Leon's fantasy was complete. He and Taylor were in an embrace like nothing he'd ever felt before. They stood, unashamed, bodies pushed lightly together. Their lips were touching, giving him a unique feeling of euphoria. He could feel the strength of their bond dancing around the room, invisible but unmistakable. He sought sanctuary in her arms, desperate for the security it brought him.
The office of Industrial Illusions faded away. Darkness spread in all directions, blanketing out the former landscape. It was completely silent. But there was no threat to them, no danger. They didn't move, each absorbed completely in the moment as they explored each other gently and softly. They moved apart after what seemed like a lifetime. They stood there, safe. Secure in the darkness.
A comet appeared overhead, burning silently through the sky. Leon followed its course with his eyes. Wherever it passed, stars began to twinkle, a palette of colours across the darkness.
A shooting star…Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean- a pair of star-crossed lovers doth take their life…
Piano music began to play, off in the distance. A slow, romantic melody began to ring softly through the air. A spotlight appeared, shining on him. It was similar to the experience when he first arrived, but shone far less painfully. Taylor smiled and stepped closer. She took his arm, placing it around her waist. She took his other hand in hers, and stared gently into his eyes. He looked back, allowing himself the surreal pleasure of gazing into her eyes. One eye a vivid, electric blue, the other a pale sea green. They were deep pools of colour, endless. It was an arousing sight.
Then, they began to dance.
The spotlight followed them as they moved, stepping softly around their unique ballroom. They moved slowly, delighting in the ecstasy they brought to each other. Ordinarily, Leon wouldn't have been able to dance to save his life. But here, his senses seemed to have been heightened, and he moves with an almost unnatural gracefulness. He caressed her body, stroking her soft flesh. The music continued, adding to the soothing atmosphere of the scene. How long it continued, he didn't know. Time had stopped completely.
"So," Taylor said, while they danced. "What's the occasion?"
She twirled in his arms, bringing herself back to him flawlessly.
"Occasion?"
"You came in here- you came to see me. Why now?"
Leon paused before responding, letting himself sink deeper into the dance.
"I wanted to settle things…with him. So I could live normally again."
Taylor looked into his eyes, studying him closely.
"But is that what you want? To be normal? To get married, have kids, live like everyone else in the world?"
"I…no." Leon confessed. "That isn't what I want."
"Then what do you want, Leon?" She said cajolingly . "Tell me. I want to know everything. Your hopes, your dreams, your fears…everything."
"My love…you know what I want the most. You've always known."
She arched her body against his, letting herself fall into his arms. She leaned her face very close to his. Her hair fell against him as she whispered softly.
"Yes…I know. But do you know, Leon? And if you were to get it, would you still know?"
"Taylor…"
"Leon…when it happens…will you save me?" she whispered.
Before he could respond, she kissed him deeply. She bit down hard on his lip, spraying salty blood into his mouth. She broke free, shoving him back and turning away sharply. Leon licked the bite, trying to stop the blood pouring from it. He moved around to see her face.
Taylor was ageing rapidly before his eyes. Years were passing like seconds, stealing her beauty from her face. Wrinkles appeared and thickened, hiding the colour from her eyes. Her hair went from scarlet to grey in a heartbeat, and then began to fall out.
He drew back, horrified, as she changed. She doubled over, the gown falling from her shoulders as she coughed violently. Her skin began to rot and decay, peeling straight from her body. She cried out in pain. Blood began pouring from a wound in her chest, seeping through her hands. Within moments, she was a rotting, vile, corpse. Maggots ate at her flesh, as the worms crawled through her sightless eyes. Dun-white skin barely covered her bones, as the stench of death began to rise from her.
"Will you save me?"
The music stopped. The corpse collapsed, becoming nothing more than a pile of dust and cloth. Tears stung Leon's eyes as he knelt by the remains.
It was just a fantasy, Leon. But I trust you enjoyed your moment of bliss?
"Just a fantasy…" he whispered, the tears beginning to fall.
You know its true. Taylor has never felt anything like this towards you. And she is not the kind of person to let you hold her like a doll.
"Go to hell…"
I'm already there. And I didn't do anything. This is all coming from your mind- I'm just narrating it for you. My accommodation aside, the first act is over. The audience were quite impressed. Can't you hear the applause?
Sure enough, applause began to sound, echoing off invisible walls and building to a crescendo. The spotlight vanished.
"I don't give a damn about your show! Get out of the shadows and face me, NOW!"
Patience, my bloodthirsty friend. You and I shall face off soon enough, but there's still more to this show before we reach the grand finale. Friends, the next act is about to begin, and if you think our previous offering was good, just wait and see what's next.
"I'm dying to know." Leon remarked, sarcasm dripping from his every word.
Well, that depends where your deranged subconscious wants to go. Oh look, I think it's made up its mind.
Leon turned around. A stone door had appeared behind him.
"Here we go again…"
It was bound fast with thick, iron chains. There was no handle, and no padlock . There seemed to be no entry point. He tried to touch the door, but an invisible barrier blocked him.
"Why won't it let me in?"
Whatever is behind that door, you have worked very hard to repress- to keep barred from your mind and memory. The only way inside is to let loose the chains. Your mind sees fit that you should confront whatever is in there- who are we to disobey?
"By "we" you obviously mean me."
The voice went silent. Leon sighed and concentrated on the door. Slowly but surely, the chains began to unravel and drop to the floor. He moved them painstakingly, clearing each one at a time. Finally, the last one collapsed, and the doors swung open. He stepped through. The doors slammed shut and vanished, leaving him in total darkness. He closed his eyes, remembering all too well the brutality he'd been forced to witness the last time he stepped through one of these doors.
Nothing happened. He creaked open an eye.
He was standing in a clearing. The grass underfoot was dry and coarse. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows. The trees were beginning to shed their leaves, turning yellow and brown as they fell. Leon was no longer dressed in a businessman's outfit- he felt like himself again.
At the centre of the clearing was a gravestone. He approached it, brushing off the dirt that had caked it. Upon seeing the name, his arm fell to his side.
"No…not this."
The grave's message read:
Anne Cihnos
1971-2001
May your spirit soar free.
Who is it?
It's my…my mother.
