Hey everyone. First off, I apologize to everyone reading for not getting this chapter out last week. I intended to, but last week was really hectic at work and I didn't get to a chance to finish. Then last weekend was just as busy, with it being my Grandmother and my own birthdays and all, plus Mother's Day. I did have a good birthday though. I saw pretty much all of my family, plus got a new iPod touch, which is really sweet thus far. I'm having a lot of fun with it. Too bad I can't really use it at home. We don't have wireless at home, so that bites, but oh well, it happens. Anyways, other than that, not too much has happened since last time. My grandfather as well as can be expected. He wished me a happy birthday and all, which was very nice. Other than that, there is really not much else that has happened, so at that, I think I'll move on.
Writing wise, I explained pretty much what happened. Actual work took top priority (for once, lol), so no go on writing, but I did make up for that Tuesday and yesterday, so all is good once more. I've been trying to decide what I should do since I am splitting my time between this story and my sequel to Another, Reunion, and I think I've finally decided. My decision is I will finish this story before continuing to put more work into Reunion. As much as I love that story, I can't keep splitting my time like this, plus I want to finish this story, so I will try and finish it first, then work on Reunion once I finish. I'll try and continue to post weekly, but no promises still.
Moving along, time for reviews!
The Rainwalker: Thanks for the glorious part, lol. Ah, I see about the squiggly lines for misspellings. Lol, the Yoda thing didn't bother me. I do that from time to time myself. My wife sometimes finds it funny, but not often. Often Yoda left out in the cold, yes… Cool that you finish your two projects for Kumoricon. Ah, so it means cloudy. Very true about the publications. Good luck with that. Yep, Gozaburo managed to hold off Illidan and the others. Lol, yeah, The Wicked Eraser (Slifer's darkness) was amazing. When I first read about it, I was like, eh, it won't have many points. Then I remembered technically, the five duelists share one field, thus giving it an opening for way more points than ever thought possible. So true about Gozaburo taking out Seto. No doubt others will fall before Gozaburo's hell-bent obsession to eliminate them all. Yeah, Gozaburo had no reason to expect Neos Wiseman to have an ability like that one. I'm sure the others have plenty left for him also. I'll PM you where I do my research primarily for the cards. Heh, yeah, work is fun as always. I did finish my wireframes last week, but I had to tweak them again this week after another meeting. I'm up to my 4th iteration, but it's no problem, unlike the last time I drew these things up for a previous project. We had different software to do them in, and that took like a week or two just to do one iteration. With this new software, it took me one day to do them, then two days to do another iteration. That's about been the standard since. Heh, going Northwest would be fun, but not likely at this time. My wife has yet to hear about her job. Last she heard last week was one of the references for the other person was on vacation and holding up the process. Once they got back, they would finish up and let her and the other person know who gets the job. If I get a chance to speak to those two authors, I'll do it, but right now, I'm pretty maxed out. We'll see though. Some reviewers are just harsh, though I've yet to have that problem for some reason. I think I've only had one or two rough customers, and that was early on during Tournament of Power, but we talked it over and got it fixed. Thanks for the review as always.
Supreme-Chaos-Angel: Thanks. Lol, yes, the end was the worst part, hehe. Ah, I see what you mean. True, Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon should have really had it's bonus cut, maybe. I'm not sure to be honest. It doesn't apply I thought until it's been summoned, but I am probably wrong on that account. Well, that's the problem with Critius, his effect couldn't have saved Kaiba unfortunately. I haven't really shown his effect in play, thus leaving a lot open to interpretation. Even though the Wicked Gods have the title of gods, it's just that, unlike the Egyptian Gods, who were more immune or less effected by certain spells and traps. Thanks once more for your review!
Well, that's it for the reviews. Thank you, both of you, for reviewing. I really appreciated it.
At that, I'm done for today. I'll post again next week, so till then, enjoy!
