Merry Christmas people! (give or take 4 days)

I've had this chapter ready for a bit, but I kept making changes to it, so I wasn't able to put it out. Plus school has been awful, and the Christmas period is hectic as always.

In this chapter, there are a couple of surprises, and we'll see a bit more of Carlton's new powers.

On with the chapter!

Advent of the Storm

Old man Osmond was moving his staff over a piece of paper, writing out a message for the man in front of him to deliver. Once he was done, he magically rolled up the letter, and levitated it over to the messenger. The messenger had a thin moustache, thin eyebrows, and sideburns that made him look like he should be charging at a matador rather than delivering letters. This was Count Mott.

He unravelled the scroll, checking that everything necessary was written, saying, "We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of the academy."

"We have no choice, as it is a direct order from the royal family," Old Osmond replied.

"Very well. If you'll excuse me." Count Mott said, giving a slight bow before turning around to exit the headmaster's office.

As he opened the door, Miss Longueville gave him a curt bow.

"Hm? Would you like to join me for dinner, Miss Longueville?" he asked, shamelessly staring at her chest the whole time, causing Miss Longueville to blush, and put her hands over her chest defensively.

"It would be my honour, Count Mott."

"Mm. I'll be looking forward to it." he replied. You could literally hear the perversion dripping from his voice.

"Of course." Miss Longueville replied, bowing again. As soon as he was out of sight and earshot, she glared daggers in his direction, and once again put her hand over her chest defensively.

Walking into Old Osmond's office, she asked him, "So, what impossible task did the royal family force onto us this time?" She picked up a stack of books, and went to bring them to the bookshelf.

"Oh, nothing of the sort this time. They were simply cautioning us about a thief."

"A thief?" Longueville asked, stopping.

"Apparently, there has been a thief going around causing a ruckus, going by the name Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt. They have been stealing valuables from nobles."

"Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt?" Longueville asked, as she placed the books into different places in the bookshelf.

"The royal palace asked us to hold the Staff of Destruction for safekeeping." Old Osmond explained.

Longueville pulled out her wand, and levitated one of the books to a shelf that was too high for her to reach. "Staff of Destruction? What a dangerous sounding name."

"I don't know how skilled of a mage this Fouquet is, but even they should have some trouble breaking into our vault. It is protected by layers of spells cast be a Square Mage. The royal family is worrying too much." Old Osmond said calmly, taking his staff, and levitating his paperweight, fashioned after a hand with the index finger pointing out. He directed it into Miss Longueville's direction.

When it reached her, it gently poked the small of her back, before running up her spine, causing Miss Longueville to gasp, dropping her books. Osmond had a triumphant smile on his face, but that quickly faded when he saw Miss Longueville holding his paperweight, with an angry look on her face. "W-Wait-" He tried to get out before she launched the paperweight directly at his face.

"YEEEEEAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!"

Insert opening – "Kirifuda" by cinema staff

[Saa ima da, kazaseyo kirifuda. Kono mirai wa kimi no mono sa] Carlton looks up from the ground, followed by Louise. He draws a card, and places it on the duel disk. A streak of light cuts across the screen, revealing the opening title screen.

[Giragira moeteru. Samenai yume demo miteiru you ni.] Carlton stretches as he wakes up. Sunlight peeks through the window of Louise's room. He picks up his duel disk, places it on his arm, smirks, and walks out.

[Karada ga motomeru. Tsuyoi yatsu ga iru basho wo.] Louise tries to transmute some rocks into brass, and they explode. Kirche, Guiche and Montmorency laugh, while Tabitha cracks a slight smile.

[Kurakura yureteru. Tashikana mono nado koko ni wa nai kara.] Carlton strolls across a black background, with visions of his Duel monsters fading in and out in the background.

[Tadatada motomeru. Chikara no afureru basho wo.] He stops when he meets the Super Quant team standing in front of him. He smirks and gives Red a fist bump.

[Tsugi no tatakai ga boku wo matteru.] Many battles play out, with spells being cast and people falling. A giant visage of Cromwell appears in the sky.

[Atarashii hibi no aizu ga kikoeru.] Pharoah Atem opens his eyes and looks to the right. Carlton opens his eyes and looks to the left. Their eyes lock, and Dark Magician clashes with Red Layer.

