Disclaimer: The following piece is in no way a claim to ownership of the depicted characters. Yu-Gi-Oh, Yu-Gi-Oh R, Yu-Gi-Oh GX and Yu-Gi-Oh 5D's are owned by TV Tokyo, Konami Corporation and Kazuki Takahashi. This story as presented is strictly for entertainment purposes, both for its owner and readers.
Chapter 11 – The Threat of Infinity, Machine Emperor Skiel
In darkness of the night, a tall man who looked to he in his late twenties, who had green eyes and long blond hair, stood over the bed of a young child who was less than ten. Opposite him stood a man in long white robes, and both men held solemn looks on their faces while the child lay still, hardly breathing. He was swearing heavily and his skin was pale, his ribs showed through his chest, his eyelids were dark as bruises, and his breathing was shallow and laboured.
Looking down upon the child, the blond man's eyes began to tear at their corners while he looked incredibly sad. "Is there any chance of recovery?" he then asked of the white-robed man in his low, deep voice, which was strained by the emotion.
The robed man merely shook his head slowly. "The disease has already consumed much of his vital organs," he said, trying to sound as sympathetic and yet professional as possible. "The best we can do for him is to ease his pain."
"Daddy…" the boy said up to him, weakly, opening his eyes to reveal them jaundiced. "Daddy… I'm co cold…"
"It's okay son," he said down to the child, kneeling down so he could wrap his arms around him and comfort him. "It's okay… daddy will keep you warm…" As the blond man held his son, the man in the white robe came closer to him and pulled out a syringe of clear fluid, sticking the needle into the child's back and pushing in the fluid. The child was too weak to flinch from the injection, and his father was too sad to speak. His breathing slowing, the child re-closed his eyes and fell away, leaving his father crying slightly while the white-robed man walked around to him.
"I'm so sorry for you," he said to the father, putting his hand on the man's shoulder to try and comfort him. "This disease has been a tragic occurrence for us all, my King. Your family's pain is shared by many of us."
"This pain," the blond man gritted out, his sadness starting to corrode into anger as he put his son back against the bed, standing up and facing the robed man. "This pain… we've brought it upon ourselves…"
***
In the depths of darkness, beneath the ground, the slumped robed figure of Paradox lay against the wall, almost motionless, just before the three lines over each eye lit up in yellow. Standing up from his place against the stone wall of what appeared to be a tunnel, he stood up and slowly walked towards a small light in the next room.
Stepping into the old place, he saw an old, rotting wooden table with two sets of three candles on sticks sitting there, five chairs seated at the table that had begun to fall apart as well. Reaching his Left hand to his face, he gripped his mask and pulled it off his face, revealing his glowing golden eyes as they stared into a small drip-formed puddle of water.
"These miserable humans," he though to himself, turning and walking away from the table back in the direction he had come from, this time walking even farther into a room at the opposite end. There, he gazed upon an old rusted machine and its control panel; it resembled a drill-and-gear combination that sat idle against the old walls of the place.
"Do you think that Yusuriha will have valuable information?" Luca asked of Judai as they and Taiyou took an elevator to the top floor of her building, her brother still at the apartment.
"I'm betting that she will," he answered. "And even if she doesn't, maybe I can learn more about Placido, or even read some of the thoughts he's given her." Seconds later the elevator stopped and the door slid open, and so Judai, Taiyou and Luca stepped out into the apartment into the living room. "Lua!" Judai yelled out, causing the small green-haired young boy to step out into the room.
"Judai," he said softly. "Yusuriha's been wondering about you. She said she knows that you and Johan saved her, but she doesn't remember anything that happened earlier in the evening than that."
"My method doesn't require her to remember anything," Judai stated, flashing over his eyes into Yubel's. "Show me to her room." Turning around, Lua began to walk towards one of the guest bedrooms, so Judai and Luca followed him down the hallway and into the room; where the girl was sitting on the bed, dressed in street clothes.
"Judai," she realized, getting a smile out of the man while Yubel's spirit appeared and leaned against the doorway, arms crossed and a serious look on her face. "I take it you're here to speak to me about Placido."
"I don't expect you to say much," he answered. "But I do expect you'll have information for me to view. Lie back on the bed," he commanded, and in compliance she stretched back along the bed. "Now close your eyes."
"What are you doing?" Lua asked, being shushed by his sister almost right away.