She died?
She was shot. Some thug…we never found out who did it. Afterwards, my father and I severed ties. I took my mum's last name, and ended up living with her father- my grandfather.
Why did you repress this?
Because…I…
Look out- you have company.
He turned. Two people were standing at the entrance to the clearing. Leon's stomach started to sink.
You know them?All too well.
The people were both male. One was an man, roughly in his forties or fifties. He was carrying a bouquet of flowers- violets. His face was twisted with pain. He looked directly at Leon, but he seemed not to see him.
A boy was with him, about twelve or thirteen years. His hair was jet black, and his skin was very pale. He seemed to be more cheerful then his companion. Looking closer, though, it was obvious that he was putting on an act. His eyes were red, and he looked as if he was trying to hold back tears. Unlike his companion, the boy could obviously see Leon. He frowned for a moment, as if trying to place him. His eyes went wide.
Who are they?That kid…it's me. That's the age I was when she died.
I do see the resemblance…so the man is your father?Was.
"Dad…it's him! I'm sure of it! He's the one!"
The man's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure?"
"Perfectly! It's him, Dad! What should we do?"
Leon decided to interject.
"You would be Mr. Alceme, I presume?"
Alceme?My dad's last name. My mum never took it.
The man nodded.
"What are you doing here?" he said coldly.
"I have come to pay my respects to the dead."
"To pay respect to those you have slaughtered?"
Ah, so that's why. Didn't think you had that in you.
That's because I don't.
"What are you talking about?"
"Murderer!"
The boy ran at him and hit him hard in the stomach. Leon doubled over in pain. The kid kicked him viciously in the chest. He grabbed Leon's hair, pulling his head back as he drove his other fist into Leon's nose. He felt something split with a sickening crack. He collapsed, blood pouring from his face.
"Leon! Stop! Stop!"
You might want to fix your nose. I have a feeling this is going to turn very ugly.
The boy- his younger "self"- was being restrained by Mr. Alceme. He spat on Leon.
"Don't deny it! You killed her! You stole into our house and shot her while she slept! Murderer!"
Leon stared up at him. "What did you say?"
I don't think he's seeing you as you are. For whatever reason, they think you're the thug who killed your mum. Wonder why?
His young self gritted his teeth. "You heard me. It's time for you to pay for what you did."
His father had gone silent. He put the bouquet of violets down and reached into his coat pocket. Leon's young counterpart did likewise.
They each brought out a deck of Duel Monsters cards.
You've got to be kidding me…Nope. Apparently your mind sees Duel Monsters as the best way to resolve disputes.
He thinks I killed his mother. And we're going to resolve it by playing a card game?
Hey, it's your mind.
"You want to duel against me?" Leon asked nasally, his hand pressed against his nose to stop the bleeding.
His father nodded. "Two against one. Four thousand for each of us, eight thousand for you."
"Seems fair to me."
His young self gave him an incredibly cold look. His face was contorted with pain.
"When this is over, you will die, murderer. I will be the one who kills you. To see the fear and pain in your eyes when you see that black abyss in your soul. This isn't one of your safe games. We stake far more then pride or cards here. We will stake our lives."
Were you abused as a kid? That little version of you is seriously messed up.
Shut up before I ram a sword down your throat!
Touchy, aren't we?
The combatants spread out to face each other. Leon moved in front of his mother's grave, while his counterpart and father were opposite him. His father clicked his fingers. A duel disk appeared on each player's wrist.
"To the death, then…so be it."
Are you sure?I don't exactly have a choice, do I?
Touché.
"DUEL!"
(8000/4000/4000)
"I will start things," The younger Leon said. His face was still torn by grief, but his eyes had gone cold. The look was eerily familiar. He drew, and examined his hand.
"I'll set two cards facedown."
The cards shimmered into existence in front of him. They looked incredibly realistic.
"No monsters? Are you trying to give me the victory?" Leon remarked.
"I will give you nothing except death. You murdered my mother!"
I bet you don't hear that one everyday. You had quite the vocabulary back then, didn't you?
Don't remind me.
"If you say so," he remarked sarcastically. "You finished?"
He nodded and looked at his father. Mr. Alceme drew a card.
"I'll also place two cards facedown. Your move."
Your dad seems rather distant. What's his story?That's not my dad. I have to keep focused on this.
Fighting against him must still hurt though, right?
Leon ignored him and focused on the field.
Neither of them played a monster. They must be trying to trap me- but I can't afford to let this chance slip by.
"Fine. I'll set one card facedown, and then summon Mystic Tomato (1400/1100) in attack mode!"
The orange vegetable monster bobbed up, out of its card. It grinned evilly at Leon's opponents, baring its teeth. Despite its gruesome image, he was reassured by its presence.
"I end my turn."
His younger "self", sneered at him.
"Dark monsters- how typical. Dark for the dark people. People like you are vile. It leaks from you, pulling at the strings of society, polluting the world we live in. You're rotten to the core, through and through. Yet society doesn't want to put you in your place. No matter- we'll make sure you get what you deserve."
"Spare me the lecture and make a move."
He drew.
"I summon Masked Dragon (1400/1100) in attack mode!" He pointed at Leon. "Attack Mystic Tomato!"
"They'll destroy each other." Leon noted calmly.
The dragon rushed towards Mystic Tomato, burying its fangs in its flesh. They struggled, neither one able to gain the advantage. Them they exploded, the innards of Mystic Tomato drenching the grass verge.
"How graphic." Leon commented. His counterpart looked nauseous, while his father just watched, expressionless.
"Now, I get another Masked Dragon from my deck!"
"And I get another Mystic Tomato!"
An identical dragon appeared and bellowed at him. Then, another copy of Mystic Tomato jumped from its card. It turned around and winked at Leon, before noticing the dragon. It raised the leaves on the top of its head, bristling like a dog as it scowled at its opponent. Leon chuckled softly.
"Once more into the breach? It'll end the same way."
His eyes narrowed as he looked at his father. Mr. Alceme had watched the battle in silence. He gave a very slight nod, barely moving his head. The younger Leon seemed to acknowledge something. He turned back to face Leon, and tapped two buttons on his duel disk.
