvious you are going to take it since you've won..." Lumi closed his eyes, accepting his fate."And-"
"Shut up and drink it." Evan simply told him, giving him the bottle."I've been exposed to all that radiation and acid..." He winced, remembering his semi-wrapped hand that had been severely burnt.
Lumi simply laughed, covering his eyes with his hand."You are so naive. I thought you said...you were going to save them. Can't do that if you're dead."
"Yeah, maybe." He chuckled, opening the bottle and drinking half of the liquid."I'll drink half and you get half."
"Are you an idiot..." Lumi frowned."The dosage won't be enough to cure us of the bacteria. It'll only prolong the inevitable."
"You can make more of this stuff, no?" Evan tilted his head."With that in mind, while I go save Rin and Yugo, you go and make more of that antidote. If you make it before I succum to the toxin, great, if not, save yourself. I don't want your death on my hands." He stood up, readjusting his covered arm."I'm going to go stop the Professor. Maybe I'll see you later."
With that, Evan took off running, however, he was going slower than usual. Even if he drank half of the antidote, the symptoms were still ever-present.
Ace leaned against a wall, yawning as he observed Daisuke walk a few meters away to get in position to duel.
"You know, I never took you for the goody-two-shoes type, Ace." Daisuke drawled."You really want to rebel against us and help the Lancers?"
"Shut your mouth, dickhead." Ace scoffed indignantly."I'm not doing this for their sake. I'm doing this for mine. I want to make you assholes pay for manipulating me for so long."
"Is that what you're so upset about?" Daisuke snorted."Seriously, you're doing this for your overinflated ego?"
"Isn't that enough of a reason?" He shot him a condescending smirk."I'm not like the rest. I don't have any particular connections with the Lancers. So forgive me if this is a bit stale for you."
"No, I understand." He rose a hand."Anyway, let's get this over with. I have other things to take care of."
"You could always save us the trouble by telling me where Seiko is." He offered, receiving a chuckle for an answer."Something funny?"
"I'm afraid that's no longer possible." Daisuke shook his head.
"What do you mean?" Evan narrowed his eyes.
Daisuke simply shrugged, activating his Duel Disk."Let's get on with this." Ace grunted, activating his own.
"Duel!"
Ace vs. Daisuke LP: 4000 each
"I'll begin. What I'm about to show you is something that sooner or later you'd have to see. My turn! I summon Elemental HERO Stratos!"
Elemental HERO Stratos Level 4, Wind, Warrior, ATK: 1800, DEF: 300
Daisuke smirked, hands on his hips as he observed his monster."Surprised?"
"Not really." Ace glared at the floor, fists clenched."I had a feeling you had his Deck. Someone had to. Kobatsu was a top duelist in Academia and it would have been unthinkable to just throw his deck away. But to think a bastard like you had it pisses me off!"
Daisuke rolled is eyes."So sentimental. You're a lot more emotional than I had originally thought. How shallow. Stratos's effect activates! I can add a "HERO" monster from my Deck to my hand! Now, from my hand, I activate the effect of Elemental HERO Crow!"
A man wearing a brown suit appeared on the field, showcasing a pair of small wings behind his back.
Elemental HERO Crow Level 3, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1300, DEF: 1000
"Thanks to Crow's effect, I can Special Summon it on the field if it's added to my hand. I set a card face down and end my turn!"
Daisuke hand: 3
"Fine. Guess I'll go. My turn! Draw! I summon Vision HERO Salamander!"
A robot clad in red armor and a metallic tail appeared on the field.
Vision HERO Salamander Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1200, DEF: 0
"Salamander's effect activates! I can send a monster from my Deck to the graveyard. I set a card to end my turn!"
Ace hand: 4
"You're going awfully slow about this." Daisuke observed, analyzing his hand."You're not the type to do that."
"Yeah, well, what can I say? I know how strong Kobatsu's deck is so I can't be diving headfirst. I can't make the mistake of assuming you don't control that Deck."
Daisuke snorted, pulling a card from his pocket."You'd be correct. I even have a witness." He revealed the card to Ace.
He clicked his tongue, recognizing the person who was carded."Thar's that Cody kid, isn't he? Shit. You're lucky I'm dueling you and not Evan."
"I suppose so. But I doubt it'd make much difference." Daisuke pulled the card back in his pocket."Yugo and Cody will share the same destiny. They bought wanted to save a particular girl, but we all know how that ends."
"They're not alone anymore." Ace scowled."It's true that Cody was carded, but his will is not going to disappear. We will save Yuzu, Rin, Serena, Wendy, and Ruri. We won't let the Professor or Seiko have their way."
