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CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
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Let the Finals Begin!
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Opening Ceremonies
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Cassandra gave a long look at eight cards arranged on the table in front of her.
The top row, consisting of three cards, was The Fool on the left, The High Priestess in the center, and The Strength on the right.
The center row, which consisted of two cards, was The Magician on the left, and The Lovers on the right.
The bottom row, again consisting of three cards, was The Hangman on the left, The Emperor (inverted) in the center, and The Moon on the right.
"All of the players stand revealed…" she muttered. "Or so it seems…"
She looked at the deck on the side of the table, the larger deck.
"Odd…" she said, looking at the eight cards again. "Looking at this arrangement, it seems… Incomplete… I can't help but feel that there's something missing…"
She drew a card off the deck.
She frowned.
It was the image of an armored warrior on a golden chariot, drawn by two horses – one pure white, and one pitch black.
"Not the answer I was looking for…" she muttered, "but it's a clue… The Chariot is a symbol of war, between opposing forces and ideals, which eventually ends in a decisive victory…"
She looked at the first eight cards.
"It may merely mean Good versus Evil, but I just know that it isn't that cut and dry… Until this mysterious final member of the conflict decides to reveal itself, I'm only getting vague and ominous messages…"
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Sheena sat at her desk at her office speaking into a recording device.
"Personal log," she said, "supplemental. The eight finalists have been chosen. Some of them are duelists I know, while a few are wild cards.
"Yugi Mouto's granddaughter has gained a spot, naturally, and I do believe that the final rounds will produce a meaningful confrontation with another finalist. I will attempt to be as nonbiased as I can when dealing with my own daughter, as I know well how far-reaching this conflict has gone.
"But I can't disregard the other finalists.
"Peter Ramset's daughter Chelsea has won a spot of her own. If you can't tell by the sword she carries on her hip, which I've decided to let her keep for reasons I've stated in the confidential log, she's tough… Very few would deny that. Basically, if you ever get into a fight, make sure she's on your side.
"Clive Marris's son Ren proved just as formidable, and he will be vying for the top spot as well. He's a good kid, and the type whom I'd likely trust my daughter with alone on a Saturday night, but he can still duel with the best of them.
"Of course, Sam only has eyes for another of the finalists. She's been seeing Erik for several months now, and he still puzzles me. He seems like a typical duelist, albeit one with an odd theme, but there seems to be an odd aura around him. There's something special about Erik which might make a difference down the line.
"Then we get into the other three. Nicholas Algernon is a peculiar case. I wouldn't have expected anyone except the late Chazz Princeton to get to the finals using an Ojama Deck, but he has done so. This duelist clearly has something else up his sleeve.
"And there's Olga Warren, who's even more mysterious. She seems to like using Fairies, but if Yugi Jr.'s opponent in the final round of the first Duelatopia was any indication, that doesn't indicate sweetness and innocence. There's something suspicious about her.
"Rasputin is the most suspicious of all. Someone rich and influential is behind the League of Ascension, and Rasputin is in that group. I've reviewed all the duels he has taken part in, and while I find no proof of cheating, I will watch him closer from now on. Of course, until I can make certain which of our A-list guests is our mastermind, I'll have to play by ear…
"Until then, the finals will do what they were meant to do… Entertain."
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The word that the eighth finalist had been chosen spread quickly around Duelatopia. A lot of duelists who were high in the rankings were disappointed, of course. A few, like Felicia, were happy they could have normal dreams again, but most resigned to the fact that this year, it wouldn't be theirs.
Others, mostly the ones at Violet or higher, didn't put away their Disks just yet. Dueling would be allowed until noon of the day of the opening ceremonies – the next day – and most of them remembered that they still could get Gold status, and if they did, they'd be rewarded with a grab bag of rare cards, courtesy of KaibaCorp.
Enrique was one duelist who was determined to get to Gold regardless. As the duel between Erik and Leroy was ending, he and another Silver duelist – Norman, the one with the more traditional Fire Deck – were at the docks.
Enrique had Tri-Blaze Accelerator, Fire Wall, and one facedown card on his side of the field. His opponent had nothing. And both were tied at 1,000 Life Points apiece.
Norman drew a card.
"Heh, heh…" he chuckled. "Looks like you lose, pal…"
He placed a card on his Disk.
"I summon Tenkabito Shien!"
In a burst of flame, the fiery Samurai appeared astride his coal-black steed. (1,500/1,000)
"Let me explain his ability," said Norman. "He's immune to Traps. Get it? Immune. So… He won't fall into a Bottomless Trap Hole, won't drown in a Torrential Tribute, doesn't care about Mirror Force, Mirror Wall, or any other mirrors…"
"And my Fire Wall can't stop his attack," sighed Enrique, putting his head on his hand. "I get the idea… So attack me if you think you can."
