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--Turn 031--

The Big Challenge!

--Previously in Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Season 4--

Judai, Kaiji, Tsuichi, Shawran, Yuichi and Ken planned to go to the Tower of Destruction where Yuichi and Ken said that, that is the lair of Lotus before when he became a Mystical Knight of the Dark. Judai and the others think that Asuka might be there and decided to move fast.

After the battles they have come through, they still can't find the Tower of Destruction. Then a Dark Magician appeared before them. Judai and the others think that he might attack and they tried to summon their ace cards, but Yuichi and Ken stopped them. Yuichi said that the Dark Magician is the messenger and protector of the King. Judai and the others stopped and returned to their normal positions.

"The King wants to see the four of you," Dark Magician said pointing to Judai, Kaiji, Tsuichi and Shawran.

--switches to after the delicious dinner--

"So, the four of you have any idea why you got here in Serpentholm?"

"King Atem, we actually don't know. After a duel between the Mystical Gods of Judai, Johan and Shadow, a light suddenly appeared and captured us and the others," Kaiji said politely to the King.

"There are still unknown duelists that went to Serpentholm?"

"We aren't actually sure if our friends are here in your city. But we are trying to find them and so that we can save Asuka," Judai said.

King Atem had a pity with these duelists. So, he sets up a challenge to the four of them.

"Alright, I'll send the four of you a challenge. If the four of you passed my test, then we will help you find your friends and save that Asuka person," King Atem said with a smile on his face.

The four of them felt a sign of hope. They accepted the challenge, just for their friends.

Opening: Oath in the Storm by Kimeru

"I will give the four of you, and Ken a challenge--" King Atem was cut off by Ken

"Me? I thought Judai, Kaiji, Tsuichi and Shawran are the only chosen duelists?"

"I found some skills from you. And there is some connection to it to your father," King Atem said. Ken is surprisingly shock.

"My father?"

"Yes. But I will tell you all about him when you pass my test and also if you will accept it," King Atem said in a serious way.

Ken thought for a moment.

And then, he nodded and said, "I accept your challenge, King Atem."

"Very good," King Atem said in agreement. He ordered Dark Magician to call all the remaining strong duelists to battle against Judai, Kaiji, Tsuichi, Shawran and Ken. Dark Magician nodded and went out of the room. King Atem leaded the five of them to a very secret training duel arena.

King Atem ordered the five of them to go to their positions in the arena. The five did what they are told and they waited for their opponent.

After a while, their opponents already showed up. King Atem introduced the five of them to Judai, Kaiji, Tsuichi, Shawran and Ken. They are Travis, Gael, Nathan, Dylan and Logan. "This first challenge is called Duel Battle. Its rules are simple: battle until your opponent's Life Points are 0. It will be:

Travis V.S. Judai

Gael V.S. Kaiji

Nathan V.S. Tsuichi

Dylan V.S. Shawran

Logan V.S. Ken.

That is all. All of you may begin your duel," King Atem said. And the duel starts.

--in Johan's location--

Johan's group has already arrived in the village that Judai, Kaiji, Tsuichi and Shawran had gone to. Johan and the others tried to search all those destroyed buildings if Judai is somewhere. Jim, O'brien and Johan went to a house and searched there. O'brien and Johan searched and searched but found nothing. But, Jim, however, found a Red Eyes Black Dragon in a table, in that destroyed house, and gave it to Johan. Jim is sure that Judai, Kaiji, Tsuichi and Shawran went here. Johan looked at the card and smiled.

--back to the Duel Battle--

Travis- 2000 LP

(with Summoned Skull in attack position in his field)

Judai- 1300 LP

(with no monsters on the field)

"My turn! Draw!" said Judai as he draw a card from his deck. "I won't lose in this duel. I activate Polymerization to fuse E-hero Clayman and E-hero Sparkman in my hand into E-hero Thunder Giant! And I activate my Field Spell card, Skyscraper! Now attack his Summoned Skull! Voltic Thunder!"

"Ha! Are you crazy? My Summoned Skull is powerful than your E-hero Thunder Giant!"

"That's what you think!"

"What?!"

"You see Travis, Sky Scraper increases the ATK points of all E-hero monsters if their ATK points are lower than the targeted monster. So the attack power of E-hero Thunder Giant is 3400!"

