Shadowchasers: Conspiracy

by 0ccam's Razor

A fanfic of the Shadowchasers by Cyber Commander. Odd things are happening, and Shadowchasers all over the world are encountering criminals with strange and peculiar goals. Is a conspiracy afoot, or is some deeper plot in the works?

39. The House of Stone and Light

Before we go further, I would like to remind everyone that we are still using the September 2014 Forbidden/Limited List.

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Now, you may be asking, "It's just a cave, what's the problem?" I will elaborate.

Seneca Caverns is a cave system that has been open to the public for about a hundred years, and while it has at least thirteen levels and is well over 200 feet deep, only the upper seven levels are open to the public. The vast groundwater system floods the lower levels, making levels below the seventh inaccessible except in very dry years, when levels as low as the twelfth have become accessible. The water has never subsided past there, so the thirteenth and lower levels remain unexplored.

Now, most Mundane authorities won't bother spending resources for exploring a submerged cavern, as they believe there's probably nothing down there but mud. The Shadowchasers know there can and often is something lurking in unexplored caves, but Seneca is only one of many such caverns on a long list of them.

As a result, they had no idea what was down there. It was the perfect place to hide something you didn't want anyone to find…

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Chapter Thirty-Eight

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The House of Stone and Light

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Darkness.

Utter, complete, and total darkness. You could hold your hand inches from your face and not see it.

That's all Francis saw as he sat up, holding his head, darkness. He felt a chill, and heard the steady dripping sound of water.

"Ugh, okay, where did the Easter Island statue come from?" he groaned. "Eden? Eden where are you?"

He got his answer quicker than he'd have liked, startled by seeing Eden's very recognizable eyes open right in front of him. "I – I'm here," she said quickly.

A match was struck as he stood up. Eden had taken it from a pocket where she kept cigarettes and gum, and had discarded three damp ones before this one lit. The small light showed Francis' D-Wheel parked nearby in the dark, cold, and wet cave they were in, but not much else.

"Don't panic," he said. He leaned over the D-Wheel and hit the left seat compartment with the callused part of his hand, and it popped open. As a bonus, the dashboard lit up as he did so. "I have something we can use in here. Be Prepared, as the Boy Scouts say."

Of course, the emergency kit he had didn't exactly prepare him for cave exploration, but at least it included a flashlight with new batteries. He turned it on, flooding more light into the cavern, then looked around. Oddly enough, this seemed to be a natural cavern that had some crude artificial alterations made to it. The large room had clearly been used before, as he saw some old remains of campfires, some bits of metal, and –

"Ugh," said Eden. "Figures." He had just shone the flashlight on some bones and skulls.

Francis started to fiddle with the communication device on his Disk, which was still mounted on the D-Wheel. "We're below ground," said Eden, "I doubt you'll get a signal."

"Our calling plan has quite a few optional extras," replied the Shadowchaser. "Karl, you there? Z? Jabels?" There was a lot of static and some weak sounds, but nothing comprehensible.

"But maybe not the best." He turned the flashlight towards the exit of the cavern, a slightly upsloping passage. It seemed the only way to go. He tapped a switch on the D-Wheel, jettisoning the Duel Disk.

"Eden, I'm going to be blunt here," he said. He wiped his brow. "I have no idea where we are, and no idea if anyone else does, I'm no spelunker, we don't have much in the way of gear or supplies, and we're on our own. However, I think whoever brought us here might be that way, so we just have to find him, and make him let us out."

"You sure you can do that?" she asked.

"Actually, I'm kinda optimistic," he said with a nod. "Hold this, gonna let you in on a secret."

He gave her the flashlight and rolled his sleeves up, revealing those two tattoos, which had – well, changed a little. The dark elven maiden was starting to look tired and sad, the lunar orb above her having changed to a half moon. Her light counterpart on his other arm wasn't smiling anymore, she was looking at her dark twin with a powerful, confident, fearless expression.

"These gals are a gift from someone I met in Norway who knows about runic magic, and they act as a focus for a special fighting technique called the hamrammr."

"Battle rage?" gasped Eden. "The berserk?"

"You got it!" he said with a short laugh. "I just have to 'charge' it a little, about an hour, before I can do it."

"That's why you've been sweating so much on the way here?"

He nodded, and fit the Duel Disk on his right arm. "In about twenty minutes it should be fully charged, and I should be able to flatten whoever took us here – or Oswald, if he decides to show his face, or if it is him. Come on!"

Actually, I doubt its him, she thought, as they started to walk up the passage. Still, this did make her a little more hopeful. A little.

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Copek. It was the middle of the night now. Nobody was there, only the security system watching the place, and whether it was doing so well was questionable. The odd Pan Dimensional Homing Device still sat in the office, even as the door opened, silently.

Damned Magician Girl looked at it. She stopped, then put her hand over her chest. Yes, her heart was still beating. She looked at her watch with her other hand, and timed the beats.

Sixty per minute, to the split second. Of course, she never expected him to change his mind, but it helped to check. She was still "on the clock", and when it ran down, he'd pull the plug, on the clock, and on her. It wasn't a pleasant thought,

She had only been "on the clock" now for just under two days, which meant, theoretically, she had twelve days left. In theory, that is. If she got too self-confident and procrastinated, he'd fast-forward it just like he had with Bonnie; she had witnessed the deaths of many overconfident newbies who assumed they had time to spare.

She looked at the item she had brought, a DVD in a case.

Might as well try, she thought.

She kneeled over the device, and turned it on.

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"Okay, that certainly doesn't look friendly."

There was no doubt about it, this cavern they had entered was completely man-made. It had some dim illumination, possibly luminescent stones or moss. But Francis was more concerned about the occupant, a statue in the center.

It looked sort of like that statue that had grabbed them, but smaller – hard to tell, because they had only seen it briefly – the same statue of a tall man with an oblong face and four long arms, but now they could see the rather alien-looking thing clearly. The torso seemed to be covered by an insect-like exoskeleton, and the arms were also segmented and insect like, with sharp claws. And it seemed to be looking for a fight now. The upper arms held a book in the right hand and a scepter in the left, while its lower two arms leaned with its hands on the hilt of an axe that was pointed down, resting on the floor. All three weapons were of an exotic, inhuman design. Its middle arms had free hands, palms forward, in front of its chest. It was about ten feet tall and four wide.

Francis looked up at it curiously.

"Ere? Oo are you?" it said.

Francis' hand tightened on the hilt of his sword.

"It talks?" he asked.

"WHHOOO are you?" demanded the statue, in a deeper voice it's mouth not moving at all.

"Lovely, a talking statue," he said.

"No, I am the talking statue," answered the idol, "which makes you the liar."

"Hey, hey, wait a minute here…" started Francis.

"Statisticize," it said.

"Say what?" he asked.

"Statisticize," it repeated.

"Uh, I don't follow," said Francis.

"Statisticize," it said again. "It means to quote statistics."

"Uhm, I don't think that's a real word –"

"Yes it is. Are you trying to distract me from the fact that you are a demon?"

"Demon?" said Francis, trying hard not to laugh. He turned back to Eden. "This big talking rock thinks we're demons."

"I know that 80% of demons are more likely to change the subject than admit their deception," said the idol.

"What?" asked Francis.

"The lies that demons tell," it said. "Now stop avoiding the subject. Statisticize now or I shall be forced to remove you and your companion."

"Remove?" he asked. "What do you –"

"Let me clarify," it said. "You shall be tied to a stake and burned."

Suddenly Francis started to see this thing as more dangerous than he had initially thought. A quick glance at his left arm showed the dark elf sitting down and almost asleep, with the moon above her was only a crescent.

About fifteen minutes more, he thought.

"Go on…" whispered Eden. "Bullshit him…"

"Uhm," said the Shadowchaser. "Think, Francis, think –"

"You have ten seconds," said the idol.

"Uh…" said the Shadowchaser. "Uhm… 64% of deaths in automobile accidents were the result of the victim not wearing a seat belt!"

That was the first one that came to mind. He didn't even know if it was up to date or not, but it was hard to think up a statistic on such short notice.

The idol didn't talk for a minute or two, as Francis and Eden waited.

"Interesting," it finally said. "I did not know that. See, you learn something new every day."

"So now do you believe we aren't demons?" asked Eden.

"Yes," said the idol. "Demons can't properly quote statistics; they're too stupid, and they can only pretend to understand them."

"Couldn't they just make them up?" asked Francis. "You know, lie? You said they were liars."

"Impossible," replied the being. "Statistics are truths, and what demons say is always false."

"This is so stupid," sighed Eden.

"Of those who claim others act stupid, 92% of them are 87% more likely to suffer from feelings of inadequacy with a 13% chance of homicidal tendencies and 27% chance of suicidal tendencies."

"This guy is lost," said Francis.

"Lost?" it said. "I am not lost… I am a spiritual extension created from the knowledge stored within Memory Crystal Beta, which is stored in this complex."

"Okay, now we're getting somewhere," said the Shadowchaser. "I'm guessing being alone here gave you serious cabin fever. Look, we can't just –"

"Francis, we can't leave here without that," whispered Eden. "Those, uhm, people who were chasing me need it and I have to get them first."

"Silence!" it said. "If you wish to claim the object you seek, then I, as the Custodian of this complex, will am instructed to relinquish it to any willing to partake in a life-or-death game of Duel Monsters to gain it –"

"Well, why didn't you say so?" asked Francis. He lifted his arm, as if to activate his Disk. "This I can –"

"– with special house rules," it added.

"Oh, brother," said Francis.

As the idol continued talking, a large replica of a Field Spell Card appeared over its face. "This is the Dark Labyrinth Field Spell, a sympathetic representation of this complex. For the purposes of this duel, it will activate on the first turn, and from that instant, any attempts you make to destroy, displace, or otherwise remove it will fail automatically." The card faded away, and it went on. "The structure you are now in consists of eight chambers. Each round you inflict damage and/or destroy and opposing monster will grant passage to the next."

"Meaning a minimal time limit?" he asked. "I can do that."

"Should you spend more than two of your turns in the same chamber," it continued, "you will be removed from it."

