Author's notes: Again a long wait. I am sorry, everyone. I had to work on a lot of monster descriptions again, and writing the forth duel proved to be a bit more trouble than I thought it would have been. I wanted it to pay proper respects to Kenji's target. Expect a similar delay to happen in the next few chapters. You'll understand why by the time you're done reading.
Minor card note: I have made a slight name change to Kenjis new archetype. It's now spelled "Saṃsāra" (pronunciation has not changed). This way I have removed all relation to other "Samsara" cards in the actual game.
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The Emissary of Extinction
Chapter 26
First Wounds
Samejima had his chin resting upon his hands, trying desperately to come up with a solution. Truth be told, he'd come up with some solutions already, but each seemed almost impossible.
His first was to send all the students back home. It took him all of three seconds to dismiss that idea. Seto Kaiba would shoot down any attempt at removing the children from the island faster than he'd crush anyone but Yugi Muto in a duel. He didn't believe the school founder to be heartless, but Samejima did think that sometimes the Kaiba corp head was just more than a little out of touch with the world. His mind shot back to a few years ago, when the school had almost been lost on a mere bet. With a nod he concluded that Kaiba really was out of touch with the people he had opened this school for. Or at least the people who actually attended.
Banning duelling was his next option, and would be shot down by the same person, for almost the same reasons. This was an island where children came to learn how to duel. Stopping them from doing what the school taught and encouraged was just plain asinine. Not to mention it could get him fired, and he wanted to remain here, even if he could not do as much as he would have liked. He would not abandon his charges, his students.
Adding Extinction Armor to the list of cards the duel disks on the island were programmed to reject seemed like the ideal move, but after getting a copy of the card, and running it through a card scanner his idea was quickly nullified. The scanner could not recognize the card. It did not even register as a duel monsters card. Extinction Armors ability to influence the game of Duel Monsters had nothing to do with programming, it was supernatural, and beyond the power of a mere program to stop. Making the card forbidden by a staff enforced rule could be disastrous. Every student (almost) had at least three copies, and if the card were banned now there would be an uproar loud enough to leave him with a headache that would last far beyond the end of the school year. Then there was what Draygor might do in response.
With a sigh the old man realized he was not capable of influencing the situation. Thankfully he had summoned the people he believed could, even if some were already here. All further thoughts were stopped by the opening of the door to his office. His eyes turned to the entering figure.
Kenji smiled under the mask of death. "I have come for you, Samejima. Come out from behind that desk and fight me, and no one else need be harmed."
The old cyber style master reached into one of his draws, pulling out a disk with his deck pre-loaded and shuffled. As he walked around his desk, his thoughts became vocal. "Where is your disk?"
Kenji turned to his arm, that should have been laden with the traditional duel monsters tool. "Just a moment."
The duel disk started as Bone, a sheath of it wrapped around a section of Kenjis forearm. This bone however was almost alive, it was growing. First, right next to Kenjis hand grew a circle shape that went around Kenjis arm. Upon that darkness formed, creating something. The circle became like a wheel, a uniquely shaped wheel. The wheel formed five sections, each identical. Each of the sections had two pieces two it. First was the outside of the second, a section large enough to hold a card. Beneath that was a slot, just as big. The outside was monster zones, the slots were Spell and Trap zones. Five of these span the length of the wheel. Next to it the rest of the disk formed.
Suddenly the back of Kenjis hand was covered in bone, along with the back of his fingers. A cube was growing on the back of Kenjis hand. In seconds a deck compartment had formed itself. Despite the formation of this disk, the bone on Kenjis hand and the bone of the disk were not connected.
The next part to grow was a long, narrow slot in the bone. It was long enough to fit a single card within it. The section was not support by any structure, it just literally grew and stood there on it's own. The last section came, this one being the only one facing whoever Kenji would fight in coming days. It started as a hole in the disk, but suddenly rose up higher, to the point that it was at even hight with the field zone slot, it expanded, becoming considerably larger than any of the other sections of the disk, and expanded in all directions. In a moment what had affixed itself to the disk was a a round section with a sizeable rectangle hole in it. It was the largest section of the disk for a reason, to match the metaphor of it's wielder. Graveyards eventually occupy great tracks of land, occupied by that which Kenji was destined to fill it with.
A disk composed entirely of bone. Kenji could think of nothing better to use as his duel disk. He turned to look at his target, loading his deck. "I am ready."
Samejima solidified his stance. "If I win, you will harm no more of the students."
"You're my target, I don't need to go after them."
"That will do."
"Duel!" (Both LP/4000)
The wise master of the Cyber-Style drew first. "My turn." "I wonder what his intentions are? Why come for me? Actually, am I even the only one?" With that deeply unsettling thought he proceeded. "I set three cards. Turn end."
Under his mask Kenji's eyebrows raised, before his facial features structured themselves into a look of disappointment. "I was expecting much more. This is the man Seto Kaiba chose to run the school he created. I was expecting a deck built on extreme power. Though if he, like me, fell to that strange man..." Though not all the members of the Horsemen had been students at the time, they had all fought with Trueman, and suffered crippling defeats. Kenji was one of the last students to be vanquished, having managed to hide deep in the woods of the island, but in the end not even that was of much help to him.
The past was the past, today was today. Today the beginnings of another dark chapter in Duel Monsters history was to be written. "My turn. Draw." He placed the drawn card on the wheel. "I summon Saṃsāra Monk." The serene monk had it's eyes closed as it appeared, it's ever calm posture antithetical to it's current situation. (Attack position. ATK/800 DEF/800)
Samejima nodded to himself. "Just as I thought. He couldn't pass up an opportunity to prepare an attack." "Reverse Trap Open. Cyber Shadow Gardna." Kenji watched with shocked eyes as shadows appeared and danced. In a few seconds a copy of his Monk had been formed, if only one made of darkness. (Attack Position. ATK/? DEF/?)
"What is this?"
"My Continuous Trap Monster. When attacked it will copy both the form, as well as the attack and defence points of what attacks it. The form you see now is just my trap copying the only monster you have."
"So if I attack with something else your trap will just copy it. Interesting trap but it means nothing. I set two cards. Next I activate the continuous Spell card, Reward Through Rebirth! Each time a 'Saṃsāra' monster is summoned by it's own effect this card gains a Rebirth counter. It can hold a maximum of two. During my turn I can sacrifice it, and draw a card for every counter it holds."
"You said you only gain counters when a 'Saṃsāra' monster summons itself. What did you mean?"
"You will see. I activate my Monks effect, Path to Resurrection! During my turn I can send it to the graveyard!" True to his word his monster disappeared from the field. Not through destruction, but becoming a mass of yellow light that quickly faded away. Kenji placed the card in his graveyard. "Turn end."
"What in the world? He summons his Monk, only to send it away? Is this how this archetype works?" Despite the strangeness of it, Samejima could see it's one glaring weakness. "It leaves him defenceless. It leaves him open to direct attacks." His eyes turned to two mystery cards. "Likely to address that very problem." "Draw." He took a moment to look at the cards in his hand. "Turn end."
"He's much to passive for my liking. What is his strategy? Does he wait for his opponent to strike before making counter attacks? Well I'm not just going to sit here and do nothing while he gathers cards in his hand. I'm going to attack!" "My turn. Draw." Under his mask he smiled. It was time for him to show something to the world.
Today, Samejima would witness the power of the Saṃsāra. "Saṃsāra Monk effect activate. During my stand-by phase it returns to the field." His words were proven true as his monk reappeared, once again standing in preparation for battle. (Attack position. ATK/800 DEF/800. Reward Through Rebirth/1) "Now Samejima, listen well. When a Saṃsāra monster revives itself, it gains an effect I can use. Saṃsāra Monk effect activate. I can special summon a level 4 or lower Saṃsāra monster from my hand. I'll use it. I summon Saṃsāra Warrior." The robe-laden warrior appeared, it's posture the opposite of it's ally. His pure sword hanging at his side in a strong grip, while his allies mind was far from battle, this monster was completely ready for the upcoming clashes. (Attack position. ATK/1000 DEF/1000) "I will tribute both." Both monsters vanished, one for the second time. This time however the Monk would not be coming back. "I tribute summon, Priest of Saṃsāra."
