Why hello again everyone. Not too much has happened in the last few days. My grandfather went back to the hospital again due that he has the same thing he had before (C-diff). He was doing well yesterday from what my mom told me, which I'm glad to hear. He gets out on Saturday, so he'll be home by Christmas at the least, I hope. Otherwise, things are moving along. My mate loved her birthday presents. I got her a card, which she 'oh' and 'ah' over, lol. I also got her a complete DVD box set for Rurouni Kenshin, which she truly loved and has been watching. Lastly, I got her some Christmas tree ornaments since she has very few for our tree (most that are on it are mine since I've been a kid). Hmm, I think that's it for home life.
Story wise, progress is being made on Another, and some planning for Minutes to Midnight has been going on. Heh, with me and ardee in different time zones, it's sometimes hard to get in touch with one another. Thank goodness for email and IM, lol. Anyways, things are moving along with both, so it's all good.
Last time, Illidan and Zane's duel continued to escalate, with Zane taking CED and equipping it to the Cyberdark Dragon, which enraged Illidan to see his dragon treated so roughly. Will this fury of his monster's mistreatment be enough to push Illidan far enough to beat Zane, or will Zane's Underworld Deck defeat Illidan once and for all?
Ok, time again for the best part! That's right, the reviews!
x-knight20: Thanks. Lol, glad you got back up. (/Watches you get stuck in the door frame due to the wide load on your back. Sweat drops again.\) Yeah…
Ultimate Legendary Master: Thanks. True, Future Fusion's effect is not the true effect from the card game. I followed the show's example originally, but oh well. Lol, yes, I may have overdone it with Jaden and the word 'ironic.' I told my mate happy birthday for you, and she said thank you. Thanks for the review.
Knives91: Lol, yes, sadistic traitor suits him well. LOL! I knew I needed to get her something shiny. Cats are easily distracted with shiny stuff, lol. Thanks for the review.
Isis the Sphinx: Thank you. Sometimes writing duels does give me headaches, especially the larger duels and multi-person (tag, 2 vs. 1, three-way, etc) duels.
Thank you everyone for the reviews! I enjoyed all of them. To any who haven't reviewed, but read, don't feel shy. I enjoy bad or good reviews. Criticism is essential really for writing, lol. Anyways, thanks to all who have read this story thus far and continues to support it. Till next time, everyone enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 68
Growling through his teeth, Illidan called out "I'm not done yet Zane! I reveal my spell card, Spell Textbook!"
The stream of dark energy immediately stopped within a few inches of the black armored soldier, who defiantly glared at it.
"Thanks to this spell card, I can discard all cards in my hand. I then must draw one card, and if it's a spell card, I can activate it immediately."
Looking at his deck, Illidan prepared to draw. Placing his hand on top of the card, he silently said in his mind "Please, let this card help me. It's now or never, so here goes!"
Drawing, he turned it around to show Zane, saying "I activate the spell Mystic Box! Thanks to this, I can now perform a little trick for you."
A grey box with gold trim, three sections with each having a blue question mark in the middle and a small patch of red surrounding it, appeared onto the field. The door to the box soon enough opened, revealing an empty box within.
"First, I choose a monster of mine to place within the box. I'll pick my Silent Magician, so in you go my friend."
Nodding, the white robed mage hopped into the box, allowing the door to close.
"Next, I need a volunteer from your field, and I think your Cyberdark Dragon will do. So in he goes to this other box!"
On the field, a larger version of the box that the white robed mage entered into appeared around the large combination dragon.
"Time for the magic to this trick." Illidan said with a wink.
Swords instantly materialized above Illidan's field and began skewering the box with the white mage in it.
"Why bother to destroy his own monster?" Chazz asked in annoyance.
Smirking, Illidan pointed at the box on his field, which opened. Once the box opened, it was revealed that the combo dragon's card image was within the box instead with swords sticking through it.
"Oh wow, Illidan destroyed Zane's monster!" Jaden exclaimed happily.
Smiling at Jaden's words, Illidan called out "You may have lost your monster Zane, but you get a consolation prize. You get my Silent Magician."
The larger box on Zane's field opened up, revealing the white mage. Once out of the box, the large box dematerialized, along with the one on Illidan's field.
Growling, Zane pointed at Illidan's warrior, yelling "I'm not through yet! Silent Magician, destroy your former master's friend!"