[Saa ima da, kazaseyo kirifuda. Kono mirai wa kimi no mono sa.] Carlton's fists set alight, and he runs at several soldiers, performing punches and kicks to take them down. Kirche points, and Flame sends a flamethrower. Tabitha flies overhead on Sylphid.

[Sono egao de sekai wo yuraseba, sono ato wa jibun shidai dayo.] Guiche creates a landslide, with Verdande jumping out, surrounded by Valkyries, and Montmorency shoots a jet of water at some soldiers. Princess Henrietta looks longingly out of a castle window.

[Egaki dase, sono monogatari wo. Kimi koso ga shujinkou darou?] Carlton reaches out to Siesta, who's far off in the distance. Louise's eyes glow white, and Carlton's glow gold as he stands in front of her, sword raised against oncoming foes. She raises her wand, and a flash of white overtakes the screen. The final screen shows Carlton, Louise, Guiche, Montmorency, Kirche, Tabitha, and their familiars, all rushing towards a shadowy figure.

It was late at night, and I was in the courtyard, washing Louise's undergarmets in the fountain. Man, that water was cold! Why did she tell me to do it this late?

"It's silk," she said, holding a wrinkled piece of clothing up, "So you have to wash it gently and carefully. Do it again." Why I oughta-?!

"Damn. Screw this 'gently and carefully' crap!" I said, before hearing footsteps coming up behind me. Thinking it was Louise, I jumped out of fear for the inevitable explosion.

Actually looking at the person who nearly scared me senseless, I saw it was Siesta. "I'm sorry, did I scare you?"

'YES!' I thought.

"Pffft! Of course not!" I said.

Siesta showed me how to wash silk clothes, even giving me some tips on how to dry them.

"Thanks a lot, Siesta. I've never had to wash clothes by hand before, so this is very new to me."

"Speaking of which, where are you from exactly, Carlton?"

"Eheh... Somewhere unbelievably far away." I said, my thoughts slightly drifting back to my homeworld.

"Um, Carlton?", Siesta said, breaking me from my introspection.

"Hm? What is it Siesta?"

"Thank you very much!" Siesta said, giving me a bow.

"What's up with this, all of a sudden?"

"You never complain about anything, and you were willing to fight a noble even though you're a peasant. You've given me a lot of courage. Thanks to you, I can keep working hard."

"Um, well..." I started. "You give me courage too, Siesta."

"What do you mean?" Siesta asked, blushing slightly.

"The reason that I'm able to fight for what I believe in is because I have things, and people that I must protect. You are one of them, Siesta. Someone who is dear to me, that I must protect. That is why I have the strength to fight."

At that, Siesta almost seemed to tear up. What's going on? "Well, goodnight Carlton!" She said, bowing hurriedly.

"Goodnight Siesta."

With that she walked off, almost dejectedly. That was weird.

As I was walking back to Louise's room, I was contemplating what could've been going on with Siesta. Then I heard a door open, and saw a certain scantily-clad redhead gazing at me, with a sultry look in her eye.

"Hello, my darling." She said.

Turning on the charm, I decided to use the persona I adopted when I equipped the Ra armour. "Good evening, my Fever."

I saw her rub her thighs together, and let out a slight moan. Damn, I'm good!

"Would you like to spend the night with me, burning up in my passion for you?" Kirche offered.

"As enticing as that may be, I must decline." She gave a slight humph. "You see, my flames have been doused by the cold of the night, and I would never be able to show you my true feelings this night. But, I assure you, my Fever, soon. Very soon." She blushed, and gave off a slight moan. Damn, I'm really good! If only Louise were this easy to sweet talk!

"Very well then. Take care, and remember, my bed is always open, Darling." She said, giving me a peck on the cheek.

"Of course, my Fever."

The next morning, Siesta looked at Louise's window, with a sad look on her face. She gave a slight sigh, and made her way to the carriage waiting outside.

As I was walking with Louise to her class, she stopped abruptly.

"What's going on?" I asked, curious.

"Starting today, you'll be waiting outside with the rest of the familiar spirits." Ehhh?

"What, why?"

"Because you try to look up other girls skirts far too much." Okay, that was fair.

"Ok..."

"Be good until class is over, okay?"

"Understood."