"Think I can?" replied Norman. "I'm going to! Shien… Attack him directly!"
Tenkabito Shien galloped towards Enrique, swinging his nodachi…
"Try avoiding THIS Trap!" shouted Enrique. "I activate… Volcanic Force!"
His facedown card lifted, and his Tri-Blaze Accelerator shattered into bits. Then the whole pavement erupted in an explosion of lava, and Volcanic Doomfire burst out of the ground with a great bellow. (3,000/1,800)
"ARGH!" shouted Norman. "Shien! Stop!"
"He can't…" replied Enrique.
A blast of lava shot from Doomfire's maw, blowing Shien to gibbets and throwing Norman backwards as his Life Points his zero…
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In Domino City, Julius Bjorn, attorney at law for Jarvis and Micawber Law Firm of Copenhagen (not the biggest firm in Scandinavia, even though most members were certain it would be eventually) was engaged in a practice he shouldn't have been doing – hacking into private files on his laptop at his hotel.
He wanted more concrete proof of the strange rumor about Sheena Arachne before attempting to get to the ones in KaibaCorp itself.
"Let's see…" he said. "Fact: Sheena was first hired by Siegfried nineteen years ago. Fact: That was the year Duelatopia first opened."
He skimmed through some files.
"Fact… Sheena Arachne studied etymology at a community college in New Mexico?
"Not exactly the most popular major…"
He typed in some words.
"Maybe if I cross reference 'Duelatopia' with 'Insects'…"
A link appeared on the screen. It said "classified".
Julius frowned. He had cracked tougher security codes. After two minutes of hacking, the file opened.
A picture appeared on the screen, and Julius shuddered.
It was a picture of a woman, but not a normal woman. She was dressed in a green bodysuit, with an hourglass-shaped hole cut out of the chest, showing a great deal of cleavage. She had waist-length black hair…
As well as four arms, and four glowing, red eyes.
The title on the screen said: "Shelob the Spider Savant, Eliminator of Duelatopia".
Julius rubbed his chin.
"Spooky…" he thought, looking at the date. "An Eliminator… For year one of Duelatopia… Could this creature be Sheena with a lot of makeup and cybernetic enhancements?"
He clicked on the file.
"Input Password," said the message.
Julius rubbed his chin.
No problem… He'd just hack a little further…
As he started to type, he saw a light flash on his screen.
"Aw, criminy…" he thought.
His intrusion had been discovered… He was being back-hacked.
His finger slammed on the manual power button for the computer, and the screen shut down.
He held his forehead.
"That was close!" he muttered. "If they had found me out…"
He sighed.
"The Eliminators were merciless, relentless duelists who terrified their opponents with threats of horrible punishments," he said. "If Sheena was indeed one of them, I've truly found the smoking gun that Rasputin wants…
"He could blackmail her good with that information…
"Only one way to truly get proof without being back-hacked…
"I'll bribe my way into her personal files…"
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Evening fell upon the island, and in the Temple of Osiris restaurant, the richer guests came to dine…
…or the ones who could freely spend the rest of their trust funds.
Sam had assured them that, once they got to the new accommodations, everything would be paid for. All they needed to save now was ten dollars for breakfast in the morning.
In the main room, a pianist on the stage slowly played a timeless tune, as the five young duelists waited for the appetizers to come.
The music flowed from the piano:
He says, "Son, won't you play me a melody?
I'm not very sure how it goes…
But it's sad and it's sweet, and I knew it complete,
When I wore a younger man's clothes…"
Ren raised his glass of Coca Cola.
"I'd like to propose a toast…" he said. "May the finals be free of turmoil, and may the best man win."
Yumi, Chelsea, and Sam looked at him.
"Heh, sorry…" he said. "May the best… duelist win?"
Yumi sighed.
"Sam, are the Centurion's still rounding up those Ascenders?" she asked.
Sam nodded.
"Twenty of them are in custody so far…" she replied. "By the way, I took it upon myself to tell mom about Rasputin."
They all looked at her.
"And?" asked Ren.
"Get this…" said Sam. "Mom is already considering searching his hotel room. Seems he was already on the list of ringleader suspects.
"Unfortunately, she said there were four other suspects, and she's being careful…"
"Huh?" asked Chelsea. "Who are the others?"
"Well…" said Sam, "Rasputin is neither the richest nor most influential guest here. One duelist is actually a member of the Malkovian royal family."
"Malkovia…" muttered Yumi. "That's the country in Europe that made a fortune importing superconductive ceramics, right?"