"For that, you must defeat me. My turn! I draw! I summon Elemental HERO Lighting Diver!"
A man clad in white armor with electricity surrounding his body appeared on the field.
Elemental HERO Lighting Diver Level 3, Light, Warrior, ATK: 1000, DEF: 400
"I don't remember that hero in Kobatsu's Deck." Ace pointed out."Could it be you-"
"I've made some changes. I figured since you were familiar with this Deck, you'd know some counters around it. I didn't want that to happen, so I've had the Professor fabricate some new cards for my use."
"Then it's safe to say that's not his Deck, asswipe!" Ace sneered."You've tainted his Deck and made this abomination!"
Daisuke chuckled."I activate Diver's effect. I can discard a card from my hand and draw one from my Deck. Next, I'll activate the card I just drew, Polymerization! I fuse Diver and Crow in order to bring the harbinger of destruction!"
Both monsters entered a multicolored vortex as Daisuke began to chant.
"Mighty lord that watches over the land! Bring forth the dark justice that makes your subordinates bow to your power! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 7! Elemental HERO Jack The Ripper!"
A man wearing a long black coat with white hair appeared on the field, sporting a sinister grin on his face.
Elemental HERO Jack the Ripper Level 7, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 2500, DEF: 1900
"What is that...?" Ace looked at the new monster in awe."I've never seen something like that...You-"
"A hero doesn't always have to do the people's justice." Daisuke glared at him cooly."A hero follows their own morals. It's a matter of perspective, really. What one believes to be good, another person might see it as bad. Jack The Ripper represents the hero who purges those who are tainted and unpure. You will see. I activate his effect! I can destroy a monster on your field and inflict you with 200 points of damage once per turn!"
Jack The Ripper revealed a total of 4 knives in each hand and threw them at Salamander, destroying him. A knife managed to hit Ace on his right shoulder, prompting him to hiss in pain.
Ace LP: 3800
"At this moment, I activate Vision HERO Plasma's effect from the graveyard! When damage is inflicted on me, I can Special Summon it on the field and return another monster on my graveyard and set it on my spell and trap card zone! Come, Vision HERO Plasma!"
A warrior clad in orange and black armor appeared on the field.
"When my opponent controls a monster summoned from the Extra Deck, I can draw two cards from my Deck! Next, I activate my Trap Card, Bottomless Chain of Armageddon! I can target a monster on your field and switch it to def mode! Furthermore, if there's a monster on my Spell or Trap card zone, I can Special Summon it to the field! Welcome back, Salamander!"
Vision HERO Salamander Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1200, DEF: 0
"From my hand, I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Emergency Fusion! I can activate this Card to Fusion Summon on my opponent's turn! Monster that observes from the infinite sky! Make way to the path of salvation and descend with your judgment! Fusion Summon! Appear, Level 8! Vision HERO Adoration!"
Vision HERO Adoration Level 8, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2100
"It's here at last." Daisuke smirked."Well, it looks like you took a little after Tokomaru."
Ace folded his arms, smirking condescendingly."Well, the time we spent in that stupid ass room was short, but we've all bonded. His strategy is solid enough that I found a way to implement it on my Deck."
"I'm not the only one with new tricks, it seems. Well, that's too bad. I end my turn there."
Daisuke hand: 2
"My move! I draw! Let's begin! I summon Vision HERO Noir in ATK mode!"
A black robot appeared on the field, sporting two cannons for hands.
Vision HERO Noir Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1900, DEF: 1000
"Noir's effect activates, I can target a Spell Card or Trap Card and grab it back to my hand. Next, I activate Adoration's effect! I can target a monster you control and a "HERO" monster on my field, and your monster loses both ATK and DEF equals to the ATK of my monster!"
Elemental HERO Jack The Ripper ATK: 600, DEF: 0
"Go, Adoration! Ball of the Overseer!" Adoration shot a black ball from its hands.
"Not so fast! I activate my Trap Card, Origin of Evil! I can negate the incoming attack and take control of a monster in your graveyard! I choose Salamander!"
Ace growled, frustrated that his attack was in vain."At this moment, Adoration's ATKs goes back to normal. I set 2 cards and end my turn!"
Ace hand: 3
"Lame, really. My turn! I draw! I switch back Jack to ATK mode. Furthermore, I use its effect and destroy a monster on your field. Let's go with Noir."
Again, a shower of knives attacked another monster on the field, and now two of them pierced through Ace's stomach and leg. He groaned in pain, removing the knives quickly, relieved that the wounds weren't deep enough for him to bleed out.