I was sitting against the wall with the rest of the familiar spirits. I was resting my hands behind my head, and staring off lazily into the sky. That was until I felt something give my face a lick. Looking towards it, I saw that it was a large green snake, with blue eyes, and a yellow patch in the middle of its head. It nuzzled up to me, and I stroked its head, smiling. It was actually kinda cute. I did this for a little bit longer, until I heard my stomach growl. "Better get some food. See you later!" I said to the snake, getting up. It rattled its tail at me happily. Normally, I would've been freaked out by it, but when you've gone toe to toe with a raging armoured ox, and worn the armour of the god of the sun, it gives you perspective as to what is truly worth being afraid of.

I eventually found myself in the kitchen, where Marteau treated me to a bowl of stew.

"Aahhh... Good as always Marteau!"

"Ha! Anything for Our Sword!" Marteau said, smiling.

Looking around, and noticing a black-haired maid missing, I decided to ask, "By the way, where's Siesta?"

Marteau's face morphed into one of confusion.

"Well, she isn't a cook, so it makes sense that she wouldn't be here all the time." I thought aloud.

"Wait, you didn't hear about it from Siesta?"

Now my face morphed into one of confusion, "Hear what?"

"She quit working at the academy. She had to leave to go and serve Count Mott. She left by carriage this morning."

"EH? She never told me that! Why would she leave?"

"In the end, peasants have to listen to nobles. That's how it works." Marteau said, a bit sad. "Anyway, off to work." He went back and continued preparing meals.

Why wouldn't Siesta tell me that? My mind flashed back to her smiling face from yesterday.

"Count Mott is an imperial messenger, so he sometimes comes to the academy to deliver notices from the palace," Louise explained as she brushed her hair. "But he's really bossy, and not a nice person. I don't like him."

"But why would Siesta have to go off and serve such an important person?" I said, cleaning the inside of the windows. I had a sneaking suspicion in my gut, but I prayed that I was just overthinking it, and this world was past that point.

At this point, Derf slid out of his sheath, and piped up, saying, "When a noble appoints a young maid by name, it's usually to make her his mistress. I'm surprised you didn't know that."

My cloth dropped to the floor, and a dark aura filled the room.

"Make her his WHAT!?" I shouted.

Louise tensed up, and looked at me in fright. Even Derf was silent. I didn't care. My rage was past boiling point. I was so angry I was willing to burn the world.

"Louise." I said.

"Y-yes?"

"How do I find this Count Mott?"

"I don't k-know if t-that's a g-good idea... she's just a maid."

"WHAT?! 'Just a maid'! That maid is the first person in this godforsaken world that treated me with kindness! I would take on anything to get her back! Now tell me how to find Count Mott!"

Louise looked like she was trying to say something, but couldn't, as she was so scared. I decided to tone down my anger, allowing the dark aura that was filling the room to recede.

"Sorry about that Louise. I'm not really mad at you. But I don't appreciate you calling my friend 'just a maid'."

"I'm sorry as well. It may have been somewhat insensitive to call her as such." Louise said, regaining her composure, now that the crushing pressure was lifted.

It was definitely more than somewhat insensitive, but I decided to let it slide, as it was progress on her part.

Regaining my initial demeanour, I asked calmly, "Now Louise, where can I find this Count Mott?"

"Guiche should know. His father is in the military, so he should have connections to the royal messengers."

"Ok."

When Siesta arrived at Count Mott's estate, she saw how huge the house was and openly gaped. This was for one person? That could fit her entire extended family and still have room to spare!

As she went inside, she was met by a group of women, in somewhat revealing maid outfits. These were Mott's other maids/mistresses, and it was their job to make sure that Siesta would fit in to her new role comfortably. Well, as comfortably as one could when working for that lecherous scumbag. They gave her a dress to wear, and tried to cheer her up by describing the benefits that the job brings. But Siesta's thoughts drifted to a certain familiar, who openly disclosed how much he cared for her. 'Carlton...' she thought sadly.

Since it was mid-evening, there were no classes, and students were free to hang out in the common areas. I knew Guiche would be at one of them, and thankfully, it was the first place I checked, although the scene I came across really didn't help my mood.

"Ah! A brooch made of mythril! How wonderful!" Montmorency gushed over the item.

"Don't you think it would look good on you?" Guiche asked, turning on the charm.

