Hey there everybody. Well, another week has begun. This weekend wasn't too bad. I saw my grandfather Friday night, and he was doing well. We celebrated his birthday Friday, although it isn't till today, lol. My grandmother got him a cake and a razor (last thing he asked for before his stroke), and we had a good time. Of course, we're going to do it again tonight, lol. So, what happened… ah yes, my mate went to her job interview Friday, but she won't hear back from them on a decision for up to 2 months, which sucks, but eh, it's the State government, what do you expect, heh. Other than that, it's been a rather quiet weekend. My poor mate, she's trying to quit smoking, and is a bit touchy on stuff. It's alright. I love her very much, and I guess I can deal with her being moody till it's out of her system.
Writing wise, I'm making some good strides on MtM, but slowed on Another. I'll pick back up with it once I finish some stuff on MtM I suppose. It happens, lol. I still plan on posting Another starting this month, so hang on to any Inuyasha fans who want to read up on this story.
Heh, I suppose last time my chapter threw several of you for a loop. Yes, I actually had Illidan lose a duel, but more importantly, a Shadow Game. He's truly fallen in battle, leaving Jaden behind to continue the fight with Legato. Can Jaden manage to do the impossible against Legato, or will his fate and everyone else's be the same as Illidan?
Ok, time for the reviews!
x-knight20: Thanks. Yep, the true form of the Legendary Demons has come out, and with it Illidan's demise. Heh, nice nickname name for Armityle, hehe. Thanks for the review.
Ultimate Legendary Master: Heh, yeah, I guess I did kind of make it obvious that someone was going to lose this time around. Yep, Jaden's all alone from here on. Actually, about Armityle's effect, in the anime, it's different. You see, in the anime, you inflict 10k in damage when it attacks, but it's real effect is it gains 10k attack points during your turn, thus Anubis could in reality only weaken it. True, the U.S. won't get to the Supreme King episodes for a long time. Lol, I'm actually watching it on the Net from the UK. Glad you're looking forward to this chapter, cause it's really worth it, I suppose, lol. Thanks for the review.
DuelistBlake1852: Yep, he lost there Yami. (/Gives him a popsicle.\) Here, this will cheer you up! But yes, Illidan did sacrifice himself to save his friend and descendant. Even though he wished to remain with Marie, he couldn't allow family to die while he remained. Yes, it was a bit of an unexpected plot twist. Heh, I figured the cliffhanger would have everyone on edge, hehe. Thanks for the review.
Knives91: Yes, all hell breaks loose, lol. Heh, kill me, I think not! Half demons don't die, at least not this one, hehe. Thanks for the review.
Alright, that's about it for this go around. I'm sure I surprised a great deal of people by killing Illidan, but who knows, if Jaden wins, he could be back. Remember, Legato promised to release all the souls he took on his rampage of destruction, and Illidan is no exception I figure. Anyways, thank you all for your reviews. I enjoyed them very much, and I enjoyed your PM Raymond Barrett.
I just realized something Saturday. This story is setup to surpass TWS in reviews, and possibly to surpass ToP in number of words. That's a double feat that I wouldn't have guessed. Heh, I know in a lot of ways, ToP will always be the best in the reviews aspect due that it was so long, but that's cool. It happens, lol. I'm just so happy that everyone really likes this series. It all began as a day dream to keep me entertained at work, lol. Btw, for those who didn't know, ToP was what emerged from a previous story that I began. My previous one rather sucked and was really long and different. From it's ashes emerged the new ToP, which I liked much more. Anyways, I know, I'm just rambling now, but thought I'd share some history on it with you.
At any rate, I'm finished up for today. Look for another wonderful chapter to come out on Wednesday as always! Thanks everyone for your reviews. Till next time, enjoy!
Chapter 77
Staring at his deck, Jaden prepared to draw, but stopped when he heard his Duel Spirit calling out to him. Closing his eyes, he heard it squeaking to him.
Softly smiling, he quietly said "Don't worry Winged Kuriboh, I'll definitely win this one, no matter what happens! I promised Illidan I'd save Marie. I also promised to save Syrus and Hasselberry, along with all the other people who Legato hurt. I swore I'd do this, and I meant it too."
Opening his eyes back up, Jaden smiled as he drew his card and looked it over. Without warning, there was a glow to his left. The glow instantly diminished and a trap card, the exact one Illidan had played before losing his soul appeared onto his field.
"What!? Why is that trap on your field!?" Legato growled out.