"Yeah…" said Sam, with a chuckle. "They'd prefer it if their country's treasure was gold or diamonds, but in these times, technology is much more precious.
"Anyway, there are three other multi-billionaires here who were invited, and mom says she has no proof that singles Rasputin out over the other ones. In fact, one of the others was in trouble with the law a couple times, more of a criminal record than Rasputin."
Erik's fist hit the table.
"This is unbelievable…" he growled. "We're witnesses! We could testify!"
Sam shook her head.
"What would you tell a judge?" she asked. "Well, your honor, because of Mr. Lamont, I was forced to take part in a type of duel where the effects were created by magic and the Monsters were real…
"Erik, crazy prosecution witnesses tend to help the defense."
"We aren't crazy…" muttered Ren. "It really happened…"
"Won't Sheena believe us at least?" asked Chelsea. "She was here nineteen years ago… She saw the demons when they invaded…"
"She also knows that said demons were banished and Saurius was killed," replied Yumi.
She paused. She looked at her Puzzle.
"I have to do the ritual…" she muttered. "I have to end it forever…"
"End what?" asked Ren.
Yumi sighed, and saw the Pharaoh standing next to her.
"If I can do this…" she muttered, "he'll be at peace, and it will end… The portals will finally close, and seal forever…
"No more Shadow Games… He'll make sure of it…"
She paused.
"But… for now…" she said, "Rasputin won't be able to get to us. We'll deal with him later."
She raised her glass.
"Cheers…"
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Later that night…
Ren sat on his bed, looking at the cards in his deck.
He looked at his Dark Blades, Getsu Fuhmas, and all the others…
"Yumi and Chelsea have seen this whole deck…" he mused. "Sam and Erik have seen most of it…
"I have to make it fresh…"
He looked through his other cards, and went over them one by one, occasionally switching one with his deck.
In her own hotel room, Chelsea was doing the same thing.
"If I'm going to surprise Ren and Yumi," she said, "I have to make my deck more special than it ever has been.
"This guy is good… So is this… Here's a good card…"
At around eleven o'clock, both Ren and Chelsea were satisfied. They put their newly reworked decks in their cases, and fell into sound sleeps.
In another hotel, Nicholas and Olga were already sleeping soundly.
Nicholas had packed up his Ojama Deck… Olga had put away her Cyber Angel Deck…
When the finals came, their true decks would emerge once more…
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Yumi was up with the sun, and was in front of her hotel with all her luggage fifteen minutes before noon. She was prepared to wait, but soon realized that doing so wasn't necessary.
"Ms. Mouto?" said a voice, as soon as she walked out the door.
She looked up, and saw a tall man in chauffeur's clothing.
"Let me take your luggage," he said. "From this point on, all of your needs are on KaibaCorp."
"Think I'm gonna like this," said Yumi with a giggle, as he took her suitcases.
"The trip won't be long," he said, as he opened the door to let her in. "The Coliseum is in the exact center of the island, so getting there is a quick drive no matter where you are. Until then, make yourself comfortable."
Yumi sat down in the back of the stretch limo, remembering how Sam had given her a ride to Domino Pier on the day they came her. This time, however, she had a private ride.
She took out her cards and looked through them.
This was it… Her chance to go all the way to the top.
She looked at Dark Magician Girl.
Then she looked over her shoulder, and saw the Pharaoh next to her.
"We're gonna do it…" she whispered. "Once the finals are done, I promise… We'll get the last three Charms away from them, and then we'll do whatever it takes…"
The limo passed through the Entertainment District, and then into the Center, the place where the most important buildings were. The Duelatopia KaibaCorp offices were there, perhaps dwarfed by the main offices in Domino, but still impressive.
The holographic projection tower loomed over the skyline, Centurions still guarding it at several vantage points…
Then Yumi saw the Coliseum. The grand arena. Sheena had gone with a different theme this year in renovating, designing it to resemble the Coliseum in Rome as it might have looked like when it was new. The old-fashioned look didn't fool Yumi – she knew that it hid high-tech equipment in every corner.
A door opened up, and the limo entered, driving into a tunnel…
Eventually, he pulled into a garage with an elevator, where a redcap was waiting.
"Ms. Mouto," he said, as he opened the door, "Charles here will take your luggage to your new suite. Until then, Ms. Arachne has prepared a buffet lunch for you and the other finalists for the briefing. If you'll just follow me… Uh… Any special instructions for those bags?"
"No, thanks…" said Yumi with another giggle.
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The elevator rode a few floors down, and opened at a long hall. The chauffer led Yumi to a large lounge, where the first thing she saw was Ren and Chelsea.