Ace LP: 3600
"If you're wondering why I didn't go for your "Ace" monster, it's because Jack can only go after Level 5 or lower monsters. No pun intended."
"Fuck you."
"Not cool, man." Daisuke chuckled, amused."Kobatsu had more of a sense of humor than you do."
"Stop talking as if you knew him, you bastard!" Ace hissed, enraged at his words.
Daisuke sighed, rubbing his temples."You think I don't, huh? Well, it doesn't matter. The Final Hour is approaching. Whether you win this duel or not, it makes no difference."
"What do you mean...?"
"I now tribute your pathetic monster in order to Advance Summon. Appear, Elemental HERO Phantom of the Opera!"
A man wearing a black tuxedo appeared on the field, grinning behind a white masquerade.
Elemental HERO Phantom of the Opera Level 7, Dark, Warrior, ATJ: 2100, DEF: 1200
"Sorry. I did not mean to ignore you. What I meant to say is that we've unleashed the end of the world. He is on the loose and it's a matter of time before he ravages the dimensions."
"Who?" Ace inquired."Who the fuck are you talking about?"
"Oh, right. You lot didn't know, did you? The real reason why you were recruited specifically. All I can really say is that thanks to you, we've harbored the perfect weapon to fill the world with chaos, quite literally."
"Stop speaking in tongues, asshole!" Ace barked, tired of him stalling.
"You just have to wait and see. I activate Phantom's effect. I can target a card on your field and destroy it. I'll go for one of those bothersome traps, the one on the right."
Ace's card exploded in flowers, leaving him baffled."W-what the-"
"Phantom gains 300 ATK's per card destroyed."
Phantom ATK: 2400
"Next, I activate the Spell Card, Pot of Greed! I draw 2 cards! Now, when I control 2 or more "HERO" monsters on my field, I can Special Summon Elemental HERO Haize on the field!"
A lion clad with golden armor appeared on the field.
Elemental HERO Haize Level 3, ATK: 1300, DEF: 1600
"Haize's effect activates! All monsters on my field gain 200 ATKs"
Phantom of the Opera ATK: 2600
Elemental HERO Jack The Ripper: ATK: 2600
Elemental HERO Haize ATK: 1500
"Furthermore, Haize cannot be destroyed by battle as long as I control more monsters on my field. Not a bad set up, eh? Now, let's get on with the next act. I activate the Spell Card, HERO Path! I can reduce the ATK of all monsters on your field by 300 per monster on my field!"
Vision HERO Adoration ATK: 1900
"Battle! I attack Adoration with Jack The Ripper! Knife Connect!" The sinister man began throwing knives as he paced around leasurily. Adoration began looking like a headhog with so many knives stuck on his body before it exploded.
Ace LP: 2900
"My Trap Card activates! Visionary Call! I can call back a monster on my graveyard that was just destroyed! Adoration, come back!"
Vision HERO Adoration Level 8, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 2800, DEF: 2100
"Not giving up?" Daisuke spat on the floor."Fine. I suppose I can end my turn here with a set card."
Daisuke hand: 0
"Nice try, asshole." Ace sneered, clenching his fists."But it's going to take more than that to take me down! My turn! I draw! I activate the Spell Card, Vision Ahead! I can call back a monster from my graveyard, then Special Summon a monster from my Deck with the same level! I call back Salamander and Special Summon Vision HERO Vyon!"
Vision HERO Vyon Level 4, Dark, Warrior, ATK: 1000, DEF: 1200
"Now, I activate Vyon's effect! I send a monster from my Deck to the graveyard. Then, I activate Vyon's second effect. I can banish a monster from my graveyard in order to add a Polymerization from my Deck to my hand! Now, I activate Polymerization and fuse Adoration, Vyon, and Minimum Ray, from my hand!"
All three monsters entered a multicolored vortex as Ace began to chant.
"Mighty warrior that controls the power of untamable will! Slay your enemies and bring forth the flag of justice! Fusion Summon! Come, Level 8! Vision HERO Trinity!"
Vision HERO Trinity Level 8, Dark, Warrior, Fusion, ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000
"For the rest of this turn, Trinity's ATKs double!"
Vision HERO Trinity ATK: 5000
"Honestly, I don't like bringing this guy out because it takes the fun out of things. But right now..." He grimaced, staring directly at his opponent."...I don't have the luxury to have a decent duel. Battle! Trinity, attack Jack The Ripper!"
Trinity launched himself at Jack and before he could react, began delivering a barrage of punches, destroying him."It's not over yet! This card can attack up to 3 times!"