This monster was by far the eldest Kenji had yet played, the elderly figure stood proudly, holding onto a long staff as he appeared onto the field. His robes were different from any of it's allies to come before him. His were of purest gold in the style of a Tibetan monk. The robes were in several layers, each a shade darker than the last. In the centre of this monsters chest was a symbol of the world, with many stars surrounding it's perimeter. These were surrounded by the priests other clothing item.
A scarf-like cloth adorned his neck, it was not wrapped around the monster, it simply hang from his neck. The right side of the scarf was white, with a golden sun near the base of it, making it stand next to the world. The other side of the scarf was black, with a white moon standing completely opposite from the sun, between them surrounding the earth. His face was old, with his hair greyed and his stern face littered with many lines. His eyes spoke of strength, but a strange clarity that perhaps none but him could understand. His strength was reflected in it's grip of it's staff.
The staff was truly unique. Right down the center of the staff, the colors of it were divided. One side was blacker than the deepest of midnights, the other the brightest and purest and bright white. The staff lacked any kind of decoration upon it's handle, which was very long, reaching from the floor up to it's wielders chest. The most unique thing was at the very top.
A circle stood upon the top of the staff. It's size making the top of the staff as high as the priests face. A simple circle with a giant hole in it's center. There were engravings upon the surface of it. The circle was divided into many sections, the first was new trees in growth, the next them growing older. The next was older still. The depictions continued, to the point that the trees aged to their deaths, new trees growing in their place. The circle continued with the new tress going until they reached the start of the circle. The circle of life.
Inside the hollow circle something hung upon nothingness. The final symbol of this monster. Like the staff it was upon it held two different sides. Upon the side of white was gold, with a few points coming out of it. The symbol of the sun. The opposite side held the appropriate symbol; A pale moon. Sun and Moon. Day and Night. Life and Death. Each things completely different from their opposites, but undeniable connected. Each a part of the world. This priest had it's own understanding of the world around it, one it would soon express. (Attack position. ATK/2500 DEF/1900)
"Saṃsāra Priest effect activate. It gains the effects of any 'Saṃsāra' monster tributed for it's summon. Though unlike it's tributes, it doesn't need to send itself to the graveyard to activate the effects. I can use each of the absorbed effects once per turn. I use Monks effect now." He placed another monster on his wheel. "I summon Saṃsāra Magician." Like the other monster summoned by the power of the Monk, this creature wore black. Unlike the warrior, this monster held no weapon. This monster was also the first female the Kenji played. She was little more than an adult in age. Her eyes were black, aside from the sclera which were completely white. Her hair matched here eyes, and was of shoulder length. Her arms were wrapped in black cloth, which seemed to fuse with the clothing on her shoulder. Despite being a magician by nature, she wore armor upon her upper body, with trim in the form of many small white stars. The base of the armor had two pieces of flowing black cloth coming down from it, each reaching down to just above the woman's waist. Beneath his armor was a black dress which spanned almost her entire body, grasping at the top of her body but losening itself to be more like a large skirt when it reached the lower half. She bore no weapon, but if she truly was a spell caster, then she was a living weapon. (Attack position. ATK/1300 DEF/500)
"Reverse trap open. Cyber Shadow Gardna!" This time the trap lacked any kind of form, instead was just a formless mass of pure shadow. (Attack position. ATK/? DEF/?)
Kenji nodded. He knew that was coming. "I activate the absorbed effect of my Saṃsāra Warrior. Until the end phase, every 'Saṃsāra' monster I control, and any new ones I summon gain 1000 attack points." (Priest ATK/3500 Magician ATK/2300) "Saṃsāra Magician. Battle." The magician waved her hand, launching a blade of darkness at her target. The shadow did the same once it had coped her form. The blades passed one another by, hitting the other before they each exploded.
Samejima smiled. "Just the move I was hoping for." "Reverse trap open. Byroad Sacrifice. I can only activate this when a monster I control is destroyed by battle. I can special summon a 'Cyber Ogre' from my hand."
The monster was by far one of the most intimidating Kenji had ever faced. It dwarfed his priest in height and build. The 'Ogre' was clothed almost completed in metal armor. The armor was equipped with many sharp weapons. Four sharp spike-like objects were pointing out the monsters back, but these were far from the most notable weapons upon the beast. More noticeable were it's metal claws, large and sharp. Each easily capable of ripping through anything unfortunate to find itself in their path. On the backs of each of the ogres hands, at the very back of them were two diamond shaped formations, each with another sharp claw-like blade on either side. The next notable weapon was upon the monsters knees, each had a very large gold spike shooting out of them. The single most interesting thing about this monster was it's horns, but not for their shape and size, but for the fact that the left one was nothing more than a short stump. It had been removed almost completely. All these features were wrapped around a face that was inside of the armors helmet, that Kenji could not possibly tell was cybernetic or organic. It made Kenji wonder if the armor was for defence and power, or if it was life support. (Attack position. ATK/1900 DEF/1200)
There was more to come. "Reverse Trap open! Bribed Gathering! When I special summon a monster I can pay 1000 life points to add every other copy of that monster from my deck to my hand." He pulled out his deck and parted it, pulling out two Cyber Ogres.
"Why do that? His monster doesn't have the ability to survive against mine. Plus he can't summon them easily. No matter the reason, he has no traps ready. It's a target." "Priest. Battle. Destroy his Cyber Ogre. Life After Death!"
The sun/moon inside the staff spun, rotating faster and faster until a river of white and black flowed from it. It moved along the field and swept into the Ogre, the Ogre was obscured in an instant, Kenji smiled under his mask. He'd gotten up the upper hand.
Through the attack, and the chaos, Kenji failed to see. Failed to see a sample of his opponent's great cunning. So great that he only needed to discard a single card.
When Samejima could be seen again, Kenji could see what to him seemed impossible. Cyber Ogre was still there, but with one single, distinct and fearful difference. (Cyber Ogre ATK/5400) The old master sensed Kenjis confusion and addressed it. "My Cyber Ogres effect is one that activates from the hand. When another Cyber Ogre battles, it can discard itself to negate that battle, and then increase that Orgres attack points by the points of it's opponent."
"He tricked me!" He gritted his teeth. "Damn! Well I have one way out of this." "Reverse card open! Miracle's Wake! I can revive one of my monsters that was destroyed by battle this turn. I revive my Saṃsāra Magician." She returned, apparently undisturbed by the fact she'd so recently been destroyed. (Attack position. ATK/1300 DEF/500. Priest Effect. ATK/2300) "I move to my Main Phase two. And I activate the effect of the monster I just revived. I'll send it to my graveyard to begin it's rebirth effect. Turn end. The absorbed effect of my Priest is finished." (Priest ATK/2500)
Samejima laid a hand upon his deck. "Such an unusual archetype. Such a strong deck. As time goes on those who threaten peace really do become stronger. I just hope we can all handle what every happens in coming days."
"Draw!"
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Xiaolang walked, every step seeming to create a dull thud in his very soul. What he was planning to do was an opportunity some might kill for, others would likely run from it. If only Ritan had brought it with him..."Well he didn't leave it behind when he left. I doubt he'd have let anyone else near it. It's about the only thing that might scare Judai...all the nightmares it gave to kids." He shook his head as some memories of nightmares he had had from his younger years trickled along the surface of his mind. "I just hope we have time before Draygor decides to attack again."
He had no idea.
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Chronos glanced at his hand, running through his plan of attack. After a moment he had decided upon his move. It was almost guaranteed to work.
It was time to carry it out. "I summon Ancient Gear Statue!"