"Not quite. In battle, using the same trick twice gets you killed. I activate Ring of Destruction!"
One of his facedown cards flipped over. It was a trap, depicting a burning ring of fire.
"This destroys one monster on the field…"
A hologram of the pictured ring flew out from the card and slammed into Mystic Tomato, trapping it. The cocky smile on the monster's face vanished as it looked around wildly. It screamed gibberish, bobbing around madly within the ring. It looked at Leon pleadingly, and then exploded. Its guts splattered across the verge, adding to the mess generated by the first one's demise.
"No!"
"And now my card's second ability activates! Everyone takes damage equal to your monster's attack strength, and since it was destroyed by an effect, its ability doesn't activate!"
Fire from the explosion surged towards the three combatants. It struck Leon, the searing heat of the fire almost setting his coat aflame. He shielded his eyes with his arms.
"ARGH!!!"
He dropped to his knees. Burn marks covered his hands and arms where he'd raised them. He shivered, rocking back and forth in shock.
The fire was real…the burns are real. He wasn't kidding when he said he wanted to kill me.
We're in your mind. Everything you see and hear- and feel- is real to you.
No shit, Sherlock. However did you figure that one out?
He stood shakily, barely able to stand. He saw the score line.
(6600/4000/4000)
"Why…why didn't you two lose any points?" He managed to choke out.
His father smiled coldly and pointed to one of his facedown cards, which had flipped open.
"Ring of Defence. Protects me from all damage inflicted by a Trap. It seems you weren't so lucky."
"But why…why didn't he lose anything either?"
The younger version of himself laughed and indicated his other facedown card.
"I had a Ring of Defence too! So we don't lose squat, while you take all the damage. And now, you're going to lose even more!"
His new dragon uncoiled itself. It looked hungrily at Leon.
"Now, Masked Dragon, attack directly!"
His eyes fell to his facedown card.
If I use it, I'll block his attack, but then I'll have nothing to stop my dad from attacking me directly. I'd best save it for now.
He's not your dad. Brace for impact!
It leaped forward, slashing downward with its claws. It ripped down his chest, leaving three red, gaping wounds in it. His eyes widened, and he screamed in agony. Blood began leaking from them, staining the remnants of his shredded shirt.
(5200/4000/4000)
That looked painful.
Did you figure that out by yourself? Yes, it's bloody painful!
The younger Leon watched him, wearing a smug smirk on his face.
"That's right- on your knees. That's where scum like you belong- grovelling in the gutters at the feet of decent people."
Leon stared up at him. He was bleeding freely from the claw wounds, but he stared at his opponent defiantly.
"And you…you think you're decent? That's…that's the funniest thing I've heard in my life!"
His eyes narrowed. "What did you say?"
Leon staggered to his feet. He slipped his long coat off his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor. His body started to shake again.
But this time, with laughter.
True, honest laughter. It echoed around the clearing as he roared hysterically. Mr. Alceme raised an eyebrow, but the other Leon didn't move. Slowly, Leon's laughter subsided and died away. He dropped his eyes.
"You hypocrite. You…you who claim to be pure and clean. You are nothing. You've dragged me into a game where we could all die horribly, simply to satisfy your desire for revenge. Your bloodlust has left me beaten and bloody."
He held up his arms, showing off the burns from the fire of Ring of Destruction.
"How does this make you superior to me?"
His counterpart fell silent. After a few moments of silence, his expression grew angry.
"I don't have to explain myself to you, murderer! I haven't done anything wrong!"
"Nor have I."
He looked stunned.
"You…you deny it? How can you? You have done everything wrong. You killed her! One act…one greedy little act… it destroyed everything. It took her light from me. You took her light from me. And for as long as I am on this earth, I swear- I will never forgive you for that. Never!"
"Spare me your heartache, you little runt. Want to know something? People move on, they don't go harping after the dead. We live, we die, and we grieve. That's life. You lost your mother. Guess what? Nobody cares."
"How dare you say that to me?! What gives you the right?!" He shouted, incandescent with rage.
"What gives you the right to dismiss the truth?"
His face lost all its colour. "What did you say to me?"
"Nobody will care that she is gone. It's the way of the world- nobody pays attention to anyone else's pain. Because they are barely dealing with their own."
You're being a little harsh, aren't you?
No. I never came to accept that truth. But that doesn't mean that he can't.
"I am not going to waste my breath on you anymore, murderer. I end my turn!"
Mr. Alceme had stayed unnervingly silent throughout the exchange. He drew his card.
"One card facedown."
The cards hologram shimmered into view alongside his other one. He was speaking slowly and quietly, with no emotion in his voice. Leon looked at him uncertainly.
"Then, Slate Warrior (1900/400) in attack position."
The blue-skinned monster clawed its way out of the card. It was human in terms of limbs, but that was where the similarities ended. It wore yellow armour, and the rest of its body was a collage of different colours. Its eyes were dark.
"Slate Warrior, direct attack."
The monster moved with surprising quickness, sprinting towards him to attack him in the stomach.
"Hold up there. I activate Sakuretsu Armour!"
Leon's facedown card flipped over, transforming itself into what looked like a cross between a demon and a suit of armour. It charged headlong into Slate Warrior, crushing it with ease before fading away.
"Anything else you want to try?" Leon remarked sarcastically.
"…No. Your turn."
"Thank you. Now! I summon Chiron the Mage (1800/1000) in attack mode!"
The centaur leaped from his card, weapon raised.
"Attack Masked Dragon!"
Staff lowered like a lance, the monster charged, slamming straight into the dragon with the full brunt of the charge. It screamed in pain and exploded. Leon noticed that his counterpart was clearly in pain, clutching his chest and wincing.
(5200/3600/4000)
"What's wrong? Can't handle the heat?"
"Shut up!"
Leon continued to goad him. "You won't win this way. What would your mother think?"
He swore violently at him. His father, as always, remained silent.
"Go on, pull out another dragon,"
"I…don't have another one in my deck"
"What?"
"You heard me, murderer. Now finish your move already!"
"I've only killed as many people as you- that being none."
"I don't believe you!"
"Stop."
Both Leons looked at Alceme. He gave the older one a glance, before tapping a button on his duel disk.
"Spell card, activate."