"Wait, removed, uh," started Francis.

"I think he already covered that," sighed Eden.

"As of right now, 77% of mortal beings have less than a 13% survival rate," it said. "So far I don't hold out much hope for your species."

"You know," said Eden, "you can use statistics to prove anything, no matter how absurd it is. I think 16% of all people know that."

"Touché," it said.

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As the clock edged past midnight, the Golden Tap was a beacon of activity on an otherwise drab and dull night. Even more so tonight, in fact. An appearance of Maddie Webber was certain to test the occupancy limits of the nightclub, and she wasn't even the only celebrity here among the nocturnal Shadows.

While the music blared even louder than usual, only one member of the Determined was in the secret meeting hall. Nights like this were the best times for Dram to get his work done, being a darkness-dwelling Shadowchaser and Shadowjack; the others tended to stay away when the place was this active, and most of his living targets were asleep in the early hours.

As he typed on his laptop, he was still distracted by Memory Crystal Alpha; none of them were really used to it being there, after all. There had been some debate as to whether it was truly intelligent or not.

He sipped from a cup of coffee and turned towards it. He shrugged, and then smirked at it.

Then its eyes opened. The light from within illuminated the whole room.

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Francis did activate his Disk now, while looking at his, well, it was very hard to call this thing an "opponent".

"Can't believe I'm dueling a hunk of rock," he said, under his breath. Or so he thought.

"The rock I am made of is 1,534% more durable than flesh, mortal," it said. Five dark shapes appeared over it, and turned into cards. "I will give you the option of taking the first or second turn."

"Okay, okay, pushy are we?" replied the Shadowchaser. "I'll go first then. Draw!"

(Francis: 8,000) - - - - - - - - - - (Custodian: 8,000)

Ooh, haven't had a chance to use her yet, he thought. "I summon Draconic Prophet of Sunnis."

There was a slight tremor, and the ground split, causing a tall female to pull herself free from the stone. Like the Prophets of Chan and Zaamun Rul, her face was covered by a mask without any features, but with this one, her hair was short and her ears slightly pointed. Her long-sleeved blouse had a slight midriff, and she wore dun-colored trousers with no shoes. (1,800 ATK)

"And because she's an Earth monster, I'll follow up with Mythic Water Dragon."

He placed the card on his Disk widthwise, and a glob of water poured out from the same crack, slowly shifting and undulating until it assumed a dragon-like shape. (2,000 DEF)

Two reversed cards appeared behind the monsters. "I'll set these, and it's your go, rock-pile."

"Such lowbrow insults," said the creature. It produced a sixth card. "During each of my Standby Phases, I can use the effect of my Dark Labyrinth to select three cards from my deck consisting of a Normal Monster, Normal Trap Card, and Normal Spell Card. Then I banish them."

"O-kay," said Francis. "I'd ask why, but –"

"You will find out soon," it said. Three cards appeared above, then quickly flashed out of existence.

That's kind of the reason I didn't ask, thought Francis.

"I summon Cretan Monolith."

As one of the cards from its hand faded away, there was a louder, more intense rumble, and a very different statue on a pedestal rose in front of it. It was an odd-looking sculpture of a Fiend with a ram-like head, a gaunt torso, goat-like legs, and long pole-ax held in both hands. On its chest was etched a crest with a fleur-de-lis on it. Oddly, it had no face. (1,000 ATK)

It was, of course, the crest of the mysterious lost Shantari Empire, but Francis had no way of knowing that. Eden, however, shivered as she looked at it and crossed her arms, as if trying to keep warm.

"Calm down, this is nothing," assured Francis.

"True, this monster is little more than an unmoving piece of stone," added the Custodian, "but then, so is the immobile and solid Labyrinth Wall, and this card's effect causes it to assume that monster's name. Meaning I can use the Equip Spell Magical Labyrinth."

He's not going to, thought Francis, watching his foe use the card.

"I sacrifice this monster to summon, from my deck, Wall Shadow."

He did, thought Francis.

Still, what happened was a little offsetting. A large, fiendish claw rose from the floor, seizing the statue and dragging it underground. Then, the huge, ugly Warrior (how it had been assigned that designation, Francis didn't know, nor did he know anyone who could explain it) with green, slimy flesh, dagger-sized claws, and a cluster of tiny, beady eyes on its horse-shaped, fanged face. (3,000 DEF)

There was a splat sound, and three of its cards were set behind it. "It is your move."

As Francis lifted his hand to draw, it interrupted. "I will remind you, this is your second turn, and this is still the first chamber."

Francis' hand stopped in mid-draw. "Wait," he said. "You –"

The cavern shook with very loud slamming noise. He and Eden turned their heads – of course, the way back was now blocked. "Great."

"About 73% of those who come here and choose the first turn don't realize the disadvantage inherent in that choice until now," said the statue. "Of those, 52% regret the choice, and 43%, in their own retrospect, had reason to regret it."

"Don't panic, Eden, I got this," said Francis. He finished the draw, "I'm using Trade-In, and discarding this card," he chucked his copy of Armed Protector Dragon, "to draw twice." As he made the two draws, he looked briefly at his hand, comparing them to the two new ones, then discarded one, causing Draconic Prophet of Sunnis to lift her hands and start chanting. "I'll discard Exploder Dragon to use Prophet's ability, and regain Armed Protector Dragon." Prophet folded her hands as the card flew from the ground in front of her, to Francis' hand.

"Next, I'll use the Dragon's Obol, a little accessory I can use with Prophet, to summon Armed Protector with no sacrifice, so long as I boost him with it."

Prophet continued to chant as the Dragon that appeared, this one standing upright. It had a metallic-blue hide, with short, stubby arms, short wings that looked like tattered feathers, and a very long, meaty tail. (2,000 ATK) Then the odd tiara appeared on its forehead.

"Armed Protector's effect cranks him up 500 points for every Equip Spell." (2,500 ATK)

One of his set cards opened. "Then I can use Castle of Dragon Souls, and banish Mythic Water Dragon to charge him even further!" (3,200 ATK)

"Let 'im have it!"

Protector opened its jaws, and electricity crackled. Without making a sound, at first, the statue's left eye twinkled, and one of the three set cards activated.

"I use D2 Shield," it said. "It doubles the Defense Score of my defending monster."

"Double?" gasped Francis.

"Need I define the term?" asked the Custodian. Wall Shadow also doubled in size, it's Score increasing to 6,000. "But it won't be defending in a few seconds. I also activate Inverse Universe and Gamushara." The other Traps lifted up. "The first switches the Attack and Defense Scores of both our monsters, while the second moves my monster to Attack Mode to meet your monster's attack."

Wall Shadow sat up, unfolding its arms, and growing to four times it's already increased size. (6,000 ATK) Meanwhile, Armed Protector fell to 2,800.

"Holy shit –" whispered Francis.

Then he felt like he was slugged in the face by a fist made of iron. His monster was blown to pieces, and he fell backwards, twisting aside to take the blow on his shoulder. Even so, it hurt.

(F: 2,800) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 8,000)

"I'm starting to think I wasn't panicked enough," quipped Eden.

"Quiet," replied Francis, who was obviously more than a little upset.

"As you can plainly see," said the idol, "Gamushara also reduces your Life Points by your monster's base Attack Score. Unfortunately, I believe I may have to update those last statistics I made very soon…"

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As this was happening, Karl was driving at full speed in the direction of Flat Rock, with SAL plugged into the Shadowchasers' private channel and several local ones.

"Rayearth, how's progress going?" he asked.

"When there is progress, you will know of it." The Incantifer's smoky drawl voice came through the connection perfectly, easily getting her irritation across. "But if you prefer expedience over safety, I may teleport you down there now."

Before Karl could answer, SAL interrupted. "Karl, before you say something you regret which might lead to her assuming your answer is in the affirmative, I should remind you exactly why it's taking so long."

That was a very, very valid concern. Most smart and sane wizards wouldn't teleport into an area he or she could not see or never had seen in the past. You could wind up in enemy territory, or somewhere with dangerous hazards, or hostile predators. And where unexplored caves were involved, it was almost suicidal; it was even possible to arrive where a solid object was, in which case you'd likely be killed.

"I recommend you clam up."

"Amusing that technology continually proves to be smarter than its wielders," Rayearth mocked airily. "As teleporting blind is for fools, the only immediate option is to turn you into a rock lizard and let you climb down on your own. If this is appealing to you, interrupt me again."

Karl let out his breath as she hung up. Glad to know some things haven't changed much, he thought.

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"I wouldn't count on it, tons of fun," said Francis. He made a mighty heave with the arm he had landed on, propelling himself to his feet.

"First of all, my monster had Dragon's Obol, so I get to take two," he said, and snatched two cards from his deck. "Now I can use Call of the Haunted to summon Exploder Dragon!"

The Trap Card lifted, and a small, greyish Dragon flew out, clutching a spiked sphere in its forelegs. It flew towards the much larger Wall Shadow and dropped it, incinerating both monsters with a loud BOOM! Rubble scattered all over the floor.

"So, statistically speaking, what were the chances that would happen?"

No answer.

"Suit yourself. I'm not done with you yet."

Draconic Prophet of Sunnis lifted her arms, her palms glowing. Rocks tore out of the stone floor and flew at the Custodian, bombarding it with a direct attack.

(F: 2,800) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 6,200)

It's still my turn, so I use the Spell Card, Sacred Sword of Seven Stars!"

He hurled a card out in front of him – Redox's card – and it enlarged to almost the size he was, and a long cutlass with seven jewels, every color of the spectrum, appeared in his other hand. With a fast, clean, diagonal swipe, he swung and cut the card in two, its pieces fading quickly.

"By banishing a Level 7 monster, I get to draw twice, and because that was Redox, his third effect activates, and I get another Earth Dragon from my deck."

He made the two draws, with a third card, Mythic Tree Dragon, slipping from the deck with them.

"And I'll end there."

"Then as per the rules of our duel, you may proceed," it said, "but be warned, it only gets worse from here."

Then it disappeared, and with a loud rumble, a stone door on the opposite wall started to open. Redox grunted curiously.