Daisuke LP: 1600
'Damn it! If I take one more attack, I'm finished!' Daisuke gritted his teeth. He screamed as he began receiving the relentless punches of the new hero, as his monsters all were destroyed.
Daisuke LP: 0
Winner: Ace!
With a sigh, Ace walked up to Daisuke, who was kneeling on the floor, and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, forcing him to look at him."If you call that a duel, you're fucking over your head. You might have used Kobatsu's deck, but you will never be like him. Now tell me where Seiko is or I wi-"
"Yeah...you're right." Daisuke chuckled, giving him a slight smile."I will never be like Kobatsu. I knew that. Guess nothing has changed since then."
"What are you talking about?" Ace pressured him to talk, tightening his grip."Answer me or I will fucking card you right here and now."
"Like I said, it doesn't matter whether you won or not. The end is here. But I will tell you. I was friends with Kobatsu." He confessed, glaring down at the floor."To be precise, we were on the same squad. He would often talk about his brothers and how much he loved them. You and Edo might not be related to him by blood, by you were connected by souls."
"What's your point then?!"
"Than he knew he was going to die." He spat, grabbing Ace's hands."He was sick, did you not know? He wasn't carded, or died in battle, none of that! He got infected with a disease on a trip to one of the renegade bases when he went over to the medical bay. Traitors of Academia deserted it because of their ways, so when we were ordered to find them and card them, that's when it happened. He believed that this was his divine punishment, for the atrocious things he had done. But he couldn't tell that to you guys."
"What..." Ace, let go of his collar, confused about the whole situation."You're lying! There's no way that's true!"
"But you saw me that day, remember?" He grimaced."I met you long ago, but you were too young."
"I...do?" Ace began recalling back to his memories and stopped when he remembered the time when he was training with Kobatsu.
"Come on, I think that's enough for today. They're serving dinner in a bit, so we might want to hurry it up." A playful voice offered. A young man with brown messy hair and green eyes wearing a Ra Yellow uniform gave a toothy grin to a young Ace. His blonde hair was longer, tied in a ponytail but his fierce glare was ever-present.
"No way. I didn't come close in beating you this time. Let's go again." Ace folded his hands, pouting. He was wearing a Slifer Red uniform."Let's go again."
"Ah, what's the rush?" Kobatsu sighed, sitting on the floor."Why are you always so insistent in trying to surpass me? I get it, it's what you want to do. But Edo wants the same thing and he knows when to take losses."
"Because..." He clenched his fists, averting his gaze elsewhere.
Kobatsu tilted his head curiously."Because...?"
"Because...I don't want you to steal Grace!" He pointed at him accusingly, flushing hard.
"What..." Kobatsu deadpanned, breaking into laughter."Is that what you're so worried about?!"
"Don't laugh!" Ace stormed over and began trying to punch Kobatsu, who was dodging everything easily."You spend too much time with her! I won't have that! I like her and that's that!"
"So you're going to kick my ass?" Kobatsu mused, grabbing his right fist before it hit him in the face.
"I'm going to kick your ass!" He reiterated, swiftly kicking him on the gut and sending him skidding on the floor.
"Not bad." Kobatsu admitted, rubbing his stomach."That was a good kick. Keep it up and you'll leave me on the floor soon enough. Don't worry. I don't have any intimate feelings towards Grace. Sure, we're friends, but that's about it. So stop being so paranoid, okay?"
Ace huffed, folding his arms and pouting."Whatever." He noticed Kobatsu leaning forward and ruffle his hair, much to his annoyance."Hey!"
"You ever thought of getting a haircut?" He continued ruffling his hair."Seriously. I think you looked better when you used to have short ha-" He abruptly stopped, grabbing his chest as he collapsed to the ground.
"Kobatsu!" The concern in Ace's voice was evident. The young boy tried desperately to see what he could do, but could only see his mento and adoptive brother cough uncontrollably.
"Step aside!" Out of nowhere, a young man with long shaggy black hair wearing an Obelisk Blue uniform came in barging to the area, grabbing a bottle from his pocket and helping Kobatsu drink some of its content. A few dreadful minutes went until Kobatsu slowly opened his eyes.
"It's best if you go. I have to talk to your brother for a bit. Grown-up stuff." The young man finally revealed at least half of his face. A face that is all to familiar to Ace in present day.
"That was...you?" Ace blinked, bewildered at this new discovery.