"About time you got here!" said Ren.
"You guys are always early…" muttered Yumi, looking around.
"Naturally," said Ren. "I was born two weeks before schedule."
A buffet table laden with food was spread out, and a strange-looking screen was above it. Ren and Chelsea had found the food with no problem.
"So what now?" asked Yumi.
"Lunch, I guess…" said Chelsea. "I wonder where Sam and Erik are."
"We're right here," said Sam's voice.
She and Erik walked in, and for someone who was getting the VIP treatment, Sam didn't look all too happy.
"Something wrong, Sam?" asked Yumi.
"Plenty…" muttered her rival. "I was on the internet last night, and I found out who the last three finalists are…"
They looked at her.
"Who?" asked Ren.
A chill blew through the room.
Everyone turned to the door as Nicholas, Olga, and then Rasputin walked in.
"That answer your question?" asked Sam.
Yumi noticed someone else had come with Rasputin. It was Louis, although they had not yet met him.
"Something's rotten here…" muttered Chelsea, "and I don't think it's the smoked salmon…"
Yumi glared daggers at Rasputin, and he glared back. She crossed her arms.
"Figures…" said Yumi. "I guess you thought you'd try to finish what you started Rasputin. And this time you brought a thug with you."
Louis looked around, before he realized she was talking about him.
"Hey!" he shouted. "I'm no thug!"
"Uh, Louis," said Nicholas. "Yes you are. Deal with it."
"Listen Yumi…" said Rasputin, in a vile tone, "I really don't know how you survived, but…"
"I'll tell you exactly how I survived," replied Yumi. "I was rescued by someone who was given eternal life and youth by an advanced civilization, a race whose secrets they'll never share with you, and who you could never possibly get close enough to in order to study in the slightest."
Rasputin glared at her…
He clenched his fist…
"Calm down…" said Olga, putting his hand on his shoulder.
Rasputin walked up to the buffet table and took a cracker.
"Regardless," he said, spreading brie on it, "my protégés and I are in the finals, and that gives us opportunities, Yumi… More than you could ever imagine…"
"Exactly!" said a voice.
They all turned, and saw that Sheena's face had appeared on the screen.
"Yumi, Samantha, Ren, Chelsea, Erik, Olga, Nicholas, Rasputin…" she said. "Welcome one and all.
"The finals lie ahead, and there's no turning back. It all starts with tonight's opening ceremonies.
"In case you're wondering how this tournament is going to be held, well, it's the usual. Elimination style. Four duels in the quarter finals, the winners proceeding to the semi-finals, with the winners there competing in the true finals.
"If you want to know who will be dueling who, that will not be known until introductions are made at the opening ceremonies tonight at six. They'll be made at random. The quarter finals start tomorrow at noon.
"The duels last until one warrior remains. Only one will emerge triumphant…
"Keep in mind that we have a live, international television broadcast. The world will be watching as Duelatopia XX commences."
What is this, the Super Bowl? thought Ren.
"Until then, your wish is our command. Your new hotel suites offer an array of luxurious accommodations. Room service is available twenty-four hours, and all of your needs will be taken care of.
"Simply be outside your rooms at five PM. Until then duelists… Enjoy…"
Sam looked at Yumi and she looked back.
I guess I have two foes to beat in this battle… thought Yumi. I just hope I can count on enough of an alliance with Sam to take out Rasputin…
Rasputin glared at them.
"Plan whatever useless strategies you think will work," he said. "You brats can only be sure of one thing… I won't rest until I've beaten all of you."
"Yeah?" replied Ren. "Well I won't rest until you shave off that ugly beard!
"I mean, you may think it makes you look more sinister, but it really just makes you look dumber. That look went out with Ming the Merciless."
He, Chelsea, Yumi, Sam, and Erik burst out laughing. Even Nicholas giggled a little.
Rasputin was clearly very angry.
"Listen you little brat!" he shouted, pointing to his face. "My father had a beard like this, his father had a beard like this, and four generations of Lamont men before him…"
"Easy, easy…" said Olga, holding him back. "You're gonna blow a blood vessel…"
Rasputin turned and stormed out of the room.
"Uh, I should have told you guys…" muttered Olga. "He's really sensitive about that…"
She followed him. Nicholas shrugged, and did the same.
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Waiting in line was never fun. At three PM, the guest of Duelatopia who were waiting to be seated for the festivities realized that all too well.
Fortunately, there were water vendors about, and the water was free. Good thing too, because it was very hot.
Marlon spoke on his cell phone, as one of them handed him a bottle.
"Yes, Philip, I've decided to stay for a few more days…" he said. "Well, yes, I could have gone home, but this place kind of grew on me."