Duel Stats
Life Points:
Jaden: 4150
Marie: 6800
Yugi: 7000
Illidan: 3000
Gozaburo: 17700
Monsters on the field:
Jaden: Neos Wiseman (3000/3000)
Marie: None
Yugi: None
Illidan: None
Gozaburo: Metal Reflect Slime (0 + 500 = 500/3000)
Spell/Trap on the field:
Jaden: None
Marie: None
Yugi: None
Illidan: None
Gozaburo: Metal Reflect Slime (t)
Number of cards in hand:
Jaden: 0
Marie: 2
Yugi: 0
Illidan: 4
Gozaburo: 2
Number of monsters on the field:
Jaden: 1
Marie: 0
Yugi: 0
Illidan: 0
Gozaburo: 1
Number of face down spell/trap:
Jaden: 0
Marie: 0
Yugi: 0
Illidan: 0
Gozaburo: 0
Turns since Gozaburo activated Card of Demise: 0
Chapter 55
Staring at the silver metal monster before the robed duelist, the female duelist slowly drew her next card and eyed it for a long moment. Glancing up again, her brow furrowed while taking a quick glance at her own cards.
"Nothing in my hand can beat that thing. All I can do for now is hold out until one of the others comes up with a plan."
Inwardly smirking, she added "But that doesn't mean I can't help wear him down some more."
Selecting a card in her left hand, she slapped it horizontally onto her Duel Disk, saying "I think I'll summon Nurse Reficule the Fallen One (1400/600) in defense mode."
Materializing onto the field in a defensive stance was a female creature with purple hair that fell below her shoulders, but on the ends of her hair were sharp blades. On her back was a pair of wings that were a sickly green color with red spines and silver metal blades on the spines. Her entire body, with exception of some skin on her face was covered in white bandages. Only her right eye and part of her cheek and mouth were uncovered, revealing cream colored skin.
"To end, I'll place one card face down." (Jaden = 4150, Marie = 6800, Yugi = 7000, Illidan = 3000; Gozaburo = 17700)
Picking up a new card himself, the spike haired duelist glanced at the card before being interrupted by Marie. "Hold that thought there, Yugi. I'm playing my face down trap, Gift Card! Thanks to this card, my opponent gains 3000 life points."
Frowning, Gozaburo began to ask something when suddenly the bandaged creature before the female duelist began glowing with a dark red aura. Without warning, the creature let out a small screech just as a wave of dark red energy erupted from her and slammed into the robed duelist, who let out a howl of pain and was brought to one knee.
"What have you done to me!?" the robed duelist demanded while standing with fury flashing in his eyes.
Giggling innocently, Marie simply replied "Nothing really. You see, while Reficule is on the field, anytime your life points would increase due to some effect, you are instead dealt direct damage equal to the amount you were to gain."
Growling loudly, the robed duelist clenched his right hand tightly while sending a devastating dark glare at the female duelist. Ignoring it, she added "You should never have harmed Seto. For what you did, none of us will hold back. The end is coming, Gozaburo."
"You talk mighty, but not a single one of you can stop me. I fear none of you."
Shrugging, the female duelist replied "I don't care if you do or not. Just know that we'll take you down, no matter what. Now then, Yugi, why don't you go ahead and show him what you've got."
Letting out a heavy sigh, Yugi quietly placed the card he had drawn onto his Duel Disk horizontally, saying "I summon Queen's Knight (1500/1600) in defense mode."
Appearing onto the field was a woman in pink armor with long flowing blonde hair that fell to just above her butt with a sword in her left hand and an arrow head shaped shield in her right, and on her head was a towering helmet. Quietly, she lowered herself into a kneeling stance while placing her shield safely before her body.
"I end my move." (Jaden = 4150, Marie = 6800, Yugi = 7000, Illidan = 3000; Gozaburo = 14700)
Snapping off the top card of his deck, Illidan glanced at the card before smirking. "I must thank you for destroying my Mirage of Nightmare during your turn. I didn't have a card to get rid of it on my own, but that doesn't matter. What does matter is you're going to pay for what you did to Seto, and it begins right now! I play Breaker the Magical Warrior (1600/1000)!"
A mage in maroon colored armor and robes with a sword and maroon shield, along with a maroon cape appeared. Very little of the mages blue skin could be seen on his face, for it was covered by a large cone hat.
