Authors notes: Another long delay I know, but a lot of extra work had to go into this one, for reasons you'll see.

Important: This story is going to get darker from here on in. You've been warned.

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The Emissary of Extinction

Chapter 33

City of Darkness

No-one was quite sure how long they remained in the darkness, but suddenly the feeling of movement slowed, before suddenly stopping. The once floating king descended unto the bottom of the darkness "We've arrived." Where his foot had pressed the darkness was breaking apart, like a tear in a fabric that ripped itself in all directions. The cursed veil of darkness quickly parted, freeing the occupants from the sphere of eternal hatred.

Suddenly everyone else wished Haou had left that damn thing on.

The would around them emitted darkness, every building and various cracks in the street emitted a black vapour, remnants of the darkness which had fallen upon the city. Eyes glanced all around, and in every direction it was the same. New York city was emitting a darkness, one they all recognized. The vile mist polluted the sky, erasing the light of the sun. Now the city was drenched in an early evening, a near silent one. A city as populated as New York being near silent. Some would deem that an impossibility, but on this day impossibility was a term that had been chewed up and sent down the drain. This had become a way of life for Judai and his friends, they had seen things some would not even begin to describe, and this was just another day.

So why was it so scary?

The king glanced around the city, looking for something, and suddenly his eye found it. A smaller pillar of black mist emitting from something on the ground, he walked over to it. "Just as I thought." He leaned down, unaffected by the mist. He picked up something, turning to show it to the rest of the group and was met with a resounding gasp.

Haou was the only one neither surprised or affected. "Nothing but bone left. Draygor seeks to destroy all life, and it's a task he has become very efficient in." He dropped the skull, letting it fall to the earth to acquire a few cracks.

Xiaolang collapsed again, but this time fatigue was not the problem. ""It's...everywhere. I can sense it everywhere. Draygor's...he's attacked the entire city. Then everyone...they're... It's my...my faul..." 'thud' In what could be called an act of mercy, Xiaolang was finally overcome by his fatigue. Now he would sleep, for a time. Kaiser had knelt down beside him, feeling his neck for a pulse.

"Just unconscious."

Haou turned to the distance, locating a unique structure..."This island has its own branch of the Academia, does it not? Draygor's powers are less effective against those with stronger spirits, likely how Xiaiolang has survived his encounters. I wonder if having vast numbers gathered together would reduce the damage from Draygor's power..." His theory seemed to have some grounds in fact, the building was smoking a lot less than the others around it. "I'm going to that building. Come or stay, but Xiaolang is the responsibility of whoever wants to take it." The king walked, his destination in mind. He expected that the others would soon follow, but he did not care. He was more than capable of dealing with whatever was going to try standing in his way, he didn't have to even know what he was facing to know that. His destination may have been the academia, but his thoughts were elsewhere. "Draygor and his servants. Where are they?"

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"Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones." Sosuke's disk cleaved clean through the remnants of a skeleton that was slumped up against a door, now no longer blocking his way. "Dem bones, dem bones-"

"Shut it, Sosuke!" Yuuka shook her head, desperate to shake off the dust from the bones that had fallen on her a while ago. "I hate bones! I hate dead bones! Why didn't they just turn to dust?"

Jinn threw a body off a chair, taking its place. "Draygor is far from his full power, it's amazing he pulled off as much as he did. He took quite a blow."

"Well where is Draygor now? Not here! He's gone off with his favourite!"

Sosuke made his disk vanish. "Death is our leader, and strongest of us. We're expendable next to him."

Finally satisfied she was bone-dust free, Yuuka stopped. "Where are they anyway?"

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"Death...I am...weakened. That boy...has damaged my very being."

In his hand Kenji held a mass of darkness, with many wisps of smoke-like essence in the air around them. "We will fight for you. We will defeat others and gather energy for you to feed upon. You just rest here, master."

"Kill that cursed offspring of Ritan. I can sense him. He's here. I want his head, his blood. Bring his broken body before me!"

Kenji nodded. "It will be done, but first..." Kenji opened a door, walking in and placing the darkness in the center of the room before walking over to a window and opening it. At the height of this skyscraper, the darkness from the outside seeped into the room easily now. "We can't have any of them suspecting where you are...given your condition. Please just focus on recovering. We'll fight across this dead city for you."

"Mostly dead."

"What?"

"Mostly. I can sense it. Most of the population are dead, but there are still living people in this city. Kill them all."

"And once Ritan comes?"

"He must die too. And bring me back my bones, it has been too long since I have truly walked. I leave the battle in your command."

"As you wish." Kenji closed the door behind him, it would be some time before he would come to the building again.

