Yugioh! GX: Virtual Nightmare

by jodalita

10 years after the defeat of Gozaburo Kaiba, Jaden and his friends find themselves trapped in a Virtual World unknown to them where they will fight for their freedom against the Big Five. Will they be able to find out the true purpose behind these events?

9. Forged By Fire, Part 1

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: Virtual Nightmare

Episode 9: Forged by Fire, Part 1

Story by: jodalita

Written by: jodalita

Deep within the Virtual World, Alexis stands in a dark cave and in front of another member of the Big Five, Lector. A wide current of boiling lava separates them from each other. The exit to the cave lies past the lava and behind Lector.

Lector: Now that you know all the rules, Miss Rhodes, we will proceed with each picking our own deck straight from the card database… And don't forget to pick your Deckmaster before we begin.

Each begins choosing their deck from a column of cards that appears before them, touching them as soon as they see the ones they need. Once they are finished, a Duel Disk appears on their left arm and the deck materializes inside of it. Alexis looks through her deck and pick one of her monsters right away.

Alexis: I know exactly who I want. Cyber Tutu will be my Deckmaster.

Suddenly, a girl in a pink ballerina outfit materializes next to Alexis. She then puts her deck back in her Duel Disk and raises it, ready to duel.

Lector: As for me, I will choose this… Come forth, Dark Ruler!

A very tall creature with green skin and wearing a heavy purple robe appears next to Lector. A cup can be seen in its left hand while a terrifying human face is embedded in its chest. A skull-shaped armor protects its shoulders and chest.

Lector: The duel is all set. Prepare to relinquish your body to me.

Alexis/Lector: Let's duel!

Alexis LP 4000

Lector LP 4000

Alexis: Ladies first (Draws). I summon Cyber Gymnast in attack mode (ATK/800). Next, I activate a spell card, Angel Wing, and equip it to Cyber Gymnast.

While a set of wings appears on Cyber Gymnast's back, Alexis thinks about her next move while looking at Cyber Tutu face to face, who nods in approval. Alexis nods as well.

Alexis: That ends my turn. Let's see what you've got.

Lector: You'll regret those words (Draws). Very well, I summon my Molten Zombie in attack mode (ATK/1600). What a big mistake to leave your monster unprotected like that and with such low attack points.

Alexis: If you think so, why don't you attack and find out?

Lector: Wouldn't want to leave a lady waiting. Molten Zombie, attack her Cyber Gymnast!

Alexis: Big mistake! Activate Cyber Tutu's special ability!

While completely covered in flames, the creature immediately rams towards Cyber Gymnast. The ballerina suddenly jumps to avoid the attack, as Molten Zombie moves past her and attacks Alexis directly. The flaming fist pushes her backwards, while surprisingly, she is able to feel the pain of the burning flames. Alexis manages to recover and get back on her feet.

Alexis LP 2400

Lector LP 4000

Lector: What did you just do?

Alexis (painfully): Cyber Tutu's special ability lets me protect Cyber Gymnast by changing the attack of your monster into a direct attack to my life points. In exchange, my ballerina remains unharmed, but that's not all… Cyber Gymnast, counterattack!

Immediately, Cyber Gymnast runs towards Lector, bypassing his Molten Zombie. She jumps in the air, and, with an elegant pirouette, she kicks Lector in the chest who is pushed backwards by the impact. He grabs his chest in pain, but quickly recovers his composure.

Alexis LP 2400

Lector LP 3200

Alexis: Now for Angel Wing's effect, whenever a monster equipped with it deals damage to your life points, you lose an extra 300 points.

Alexis LP 2400

Lector LP 2900

Alexis: How's that for a strategy?

Lector: I have to admit, that was very impressive. You planned this from the beginning, didn't you? Let me guess… so that on your next turn, you could destroy my monster and take away more of my life points giving you the upper hand.

Alexis: I guess you know me better than I thought.

Lector: There are still many things I don't know about you. For example, why are you so reluctant to lose? What pushes you forward?

Alexis: I do it for myself. Being strong is the only way I can achieve my goals.

Lector: Oh yes, I've seen your grades at Duel Academy. You have one of the highest averages in the entire school.

Alexis: Not to mention I'm a great duelist too.

Lector: I'll be the judge of that. But, don't you think fighting for your own well being is a little selfish on your part?

Alexis: It's not being selfish, it's being self sufficient. It's the only way you can stand up for yourself and make a difference for those you care about, like my brother Atticus. I know he would do the same for me, which is why he's always trying to become a superstar, to be able to look after me like a big brother should.

Lector: You're delusional. All this only so that you can take care of each other? What happens when you lose and you don't get to see your brother ever again?

Alexis (serious): I'm not going to lose.