"When Breaker is Normal Summoned, he automatically gains one Spell Counter. That triggers his second ability. For every Spell Counter he has, he gains 300 attack points (1600 + 300 = 1900/1000)."
The center circle on the mage's shield instantly flared to life with a light blue glow.
Smirking, the brown haired duelist continued on, saying "I now remove Breaker's Spell Counter to activate his final ability (1900 – 300 = 1600/1000). By removing his Spell Counter, he can destroy one spell or trap card on your side of the field. Since Metal Reflect Slime was originally a trap card, it still has the weaknesses of a trap card. Breaker, destroy that slime ball!"
Pointing his shield at the silver slime creature, the robed mage's shield began glowing brightly with light blue energy. In a flash, a stream of light blue energy shot forward and slammed into the slime creature. The creature immediately shattered, sending pixels scattering across the field and leaving the robed duelist growling lowly.
"I'm not through with you yet. Breaker, direct attack! This one's for Seto!"
Moving into a quick run, the robed mage moved at full speed at the robed duelist. In a flash, he vanished, leaving a bewildered robed duelist standing. A moment passed and the mage reappeared behind the duelist with his sword swung out to his right side. Without warning, the three red marks appeared on the robed duelist's body, making him howl out in pain.
Watching his monster return before him, the brown haired duelist coldly said "That is nothing compared to what I plan on doing to you. You will not get away with what you did and plan to do, Gozaburo. I lay one face down and end my move." (Jaden = 4150, Marie = 6800, Yugi = 7000, Illidan = 3000; Gozaburo = 13100)
"You will pay for your insolence, Illidan Stormrage." Gozaburo ground out while drawing his new card. Eyeing it for a moment, he smirked, saying "I activate the spell Magical Stone Excavation. This card forces me to discard two cards from my hand, but that is a fair price, seeing how I can return a spell from my Graveyard to my hand."
Placing the two remaining cards he held into his Graveyard Slot, the robed duelist coolly said "I will now return Card of Sanctity to my hand."
Glowing to life, the Graveyard Slot of the robed duelist pushed out the desired spell card into his awaiting hand. Without hesitation, he turned it towards the group. "I now activate Card of Sanctity, meaning all of us draw till we hold six cards."
Glancing from one another, the four duelists slowly, along with the robed duelist, began drawing cards. The female duelist and the spike haired duelist both picked up five, while the brown haired one picked up three, but the youngest of the group and the robed figure both drew six.
At the same time, both the female duelist and the spike haired duelist selected a card from their hand, and in unison, said "I special summon Watapon (200/300), in defense."
Two small pink fur balls, each with bright purple eyes and two small antennas that had pink puff balls on them, immediately appeared onto the field on a horizontal card images before the two duelists.
"When Watapon is drawn into our hands by a spell, trap, or monster effect, it's automatically special summoned to the field." Marie calmly remarked.
Shrugging, the robed duelist coolly said "It matters not, for the end is near for one of you. You see, I play my Quick Play Spell called Drawing Token Summoner! When played, for every card one of my opponent's drew, I can summon a Drawing Token (100 + 500 = 600/100). The person I'm choosing to target is you, Jaden, meaning I gain six Drawing Tokens!"
"Wait, you can only have five monsters on your field!" the young duelist protested.
Casting a small glance at his young friend, the brown haired duelist calmly said "Not quite, Jaden. Don't forget, he has The Seal of Orichalcos in play still. With it out, he can have up to ten monsters."
"Oh yeah… I forgot…" Jaden grumbled.
Smirking, Gozaburo smugly said "I shall place three of those tokens on the Front Row, while the other three shall be on the Back Row."
Appearing one at a time were card shaped creatures in two rows with three in each row.
All of the group couldn't help but suppress a gasp of shock at the appearance of the creatures. A bit of sweat ran down the sides of each of the group.
Sneering, the robed duelist spoke up, asking "All of you know what is about to happen, don't you?"
"You're summoning another of those Wicked God Cards." Illidan responded in a steely voice.