Staring at it with a frown, Jaden was about to respond when he saw his Duel Disk's Graveyard Slot glowing with a brilliant white light. After a moment of white light escaping, a white glowing card slid out of the slot and onto the middle monster card slot of Jaden's Duel Disk. Upon landing in the slot, multicolored electricity filled began flowing off of the Duel Disk. Unsure of what to do, Jaden held his arm out further away from his body, only to have the multicolored bolts begin striking him, making him scream out in pain.
Looking at Jaden in shock, Legato calmed and smirked. "So, he gave you Anubis. You cannot handle the power of Anubis though. Even Illidan had difficulty handling that card, so why do you think you can?"
Screaming out in pain while holding his arm up, Jaden squeezed his eyes shut, crying out in his mind "I can do this! I have to! Illidan entrusted me with this monster, meaning he knew I can use it! I must do this, for the sake of all the people Legato hurt!"
"Jaden…" Alexis mumbled while watching Jaden screaming in pain.
"Come on Slacker, you can do this." Chazz whispered.
Continuing to yell out in pain, Jaden struggled to gain control of the power that was zapping him. While struggling, he suddenly felt the presence of a three familiar Duel Spirits. Glancing around himself, he saw the three creatures that had faithfully served Illidan. There was the warrior in black ebony armor, along with the mage in black tight fitting armor, and finally the large black dragon with an orange mane.
"Anubis, hear us! Our Master wished for this boy to use you to destroy Legato. We know that once, long ago, you defeated him and the Sacred Beasts. Now we implore you, please, allow this boy to use your strength to defeat them once again! If you don't, the world will fall into darkness!" the mage cried out.
The aura of the powerful card seemed to shift lightly, and a raspy old voice said "Very well, I shall help this boy defeat Legato. His plot to destroy Egypt long ago failed due that the pharaoh of that time begged for my help. I only do this due that I wish not to see this world end."
Without warning, a sarcophagus on the field rose up from the ground. On the lid, the image of a man with a dog head appeared. Slowly, the lid slid off of the sarcophagus and the mighty dog headed creature rose up onto the field once again (2000/2000).
Once the monster has rose up, the multicolored lightning finally stopped flashing off of Jaden's Duel Disk, and his pain finally stopped. Panting heavily, Jaden stared at the strong creature and lightly chuckled.
Glaring at Jaden, Legato snarled "Just because you summoned that creature doesn't mean a thing."
Still chuckling, Jaden looked up and shook his head. "Not true. It proves one thing. I am destined to take you down! Illidan left me these two cards for a reason, because he believed in me and knew I could win this duel! Now it's time I end this game!"
"With what? So what if you have Anubis, it has little strength compared to my Armityle." Legato smugly remarked.
Smirking, Jaden quickly quipped back with "We'll see about that one. First of all, I'm activating the trap Illidan left me. Final Sarcophagus has more effects than just giving me Anubis. By giving up 500 of his attack and defense points, I can special summon from my deck, hand, Graveyard, or removed from play pile any monster, regardless of it's summoning requirements, to the field."
"WHAT!?" Legato bellowed.
"You heard me." Jaden shortly replied. "I give up 500 of Anubis's points (2000 – 500 1500/2000 – 500 1500), allowing me to first bring out this, my Elemental Hero Glow Neos (2500/2000)!"
A brilliant white light instantly emerged onto the field. Slowly forming within the light, a warrior in glowing white and grey armor appeared. He had a helmet that covered most of his face, except for his mouth and cheeks, and under his helmet, white tendrils of hair flowed out.
"Is that all you have?" Legato scoffed.
Smirking, Jaden replied "Not quite, for I activate Final Sarcophagus again! I'll give up another 500 of Anubis's points (1500 – 500 1000/1500 – 500 1000) to bring out Elemental Hero Dark Neos (2500/2000)!"
Instantly materializing onto the field, a new warrior that had black wings, black skin with a few blotches of white on his chest and legs made his entrance. The creature also had clawed hands, along with clawed feet.
"That's not it yet though, for I'm giving up another 500 points (1000 – 500 500/500)! Now welcome to the field Elemental Hero Air Neos (2500/2000)!"
Showing up onto the field immediately with a gust of wind was a red skinned warrior with large white wings on his back. His hands had brown like gloves that ran up to nearly his elbows, and on his feet were brown like boots. On the warrior's chest was the same symbolic circle that the other two warriors had.
"Pretty sweet, don't you think?" Jaden taunted. Not allowing Legato to respond, he continued on, saying "And now, one more monster, so I give up the last of Anubis's points (0/0) to bring out Elemental Hero Aqua Neos (2500/2000)!"
Appearing onto the field was a warrior in a blue and white slicked up body armor. The warrior appeared to have fins on his elbows, and a strange fin on his head.