His newly card flipped over. It depicted Dark Necrofear, Dark Ruler Ha Des, and Invader of Darkness discussing over a map of the world.
"Dark Strategies. When a monster on my side of the field goes to the Graveyard, I can select one Fiend-Type monster with fifteen hundred attack points or fewer from my deck, hand, or graveyard, and Special Summon it to the field in attack position. So, I'll take Snipe Hunter from my deck."
All of this was said very calmly and deliberately. The little purple demon somersaulted out of his card neatly, pulling out a cheesy ray gun. It mimed shooting Leon, and then twirled its weapon around like a baton. Upon seeing Chiron, it screamed comically and ran behind its master. Leon chuckled, despite himself.
"Interesting pet. Does it do requests?"
The joke was lost on him. "It's still your move."
"Of course. I'll set a card facedown and that's all."
The younger Leon drew. Upon examining his card, he began to chuckle softly.
"Murderer…do you know what alchemy is?"
Bile began to rise in Leon's throat. He knew where this was heading.
"The attempted transmutation of base metals into gold. As far as I know, it never actually worked."
"True…but there was a secondary obsession. People who wanted limitless wealth used the process you speak of. However, other sought something else. Wealth may speak volumes in this world, but it's worthless in the next."
"In the next world…No. You wouldn't!"
"Oh, but I would. The elixir of life…eternal youth. The power to resurrect those who have gone before their time. Absolute power!"
"You think you can bring her back? Using alchemy?"
His eyes flashed. "I know I can!"
"You're a fool…the dead are gone. Nothing on this earth can change that. Especially not some deluded child!"
"I am not a child!"
"You're acting like one. Your mother is dead. You are still alive. Start acting like it!"
"Enough! My alchemy gives me unparalleled power! And I'm going to use it to destroy you!"
"You're insane…"
He cackled. "No. For the first time, I'm seeing things clearly! After tonight, you will never rise again, you murderer!"
"You here to duel or to make stupid threats?"
"You will pay for your insolence! I remove my two Masked Dragons from the Graveyard, to summon two Spirits of Flame!"
Two pillars of fire burst from the ground, shaping themselves into great beasts of fire- a pair of humanoid golems with mottled, crimson skin. They clashed their fists and roared angrily (1700/1000).
"Well, there's a face only a mother could love."
"You dare insult my monsters?"
"Monsters? Oh, no. The golems look fine- mean, nasty, but fine. I was referring to you."
His eyes blazed. "You'll die for that! I play Chaos Distil!"
A massive, orange centrifuge rose up behind him. It hissed, belting out clouds of steam.
"With this Spell, all of my cards which would normally go to the Graveyard will be removed from play instead. Is that simple enough for you, murderer?"
"For the last bloody time, I'm not a murderer! And yes, I understand, so get on with it!"
"I have two more Spell cards left to play. Tin Spell Circle and Silver Key!"
"Oh, how I quiver in fear…"
"These two cards, when activated along with Chaos Distil, let me summon two of my finest creations- fusions of flesh, metal, and sorcery. My Alchemy Beasts!"
"Alchemy Beasts?"
He glared at Leon. "Thought you were keeping up? I use them to play Aetos the Tin (500/500), and Moonface the Silver (500/500)!"
Two vicious monsters appeared. One was some kind of cybernetic hawk, the other literally looked like the Moon, shrunk in size and given legs.
"Four monsters in one move?!"
His eyes gleamed. "Yes and my new monsters have some very special powers. All Alchemy Beasts possess the power to attack my opponent directly. Aetos, go!"
"WHAT?"
The hawk hurtled towards him, talons bared to claw out his eyes.
"Activate Trap, Mirror Force!"
"NO!"
A tsunami of multi-coloured light flooded out of Leon's trap. As Aetos struck the holy barrier, it glowed, and then reflected, blasting the attack back at all five monsters his opponents had on the field.
"Chain Trap!"
The wave of light reached the monsters, and then suddenly dispersed. All the monsters were unharmed. Alceme was smiling coldly.
"Zero Gravity switches the battle position of all monsters. That means all our monsters switch to defence mode, and Mirror Force has nothing to destroy."
Leon scowled at him. His father ignored him, instead looking at his "son".
"You should have been more careful. Next time I won't bail you out."
He hung his head. "Right. Sorry Dad."
"Are you two done? The audience is getting bored!"
The young Leon gave him a strange look. "Audience?"
Leon nodded.
"… Fine, whatever you say. I end."
Leon's father drew. "I switch Snipe Hunter to attack position, and activate the effect of my monster. I discard one card from my hand, to select one card on the field."
Snipe Hunter grinned evilly, pointing his weapon at Chiron.
"I then roll a die. If the result is neither one nor six, that card is destroyed. I roll."
The number counter on his monster's weapon began to flick forward. The reel spun faster and faster, mimicking the beats of Leon's heart.
Ooh, the tension builds. What passion! What skill! Now THIS is a show!
The reels slowed down, finally drifting to a stop on…. a five.
"Excellent. Now, destroy Chiron."
Snipe Hunter fired, blasting Chiron to ashes. The blast penetrated through him, striking Leon through the heart. He closed his eyes with pain, only to smash in the face by something blunt. His eyes went wide with fear and surprise. He saw his Life Points beginning to drop. He looked up, and Slate Warrior was standing on his father's field.
(3300/3600/4000)
"Why did I…" he stopped, unable to carry on speaking.
Mr. Alceme fished a card out of his Graveyard and held it up.
"Bloodthirsty Skeleton. When it's discarded from my hand, I get to revive one Fiend or Zombie-Type monster from my Graveyard. I chose Slate Warrior, and he just attacked you directly. And now, my Snipe Hunter will also attack directly!"
Snipe Hunter fired again, the blast driving Leon back to his knees. The younger Leon cheered savagely, enjoying his torment.
(1800/3600/4000)
Leon's body was shaking uncontrollably with the pain. He looked up and cursed at his father. Mr. Alceme merely wrinkled his nose in disdain.
"I'll end with one monster in Defence mode. Assuming you can still stand, it's your move."
"I…will…" He drew. He coughed up blood, retching onto the grass. He looked at his card.