"Now, I want you to think back to the last ting you recall Placido saying to you," he said softly, his eyes beginning to glow radiantly and Yusuriha to slowly convert to an even more relaxed state.
"He never said anything to me, besides dictating his moves," she said softly, almost without thought. "But his thoughts… that I was so useful, that Kaiba had been attacked by that guy…"
"That guy?" Taiyou asked. "Who is that guy?"
"He wears a mask…" she stated. "Paradox…" Suddenly, a sound outside of an explosion occurred that made everyone jump and Yusuriha snap out of her hypnotic trance. Through all the windows of the building, a bluish glow emanated from outside and lit up the darkness, a glowing red Infinity Symbol being at the top of it.
"They've found us," Yubel realized. Drawn by the light, Judai ran to the doors in the living room that led outside, prompting the others to run after him. When Judai stepped outside, the light died down and the floodlights that existed for the pool area turned on, revealing a figure standing on the surface of the water over a glowing blue Infinity Symbol.
"Who are you?" Judai asked of the figure, revealed as a woman about Judai's height or a little bit shorter. She was dressed in a black flowing gown with puffed shoulders, a lace collar and lace wristbands, a cummerbund covering her chest. The woman herself appeared to be about twenty-five, with piercing green eyes and strong red hair flowing freely over her eyes and behind her body. On her right arm was a round object, a kind of Duel Disc they had never seen before.
"My name is Lucciano," the woman stated, smiling slyly. "And I'm here for the girl, Yusuriha."
"You can't have her!" Judai barked, raising his Duel Disc and activating it.
"I have no quarrel with you, Yuki Judai," she stated, pointing at the girl. "But if you try to stop me from taking her back with me, then I make no promises."
"I'm not letting you touch her!" Lua yelled out, running to the edge of the pool and jumping onto the opposite edge of the glowing figure-eight. "You have to duel me to get to her!"
"No, Lua!" Judai yelled. "The power of those Infinity Monsters is too much! Let me deal with her!"
"You've already done more than enough for us Judai," Lua countered, actually surprising Judai with those words. "Judai, you've put yourself in harm's way more than your share of times, and I'm thankful for that. I'm taking responsibility this time!"
"It's too dangerous!" Taiyou yelled out, raising his own arm. "Listen Lucciano, I'll take you on, but leave the boy out of this!"
"The boy has made his choice," Lucciano stated callously, aggravating the two men.
"You're about to regret coming here!" Lua then yelled to her, pulling out his Deck and placing it into his active Duel Disc, making the auto-shuffler kick in. Lucciano's Duel Disc then activated by extending out 5 Monster slots around the perimeter of the Duel Disc body, then a rod that produced a five-foot light green energy tray for her Magic & Trap Cards.
"The kid has guts," Taiyou stated, getting a worried nod from Judai.
"DUEL!" Both players yelled as they drew 5 cards.
Lua: LP 4000
Lucciano: LP 4000
"I'll take the first turn," Lucciano stated, drawing a card. "I set 2 Spell of Trap Cards." Placing the two cards on the green tray, they then appeared over the surface of the water. "I also set 1 monster and end my turn." She then placed a monster onto one of the zones, causing its card to appear before her.
"Then it's my turn," Lua said, pulling a card. "I Summon Deformer Radicassen (ATK: 1200, LV: 4)!" In front of Lua emerged a red boom box from which parts folded out to create a short, squat robot with massive shoulder pads and a cage-like face. "I attack your set monster with Radicassen!" The monster the dove forward, punching the card and making it reveal a female figure dressed in robes and wearing a veil over her mouth, holding three crystal spheres.
"Fortune Teller of Crystal's Monster Effect," Lucciano stated, reaching for her Deck. "I pick up my top 2 cards, and I add one to my hand while placing the other on the bottom of my Deck." Pulling 2 cards, she chose one of them quickly and placed it into her hand, then slid the other one onto the bottom of her Deck's tray. Then, the figure exploded.
"Fine, but Radicassen can attack twice per Battle Phase!" Lua yelled. "Attack Lucciano directly!" Still in front on Lucciano, the robot struck Lucciano in the chest, causing her to look on at him with an expression of smugness.
"Trap Activate: Damage Interest! When my opponent inflicts Battle Damage to my Life Points via a direct attack, I double said damage and inflict that new amount to my opponent." From the face-up card a bean of energy shot out, going straight through Lua and making him scream out in pain while Lucciano looked on sadistically.
