Yu-Gi-Oh!:
Guardian of Death
DUEL 6: Invitation
Patrick was walking home from a long day at school. He had the day off from the branch of Kaiba Corp. downtown since President Seto Kaiba was holding some kind of tournament in Japan. Patrick let loose a large yawn.
"I...need...sleep," Patrick stammered. He had just taken a huge chemistry test at school.
(Great job on that test my friend,) Anubis offered some encouragement to his partner.
"You were watching? Why didn't you help?"
(I don't help you duel, there's no way I'll help you cheat.) Patrick grumbled. He stepped up to his house and opened up the mailbox. He pulled out a stack of papers and shut it back. After fiddling with his keys for seven minutes, Patrick finally opened the door to his home. He dragged his feet into the kitchen where he plopped the mail.
Patrick staggered a bit before collapsing on a couch in the family room. Anubis was in the back of Patrick's mind. This kid had done amazing things, but he had much more to do. Anubis took control of the passed out Patrick's body and stood. He walked to the mail and shuffled through it for a small envelope. When he found it he walked Patrick's limp body upstairs to his room. Anubis allowed him to collapse on the bed.
"Patrick! Supper!" Patrick's mom called upstairs waking him with a start. Patrick sat up in bed and the envelope slid off his chest.
"What's this?" He asked examining the label.
(You've got mail!) Anubis said jokingly. Patrick opened the envelope revealing a strange pack of Duel Monsters cards, like none Patrick had ever seen. He opened the pack and found a white piece of paper folded to appear as a card. Patrick unfolded it to read it.
Dear Patrick Kingston,
In this package you will find a recognition card. Take it to the card shop downtown. Someone will be waiting. I look forward to dueling you again.
See you in Paradise,
Pegasus J. Crawford
Pegasus was inviting Patrick to a tournament. Patrick looked back into the pack. He saw the back of a Duel Monsters card. He pulled it out and looked at the front. Four colorful bands were streaked across the front. Patrick slipped it into his pocket with his deck and went down for supper.
The next day Patrick stopped by the card shop on his way to work. He slipped in quietly. He looked around at people playing various games. Dueling, DDM, etc. but one person stood out in particular. He was a large, muscular man in a tuxedo with "Terminator"-style sunglasses and his hair slicked up to a point.
Patrick stood in front of him, "Hello, Saruwatori."
Saruwatori looked down with a grimace, "What are you doing here punk? I'm here on business, get lost!"
Patrick pulled out his deck and removed the first card. He held it up so that Saruwatori could see the front of the recognition card.
"Looks like your business is with me."
Saruwatori growled, "Damn. Very well. Keep that card, I was told to give you this," Saruwatori said as he held out a small, blue, felt pouch, "You'll need these for the tournament."
"What tournament?" Patrick asked.
"Pegasus is holding another event like at Duelist Kingdom, but on another island with slightly different rules. It's Duelist Paradise"
::Paradise!:: Patrick thought ::Pegasus said he'd see me in Paradise!::
"There are two crystals called 'Spell Counters' in there that qualify you for the tournament," Saruwatori continued.
Patrick opened the pouch, seeing two crystals resembling those he saw in the duel with Anubis.
(I told you spell counters would be important in your future.) Anubis echoed in Patrick's head.
"Go to the docks in a week, you'll know what to do from there." Saruwatori strutted out of the shop. Patrick stared at the spell counters and recognition card. He knew that Pegasus was out for revengeā¦
For one week, he practiced. He trained diligently. He overworked at Kaiba Corp. to prepare to take off for about a week. Cleared his schedule with his family, and after that week, he was onboard a luxury liner headed for Duelist Paradise.
Patrick stared over the edge of the boat. He had boarded the ship three hours ago. The luxurious liner the contestants were on was beautifully decorated from bow to stern. Only a rich man could have provided this.
"Pegasus never does spare any expense." A voice said behind Patrick. He looked back to see a boy, tall for a Japanese kid, his blond hair parted down the middle, "Big thing for you, eh?"
Patrick frowned. He slid his gray fleece vest back to put his hands in his pockets, "And you are?" Patrick asked annoyed.
"Katsuya Jonouchi, but you can call me Jonouchi. Maybe you've heard of me?" The boy replied cockily.
"I'm Patrick Kingston, but you can call me sir. I'm not here to make friends Jonouchi, leave," Patrick turned around to face the sea again.
The boy huffed, "Damn amateurs think they're so much. Jonouchi's a True Duelist!" He continued mumbling to himself as he stormed off in a huff.
(What's with the attitude? Don't make waves; we don't even know why we're here.) Anubis echoed from Patrick's mind. He got no response from his partner.
A loud horn buzzed out aloud. The announcement that followed was all that could snap Patrick out of his stupor.
ATTENTION ALL DUELISTS ON THIS SHIP. WE ARE ABOUT TO REACH DUELIST PARADISE AND REQUEST YOUR PRESENCE IN THE MAIN HALL FOR AN ANOUNCEMENT BY CEO OF INDUSTRIAL ILLUSIONS AND THE HOLDER OF THIS TOURNAMENT PEGASUS J. CRAWFORD
Patrick rushed through the crowds to make it to the main hall fast. People crowded in around him to listen in. Minutes later, a well rested Pegasus walked onto a stage. He had healed since his last duel with Patrick.
"Welcome, one and all to the experience of my Duelist Paradise tournament!" Pegasus began, "I am Pegasus J. Crawford, creator of Duel Monsters. I must get this off my chest. It's time to explain the stakes of this tournament."
The crowd up roared. "First," Pegasus continued, "we will use the original rules of Duel Monsters. Kaiba's little "Battle City" rules have no place here. However, he has one term I rather like. Each Duelist will bet their rarest card and the loser will surrender their rarest card to the winner."
(What?!) Anubis shouted in Patrick's head making him reel.
"Second," Pegasus continued, "the spell counters you have been given will be wagered. The duelists bet an equal amount and it's winner take all. 10 spell counters qualify you for the finals. Third, after the finals, if you win the tournament, you will be given the opportunity to face me for a grand prize of recognition and not only my rare card, but also one rare card to be received at an appointed time."
Pegasus waved and stepped off stage. He thought to himself ::Thanks for coming little Patrick. Let's see how great you are after losing your precious Lava Golem.::
The ship pulled up to the island and the passengers disembarked. Patrick looked around the area as the other duelists scattered across the island.
::I'll do it twice Pegasus, just you wait.::