Nimble Momonga…this could help turn things around.
"I'll place…one card facedown." He took his time slotting the card into his duel disk. His hands were shaking so badly, it took three attempts. Blood dripped down, dying his cards red.
"And for my last move…a monster in Defence mode."
Mr. Alceme laughed. "Is that all you can come up with? You can barely stand, let alone duel. Why not just give up?"
Leon spat blood at his father, a futile effort of defiance. He wrinkled his nose again. Leon glared.
"Why not give up? I've…I've asked myself that before. So many times…I've felt beaten. Felt like I should just lie down… and let the river carry me where it would. But today…isn't one of those times. You two are going down!"
Bravo. Henry the fifth couldn't have done better himself.
Thanks…I think.
He forced himself back to his feet. His vision turned red with pain. His father wore an unreadable expression. The younger Leon smiled sadistically, pleased that the goading had forced him back up, so that he could knock him down again. He sneered as he drew.
"I play Pot of Greed!"
He drew two more cards. He examined them closely. His gaze flicked across his two Alchemy Beasts for a moment, then returned to his cards. Then, he slammed one into his duel disk.
"I activate the Spell card, Black Process Negedo!"
Moonface and Aetos exploded, transforming themselves into great pillars of flames.
"This card lets me remove all my Alchemy Beasts from play, in order to draw two new cards per beast. So I draw four cards now!"
Leon was sickened. "You'd take out your own cards, just to defeat me? Do you hate me so much?"
His face was expressionless. "You slaughtered my mother. There is nothing I can do to make your pain equal to hers- or to mine. But I will do my best to make it so."
Leon was silent.
Was I really…this bad? Did it affect me this badly?
Yes.
I blocked all this out…hid it within the bowels of my mind…
Like me, they're tired of it. Tired of being locked away. Now it's all up to destiny- not, of course, that you believe in it.
Like you…?
"Hey, murderer! It's still my turn!"
Leon shook his head, only half in despair. "Fine, carry on."
"Thank you. I activate two more Spells- Lead Compass, and Mercury Hourglass!"
"Let me guess- two more Alchemy beasts?"
The wildness was back in his eyes. "Correct!"
A large, blue-silver fish glided into position, followed by a giant, metallic lion.
"Meet Echeneis the Mercury and Leon the Lead!"
"Leon? You play a monster named after yourself?"
"What's wrong with that?"
"What's wrong with that?" he repeated, incredulous. "Where the hell do I start?"
"I play another Black Process Negedo!"
A violent flame consumed his monsters, reducing them to dust in the wind. He picked up four cards and started laughing hysterically again.
"What's so funny?"
"You…thinking that you stand a chance against me. My deck is invincible!"
"Possibly. But if they could, your monsters would rip out your eyes and eat them."
"What was that?!"
"It's true. You have blasted your cards to ashes, to play more of them, to destroy them again, and so the cycle repeats itself."
"So?"
"You sicken me."
"You're calling me sick? You kill people while they sleep!"
"I will only say this one more time. I did not kill her. What can I do to convince you of that?"
"You can't."
"You are black inside…only a person like you could have such disrespect for his opponent, not to mention his cards."
"That's all they are. Cards. Ink on cardboard, to be used and disposed of."
I'm starting to see why you suppressed this memory. That guy is even more psycho then you!
Leon clenched his hands. He closed his eyes, so his opponents wouldn't see the tears.
"You're wrong. This is more then a card game. At least to me."
"Aww, so you love your deck. That's so sweet. But you're lying."
"I'm not. This deck…my heart is in it. My soul is in it. All the duels I've won, lost…all in here. My memories. That's why you won't win."
His father had seemed to almost fade away during their exchange. He seemed to snap back into focus now and then, catching brief hints of the conversation.
"You will never defeat us both. I activate Bronze Scale and Steel Lamp! Now I can summon Salamandra the Steel (500/500), and Ouroboros the Bronze (500/500)!"
Two more monsters leaped to the field in attack position.
"I will also switch my two Spirit of Flames to attack mode."
Once again, Leon's opponents had created a field full of monsters. His two Spirit of Flames monsters suddenly clashed their fists and roared a war cry.
"Since we are now in my battle phase, my two monsters gain 300 attack points (2000/1000). Now, Salamandra and Ouroboros, attack him directly!"
"Activate Trap card! Sakuretsu Armour!"
The armoured golem rose up and shattered Salamandra with one blow. Leon screamed as blue-white fire tore through him. He stayed on his feet, but he could barely see anything. He realized that the slashes on his chest had stopped bleeding- the fire had been hot enough to sear them shut.
(1300/3600/4000)
"No matter. With only one monster, you're finished. Spirits of Flame go! Destroy his last monster, and send this scum off to the great beyond!"
The golem smashed through Leon's monster. A brown, furry animal popped out and screamed as it was destroyed.
"You were playing a flying rat?"
"He's a squirrel!"
No, he's a rat.
It's a squirrel, damnit!
Rat.
Squirrel.
Rat.
Squirrel.
Rat.
Since when do rats fly?
Get on with the game!
"His ability activates now." Leon informed his counterpart.
"What kind of ability could a rat have? Excess breeding?"
"He's a- oh, never mind. First, I gain a thousand Life Points."
(2300/3600/4000)
Two more Nimble Momongas appeared on Leon's shoulders. One of them pointed and laughed at Snipe Hunter, who responded by pulling a face. The other one started whispering in Leon's ear.
"Hey Boss. That guy looks sorta like you!"
He talks?
Aye, the rat talks. We're in your mind, remember? We don't follow the laws of reality.
"Aye. I need you two to go back me up. That ok?"
"I dunno Boss…we're pals and all, but those two muscleheads look veeeeeeeerrrry scary."
"If it's any consolation…"
He pointed at his younger counterpart.
"The ugly one called you a rat."
Its eyes flashed. "He did? Dat bastard! CHAAAAAAAAAARGE!"
"Now, I get two more Nimble Momongas, in facedown defence position."
The Nimble who had laughed at Snipe Hunter was burnt to a crisp by the other Spirit of Flames. The remaining one made a rude gesture at it. Leon felt the pain in his body lessen as he gained more points.