Travis- 1000 LP

"NOOOOO!" said Travis as he shielded his eyes.

"I'm not done yet, Travis. I activate De-fusion to separate E-hero Thunder Giant (ATK 2400 DEF 1500) into E-hero Sparkman and E-hero Clayman. Now direct attack E-hero Sparkman!"

Travis- 0 LP

"Aghhh!" said Travis as he fall to his knees.

Judai walk over to Travis and lend him a hand. Travis accepted it and asked, "What are you doing this? A duelist must never help another duelist."

"Eh? Really? But, that's how I am. I'm a very friendly person, Travis. And I care a lot about my opponents. But still. That's game!" said Judai as he did his victory sign to Travis. Travis smiled back and went straight to King Atem while Judai watched the other duels.

"What is it Travis? You found Judai powerful?" King Atem said.

"Yes, King Atem. I found out that he really is one of the chosen duelists. His attitude is like his father," said Travis as looked at Judai, cheering for the others while they duel.

"Don't say that in front of him, Travis. We'll tell him after this challenge."

"Yes sir," said Travis as he bowed down before he walked out of the room.

--back in the duel--

Gael- 2000 LP

(with Harpie's Pet Dragon and Lord of Dragon in defense position in his field)

Kaiji- 4000 LP

(with Curse of Dragon and Blue-Eyes White Dragon in attack position in his field)

"My turn. Draw!" Gael said as he draws a card and he smiled.

"I activate my spell card, The Flute of Summoning Dragon! By its effect, I can special summon two Dragon-type monsters from my hand. And I special summon Tyrant Dragon (ATK 2900/DEF 2500) and Death Magic Dragon Wolusiter (ATK 2600/DEF 1700) in attack position! I activate my equipment spell card, Horn of the Unicorn to equip it to Tyrant Dragon and increase its attack points by 700 points making it 3600! And now attack, Tyrant Dragon! Destroy his Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"

Blue-Eyes White Dragon is destroyed.

"And now it's your turn Death Magic Dragon Wolusiter! Attack Curse of Dragon!"

Curse of Dragon is now destroyed.

"I end my turn with a face-down."

Kaiji- 2800 LP

"My turn. Draw!" Kaiji said while he draws a card.

"I activate my spell card, Mask of Accursed and equip it to Tyrant Dragon! With its effect, the monster equipped to this card cannot attack. And for your every standby phase, you lose 500 points. I end my turn with a face-down."

--in King Atem's throne--

"King Atem, Kaiji and Gael's duel is the only one who is not yet finished." Dark Magician said.

"What about the others' duel?"

"Sir, in all the duels our best duelists lost. Here is the result sir." Dark Magician said as he handed King Atem a paper full of results in the duels.

King Atem nodded in agreement.

'It seems that I missed one duelist.' King Atem thought to himself as he tried to remember who it was.

--back in the duel--

"My turn. Draw!" Gael draws a card and looked at the field.

'I have Tyrant Dragon and Death Magic Dragon Wolusiter in my field and a face-down card on Kaiji's field.' Gael thought to himself as he tried to think of a strategy.

"Come on, Gael! Do your turn!" Kaiji yelled.

"Alright, I will have Death Magic Dragon Wolusiter to wipe out your Life Points! Go Death Magic Dragon Wolusiter, direct attack!"

Death Magic Dragon Wolusiter was about to attack when Kaiji opened his face-down card.

"I activate my face-down card, Magic Cylinder! With this card, your Life Points are decreased according to the attack points of the attacking monster that was supposed to attack me." Kaiji said with a smirk.

Gael's Life Points suddenly turned to 0 because of Magic Cylinder.

Gael- 0 LP

"Good duel, Gael. I'm hoping to duel you again someday." Kaiji with a thumbs up and walked off the arena.

"The Duel Battle is done. We will now go to the second challenge. It is called "Monster Battle". But before we proceed to that, let me show some duelists we found in the village." King Atem said as he showed the five of them the duelists.

The duelists are Johan, Sho, Kenzan, Manjyome, Fubuki, Jim, O'brien and Amon. The eight of them are surprised to see Judai, Kaiji, Tsuichi and Shawran in such a place like this.

They all shake hands and greeted each other.

"What happened to you and the others, Johan? Where have you been?" asked Judai.