With a sad sigh, the white mage pointed it's staff at the black soldier. Turning his face to look away, the white mage released a blast of white energy, which easily tore through the black armored soldier.
Electricity instantly formed in the air around Illidan, striking him repeatedly, making him fall to one knee.
"That will teach you to meddle with my monster! I end my turn." Zane snapped. (Illidan 600, Zane 400)
After a few moments of panting, Illidan finally started to stand, but only got halfway up before falling back down. "Oh no… I've nearly reached my limit! Each time I've taken a hit, I've gotten weaker. I'm nearly exhausted already."
Glancing back at the group behind him of Jaden, Chazz, and Alexis, Illidan shook his head. "No! They're depending on me! Come on body, just a little longer! I have to win, no matter what! They're counting on me, along with Marie, and everyone else that Zell has harmed! I can't give up, not now, not ever!"
Summoning up more strength from within his body, Illidan stood back up and stared down Zane. Picking up a card, Illidan glanced at it and smirked.
"Let's end this Zane! I play the spell Chaos Revisited!"
Frowning, Zane asked "What is that?"
Smirking lightly, Illidan replied "Glad you asked. First, I have to pay half my life points to activate this card."
Slowly, Illidan's life points drained away, causing bolts of electricity to start striking him. Crying out in pain, he fell to one knee, panting heavily.
"Gotta get up…"
Struggling to stand, Illidan slowed his breathing, trying hard to regain his composure. After a moment, he finally did, saying "Now we can move on. Once I've paid half my life points, I can special summon one monster from my deck, hand, Graveyard, or removed from play pile with the word 'Chaos' or 'Envoy' in it. The monster I pick is an old friend, so rise up once more Dark Magician of Chaos (2800/2600)!"
A pentagram made of fire ignited on the field. Slowly, rising up from within the pentagram's center was the black armored mage with blue skin. His eyes were closed till he finally was level with the field. Upon opening his eyes, the flames were extinguished instantly.
"Why bother with that mage? He's too weak for the monster you gave me to fight against." Zane smugly pointed out.
Slightly nodding, Illidan calmly replied "True, but my mage has a special ability. When special summoned or summoned, he can return one spell card from my Graveyard to my hand, so I pick my Pot of Greed."
Placing his hand in front of the Graveyard Slot, Illidan eagerly awaited the spell card's return. Slowly, the card slid out into his awaiting hand, which picked it up instantly.
"Next, I activate Pot of Greed, meaning two new cards for me!"
Quickly picking up two cards, Illidan examined them and smirked. "This is the beginning of the end for you Zane! First up, I play the spell Monster Reborn, meaning I can bring back one monster from my Graveyard. That monster is a very familiar one, so return to me Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning (3000/2500)!"
Emerging onto the field once more was the warrior in black ebony armor with a powerful sword and shield. Letting out a small battle cry, the warrior took a fighting stance to the left of the black armored mage, whom smiled at the soldier.
"You're still wasting my time Illidan. The best you can hope to do this turn is destroy yourself." Zane smugly remarked.
"Wrong Zane!" Illidan quickly responded. "I will finish this duel this turn, and I'll do it with this next card! It's time for a field change, so I play the field spell Chaos Control!"
Bringing his left arm vertical, Illidan tapped the end of his Duel Disk, causing a slot to open. Placing a single card within the slot, the slot lightly glowed and quickly shut. Upon shutting, the sky began to cloud in. Dark clouds filled the sky, with lightning flashing through it. Thunder could be heard all around as well, and on the field, a cave appeared with a barren wasteland surrounding it.
"Thanks to my field spell, once per a turn, I can special summon one monster with the word 'Chaos' or 'Envoy' in it's name to the field from my deck, hand, Graveyard, or removed from play pile without worrying about it's summoning requirements. There is one draw back to this card though. While it's on the field, I must skip my Draw Phase, but I won't need it."
Turning a cold glare towards Zane, Illidan icily said "It's time you paid the price for harming my dragon earlier. I activate Chaos Control's effect and bring back the end of your destructive reign, my Chaos Emperor Dragon – Envoy of the End (3000/2500)!"
Lightning began streaking more and more fiercely through the sky till it finally struck the field, just to the right of the black armored mage. From the strike, the large black dragon with an orange mane appeared with a mighty roar. The mage slightly smiled and gave a small nod to the dragon, who in turn returned the nod.