Lua: LP 1600
Lucciano: LP 2800
"You bitch!" Taiyou yelled at Lucciano, flipping her off. "How can you smile at yourself for harming a young child?!"
"He brought this harm upon himself," Lucciano pointed out.
"I… set 2 cards…" Lua stated, catching his breath as 2 set cards appeared before him. "I end my turn."
"Then I draw," Lucciano stated. "I summon Sky Core (ATK: 0, LV: 1)!" In front of Lucciano emerged a blue egg-like metal object with red trim, which let off a light blue glow. "Next, I activate Torrential Tribute. When a monster is Summoned, Reverse Summoned or Special Summoned, I destroy all monsters on the field."
"You what?" Lua asked just before his robot exploded, forcing himself to cut his eyes. At that moment, the egg-like object began to glow brightly and it opened up, revealing several crystals set up in a strange array around a glass orb. The rest of the creature then disappeared, but the glass orb released a column of blue light. "What's going on?"
"When Sky Core is destroyed by a card effect," Lucciano explained, "I destroy all monsters I control and Special Summon, from my hand, Deck or Cemetery, Machine Emperor Skiel Infinity (ATK: 0, LV: 1), Skiel Top (ATK: 600, LV: 1), Skiel Attack (ATK: 1000, LV: 1), Skiel Guard (DEF: 300, LV: 1) and Skiel Carrier (ATK: 400, LV: 1)." AS she said this, all five cards slid out of her Deck and she held them up, placing them all on the tray in a single fluid motion.
Out of the light then emerged five creatures in quick succession. First was a blue orb of metal which resembled an owl's head, the Infinity Symbol forming the eyes. Next was a long blue object like the face of a hummingbird which was mounted on a jet. Third was a blue spider-like object with a flower-like face, and fourth was a beetle-like object with a dark grey abdomen. The final creature resembled the frame of a tennis racket, but with many struts along it. "Combine!" Lucciano then yelled.
Suddenly, the fifth creature separated and folded out into two very long, thin, jointed struts that attached to either side of the first orb, forming wings. The second creature then attached to the top of it, the jet forming a neck and the head folding to be independent of it. The third creature then mounted to the underside of the orb, folding up to form a cannon-like object, and the bug-like object folded out into a long tail and attached behind the cannon. Finally, the whole thing screeched and four eye-like lights formed on the face of the creature, showing it was now one entity (ATK: 2200, LV: 1).
"Machine Emperor Skiel," Lucciano commanded, pointing at Lua. "Direct attack!" The cannon then charged up a blue pulse and shot it at Lua, who immediately flipped a card.
"Trap Card Open: Guard Block! I negate the Battle Damage and draw a card!" Pulling a card from his Deck, the beam shot at Lua disappeared when it hit a certain point in midair, protecting him from the blast.
"I set 3 cards and end my turn," Lucciano said, sneering at Lua. "Now, show me if you can truly fight like you claim you can."
"Very well!" Lua yelled. "It's my turn. Draw!" Immediately flipping around the card he had pulled, Lua took it and the card he drew seconds earlier and said, "I activated Deformer Repair Unit! I send Deformer Scopen from my hand to my Cemetery, and I thus Special Summon Deformer Radicassen from my Cemetery (ATK: 1200, LV: 4)!" Placing the card in the Cemetery, Lua called back the robot and placed it in front of him, then pulled another card.
"I activated Junk BOX, and I Special Summon Scopen from my Cemetery (ATK: 800, LV: 3)!" From the Cemetery slot shot up a bean of light that released a table-top microscope, whose stand folded into a pair of legs and whose dials opened up to extend wire-like arms. "Next, using its effect, I Special Summon Deformer Mobaphon from my hand (ATK: 100, LV: 1)!"
Beside Lua emerged a yellow cell phone whose body folded out into the limbs and shoulder pads of its robotic form, and whose chest was formed with the numbers 1 to 6. "I activate Mobaphon's effect: a number between 1 and 6 is selected at random, and I pick up that many cards. Then, I Special Summon 1 Deformer among them. Dial On!" The numbers then began to light up and go out in sequence and at high speed, going through the whole rotation several times until it stopped at the number 4.
When it did, Lua picked up the top 4 cards of his Deck, and then picked out the second card and slapped it down onto the tray while he put the other cards randomly into his Deck. "I Special Summon Deformer Magnen-U (ATK: 800, LV: 3)!" Beside the yellow cell phone robot emerged a blue and red-tipped magnet that folded out into a robot with a long crest out the back of its head. "Finally, I Summon Deformer Radion (ATK: 1000, LV: 4)!"