"Yeah. I knew of his condition. We had medicine to delay it, but the cure didn't come on time." He lamented, clenched his fists."After that, I took his deck. But I was already under...no. Unlike you, I wasn't influenced by chaos. I helped Seiko on my own volition because I wanted to have a cause. After Kobatsu died, I felt like I didn't belong anywhere. So I was easily introduced to Seiko and her ideals. Soon enough, when we went after you, I was conflicted."
"Conflicted?" Ace parroted.
"When you left Academia along with Evan and Wendy, you were immediately branded as traitors and would be executed had they ever found you. So I allowed them to convert you over to chaos, so you could at least be spared."
"Even if I hurt so many people...?!" He growled, more upset to himself than anything.
"It was that...or I would have let Kobatsu died..."
Ace's eyes widened."What...what did you just say...?"
"All he wanted, even in his deathbed, was to protect you and Edo. I promised him I would watch over you from the shadows and make sure you stayed alive, even if the means weren't as nice. By helping Edo become Commander-in-Chief, to introducing you to chaos. While you guys were indeed hurting other people, you've stayed alive. I wish there was a better way I could have done things, but that was all I could do."
Ace grabbed his head, pacing around back and forth. He leaned on a wall, exhaling loudly."There's no time for us to dwell on that. While I don't approve of your shitty methods, I can thank you. But now is not the time for me to get sentimental. Where is Seiko?"
"I'll catch up with you and tell you later. But right now you've got a higher priority. Didn't you say you were going to save the girls?" Daisuke reminded him."Hurry it up and go stop the Professor first. Once he's taken down, Seiko will be the last enemy stopping you from ending this war. Now go!"
Ace clicked his tongue, not like he was taking orders from Daisuke."Fine. But after all of this is said and done, you and I will have a long chat!" With that, the blonde boy ran back to the direction he had come from, leaving Daisuke alone.
'He's come along way.' Daisuke smirked as he watched him disappeared. His demeanor immediately changed, a serious expression gracing his features."You can come out now. I know you're watching."
"Oh? And here I thought humans were incapable of feeling my presence." A haughty voice said, accompanied by a wave of shadows moving around. A tall figure hides in the darkness, its blue eyes scanning Daisuke from head to toe."But then again, you have been in contact with chaos energy, so it makes sense as to why."
"So, you must be that creature that we've all worked so hard for." Daisuke stared at the creature, feeling the hairs of his neck stand up.
"Creature? Such a disrespectful way to address..." The eery voice breathed."...a God. But you said it yourself, thanks to all your effort, I am once more able to roam this realm."
"I see." He swallowed the lump in his throat."So, is Seiko inside of you?"
A boisterous chuckle was heard throughout the hallway."Indeed. Thanks to her, I have a suitable host. My power is compatible with her body. She must have prepared for my resurrection. I have access to all her memories, so I can confirm this. The ritual using the harnessed chaos energy used for the Unifiers of Chaos along with the vital energy from the souls of the students. Secondary Union. Using her body as a host for me to be brought back. What an interesting woman she was. Regardless, I do have a question for you, my dear Daisuke."
"Oh yeah?" Daisuke felt a cold sweat dripping down his neck."And what would that be?"
"Why did you throw the duel just now?" The shadows began combining and taking shape."Surely you could have defeated that kid and carded him, blessing the number of enemies we have at our disposal. Perhaps you want to save him? After all, you did say you promised his brother. But if you do that, that will go against everything you've done."
"Let's make something clear, "God". I've known Seiko my whole life. She's my friend and I helped her to get what she wanted. I didn't sign up to take orders from you. So what if I want to protect Ace and Edo? Your whole reason for being here is so you can succumb this world to chaos. Nothing more."
"My, how unfortunate. I thought I could make good use of you, but if that's what you think, then you have no use for me." Heavy steps could be heard approaching from the shadows. The louder the were, the more Daisuke could see. A blue-eyed blond-haired man wearing a white bodysuit and a black overcoat came into full view, standing about 8 feet tall. He had ten wings on its back, two on his head, and two at his neck. His left wings are demonic, featuring black, leathery wings, while its right side has white, feathery, angelic wings save for the wing at its neck, which is dyed black. It had a black line going across his face and had black lipstick as make up.
"So, do you have a name, "God?" Daisuke asked, activating his Duel Disk.
"Oh, so you wanted to duel? I see. So that's why you let yourself lose against that boy." Red energy began swirling around his left arm."You needed to save your strength for me. How kind. But if you want me to be called by something, I suppose you can call me..." The crimson energy took the form of a black Duel Disk with red lines, decorated with an eye in the middle."...CHAOS. All caps, by the way."