"Statue" summed up this monster pretty well, it was rather small (consider the size of the average "Ancient Gear" monster), but the depiction of the statue was clear. It depicted Chronos signature monster, apparently fused to some kind of strangely shaped throne. (Defence Position. ATK/500 DEF/800) "Spell card Activate. Machine Duplication! First I select a Machine-type monster I control with 500 or less attack points, then I can special summon every monster with the same name as it from my deck. I choose my Statue. So from my deck I special summon two more Ancient Gear Statues." Two more statues appeared, completely identical to the original. (Both Defence position. ATK/500 DEF/800)
Sosuke shrugged. "Come on! Stop boring me with target practice!"
Chronos grinned. "You bring this on yourself na-no-ne. Ancient Gear Statue effect activate! By tributing it, I can special summon an Ancient Gear Golem from my hand, ignoring every summoning condition and restriction."
"Well that's better. That still doesn't explain why you summoned the other two-" His words jammed in his throat. He finally realized. "Oh hell."
Chronos had already placed the statues in his graveyard, and was currently holding three new cards. "I special summon three monsters from my hand. All three of my of Ancient Gear Golems!" The maniacal giants rose up. The gears that composed much of their bodies were already grinding, their hands clenching into mighty fists. (Attack position. ATK/3000 DEF/3000)
Sosuke knew what this meant, and what was necessary. "Reverse trap open! Bind to Mortality. When activated, this card becomes an equip trap card for a Titan monster. The equipped monster gains 500 attack points, and can protect itself from destruction by sacrificing the trap." (Rhea ATK/3000)
Chronos frowned. His victory was cancelled this turn. However..."I'm still going to attack! Ancient Gear Golem! Attack Rhea! Ultimate Pound!"
The giant machine aimed it's attacked, it's target reacting almost right away. She lightly tapped her bracelets together, in a second her legion of lions appeared. They were smart enough to move out of the way of the fist that was coming for them, though Rhea could not. She quickly found herself on the receiving end of a mighty blow, but this would not stop her. Her Lions pounced on the Golem, biting and clawing at everything they could reach. The Golem fell back, slamming into the ground before exploding. Rhea had survived this battle, but at a small cost. Her best defence was lost. (Rhea ATK/2500) Sosuke was not concerned."You understand sacrifice for victory. You've seen a share of war haven't you?"
Chronos placed his sacrificed card into the graveyard. "Yes I have. I have seen things I still don't understand na-no-ne. Seen wonders I will never forget. Horrors that will forever haunt my nightmares. And fought and witnessed duels that even now I don't have the words to describe. I may be a teacher, but I know more about war than you ever will. Now na-no-ne! I'll show you power! Ancient Gear Golem! Destroy Rhea! Ultimate Pound!"
This time Rhea could do nothing as the blow collided. She exploded the second the attack struck. (Sosuke LP/3500) Now Sosuke was alone, and things were about to get worse.
"Direct Attack! Ultimate Pound!"
Sosuke was completely still as the fist headed for him, his disk hanging loosely at his side. It drew closer and closer.
The Horsemen of War would never be phased.
The attack hit. The sheer force of the impact created an explosion that hit Sosuke from view. It took a moment for Sosuke to be seen again. When he was he stood undisturbed by the attack that had hit him. (Sosuke LP/500) "Are you finished?"
"Not even phased." "Not yet. I activate the spell, Ancient Gear Workshop! I can add an "Ancient Gear" monster from my graveyard to my hand." His chosen card was already coming out. "I choose Ancient Gear Golem." With the Golem returned, he had one last move to make. "I activate Polymerization! I fuse together my two Golems on the field, and the one in my hand to fusion summon Ancient Gear Ultimate Golem!" The centaur of the Ancient Gears rose up, stationary, but it's pose ready for any battles it would have to fight. (Attack position. ATK/4400 DEF/3400) "Turn end."
Sosuke was stationary and silent for a moment, before drawing. He didn't glance at the card before speaking.
"This will be the last turn."
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Emi watched as her monster suffered, wondering what exactly was happening. After her observations gave her nothing concrete, she turned to her opponent. "What's happening to my monster?"
"It's infected. Each of my infections are different. The infection of my crow prevents the monster from attacking."
"So she'll make it through the turn." She glanced at her hand now, nothing she could use here. "Turn end."
Then things got worse. Her angel started to scream out, from what was a mystery. Whatever was happening was not only happening to the angel. (Emi LP/3600) "What?"
"I forgot to mention. At every end phase, Crows Plague takes 100 points times your monsters level out of your life points." Under her mask she grinned. "My turn. Draw!" She placed her card in her spell/trap zone. "I activate the continuous Spell Card, Over Infection! Once per turn, I can select a monster with a Plague Counter on it, it's effects are negated until the end phase. I can use this effect on both turns. I negate the effect of your nurse." The Angels wings drooped, along with the blades on her head. The visual effects of the spell were few, but clear. Yuuka had another move to make. "I summon Plague Deer."
A full-grown, adult male deer appeared. It was a very strong, almost healthy male with very long and pointed horns, but being a plague monster this creature bore some kind of illness, and like the Crow the sickness this deer suffered with could not be easily identified. The deer was hunched over, apparently in some kind of pain which, if Emi were forced to guess, was located in the creatures stomach. The deer's leg shifted as it almost lost it's footing, but it would stand. It would fight, until it would fall. Either by battle, effect, or whatever was the cause behind it's pain. (Attack position. ATK/1500 DEF/800) "Now your Dark Cure will increase my life points." (LP/1500) "Battle! Attack her Nurse!"
"Can't lose my nurse!" "Reverse traps open! Spirit Barrier and Astral Barrier!" The two traps created two different phenomenons. First a strange mist appeared in front of Emis field. A bright green that seemed to form a kind of barrier. The second was a giant green orb which appeared around Emi, protecting her from something. "Astral Barrier effect activate! I can make all your attacks direct attacks!" The deer passed by the Nurse, instead ramming it's horns directly into the dome that surrounded Emi. Despite the strength it managed to slam into the dome with, the dome would not crack. "Spirit Barrier effect activate. As long as I control a monster, all battle damage to me is negated."
"So attacking is useless. Fine. I'll just infect you until you fall. I set one card. Turn end."
"Draw." She glanced at her drawn card. "I summon a second Nurse Reficule!" The nurse appeared, as confident and unburdened as the other had been when it first showed up. (Attack position. ATK/1400) "Now I need to get rid of her monster." "I activate Soul Taker! First I destroy a monster you control. Then you gain 1000 life points. Which my Nurses will turn into damage."
"Nurse will. Your original is the target for my Over Infection spell."
"No matter. I destroy your monster now!"
Yuuka had no time to say anything at her deer exploded (Yuuka LP/500), and as before; a mist appeared and quickly found a suitable target. The infection-free Nurse.
The nurse collapsed into a coughing fit. She fell to her knees as she vented her fit into her hand. Emi couldn't even begin to guess what this meant. "What does this infection mean?"
"You lose life points equal to half of your monsters attack points at the end phase." The infected Nurse finally managed to force herself to her feet. If that was the only effect...
"Nurse Reficule, direct attack!" The angels wings spread, she was about to attack. "End this battle now!"
Yuuka smiled under her mask. "Reverse card open! Limit Reverse! I revive my Plague Crow!" The time the sickened crow was airborne. It's wings only flapped strongly enough to keep it a couple of feet of the ground however. (Attack position. ATK/500. Yuuka LP/1250)
"That wont stop me attacking! Reficule!"
Yuuka was ready to stop this attack. "Reverse trap open! Fear of Further Infection! As long as this continuous trap remains active, monsters with Plague Counters cannot attack 'Plague' monsters."
Emi gritted her teeth. "Turn end." Her nurses were suddenly screaming, the effects of their sicknesses taking their toll out of them, and Emi. (Emi LP/2500) "I can't keep getting hurt like this." Her fortunes were about to change however. The second Nurse to become infected suddenly stood up, apparently cured of her sickness. "Huh?"