At the final open slot, Lua called forth a purple hand-held radio that folded out into a robot using the headphones as a bolus. "I tune my Level 3 Scopen to my Level 1 Mobaphon and my Level 3 Magnen-U!" The microscope creature then changed into 3 white orbs that then became green rings, which the cell phone and magnet monsters jumped up into, turning into 1 and 3 white orbs respectively. "Docking strength with courage to protect world peace! Synchro Summon! Envoy of love and justice, Power Tool Dragon (ATK: 2300, LV: 7)!"
From the light emerged a huge, yellow, robotic dragon-like entity with a drill mounted to its right hand, a blue back-hoe bucket for a left hand, a shovel for a tail-tip and 4 jet-like wings. The whole creature let out a mechanical roar, and Lucciano smiled at the creature. "Once per turn, I pick 3 Equip Magic cards from my Deck and my opponent randomly picks 1 to put into my hand." 3 cards then slid out of his Deck and he held them up, revealing 3 copies of Double Tool D & C.
"It doesn't matter which one I pick then, does it?" Lucciano asked rhetorically, prompting Lua to smile while he slid two of the copes into his Deck and place the third one into the tray.
"I equip Double Tool D & C to my Power Tool Dragon, and since it's my turn he gains 1000 ATK (ATK: 3300)!" Suddenly, the drill on the dragon's right arm changed to a larger, mining drill as its power grew. "Also, it negates the effect of a monster it attacks. Finally, Radion's Attack Position effect gives my two Deformers 800 extra ATK (ATK: 2000) (ATK: 1800)."
"That's an impressive offence," Lucciano stated.
"Power Tool Dragon, attack Machine Emperor Skiel Infinity!"
"I don't think so," Lucciano stated as the dragon swung its right arm at the large blue robot. "Once per turn, Skiel Guard negates an attack against one of my Skiel monster!" All of a sudden the drill impacted into the Infinity symbol, but it did no damage and it repelled the monster.
"Then I attack Skiel Carrier with my Deformer Radicassen!" Lua decalred, his red robot jumping into the air to attack the wings.
"Trap Card Open: Cyber Repairer!" Lucciano stated, flipping a card. "My opponent draws 1 card, and this turn my Machine Sub-Type monsters cannot be destroyed by battle!"
"Fine!" Lua stated, snapping up his card. "You're still taking the Battle Damage!"
"I discard one card from my hand," Lucciano then countered, confusing Lua until a card flipped over, "and I activate Rainbow Life. This turn, my taken damage is converted into a recovery of Life Points!" The robot then struck the wing of the monster, but instead of losing Life Points Lucciano glowed in a rainbow aura while her Life Points rose.
Lua: LP 1600
Lucciano: LP 4400
"Then I set 1 card and end my turn," Lua stated. "With my turn over, Power Tool Dragon loses its 1000 ATK bonus (ATK: 2300). But, you may only attack the equipped monster; and if you battle the equipped monster, your monster is destroyed after Damage Calculation." The drill then changed into a red-framed buzz saw.
"Then I draw," Lucciano stated. "And I activate the effect of Machine Emperor Skiel Infinity!" From the Infinity Symbol six light blue glowing threads shot out and wrapped around the metal dragon causing it to disappear, much to everyone's chagrin. "Once per turn, I equip one Synchro Monster my opponent controls to Skiel, and have it gain that monster's ATK (ATK: 4500)."
"This can't be!" Lua yelled.
"Next I activate the Instant Magic, Limiter Removal!" Lucciano stated, taking the only card in her hand and placing it on the tray. "I double the ATK of Skiel (ATK: 9000)! But there's more; Skiel Infinity gains the ATK of all its components; after its own power doubles, it further gains the bonus of the component monsters (ATK: 11200)."
"No way!" Taiyou yelled out. "If he takes that hit, then Lua's finished."
"Finally, I activate Trap Stun!" Lucciano stated, flipping her last card. "Until the End Phase, I negate all the Trap Cards on the field for this turn!" Lightning then shot off the card and struck the two set cards before Lua, flipping them up and turning them to stone. "It's over! Skiel, attack Radicassen!"
"That's enough!" Judai yelled, running forwards and jumping in front of Lua between him and his monster. The cannon from the blue machine creature then fired off a shot and struck the robot, shattering it, and the beam continued on to strike Judai. Though he grunted out in pain, he stood firm and held his ground while the bean hit him for a full thirty seconds, only to collapse on his knees after it finished.