Darkly chuckling, Gozaburo coolly replied "You catch on quickly, Illidan. That is correct, I am summoning the third of the Wicked Gods. I sacrifice the three Drawing Tokens on my Front Row in order to summon the third Wicked God, The Wicked Avatar (?/?)!"
Vanishing one by one, the three front card creatures disappeared while the sky seemed to darken even more. Slowly falling from the clouds was a massive black orb that had a dark aura resonating from it. Coming to a stop about fifty feet and seemingly hovering over the field, the black sphere released a brilliant dark glow.
"So that's it… That's the third Wicked God?" Jaden questioned aloud.
Eyeing the sphere, Yugi softly added "It looks like Ra when it was kept in it's sphere form."
"Yeah, but it appears the darkness of Ra's heart has chosen to remain within it's sphere form for this fight." Marie commented.
Remaining quiet, the brown haired duelist kept his eyes focused on the massive black sphere. "It must have enormous power, much like the others."
"I see that all of you are ogling over my Wicked Avatar." the robed duelist spoke up, earning all of the group's attention. "I suppose I should begin telling you what to expect. First off, the power of Avatar is far beyond the others. Don't expect any weaknesses within it. The first effect that Avatar has is it keeps all four of you from activating any spell or trap cards until the end of your second turn from when Avatar was summoned."
"WHAT!?" Jaden exclaimed. "You mean all we have are monster effects!?"
Clenching his right hand, Yugi growled out "That leaves us rather wide open for whatever he chooses to use on us."
"Yeah, no joke. We're pretty much sitting ducks." Marie concurred.
Remaining quiet for a moment, Illidan calmly said "Don't panic. We can do this."
"Easier said than done." Marie snidely remarked.
Seemingly amused by the chatter between the four duelists, the robed duelist cleared his throat and noted all looked at him promptly. "The next effect of Wicked Avatar is about to come into play. You see, while on the field, Avatar's attack and defense points are determined by looking for the strongest monster on the field. Since Jaden's Neos Wiseman has 3000 attack points, it is the strongest without an argument. Now, Avatar's attack and defense are set equal to Neos Wiseman's points, plus 100 (3000 + 100 = 3100/3000 + 100 = 3100)."
Eyes widening, the group couldn't help but suppress a gasp of shock as the dark sphere suddenly glowed to life with a dark red aura.
"Just great…" Jaden mumbled in irritation.
Darkly chuckling, Gozaburo continued on, saying "And then there is the extra power of The Seal of Orichalcos. Normally, field spells and equip spell cards wouldn't effect Avatar, but the power of The Seal is far greater than what Avatar can stand. So now, it gains another 500 attack points (3100 + 500 = 3600/3100)!"
Without warning, a green symbol, the same as the one on the field, appeared on what would be near the top of the dark sphere. Immediately, the sphere's power seemed to grow while a low grumbling sound could be heard from within the sphere.
Sneering at the group, the robed duelist smugly said "There is one last card I need to add to Avatar to make it the perfect war machine. I activate the equip spell Power Struggle, and equip it to my Wicked Avatar. This card won't do anything to my monster's attack or defense points, but it grants it a unique ability. When it destroys a monster in battle, my opponent takes direct damage to their life points equal to their destroyed monster's attack points."
"Just like Power Zone, but in an equip spell form instead." Marie commented.
"That's right, Marie." Gozaburo remarked. "And the last surprise I have is one that will shake Jaden to his core. You see Jaden, during your time as the Supreme King, you made things difficult for me. After all, it was you and Yubel that destroyed four of my followers. In return for that, I think it's only kind of me to repay you back with a move that will not only devastate your life points, but your heart and soul."
"Are you going to yammer on all day or make your move?" Jaden coldly questioned.
Smirking, the robed duelist pulled a card from his hand, saying "This may change your mind about your words. I activate the one card that will crush all that you are: Monster Reborn."
Seemingly confused, the group, along with the young duelist, frowned at the declared card that the robed duelist had said. Seeing this, the robed duelist calmly said "Using this, I can revive any monster in my Graveyard."