Yuuka sighed. "That plague works differently. Your monster is cured. Congratulations I guess." She pulled a card from her deck. "My turn." She revealed what was now the only card in her hand. "I activate Magic Planter. I can destroy a continuous trap card I control to draw 2 cards. I choose Limit Reverse. Which destroys my Crow and...well you know what's coming for your Nurse."
Yuuka pulled the cards from her deck as her Crow exploded for the second time that duel, it's sinister infection claiming the recently cured angel. Her pose quickly mirrored the other angel, now both were powerless to attack. Yuuka took only a second to decide on her next move. "I set two cards. Turn end."
Emi felt a lump rise in her throat. She was scared. If she didn't draw something that would end this duel know she might end up losing. It was clear now Her opponent was happy to just stand there as infections ate at her monsters, and her life points until the duel was won. She put her hand on her deck. "Come on. I just need one good card." "Draw." She looked at her card.
She smiled. "I activate Foolish Burial! I can send a monster card from my deck to my graveyard." She parted her deck, aiming for a single card. One that could end this duel right now..."I send Burning Algae. Now you gain 1000 life points. At least you would. Nurse Reficule effect activate!"
"Reverse Trap Open! Mystic Reflection!"
"Mystic Reflection?"
Yuuka was grinning wildly under her mask. She knew now she had pretty much won this match. "I select 1 face-up Spell or Trap card, and until the end phase this Trap remains on the field and copies its effect. I choose my Over Infection. I activate both of my Over Infection effects now. I negate the effect of both of your Nurses! I'll be taking those 1000 life points now." Yuuka glowed with a gentle green aura as the sent monster appeared, its effect continuing without interference. (Yuuka LP/1250)
Emi was too stunned to do anything. Or say much of anything. "Turn end." (LP/1700)
Yuuka chuckled. "Oh don't feel too bad. There's some good news here." Emi's original nurse stood up, like the other had a turn before. She was cured. "My crows effect lasts three turns." She put a hand on her deck. "Draw!" She glanced at her drawn card.
"This is where the duel ends."
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Kabayama glanced down at his deck. If he drew a trap or monster card then it would be sealed from him for a turn. He placed a hand upon it. "Draw." He released the breath he had not realized he was holding. He revealed it. "I drew a Spell card. Mixed Spice Garamasala. I activate it now." He parted his deck in front of his eyes, quickly searching out and finding his targets. "I can add three "Spice" spell cards from my deck to my hand. I choose to add three Red Pepper Spice spell cards."
"Using Spell cards while you can. That is exactly what I have come to expect. When your resources are vanishing from under you, you must use what you can, while you can. But know this, Kabayama. Soon you will have nothing left to use against me. On my next turn I shall summon the sealer of spells, and then you will fall."
"I have a few moves left. I may not like to duel much, but I will never be so easily beaten. I summon Onion Man" The strongest of the vegetable monsters appeared, this one an Onion. Had Jinn been the humorus sought he'd have wondered if it had something to do with Onions ability to make people cry. (Attack position. ATK/1200 DEF/1200) "Now I activate the Three red pepper spices I added to my hand! Each one will affect both my Onion Man, and your Dying Earth. Your monster will lose 900 attack points, and my Onion Man will gain that much."
The air was suddenly full with the color of red as the pepper laced dust carried out of it's effect. The embodiment of dead earth shifted slightly in the mist as it's power waned, but it would not show any other reactions to the poisonous ingredient. (ATK/1100) Onion Man however would only gain from this event. (ATK/2100)
Kabayama smiled. The upper hand was his, and he'd be dammed if he didn't press his advantage. "Onion Man! Battle! Attack Dying Earth!"
"Reverse card open! Gaias Protection! Curse of Gaia monsters cannot be destroyed by battle or monster effects this turn. Your attack is almost meaningless." As the Onion planted it's feet into it's target, the "almost" in Jinns words became clear. The attack left no damage upon the monster, but Jinn was not so undamaged. (LP/1500)
Kabayama felt fear crawl down his spine, he desperately wanted at least one of those curses gone, and if Jinns words were to be believed then the situation was only to become worse. "I could have gone after his token instead." Despite his folly, all was not lost. "I just need to let him destroy Onion Man, and make it through his turn." "I set one card. Turn end." (Dying Earth ATK/2000. Onion man ATK/1200)
Jinn wasted no time pulling a card from his deck and revealing it. "Call of the Haunted. It is a trap, so Foul Wind prevents me from using it this turn." He picked another card from his hand. "I tribute my last token. I tribute summon Curse of Gaia – Empty Sky."
Kabayams eyes were turned to the sky as a sudden shadow was cast over him. He quickly came to realize the shadow was just the clouds blacking out the sun. They were gathering, creating a mass of clouds which began their decent, travelling faster and faster before they slammed into the earth, passing into it. The ground they became with began to crack, before chunks of earth began to rise from the ground.
It's face was even more different than it's allies, as it had even less of one. The only facial features it had were eye holes, with cloud behind them. Everything below the eyes was just a hole, with clouds filling it in an instant. It's face was emitting cloud traces slowly, with them being carried off by some unseen force so that they trailed behind their source.
It's upper body, on both the front and back were rather plain, with very very details or carvings upon them. The only notable features on the front of the creatures chest were twenty holes, each on either side of the creatures chest. Each aligned with where a rib would have been if the creature were human. Each of the holes were already emitting cloud themselves, which gathered to create a very thin veil of water vapour. It's arms, if they could actually be called arms, were made completely of cloud. Despite their substance, the white clouds appeared rather solid. The clouds eventually connected to the creatures hands, which were made of stone. They were almost featureless, aside from it's unique claws.
The monsters claws were mostly hollow, with only one side of them actually made of stone. Under the length of each of the stone formations that would be claws were instead filled with cloud. It's legs were the same as it's arms, composed mostly of cloud except for it's feet, which too had claws made of cloud. A monster who had absorbed the sky itself, Empty Sky was something which had been created to give this creature life. (Attack position. ATK/2000 DEF/1800) "Empty Sky. Attack his Onion Man. Endless Drought!" The curse's clouds were all suddenly darkened, it was absorbing all the moisture it could steal from the air.
The air was suddenly hot and dry, and getting hotter. The moisture in the air was quickly disappearing, and it was taking it's toll on Onion Man. It's surface started to crack as it quickly dried. The heat kept growing, and growing. It was starting to become too much.
The Onion ignited, seconds before it exploded. (Kabayama LP/2000)
"You are defenceless. You have lost."
"Not yet! Reverse Trap open! Extra Ingredients! I can only play this when a Normal Plant-type monster I control is destroyed by battle and I have no cards in my hand. I can special summon two level 3 or below normal plant-type monsters from my deck. I summon two more Onionmen!" This time the Onions lacked the power to fight at all, instead they were resting on a knee with the images of their actual cards under them. (Both Defence position. ATK/1200 DEF/1200)
"So be it! Dying Earth Foul Wind. Destroy both of them!" The Curses wasted no time, each one wasting no time. In seconds their targets had rotted and been destroyed.
Jinn was almost finished. "Now you are defenceless. But I'm out of attacks. I set one card and end my turn."
Kabayama let a sigh of relief escape him. "I made it. Now I can finish this." "Draw." He quickly revealed his drawn card. "Spell Spice Caraway."
"Empty Sky prevents you from playing it."
"I know. But I have something else. I activate the effect of my Curry Pot! As long as at least 1 "Carrot Man", Onion Man" and "Potato Man" are currently removed from play by it's effect, I can remove from play every single monster on the field, then Special summon Curry Fiend Roux from my deck."
The news of the summoning was not the part Jinn was interested in. "Remove my monsters!"
"Yes! I activate the effect of Curry Pot! I remove from play every monster on the field!"
"No! I forbid this! Reverse Trap Open! Gaia's Will! Curse of Gaia monsters are unaffected by all effects this turn!" The trap did not seem to affect the field in any way that could be seen by the naked eye, but as all three of the Curses stood it was clear that something had transpired. They were still there, ready and waiting for whatever would happen.
Something was about to. "My Curry Pots effect still activates. From my deck I special summon..." He placed the card into a monster zone. "Curry Fiend Roux!"