Lector: Is that so? Let me tell you something about life, something you don't learn in books. Putting your effort into helping other will only backfire in the end. The Real World is full of people who will take the first opportunity they see to take advantage of you. Take Seto Kaiba for example. All I ever did was serve him like a slave and where did that take me? Nowhere!

Alexis: Not if you trust the people that are around you.

Lector (upset): Look at me now, Miss Rhodes, trapped in a virtual nightmare that never ends. Trust me. You won't accomplish anything as long as you have others slowing you down… but I will have the opportunity to fix those mistakes and become a powerful businessman respected by many, just as soon as I escape to the Real World in your body.

Alexis: You're wrong, and I'm going to prove it to you by winning this duel thanks to the support of my friends and of my brother.

Lector: You might think you have the advantage; however, I'm afraid you're wrong. Working with the President of Kaiba Corp himself all those years ago has taught me to be prepared for the unexpected. This time is no exception.

Alexis: What are you talking about? You just took a hit and we both have almost the same amount of life points.

Lector: Not for long. Since you just allowed me to attack you directly I get to activate one spell card from my hand, Sebek's Blessing, raising my life points by the same amount of life points you just lost.

Alexis LP 2500

Lector LP 4500

Lector: I place one card face down and end my turn. As you can see, the advantage remains on my side.

Alexis: For now, but this duel just started.

Lector: You're right. This is just the beginning of the end for you. You have no idea what I have in store for you.

Back in the Real World, Alexis and the others lie unconscious at the infirmary of Duel Academy. Alexis has begun to sweat profusely as her condition worsens. Miss Fontaine tries to maintain her body temperature from going out of control by wiping her forehead with wet pieces of cloth soaked in cold water, while Atticus waits by her side, holding Alexis' hand.

Atticus (worried): What's going on with her? Why does she have a fever all of a sudden?

Fontaine: I don't know. This situation is really getting out of control. I just hope Mr. Kaiba comes back before it's too late.

Atticus: Don't talk like that, Miss Fontaine. You have to remain calm for my sister's sake.

Fontaine (nervous): But we're running out of ideas. The students are in real danger and we have no way to find out why.

Suddenly Atticus comes to the same realization and begins to feel real fear for the safety of his sister. His face sinks in frustration as he turns his back to the school nurse.

Fontaine: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I know this must be hard for you.

Atticus: I'm fine. Don't worry about me.

Fontaine: Sometimes talking about these things can make you feel better. Talk to me…

Atticus (angry): It's just that… Ever since we were kids we've always had each other. For the first time in my life I feel terrified and frustrated now that my sister is in grave danger and I can do absolutely nothing to help her.

Fontaine: Don't worry. I'm sure Mr. Kaiba will find a way to put things back to normal.

Atticus: In time? Alexis can't wait that long.

Fontaine: We really don't have any other options right now.

Atticus: Or maybe we do.

Atticus approaches her sister, getting down on his knees and grabbing her hand with his own while deciding what to do next. In the meantime, Alexis and Lector of the Big Five face off in a duel. It's Alexis's turn, but she doesn't seem to be making any moves.

Lector (impatient): Is there a problem, Miss Rhodes? I would appreciate if you hurried up so that I can win this duel and get out of here as soon as possible.

Alexis: We'll see about that (Draws).

Lector (thinking): "Oh yes, we will. If you only knew what my Deckmaster can do, you wouldn't be so confident."

Alexis: All I have to do is destroy that Molten Zombie of yours and I'll be able to attack you directly. It's my turn and I start by activating my Cyber Gymnast's special ability. All I have to do is send one card from my hand to the graveyard and your monster is destroyed.

Alexis takes one card from her hand and puts her in the graveyard, but surprisingly nothing happens. As she waits for Molten Zombie to be destroyed, she is suddenly startled by Lector who makes a loud interruption.

Lector: Not so fast! I'm sorry to have to crush that strong spirit of yours but I'm afraid I have to step in.

Alexis (confused): What do you mean? Why is your monster still on the field?

Lector: Foolish girl. Don't you remember I also have a Deckmaster of my own? Dark Ruler stands by my side, allowing me to negate any monster's effect as soon as it activates as long as I pay 1000 of my life points.

Alexis LP 2500

Lector LP 3500

With a flick of his fingers, Lector commands his Deckmaster to activate its effect. Dark Ruler uses both hands to shoot an energy blast at Alexis' monster. The blast destroys Cyber Gymnast, causing a big explosion and forcing Alexis to cover her eyes.

Alexis: No! What just happened?

Lector: By the way, I forgot to mention that your monster is also destroyed instantly, so if I were you, I'd be careful about summoning those Ritual monsters of yours.

Alexis (worried): What? Any monster with a special effect gets destroyed?

Lector: You are correct. And without their special effects, your monsters are absolutely no threat to me.

Alexis (upset): This isn't fair.