He held his head.
He was, of course, humiliated at having been brainwashed. He had thought his willpower was stronger. The least he could do now was show some support for Sam and Yumi.
Heck sipped water while waiting for the line to move. He had started dueling again after Chelsea's duel with Angel, but had never gotten back on track. Oh well… He figured he'd work on his deck, and maybe there'd be next year.
Felicia was chugging water as well. Her costume was incredibly hot, but she still preferred it to more common clothes. Her costume defined what she was. She intended to support Ren for the same reason.
She coughed, and noticed that someone was smoking behind her.
"Hey…" said Leroy. "Is it true what they say about cats in warm weather?"
Felicia looked at him and grinned, showing her fangs.
Leroy cowered backwards.
Enrique was pretty glum, despite having gotten late Gold status. His father would be due in court in three days, at which time his lawyer would attempt a plea bargain in return for a guilty plea. He was incredibly nervous about what the outcome would be. If Yumi's advice helped, he'd be grateful. If it made things worse, he'd hate her forever.
Until then, he'd simply watch.
Someone who didn't mind the heat was Aisha. She strummed her guitar while waiting, and folks listened as she sang.
One youngster listening to him was Kenta, someone who truly needed cheering up. He would have won the last finalist slot, but he had tried to do what Ren did, and challenge Guinevere for his last rank. Exodia Necross was no match for her Knights. She not only had Royal Straight Slasher, but Freed the Brave Wanderer, two Monsters that could destroy Necross. After he lost, the last thing he remembered was falling into a deep slumber, and waking up in the lobby of Camelot, knowing that he'd been taken out, so to speak.
The least he could do now was support Ren…
Gradually, the stadium began to fill up…
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In her office under the Coliseum, Sheena was making a few last-minute preparations.
"Yeah…" she said on the phone. "Good. Remember, no-one gets in unless they're on the guest list. And that means MY guest list! No Ascenders are going to ruin this part of the tournament.
"Hold on, I got another call."
She pressed a button.
"Sheena Arachne here," she answered.
"Bianca?"
She paused.
"Bianca, you can't withdraw!" she shouted.
She paused.
"Really? Yeah… Uhm… I guess that's pretty bad…"
At that moment, Sam entered the office.
"Mom…" she said.
"Yeah, Bianca," said Sheena, "I guess you have to… Stay in bed and drink lots of liquids… Feel better…"
She hung up.
"Mom…" repeated Sam.
"Look, Sam," said Sheena. "I'm kinda busy right now. That swimsuit model that I hired to present the check to the winner… It seems she didn't have the sense to get chicken pox when she was a kid. Now I have to find a replacement… Fast!"
As she picked up the phone, a light went on in Sam's eyes.
"Mom, wait!" she shouted.
Sheena looked at her.
"I'll get you your model…" said Sam.
Sheena gave her a strange look.
"And how exactly are you going to find a professional swimsuit model on such short notice?" asked Sheena.
Sam grinned evilly.
"It's either gonna be me…" she replied, "or Yumi…"
Sheena gave her a strange look again.
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The stadium crowd was getting restless as the clock inched towards six o'clock.
Finally, explosions of fireworks burst at every corner, and the announcer's booth lit up.
In the center of the grassy arena, the Lord of Dragons appeared holding a microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "young and young at heart. It's time to shuffle, cut, draw, and brace for impact! Get ready to see the action fly like never before… It's a battle for the ages! Let's get ready to DUUUEEEL!"
A screen above him flashed, and the words "DUELATOPIA XX" appeared on it.
Then the microphone transformed into a Flute of Summoning Dragon and he put it to his lips and played a haunting melody.
Tyrant Dragon and Des Volstgalph appeared to either side of him. The two Dragons spread their wings and flew upwards, circling around the arena. Then, both of them belched flames upwards, and then vanished in bursts of fire.
Three Gradius shot into the sky, trailing colored smoke in their wake. They circled the whole city, and then flew off over the horizon.
The two announcers from the announcer booth appeared on the screen. One was a man with straight, styled hair and sideburns. The other was a woman with a trendy haircut and a stylish dress.
"Thank you, Mr. Lord of Dragons," said the man. "And everyone here, and everyone watching, welcome to Duelatopia XX. I'm Ben Fulton."
"And I'm Natalie Malone," said the woman. "Well, like you said, these are the twentieth finals of Duelatopia."
"And I couldn't be happier," said Ben. "There's something about good, round numbers like twenty that just make me feel good.
"There have been times in Duelatopia's history that stood out," said Natalie. "Like the year Chuck Cole won with his Gamble Deck. That guy's luck was uncanny."