The largest of Kabayamas monsters appeared, a giant of a creature, with an odd choice in clothing. It was in metals, bright silver on it's shoulder pads and helmet but a shade of beige most everywhere else. In it's right hand it held a giant metal ladle, in it's left what appeared to be a rice cooker. Despite it's armor and choice of weaponry, the monsters arms were surprisingly thin. It was worth wondering is this monster had any thumbs, it's cloves only showing giant hands with very large thumbs. As for the monsters feet, they were made completely out of steel, and kinda looked like forks with the tips bent to act as toes. On each of the monsters shoulders, aside from the pads were three plates, stacked on top of one another in such a way that one could mistake them for wings at a very quick glance. Even stranger was the monsters helmet, it was clearly a gravy boat. Perhaps the single strangest things were some of the fashion accessories this monster had. A carrot just below it's chin, and a belt composed entirely on onions. One could rightly wonder how this creature could even fight, especially when they gazed that it's attack and defence statuses. (Attack position. ATK/0 DEF/0)
"Zero points? What's the meaning of this?"
"It's all do to with it's name. Curry Fiend Roux. That pot near me is his curry. Every ingredient within gives him power. Every "Spice" card gives 200 points. Every monster gives him 300 points. Eight Monsters have become ingredients, and five spice cards are also mixed in. That's 2400 points for Monsters and another 1000 for the spice cards." (Fiend ATK/3400)
"3400? That's almost enough to-!"
"Take all of your life points. Curry Fiend, attack Empty Sky!" The fiend leaned down, pouring some of the Curry from the boat on it's head into it's ladle, preparing to fire. Meanwhile Jinn was considering something.
"If he destroys my Empty Sky, then he can use that Spell he drew." "Reverse Trap Open! Guidance of Gaia. As long as this trap remains, any time you attack a "Curse of Gaia" monster, I can change the attack to another monster in my control. I choose your Curry Fiends target to be Dying Earth!"
With the Curry poured the fiend threw the substance, it's own heat causing it to ignite. It struck it's target like a fireball, instantly wrapping in the flames that reduced it to little more than ash. (Jinn LP/100)
A ball of blackened earth appeared over the giant curry pot, falling into it. The surface of the curry was darkened a shade by the new ingredient. "Your monster is removed from the game, and my Curry Fiend gains attack points for it." (Curry Fiend ATK/3700) "Either way. I can't play Caraway now. He's not likely going to be able to summon a monster with greater attack than Roux. I might make it to my next turn after all. I hope." "Turn end."
"My turn. Draw". He held up the card he had drawn in front of his face. He didn't turn it around just yet, but his deceleration was enough to describe the nature of what he had drawn
"You will have no more chances."
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Samejima glanced at his drawn card. "Time to finish this. I hope." "I activate a Continuous Spell card, Soul Cannibalism. Once during each of my turn I can select a monster I control, then discard one monster that's the same attribute as the selected monster. The selected monster then gains attack points equal to the attack points of the discarded monster until the end of the turn. If I use this effect however I cannot summon this turn. I discard Cyber Dinosaur, and select my Cyber Ogre. My Cyber Dinosaurs attack points are 2500." (Ogre ATK/7900)
"So you're going for the kill now. Now that's what I was expecting from you, Principal Samejima. In a different world you would make a decent Death. But in this one...well." He laughed lightly to himself. "Your ideals will crumble to dust before your very eyes."
"We shall see! Cyber Ogre! Battle. Cyber Hunting!"
The Ogre jumped forward, roaring as it raised it's arm. The monk would not back down, or try to evade it's fate. Death was a part of a monster's life. Evading it was an act of futility. He closed his eyes, he would resign to his fate.
The claw swung down. In an instant the old man exploded, this meant a few things, one Kneji would be forced to avoid.
"Reverse card open. Moment of Moksha. When a 'Saṃsāra' monster is destroyed by battle, this card negates all damage I would have taken from that battle. Then I can select one 'Saṃsāra' monster in my graveyard whose attack points are equal to or lower than the damage I would have taken and add it to my hand. I choose my Monk. I'm not going down yet, Samejima."
"Maybe not. But I'm far from done. Turn end." (Ogre ATK/5400)
"Draw." He didn't even look at the drawn card before making a move. "My Saṃsāra Magician revives itself now." The sorceress rose, her hands now aglow with a black aura. (Attack position. ATK/1300 DEF/500) "Saṃsāra Magician effect activate. Upon it's return I can select a monster you control and reduce it's attack points to zero for the turn. I target Cyber Ogre." The Cybernetic creature howled out as it found itself covered by a dark aura. It's struggles did nothing to prevent it's fate. (Ogre ATK/0)
With his work on Cyber Ogre done, Kennji continued. "My Spell card now has two Rebirth Counters. I sacrifice it to activate it's effect. I draw two cards." He picked up three of his cards. "I set three cards. Then from my hand I summon Saṃsāra Monk." (Attack position. ATK/800 DEF/800) "Saṃsāra Monk. Attack Cyber Ogre!"
The Monk began to chant, a wordless chant. The chant was a series of rises and falls in the Monks deep voice, it quickly started to sound like a song. The sound of this song reminded Samejima of a battle chant, of one about to go to war. The Monk started to glow white, the chanting grew louder. It was about to come, the chanting was now staying on higher notes than lower ones. It came, the monk held his voice on a single note, he threw out an open hand, pointing it directly at Cyber Ogre. The Monks aura vanished, suddenly appearing upon Cyber Ogre instead.
It exploded.
"I discarded Cyber Ogre from my hand. I negated your attack. Plus my Cyber Ogres effect activates." (Cyber Ogre ATK/800)
"I knew you would. You've left your monster venerable for this! Magician. Battle!" She waved her hand, releasing a wave of black energy. It cut into the Ogre with ease, detonating the monster. (Samejima LP/2500)
"Turn end."
Samejima clenched a fist behind his duel disk. This duel was...enlightening. "He's very strong. I haven't managed to damage him yet. Even Trueman I managed to damage somewhat but this student..." He smiled in spite of himself. "Maybe I'm just old, and the next generation of duellist has finished nipping at my heels. They're ready to try to outright defeat me once and for all. Well I'm not going to make it easy!" "Draw!"
He smiled. "If the next generation is ready to stand on it's own, then it will learn to face it's own evils. And this card is one that has lead some very strong young men forward." He'd always wanted to play this.
"Spell card activate! Power Bond! I can send from either my side of the field or from my hand monsters that are listed as fusion materials for a Machine-type fusion monster."
"But you have nothing. Nothing!"
"Not on my field or in my hand. But they're not the only places I can go!" He revealed a second card from his hand. "I activate Cybernetic Fusion Support. With this I can pay half of my life points to use fusion materials from my graveyard for this fusion. But those materials are removed from the game." (Samejima LP/1250) Cards were starting to eject themselves..."I fuse my three Cyber Ogres."
A creature was manifesting itself on the field It stood taller than each of it's parts, and the monster that would be composed by two of them. It was so tall that it's highest point was only just below the ceiling. Unlike Cyber Ogre 2, which held claim to only two moveable limbs, this monster had four, or seven if you counted other moveable appendages. It's main from the rest of the "Cyber Ogre" line was it's armor. While Cyber Ogres armor was apparently wrapped around a living organism, and Cyber Ogre 2 seeming to be almost completely metallic, this creature was living metal.
It's face could only be called a face of a true monster, it's eyes colored a sinister gold and it's long and sharp teeth would be enough to send most running away. The rest of the monster's face was a metal version of the one that each of it's parts had, if only composed of steel. It's horns were different than it's counterparts as well. Where as Cyber Ogre only had one large complete horn, and number 2 had two much smaller horns, along with a third that pointed frontward, this monsters horns pointed upwards, connecting and branching to create a large trident formation.