Looking at him, Montmorency asked, "Is this a way to try and get me to forgive you for your actions?"

"Of course not. Don't tell me you believe that vulgar familiar's- eep!" Guiche gasped, as the killer intent in front of him spiked.

Letting loose my rage once more, but reining it in a bit, I glared at Guiche, saying "Well, sorry for being vulgar."

Jumping up, Guiche put his hands up defensively, stuttering out "N-not at all, Sir Carlton!" He had a serious look of 'Please don't fight me' on his face, so I decided not to let loose on him. I'll save that for Mott.

"Moving on, I have a question for you Guiche. Where can I find Count Mott?"

Guiche was very happy to give me directions after that, and even an estimated time of arrival. How polite!

After I'd gotten directions from Guiche, I was outside the front entrance to the school, making sure I had everything I'd need to beat the crap out of Count Mott. Derf, check. Duel disk, check. Angry face, check. The only problem is transport. I wanted to try and minimise my mana usage, so I could really go all out against Mott, but since horseback wasn't an option, I may be forced to summon something in order to make it there in time.

As I was pondering what to summon, a hand tapped my shoulder. Looking to its owner, I saw a familiar pink-haired girl. "Louise? What are you doing?"

"What do you think? I'm going with you!" EH?

"No, you're not."

"Of course I am. It is the job of the master to accompany their familiar."

"Okay Louise, look. From the time I leave, to the time I come back, I'm not your familiar." I said.

"What?! Why not?"

"Because what I'm about to do will get me in a lot of trouble if it fails. If it's known that I'm your familiar, who do you think will be blamed for my actions?"

"Me..."

"Exactly. I may not be your biggest fan, but I'm not going to allow you to be punished for something I chose to do. When I get back, I'll have Siesta, and everything will be fine. Okay?"

Grumbling to herself, she eventually relented. "Okay. Be safe."

"I will, thanks Louise." I said, turning around. I'd finally thought of the best way for me to get to Count Mott's estate. Drawing the card from my duel disk, I summoned 'Expressroid'. A silver bullet train appeared before me. It had cartoonish eyes, and even little arms sticking out of the sides of the front carriage. It was perfect. A low-level monster, so the mana cost is low, and because it's based on a bullet train, it should be able to get to Count Mott's estate very quickly. It's also significantly smaller than real bullet trains, so I shouldn't draw too much attention to myself. Inputting the destination into it, I waved goodbye to Louise, and boarded.

To be completely honest, I significantly underestimated the speed at which Expressroid would travel. Thankfully, it floated, so I didn't have to worry about train tracks, and as a result, just like the MagLev system back home, we were off like a bullet, without friction from the rails to slow us down. We made it to Mott's estate within an hour and a half. I was very happy with that result. Recalling Expressroid into my duel disk, I walked up to the gates to the estate, in as non-threatening a fashion as I possibly could.

When the guards saw me approaching, they crossed their weapons in front of the gate, barring my entry. Fair enough. It was their job.

"Halt! What business do you have here?" One of the guards said.

"My name is Carlton. I am here to speak with Count Mott, about one of his newly hired employees." The guard's eyebrow raised at this. "She's a dear friend of mine, and I was hoping that we could negotiate some terms for her immediate return. She's very important to me, and I'd hate to see her sad."

The guard took note of the way Carlton was speaking. He didn't seem to be lying, and he could tell that he was hiding some serious anger, clearly trying to keep his cool. The guard also knew of Count Mott's reputation with his young maids. He really did hate seeing such young, innocent girls ruined by that lecher, then thrown to the street, but there was nothing he could do. But maybe there was something this Carlton fellow could do...

"I'll show you to Count Mott immediately. Please, follow me." The guard said, turning to walk into the estate. As I followed him, I noticed that all of the rest of the guards were making an effort not to look at me. Cool.

We went inside, and started navigating a network of rooms and corridors. The guard spoke up, asking me, "What exactly are you going to do once you meet Count Mott, may I ask?"

I scoffed slightly. He was making sure that I was actually up for what I was about to do. "I'll ask him how he's treating my friend, and if I find that I'm unhappy with how she's being treated, I will take steps to allow her safe exit from this place."

"And why would you go so far?"