"Well, we really don't know also. But, when we went to a village, Dark Magician appeared and told us that the king needs us." Johan said.

Judai nodded in agreement.

All of their conversations were cut off by Dark Magician.

"All the new duelists please step forward as I call your names: Johan Anderson, Jun Manjyome, Sho Marafuji, Tyranno Kenzan, Fubuki Tenjoin, Jim Crocodile Cook, Austin O'brien and Amon Garam."

All of them did as they were told.

"A pleasant surprise for such talented duelists to come in my city. Welcome to Serpentholm. And I'm King Atem."

The eight of them are shocked.

"King…Atem?!" said Sho.

King Atem nodded.

"And now, I want to test all of your abilities. Kaiji, Tsuichi and Shawran, you will be having a Duel Battle with Johan, Manjyome, and…" King Atem looked at all the eight duelists.

"Sho." King Atem said.

Sho's jaws dropped.

"Well good luck, Sho." Manjyome said.

"Good luck!" said the others.

The others left while Sho just stayed in his position, his jaws still dropped.

"Are you scared Sho?" asked King Atem.

"N-No K-King A-Atem." Sho said nervously as he walked of the room and into the arena. But, in fact, he is.

--at the arena--

"Judai, about Asuka, did you find her anywhere around here?" asked Johan.

"No Johan. But when we win this challenge of the king, he will help us on search for Asuka."

Johan just nodded in agreement and he went into the duel stage.

Dark Magician told all of them to begin the duel.

"DUEL!" the six of them said in unison.

--in the location of Shadow and the Dark Duelists--

The six of them are now in the location of the Tower of Destruction. Shadow stepped forward and recited a very mysterious language.

A minute passed and the door opened. The Dark Duelists are not surprised since they have already gotten here in this place a long time ago.

The six of them entered and a dark voice begun to speak.

"So, you have come with the Dark Duelists."

"Yes. And I have also come to revenge on someone." Shadow said.

"Yuki Judai isn't it? Humph, your opponent's energy seems powerful enough to revive me."

"I'm not planning to tribute him, but I guess that, that will be a good idea and besides, I didn't have a chance to duel him since when we were young. I can use his energy to revive you…" Shadow paused and turned around.

"Diabound." Shadow said with a smirk.

--back in the Duel Battle--

"King Atem, the Duel Battle is done. In the duels, Johan Anderson and his opponent, Kaiji Matsumi are the only one who had a tie. " Dark Magician said.

King Atem stands up and applauded.

"Excellent! Now, in the second challenge, only Judai Yuki, Johan Anderson and Ken Edogawa are qualified."

All of them are shocked but they just let it pass since the three of them are the powerful ones.

"The second challenge is called "Monster Battle". In this challenge, I will send the three of you outside the shield and let you battle the monsters that are going to attack. Judai and Johan will stay first, while you Ken you can go."

Dark Magician sent out his magic and Ken suddenly disappeared while Judai and Johan remained in their positions.

"Judai and Johan, since the both of you are new here in my city; I will just inform the both you about the monsters that you are going to battle."

"The monsters are just like Duel Monsters but the only difference is that, they are real. The monsters are divided into different groups. One is the low-level monsters. These monsters are just easy to defeat and mostly it just stayed in a different city. Two is the mid-level monsters. These monsters can be defeated by both sword skills and your dueling skills. Three is the high-level monsters. These monsters can be defeated only by a knight. Be careful though. Some of the monsters are very, very dangerous. So, good luck."

Dark Magician sent out his magic and Judai and Johan disappeared. The others went outside the castle to see what is going on.

--outside the shield--

Judai, Johan and Ken activated their duel disks and summoned their ace cards. Judai summons E-hero Chaos Neos, E-hero Magma Neos and E-hero Flame Wingman. Johan summons Gem Beast Topaz Tiger, Gem Beast Sapphire Pegasus and his ultimate ace card, Rainbow Dragon. Ken summons his Chaos Knight, Dark Dragon Knight and Black Luster Soldier.

The three of them are just standing in their positions, waiting for their opponents.

A minute later, a Blue-Eyes White Dragon appeared in front of them. Judai then activates the field spell card, Skyscraper, increasing the attack of all E-hero monsters on the field if their attack points are lower than the opponent's monsters. Judai declares the attack of E-hero Chaos Neos towards Blue-Eyes White Dragon. Blue-Eyes White Dragon is destroyed same as E-hero Chaos Neos since they have the same attack points.