The monster's body was very close to Cyber Ogre's, it stood upon two feet, each one extremely large with sharp claws. If the sheer size didn't crush anything under it, the grip these claws would apply sure would, either by crushing or cutting it to ribbons. This Ogre had more claws on it's feet. Where are Cyber Ogre had two on the front, one on the back of the foot, this monster had three at the front and two at the back.
It's armor was mostly a bright teal in color, except for sections of the body which were made of thicker metal. Along it's forearms, tail, and upper body the covering was a much darker shade teal. It's arm armor was very much like Cyber Ogre's, aside from the spikes at the back of the arm which instead of being diamond shapes with two more spikes next to them, this monster only had a single large spike. A long, strong tail rested on the floor behind it, the tip of it almost exactly like a mace, expect with much longer and larger spikes. The thing that separated this monster from the rest of it's archetype were it's two appendages on it's back.
Kenji quickly found himself covered in shadow as the monster before him spread it's large, metallic wings. The wings themselves were made of thin, black steel, but there was no doubt these wings would enable their owner to fly. This was the strongest of the Cyber Ogre line. "Cyber Ogre 3!" (Attack position. ATK/3000 DEF/2300) "Power Bond effect activate. The fused monster gains attack points equal to it's original attack points." The Ogre roared as it glowed with the power that coursed through it.(ATK/6000) "Cyber Ogre 3 effect activate. It gains 500 attack points for every monster you control." (ATK/7000)
Kenji briefly lost balance, but managed to find his legs before he fell to the ground. What he had witnessed was something completely foreign to him. To gain such extreme attack power so simply..."Seven thousand...attack points..." "I've underestimated him." He took a deep breath. "But not by too much."
Samejima nodded. His mightiest creature had one more secret to share. "Cyber Ogre 3 can attack every single monster my opponent controls during the battle phase."
"I was wrong. Samejima is truly worthy of his position. But I will not be defeated!" "Reverse Trap Open! Mercy Rule! As long as this trap remains active, we are both subjugated to it's effect. During our respective turns, if our opponent controls at least two face-up monsters, and their combined attack power is lower than any monster we control, then that monster cannot attack. My combined monsters attack power is 2100. Your Ogres is 7000. You will not be harming me this turn." "Safe."
"He saved himself." He looked down at his last card. "This is almost as far as I can go. I just have one more thing to do." "I summon Cyber Kirin." In an oddly 'organic dog' fashion the cybernetic monster was sitting down. Not at all unlike a dog who had been told to "sit". Clearly cybernetics stayed very loyal to the subjects they were based on, sometimes. (Defence position. ATK/300 DEF/800) "I activate Cyber Kirins effect. By tributing it, I can negate all effect damage I take this turn." The Cybernetic canine was gone. "Now Power Bond will not inflict damage to me."
"Power Bond comes with a cost?"
Samejima nodded. "It deals damage equal to the original attack points of the monster it summons during the end phase."
"I see. Well I must admit, despite it's drawbacks, you have shown me the power I expected from you. Now it's time to bring this duel on the way to it's conclusion. My turn." He pulled a card from his deck, holding it in front of his face to see exactly what he had drawn.
"And it's conclusion is now."
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Xiaolang arrived down by the water, standing on the ground several feet from where Judai was sitting. Despite the crunching of the wet stones beneath his feet as he approached, he doubted Judai had even noticed his approach. His eyes turned to the orb floating next to him. "Will you be coming with us?"
"Yes."
Xiaolang nodded, steadying his emotions as he prepared himself for what he was about to do. He reached into his deck box on the front of his belt, pulling out the cards he had already prepared. His chest was suddenly aglow. "Then it's time. Shien, get him."
The Shogun appeared, in an instant jumping the very short distance to reach Judai.
Judai was snapped out of his thoughts most violently by the sudden appearance of an ally. "Wha-?"
Shien reached out. "I'm sorry, Judai Yuki." Before Judai had the chance to respond, Shien had grabbed him by the shoulder, and with great strength pulled the young duellist into a two handed grip.
"What the hell are you-!" Whatever Judai was going to say was lost as Shien jumped away, landing right on the back of the mighty steed that had appeared. Xiaolang, along with Pharaoh (his former owner already consumed) were already sat upon the steed, the boy holding the cat carefully in his arms.
Shien grabbed a reign. "Take us to where Ritan Kentai fell."
Judai was slumped over the Shogun, and was doing everything in his power to make his annoyance known. "Put me down dammit! AHHHHH!"
Any further protests were silenced by the movement of the Steed.
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Sosuke wasted no time. "I activate my set Quick-play spell. Spirit of the Titans. In order to use it I must have two Titian monsters in my graveyard, which I do. Now I can special summon a monster from my hand. But it will be returned to my hand at the end phase." He placed the monster in a zone. "I summon The Four Horsemen – War!" Out of a dark hole in the sky the Horseman of War descended, his golden sword already drawn as it's mighty steed galloped through the air. As the horse came to a stop the Horseman pointed his blade at his enemies, the very tip aiming right at Chronos heart. (Attack position. ATK/3000 DEF/2000)
"I have a very bad feeling about this na-no-ne..."
"I activate my second set spell card. Equal Gain. I can use it when my life points are at least 1000 lower than yours. For every multiple of 1000 life points difference there is between us, we can each draw a card. That's three each."
Chronos nodded, each of them drawing their respective cards. The teacher took a moment to look at his cards, the middle one catching his attention. "Ancient Gear Cannon. Even if he stops me from attacking on my next turn I can summon this on my next turn and use it's effect. It'll inflict 500 damage and this will be over." He only needed to make it to his next turn.
A turn Sosuke was going to make sure would never come. "I activate Titans Return. I can return a Titan monster from my graveyard to my hand. But, there's another effect. If I pay half my life points I can add two Titans instead. I'll pay that cost." (LP/250) "I return Oceanus and Rhea to my hand." He collected the two cards that ejected themselves from the slot of his axe-disk. His hand moved to another card in his hand. "I activate the Equip Spell card Megamorph. And equip it to War." The Horsemen was oddly enough, completely unaffected by the spell. He and his steed failed to react to the fact that their points were rising, they weren't even growing. (ATK/6000)
"6000 points na-no-ne?"Chronos took a step back. "Incredible!" "Well I can still make it through the turn. I can still win." He steeled his resolve, and his stance. He would not let himself be overcome by this.
Sosuke laughed, his aura suddenly appeared. "Incredible? No. Not yet. War!" A black aura suddenly surrounded the monster. "Battle!"
The Horseman raised his mighty blade, the blade of purest gold. Suddenly the blade was glowing, radiating a light that had nothing to do with the sun above. The light started dim, but quickly grew into a glow that made it almost impossible to gaze upon with the naked eye. Despite the sheer might of it's glow, nothing around it was illuminated, this light was bound to the sword and would remain only with it. The light seemed to posses it's own power, creating a wind that made both Sosukes cloak and the Horsemans cape billow in it. Despite the sheer strength of the attack to come, and the wonder before his eyes, Chronos knew he would make it through this turn. He would make it...he would win.
So he thought. Sosuke spoke as his monster representative continued to gather power.
"Horsemen War effect activate. When it attacks, or is attacked, I can pay sacrifices to it's power. Every monster I discard or tribute gives it 1000 more points for the turn." He turned his hand around to show his enemy. "Titans Oceanus, Rhea and Chronus. That's three monsters." He placed them at the slot that was his graveyard, letting it claim them one by one. "That's 3000 extra attack points."
The Horsemans sword glowed brighter, now the strength of his sword was even greater. So greater that the ground around him was starting to break apart, large chunks of it suspending themselves in midair. By now the swords glow rivalled the suns. This attack was to be a truly shattering one. (Horsemen War ATK/9000) Only that needed be know was the name of the attack to come.
"Carnal Glory!"
With strange and ominous silence, the blade came down. The world was colored gold for a brief second as light covered all. The Blades decent ended. When it had it's light was revealed to have moved.