Lua: LP 0
Lucciano: LP 4400
"Judai!" Lua yelled up, shocked at the hit his older friend had just taken for him while the Solid Vision died down. Looking up to Lucciano, he started at her with a deathly glare before she jumped backwards onto the ledge of the pool. Then she snapped her fingers and the figure-eight disappeared, causing Lua and Judai to fall into the pool. In a split second Judai reacted and grabbed Lua under his arm, knowing neither of them could float long with their damage, and used Yubel's powers to thrust himself and Lua up and back to the opposite ledge of the pool.
"I won the duel," Lucciano stated flatly, stepping around the pool towards Yusuriha while Judai put Lua down and stood up straight. "That means the girl is mine."
"An agreement is an agreement," Yusuriha said sorrowfully, walking over to Lucciano. However, instead of submitting, Yusuriha proceeded to strike Lucciano across the face and run across the pool yard, jumping over the railing of the roof.
"Yusu-chan!" Taiyou yelled, knowing how high up they were.
"I guess we'll just have to find her now," Lucciano stated, turning to leave. Suddenly her body burst out into a blue aura of light that shone so brightly it temporarily blinded everyone. When they opened their eyes, she was gone.
"What do we do now?" Judai asked, holding his ribs from the pain of his attack.
"For starters, we get you some medical treatment," Luca stated, running inside to the medicine cabinet while Judai followed more slowly. Standing at the door to the pool, Yubel turned to Judai and stated,
"I can find the girl." When everyone nodded, she disappeared in a warping fashion, and everyone turned back to Judai. The man then took off his red coat and pulled up his sleeveless black shirt, revealing severe bruising on the left side of his thin yet chiseled form.
"Oh my God!" Lua said, running towards him and grabbing his arm. "Judai, I'm so, so sorry! I didn't know…"
"It's alright Lua," Judai said as Luca handed him bandages, which he wrapped around his chest before putting his shirt back on. "We just have to hope Yubel finds Yusuriha."
***
In an alley behind some buildings, Yubel appeared right beside Yusuriha, who was standing off to one side watching two people who looked like they were about to duel. One of them was just some street punk, dressed in head-to-toe denim, but the other was a long-white-haired individual with a scalp to chin criminal marker on his right face wearing a trench coat.
"So, you think your Deck of Infernities can stop my Dragon Deck?" the punk asked, holding up a fist.
"I'm willing to bet some cheap rip-off of a Champion's Deck won't stand up to me," the other stated coldly. "The Death Gods call for you."
"It's Kiryu," Yubel observed, speaking to Yusuriha. "You were meeting with him, weren't you?"
"He's my boyfriend," the Summoner explained while the two duelists set up their Duel Discs and drew 5 cards.
Kiryu: LP 4000
Street Duelist: LP 4000
"I'll take the first turn," Kiryu stated in a monotone as he drew. Yubel was surprised by this; he was a far cry from the energetic Kiryu she knew. "I summon Infernity Necromancer (DEF: 2000, LV: 3)." In front of Kiryu emerged a skeletal figure in a purple robe that turned blue and took up a crouching position. "I set 2 cards and end my turn."
"Then I draw!" the street duelist declared, pulling a card. "I Special Summon Vice Dragon (ATK: 1000, LV: 5)!" In front of the man emerged Jack's purple dinosaur-like dragon that growled at Kiryu; but it was quickly turned into a neon orb as he added, "I release Vice Dragon to Advance Summon Tiger Dragon (ATK: 2400, LV: 6)
From the neon orb emerged an orange-brown dragon with a striped body and a tuft of hair at its tail tip. However, before the Street Duelist could even mention its effect, Kiryu said, "I chain Reckless Greed and Full Burst. First, I send my 3 cards in my hand to the Cemetery to inflict 600 points of damage to your Life Points." Placing the card in his Cemetery, three rockets shot off the card and struck the street duelist, making him flinch.
Kiryu: LP 4000
Street Duelist: LP 3400
"Next, due to Reckless Greed, I draw 2 cards and skip 2 Draw Phases." Pulling 2 cards, Kiryu looked on in an almost indifferent satisfaction while a red talisman bearing the Greed kanji appeared atop his Deck.