"Another of the Wicked Gods is coming back." Illidan coolly stated.
Bursting out into a dark laughter, the robed duelist shook his head, saying "No, as much as I wish one of them could, they can't. You see, all three Wicked Gods have one thing in common, which is none of them can be Special Summoned to my field. All three must have three sacrifices, and once they're in my Graveyard, they're useless, unless I return them to my hand."
"Then what are you bringing back? Nothing in your Graveyard is unstoppable." Yugi declared.
Casting a small smirk at the spike haired duelist, Gozaburo coolly replied "Who said I was going to use my Graveyard? Don't forget, Monster Reborn grants me access to any of our respective Graveyards."
"That means he could bring any of our monster's back and use them against us…" Illidan quietly remarked.
"Don't flatter yourself, Illidan." the robed duelist declared. "I could use a monster from your Graveyard, but you have nothing I want. No, the Graveyard that has what I want belongs to Jaden."
Confused, the young duelist asked "Mine?"
"That's right Jaden." Gozaburo confirmed. "You see, I find it ironic that the card I wish to bring back was once the one that wished to have you for all to itself. After all, she did everything to just have you alone with her."
Eyes widening, Jaden quickly yelled "No, please, don't do it! Don't take her!"
Darkly chuckling, the robed duelist smugly replied "It's too late, boy. I use Monster Reborn to bring back your beloved guardian, Yubel (0/0)!"
"NOOO!!!"
Forming onto the field before the robed duelist immediately was the female demo with dark pink skin and black clothing, dark purple and gray hair, and wings on her back. Taking in her surroundings, the female demon's eyes widened in surprise and fear as she realized where she was.
"What have you done!?" Yubel hissed.
Sneering at the angered demon, the robed duelist coolly remarked "I simply brought you back to the side you belonged on originally. Don't forget, you pledged to me your loyalty in helping me complete my goals, while I pledged to help you with yours. I have held up my end of the bargain, but I see you're having trouble. That is why I have opted to lend you more aid."
"I will never serve you!"
"That's where I disagree with you, Yubel. You are mine to do with as I please. And speaking of which, it's time you felt what true power is. Sacred Seal, grant her your power!"
Unsure of what the robed duelist spoke of, the female demon suddenly felt the eye on her forehead beginning to burn. Without warning, a brilliant green flash appeared in it, making her scream out in agony while holding her head in her hands.
"STOP IT! IT HURTS!"
"YUBEL!" Jaden cried out with concern. Racing towards the demoness, he threw a heated glare at the robed duelist, screaming "LEAVE HER ALONE YOU SICK FREAK!"
Pointing at the demoness, the robed duelist watched a black barrier form around the female demon. Reaching it, the young duelist slammed a fist into the barrier, only to be repulsed. Not satisfied, he slammed his fist into the barrier repeatedly, but each time, the barrier only held and repulsed his attack.
"RELEASE HER!" Jaden furiously yelled while turning an open palm towards the robed duelist. A black swirling sphere of energy instantly formed within his palm.
Ignoring the threat, Gozaburo blandly replied "She is no longer your guardian, boy. Yubel is now back where she belongs, which is as my servant."
Glancing at the wailing demoness, the young duelist noted that tears were streaming down from her eyes while she fell to one knee, still clutching her head tightly. Returning his attention to the robed duelist, he growled out "Let her go, now, or so help me, I will erase you from this world!"
"You're filled to the brim with anger, aren't you boy?" the robed duelist questioned in a taunting tone. "Good, let it consume you. The angrier you are the more powerful your Duel Energy shall be."
"JADEN!"
Watching the young duelist shift his attention from himself to the demoness, the robed duelist took advantage of this and raced forward. Without a second thought, he slammed a powerful kick into the chest of the young man, sending him flying across the field and slamming him into the circular barrier of the dueling field.
Hitting the barrier, the young man cried out in pain. The barrier soon enough threw him off of itself, sending him face first to the ground. Weakly looking up at the wailing demoness, he slowly rose to his hands and knees.