"Or the tenth running, featuring Zed Masters and his Zeta Reteculant strategy," said Ben.
"And there was the eighth running…" said Natalie.
"What was…" started Ben.
He paused.
"Oh yeah… Folks, that was the year she won, something she's never gonna let me forget."
"You'd better believe it buster," said Natalie with a laugh, "but the past is the past. It's time to open the doors to a new flock of duelists, so it's time to meet them now!"
Music started to play, and a huge set of double doors opened beneath the announcer's booth. An explosion of sparks burst from either side.
"The latest in a long line of duelists," said Ben, "some say she has a legacy to continue. She says she's starting her own. Everyone please welcome… Yumi Mouto!"
The crowd cheered, as Yumi entered, and made her way to a podium in the center.
"Speaking of legacies," said Natalie, "our second contestant was sired from the one who we have to thank for opening this resort. Everyone please welcome a young lady who calls herself the Consort of Ha Des… Samantha Arachne!"
Sam stepped out, and more people cheered. She blew kisses to the crowd as she walked up to the podium.
Sam and Yumi eyed each other.
"Coming out next," said Ben, "from London, a young man who proves that the best offense is sometimes a strong defense, let's all welcome Nicholas Algernon."
Nicholas stepped out and waved. A surprising number of people (mostly folks from Europe) cheered, and a few girls cheered too.
He went up to the podium.
"Hey ladies," he said. "Not too late to defect to the winning side, you know…"
"In a pig's eye…" muttered Sam.
"I'd rather kiss the rear end of one Sam's Fiends," replied Yumi.
"Coming right out," continued Natalie, "a young lady with a deck of Monsters that are, like 1990's action star Steven Segal, hard to kill, Chelsea Ramset!"
Chelsea entered and raised her arms to cheers. She walked up to the podium.
"Next up," said Ben, "another visitor from across the pond… Anyone who thinks that Fairies are lightweights never met the girls in this gal's deck. A lethal lady from Liverpool… Olga Warren!"
Olga stepped out, flashing a big smile. She strode up to the podium next to Chelsea amid a lot of whistles and catcalls. Chelsea glared at her.
"Next, a newcomer to the tournament circuit," said Natalie, "someone who proves that no matter how old you are, you can always be young at heart… Erik Matell!"
Erik walked out, amid more cheers. He blushed as he walked up to the podium.
"Next up…" said Ben, "a Warrior duelist who proves that not all good Dark Monsters are Spellcasters and Fiends… Let's meet Ren Marris!"
Ren stepped out, and more people cheered. He smiled, and walked up to the podium.
"And finally…" said Natalie, "coming from the small city of Copenhagen, a man who can find order even in chaos… Everyone welcome Rasputin Lamont!"
Rasputin stepped forward, his stern look still on his face. A few people clapped, though not as much as the others.
He shrugged, and stepped forward.
"Now that we've met them, we'll turn it over to our gracious emcee…" said Ben. "Presenting, president of KaibaCorp, Sheena Arachne!"
"Thank you!" said Sheena.
The crowd erupted into applause as she stepped forward, holding a microphone.
"My…" she said. "My…"
She held her hand out.
"That was a wonderful welcome…" she said. "It's been a long road… After hundreds of duels, eight remain standing.
"Only one will win the prize of five million dollars, and that's only the material prize. We all know a much grander prize awaits.
"The quarter final matches, which will be held tomorrow starting at one o'clock, will be the first leg of our competition.
"The four duels will be simply named Duels One through Four. The winners of One and Two and the winners of Three and Four will duel each other in the semi-finals.
"Who will duel each other in the quarter finals? Well, we've got someone who can help us with that…"
A flash of light appeared behind her, and a huge Machine appeared. It looked like a cross between a battle mecha and a casino slot machine, with a laser cannon for a right hand, and a small left hand holding its lever.
"Heh, heh…" chuckled Sheena. "Slot Machine here is a pretty depressed Monster, because no-one uses his card any more. Level Seven Monsters with only 2,000 Attack Points just don't cut it these days…
"But… We've found an important job that only he can handle. He's going to use his abilities as a one-armed bandit to decide who duels who in the quarter finals.
"Here's how it will work. The photos of each duelist are programmed into his slots. He simply has to give them a spin, and two will be paired together at random. Once that is done, those two photos will discarded, and we'll find the next pairing.
"So… Without further ado…"
Everyone looked at the huge Machine nervously. It threw its lever down.
The slots in the center of its chest started to spin. The middle one stopped first, showing a "VS".
"The match for Duel One will be…" said Sheena.
The other two slots stopped. The photos were Sam and Olga.
"…Samantha Arachne versus Olga Warren!"