Johan, Ken, King Atem and the others are surprised at Judai's play since he gets the game already. They have never seen Judai play like that.

The next monster is the Dark Magician equipped with Black Pendant increasing his attack points by 500. Dark Magician attacks E-hero Flame Wingman but was blocked by Rainbow Dragon of Johan.

"Thanks Johan!" Judai said. Johan just nodded.

Johan declared the attack of Rainbow Dragon towards Dark Magician and was destroyed.

While watching, the others felt like this is just a simple duel.

"It's like a simple duel, right-don?" asked Kenzan. The others nodded.

"With all those equipment spells, those monsters, it's just like a duel but in a different way." The ever "I'm-so-cool", Jun Manjyome said.

"No it isn't." King Atem suddenly appeared behind them. All of them looked at King Atem.

"This kind of duel is like the duel in your world but if you lose in this duel, you will die. The duels in my city are a Life-or-Death duel. The only thing you have to do is to battle monsters with equipment cards and field spells and that's it. If you are being attacked by a monster, you will really get hurt, because here in Serpentholm, monsters are real and they can hurt you."

The others are shocked about this. They just noticed now, that Judai had a bandage in his right arm. All of them realized that monsters are real.

--in the Tower of Destruction--

Blade, Xander, Zeo, Venom and even Kian are now outside ready to find Judai and his friends. They have been ordered by Shadow to find all of them. They didn't know exactly why, but they just followed Shadow's orders.

"Master, can we go now?" asked Blade.

Shadow just nodded and the five of them disappeared. He just sat in his throne and watches in the "Ball of Illusions" again maybe he can find where Judai and his friends are.

'Judai, I'll destroy you no matter what happens! I will revive Diabound and kill you! Hahaha!' Shadow thought to his mind.

Episode 31

Second Period

--back in King Atem's castle--

The others are still watching the challenge and they are impressed by how they play the game. It's like they also wanna join the three duelists. But of course they can't because one, it is a Life-or-Death game and two, King Atem won't allow them to, only Judai, Johan and Ken are allowed to do those things.

Judai, Johan and Ken are enjoying on the challenge but at the same time they are also tired. They are very tired on keeping on attacking. But they think that this is not yet over, so they still continue on what they are doing. Actually, it has been three hours since the challenge had started.

A moment passed and the others are now resting in the rooms which Dark Magician had sent them and they were very comfortable, especially since their rooms are decorated with the theme of their decks.

Outside the shield, Judai already collapsed and Johan and Ken tried to carry him up asking for Dark Magician's help. The monsters are still there so Ken let go and summoned his ace cards to protect Judai and Johan.

"Don't follow anymore. Judai will be alright. You continue the challenge now, Johan." Dark Magician said as he carried Judai. Johan nodded and ran back outside the shield.

Dark Magician is confused why Judai will suddenly collapse like that. Maybe because he is just tired or maybe he really can't take it anymore. Dark Magician really doesn't know but he just continued to walk to the room where Judai was assigned into.

Judai's room was big and full of E-heroes and Neo-Spacians in the walls. In all of the rooms, Judai's room is a very special one because in Serpentholm, only Neo, the Elemental Knight has a deck consisted of E-heroes and Neo-Spacians, meaning it is very rare that duelist will have a deck like that. Gem Beasts are also rare in Serpentholm because Gem Beasts are legendary creatures that, according to the legends, protect the Light from Darkness. The Chaos deck of Ken is not rare and it's not in the forces of Darkness. The Chaos deck of Ken is used for protecting many creatures in the city. That is why Judai, Johan and Ken are the chosen duelists.

Dark Magician put Judai in the bed and went out of the room. As soon as he went outside, Judai's friends were running towards Judai's room.

"Dark Magician, where is aniki?" asked Sho.

"He is inside his room, but don't disturb him. He is really tired in his challenge. Let him rest for awhile." Dark Magician said as walked off.

Judai's friends sighed in relief and went back to their rooms.