(3300/3600/4000)
"Are you finished?" His father said mildly.
The younger Leon nodded. Mr. Alceme drew.
"I sacrifice Snipe Hunter, Slate Warrior, and my facedown Giant Germ. This allows me to summon Raviel, Lord of Phantasms!"
The skies went black. His three monsters vanished in streams of blue-white light. The streams began to merge, forming an image of a monster. It became clearer, forming into purple-blue skin and silver claws. The energy dulled, becoming duller, until finally-
FOOM!
A gigantic monster stood on his father's field. Almost as large as the Egyptian God cards, it towered over the clearing, blotting out the sinking sun with its presence. It screamed in rage, the force almost blowing Leon away. He slung his coat back on, so it wouldn't be blown away.
(4000/4000)
"That's... not good."
Leon's last Nimble Momonga poked its head out from under its card. Upon seeing Raviel, it shrieked with fright and hid. It peeped back out, but upon seeing that Raviel wasn't going to go away, it turned to face Leon.
"Er…Boss? I forget to tell you, I need to go, now. You understand, right? Right?"
"Sorry…"
"Raviel, attack the last Nimble Momonga!"
Nimble's eyes widened. "Oh bugger."
Leon winced. "Aye, that's what I was thinking."
Leon looked away. Raviel shredded his monster utterly, leaving no trace of it except a bloodied scrap of skin lying in the grass.
"You monster…"
His father didn't bat an eyelid.
"Thanks to my Nimble Momonga, I gain 1000 Life Points!"
Still silence.
(4300/3600/4000)
"I activate a Spell card. Guidance of Night!"
The card showed Vampire Lord leading a young woman down a dark passageway.
"I pay 1000 Life Points. Now my Raviel cannot be targeted by Spell, Trap, or Monster effects."
(4300/3600/3000)
Great…with 4000 points I won't be able to beat it in battle, even with my strongest card…and now my Spell and Trap cards are useless as well!
Oft hope is born, when all's forlorn.
What does that mean?
You'll find out later.
"There is, however, a drawback. My Raviel can now only attack once every two turns. Simply put, he won't be attacking you next turn. I'm finished here, so go on."
"I draw!"
Leon realized his wounds were giving him almost no trouble- the sacrifice of his three Nimble Momongas had almost completely healed him. He examined his card.
Graverobber…
Not really going to help right now. But it might be of use to you later.
I'll keep that in mind.
"I'll set one card facedown, and one monster facedown in Defence position. Your move."
His couterpart spat at him.
"About time! I draw!"
One of his Spirits exploded, its energy swirling into the card he just picked up.
"What happened?"
"To set this card, I must Tribute one of my monsters. My Spirit took one for the team. I'm also setting another card facedown."
His two cards shimmered into existence.
"Salamandra the Steel, attack directly with Flame Shot of Ore!"
A stream of fire engulfed Leon. The smell of charred flesh began to pollute the clearing.
(3800/3600/3000)
"Spirit of Flames, attack his monster!"
The behemoth slammed a fist through his monster, leaving it as useless scrap iron.
"You destroyed everyone's favorite engine- Dekoichi, the Battlechanted Locomotive. I draw one card thanks to his ability."
His counterpart let out a growl. Leon waved a finger at him.
"Now now. Let's try and keep things civil."
"I end my turn!"
His father drew. "I pass. Your move."
Of course…he can't attack me this turn.
Leon nodded and drew. His eyes lit up.
"I guess what they say is true- history repeats itself."
His younger self looked curious. "What are you doing?"
"I play Pot of Avarice!"
Five balls of light emerged from Leon's graveyard. Dekoichi and Mystic Tomato returned to his deck immediately, but the other three lingered. Leon's three Nimble Momonga started cheering.
"We're back!" the first cried.
"Boss, you're the best!" the second one sang.
"Ready boys?" the third one- obviously the leader- shouted.
The other two nodded. Before they returned to his deck, they hovered around Leon and struck a Dark-Scorpion-esque pose. Together, they let out a battle cry.
"MOMONGA POWER!!!"
The younger Leon looked stupefied. His father smiled dryly.
"Momonga Power?"
Leon nodded sagely. "Never underestimate the power of Momonga. Now, I've shuffled five monsters back into my deck. I get to draw two cards."
He picked them up. The cards were Magic Cylinder and one of the Nimbles he'd shuffled in. It poked its head and chuckled.
"We really have to stop meeting like this- people will talk!"
"Aye. Ready to fight?"
"For you, Boss? Always."
"You're the best." He turned to his opponents. "I set one card facedown and one monster in facedown defence position."
The Nimble gave him a smile before hiding under his card. The younger Leon looked angry.
"Murderer! Stop stalling! Are you done?!"
Leon nodded. His counterpart was getting angrier, while he had seemed to sink into an icy calm. His father barely seemed to be there in person, only speaking when he needed to make a move. His monster was radiating a cold aura, chilling Leon despite the warmth of the setting sun. His counterpart drew.
"I tribute my Spirit of Flames, to summon Golden Homunculus in attack position!"
Spirit of Flames began to morph, the fiery red of its mottled skin beginning to shine a dull gold. It grew larger, transforming into a golden ogre, almost as large as Raviel.
(1500/1500)
"Doesn't look so tough." The Nimble scoffed, deliberately looking away from Raviel.
"Are you so sure?"
Golden Homunculus began to grow larger. Golden fire rolled from it, as it swelled to surpass Raviel in both size and strength.
(6900/6900)
"Holy shit!" Nimble disappeared inside his card like a fox down a hole.
"Holy something…" Leon muttered. "How did it get so strong?"
"Simple. Eighteen of my cards are out of play. My monster gains 300 attack and defence points for each, putting it at almost seven thousand!"
"Ugh…"
"I next use my two facedown cards! Activate Traps, Macro Cosmos, and Micro Cosmos!"
"Micro Cosmos?!"
He laughed. "Here's how it works. I have to Tribute a Spell or Trap card to activate this card, but it's worth it. For as long as it stays on the field, you may not use Trap cards Macro Cosmos sends every card that would go to the Graveyard out of play- my father's, yours, and mine. It also lets me summon Helios- the Primordial Sun in attack mode!"