"Because she's my friend. Ever since I got here, I was an outcast, someone who was looked down upon for being different. But when I met her, she brightened my life. She supported me through my difficulty, and was the first person here to show me any semblance of kindness. I'm only able to stand here today because of her."

"Hm..." The guard said, listening to my words. "It seems as though you may wish for her to be more than just your friend."

"Maybe so... but I won't be able to explore that possibility if I leave her to that Count. She'll blame herself, and I won't be able to help her. I'm not going to let that happen, no matter the cost." I said resolutely.

"Hmph!" The guard smiled slightly, clearly impressed by my resolve. "You clearly have what it takes to save this young maid. I just hope we're not too late. Prepare yourself. You probably won't like what you find." At this, the guard went to push open the large double doors that we had reached during our conversation. "Count Mott, sir. You have a visitor!" He flashed me a supportive smile.

Here we go...

A few minutes earlier...

Siesta had been called to Count Mott's personal quarters, and was currently tidying up some of the clutter in the room. She tucked in the chair by the desk, straightened the pictures on the walls, and just did everything she could as a maid. She'd hoped that by showing how good of a maid she was, she may be able to circumvent her fate.

Unfortunately, the lecherous Count had a very one-track mind. "Come now, enough of that, Siesta dear. I'm sure you know that your skills as a maid aren't why I hired you." He said lustfully, walking towards her.

"But Count Mott- ah!" She tried to reason with him, before he grabbed her and started fondling her chest.

"Yes, Siesta... There is another reason why I hired you." He said, continuing to grope her.

Siesta didn't know what to do. She wished that someone would swoop in and rescue her from this situation. This was not how she wanted to lose her purity! 'Carlton, please help me...' she thought, tearing up.

Suddenly the door slammed open, with a voice saying, "Count Mott, sir. You have a visitor!"

"Ugh... what is it now?" Mott said, clearly upset at being interrupted.

I rushed in, and when I saw the position they were in, my rage started boiling over again. My dark aura started seeping out, and I felt every instinct in my body screaming at me to kill Mott for this disgrace.

"Count Mott, what are you doing to Siesta?" I asked.

"That's none of your concern, peasant! Leave this place at once!" Considering how much killing intent I was letting out, he was surprisingly haughty.

"Not until I've said what I have to say." I replied, glaring at Mott. He seemed to flinch a bit at my dark aura, before regaining his composure.

"Fine then. Speak." Huh, that was surprisingly easy (AN: Really not in the mood for a long back and forth here.)

My eyes fell upon Siesta, and when I saw the look in her eyes, everything froze. In her eyes, I saw fear, panic, and most of all, shame. Even in this situation, Siesta feels shame. She didn't ask for any of this, and yet she's the one suffering the most. "Please, Carlton. Don't look..." At this, something snapped within me, and I let loose all of the rage I had been bottling up, bellowing out whilst drawing Derf and pointing it at Mott,

"Count Mott! I, Carlton Johnson, hereby challenge you to a duel! Should you win, I will forget what I have seen here, and leave without any further trouble to you. Should I win, Siesta will be released from your employment of her immediately, and return with me. Do you accept?"

There. I'd managed to make the challenge without killing him.

"No." WHAT? "I have no time for this. Leave now, and I will forget you were ever here." Yeah right.

Smirking, I realised that i just needed a catalyst. I decided on taunting. "Ooohh, I see. You're afraid of getting defeated by a commoner, aren't you?" Mott's face contorted into one of rage, and I knew I had him right where I wanted him. "Very well then, I'll take my leave. But expect everyone in Tristain to be made aware of you cowardice this night." I smirked, turning around to walk away.

"Wait!" Bingo. "You dare threaten me?! Count Mott! You'll have your duel, but don't expect any mercy. I will not forgive this insult! We will duel in the courtyard outside immediately."

"Very well then." I said, calming down slightly.

We found ourselves in the courtyard of Mott's garden, staring each other down. Mott had a magical staff with him, and I had my duel disk activated, with Derf drawn.

"You ready, partner?" Derf asked.

"You bet! Mott! The first person to lose consciousness, or surrender is the loser. Is that acceptable?"

"Yes. Now, let's begin!" Mott said, collecting a ball of water at the tip of his staff. "I'll show you why no one insults the imperial messenger!" He shot a hydro pump at me.