"You continue to waste your turn Illidan. None of your monsters can beat my monsters. Just give in Illidan." Zane admonished.
"Never Zane, especially since I'm about to win!" Illidan declared. "I activate Chaos Control's special effect, which is activated when I have three Chaos monsters on the field. By sending it to the Graveyard, I'm allowed to destroy all monsters on your field. Plus, I'm then allowed to direct attack you, so let's end this!"
Without warning, lightning began streaking down from the sky, striking the machine creature in front of Zane, which exploded with a thunderous force. The white mage only sadly smiled at the group of monsters on Illidan's field before being struck, leaving Zane's field empty.
Zane only lightly gasped in shock at the loss of his monsters, saying "No… I will not lose now! I've come too far to lose to you!"
"You may have come a long way Zane, but you lost your way somewhere along the way. I'm sorry to have to do this, but to save everyone, I must end this! I promise, I'll get you back though." Illidan said with compassion in his voice.
Hardening his eyes, he called out "Dark Magician of Chaos, end this with Chaos Scepter Blast!"
Spinning his scepter with one hand, the mage finally slammed the tip of it into the ground using both hands, sending a sphere of pure darkness at Zane. The sphere struck him hard without hesitation, causing a powerful explosion to ensue. Not long after that, through the smoke, electricity flew through the smoke, showing that the Shadow Game's torturous game had activated.
All Zane could do was scream in pain as his body crumpled to the ground. The smoke surrounding him vanished, but his cloths continued to allow smoke to pour off of them.
Staring at Zane, Illidan watched as he looked up at Illidan with eyes that showed a broken soul within them with a tear sliding out. "Zane…" Illidan softly said.
In an instant, Zane's body began glowing black. Immediately, his eyes dulled in color, and he fell over onto his side.
Falling to one knee, Illidan began to pant heavily, causing the others to come running up to him.
"Illidan!" Jaden cried out, reaching him first. "Are you alright?"
Panting still, Illidan muttered between breaths "I'm a bit exhausted."
Seeing Illidan would be fine, Alexis walked over to Zane's body and laid his head within her lap. Softly caressing his face, she whispered with tears sliding down her face and onto his "Zane, why, why did you do this?"
Sighing sadly at the sight, Chazz placed a calming hand on her shoulder, saying "He did what he thought was right Alexis."
Looking up at Chazz with a brokenhearted gaze, she said "But he should have known better! Illidan only wanted to help, but Zane decided to fight for the enemy instead. It just doesn't make sense."
"Legato managed to twist Zane's logic to his own." Illidan said with a bit of raggedness in his breath. With great difficulty, he finally stood up and slowly walked over to the others with Jaden close behind.
Staring down at Zane, he sighed, saying "It's a shame Legato managed to do this to Zane. I only wish I could have saved him."
Looking up at the moon, Illidan calmly said "We need to go home and rest. Can you two grab Zane?"
Nodding in agreement, Jaden and Chazz gently lifted Zane onto each of their shoulders. Leisurely, the four returned to Illidan's home, each seeking rest.
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Three hours after returning home, Illidan sat alone in the little enclosure of the woods where he often meditated and physically trained. Staring up at the sky while laying on his back, he sighed lightly.
"This duel with Zell, I don't know how it will go. Even though I have all four of my Chaos monsters again, and Anubis, that doesn't mean I'll win."
Brow furrowing, Illidan suddenly had a small flashback from earlier that year. A memory of Marie's bad dream now began to fill his mind.
"It wasn't a dream after all. She had a vision of the future. Does that mean I will lose my duel with Zell?"
A voice cut through Illidan's thoughts, asking "Illidan, why are you out here?"
Looking up, Illidan softly smiled, saying "Jaden, what are you doing out here? I thought you'd be asleep."
"I was for a while, but I woke up and went to talk to you. You were gone, so I figured you came out here." Jaden nonchalantly responded while plopping down beside of Illidan. "Again, why are you out here?"
Softly chuckling, Illidan calmly replied "Just thinking about tomorrow."
"Are you worried?" Jaden asked with concern.
Lightly chuckling again, Illidan remarked "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't."
Turning serious, he added "Marie has been held by Zell/Legato for nearly five days. The poison has most likely nearly paralyzed her. I have to get her back and heal her, immediately before…"
Unable to finish the sentence, Illidan swallowed the lump in his throat, saying "I have to get her back, no matter what."