'Life-or-Death duel sure is very dangerous. I remember that time when I dueled Haiou Judai. He summoned Inferno Wing and beated me in that duel. Without my Orichalcum Eye, I should have died in that duel.' Jim thought to himself remembering that duel again. He really knows that Judai only got possessed in that time, but he had no other choice and he is not good enough to beat Judai.

--the next day--

Judai had woken up by surprise and he didn't even know that he is in his room. He remembered that he collapsed yesterday during the challenge. He had also remembered about that dream he had.

Judai's dream

He had woken up in a place similar to Serpentholm. He looked around but found nothing. He started walking around the place and found a tower.

He went inside the tower to see Asuka in there. Her hands chained in the wall. Judai asked if she was okay and tried to remove the chains but he couldn't. Asuka spoke and said, "Judai you can't save me anymore..." Asuka's body then turn into particles of light and disappeared. Judai's eyes went wide as he looked at her disappeared. Judai can't do anything and just stayed in that position. Asuka's words kept on echoing in his mind.

End Dream

Judai just decided to forget that dream. Besides, all that he wants is to save his friend, Asuka. He doesn't need to think about that dream because he knows that nothing bad will happen.

As long as he and his friends will stick together.

--after three hours--

All of them went into the throne room.

"Judai, Johan and Ken, the three of you passed my second challenge even thought, Judai had collapsed yesterday. I saw all of your strengths, and I can say that the three of you are good. The third challenge may be neither difficult nor easy." King Atem said.

All of them are happy that Judai, Johan and Ken passed the second challenge but, of course, they are not happy about the third challenge.

"What is the third challenge, King Atem?" asked Manjyome.

"Judai, Johan and Ken are still the only one that can do this challenge. The three of you, please follow me. The others, please wait here." King Atem stands up and went into a secret pathway. He recited an Egyptian language towards the door and it opened. The four of them went inside.

"So, any idea where those guys are heading?" asked Manjyome to the others. The others shrugged their heads.

All of them faced Dark Magician. Dark Magician just shrugged his head also. All of them signed in defeat. There is no way they can convince Dark Magician to tell them where King Atem, Judai, Johan and Ken went into.

"So, what are we going to do now-saurus?" Kenzan asked.

"Why don't we play the game that Judai, Johan and Ken were playing yesterday? It really looks cool to play with." Fubuki said.

The others smiled. Dark Magician signed in defeat and had no other choice but to allow them since they are guests of Serpentholm.

"LET'S GO!" Jim said as the others follow him behind to the arena.

--inside the door where King Atem, Judai, Johan and Ken went into--

Judai and Johan are surprised to see a different city full of warrior-type monsters.

"This city is called Blade City where all warrior-type monsters are practicing their fighting skills. They are specially trained to protect Serpentholm if the high-level monsters attack." Ken explained.

King Atem nodded and lead them in one of the training camps where Kousuke, the Master of Swords is the one who are in-charge.

"Kousuke!" King Atem said making Kousuke turn around and walks over to them. Kousuke bowed down to King Atem and he did the same. Kousuke looked over to Judai and Johan suspiciously making the both duelists scared of him.

"Who are these duelists with you, King Atem?" said Kousuke with an adult voice. He wears a samurai outfit with a high ponytail, a headband in his forehead and a sword attached at his side.

"They are Judai Yuki and Johan Anderson. You will be the one to train them, Kousuke." King Atem said.

"Train us?" Judai and Johan said with confusion in their faces.

"Isn't that obvious? We are going to learn about sword fighting skills." Ken said crossing his arms and saying it like Manjyome's way.

"What?! Why?!" Judai and Johan said in unison. Of course, they are duelists so they didn't understand why they had to learn sword fighting skills. They thought that Serpentholm is just a city full of Duel Monsters and that you can duel using only your ace cards and equipment and field spells. But they were wrong. Ken explained what King Atem said earlier about the high-level monsters in the Tower of Destruction. High-level monsters can be defeated only by a knight or a person with a good fighting skill. Judai and Johan remembered that. They don't have anymore choice. If they didn't do it, they might never save Asuka in the Tower of Destruction.

So, they sighed in defeat and just followed what Kousuke will say.

"Alright, Judai and Johan please follow me and Ken, proceed to the training camp." Kousuke said as Judai and Johan followed him behind.

"Um, Kousuke? Why is Ken in the training camp while us, we are going the other way?" Johan asked.