"Ew, I believe him," said Francis, as they smelled something bad from the inside. "Come on!"

Prophet of Sunnis nodded to Mythic Water Dragon, and the beast grunted, then submerged, diving into the stone, which appeared oddly fluid for a moment. Prophet ran through the door, into the darkness. Francis and Eden followed, down a long, dark corridor, with Francis unfastening the buttons on his shirt as he did so and tossing it aside.

The moon was fully eclipsed, the dark elf underneath collapsed on the ground, asleep, while the golden elf was now clad in shining elven chain mail holding a burning sword, her now-golden wings spread triumphantly.

The hour was passed, and he could do it now, enter berserk any time he wanted; not that this was necessarily a good thing.

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Damned Magician Girl dropped the DVD, and fell against the wall, sliding down as she did, sobbing and covering her face with her hands.

What have I done? she thought. Dear God, what have I done?

She sobbed, coughed, and then peaked thought her hands. He was gone.

The summoning had worked perfectly. She had done her job. And yet, never in her life had a success upset her so much.

"Diogenes?" she moaned. "It's done."

She heard the droid's head in her thoughts. Well done, it said. I'll relay the message. For your sake, I hope this works, Beatrice. You don't have much time left.

The voice went away, and she sat in the dark for a few minutes, looking at the Device several times.

What have I become?

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Francis and Eden followed Prophet down the hallway – yes, hallway, it now resembled a man-made corridor more than a tunnel – towards what looked like a door. Well, more like a square-shaped metal slab with an etched picture of a grim reaper on it with a fanged skull.

"So now what?" asked Francis.

The slab slowly slid into the ceiling with a noisy creak. They shrugged, and ran in. Then stopped, very, very quickly.

This dark room had two iron cages hanging from the wall opposite them, with skeletons inside; the walls to the left and right had arched alcoves, each with two more of these cages. There were more bones strewn around on the floor. And there was a stench like offal and rot.

"I really hope those bones are the reason for this stench," said Eden.

Prophet stopped and Mythic Water Dragon surfaced through the floor beside her and the door behind them slammed shut. They glanced backwards momentarily, and when they faced forward again, the Custodian was in front of them again, between the two cages.

(F: 2,800) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 6,200)

"Before the End Phase of your turn comes to a close," said the Custodian, "another effect of Dark Labyrinth comes into effect. By paying 1,000 of my Life Points, I can choose one of the cards I banished last turn, and then in the case of a monster, summon it in Defense Mode, or in the case of a Spell or Trap, set it."

A meandering weave of shadow appeared, and a card flew from it, resting in front of the Custodian, vertical.

"Well, that eliminates one possibility," said Francis.

"Then I draw," said the Custodian, "and once again, I use the first effect of my Field Spell to banish three cards.

Well, this makes no sense whatsoever, thought Francis.

"I set another, then use the Spell Card, Ancient Rules, which enables me to summon a Normal Monster of high Level from my hand. I choose Sengenjin.

Another facedown card joined the first, then there was a guttural growl and a savage looking ogre with blue skin, shaggy, red hair, a single eye, and a small arsenal of handheld weapons pounced from the ceiling below. (2,750 ATK)

"Attack Draconic Prophet of Sunnis," it ordered.

The Millennium Ogre brandished a battle-axe in both hands, and hollered in bloodlust as it leapt at the Oracle, who's reply was little more than an "Ugh," as she shattered.

(F: 1,850) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 5,200)

"I doubt your Prophet correctly prophesied that," it said.

"Actually, the Prophets can see their own deaths very well," replied Francis. "And they know what happens afterwards – this."

Then, the whole chamber shook, the skeletons rattling, a skull falling and breaking. Redox burrowed out of the ground, its bellow shaking the whole complex. (3,000 DEF)

"Then I end my turn," said the Custodian, it's tone not changing in the least, "which means, as it was Special Summoned, the Dragon Ruler of Boulders retreats to your hand."

This guy is getting smart, thought the Shadowchaser. Redox heaved a big, rumbling sigh, then disappeared, his card reappearing with his master's two others.

Francis wiped his brow as he drew, casually glancing at the bright tattoo as he did.

"You okay?" asked Eden.

Francis replied by motioning for her to come closer. She leaned her head, and his voice fell to a whisper.

"Eden, one small thing I didn't mention," he said, "nobody by Dugan, Karl, Jalal, and I know this, but – well, I can start it any time I want now," he nodded right, towards the tattoo, "but, about ninety minutes from now, whether I use it or not, well, that's when the downside hits."

It only took a few seconds for her to figure out what the problem was. The hamrammr worked by "storing" energy to use a mystical type of battle rage, and it took a full hour to store enough. But nobody could hold it indefinitely. Once the hour was past, a berserker could "go berserk", so to speak, any time he was still able to hold the rage within, and if he did, he could likely outfight something the size of the Custodian with his bare hands. But after two hours more, whether this stored rage was used or not, he'd no longer be able to contain it; he'd collapse from exhaustion.

Normally, this was a small price to pay for the power needed to fight a small army and win. But – if he used it now, and forced his way past this thing, then what? Falling unconscious when lost in a cave was a death sentence, and they both knew it.

I have to finish this, FAST, he thought. "I'll shift this guy to Attack Mode."

Mythic Water Dragon sat up, ready to strike. (1,000 ATK) "You're going to attack with that?" asked the statue.

"I am in a minute," replied Francis. "I use the Spell Card, Dragon's Heart. I can't Normal Summon this turn, but I can send these Dragons to my Graveyard." He casually palmed three Monster Cards from his deck, Blaster, Eclipse Wyvern, and a Level 3 called Enigma Dragon, then tossed all three. Icy, cold pinpoints of light flickered in Water Dragon's eyes. (2,500 ATK)

"Not only does the Spell Card increase Water Dragon's Score by 1,000 points this turn, Enigma Dragon's effect increases that by 500 points more. It isn't enough, but before I get into that, sending Eclipse Wyvern to the Graveyard activates an effect that banishes a Level 7 or higher Light or Dark monster from my Graveyard." He flipped the card around – Soul Drain Dragon – then placed it in his jeans pocket. "Now I can shore up this line even more when I use another of Redox's useful talents. But to do it, I have to discard it and another Earth monster."

Redox and his Totem Dragon followed the other three, and he snapped his fingers. The floor started to shake again. Blaster, Dragon Ruler of Infernos had come. (2,800 ATK)

"This guy is strong enough, but I'm feeling a little antsy today, so I'll use Castle of Dragon Souls a second time and banish Eclipse Wyvern to juice Water Dragon up 700 points more. Before I forget however, doing that lets me get back that Dragon I banished a moment ago."

(3,200 ATK)

"Impressive," said the being.

"We might see this guy later," said Francis, "but for now, hose it down, Water Dragon!"

Neither he nor Francis wasted any more time, its high pressure stream of water gushing towards Sengenjin. However, in the next instant, both Francis and Eden had to cover their ears. An alarm blared through the room from a totem pole that had suddenly blocked the Dragon's path.

"It's called Command Silencer, mortal," said the Custodian, "and it commands your Dragon to back down. I also get to draw once."

"Feh," grunted the Dragon.

Then Blaster slammed its front claw down. Sengenjin made a confused "Meh?" sound. Then a focused assault of flames from Blaster twice as large as the stream of water reduced Sengenjin to cinders.

"Toasty!" laughed Eden at the pile of ashes that was left where it had stood. "Hi five!" She lifted her hand, and Francis responded in kind, giving it a slap.

(F: 1,850) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 5,150)

"Funny," said the Custodian, clearly not thinking it was amusing. "In any case, you have access to the third chamber now. The odor is more pleasant, but there are far worse things than the air."

The statue seemed to fade away, and there was a mechanical grinding noise. Then the ground underneath them gave way to a sinkhole. Francis and Eden screamed as they plummeted into darkness below…

"GRAB HOLD!" yelled Francis.

They had fallen into Hell. At least, that was what it felt like.

They had somehow fallen on a ledge over a vast chasm, and Francis had barely caught her arm to keep her from falling to her doom into a rushing flow of lava below. He looked down briefly, watching one of the cages with a skeleton inside it that had fallen with them, as it plummeted into the lava.

Fortunately, she wasn't very heavy, and was quickly able to scramble up. Francis turned to the side, and saw a huge, cascading waterfall of lava feeding the flow of it. Whether the odor was, indeed more pleasant or not may have been a matter of personal opinion. (Was the reek of sulfur worse than that of rotting bones? Hard to say.)

She caught her breath and looked down. "And they say LA is dangerous. Well, at least we can see the exit."

Looked over the chasm, and saw a huge, iron door. Of course, getting to it was the big problem, especially seeing the Custodian was beside it.

"That wasn't funny, you oversized paperweight," he shouted.

"I never intended it to be," it replied. Francis' two Dragons descended downwards, flapping their wings as they hovered over the gorge.

"Again, before my turn begins, I use the secondary effect of my Labyrinth," it said. "This time, I will summon a banished monster."

The stone wall behind it started to stir and churn, and then a huge, segmented worm burrowed out. It stretched towards Francis and his charge, letting out a shrill roar with a maw surrounded by foot-long teeth. (1,500 DEF)

Of course, as intimidating as it might have been, Francis had a hard time holding back laughter. "Dungeon Worm?" he asked. "Just how long have you been down here?"

"I draw," it said, ignoring the comment again. "Then I again banish three cards from my deck. Now then, to address your previous assertion that this monster is insignificant I also activate the Continuous Spell Card, Shifting Labyrinth."

Francis squinted to get a good look at this new card, as the creature continued. "This card's effect is usable once per turn, so long as it is within the Dark Labyrinth. If I a have a Normal Monster on the field that is a Material for a Fusion Monster, that also has a Labyrinth Wall as a component, I may sacrifice the one on the field to summon the Fusion Monster in question."

"Wait, wait," started Francis. "Just how many Fusions is that thing in?"