As my grip around Derf tightened, I noticed a warmth on my hand, and a quick glance showed my runes glowing. Turning back to the incoming attack, I ducked under it, rushing at Mott, with Derf at my side. I slashed at him, but he blocked with his staff. I tried a few more slashes, but he managed to block them too. I then decided to go for a feint, swinging Derf at his left shoulder, but as he raised his staff to block, I angled Derf away, to redirect the blade to his now exposed right side. I pressed on with my slash, but he jumped back, with a large slash in the front of his shirt.

This angered him, and she shot small bullets of water at me. I was able to deflect about 60% of them, which was amazing, since I hadn't had any formal sword training, but the rest tore through my shirt, and left lots of cuts all over my body. It actually hurt. Since coming to this world, I'd felt pain sure, but it was a dull, aching pain, usually from an explosion. This was a sharp, stinging pain. Pushing through it, I sprinted forward again, dodging another water gun aimed at me. I jumped up, aiming to finish this fight with an Ittouryoudan. I brought Derf down, but didn't expect him to send a tidal surge at me from underground. Since I was in midair, I wasn't able to dodge well, and ended up having Derf blasted from my grip, and getting flung back several metres, landing on my back.

Now without my sword, I was forced to use magic. I'd wanted to win with just my weapon, so that I could prolong his pain, but it seemed that I wouldn't get the chance. That tidal surge really did a number on me. Standing up slightly shakily, I drew five cards. I didn't even know which. Mott then shot another hydro pump at me. It was more than enough to knock me out, and make me lose Siesta forever.

No...

I can't let that happen...

I won't let that happen!

"RAAAAGGGGHHHH!" I cried out, as the winds around me picked up, forming a small tornado.

Insert BGM - 'Law of the victory' by RIDER CHIPS

"It can't be..." Derf said.

"I won't let you have Siesta!" Once I shouted this, my eyes glowed blue-purple, and the tornado around me tripled in size, and it gained a deep purple colour, with blue highlights.

"Take hold of the wind, partner!" I heard Derf shout.

I reached my hand out, and particles started forming into it, in the shape of a... card?

On pure instinct, I shouted out, "Skill Activate! Storm Access!"

With that, the tornado dispersed, negating Mott's attack. "What!?" He cried out.

After the tornado left, I was just standing there, holding a shining blue card. I couldn't even see what it was, but my body seemed to move on its own. I looked at the cards I drew, and a plan formed in my head, as my mind caught up with my body, and I got a good look at the cards I drew. I smirked, knowing I had this in the bag. I placed one of the card in the trap zone, and continued with my plan.

"I activate Scapegoat!" I shouted, placing the card in one of the spell zones. 4 different coloured floating lambs appeared. Three stayed with me, and one floated over to Siesta. "Now, I activate Token Stampede!" Nothing seemed to happen, but I was preparing for later. "Next, I activate the Field spell, Cynet Universe!" As I placed that card into the field zone, shining hexagonal patterns appeared in the sky, and I felt power emanating from them. Taking a glance at Mott, I saw that he was charging up another huge attack, but was dumbfounded by what happened in the sky. Utilising that chance, I raised my hand to the sky, calling out,

"Appear now! The circuit that connects to the future!" An electric current flew from my hand, and formed a square in the sky, rotated 45 degrees, with black triangles at each of the corners, and at the midpoints of the sides of the square. "The summoning conditions are three effect monsters! I set my three Sheep Tokens in the Link Markers!" The three tokens turned into tornadoes of their colour, before flying into the topmost arrow, and the arrows on either side of the bottom arrow.

"Link Summon! Link-3! He who rewrites destiny with a slash of his dark sword! Come forth! Decode Talker!" I shouted, placing the card on my duel disk. The glowing square then moved downwards, falling on top of me, and passing over me. I started glowing, and navy blue armour with gold trimmings appeared around me, and floated onto my body. A golden sword hilt appeared in my hand, and when I grabbed it, a purple plasma blade extended from it. Again, I'd transformed into a monster! Awesome!

Putting those thoughts aside for now, I remembered the task at hand. Beating the crap out of Mott for making Siesta sad. I activated the final card in my hand, 'Heated Heart', and my sword started flaming. I raised it up, and let the light from Cynet Universe power it up more, causing it to grow larger. I jumped high, shouting out, "This is the end, Mott!"