Sneering at the four creatures, Legato arrogantly asked "What was the point of summoning those four weaklings? They're nothing compared to Armityle."
Lightly chuckling, Jaden remarked "I wouldn't be so sure of yourself over that. Sure, separately, they might not beat you, but together, that's a different story."
Nodding to the four warriors, who nodded back at him, Jaden called out "Guys, grant your power to Anubis! Give him the strength to end this duel!"
The four warriors took to the air simultaneously at once, each circling around the mighty dog headed creature.
"Anubis, take their strength and make it your own (2500 + 2500 + 2500 + 2500 + 0 10000/2000 + 2000 + 2000 + 2000 + 0 8000)!"
Instantly, the eyes of the powerful dog headed monster glowed bright white. The four warriors flying rapidly around the monster began glowing white as well while their energies slowly transferred. Nearly a minute passed by till finally, the four warriors vanished, but the dog headed creature remained as his aura flashed into a brilliant white light.
"Nice move Slacker." Chazz commented.
Smiling, Alexis clasped her hands together, saying "He's done it! I knew you could do it Jaden!"
Sneering at the dog headed creature, Legato coolly said "Your Egyptian God still doesn't scare me. I'm unimpressed."
"You should be worried, seeing how he'll help take you down. Before I attack though, I activate a spell known as O – Over Soul! Thanks to this spell, I can bring back an Elemental Hero from my Graveyard, so long as it's a Normal Type. Give a warm welcome to the original Elemental Hero Neos (2500/2000)!"
The powerful white warrior with a slicked back horn on his head and spikes coming out from his elbow joints instantly reappeared onto the field.
"Let's end this! Anubis, attack Armityle with Judgment of Death!"
Lifting it's right hand, the dog headed creature formed a sphere of pure white energy within his palm. After giving a glare at the combination creature, the mighty dog headed creature released the sphere at the combo creature.
Sneering at the oncoming blast, Legato coolly chuckled and smugly said "You are a fool to challenge Armityle's power. Now to demonstrate his true power. I reveal my first face down card, Chaos Form, but next I chain the spell Burial from a Different Dimension. With the help of this spell card, I can take three monsters from my removed from play pile and add them into my Graveyard. You know which three I'll choose, so it's no surprise it when I place my three Legendary Demons back into my Graveyard."
Holding his hand out to the small slot that ejected open, Legato took the three cards in it and placed them into the Graveyard Slot, which slowly pulled the three in, one by one.
Evilly looking back up at Jaden, Legato coolly remarked "Now that I've dumped those three into my Graveyard, I have all that I need. Thanks to Chaos Form, I can equip this trap to Armityle. Since you're now attacking, a random monster in my Graveyard is chosen to be equipped."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know all about that, but there is one problem with your strategy." Jaden calmly pointed out.
"Oh, and what is that?" Legato questioned.
Smirking, Jaden pointed at the dog headed creature and said "Anubis has 10,000 attack points, and only one monster in your Graveyard has that many attack points, which is Uria. You may get lucky and grab him, but you might not. So, let's see if you got the luck to do it or not!"
"It isn't luck. It's pure fate that you will fall at my hands. Now watch, as I decimate your pathetic Egyptian God!" Legato remarked.
Holding his Duel Disk out, Legato smirked evilly while waiting for a card to appear from his Graveyard. After a moment, the Graveyard Slot glowed and a card slid out. Instantly, a translucent form of the card appeared onto the field, revealing it to have a large red snake like dragon's image on it.
"I told you! Watch now as Uria, Lord of Searing Flames (10000/10000) becomes Armityle's weapon to destroy your pathetic creature! Destroy Anubis now my ancient Egyptian God! Exact your revenge from being destroyed!" Legato commanded.
Roaring loudly, the large combination creature opened it's jaws and reared it's head backwards. Drawing power into it's jaws, the creature lowered it's head and spread it's wings fully open. Orange energy came streaming out of the creature's mouth and struck the sphere, causing a large explosion of power.
With insanity in his voice, Legato screamed "Watch now as your Egyptian God falls into darkness forever!"
"No way is that happening, because I activate Anubis's special ability known as Point to Point. Thanks to this, I can transfer some of my life points to Anubis's attack and defense points. I give up 100 of my life points so Anubis can kick your monster's butt (10000 + 100 10100/10000 + 100 10100)!" Jaden called out.
Lightly glowing white, the powerful dog headed creature sent out a second sphere of white energy from his left hand, merging into the struggling sphere that was already weakening. With the two merging, the stream of orange energy was cut through like a knife through hot butter and sailed straight back into the combination creature. Upon impact, the creature roared out in pain and stepped backwards.