Then the Worm sort of, well, exploded, that was the best word, throwing dirt, rocks, and gravel, and throwing Francis against the wall on the ledge. A different Worm, twice as big, slowly rose from the burrow, one with mandibles instead of the usual teeth. (2,000 ATK)

"I had to ask," he said. The thing darted itself across the chasm and loomed over Mythic Water Dragon, drooling, then struck. There was a nasty CRUNCH as its jaws clasped around its prey.

Oddly enough, the blow wasn't as bad as Francis thought it would, despite the much larger monster having, well, eaten his.

"Fortunately for you, the damage you take from Tunnel Lurker is halved," continued the statue, "but I also am allowed to summon a Normal Monster from my deck that is a lower Level than your Water Dragon."

The ground split again, and a large, hulking statue with blocky limbs and a slab-shaped head with the Eye of Wdjat on the front dug itself free from the ground. (2,200 DEF)

Millennium Golem? thought Francis. This just keeps getting stranger. Then he spoke up. "You also activated the effect of my Enigma Dragon. Because you destroyed the same monster I used its effect on, I get it back." There was a FLIP sound as the card came out of his Graveyard.

"I end my turn," the Custodian continued, "so your Dragon Ruler returns to your hand again."

"That's not always a bad thing," replied the Shadowchaser.

(F: 1,350) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 4,150)

Still, as he lifted his arm to draw, he noticed that a sliver of darkness was starting to appear on the sun over the heroic elf now. She didn't notice, but he did. The dark elf's shadow magic would fully eclipse it when the hour was up, a reminder that he had to hurry.

"Because it's my Standby Phase, and I have no monsters on the field plus Totem Dragon in the Graveyard, I can summon Totem Dragon in Attack Mode."

The little creature that appeared, flapping small wings quickly, hardly looked like a Dragon at all. It was more like a small snake with a mouth on the end. (400 ATK)

"Next, I'll use my Continuous Spell Card, Soul Absorption, which should make this a little more even. Now, this little guy counts as two sacrifices for a Dragon too, by the way. I have to banish it, but Soul Absorption makes that a good thing. So here comes Blaster again."

Totem Dragon turned into colored light, and vanished, and Blaster leapt forward quickly, spouting flames towards the roof above. (2,800 ATK)

"Next I'll banish Exploder and Mythic Water Dragon from my Graveyard to bring out Tidal, Dragon Ruler of Waterfalls!"

Thunder rolled, and Blaster frowned as rain started to fall in the huge cavern as the Dragon of elemental Water lowering from the ceiling far above, making sharp hissing noises as they struck the lava. (2,600 ATK)

"I Overlay both these Dragon Rulers!" he bellowed.

"Summoning an Xyz monster with two opposing elemental Materials?" asked the statue. The Network opened, and Fire and Water became hot Steam as the two Dragons were consumed. "I would normally place the odds for the success of such a feat at roughly 8%."

"Stranger things have happened," answered Eden.

"So factor this gal in," replied Francis. "Meet Prismatic Dragon Ailamere!"

As he had before, the beautiful Dragon with multicolored scales and an oddly gentle face descended, flapping its wide, feathered wings. (2,900 ATK)

"Now, I'll use an Overlay Unit to pull off my ultimate combo. Get ready –"

There was a fierce rush of wind from the center, toppling over three of the huge toadstools as Soul Drain Dragon appeared, much as he did in the Turbo Duel. (4,000 ATK)

"Intriguing technique," said the statue.

"Still got one more part to pull off," said Francis. "From my Graveyard, I banish Enigma Dragon and Redox to summon Blaster again!"

Even fiercer than before, Blaster rose, its flame igniting the cavern's odd underbrush. (2,800 ATK)

"And of course, by banishing Redox, I get another Earth Dragon from my deck. Now let's rock! Blaster, Ailamere, toast those two monsters!"

The two wyrms launched twin blasts of fire and brilliant light at the two monsters, and Tunnel Lurker screamed as it caught fire, crashing into Millennium Golem as it fell and sending both of them plunging into the lava below.

(F: 3,850) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 3,350)

"You're next!" he started. "Soul Drain Dragon, at…" His largest monster started to take a deep breath. "… NO, DON'T STOP!" Soul Drain Dragon calmed down.

"What?" shouted Eden. "You stopped? We would have –"

" – lost," replied Francis. "We have to get to the eight room, remember?"

"Clever," said the Custodian. "You managed to avoid a mistake made by 67% of my adversaries."

"I'm kind of curious, now," said Francis. "Just how many people have tried to get to that Memory Crystal?"

"One-thousand, two hundred and forty-seven," it replied, "although many were defeated using contests of more old-fashioned genres, and not all on this world."

"I could have gone with a broad estimate, you know," said Francis. Now he was really nervous.

"Wait, wait," said Eden. "I think I'm starting to understand this. If you've never met humans before, how can you speak English so well?"

"I know thousands of forms of communication," it replied, "all stored from previous analysis of the beings who I have spoken to. Most were crude demons, and some were greedy thieves. Some were groups made up of beings who claimed to be intellectuals, which made them crude, greedy, and rather pompous."

"This guy should talk," said Francis, under his breath.

"No, it makes sense now," said Eden. "This, uhm, Custodian is a personality built by Memory Crystal Beta, using what its learned from visitors. You were right, it has gotten a bad case of cabin fever while down here."

Francis nodded to her, then turned back to his foe. "I'm done with my turn, big guy. And in case you haven't noticed our scores, the three monsters I banished changed them a little due to my Soul Absorption.

"So bring on the next room."

"As you wish," said the Custodian. It disappeared again as the grinding, shifting noise started, and a drawbridge from the wall it had been in front of started to lower. Francis and Eden moved aside as it slammed down.

Are guardrails ALWAYS too much to ask for? thought Eden. The two carefully started to cross.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Now Sofia truly was asleep, and sleeping soundly. In fact, she was sleeping more soundly than she had in over a year.

Of course, there was a good reason. Philip was holding her.

He was still awake, as not much would make him sleep tonight, exhausted though he was. He was in deep thought, looking into darkness, nothing but the sound of their heartbeats and the occasional wind outside to break the silence.

So much I've missed. So much I've wanted. So many wrong choices.

He looked at her and held her tighter. I don't even know if this choice is right.

He turned his head slowly, and noticed the clock radio out of the corner of his eye. It was 2:34.

In two hours and twenty-six minutes, exactly, he'd have to make a choice again.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

"WOW," said Francis.

"Short, but appropriate," said Eden.

They had entered a large room that looked like an arboretum. Just not with trees. Growing in the cavern were huge mushrooms of every shape and size, from the size of Francis to titanic ones as big as a house.

"Looks like we've got fungus among us," said Francis, looking up.

"Humungous fungus among us!" corrected Eden.

"Is every member of your species this annoying?" asked the statue. Francis turned quickly, and sure enough, it was there, in the middle of the cavern. It was kind of hard to say whether it had been there when they came in, but he was there regardless, as were Francis' three Dragons.

"Oh, no," replied Francis. "We can upgrade from 'annoying' to 'obnoxious' in seconds."

This only elected a sigh – well, it might have sounded like a sigh – from the Custodian.

"Anyway," it continued, "before we come again to my move, Dark Labyrinth's first effect activates, and because you destroyed two of my monsters, I can pay 1,000 Points to select two banished cards. I will set a card, and then summon Monster Tamer."

A set card appeared first, and then a tall, muscular man with tanned skin, and a devilish goatee. He wore a tunic and keffiyeh made of red material that was worn and tattered, and held a bullwhip. (1,600 DEF)

"Never liked that guy," noted Francis.

"Again, I draw, then I use the effect of my Labyrinth to banish three cards."

"That means I gain 1,500 Life Points, you know." He breathed in as invigorating mist flowed from the Soul Absorption card.

Then his Disk beeped with the message, "Draw Two". "He banished Card from a Different Dimension," said Eden, shaking her head. Guess we saw that coming, huh."

"I have also banished three copies of a Spell Card called Contemplation on my previous turns," continued the Custodian. "Which means I can return them to my deck, reshuffle, and then draw twice."

"So where do you keep your deck anyway?" asked Francis. "I always wanted to know where guys like you keep it."

"I use the effect of Shifting Labyrinth a second time," it said.

"And I still don't know," said Francis with a shrug. He watched nervously as Monster Tamer disappeared. At least I'm regaining Points here.

(F: 5,350) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 3,350)

"I summon the Master of Beasts," said the Custodian.

With a loud crash, a much taller, even more muscular humanoid monster leapt from above, crouching as he landed. He had black skin, not African-black, but coal-black, wore a red cloth wrapped around his head that exposed only one eye, and wore leather, studded cestuses. (2,200 ATK)

"You think that scares me?" asked Francis.

"Even if it does not, a full 93% of the duelists who faced this Continuous Spell were terrified of it."

"Terrified" may have been the wrong word, although it was hard not to be uneasy when the notorious Spell Card, one used by Dartz himself, appeared, causing two statues to rise from the floor, statues of two centaurs with the heads missing, holding bows with wickedly-sharp arrows.

"But I won't be using this card right away," continued the Custodian. "First, Master of Beasts will use his effect to raise Millennium Golem from my Graveyard.

The Warrior lifted his palm while looking up, and there was a cracking, rending sound as Golem rose from the ground, kneeling and crossing its arms. (2,200)

"Now, to use the effect of Twin Bow Centaur, I choose one of your monsters and one of mine." Both Centaurs drew their bowstrings, one aiming at Blaster, the other at Golem. "The one it hits is banished, the owner receiving damage equal to its Attack Score."

Francis and Eden watched closely at the two statues, Francis crossing his fingers, but the one pointing at Golem lowered its bow, the other firing, hitting Blaster; the Dragon ruler of Infernos imploded on itself, sucked into nothingness. Francis fell over with a crash from the impact.

"Ugh," he groaned. said Francis. "Don't forget, when a Dragon Ruler is banished, I get another Dragon."

(F: 3,550) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 3,350)

The card was pushed off his deck as he took it, and his foe seemed to be wrapping up his turn, one of his hand cards moving to the surface, where it set. "It is your move."

"Gotcha," said Francis. He drew, and was very prepared now. "I use Cards of Consonance!"

He took Enigma Dragon's card, tossed it, and then made two draws.