"Yubel…"
"Jaden, stay still." Marie commanded as she arrived at his side. "Are you hurt?"
In a mere whisper, the young duelist softly said "Help her, Marie… We can't let him take her…"
Glancing over at the screeching demoness, the female duelist released a heavy sigh and quietly replied "It's too late for her, Jaden. Once Gozaburo took control of her, there was nothing we could do to stop him from doing that to her."
"There has…"
"Jaden, she's gone. There is nothing we can do for her."
Looking up to see that the cold voice that had made the statement belonged to Illidan, the young duelist rose to his feet and turned a fierce glare to the brown haired duelist.
"It's easy to say that Illidan, but I know we can save her!"
Not looking away from the dueling field still, Illidan calmly remarked "Jaden, there is nothing we can do for her at the moment. Gozaburo will have complete control of her, no matter what. For now, we must bide our time until we can save her."
Realizing what the brown haired duelist meant, Jaden calmed himself and took up a stance in the place he had once been in. Staring at the still screaming demoness, he couldn't help but feel his heart breaking while watching her sitting there in pain.
All at once, the demoness's screams suddenly subsided. Slowly rising back up to her feet with her eyes closed, the female demon gradually raised her head. Her eyes suddenly snapped open, revealing a red glow in the two, while her third eye now had the green circle inscribed into it. The tears that had been in her eyes were drying quickly.
"It looks like she has chosen to become mine, Jaden." Gozaburo smugly commented. "What a shame, the bond between the two of you wasn't a match for The Seal's power. And now that she is finally mine, she gains more power (0 + 500 = 500/0)."
Growling, but not answering his opponent, the young duelist shot a glare at the robed duelist. Slowly, he turned his eyes to the demoness, only to see nothing but anger and hatred in her now red tinted eyes.
"Yubel, are you still in there? Please, if you are, hold on. I swear to you, no matter what it takes, I'll find a way to save you."
"It's time I finished one of you, and who better than you, Jaden. You have been a thorn in my side since the beginning of this duel. I think it's only ironic on how you will lose, for it will be your sweet Yubel that will bring down."
Hearing the words of the robed duelist, the demoness cast a sideways glance at him. Her eyes slowly began to lose their red tint, only to have the green circle in her eye on her forehead increase in it's brightness, forcing her eyes to glaze back over in red.
Pointing at the large white and dark brown creature before the young duelist, Gozaburo coolly said "Wicked Avatar, eliminate Jaden's pathetic Neos Wiseman with Crushing Darkness!"
Glowing with a brilliant dark black glow, the large black sphere pulled all of it's dark black glow into a central point. In a single, large shot, it released a massive black stream of energy at the white and dark brown creature. The blast smashed into the warrior, who let out a massive howl of pain before shattering. Not stopping there, the blast continued on and slammed into the young duelist, making him scream out in pain. The blast soon subsided, revealing a weakly standing young duelist.
"Jaden…" Alexis whispered while tears spilt down her cheeks. "Please, hang on."
Trembling, Jaden straightened his body upright and ground out "Is that it? Is that your best!?"
"Foolish child, I have saved the best for last." Gozaburo gloated. "Since I destroyed your pathetic little Neos Wiseman, Wicked Avatar's points now change. The strongest monster out right now is Illidan's Breaker the Magical Warrior (1600 + 600 = 2200/1100). And now, I think it's only fair that Yubel sends you into oblivion forever. Wouldn't you agree, my servant?"
Seemingly trembling and attempting to resist the command, the demoness slowly nodded her head. Smirking at this, the robed duelist pointed at the young man and smoothly said "Farewell, Jaden. Yubel, direct attack him!"
Eyes widening upon hearing the command, the female demon lifted off of the ground for a moment. In a faint whisper, she quietly said "No… No… No…"
Watching the demoness preparing to attack, the young duelist hid his eyes below the shadows of his bangs for a moment before raising them up to look at her. Sadly smiling, he softly said "It's alright Yubel. I don't blame you for this mess."
"Ja…den…" the demoness whispered as tears slowly began to spring from her eyes and trail down her cheeks.