"I activate Bonds of Kinsmen!" The Street Duelist yelled. "I pay 1000 Life Points and Special Summon 2 Dragon-Type Monsters from my Deck. Come: 2 Golem Dragons (DEF: 2000, LV: 4) (DEF: 2000, LV: 4)." On either side of the orange dragon appeared a blue dragon made up of large rocks that crouched and growled.
"I equip Power of Unity to Tiger Dragon, so my Tiger Dragon gains 800 ATK for each monster I control; that's 2400 extra ATK (ATK: 4800). Next, I equip it with Big Bang Shot, so my monster gains 400 ATK (ATK: 5200) and I inflict Penetration Damage. Go, Tiger Dragon! Attack Infernity Necromancer!" Growling, the dragon shot a fireball at the robed creature, destroying it and making Kiryu lose a lot of points.
Kiryu: LP 800
Street Duelist: LP 2400
"I set a card and end my turn," he stated.
"Then let me show you…" Kiryu stated. "The ultimate combo of the Infernity Deck. After I skip my Draw Phase, I activate One for One, and I discard Infernity Revenger to Special Summon Inferity Mirage from my Deck (ATK: 0, LV: 1)." Before Kiryu emerged a creature dressed in a styled robe, and then it disappeared in a warp. "By releasing this monster, I Special Summon Infernity Daemon (ATK: 1800, LV: 4) and Infernity Necromancer (ATK: 0, LV: 3) from my Cemetery."
In place of that creature emerged a tall, grey-skinned monster with 4 red eyes and many horns which was dressed in a blue robe, and the purple-robed monster from earlier. "When Infernity Daemon is Special Summoned and my hand is at 0, I add 1 Infernity card from my Deck to my hand. I choose the Permanent Magic, Infernity Gun, and I activate it." Beside Kiryu emerged a long orange barrel with spikes on it.
"What does that do?" the Street Duelist asked.
"Nothing, yet," Kiryu stated. "Due to Infernity Necromancer's effect, I Special Summon Infernity Revenger from my Cemetery (ATK: 0, LV: 1) when my hand is at 0." From his Cemetery emerged a cowboy-like figure with a painted white face like a jack-o-lantern. "I tune my Infernity Revenger to my Infernity Daemon and Necromancer."
Rising up into the air, the cowboy-scarecrow changed into a single white orb that changed into a green ring, moving over the two robed figures to change them into a vertical column of white orbs that changed into light. "The living and the dead," Kiryu chanted solemnly. "When they meet at 0, above the cage of Eternity, the demonic dragon comes out. Synchro Summon. Come forth, Infernity Death Dragon (ATK: 3000, LV: 8)."
Out of the light emerged a black, stout dragon with very ragged grey membrane on its wings; a dinosaur-like head with a nose horn, four yellow eyes and dreadlocks; four arms, two large pincer-like ones with two smaller claws; and thick legs and feet. The monster let out a guttural howl as it appeared, slightly scaring the Street Duelist.
"Next, I activate Infernity Gun's effect," Kiryu stated. "By sending it top the Cemetery, I Special Summon Infernity Daemon (ATK: 1800, LV: 4) and Infernity Necromancer (ATK: 0, LV: 3) from the Cemetery again." The cannon then shot out a blue orb and a purple orb before exploding, which changed back into the two robed figures. With that Kiryu pulled out another copy of the Spell Card and said, "I once again add Infernity Gun to my hand and activate it."
When the cannon appeared beside Kiryu again, he declared, "I once again use Infernity Necromancer's effect to revive Revenger (ATK: 0, LV: 1), and with it I Synchro Summon a second Infernity Death Dragon (ATK: 3000, LV: 8)." Once again the cowboy-scarecrow appeared beside Kiryu and changed into an orb, changing the two robed monsters into a column of light and releasing a second of the black dragon.
"Two Death Dragons?" the Street Duelist questioned.
"There's more," Kiryu stated. "I repeat the Cycle: I resurrect my two monsters, add Gun to my hand, activate it, resurrect Revenger, and Synchro Summon a third Death Dragon (ATK: 3000, LV: 8)." From the gun fired two more orbs, which quickly changed into a green rings with seven white orbs that became a column of light, forming yet a third copy of the dragon.
"This is incredible!" the Street Duelist stated.
"Finally," Kiryu stated, "with Gun, I resurrect Infernity Destroyer (ATK: 2300, LV: 6) and Infernity Beetle (ATK: 1200, LV: 2)." From the gun fired a purple-grey orb and a green one, which changed into two monsters. First was a tall purple-grey demon with patches of armour, horns and big yellow eyes; second was a black stag beetle with a green underside. "I tune my Level 2 Beetle to my Level 6 Destroyer."