"There we go. I use the Spell Card, Dragon Shrine. As he played the card, two long, snaky, phantasmal dragon heads slithered up behind him, two of them holding cards in their jaws. "This Spell sends a Dragon from my deck to the Graveyard –" As he said such, the one on the right snapped up its card like it were a biscuit. "And, because Darkstorm Dragon counts as a Normal Monster in the Graveyard, I also send a second Dragon there." The second serpent obliged, devouring its card, and the four of them retracted.

"Now Ailamere still has one Overlay Unit left, and this time, I'm using it to summon Dragon Ice." He threw a new card on his Disk, causing frozen mist and moisture to congeal into a Dragon with a flat face a muscular torso, human-like arms, and ice-encrusted scales. (1,800 ATK)

Then, he placed Mythic Tree Dragon's card on the Disk next to that one, and a shrub sprouted out of the soil, growing into a shoulder-sized drake made of wood. (100 ATK)

"Mythic Tree Dragon's effect lets its Level become the same as that of a Dragon-Type Water Monster, like Dragon Ice, so now both are Level 5, and I can Overlay them into Savage Dragon Troannaxia!"

The Overlay Network formed over the small mushroom forest, and the Dragons broke into crushed ice and wood shavings, flying into the portal. There was a hoarse cry as a small Dragon with very long claws, a knobbed, armored carapace, and spurs all over its thick armor flew from above, it's rather large wings causing a great wind to blow through the cavern. (1,500 ATK)

"Now let's make a second Overlay!" he announced, as Troannaxia broke up just like the others did. "I use this Dragon to Xyz Summon Gaia Dragon, the Thunder Charger!"

The cavern went dark, and the mighty Gaia triumphantly soared overhead mounted on Curse of Dragon; Gaia was clad in splendid scarlet plate armor, his mount wearing matching barding. (2,600 ATK)

Eden clapped slowly, and Francis smirked. "I have another monster to summon," he continued. "Troannaxia's effect activates when she's used as an Overlay Unit, summoning a Dragon from my Graveyard. Remember this guy?"

The rainstorm started again, and Tidal, Dragon Ruler of Waterfalls reappeared. (2,600 ATK) Then Francis took Golem Dragon from his hand, the one he had gotten with Redox's effect, and flipped it round. "I'll banish this guy and Enigma Dragon to summon Tempest, Dragon Ruler of the Storm."

A furious gale blew through the cave, uprooting the smaller fungus and knocking them over as the emerald green Wind Dragon crashed through behind him. (2,400 ATK)

"Now to take Mr. Ugly over there down. Attack Master of Beasts, Tempest!"

The Storm Dragon spread her wings, and soared towards the Warrior – but then, to Francis' shock, she lost control of her flight, and plummeted, falling through the ground.

"What?" said Francis. "GAH!"

"Your Dragon didn't look where it was going, and stumbled into the Chasm of Spikes," said the Custodian. "Not only is your monster vanquished, you lose 1,200 Life Points.

(F: 2,350) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 3,350)

"Gaia, you attack!" he ordered. "Destroy Master of Beasts with Thunderous Spiral Spear Strike!"

"Not a very fast learner, are you?" asked the statue. Anther Trap opened. "I use Chaos Barrier Field. This card halts your Knight's attack, and then compels Soul Drain Dragon to attack your weakest monster."

An eerie, ominous hum came from the card, and Tidal appeared in front of it; Soul Drain Dragon's purging light hit him, blowing him to minute bits as Francis fell on his behind again.

"Less than a thousand of your Life Points remain."

This guy just set the difficulty up from Medium to Hard, thought Eden.

Francis got to his feet, rising slowly, and with an odd calmness. He looked at the Custodian with a long, hard look.

"I set one card facedown and end my turn," he said, in a voice that seemed to be a tone lower and much more serious.

(F: 950) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 3,350)

"Uh, Eden, just so you know, if that thing hits us this time, I lose."

"Can I do anything?" she asked.

"Yeah, pray," he replied.

He wasn't watching, but she actually seemed to take that advice, clasping her hands in front of her and softly saying something in an old language.

The Custodian drew, banishing three more of his cards. Then Master of Beasts repeated his trick, and Dungeon Worm rose by his other side, defending. (1,500 DEF) This time, the left bowman aimed at Worm, while the right one aimed at Soul Drain Dragon. Francis grit his teeth hard. Eden still prayed.

This time, however, he was surprised to see the left one fire, though the Worm, eradicating it.

"Heh, nice shot," remarked Eden. She opened her eyes...

"Quiet," said the statue. "You were may have been lucky then, but I'm still in control of this duel. I'll set one card, and dispose of it and Twin Bow Centaur using Emergency Provisions."

The two cards turned to crimson orbs and were absorbed into the stone carving. Then, the Custodian set two more cards in front of it.

"To end my turn, I move Master of Beasts to Defense Mode, then summon La Jinn the Mystical Genie of the Lamp."

First, the hulking Warrior crouched and crossed his arms. (1,600 DEF) Then, there was a throaty laugh as the genie appeared in sparkling, mystical smoke. (1,800 ATK)

"It is your move."

(F: 2,950) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 3,550)

"Man, my Life Points go up and down so much I should change my name to Yo-Yo," said Francis. He wiped more sweat from his brow, and pulled a card from his deck.

"Remember the rules of our duel, warrior," said the statue, interrupting him.

"Yeah, yeah, I remember," replied Francis, "if I fudge this turn, I'm history. I activate Dragoncarnation."

The Trap he had set last turn lifted, and a ball of flame flew out of the card. "This lets me get a banished Dragon back. Bet you can guess who it is." The fireball flew to his hand, turning into Blaster's card right before he caught it. "You remember how this guy works, right?" He discarded Blaster's card and Masked Dragon, sending the burning column of fire towards Master of Beasts, hitting him and incinerating him.

"Looks like he just got a little hot under the collar. Now I'll banish him again along with Masked Dragon, to summon Tempest again."

"Looks like those guys are getting angry," said Eden. Tempest did look pretty upset as it rose from the ground. (2,400 ATK)

"Yeah, you'd be in a bad mood too after being killed and brought back to life twice each in the past hour," said Francis, with a shrug. "Soul Drain Dragon, smash that genie! Mega Soul Blast!"

Again, the large Dragon started to take a deep breath, only to roar in pure rage as energy chains ripped out of the ground, tying it up.

Francis turned and looked at the now-activated Trap Card. "What? Fusion Trench?"

"This Continuous Trap prevents all monsters except Fusions from attacking," it said. "You were indeed fortunate to use that Blaster's effect instead of summoning it."

Francis didn't respond. He took a breath that sounded heaving, then he set one more of his cards, looked up, and nodded.

"If that means you end your turn, young warrior, I must say, your struggle is commendable. You are now one of only five percent of challengers to make it as far as you have. Via the effect of my Labyrinth, I summon Temple of Skulls."

The card it was using was an old, outdated, and rather weak monster, but that didn't make what happened any less unsettling. The Custodian and La Jinn disappeared again, and huge bones started to grow out of the ground at the opposite end, bending, breaking, and twisting, piecing themselves into a building.

A giant fanged skull opened its mandibles wide in front of Francis and Eden. (800 ATK)

(F: 3,950) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 3,550)

"Proceed, brave ones," said the Custodian's voice.

"You sure you're okay?" asked Eden.

"Never better," said Francis. "Lets go kick some ass."

The two ran towards and into the Temple's huge maw.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

"Okay, we're almost there," said Karl.

"And just what are we going to do once we get there?" asked SAL.

Karl really had no idea, so he was glad to hear the chime indicating an incoming call from Backwater.

"Haven't you thought up anything yet?" he asked, hitting the receive button.

"I have thought up many things, most recent of which is that humans have no patience." Tsuki's voice answered him. "Kenshin's most recent thought, however, seems to be that SAL's operating system is comparable to Windows 98 and she cheats at online chess."

"From her, that's a compliment," SAL mocked. "Sore loser..."

"As for your more immediate problem –" Tsuki continued. "We still have no solution to get you down there in one piece, but we've discovered that you're not the one trying to get in."

"What, you mean Oswald?"

"Probably," the succubus replied, "unless it's another warlock setting up a portal network that would, once complete, enter the lower caverns via a detour through the Feywild and then leave through a second one."

"Wonderful," muttered Karl.

"Oh, it gets worse," continued Tsuki. "It seems those lower caverns are pretty popular tonight. Someone else is doing the same thing to get there, but via a detour through someplace else, probably the Astral Plane. It's going to be quite a party down there in a while."

"Do you guys at least have any suggestions here?" he asked. "Is there any way to say, hitch a ride on those portal networks?"

"We do. And its dangerous enough to be one of things that all three modern schools of wizardy consider it a valid reason to take away your degree."

Karl pulled his D-Wheel to a halt. "Of course," she continued, "they've been known to do it for that reason five times, which is four more than the number of times they've revoked a wizard's degree because he was stupid enough to make a blind teleport into a cave."

"Okay, what do we have to do?" asked Karl.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

If Pol Pot had suddenly developed a new art style, this may have been his masterpiece. That was the first thought that came to Francis' mind when he entered this antechamber.

The entire place was built of skulls and other bones. This was not just a room containing stacks of them like the ones the infamous Cambodian dictator made from his victims, but a room with murals, an altar, and columns decorated with grim and bizarre artwork, all made of skulls. There were even braziers made from bones to hold torches, and lit incense burners on the altar held by small tripods made from finger bones.

"I must commend you again, young warrior," said the Custodian's voice. "Only four percent of challengers showed much bravery right now."

"Yeah, given your last comment that only five percent of them got here," interrupted Eden, "that means only 62 people have gotten here, and 50 of those 62 were not panicked. Assuming your four percent calculation is rounded off."

The Custodian didn't answer. "I told you before," she said, "you can use statistics to prove anything, but while statistics don't lie, liars use statistics."

"Besides," added Francis, "I'm not afraid of skulls. Why does everyone think skulls are scary anyway? Everyone has one, you know."