"We will Illidan." Jaden said with a sad smile. Placing a hand on Illidan's shoulder, he added "We will get her back, I promise."
Slightly smiling, Illidan nodded, but his brow then furrowed. "There is more to worry about though that you don't know about." he cryptically said.
Raising his eyebrows, Jaden asked "Oh, what? You can tell me man, so don't be shy about it."
Sighing, Illidan stared at the ground for a moment before saying "Earlier this year, at the beginning of the school year, Marie had a dream one night."
"A dream? You're worried about a dream?" Jaden asked with a bit of surprise in his voice.
"Not just a dream Jaden." Illidan quickly remarked. Lightly sighing, he continued on, saying "I don't know if you knew this or not from our talks, but Marie was gifted with the ability of foresight."
Frowning, Jaden looked at Illidan with confusion, asking "What is foresight?"
Sweat dropping, Illidan replied "It means the ability to see the past, present, and future in visions."
"Oh, I get it now."
Nodding, Illidan continued on, saying "She was gifted with this in the past as a young child, and kept it even into this new life. When our Millennium Items were created in the past, her visions had more clarity, although she rarely gazed into the future."
Seeing Jaden had caught on, Illidan added "At any rate, the reason I speak of this was due to a dream she had earlier this year. She woke up rather upset and told me of the dream. In it, she saw me and someone who looked like the Zell we knew from the past dueling."
"You mean this new combination of Zell and Legato?"
"Yep, that's who it was now. I'm sure of it after meeting him. Anyways, we were dueling and I had Anubis on the field. Without warning, Anubis got destroyed by something, and I lost the duel. It was a Shadow Game, so I was being sent to the Shadow Realm. Marie said she couldn't move her body, that she was unable to move at all, or yell, or anything."
Pausing for a moment, Illidan finally said "My guess now is that it was a vision of the future. We thought it was just a dream, but now, I know without a doubt it's most likely a vision of the future."
"So, you're going to lose your duel to Zell!?" Jaden asked, with great nervousness in his voice.
Softly smiling, Illidan looked up at the sky, saying "I don't know for sure. Marie's visions haven't always been right on the money. For one, in Tournament of Power, she predicted that one of three or four would be the one to face off with Gozaburo. I was one of the people, but she couldn't figure out who it was, plus her vision of the future was clouded after that. Plus, we had a duel in which she predicted she'd win, but she lost. You see, Marie's visions can be accurate to a point, but fate does change. The future is not set in stone. There is no fate but what you make of it."
"I see, so you think you'll win then?" Jaden asked with optimism.
Lightly chuckling, Illidan only replied with "I don't know for sure, but I hope I win. Marie must be saved, and if I have to forfeit my life to save it, I will."
"Illidan…" Jaden murmured.
Glancing up at the sky once more, Illidan softly smiled. Pointing at a familiar collection of stars, Illidan asked "Jaden, do you see those stars there?"
Taking a moment to study the stars, Jaden finally nodded. Lightly smiling at this, Illidan added "They form the constellation known as the Phoenix. Have you heard of the phoenix?"
"Wasn't it a bird of fire?" Jaden responded after a moment of pondering.
Nodding, Illidan smiled, saying "Yes, it was. The phoenix was said to be a legendary bird of fire that couldn't completely die. If defeated, it turned to ash, but would be reborn from the ash."
With his eyes misting, Illidan added "My father from ancient times told me of the phoenix, how it is much like the love he had for my mother, and then for me. My love for Marie and those that I care about is like the phoenix also. It is eternal, and will always burn bright."
"I never thought of it that way." Jaden quietly said.
Patting Jaden on the shoulder, Illidan stood up, saying "Just remember Jaden, no matter what happens tomorrow, I'm proud of you, and I do love you. You, Alexis, Chazz, Marie, and everyone I care about, will forever be in my heart, and my love for all of you will always live on."
Standing up as well, Jaden softly smiled and hugged Illidan, saying "Thank you."
Breaking free of the embrace, Illidan turned towards his home, saying "Come on, let's get some sleep. We'll need it."
"Right." Jaden cheerily said.
Walking towards their destination, Illidan glanced up once more at the stars. "Marie, no matter what, my love for you will never die. I promise, I will give up everything to save you. No matter what, I will always be with you."
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Seeing the small island with buildings on it's horizon in the distance, a young man smiled. "Finally, I've made it. I just hope I'm not too late."