Sam crossed her arms.
Well, Yumi will have to wait… she thought, looking at Olga. But this shouldn't be too hard.
"Now, Duel Two…" said Sheena.
The Slot Machine threw its lever again, and the slots spun again.
The two faces were Chelsea's and Ren's.
"Chelsea Ramset, and Ren Marris!"
Ren looked at Chelsea.
Oh… no… he thought.
Chelsea looked down, and shook her head.
"Duel Three…" said Sheena.
The Machine threw its lever again.
Yumi anxiously watched. She almost wanted it to match her with Rasputin…
It didn't. The two photos that appeared were her and Nicholas.
Nicholas turned to Yumi and smirked.
Hmmm… thought Sam. If this works out, Yumi and I will face each other in the final round…
She smirked.
I couldn't have asked for better…
"Well," said Sheena. "Only two remain. That means the duelists for Duel Four will be Erik Matell and Rasputin Lamont."
Sam's eyes opened in horror… She hadn't realized that a second ago…
"No…" she whispered.
Rasputin frowned and crossed his arms.
Lovely… he thought. I'd say this would be as easy as taking candy from a baby… But it would actually be as easy as giving candy to a baby.
Ah, well… As long as I get what I want, it won't matter…
The Slot Machine vanished.
"I'd like to thank you for coming everyone," said Sheena. "And now, to close out the opening ceremonies, we have some special guests…"
Behind the podium, a stage rose. A female singer with a base guitar was in front; behind her was a drummer, and to her sides were another guitarist and a keyboardist.
"Presenting America's newest sensation, White Rain. We're now going to be treated to the debut of a single from their new album, due out next month. Based on a legend behind Duel Monsters, it's called Shadows.
"Hit it!"
The musicians started to play. The melody they played was mystical and mysterious, and had a poetic rhythm to them.
The lead singer started to sing:
There's a world that exists far beyond what we see,
What is there are the things we believe there can be,
What we think is a game is a portal from here,
If the faith is enough, we can bring the world here…
Draw your hand, use your cards, make your beasts come to life,
Just remember the ones who can make them come…
If the world is in need, if it's threatened by strife…
Duel…
Make the shadows fade…
Duel Monsters, make the magic last,
Duel Monsters, strong and hard and fast,
Duel Monsters we will make our stands,
Duel Monsters… Power in our hands…
The audience listened, entranced, as the singer sang… Finally, the last stanza flowed over the stadium. The crowd erupted in applause.
Yumi was thinking very hard.
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As the crowd was leaving the stadium, Sam was in her suite, worried sick. Mostly over Erik.
"OH!" she muttered, as she threw a pillow against her bed. "Stupid random chance lottery pick! Erik will be thrashed within an inch of his life by that madman…"
She shook her head. She couldn't do anything if Erik decided to actually duel him. And she couldn't just ask him to forfeit.
She fell on the bed and buried her head in the pillow.
Then she heard her stomach rumble.
She got up and picked up the room service menu. She looked at it.
"Pizza…" she muttered. "Not a bad idea…"
She picked up the phone and dialed.
"Hello?" she said. "This is Samantha Arachne in VIP suite five. Yeah… I'd like a large pizza… Deep dish… With pepperoni…"
She paused.
"Garlic bread? Eh… Why not?"
She paused again.
"Half an hour? Great."
She hung up, and lay her head against the pillow.
Someone knocked at her door.
"That was a short half hour…" she said.
She slowly walked to the door and looked out the peephole.
She was surprised. It was that old woman with the eyepatch. The one whom she had delivered that letter to Yumi for.
She hit the speaker button.
"What do you want?" she asked, not opening the door. "And just how did you get past security?"
"Don't you remember, Sam?" came the reply. "I promised you that if you delivered that letter, I would later repay you with vital information when you needed it.
"As for how I got past the Centurions, it's a little secret I've known for years."
"Well, I want an excuse not to yell for them," said Sam, suspiciously. "What 'vital information' could you possibly give me?"
"I know what you can expect from Olga when you duel her tomorrow," replied Maria.
"I already know," said Sam. "I looked up her duels on the internet. She uses Cyber Angels."
"The Cyber Angels were an old deck, which she has now put away," said Maria. "Her real one is far deadlier."
Sam paused. She thought.
She didn't know whether she could trust this Maria… But she didn't want to walk into some mega-powerful surprise tomorrow…
She unlocked the door and opened it.
"Okay, you have five minutes to get my attention…" she said. "Talk…"
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Ren and Yumi sat in the lounge, with Ren strumming his guitar.