"You may be more frightened when you see what built this temple," it answered. Both La Jinn and Soul Drain Dragon, along with the Trap and Spell Cards, appeared as it drew a card. "Once more, I banish three of my cards. Then, I again use Shifting Labyrinth, and use Temple of Skulls –"

The strange temple started to shake, and then, the altar split open. A hulking Fiend with a grim face and dark eyes dressed in armor that included a skull-shaped breastplate, and metal gloves and boots, along with a helmet made from a horned skull, ripped the altar in half as he burrowed out from under it. He looked at Francis, raising his hands in a fighting stance. (2,200 ATK)

"Necro Skull Blackguard is a Fusion Monster, so he may attack this turn, and because the only summon I have made this turn, he can do so directly."

"You mean," said Francis. He couldn't finish. Necro Skull Blackguard rushed him, ignoring Soul Drain Dragon and socking him in the teeth.

(F: 3,250) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 2,550)

Francis held his jaw, but as much as that hurt, it seemed Soul Drain Dragon was hurting more. A nasty wound in its chest was burning with purplish-green smoke. "Also, Blackguard's effect is now activated," explained the statue, "and your most powerful monster now loses Attack Points equal to the damage you just took."

(1,800 ATK)

"I set a facedown card, and the move is yours."

"Okay, okay, come back big guy," said Francis. Tempest transformed into card form, flying back to its master's hand, who drew, and very quickly took Armed Protector Dragon and Tidal from his Graveyard and pocketed them, causing Tempest to appear right away. It bellowed in incredible fury. (2,400 ATK)

"A mistake," said the statue. "I activate the most lethal Trap in this complex, the infamous Needle Ceiling!"

Its Trap Card, the one it had set several turns ago using its Field Spell, spun around, and dozens of sharp, bony shards rained down from the ceiling; Francis and Eden covered their heads, but Ailamere, Tempest, Gaia, and Soul Drain Dragon here impaled by the sharp spurs.

"You piece of," started Francis. Then he realized that La Jinn was gone, but Necro Skull Blackguard and Millennium Golem had survived.

"How did you –"

"I sacrificed La Jinn to use my Trap Card, Tyrant's Temper. It renders all of my monsters impervious to all Trap Cards except this one."

Francis stopped. He looked at the card, then at Necro Skull Blackguard.

(F: 3,250) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 2,550)

Including Fusion Trench? he thought.

Then he set a card in front of him. "Go," he said.

"I fear this duel must now come to a close, brave one," said the Custodian. It drew again, and its voice seemed sad and morose. "But take heart in knowing you are among the top 2% of adversaries I have faced."

"Oh, I'm so flattered," snarked Francis.

"I must use the effect of my Field Spell again," it said. "Your Continuous Spell was hindering me each time I have done so, but it was necessary drawback. Not this time, however."

(F: 4,750) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 2,550)

The Custodian used its remaining Trap – Birthright – calling a wild, feral Sengenjin to Blackguard's flank. (2,750 ATK)

Come on, thought Francis. Sengenjin lifted its huge axe and started to rush him, the floor trembling as it did. Come and get me, you overgrown ugly son of a bitch.

With a giant crash, the Millennium Ogre's axe fell, the grim shrine shaking from the impact, with bone and skull pieces toppling.

"FRANCIS!" screamed Eden.

(F: 1,000) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 2,550)

Then Necro Skull Warden charged him, aiming a punch for his face…

There was a shudder as the punch was caught. In the intended target's palm.

Francis got up, having grown to almost as large as Skull Warden due to the swelling of his torso and arm muscles, the berserk rage running through his blood and powering them like magical fire.

"Back off,"he ordered, giving the creature a shove.

However, even his voice was enough now, as it staggered and toppled backwards, nearly helpless. (0 ATK)

"How?" asked the Custodian. "What's that? What happened to it?"

"Same thing that happened to your Golem, lead-head, that," said Francis, pointing. "That's a Spell Card. Slaggath's Revenge." Then the card disappeared into vapor. "Because that big lug over there attacked when I had no monsters, all I had to do was send an even stronger Xyz monster from my Graveyard back to my Extra Deck, like Ailamere. Now both of those guys lose 2,900 Life Points this turn. The harder you hit, the harder I can hit back! Sure, it cost a thousand Life Points, but better that than your life."

He cricked his neck. "So. What's next?"

"It is your move," it simply said.

"I… draw!" shouted the berserk Shadowchaser. "Here we go again Tempest!"

This time, the huge storm Dragon looked more crushingly bored than angry, yawning loudly as it lifted its neck to face the three monsters. (2,400 ATK)

"And now I'll use Double Cyclone, to destroy one of my cards, and one of yours. I choose my Castle of Dragon Souls, and your Fusion Trench!"

Twin spiraling blue and red cyclones gusted out of the card, crashing into the two Continuous Traps and smashing them.

"When Castle of Dragon Souls is torn down, I get to summon a banished Dragon, and I'm guessing you rated the percentage of me choosing this one pretty high!"

Of course it was Blaster again, and he looked pretty bored too. (2,800 ATK)

"Don't worry, you can sleep in later. Now I can finally use Gospel of Revival!"

As he used the card, a holy light formed from a spark, and grew into a spiraling diamond-shaped vortex. A Dragon that was thin, gaunt, with very large, bat-like, leathery wings, soared from the portal as it shattered behind it. (2,700 ATK)

"Darkstorm Dragon is a Gemini Monster, so now that I've summoned it from my Graveyard, I can Summon it a second time. And once I've done that, I can send my Soul Absorption to the Graveyard so he can blow your Spells and Traps away!"

Eden could swear that she saw a nervous twitch on the Custodian's stone face right there. Regardless, Darkstorm Dragon's wings started to beat furiously, blasting through Tyrant's Temper, Shifting Labyrinth, and Birthright, sending them shattering against the far wall.

"Sengenjin is still unharmed," noted the Custodian. "Tyrant's Temper removed its reliance with Birthright as soon as he appeared."

Clearly, neither Francis nor his two Dragons cared. Tempest spit lightning at the still-defending Millennium Golem, Blaster blew flames at Sengenjin, and Darkstorm Dragon unleashed a tornado of dust, dirt, and grime at Necro Skull Blackguard. In a few seconds, all that remained of the three monsters was a pile of broken, burned, and soaked armor and corroded weapons.

(F: 2,000) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 2,000)

"Well, so much for them. Got any more?"

"Proceed," the statue simply said.

It disappeared again, and the now-shattered altar lowered into the floor with the same grinding, mechanical noise. Slowly, the wall on the opposite end started to rise.

"Come on!" he said to Eden. "We're so close now I can smell it!"

Eden was wondering if he meant that literally. Still, she leapt after him as he bounded through the gate, down a final corridor.

This was, perhaps, the last thing Francis had expected to find at the end. The huge chamber had a smooth, black floor and walls, much like glass, with four pure white gemstones as large as he was levitating and slowly drifting. Then as he walked further into the room, strange flickering colors appeared briefly in the walls, floors, and strange gems, with soft sounds like binary codes.

He strained his eyes as one of them in front moved aside, and saw the Custodian, but there was a big difference now. Its formerly empty middle set of hands was holding an orb with a calm, serene face in it, made of violet glass.

"Memory Crystal Beta!" gasped Eden. Francis acknowledged with a nod.

"So, tough guy," he said. He cracked his knuckles. "This has all been fun, but frankly, I had enough of math in high school to last me a lifetime. Now that your Spell Card is gone, those crazy Fusions aren't gonna cut it."

"I still have Dark Labyrinth," it said. "It can't be destroyed, remember? You also might recall that each time I used at least one of its effects in a turn, it gained a Gate Counter." It drew a card. "Time to use them. I activate the Spell Card, Archimedean Orrery".

Before Francis could question what the hell that was, the card he just mentioned appeared, then shattered, and four of the floating gems positioned themselves around the Custodian as the eyes on Memory Crystal Beta turned to purple fire. Cords of crackling energy linked each gem, and then each cast another that bonded to the stone statue itself. Francis and End watched as a transformation started to take place…

"I summon the Faceless Beta Warden," it said.

"You gotta be fucking kidding me,"replied Francis.

What he was now looking at was a xill, there was no question of it, but this construct was far bigger than the ones Emily and Ferdinand had seen. It had no face, as its name implied, and its center arms held the same axe that the Custodian did in its lower arms. It was hard to say whether it was stone, flesh, or something in between, but odd sigil tattoos incorporating both magical symbols and strange binary codes covered the thing's exoskeleton as jagged lines of light flowed over it.

"By summoning this monster," continued the Custodian's voice, I can banish the Cretan Monolith I summoned to start this duel, and as a result, remove up to five of the Gate Counters I mentioned. For each, I place one Normal Monster from my Graveyard into my Spell Zone."

Five more of the strange gemstones spun and floated behind the huge Warden, and shattered, releasing Labyrinth Worm, Monster Tamer, Millennium Golem, La Jinn, and Sengenjin.

"Each one also has a Gate Counter, and each card with a Gate Counter grants Beta Warden 600 Attack Points."

(3,600 ATK)

"Let me guess," asked Francis, "each of them also gives it another effect."

"Correct," said the Custodian. "Two monsters gives it piercing abilities, three makes it impervious to destruction by effects, four makes it unbeatable in battle, while a full five lets it attack twice."

"I just had to ask," said Francis, exasperated.

"You've made it this far," said the Custodian. The Beta Warden lifted its axe and a strange eldritch symbol appeared on the blank slate where its face would be. "Lets see how well you withstand it now. Spatial Distortion Cut!"

"I banish Gospel of Revival from my Graveyard!" yelled Francis, holding his palm out, as it swung down. "This lets my Dragon survive one attack!"The axe's energy blade sliced through the air and hit Darkstorm Dragon. It roared in pain, but stayed aloft.

"Then what will protect him from this one?" asked his foe.

The Warden spun the axe, then swung it downward again to send a second blade spiraling at the Gemini, bisecting it cleanly down the center. The remains dispersed into black fog.

(F: 800) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 2,000)

"You're hardier than most," said the Custodian. "But your resilience is still limited."