The sun itself seemed to glow red over their heads. Chaos Distil vanished as a meteor streaked across the skies, headed straight for them. It crashed into the middle of the clearing. When the smoke cleared, a figure was standing before him. It was wrapped in bandages like a mummy, but where the head would be, burned a fiery crimson sun.
"This monster gains 100 attack and defence points for each monster removed from play. That's eight, so that's 800."
Leon was silent.
He's stopped all my traps. And with two incredibly powerful monsters on their side, I don't see how I can win this…
How funny. I do.
How?
Your next card, of course.
Leon looked down at his duel disk. His next card looked ordinary.
We're in your mind. Whatever you want to happen, happens. If you want it badly enough, you'll win.
Why are you helping me?
Because I want to be the one who crushes you. These two seek to deny me my prize.
"Salamandra the Steel, attack directly!"
Leon's world became consumed in fire again. He panted rapidly, trying to stop his shell-shocked body from shaking.
(3300/3600/3000)
"Golden Homunculus, finish his monster off! Stone Shard Storm!"
Nimble Momonga was pelted with rocks and crushed viciously. Leon's counterpart scoffed.
"Live like a rat, die like a rat. So much for Momonga power!"
" He's a squirrel! And more fool you. I use his ability!"
"Grr…"
(4300/3600/3000)
The other two Momongas leapt to the field again. Upon seeing the tattered remnants of the first Nimble, they shrieked in anger.
"Our brother!" the first hissed.
"Who did it? I'll tear out his eyes!" the second yelled.
"Helios, destroy one of those rats!" The younger Leon screamed.
"Rat? Why you son of a-" it squeaked.
The fireball hit home. Leon's Life Points increased again, but the charred corpse of the Momonga left sorrow in his heart.
(5300/3600/3000)
"I'll end with one facedown."
Alceme picked up a card silently. "Attack his last monster!"
Raviel swept through his last defence. His Life Points now towered over those of his opponents, but he had run out of ideas.
(6300/3600/3000)
"It's your move."
Remember- if you want it badly enough, you can do anything. Even get over your grief.
My grief…?
You locked this away- repressed it. Because you couldn't deal with her death. Your mother died. But why does he think you did it?
I wasn't strong enough to protect her. I never was. Never strong enough to protect those I love. My father was proof of that. He's here…we fell out after she died. We never forgave each other.
The only way for you to win is to let go of this. Can you do that?
"I draw!" Leon shouted. He closed his eyes.
Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Thrash these guys.
The young Leon scoffed. "What can you do with one card?"
"Enough. I can do enough."
"Well? What is it already?"
Leon saw his card. A grin broke out on his face as he thrust it into his duel disk.
"Lightning Vortex!"
"NO!"
"It's not possible…" His father choked out.
Lightning rained down from the heavens, incinerating Salamandra, Golden Homunculus, Helios, and Raviel in a huge explosion. They collapsed- blackened, burnt, useless husks of their former selves.
"It's over."
The young Leon closed his eyes. "No…it's not over. Your end is nigh. I activate my facedown Spell card, Gold Centrifuge!"
All the blackened monsters on his side of the field rose into the air. They began to shine with a golden light, turning to dust as they gathered in the centrifuge. It rattled, as if the power contained within was too much to contain. It began to undergo a metamorphosis, shifting and oozing, growing larger and larger. It shone brightly, forcing Leon to cover his eyes.
"REMALIS THE GOLD, COME FORTH!!!!!" The younger Leon bellowed.
My, my. You had a lot of anger in you back then.
You still wonder why I repressed this?
A piercing scream rang through the clearing. It was primal, and barbaric, like some great beast of legend.
Leon opened his eyes.
This new creature seemed to be a mix of magic, metal, and mythology. It towered over the treetops, easily dwarfing Golden Homunculus or Raviel. Leon looked like an ant in the dust by comparison. It was a deep gold in colour- its body was metallic, but six organic wings sprouted from its back. It vaguely resembled the legendary Winged Dragon of Ra, but instead of a Phoenix, it looked more like a great eagle or Griffon. It's forearms ended in great three-clawed talons, each claw ending in a wicked hook, It's eyes were coloured a deep purple, and teeth filled its great maw. Its face was contorted in a vicious leer. It growled hungrily at him.
Leon looked at its information.
(500/500)
"This is another Alchemy Beast? It doesn't look very strong."
"The greatest and most powerful of them all! Watch as his power grows!"
Four more monsters appeared on his side of the field. Leon the Lead, Aetos the Tin, Moonface the Silver, and Salamandra the Steel appeared next to this leviathan. Remalis let out a piercing shriek, causing Leon to cover his ears. All four of the revived monsters shattered, their energy being absorbed into its great jaws. His attack score climbed to 1300.
"I'm still not impressed."
The younger Leon started laughing madly. The cards in his hand began to smoke, then glowed gold and were sucked into his Graveyard. Remalis absorbed their power, his power reaching 1900.
"What are you doing?!"
"By feeding cards to my great beast, I can boost his power. Now watch this- Raviel, Lord of Phantasms, return!"
Alceme's face betrayed no expression as the card's power streamed into Remalis.
(3900/3900)
"Gold Centrifuge forces a Tribute of all the monsters on my side of the field, but in exchange, Remalis gains half of the original attack strength of the most powerful monster sacrificed."
"You sacrificed…even your partner's cards. How low can you go?!"
"As low as it takes to kill you! Remalis, direct attack! Flames of Atonement!!!!!"
If before had been painful for Leon, then this attack would seem like Hell itself had been unleashed. The great maw of his monster opened wide. Golden fire began to build inside the gaping jaws.
I suggest closing your eyes- assuming of course, that you value being able to see.
"KILL HIM!"
It chilled him, seeing how far gone he'd once been. Here he stood, facing his past- and at the moment, he was losing.
Remalis shot out massive gouts of flame from its mouth. Leon closed his eyes just as the fire hit home. The pain was incredible- every nerve in his body felt like it was on fire. His shirt and coat were set aflame, withering away into small piles of ash. The dry grass caught fire under his feet, burning the soles of his feet through his shoes.
But despite all this, no sound passed his lips. He would not give this twisted reflection of himself the satisfaction of seeing him beg for mercy.