He sang slowly…
Faded photographs, covered now with lines and creases…
Tickets torn in half, memories in bits and pieces…
Traces of love, long ago, that didn't work out right…
Traces of love…
Ribbons from her hair, souvenirs of days together…
The ring she used to wear, pages from an old love letter…
Traces of love, long ago, that didn't work out right…
Traces of love – with me, tonight.
"So, what are you gonna do?" asked Yumi.
"We're gonna duel…" muttered Ren. "We have to…"
He sighed.
Yumi smirked.
"My dad dueled my mom in their Duelatopia finals," she sighed. "It didn't make them hate each other, Ren.
"We all knew from the start that this was probably gonna happen. You're just gonna have to do it."
She paused.
"We have other problems…" she sighed.
They looked at each other.
"Rasputin," they both said at once.
"He and his two protégés all have Shadow Charms," replied Yumi. "He'll find a way to turn these finals into a war between them… I just know it…"
"Hey, I'm not scared of him," said Ren. "Ren Marris isn't scared of anything…"
He paused.
"Okay, that's a lie…" he muttered. "I am scared of one thing…"
Yumi looked at him as he put his guitar down.
"Can you keep a secret, Yumi?" he asked.
She nodded.
"Dad was teaching me to duel using the Disks," sighed Ren. "And he summoned a Monster that Siegfried had given to him at one point…
"Giant Spitting Cobra…"
"I know about that…" replied Yumi. "Powerful… When it's on the field, all opposing Monsters lose 400 Attack Points."
"Yeah…" said Ren. "But when he summoned it, I got nervous. I started to sweat.
"And I had two cards in my hand that could have destroyed it! Earthquake and Shield Crush. I could have wiped it out…
"But I was too scared to use them. I gave up and begged him to make it go away.
"Dad said he understood. Mom was afraid of snakes too. He said it must have been in my blood…
"But that night, I had a nightmare… A nightmare where I was fighting demonic snakes…
"It got worse the next night…
"And the third night…
"Oh, that was the worst. The third night, I dreamt of… her…"
"Her?" asked Yumi.
"A snake goddess," said Ren. "She was a true monster, and I was sure that she was going to eat me if I didn't wake up. Fortunately, I did…
"I was afraid to sleep the next night. But when I did sleep, strangely, no more snakes…"
He sighed.
"It's weird…" he muttered.
"Ren," said Yumi, "Anastasia was afraid of snakes too. It's a common fear.
"Some say it stems from the myth of Eden… It was a snake that tempted Eve to eat the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, which brought evil into the world… Ever since then, snakes just aren't very likeable creatures.
"But trust me, snakes in Duels Monsters are rare. And there is no snake goddess!"
She put her hand on his shoulder.
"We have worse things to worry about than snakes. Now, why don't we turn in? It's gonna be a big day tomorrow."
Ren nodded.
As they left the room, neither of them saw the creature perched on the ceiling. It looked like a tiny eyeball with wings and claws.
It was a spybat, a creature created by alchemy. They didn't know it, but Rasputin had been using it to listen to everything they had said.
"Hmmm," he said, rubbing his chin.
He picked up a briefcase and looked in it. Several shampoo and other hygiene-related bottles were inside it.
In reality, they were full of chemicals used for alchemy. He looked at three of them.
"That Ren had some nerve making fun of my beard," he growled. "There was a time when a beard was a symbol of wisdom and intellect, and a man who had one was respected…
"Nowadays, you can't even find a professional who'll trim it for you… Barbers have all been replaced by… hairstylists. It seems the more the world advances, the more time-honored traditions we lose…
"No snake goddesses, huh Yumi?
"Well, Ren will soon learn otherwise. This will be a night he won't soon forget…"
The finals are all set to begin, but the night before they start, Rasputin seems to be planning one more trick, aimed at attacking Ren where he hurts the most. Try to sleep soundly while you can, Ren… If you can…
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VOLCANIC FORCE (Trap Card)
Normal Trap
Image: A pool of boiling lava.
Card Description: Destroy one "Tri-Blaze Accelerator" on your side of the field. Special Summon one "Volcanic Doomfire" from your hand, deck, or Graveyard, disregarding its summoning requirements.
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Chelsea: This place is comfortable… I hope everyone can sleep soundly…
Ren: Tired… Have to sleep…
Rasputin: Going to sleep, Ren? That was a big mistake… It's time I truly used my skills…
Chelsea: Rasputin… What the devil are you up to?
Rasputin: There's nothing you can do, Chelsea… I'll attack Ren where you can't possibly protect him…
Chelsea: It may be a dream, but it will still be a duel…
Coming up next, "Dream Demon; Ren versus the High Priestess".
Wake up, Ren! I have faith in you!