Lector: And that is why you will lose.

Alexis: I wouldn't be so sure and my turn is not over yet. Thanks to the special effect of Angel Wing, once it's destroyed, I get to draw one card (Draws). And then, I activate the spell card, Polymerization.

Lector (surprised): You what?

Alexis: I'll use it to fuse together Etoile Cyber and Blade Skater from my hand to form Cyber Blader (ATK/2100)! Now, Cyber Blader, attack his Molten Zombie!

With another pirouette, Cyber Blader approaches Molten Zombie while skating through the surface of the lava and destroys it, reducing Lector's life points. He reacts with a grin on his face.

Alexis LP 2500

Lector LP 3000

Lector (smiling): Why, thanks for making things easier for me, Miss Rhodes. Activate face down card, Backfire! As long as this trap remains on the field, you will take 500 points of damage each time one of my Fire monsters is destroyed.

Surprised, Alexis observes as a fire blast emerges from the trap card on Lector's side of the field and hits her with full force. She is once again feeling the pain of the fire on her skin.

Alexis LP 2000

Lector LP 3000

Alexis (painfully): I… place one card face down… and give you a shot.

Lector: Excellent (Draws). I summon Flame Ruler to the field (ATK/1500). His special ability allows me to offer him as a double tribute for a high level Fire attribute monster, and how appropriate. In my hand I have just the card I need to destroy your Cyber Blader for good.

Alexis: Too bad you can't normal summon more than one monster each turn.

Lector: I can if I play this, Quick Summon! This spell card allows me to summon another monster from my hand, so I sacrifice Flame Ruler in order to summon Infernal Flame Emperor (ATK/2700)!

From the ashes of Flame Ruler, a new beast with the lower body of a horse and upper body of a lion appears completely covered in flames. The flames emanating from the creature are strong enough to raise the temperature of the entire field. Alexis is forced to wipe the sweat out of her forehead due to the unbearable heat surrounding the place.

Lector: Don't pass out on me. I'm not done with you yet. By removing one fire monster from my graveyard out of play, I am allowed to destroy one card on your side of the field. So, I remove from play the Flame Ruler I just sacrificed which allows me to destroy your Cyber Blader right on the spot.

A powerful fire blast is once again propelled in Alexis' direction, destroying her Cyber Blader.

Alexis (loud): Cyber Blader! No!

Lector: Now, Infernal Flame Emperor, finish her off!

Alexis: I don't think so because I have a trap, Threatening Roar! For this turn, you can't attack so my life points are safe.

Lector: For the time being perhaps, but you're only delaying the inevitable. From my hand I play Card of Sanctity, allowing both of us to draw until we're holding 6 cards in our hands (Draws 6 cards).

Alexis: I don't get it (Draws 5 cards). Why would you help me out?

Lector: Since your Ritual monsters are useless to you anyway, you are welcome to summon whatever you like. I end my turn by activating a spell card known as Dark Room of Nightmare. You're finished.

Meanwhile, back in the Virtual World, Jaden and Cyrus run across a long and narrow passageway. Their surroundings are completely clouded in darkness. Suddenly, Syrus runs out of breath and grabs Jaden by his jacket, forcing them both to stop in their tracks.

Jaden: What's wrong, Sy? Are you feeling alright?

Syrus (agitated): Wait up, Jaden… You're going too fast!

Jaden: We don't have time to lose, Syrus. While we stop and take a breath, Alexis and Chazz could be in a lot of trouble.

Syrus: Still, we're not going to do anyone any good if we get there all exhausted. Besides, we don't even know where we're going to end up.

Jaden: Listen, I know you don't trust Noah but this is the only choice we have.

Syrus: How do we know he's telling us the truth?

Jaden: We don't, but there is one thing you can be sure of. He wants us to find our friends and stop the Big Five. I don't know why, but I'm sure he will help us get to that point.

Syrus (scared): That's what I'm worried about. Look what happened to Hassleberry. Plus we could've lost our bodies too, just like he did. What if the Big Five are too much for us to handle?

Jaden: Maybe you're right, but that's a chance we're going to have to take for the sake of our friends. Come on, Sy! They need our help.

Reluctantly, Syrus nods and begins to run along with Jaden, heading towards their next destination. Back in the lava cave, the duel continues.

Alexis: It's my move (Draws), and thanks to the cards I drew last turn, I have just what I need to take that Emperor down. I activate the spell card, Machine Angel Ritual! It lets me send my Cyber Angel Benten to the graveyard, so that I can summon this from my hand, Cyber Angel Idaten (ATK/1600)!

Lector (smiling): What a foolish mistake. Need I remind you that your Cyber Angel will be automatically destroyed thanks to my Deckmaster's special ability?