His younger self was cackling insanely. "DEATH!!! DEATH TO YOU!!!"
"Sorry…to disappoint you."
My my. That you are standing here now proves that there is some mystery left in the world.
He was alive. Every piece of visible skin was burnt black. His vision was almost completely gone, and he could barely stand. His clothes were in charred remnants, barely covering himself. Each word he spoke caused him unimaginable pain, so severe was the damage to his throat.
But he lived.
The young Leon was shocked. "How can you be standing? You should be dead!"
(2400/3600/3000)
"Are you…done?"
He nodded. "Father, kill this fool. Finish him off!"
"Dad…" Leon was delirious. He couldn't get his voice to work properly,
"Don't do it…"
"I offer four of my cards to the great Remalis! Take my humble offering, God of the Sky!"
All the cards in his hand vanished. The card merged with Remalis, causing it to swell with might. Leon watched, revolted.
(4700/4700)
"No…"
"It's your last move, scum. Use it wisely."
Leon tried to draw, but he was too weak to move. He tried again, and again, but the effort caused him to lose his balance. He collapsed, his body too weak to support him. His world grew dark. He could no longer hear anything, nor see anything distinct. His sight was filled with the obscene glow of Remalis, a blurry gold shape amid the shadows. He could feel himself slipping away.
Get up!
…Huh?
If you don't get up, you will die. Tempting as that would be for us both, I'm not about to let it happen.
Images began flickering in front of him.
Taylor, blowing him a kiss as she walked away.
"I believe in you."
His mother, dressed in a funeral shroud, a pained expression on her face.
"Such pain…I'm sorry, Leon."
His father- his real father- shaking his head.
"This isn't over yet. Make us proud, son."
Then, himself. Himself, as he was before he entered his mind. He put his coat around him, and smiled. Leon stared at him, trying to believe his injured eyes.
"It's you…" he choked out.
"I forgive you for this. Your time has not come yet. Stop blaming yourself for her death."
"Blaming myself?"
"That's why your young self was so hostile towards you. He saw you as the murderer- because in his eyes- your eyes- you were the one who killed your mother. You were too weak to save her. Your pain was too intense to bear, so you repressed it rather then face the truth."
"It's killing me…I can't fight anymore. I have to go…"
The other Leon shook his head.
"People still need you. Taylor still needs you. Play the role of the knight, and save your lady fair. Ok?"
He grasped Leon's hand and pulled him to his feet. They shared a nod. The darkness lifted from his sight, and he pulled himself to his feet. He picked up his last card. It swam in and out of focus, but it was clear enough. In a flash, it came to him. He knew exactly how he was going to win.
"I set one card facedown. That's all."
His counterpart snickered. "That's all? REMALIS! KILL HIM!"
"No. You've just lost this game."
"What are you talking about?"
"Before Remalis attacks, I use a Trap. Go…Ring of Destruction!"
A ring of fire appeared around his monsters neck. It screamed and roared in rage, trying to break free from the binding.
"NO!"
His father snarled. "Do you plan to kill us all? You're mad!"
"Quite…possibly. But I have one more Trap to play. You powered up your creature… giving me the means to defeat it. This ends now!"
A small figure leaped to Alceme's Graveyard, grabbing a card that ejected from it. It shouldered its pickaxe and screeched madly. It flipped the card to Leon, who held it up in defiance.
"Graverobber! I pay two thousand Life Points to steal Ring of Defence- and I'll use it!"
Alceme smiled and pointed to one of his facedown cards, which had flipped open.
"Ring of Defence. Protects me from all damage inflicted by a Trap. It seems you weren't so lucky."
"IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!"
Remalis screamed in pain and rage. It tried to rip the ring free, but to no avail. A frenzied look appeared in its eyes, like a wild animal that knows its time is nigh. Alceme's mask finally cracked, revealing the emotion he was feeling.
Fear. Fear of the power Leon held in his hands.
"Be…gone."
Remalis exploded, a titanic burst of flame blossoming out from its neck. It quickly consumed the creature, becoming a raging inferno that torched the landscape. A spinning ring materialized and protected Leon from the explosion, leaving Alceme and his double to take the brunt of the blast. From behind his shield, Leon watched as the heat seared flesh from bone. A sickeningly sweet smell began coursing through the air. Leon's father screamed as the fire consumed him. Leon looked away, unable to watch anymore. The sound of the flames died away, slowly.
Silence pervaded the clearing. He looked back. All that remained of them were a pair of charred skeletons, and the smell of death.
(400/0/0)
They were gone. Leon had won.
You killed them…
They knew the risks. That wasn't my father, or me.
I would have expected you to show more grief.
Grief? They would have killed me without a second thought. I feel lighter now.
Just one last thing to do, then.
He turned to face the gravestone.
"Mum…I won. I'm sorry it's been so long. I'm so, so, sorry. I wasn't strong enough to keep you safe. The way you kept me safe, all those long years…but I'm going to move on. You understand, don't you? I can't keep this locked up in my head…its killing me. I need to let this go. Perhaps, when it's my time…we'll see each other again. But there are still things for me to do…I'm sorry. I have to go. Just know…I love you, Mum."
He turned and walked away. A single tear began to slip down his face. As he reached the edge of the clearing, something made him stop.
You won.
Yeah.
You buried the past?
Not all of it. But this…yeah.
What was your father doing here anyway? I don't get it.
I hated him. Even more so when my mother died- because he couldn't keep her safe. He's here because…because I wanted to kill him after she left this world. That hate never really went away. My subconscious brought my father back- so that I could kill him.
What are you going to do with all this now?
I don't know. But I know something. This scene- all of this- will stay where it belongs.
He paused. Surprisingly, the bouquet of flowers had survived the ordeal. He picked one out, sampling its fragrant scent. He tucked it inside his tattered coat and looked back at the gravestone.
Night had fallen properly now, leaving the clearing in shadow. The scene had been irreparably scarred by the events that had transpired on this day. It looked like a warzone. The grass was gone- he was standing on burnt earth. The trees seemed to weep, their branches torn and twisted by the battle. The fire from Remalis had blackened the grave, hiding the name carved into it.
His face hardened.
In my nightmares.