Rising up out of the ground and encircling the dark pink skinned demon in a sphere shape immediately was a thorn covered vine. Without warning, the top of the vine went racing towards the young duelist, who opened his arms and sadly smiled up at the demoness.
With just a few feet before the vine would hit the young duelist, Yubel screamed out "NO!!!!"
Instantly, the vine struck Jaden in the chest, just at the spot where his heart lied. The vine sank in a few inches before withdrawing. With it pulling out, the vine allowed the wound to spurt out a small amount of blood while the young duelist coughed lightly, causing blood to spatter onto the ground.
"Game over, boy." Gozaburo coldly stated.
Without warning, the young duelist's body began glowing with a dark orange aura. The aura soon faded, allowing the green circle on the field to suddenly have a second circle appear. The second circle immediately encircled the young duelist and began glowing with a bright green glow. After a moment, the light faded, revealing the barely standing young duelist. Suddenly, the young man fell forward and slammed face first onto the ground.
The group of duelists immediately mobilized and encircled the young duelist. Outside of the barrier, Alexis fell to her knees as tears sprang from her eyes. "Jaden, no…"
Looking up and confirming the young duelist was gone, the blonde haired young woman sobbed out "JADEN!"
Watching his friend crying, Zane moved to before the young woman and fell to his own knees. Gently, he pulled her into his chest, allowing her to continue sobbing while he embraced her tightly. Tears even began to spring from his own eyes upon realization of his long time rival was now gone forever.
Behind the pair, Syrus and Jesse each had tears streaming down their faces. In a muffled sob, Syrus whispered "Jaden, no, please, get up."
"Jaden…" Jesse said in a faint whisper.
Checking on their young fallen comrade, the group of duelists waited for the female duelist to confirm the status of their young friend. Standing back up, the female duelist shook her head slightly while tears began streaking down her face silently.
"He's gone, just like Seto." Marie confirmed.
Both the brown haired duelist and the spike haired one clenched their right hands into tight fists while casting glares on the robed duelist. Feeling his anger boiling over, the brown haired duelist began to inch towards the robed duelist, only to suddenly feel a hand on his left shoulder, effectively stopping him.
"Don't Illidan. You know as well as I do that fighting him head to head won't work." Yugi gritted out.
Still clenching his hand tightly, the brown haired duelist ground out "I know…"
"Fools, none of you will survive this battle. In the end, the three of you shall fall before me, just like your other two friends." Gozaburo bragged. Turning his attention to the brown haired duelist, he added "Illidan, I can sense the anger within you. Why don't you release that same anger and hatred you once did that plunged you into the darkness? That power would give you a fighting chance, possibly."
Glancing at her husband for a moment, the female duelist calmly spoke up, saying "Illidan, don't do it. Plunging yourself back into the darkness will accomplish nothing."
Remaining quiet for a moment, Illidan took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Reopening them, he calmly said "Don't worry Marie, I'm not about to be goaded into what he wants me to do. I don't need the darkness to defeat him."
"In the end, you'll wish you had given in." Gozaburo commented with a smirk.
Moving back into their original spots, the group cast a fierce glare upon their opponent, with Illidan harshly saying "You will pay for what you've done here today, Gozaburo. Nothing you say or do will stop your fate."
"Don't make me laugh." the robed duelist scoffed. "Fate is feeble and weak, not to mention can be easily changed. No, the only thing fate has in stored for me is to rule all dimensions. Yes, I will conquer everything with the power of The Seal of Orichalcos and The Great Leviathan!"
"Not going to happen!" Marie declared. "We're going to stop you here and free all those that fell at your hands, and you will return our daughter to us!"
Shrugging at the response of the female duelist, the robed figure selected a card left in his hand, saying "Think what you want, but I don't think you can stop me. I place one card face down and move to my End Phase. Now that I have entered it, I must make a sacrifice to Yubel to keep her around. I think one of my Drawing Tokens shall do. At that, I end my turn." (Jaden = 0, Marie = 6800, Yugi = 7000, Illidan = 3000; Gozaburo = 13100)