"What did you expect?" asked the Shadowchaser. "Didn't count on someone actually fighting? Maybe you just forgot a decimal point. Or maybe everything your other opponents have done has rubbed off on you?"

"I end my turn," it said, "which means I have to send one monster in my Spell Zone to the Graveyard to keep Faceless Beta Spiral." Sengenjin disappeared, and the huge abomination was reduced to an Attack Score of 3,000. "Make your move."

"Return," said Francis, bluntly. He held his hand forward to catch Blaster and Tempest's cards as they returned to him.

"You know, that's what I figured. Like you said, most of the guys who come here are the brainy type." He drew his next card. "Bunch of smartasses, you know. Statistics say this and that, studies say this and that – they thinkwhat someone has done in the past can predict what they'll always do."

He used a card,Burial from a Different Dimension appeared in front of him. With the new card, the Dimensional Capsule appeared, and three monsters, Redox, Tidal, and Masked Dragon, flew into it; the casket sealed shut, then exploded into pixels.

"A little ingenuity and creativity can make all the difference," he said. He took four cards from his Graveyard this time – Troannaxia, Masked Dragon, Soul Drain Dragon, and Enigma Dragon again, and pocketed them as both Blaster and Tempest appeared together, one last time. (2,400 ATK, 2,800 ATK)

He used yet another card, and a small, smiling, silvery Dragon with an oversized proboscis appeared. (1,000 ATK) "Debris Dragon's arrival means I can bring Golem Dragon from my Graveyard."

The glass floor blasted outward, with small shards thrown up and aside, and a thick, solid Dragon made of rock rose from the spot. (200 ATK)

"Not done yet. I'll Overlay them to summon Queen Dragun!"

The two Dragons turned to green smoke and black dust as the Overlay Network drew them in, and flames spouted from the crack that had been made. The fire formed a winged Dragon shape, with a statuesque virago's upper body in place of a neck, her long, golden hair topped by a horned crown. (2,200 ATK)

"So I can ditch one of her Overlay Units to summon one more guy."

Queen Dragun started to sing and strum her harp, and slowly, Redox rose again. (1,600 ATK)

The Dragons seemed calm, but that was more than could be said for the Overlay Network itself, which was more violent than ever, like some violent storm had started inside it.

The clashing of lightning caused a din so loud that cracks appeared in the glass walls, and a new Xyz Monster was created from all three Dragon Rulers.

"I Xyz Summon Umboras, Catastrophic Ruler of Tsunamis!"

The Network broke, as did two of the huge gemstones, and a Dragon twice the size of Tidal came with the crashing sound of the ocean. It was a huge, serpentine, oriental wyrm with shark-like scales, fins, and a wise, contemplative face, ringed by a mane of soft spines. (3,000 ATK)

"That," started the Custodian.

"A Dragon who's going to blow you away, literally. You see, Umboras here can destroy all your cards if I detach two Overlay Units from either of my Xyz Monsters."

"It won't work on Warden," replied the Custodian.

"Heh, heh," snickered Francis. He took Tempest and Tidal from underneath the card and tossed both. "Doesn't need too!"

The thunderstorm turned into a thunder cacophony as Umboras spread its wings, and the five Monster Cards behind Faceless Beta Warden cracked and shattered into little bits, plunging Warden's own Attack Score way down to only 500.

"Seems you miscalculated," said Eden, with a mischievous smirk. "Without those guys, it's a sitting duck."

"And since Umboras can't attack directly because I used its effect," added the Shadowchaser, "your monster's resilience actually helped me. I don't think any facts or figures could ever account for that."

The Custodian made no reply.

"Hold on, Eden," said Francis. She took his advice, and clung to his side as he gave his command. "Wash him down the drain with Furious Wave Surge!"

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Ugh, what hit me? thought Dram

He had been looking closely at Memory Crystal Alpha, and then something seemed to punch him in the stomach.

He sat up and saw that it was – excited. That was the best word.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

"Gee, Francis, I'm glad I'll never have to duel you," said Eden. "You are crazy."

(F: 800) - - - - - - - - - - (C: 0)

She was dripping wet, but then, she was lucky. The final attack had pulverized the large crystals and blown the Custodian itself to small pieces of rock. But then, it may have just been a mouthpiece for the only intact thing left, the Memory Crystal Beta, which was now hovering in the center of the room, its eyes closed.

"Well what are we waiting for?" asked Francis. "We have it!"

But then, as he tried to make a grab for it, someone leapt from the shadows, and kicked him in the ribs.

"You mean you had it, sucker!" laughed Oswald.

"You," said Eden.

The fey warlock laughed cruelly, and lifted his foot to kick Francis – only for his ankle to be grabbed. Francis, now at the height of berserk, yanked him off his feet and slammed him down.

But he was only angrier as a result. The Shadowchaser got up, cricked his neck again, and looked him in the eye.

"Don't know how you got down here," he said, "don't really care." He slammed his right fist against his left palm. "It's been a long day and I got places to go, but if you're looking for a fight, I'll gladly squeeze you in…"

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

COMMAND SILENCER (Spell Card)

Quickplay Spell

Image: A totem pole with a bird-like head with its arms outstretched, with stereo speakers on the mid-part of the arms.

Card Description: Activate when a monster declares an attack; negate the attack, then draw 1 card.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

CHAOS BARRIER FIELD (Trap Card)

Normal Trap

Image: A silhouette shaped like a man screaming while holding his hands behind his head; in front of him are a red and blue circle, the Kanji for "weak" on the blue one and "strong" on the red, an arrow pointing from red to blue.

Card Description: Activate only when an opponent's monster declares an attack, while they control 2 or more face-up Attack Position monsters. Negate the attack, then conduct battle between the Attack Position monsters your opponent controls with the highest ATK and lowest ATK. After damage calculation, end the Battle Phase.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

FUSION TRENCH (Trap Card)

Continuous Trap

Image:

Card Description: Monsters cannot attack, except Fusion Monsters. Once per turn, if the controller of a Fusion Monster did not Normal or Special Summon a non-Fusion Monster this turn, 1 Fusion Monster they control can attack.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

TWIN BOW CENTAUR (Spell Card)

Quickplay Spell

Image: A statue of a centaur with upper torsos on one lower torso. Both heads are missing, and both hold bows with sharp-looking arrows.

Card Description: Once per turn, you can select 1 monster your opponent controls and 1 monster you control, then flip a coin: ● Heads: Destroy and banish your opponent's monster and inflict damage to your opponent equal to the original ATK of the destroyed monster. ● Tails: Destroy and banish your monster and take damage equal to the original ATK of the destroyed monster. If you activate this effect, you may not conduct your Battle Phase this turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

DRAGON HEART (Spell Card)

Quickplay Spell

Image: An atypical dragon with a glowing red ruby over the left side of its chest.

Card Description: Send 3 Dragon-Type monsters from your Deck to the Graveyard to select 1 Dragon-Type monster you control. It gains 1000 ATK until the End Phase. You cannot Normal Summon or Set this turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

DARK LABYRINTH (Spell Card)

Field Spell

Image: Dark Magician, Flame Swordsman, Cyber Commander, and Magician of Faith standing back-to-back-to-back-to-back in the center of the Paradox Brothers' Labyrinth, poised to fight against dark shapes coming from the corridors. Several sets of evil eyes loom above.

Card Description: During each of the controller's Standby Phases, the controller of this card selects 1 Normal Monster, 1 Normal Spell Card, AND 1 Normal Trap Card from his/her deck and banishes them. (This is not optional; if the controller cannot, banish this card.) If a Normal Monster OR a Fusion Monster that has a Normal Monster as a listed Fusion Material is destroyed, (via battle or card effect) its controller may select 1 of his/her banished cards for each destroyed monster and Special Summon it in face-up Defense Position (if monster) or set it in his/her Spell/Trap Zone (if Spell or Trap) during the End Phase of the turn; a player can only select each type of card (Spell, Trap, or Monster) once per turn each. If this effect is activated at least once during a turn, place a "Gate Counter" on this card. (Max: 8)

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

SHIFTING LABYRINTH (Spell Card)

Continuous Spell

Image: Flame Swordsman waving his sword at Dungeon Worm and Legion the Fiend Jester inside the Labyrinth; Legion is waving his arms while casting a spell, and the Dungeon Worm is starting to react to it, growing in size.

Effect: If you do not control a "Dark Labyrinth", destroy this card. Pay 800 Life Points. Select 1 Fusion Monster in your Extra Deck that has a "Labyrinth Wall" as a Fusion Material; then Tribute 1 Fusion Material of that monster you control (except "Labyrinth Wall", to Special Summon that Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck. (This is considered a Fusion Summon.) The effect of "Shifting Labyrinth" can only be used once per turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

CONTEMPLATION (Spell Card)

Normal Spell

Image: The woman from "Gather Your Mind" sitting on a boulder with her head resting on her hand in a pose much like Rodin's "The Thinker".

Effect: If you have 3 copies of this card banished, you may, during your Standby Phase, return them to your deck, shuffle your deck, and draw 2 cards.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

CRETAN MONOLITH (Monster Card)

Rock/Dark/Effect/Lvl2/1,000ATK/1,000DEF

Effect: This card's name is treated as "Labyrinth Wall". If this card is in your Graveyard, you may banish it and remove 6 Gate Counters from a "Dark Labyrinth you control; select up to 5 Normal Monsters in your Graveyard. If you do, place them face-up in your Spell/Trap Zone and place 1 Gate Counter on each.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

ARCHIMEDEAN ORREY (Spell Card)

Normal Spell

Image: An old man in a beard standing in a Grecian temple, surrounded by a mechanical clockwork model of planets and moons made of gold and bronze.

Card Description: Activate only when you control a "Dark Labyrinth" with 6 or more Gate Counters and no other cards. Special Summon 1 "Faceless Beta Spiral" from your hand or deck

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

FACELESS BETA SPIRAL (Monster Card)

Fiend/Fusion/Dark/Effect/Lvl4/0ATK/0DEF

Effect: Cannot be Special Summoned except from your Extra Deck via the effect of "Archimedean Orrery". (You do not use "Polymerization".) Apply the following effects to this card based on the number of monsters in your Spell/Trap Zone with Gate Counters.