"Humph, since this is your first time in Serpentholm you two are going to learn about the basics first. All the people here in Serpentholm knew all about fighting skills and even dueling." Kousuke said while he opens the door to a temple.

The three of them sat in a corner and Kousuke asked Judai and Johan why they have come here in Serpentholm. The two duelists explained and all Kousuke will do is nod.

After hearing the explanation of Judai and Johan, Kousuke went into a closet and grab two bamboo swords and gave them to the two duelists.

"The only thing you need to do now is to practice the basics." Kousuke said.

As usual, the two duelists are confused why it is a bamboo sword and not a true sword. Kousuke explained that they need to learn basics first before using a true sword.

Judai and Johan have no choice and started to do a straight slash in the bamboo sword.

--in the Dark Duelists' location--

The Dark Duelists are now in the Hellion City where Shadow said that high-level monsters are living. Blade, Xander, Zeo, Venom and Kian summoned their ace cards and begun to attack the city.

--back to King Atem's castle--

King Atem already came back to his castle from Blade City when a Dark Blade monster appeared in the castle with his Pitch-Dark Dragon.

"King Atem! King Atem!" Dark Blade shouted.

"What is it, Dark Blade?" King Atem said.

"Five unknown duelists attacked Hellion. All of us are trying to attack the unknown duelists' ace cards, but we can't defeat them. We need your help, King Atem. Or else, Hellion might be destroyed. What are we going to do, sir?" Dark Blade said.

King Atem clenched his fists. He really can't stand duelists or monsters attacking one of his cities.

A/N: Just look at the bottom page and you will see how many cities there are in Serpentholm.

Dark Magician and King Atem looked at each other and nodded. Dark Magician went off as if he knows what King Atem had ordered him.

They have no other choice but to use the help of Judai, Johan and Ken.

The three duelists then appeared before King Atem, same as Judai's friends.

"What is going on-saurus?" asked Kenzan.

"Hey, isn't that Dark Blade?" asked Sho as he pointed at the monster.

"Why King Atem?" asked Judai.

"I will send the three of you in a special mission. We desperately need your help. Is the Three Mystical Gods with you?" King Atem said.

The three of them nodded as they get their cards.

"Good. You see, one of my cities named Hellion is in danger. Five unknown duelists attacked that city, and if the unknown duelists' ace cards will not be destroyed, Hellion will be destroyed." King Atem explained to all of them.

All of them make shock expressions in their faces.

"And we need the help of the Three Mystical Gods in order to destroy those cards. So, are the three of you ready?" King Atem asked Judai, Johan and Ken and the three of them just nodded their heads.

As soon as Dark Magician saw this action, he quickly sends Five-Headed Dragon outside the shield. Dark Magician sent a magic which can protect Five-Headed Dragon and the three duelists. Judai, Johan and Ken ridded the dragon and they followed Dark Blade to Hellion.

(to be continued)

Ending: Jougen no Tsuki by BOWL

Card of this episode

Ken's card:

Dark Dragon Knight

ATK: 2700

DEF: 2200

LEVEL: 7

EFFECT: N/A

Duel Information

Cities of Serpentholm

Hellion City- a city where all DARK-type monsters live. A very destructible place for monsters to live.

Heaven's Gate City- a city where all WIND-type monsters live. Its place is in the top of the sky of Serpentholm.

Flame City- a city where all FIRE-type monsters live. A city where no other monsters are allowed to go.

Aquatic City- a city where all WATER-type monsters live. On its center, a tower of ice is build where the ruler of the WATER-type monsters is located.

Vestal City- a city where all EARTH-type monsters live. Mostly, it is the city of warriors who are willing to sacrifice anything for their city.

Blade City- a city where all warriors and humans train to become better warriors and duelists. The army of Serpentholm can be found in this city.

Lumeria- the main city of Serpentholm where the castle of King Atem can be found. Monsters mostly attack in this place.

Matic City- the city where the Tower of Destruction is found. It was the city of MACHINE-type monsters, but was destroyed by Lotus and the five duelists.

Dragonite City- a city where all DRAGON-type monsters live. It has a tower where the Supreme Ruler of Dragonite is found.

Hero City- a city where all Gods can meet up and protect Serpentholm by their ultimate powers. Their Tower is a shape of an Obelisk (not the monster).