"Wait, why wasn't Armityle destroyed?" Jaden asked.
Darkly chuckling, Legato pointed at his combination creature and replied "There is good reasoning. Armityle has the special ability to survive any battle. That means you can't destroy him."
Lightly growling in frustration, Jaden lightly chuckled, remarking "That maybe the case, but don't forget, you still take Battle Damage."
Shrugging lightly as he was struck by a small flicker of white energy, Legato coolly replied "No matter. Not like it will affect the outcome of this duel."
"We'll see about that, because it's time to end this duel. Neos, go attack Armityle now with Cosmic Crush!" Jaden confidently called out.
Watching the white warrior rushing towards his creature, Legato burst out into a maniacal laughter, exclaiming "FOOL! HAVEN'T YOU REALIZED YOU WILL FAIL AT DEFEATING ME!"
"I have realized that defeating you will be difficult." Jaden admitted calmly. Smiling, he added "But I also realize that your strategy is flawed."
Sneering, Legato arrogantly asked "How so? Armityle shall claim one of my Legendary Demon's power this turn as his own, meaning you will lose."
Smirking, Jaden shook his head and calmly said "Not quite. Remember, Chaos Form picks a random Effect monster from your Graveyard, and last I checked, you had nine total. Three of them have zero attack points, and the other three only have 1400. Sure, if one of the 1400 ones are picked, you'll survive, but if one of the zero ones are picked, well, it's game over."
"And you forget, if I get a Legendary Demon, you shall lose!" Legato added.
Shaking his head, Jaden replied "Not really. Only if Uria is picked would I lose, and that's a one out of nine shot. Do you think it'll happen? It could, but it's unlikely to. I may not pay much attention in class to teachers, but something about probability and statistics did sink in from what Professor Marie taught me. So, let's find out Legato just how lucky you are!"
Lightly growling, Legato coolly said "I know my monster will prevail."
Holding his Duel Disk out, Legato watched as his Graveyard began to glow. After a few moments, a monster card image appeared on the field that had the image of a black sphere on it.
"NOO!!!" Legato roared.
Pointing at the combination creature, Jaden remarked "Looks like the random monster picked was Chaos Phantom (0/0), which had zero attack points! This one is for all those that you've hurt! Neos, send him out of this world with Cosmic Crush!"
Continuing to fly through the air, the white warrior pulled back his fist. It began to lightly glow white as he neared the combination creature. With all his might, he thrust it into the head of the creature, smashing through it with a bit of difficulty. Still flying through the air, he continued on and struck Legato hard with his fist as well, making Legato go flying through the air. He hit the ground soon enough with a rough landing.
"And that's game!" Jaden declared while pointing at Legato with his trademark two fingers.
All of the creatures on the field at that declaration instantly vanished. The small box that had been keeping score also opened, revealing it's precious contents.
Getting up, Legato yelled "HOW COULD A MERE CHILD DEFEAT ME!!!"
"You set yourself up for a defeat the day you harmed the first person in your path. Now release all the souls you sent to the Shadow Realm!" Jaden commanded.
Sneering, Legato shook his head and arrogantly said "If I must fall into the darkness, then I shall go without paying up! Your precious friends are all gone now and forever with me!"
With evil laughter, Legato slowly began to fade away while dark creatures ate through his body, leaving only his laughter behind. He soon vanished altogether, allowing the darkness surrounding the field to vanish.
Upon Legato disappearing, the bonds holding Marie and Pharaoh were released, dropping both none to gently to the ground.
Clenching his fists till they were white, Jaden growled out "You coward!"
Looking over at Marie, Jaden's anger quelled while worry began to fill him. Glancing over at the box that had opened, he rushed to it and grabbed the vial containing her antidote. Running to Marie, he quickly placed her head in his lap while checking her vitals. Finding she was alive, he tried to calm himself, but found he couldn't.
"Hang in there Marie, I have the antidote right here!" he cried out.
Tilting her head back a bit, he opened her mouth gently. Pulling the cork from the vial, Jaden gently poured the contents into her mouth. Once it was fully empty, he impatiently waited for a sign that it was working.
After nearly a minute, the antidote seemed to begin to take affect. Marie lightly groaned and her eyes fluttered open, revealing unclear chocolate orbs. Focusing on the face looking down at her, she moaned lightly once more.
"Marie, are you alright?" Jaden asked with a touch of worry.
For a moment, she remained quiet, but finally she weakly replied "I think so."
With difficulty, she sat up and glanced around. "What happened?"
"I managed to defeat Legato. It's over." Jaden was quick to remark.
"And Illidan?" Marie timidly asked.