"I don't think so! Take this, peasant!" He said, shooting a colossal blast of water at me. He must have been charging that for a while.

I smirked. "Trap, activate! Magic Cylinder!" Two large barrels appeared in front of me, one of them absorbing the large attack, and the other shooting the same attack out, back at Mott. I saw him blanche as the tidal surge headed towards him. It collided with him, but I saw that he was still standing afterwards. I guess he must have some kind of resistance to water magic. He looked like he wanted to say something, but was panting hard. This was my chance!

I started falling towards him, my sword in hand. Everything came down to this strike. No matter what, one of us was losing after this attack. I just hoped it wouldn't be me. I pushed all of my magic into my sword, and cried out at the top of my lungs, "Take this! Decoooooode..." I raised my sword behind my head, and willed all of my power to go into it.

"EEEEEEND!"

End BGM

I brought my sword down onto him, with as much force as I could possibly muster. When it hit the ground, there was a line of explosions of dirt, and I was sent flying, knocking me out of my armour, and almost out cold. 'Almost' being the operative word. I got up, willing myself not to lose consciousness, and managed to stand straight. By the time I'd done that, the dirt had settled down, and Mott was lying there on the ground. He was bloodied and bruised, and definitely couldn't fight anymore. Yet he still tried to stand.

"Face it Mott! You've lost this duel! Siesta is returning with me immediately!" I shouted, discreetly touching my duel disk.

"This... this will not stand! Guards, seize him!" Mott ordered. Great.

I immediately got dogpiled by a group of at least 10 guards, all of them laying into me. I was so tired, I couldn't even defend myself. They were all on top of me. So heavy... I was on the verge of passing out...

When I suddenly got a telepathic message from my last Sheep token. It was a live feed of Mott and Siesta.

"Come now Siesta. Let us return to what we were doing."

"Bu-but Carlton won! You couldn't fight anymore!"

"I have no clue what you're talking about. See for yourself." The sheep token looked, and sure enough, most of Mott's injuries were healed. The bastard must have used healing water magic on himself. "Anyway, let us be going. My guards shall take care of that nuisance, permanently." He grabbed Siesta, and started dragging her. She tried to resist, shouting, "NO! Help me! Carlton!" The sheep token looked at her face, and I saw the same panic, the same fear, and the same shame as before, and something snapped in me once more.

The sheep token headbutted Mott, since Carlton had changed it to attack position on the down-low. It was actually able to knock Mott to the floor, causing him to hold his likely broken nose, and scream out. "Insolent beast! Do you know what you-"

There was an explosion.

Mott wasn't facing it, but he was slightly dazed by his broken nose, and assumed it was of little importance.

It wasn't.

"Mott."

This got Mott to turn around, and what he saw put a look of complete and utter terror on his face. Carlton was standing there, his clothes in tatters from the attacks from his guards. But something was different. He no longer had that same noble resolve that Mott hated so much. In the place of it was pure, unfiltered malice. His eyes were glowing solid purple, his teeth seemed slightly sharper, and his dark aura was exploding out of him. Small dark clouds surrounded his hands, and his expression wasn't just the anger of a person who's friend was wronged. This was the anger of a person who'd nearly lost one of the most important people to him.

Suffice to say,

He. Was. Pissed.

The Dark Pharaoh had awoken.

Hey guys!

I was originally planning on having the Dark Pharaoh both debut and kick Mott's ass this chapter, but then, as I was writing it, I decided to put in the Storm Access skill as well, so I thought it may be a bit much for just one chapter.

Anyway, next chapter, we have the Dark Pharaoh unleashing all of his anger on Mott, and a pleasant surprise for him as well after the inevitable beatdown he lays into Mott.

Also, this thing where Carlton equips the armour of a monster rather than summoning it will be explained more later. I'm playing around with ideas for names, but what do you think of 'Spirit Summon'? I'm wondering If I'll include monster type in the chant, like for Ra, it would just be 'Spirit Summon!', but for Decode Talker, it would be 'Spirit Link Summon!' or 'Link Spirit Summon!' I'll have to decide.

Anyway, let me know what you think in those reviews, and I'll see you next time!

Next chapter: Rage of the Pharaoh