It was now upon it's opponent, a line of light made of purest gold starting just below the neck and ending just above the waist. The light had struck with incredible force, pieces of metal were falling all around, seemingly coming from where the light struck. The light faded, leaving a massive slash in the metallic centaur. The creature still stood there, stationary. Silent. The strange silence that that fallen upon the world was still there. Chronos was looking on in awe, awe that was to be forever torn from him by Soskues next words. Words, though spoken in a gentle tone, seemed to fill the entire world with their sound.
"Know the wounds of battle."
There was no time to question the meaning of that statement. No time to wonder. No time to even blink.
Chronos coat was suddenly ripped at the center, in a line that was nothing unlike the line that the light of Wars blade had formed into. Chronos mind was rendered blank by this, no-one except Sosuke could not have been affected by this in some way. Blood spilled out from the fresh wound, gushing into Chronos's hand, covering his cards and the disk he held. It spilled unto the ground. Chronos leaned forward, out of his legs simply not functioning right anymore. He fell forward, into a growing pool of his blood. As he hit the ground his monster took it's last second on the world. It exploded. The sound drowning out the sound of it's master falling.
Sosuke was silent as his opponent fell. His former teacher was no longer moving, but Sosuke had a feeling the man was still alive. So he spoke to him, just three words that to Sosuke, justified and explained everything. In so simple, so pure, and so true to him.
"This is War."
(Chronos LP/0)
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Yuuka smiled under her mask. "Reverse trap open. Vengeful Plagues. I can only activate it while I control no monsters. I can special summon two level four or lower "Plague" monsters from my graveyard in attack position. They are not allowed to attack however, ever. Revive! Plague Crow and Plague Deer!" The sickened creatures returned, each of their illnesses clearly hurting them more than ever. (Crow ATK/500 Deer ATK/1500) "I have summoned two times, but your dark cure only lets you select one of those monsters to damage me with."
"I choose your strongest." (Yuuka LP/500)
Now Yuuka was just about ready. Just about. "Revere trap open! Trap Stun! Every other trap on the field is negated for the turn!"
"Huh?" Emi's three trap combo was suddenly darkened and crackled with electricity as her opponents wrath took effect. "She can summon freely, and I can't nullify attacks any more. I hope my life points can hold out."
Hope was all Emi had, Yuuka had something else. "I sacrifice my two monsters." Both monsters vanished from the field. "I summon The Four Horsemen – Pestilence!" This sickened Horsewoman came through a black hole behind it's owner rather from above. She still failed to grasp at her reigns, but somehow seemed completely steady on her equally sickened horse. Her body remained still even with the sudden stop. (Attack position. ATK/3000 DEF/2000)
Despite her medical trained nature immediately telling her to diagnose the creature before her, Emi was planning for the duel instead. "I'll still have 100 life points after it attacks. And if I draw something I can inflict just 500 damage with then I can win." Her thoughts were shattered, along with her hopes, by Yuukas next words.
"'I'll still have 100 life points'. That's what you think, right? Sorry, Sensei. But this is your last turn. Pestilence Effect Activate!"
The sickened rider started to raise a heavily bruised and boil covered hand. With her ill health she was somewhat slow, but the fact she could raise her arm as much as she could would astound some. She flexed her hand so one finger was pointing. Pointing at Emis side of the field.
Pointing at the uninfected Angel. "What? Why is she pointing?"
Yuuka was silent for a moment, only for a moment as her opponents fear grew.
She spoke. "Once per turn I can select any face-up card my opponent controls. Then I inflict 200 damage for every card in my opponent's graveyard that is the same type of card as that chosen one. I have chosen a monster." She herself pointed now, right at Emis graveyard. "So Emi. Let's take a look at how many monsters are in your graveyard!"
Emi gave out a cry of terror, her body half trying to retreat as her graveyard started to glow. She knew what was in there of course, and what exactly was coming. Her thoughts were proven correct as sudden the images of three "Burning Algae" cards appeared. She managed not to scream as the toll of her dead was taken. (LP/1100) "I've lost."
Indeed she had. All that needed be done was the attack. Both duellist and Horsewoman were covered in an aura as Yuuka gave order. "Pestilence. Attack. Endless Plague!"
Once more the sickened rider raised a hand, but this time it was outstretched to her target. Once again it was the uninfected angel. Despite her movement, nothing seemed to be happening.
At first anyway.
The nurses one visible eye blinked in surprise as she grabbed at one of her hands. Parting the bandages to reveal bruised, boil covered skin. What ever skin wasn't bruised was turning yellow. The angels eyes were quickly full of fear. Her eye darted to each side of her body, the infection was spreading quickly. She started coughing violently. She fell to her knees, coughing violently into her hands which had clasped to her mouth. The bandages were falling off at random places, revealing that her entire body had apparently fallen to the infection.
Emi was horrified enough to see what was happening before her, but then something even worse happened. Her eyes shot to her hands as they were starting to mimic her angels condition. She could feel it spreading almost instantly across her body. She felt herself growing weak, felt the pain, felt her body becoming sicker and sicker. Through her pain she could hear her opponent speak.
"This sickness is without cure. Without end. You may be a nurse but nothing you do will mean anything against this plague. From here on you are, as I said, Patient Zero."
Emi screamed, her pitched matched only by her angels sudden scream, which was suddenly silenced. She fell forward, her body failing her. Her body was only moving slightly as she groaned from the sheer pain she was in.
Yuuka looked at her fallen, sickened opponent. "You are the victim of Pestilence."
(Emi LP/0)
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Jinn revealed his draw. "The Four Horsemen – Famine." His monsters were suddenly disappearing, Kabayama didn't need to ask what was coming. "I tribute my two Curse of Gaia monsters." They were gone, leaving Jinn with nothing more to do than place the card upon the branches of his disk. "I summon The Four Horsemen – Famine!" The dark hole this horsemen appeared from came from the ground. Appearing just before Jinn. The Horsewoman and Horse of Famine rose, the hollow, pale and hairless face of it's expressionless rider gazing right ahead, but one would be right to question if he was actually looking at the world around it. (Attack position. ATK/3000 DEF/2000)
Kabayama took a step back, he suddenly had a very, very bad feeling. "This monster...what does it do?"
Jinns aura suddenly flared, a much darker one bound to his monster. Jinn pointed at the Curry Fiend. "Famine. Attack. Judgement of Hunger."
The horseman raised his scales, and suddenly the world seemed to change.
Both Famine and the Roux found themselves standing upon a silver weighing dish, not unlike the one that Famine held in his hand except for their sizes. The dishes rose up, the rest of the weighing scales appearing and connecting themselves to the dishes. The weighing was about to begin.
From his side of the scales Jinn spoke. "Famine effect activate. Any monster it battles is unaffected by the effects of all other cards during that battle. That monsters effects are also negated for that time."
"What?"
Famine raised it's scales, a miniature of both itself and the Curry fiend within it's own weighing scales. The weighing was starting. (Curry Fiend Roux ATK/0)
Upon the field Rouxs dish began to fall, raising Famines dish higher and higher. The weighing had been finished. Jinn spoke once more. "Your monsters hunger outweighs my own. You, Kabayama, have lost. Now you shall know endless hunger. Which you shall never satisfy. Never be free from. Which you can never end."
What skin the Curry Fiend had began to discolour and become thinner, as did it's face. The metals it held and wore began to rust. The vegetables it carried quickly rotted to nothing as the fiend fell to it's knees, the famine continuing to spread on it's body. In a moment all that remained was a starved and decayed fiend.
There was more to come.
Kabayama felt it. A sudden flash of hunger, but before he could even think to do anything he felt...weak. He fell to his knees. So weak...so hungry. He didn't have the energy to move as he felt his body become thin, his skin pressing against his bones. He didn't understand. He could barely think.
Both monster and duellist fell, but only one was granted the mercy of a quick death. All that remained was a frail Kabayama who was too weak to even move.
Jinn looked over to his fallen, stricken opponent. "Now you know Famine."