Looking at the ground, Jaden stayed quiet for a moment. Seeing she was getting no response, Marie turned towards Jaden, asking again with a touch more emotion "What about Illidan?"
"He… he didn't make it." Jaden muttered with downcast eyes. He lowered his head till finally his bangs covered his eyes.
Tears instantly began running down Marie's cheeks upon Jaden's declaration. "No…" she whispered.
Slowly standing up with some difficulty, she made her way towards the former battleground. There, she found Illidan's prone body laying very still on the ground.
Falling to her knees beside of his body, Marie laid her head on Illidan's chest and grabbed a fist full of his jacket. In a loud sobbing voice, she cried out "Illidan, why, why did you have to leave me here all alone!? I need you, you know that! I can't live without you! Please, just open your eyes! I promise to always love you! Just open your eyes!"
Both Chazz and Alexis each bowed their heads and looked away, unable to any longer watch Marie in the state she was in. Each felt the pain in their hearts of losing a friend, but to see Marie the way she was broke their hearts completely.
Listening to Marie's wailing, Jaden looked up with tears of sadness in his own eyes. Noting that the three Egyptian God Cards were still in the box that had been locked, previously, he stood up. Without hesitation, he moved to the box and picked up the three cards, then walked over to where Legato had been. There, he found the three Sacred Beast Cards, along with their fusion card.
Taking Anubis out of his own deck, Jaden stared at the eight cards and then back at Marie. Squeezing out a few more tears, he closed his eyes and grabbed hold of his Shadow Pendant with his one hand while holding the eight cards with the other. Slowly, he began concentrating his energy into his Shadow Charm till he felt all of it's power surging to the surface. Certain it was at it's maximum, he began calling out in his mind to the spirits of the eight cards in his hand.
It didn't take long for the monsters to respond, with all eight appearing within his mind. Beside of his spirit self, his own Duel Spirit, Winged Kuriboh, appeared.
Staring at the mighty eight creatures, Jaden humbly said "Mighty Egyptian Gods and Sacred Beasts, I beg of you to hear my plea."
The eight all made some sort of noise, as if to respond with an 'Okay.' Nodding, Jaden fell onto his hands and knees, kneeling deeply till his face was almost touching the ground.
In a humbled voice, he said "I beg of you all, please return the souls of the ones Legato sent to the Shadow Realm. He pledged to, but in the end, broke his word. For that, I know, he was punished by being sent to the Shadow Realm, but the people who were taken are forever lost due to him. I beg of you, please, show mercy and release those souls."
"Why should we go against our Master's wishes!" Uria cried out with a mighty roar.
Still not rising, Jaden added "Please, your master made a promise to release them upon his loss. He has gone against his word, thus leaving those souls in the Shadows forever. His word was supposed to be that of an honorable man. Due to that, I ask of you all, honor Legato's words and release the souls."
The four Egyptian Gods seemed to all nod in agreement, but the three Sacred Beasts shook their heads. "We will not go against the wishes of our Master!" the three declared.
"Enough!" the large combination creature of the group said. All eyes turned to him as he said "Long ago, I believed that honor was highest of all things to me. But I lost that when Legato resurrected me and used me for his own desires. I see now that I have a chance to redeem myself, and I will!"
Nodding, the three Egyptian Gods, Obelisk, Slifer, and Ra, growled out in agreement. Anubis though, called out "You understand though mortal, we cannot do this without something in return. The Shadows will have to feed on something in their place."
Without hesitation, Jaden remarked "I will take their place."
"Are you sure mortal? There will be no way to return you if you do this." Anubis asked.
Again, with no hesitation, Jaden replied "I will do it. If it will save all of my friends and family, then so be it. My life is nothing compared to the greater good of the others."
The five Egyptian Gods each simply nodded. Anubis immediately cast a glare at the Sacred Beasts, making the three lightly shutter and nod too.
"So let it be known that this boy has made the choice. Shadows, release the souls of the ones that Legato stole now! In exchange, this boy has offered his soul in their place!" Anubis cried out.
Almost instantly, a dark aura began surrounding Jaden's body. Glancing at him, both Chazz and Alexis to cried out "JADEN!"
Rushing towards him, Alexis attempted to grab hold of him with a hug, only instead she went straight through him, as if he was not there. "No, Jaden, what's happening to you!?" she asked with complete worry in her voice.
Turning to look at her with a sad smile, Jaden replied "I set things right for everyone. Goodbye Alexis."
"JADEN, NO, DON'T GO!" she screamed out. Rushing forward, she tried once again to grab hold of him only to find air.
His image shimmered a bit before finally vanishing.