Alexis: You're right, but that would only happen if I were to activate her special ability, allowing me to bring back one spell card from the graveyard back to my hand. Unfortunately for you, I'm not activating her effect, so she's safe.

Lector: What good is she to you then? Or are you so desperate that you didn't realize your monster is weaker than mine?

Alexis: Not when I equip her with this spell card, Ritual Weapon. It raises the attack of any Ritual monster on the field by 1500 points, and I choose Cyber Angel Idaten (ATK/3100). Now destroy his Emperor!

With a new crossbow weapon attached to her left arm, Cyber Angel Idaten jumps in the air and destroys Infernal Flame Emperor with a single kick. The attack goes past the destroyed monster and hits Lector on his left arm, pushing him to one side.

Alexis LP 2000

Lector LP 2600

Lector: Every time you destroy one of my monsters you receive 500 points of damage thanks to my backfire trap card. In addition to that, Dark Room of Nightmare deals an extra 300 points of damage each time Backfire activates, for a grand total of 800 points!

Once again, a fire blast emerges from Backfire and hits Alexis head on, forcing her to hold herself in pain.

Alexis LP 1300

Lector LP 2600

Alexis (Painfully): It… doesn't matter. Right now, I have the strongest monster in play.

Lector: You underestimate me, my dear (Draws). I activate Aetonix Flame. This spell card destroys all monsters on the field that aren't of the Fire attribute. Say goodbye to your girl.

Cyber Angel Idaten is surrounded in flames and incinerated until nothing but ashes are left of her. On Lector's side of the field, a flame creature emerges from the ground.

Lector: It also lets me bring back one Fire monster, such as my Molten Zombie (ATK/1600) and when he is summoned from the graveyard, I am allowed to draw one card (Draws). Next, I summon Solar Flare Dragon in attack mode (ATK/1500).

Alexis: That's more than enough to reduce my life points to 0.

Lector: Yes, but fortunately for you, thanks to the effect of Aetonix Flame I can't attack this turn. I place one card face down and by ending my turn, the special ability of my Dragon activates dealing 500 points of damage to you. Added to that, 300 more points of damage from Dark Room of Nightmare…

Another fire blast emerges from Lector's trap card and explodes as it hits Alexis. She falls to her knees after the impact, unable to remain standing.

Alexis LP 500

Lector LP 2600

Lector: One more turn and it's all over. Your body will belong to me.

Back in the Real World, Atticus has begun to reassemble the pieces of the Duel Disk Tyranno smashed earlier. Miss Fontaine has begun to act very anxious.

Fontaine: Please don't do this. Let's wait for Mr. Kaiba and see what he says.

Atticus: We don't have time. Lexy needs me.

Atticus has finally put the Duel Disk together and begins to insert his left arm. He then grabs a cable from Mokuba's briefcase and connects Alexis's Duel Disk with his own.

Atticus: I heard what Mr. Kaiba said about Hassleberry being conscious while he was asleep. If I connect my Duel Disk with hers, I might be able to find where her mind is.

Fontaine: You don't even know if this is going to work.

Atticus: I'll take my chances.

Without hesitation, Atticus turns on his Duel Disk. A current of electricity emerges from the Duel Disk shocking him into unconsciousness. His inert body falls to the floor next to Alexis, while Miss Fontaine quickly runs to his side to check up on his condition.

Fontaine (loud): ATTICUS! Wake up! Someone help… Please! Anyone…

In the Virtual World, Alexis remains on her knees, trying to fight the burning pain cursing through her body. She fights it and slowly begins to stand up.

Alexis (painfully): This duel… is… not… over yet.

Lector: Give it a rest. Why do you continue on with this nonsense? Surrender your body to me and I promise I will make this quick. Can't you see that you're all alone?

Alexis (thinking): "Perhaps he's right. After all, what else is there to fight for? I have never felt this much pain. With no one else to support me, wouldn't it be easier to just let go?"

Suddenly, a bright light emanates from the ceiling and impacts on the surface of the cave a few feet away. The small explosion sends many rock particles flying in different directions, which startles Lector.

Lector (upset): What is going on?

The shadow of a man with long brown hair and wearing a long blue coat slowly emerges from the light. Alexis does her best effort to look in the same direction, recognizing the individual standing in front of her immediately.

Alexis: It can't be… Atticus?

To be continued…

CARD OF THE DAY:

Cyber Blader

Earth, Level 6

[Machine/Fusion/Effect

"Etoile Cyber" "Blade Skater"

A Fusion Summon of this card can only be done by the above Fusion Material Monsters. While your opponent controls only 1 monster, this card is not destroyed as a result of battle. While your opponent controls only 2 monsters, double the ATK of this card. While your opponent controls only 3 monsters, this card negates the effects of your opponent's Spell, Trap, and Effect Monster Cards.

ATK/2100 DEF/800