(Kabayama LP/0)
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The meaning of Kenjis words were about to become clear. "I sacrifice both of my Saṃsāra monsters." They vanished, becoming the fuel that would enable this tribute summon. "I summon The Four Horsemen – Death!" The entire field was suddenly drowned in darkness as the galloping of hooves could be heard. In a moment all that was visible in the darkened world was the Horsemen of Death itself, and the horse it rode upon. It's blade of bone was already drawn and ready for battle. The darkness lifted, revealing Death had taken it's place before it's master. (Attack position. ATK/3000 DEF/2000)
Samejima felt a great fear fill his heart as he stared upon the monster before him. A very great fear indeed. "What can this monster do?"
Kenji was not forthcoming with answers to Samejimas silent question. "Since the number of monsters I control has changed, so do your Ogres attack points." (Cyber Ogre 3 ATK/6500)
Kenji was silent for a moment as the field around him seemed to come to a standstill. His monster stared down the Ogre it couldn't possibly defeat in a direct battle. Samjima watched, wondering what his opponent was waiting for.
Through his mask, no one could tell Kenjis eyes were closed. He could feel it, around the island. His allies had been victorious. Not that there had been any doubt of that. "The heads have fallen to the ground. Now the students will be left without their authorities. All that remains is Samejima. But..." He raised his arms and crossed them, that being the only physical move he'd made in a full minute. There was another possibility..."Could he do this alone? What if he were left to handle this on his own? Him and our other enemies. Removing authorities is one thing. But watching them fail..." He smiled.
He turned around. "Good game. Samejima. But let's call it a draw. You have...more imminent matters to attend to."
"What do you mean?"
Kenji had reached the automatic doors, them opening to him before he stopped and spoke. "The dorm heads. You will see what I mean soon enough. Goodbye."
He passed through the door, it quickly closing behind him. His Cyber Ogre 3 faded. Samejima rushed to his desk, picking up his phone and dialling like a man possessed.
He had a feeling his opponent's words had not been for show.
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They had arrived, the steed vanishing as it's riders descended from it. Shien put his charge down before vanishing himself. Xiaolang met the angry eyes of Judai with unrelenting will. "Don't even think about getting pissy at me. I don't know what's got you in a slump, but I am not leaving you like this while the world goes to hell around you. Now get up!"
Judai rose, but not moving as Xiaolang started walking into the cave. After a few steps Xiaolang noticed he wasn't being followed. Judai spoke. "What's got you so interest in me all of a sudden? I know you've distanced yourselves from the rest of us."
If this statement had affected Xiaolang, he didn't show it. "You're the strongest. Whether or not I'm a member of your group is not important. We will all need you to be on fighting form in the coming days. And there's only one way I know that might put some sense into you." He removed the duel disk he had on his arm, throwing it to Judai, who caught it easily. Judai was wondering what this was all about when a familiar orb rose up next to him and spoke.
"Judai. Trust him. He may not be good at showing it, but he's just trying to help-nya."
Judai nodded, truth be told he just wanted to get this over with so he could go back to his thoughts. He walked in
In a moment they were both in the cave, the cave that was now little more than a tomb. The pile of clothing and ash that was once Ritan Kentai having gone undisturbed since they had fallen to their resting place. As Judai reached where Xiaolang had fought a life and death battle, twice, the boy signalled him to stop moving. Xiaolang kept walking, walking right up to pile that were the remains of his father.
Xiaolang felt a little sickened as he looked down at the pile below him. Ritan's clothing was stained crimson, the very crimson that was mixed with the ash that Draygor had reduced Ritan to. Xiaolang leaned on a knee, picking up the suit in his hands, some errant ash spilling onto him. He reached into the suits several pockets one by one, searching for something. After a few pockets of nothing he started getting frustrated. "Come on. Where is it!" After the main pockets had failed him, he noticed there were pockets on the inside of the suit as well. He didn't need to think on it, he reached for the pocket over the heart.
In an instant he knew he had found what he was looking for, the dark energy that was once his fathers aura still lingered strongly upon what his hand had grasped. He pulled it out, glancing down at his prize. His left hand grabbed the black duel disk that his father had used. The boy stood up, holding up the deck to Judai.
"Judai. I don't know the extent of the things you have faced, the wonders you have seen, the stories you can tell. But I know one thing. No matter how long passes, our childhood nightmares are ones that can frighten us in ways nothing else can."
Judai felt a chill run down his spine. "Is that-?"
Xiaolang nodded, placing the black disk on his arm and shuffling the cards in his hands quickly. "My fathers deck." He slammed the deck into the disk. "No more of your cowardice, Judai. There is no Draygor, no Johan, nothing else outside me, you, this cave, your deck, and this one!"
A lump rose in Judai's throat. One he quickly forced down. Xiaolang was not going to let him leave, and everything inside him that called itself a duellist commanded him to stay. He pulled out his deck before placing into the disk he then activated.
Xiaolang nodded. "That's it Judai. Now you will know the wrath that struck fear into the hearts of many." He raised his disk over his head, activating it. For a brief moment he paused, letting what he was about to do sink in. He was about to fight with the most terrifying deck he knew. One that still visited his nightmares. He lowered his arm. He was ready for this.
"Now, Judai. You face the Demonic Warlords."
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End of Chapter
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Today's Strongest Card: Special Edition!
The Four Horsemen
Each are:
Dark Attribute
Level 8
Warrior-type
ATK/3000 DEF/2000
Effects:
War
When this monster attacks or is attacked, you can discard or tribute any number of monsters (other than this card). This card gains 1000 ATK for every discarded/tributed monster, until the end phase.
Famine
When this card battles another monster, that monsters effect(s) are negated, and that monster is unaffected by all other card effects (except this cards), until the end of the damage step.
Pestilence
Once per turn, you can select 1 face-up card your opponent controls. Your opponent takes 200 damage for every card in their graveyard that's the same type as the selected card (Monster, Spell, or Trap).
Death
?
Commentary: Kenji
"I will reveal my power another day."
Author's notes: (Again a lot of em. One day they'll be longer than their actual chapter most likely)
Next chapter: Ritan's true deck in action! You didn't think I'd never reveal it, did you? Told you Ritan's Legacy was gonna be a treat. Would now be a good time to announce another hiatus?
Kidding! Already working on the next chapter. Though be warned it's gonna be a slow update again. Monster descriptions are one of my many mortal enemies.
Hopefully it won't be as long as this one, that's two long chapters in a row! I'm not made to write this much! In the future I'll cut really long chapters into two or more smaller chapters, just for easier reading.
New "Reverse" system:
In order to help distinguish between Spell and Trap cards, duellists will from here on be saying "Reverse Trap open" or "Reverse Spell open". I've yet to decide how to distinguish between Continuous, Counter, and quick-play cards and such, but for now it's better than nothing.
Card Note:
Yes I am using the Animé effect for Cyber Ogre. The OCG/TGC totally crapped it up. I stated my policy on what I'll do with cards the TGC/OCG crap up back in the prologue (so very long ago). Though I will add to that policy. If the TGC/OCG actually improve a card without diminishing plot value, then I'll likely use the result.
About Zexal Abridged: (mainly a response to AndresTheName)
How did the team get Takahata101 and MasakoX? Well some say "Emihime has connections", but I think "Emihime used her sexy voice" is closer to the truth. As for the cons attendance I don't have the details, but I'm pretty Emihime and Tonyx15 are attending Youmacon this year.
Episode one is still in the video editing stages, and is pretty far along as far as I know. There have been a number of things delaying the project but they're just about over. I won't have any further details from here on in. I quit the team recently. My humor style was much different form the direction the team seems to be going for (Episode 2 was a real mess during script development. Though it is just about done now as far as I know). The scripting will be divided between Emihime and Azarfirefly from here on in (episode 1 wont be changed, it's still mostly my scripting I think.). I still suggest people subscribe to the team though. ExceedSummonFTW. You can find them on youtube.
P.S. (to all)
I do respond to personal messages, so if you have (or you could make) an account and wanna send a message to me/ask a question then go ahead. Beats waiting for the next chapter to get a response right?