"Hey, you're cheating!" the Street Duelist yelled. "You can only have 3 Death Dragons per Deck!"
"And I do," Kiryu stated. "But my two monsters meet the conditions for another of my Synchro Monsters." With that the beetle changed into 2 white orbs and then green rings, surrounding the demon and changing it into 6 white orbs that fused into a column of light. "When the Dark Curtain is pulled back," he then chanted somberly, "The eyes of the Underworld will open. Swoop down, Darkness. Synchro Summon. Appear now, One-Hundred Eye Dragon (ATK: 3000, LV: 8)."
From the light appeared several glowing orbs and the outline of a creature which quickly slashed out and dispelled them. The creature was a black dragon larger than the others, with purple eyes covering much of its body, a toothless mouth, massive claws and orange wings attached to its arms. All of the eyes on its body except for two then closed; the one on its face and that on its chest, which was also the only one to have a white sclera.
"This is perhaps one of the most intricate and sophisticated combos I've ever seen," Yubel stated. "Kiryu has become a master of the Infernity Deck."
"I activate One-Hundred Eye Dragon's effect," Kiryu stated, a card sliding out of his Duel Disc. "By excluding Infernity Necromancer from my Cemetery, I have this monster use its name and effect until the End Phase." On the centre eye of the monster appeared the image of the purple-robed skeleton monster, and then all the other eyes on its body reopened. "Using its effect, I resurrect Infernity Destroyer (ATK: 2300, LV: 6)."
Right beside the dragon then emerged the purple-grey dragon once again, and Kiryu declared, "I activate the effect of Death Dragon. Once per turn, if I hold no cards in my hand, I destroy a monster my opponent controls and inflict damage equal to half its ATK in return for giving up Death Dragon's attack for the turn. I select Tiger Dragon."
"Reverse Card Open: Emergency Rations!" the Street Duelist declared, flipping his only card. "I send my two Equip Magic Cards to the Cemetery, and I recover 2000 Life Points!" The two equip cards then disappeared, right before one of the four-eyed dragons shot a blast of energy from its jaws and exploded the orange dragon, destroying it and hitting the Street Duelist.
Kiryu: LP 800
Street Duelist: LP 3200
"I activate the effects of my other two dragons then," Kiryu stated. "I destroy your Golem Dragons and inflict a total of 400 points of damage to your Life Points." From the mouths of both the remaining dragons of that kind came blasts that struck the two rock dragons, making them explode and hitting the Street Duelists for a second and third time.
Kiryu: LP 800
Street Duelist: LP 2800
"Now, I attack your Life Points directly with One-Hundred Eye Dragon," Kiryu stated. "Infinity Sight Stream." Building up power in its jaws, the dragon shot a purple beam of energy right at the Street Duelist and created an explosion, knocking him back and to the ground.
Kiryu: LP 800
Street Duelist: LP 0
"Excellent job Kiryu," Yubel stated while the Solid Vision wore off and the man deactivated his Duel Disc. "But I can detect your loss of hope and frustration."
"What are you taking about?" Yusuriha asked as Kiryu turned and walked over to them. "He's the best duelist in the area now."
"Indeed, but that's the problem with Kiryu's duel. Isn't that right?" When Kiryu looked on coldly and then nodded, Yusuriha looked on shocked and turned back to Yubel, who said, "With that Deck Kiryu can win any duel in a few moves, but that's not very fulfilling, is it?"
"No, it isn't," Kiryu replied. "Winning every duel without any effort is empty and without venture, making it fruitless. The pursuit of the duelist is to climb, to become more; if I'm at the top, there's nowhere to climb to."
"I think that I know something you can devote your dueling skills to." The look on Yubel's face was one of self-pride and deep thought, and her words gave Kiryu an expression of intrigue; but before he could inquire, Yusuriha's head snapped to the side and she looked at Yubel with a death glare.
"I know exactly what you're going to tell him and I won't let you," the female Summoner swiftly stated. "I'm not getting him involved in this battle."
"What battle?" Kiryu asked, his melancholia lifting slightly and allowing curiosity to enter in. "I haven't heard about any battle since the Dark Signer way ended."