1: This card gains 600 ATK and DEF for each card you control with at least 1 "Gate Counter".

2. This card inflicts piercing damage.

3: If this card would be destroyed by your opponent's Spell, Trap, or Monster effect, you can send a Normal Monster Card in your Spell/Trap Zone to the Graveyard; negate that effect.

4. If this card would be destroyed by battle, you can send a Normal Monster Card in your Spell/Trap Zone to the Graveyard; this card is not destroyed.

5: This card can attack twice in the same turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

SLAGGATH'S REVENGE (Trap Card)

Normal Trap

Image: A woman in armor with draconic wings, hovering several feet in the air and calling lightning down up giant bug-like monsters.

Card Description: Activate when you are attacked directly and take damage; select an Xyz monster in your Graveyard with higher base ATK than the damage you took; return that monster to your Extra Deck. Reduce the ATK of your opponent's monsters by an amount equal to the ATK of the sent monster until the End Phase of the turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

ENIGMA DRAGON (Monster Card)

Dragon/Earth/Tuner/Effect/Lvl3/0ATK/1,400DEF

Effect: When this card is sent to the Graveyard, select 1 face-up Dragon-Type monster; increase its ATK by 500. If this card is banished, add it to your hand during your next Standby Phase. Each effect of "Enigma Dragon" can be used once per duel per player.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

SAVAGE DRAGON TROANAXIA (Monster Card)

Dragon/Earth/Effect/Xyz/Rank5/1,500ATK/1,800DEF

2 Level 5 monsters

Effect: If this card is used as Xyz Material for an Xyz Summon, you may Special Summon a Level 6 or higher Dragon Type monster from your Graveyard. It cannot attack this turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

UMBORAS, CATASTROPHIC RULER OF TSUNAMIS (Monster Card)

Dragon/Water/Effect/Xyz/Rank7/3,000ATK/2,400DEF

2 or more Level 7 Dragon monsters

Effect: Once per turn, you may detach 2 Xyz Materials from any Xyz monster(s) you control to sue this card's effect; destroy all cards your opponent controls. If you do, Xyz monsters you control cannot attack directly in the same turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

DRAGON'S OBOL (Spell Card)

Equip Spell

Image:

Effect: Special Summon a Level 7 or higher Dragon-Type monster from your hand and Equip this card to it; destroy it if you do not control a "Prophet" Dragon Type monster or this card leaves the field If the equipped monster is destroyed by a means other than this card's effect, you may banish it to draw 2 cards.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

DRACONIC PROPHET OF SUNNIS (Monster Card)

Spellcaster/Earth/Effect/Lvl4/1,800ATK/900DEF

Effect: This card is considered a Dragon-Type monster if face-up on the field. Once per turn, you may discard 1 EARTH monster from your hand to add 1 Dragon-Type monster from your Graveyard to your hand. If this card is destroyed by your opponent (either through battle or via card effect) select 1 of your banished Dragon-Type monsters and Special Summon it in Defense Mode.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

TUNNEL LURKER (Monster Card)

Insect/Earth/Effect/Fusion/Lvl6/2,000ATK/1,200DEF

"Dungeon Worm + "Labyrinth Wall"

Effect: Battle Damage inflicted by this card is halved. When this card destroys a monster as a result of battle, select 1 Normal Monster from your deck that is a lower Level than the destroyed monster and Special Summon it in face-up Defense Mode.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

MASTER OF BEASTS (Monster Card)

Warrior/Earth/Effect/Fusion/Lvl6/2,200ATK/1,600DEF

"Monster Tamer" + "Labyrinth Wall"

Effect: Once per turn, you may select a Normal Monster from your Graveyard and Special Summon it in face-up Defense Mode. If you do, skip your Battle Phase for that turn.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

NECRO SKULL BLACKGUARD (Monster Card)

Fiend/Dark/Effect/Fusion/Lvl6/2,200ATK/1,800DEF

"Temple of Skulls" +"Labyrinth Wall"

Effect: When this card declares an attack and inflicts damage, the face-up monster with the highest ATK loses Attack Points equal to the damage inflicted. You can only control 1 "Necro Skull Blackguard".

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Jemorille: All to often, you're only one step away from your goal, when the floor gives way underneath. It seemed Oswald was an obstacle no-one could have counted on, and like the coward he was, he waited to strike until the path was clear, hopefully when Francis was exhausted from clearing it. Still, the relatively green Shadowchaser had some energy left, but perhaps Oswald was not the greatest danger.

"King of Wishful Thinking" is next.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Shadowchaser Files

Artifacts: The Looking Glass of Nub

Believing lies told about yourself is bad. Sometimes knowing the truth is worse. The sad fate of those who looked upon the Looking Glass of Num, one of many curiosities in the Library Arcanium, is proof of this.

The Looking Glass of Num is a powerful and dangerous magic item, and is so ancient that nobody even knows who "Num" is. Some believe this is the fabled mirror owned by Prester John (assuming Prester John actually existed, something even the Librarian doubts). What is known is, Adrian was entrusted with it a century ago by the daughter of its previous owner (a powerful archmage who spent the second half of his life in the criminally insane wing of an asylum after being declared incurable) because she assumed he wouldn't be tempted to use it; while very useful, it has incredibly potential for abuse – and is very, very dangerous.

The mirror is seven feet tall by four feet wide, and oval-shaped; its dark, polished surface is surrounded by an intricate gold frame wrought into the likeness of extradimensional beings. Although it's only about an inch thick and lacks any visible means of support at the base, it stands upright and cannot be knocked over by a simple jarring. It can be knocked over by a more severe blow, but it can't break. Like most artifacts, it cannot be destroyed by standard means.

To use the mirror, one must have at least some knowledge of arcane magic or be a supernatural being possessing innate arcane abilities (like say, fiends or djinns). The most basic function of the mirror is to use it like a crystal ball to view another sentient being; the more familiar the user is with the being, the better chance of success, although it's possible for the user to scry someone he doesn't know personally if two conditions are met: details about the individual must be well-known to most members of the target's own species on the same geographic location and the user must research the target beforehand. (In layman's terms, if the target is a celebrity and ample information about him is available to the public, he's fair game.)

However, the user can take this further if he's willing to spend more time and energy on it.

The first of the Looking Glass' advanced powers is to peer into the past of the target, and into the possible futures of the target. Although at any given time, there are many different paths the future may take, and if this is done several times, the user may see a different future each time. For example, if Jalal were to look at Judy's future, he may see the "bad future" where the one who dueled Fayte came from the first time, and the one that appeared at the end of that chapter the second time. The third time he might see something completely different. (Such as the version of Judy from the "bad future" failing her task and suggesting her attempts to undo the calamity would be in vain.)

A more daring user can not only look at the past, but look at the target's alternate pasts, in effect, seeing not what was, but what might have been. (Some call these "What if?" scenarios, others call them "Want of a nail" scenarios. They're both the same.) Whether these alternate realities viewed actually exist or whether it's "just a movie" (so to speak) is impossible to tell, and that's often the scary part. Some users have tried to view the alternate past to find inspiration the same way George Bailey did, only to find that some possibilities aren't the stuff that makes a good Christmas story.

The mirror's most devious use is the ability to contact the target and force answers to questions from him or her. But while most devices of this time limit the user to questions that can be answered simply (like say, yes/no questions) this device sets no limits as to what he may ask. The user is, however, limited to five questions per use of this ability, and can only use it once a month. If used successfully, the user's identity is hidden from the target, who forgets the short interrogation (or maybe believes it just an odd dream while nodding off). However, if used too frequently, the target can quickly catch on and get wise to the one doing it.

The Looking Glass' worst power can only be used once a year, and it affects not the target, but the one-mile radius area around him/her. If the user is skilled enough, he can use it to rain destruction on that area, casting the equivalent of Earthquake, Acid Storm, or Storm of Vengeance (all very powerful arcane spells) on that area. After using this ability (successful or not) the user is considerably weakened, and cannot engage in any strenuous activity for a week.

In every case, the user's ability to harness the Looking Glass' powers depend on his intelligence and his skill and experience in arcane magic. This is also vital in how well he is in avoiding its dangerous side effect.

For all artifacts come with strings attached, and this one is no different. If a user makes use of its advanced powers too much, he runs the risk of being cursed with a magical type of paranoia. Once that happens, the user becomes convinced that the individual he targeted with the mirror last is plotting to kill him. This belief soon becomes so strong, it consumes every waking moment of the user's life, and gradually, he starts to believe everyone, all his friends and associates, are "agents" of this being. Eventually, destruction of this nemesis becomes a lifelong goal which can never end – even if he kills the actual target, he always assumes the enemy managed to escape death, no matter how strong the evidence. If this insanity is not somehow cured within two or three years (which is difficult, considering its nature) the user eventually takes his own life, convinced he has become possessed by the being around whom the paranoia centers.

Adrian has often been tempted to use the mirror, but he keeps it locked away in the most secure vault in the Library. He has sworn an oath never to sell it or let anyone use it unless that person has an iron will at least as strong as his.

He doesn't doubt Jalal fits the bill… But he can't make exceptions to a rule like this. Thus a challenge is needed before he allows the use of it even to his closest ally.

Story Ideas: Artifacts like the Looking Glass of Nub are not only double-edged swords, they're double-edged Damocles Swords, and as such, it should not be used casually. It's ability to see potential futures and pasts can make it a tool for any villain who wants to change both (often present in a story where the heroes must "set right what once went wrong") or one who has a serious grudge against a powerful leader or media figure. Red Shroud would give her left arm for such a device, as would the mysterious leader of the Chaser Hunters. Its curse should come into play eventually; that is inevitable. A story where the villain starts down a road to power cumulating in madness until the point where he is hated by everyone will likely ensue. (Bad guys like Joffrey Baratheon from Game of Thrones are like this.)

Of course, such a plot would require getting past Adrian and an emergency in the Library Arcanium will bring the entire staff to its defense, along with several of their allies. As such, a story like this could be used to flesh out the place in far more detail, possibly involving some of the other things kept in it.