"The new Director of Neo Domino and his two cohorts, Placido, Jose and Lucciano, are attempting to destroy us to complete some goal," Yubel informed. "They want to eliminate the Signers and their friends, including Judai."
"Judai," Kiryu remembered. "Judai; I gave my life to bring him back from the Underworld before I died, and then he in turn delved into the darkness to pull my soul from oblivion."
"Then you're both even," Yusuriha stated, making Kiryu simply shake his head.
"No, we're not. I gave my life when it was going to waste otherwise, when I was dying anyway. He risked his life for me when he had so much to live for, out of sheer friendship and kindness. And then he introduced me to you, giving me a reason to live."
"I don't expect you to put yourself in harm's way," Yubel clarified, "but your power makes you a valuable ally to have. Come; we shall discuss matters further among the group."
With that the two others nodded, Yusuriha somewhat more reluctantly, and Yubel wrapped her wings around them. In a split second a bright orange glow consumed them and just as quickly disappeared, leaving nothing behind.
"Judai," Johan said, concerned for his friend who had just walked on. When the twins and Taiyou had told them of his injuries, the green-eyed man had naturally become worried for his best friend, as had the others.
"Don't worry; I've had worse injuries," Judai reminded him. This did not discourage Johan from stepping forward and hugging Judai, showing concern, but Judai then grunted and said, "Johan, please don't put pressure on my chest."
"Right, sorry." Stepping back, he fell in line with Aki, Yusei and Crow, while the others stood behind Judai.
"This proves two very crucial things," Yusei stated. "First, that the Infinity Series just got a new monster; and second, that they are capable of severe damage to people."
"If we want to defeat them," Taiyou stated, "then we need to unlock the remaining Savior monsters."
Suddenly, everybody's head turned them they saw a huge orange glow appear on the opposite end of the room. From that light emerged the forms of Yusuriha and Kiryu, and then the spiritual form of Yubel. Soon after that she disappeared and rejoined Judai's body, and the group began to ponder what they were doing here.
"Kiryu," Johan realized, looking at him with awe. "You look very different from last I saw you."
"I've been feeling very different," Kiryu stated, a feint and forced smile appearing on his face.
"Why are you here?" Yusei asked, looking slightly taken aback.
"Yubel talked him into joining the effort," Yusuriha said disdainfully. "Against my wishes."
"That's my choice to make," Kiryu reminded her. "I know you worry for me, but you need to remember that I need this."
"If you wish to join this fight," Judai stated, "you need to know a few things. First off, the Infinity series are Anti-Synchro Cards, which will make for an incredibly uphill battle. Second, our goal is to unlock the remaining two Savior Monsters out of the five."
"Then you've acquired the Fifth Dragon," Kiryu realized, causing Crow to nod.
"It has been changed into Blackfeather Dragon," he informed Kiryu. "But, I have yet to summon it, let alone its Savior form."
"When did Aki summon her Savior?"
"I used it in a duel against Yubel," Aki recalled. "She pushed me to my limits until I had no choice but to summon it, and even then I was unsuccessful in using it."
"You were successful in its use," Judai corrected her. "You lost the duel because Yubel had set up a powerful combo since the beginning of the duel, something you wouldn't have been able to stop."
"Then I guess all that's needed it some practice with them," Kiryu stated. "Perhaps that can be my purpose; I can help the Signers release the Saviors. That will be my new goal, my dear."
"I guess I can accept that," Yusuriha sighed.
"Just be warned," Taiyou stated. "The Saviors have far more power than most creatures, perhaps more than the three Phantom Gods."
"I wouldn't go that far," Judai countered, remembering his experiences with Ra and Osiris in duels. "But, I know for sure that these are creatures that only the Signers can control, unless there's some other factor."
"What do you mean?" Yusei asked.
"When I took your place against Darkness, I was able to summon Savior Star Dragon because the Crimson Dragon lent me its power to defeat him. I a sense, I was temporarily made a Signer."
"If they are creatures only the Signers may wield," Kiryu chimed in, hoping for the last word, "then I will push the Signers to that point and ready them for this fight." In reply, everyone nodded.
Card of the Week – Kiryu
Infernity Mirage
Type: DARK
Level: 1
Sub-Types: [Demon/Effect]
Effect: If your hand has 0 cards in it, activate by releasing this card. Special Summon 2 "Infernity" monsters from your Cemetery. This card cannot be Special Summoned from the Cemetery.
ATK/ 0
DEF/ 0
* Saviors Coming Soon. Review if you wish.*