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Haou stepped onto the stone pathway which lead directly into the academia campus before him, it was indeed an impressive feat of architecture. The main building did not resemble any building he'd ever seen. It was a large building, easy bigger than any of the dorms, but not as big as the main building of the campus he was familiar with. The foundations of the building were in the shape of a square, but as you looked up the sides of the building the square shape suddenly expanded outwards, all the way to the top. The roof of the building had a dome shape on it. The front of the building looked to have been carved into the rest of the building. The many front doors of the building had windows on every one, with another giant set of windows above them. A distance above even that set was a much smaller row of windows, which later would be revealed to be the headmaster's office.

Before this day the area outside the front of the academia was likely beautiful, with many trees and grassy areas kept in various places around the stone ground. Now however, the ground and trees were dead, and the two large towers that stood in front of the academia were now emitting the dark mist that polluted the sky.

Haou let his darkness cover him again and opened his mouth, it was time for another one of his broadcasted speeches.

"I speak to any who remain in this Academia. I have not come to fight you, but I will if I must. Now someone within, come out and face me. I am not here to fight you, but if you provoke me I will strike."

Behind him, Kaiser, Jim, Austin, Fubuki, Yusuke, Manjoume and Edo approached, cautiously, a certain cat following them without a care in the world. Few better than some of those present knew how quickly the King could turn from calm to wrathful. Haou neither wondered or cared where the others were, but had he thought on it the answer would have been obvious.

A minute passed, but Haou seemed not to be bothered by the passage of time. Another thirty seconds later and he finally got a response.

The front doors opened. Only three people had come out to meet the small group that had come. The first was clearly the oldest of the three, and slightly taller than the others too. Haou had a suspicion that this man was the headmaster of this campus, and would be proven right. He was much younger than the counterpart Haou knew, and actually had a head full of hair. His hair made him very distinguishable from the rest of the group, as he was the only one who had dark hair. His hair was very well kept, and was not shaped into any distinct style. It was somewhat long however, with it coming down nearly the entire length of the back of his neck. His facial hair however was rather distinct. He had a very pronounced goatee, but if there ever was a beard or moustache he'd shaven it off. The single most distinguishing feature on his face however, were his eyebrows. They were rather pronounced, and in the right lighting could have made it appear as if dark fire was emanating from his eyes. Eyes that were a very bright hazel and despite the image his eyebrows could have raised, not so sinister at all. They were not the compassionate eyes that Samejima gazed at the world with, but the eyes of a fair, but strict man. Some would later wonder if this man kept his eyebrows as sinister as they were to keep his students on his toes, not that they'd ever get an answer to that.

The choice on clothing he wore was different from any kind of uniform Haou could recognize. The uniform was almost entirely white. The collar of the coat was extremely large, so large in fact that at full height would have nearly reached the very top of his head, but the fabric had been folded so it only reached up a little below half way up the ear.

The pads on each of his shoulders was of minor interest, each one a black surface that had been affixed to the clothing and held an interesting decoration. On each of the pads there were five stripes of gold. One of the more unique aspects of this coat was how it was kept closed, by buttons. There were six of them, three sets of two that were parallel with one another. The overlapping of the fabric of the coat was also irregular, where most would likely meet in the middle, this coat lapped over near the right shoulder. The center of the front side of the length of this coat stopped just below the waist line, but the other sides, along with the back of the coat went down the length of the legs, stopping shortly above the black boots the man wore. The overlapping of the fabric, along with the edges of the coat was made more pronounced by the black trim the coat had, adding more to its unique look. There was something else on the coat as well, near the heart. A grid of squares, some with symbols on them. Haou could not make out the details and he honestly didn't care enough to study them in detail. Under the coat Haou could see the man was wearing black, with a gold star on the collar of the what Haou assumed was a shirt. Overall this man was one of the most uniquely dressed Haou had ever seen, and between him and Judai, that was saying a lot.

The much younger man on the man's left wore a hat, which was so very much like a traditional navy admirals cap, which obscured most of the top of his head. The hat itself was void of the traditional decorations, instead the only decoration being a small white square at the front of the hat where the letters 'DA' were drawn. A quick scan of Judai's memories lead him to memories of sandwiches, where the exact same symbol was on the packaging of every one. The hat did next to nothing when it came to concealing its wearers very spiky hair. This young man's long blonde hair shot out in spikes behind him, and three 'blades' of it on either side of his face. The shade provided by the hat did not hide his striking hazel eyes, each one reflecting a slightly harder heart than either other member of his group. Like the other man, and the third member of the group, his uniform didn't strike Haou as being traditional student (or teacher) garments. Haou was not familiar with most customs of the world he was in so he could not place the fact the uniforms were akin to Navy Admiral uniforms. One difference that caught Hoau's eyes were the number of gold stripes on this man's shoulders, three each, just like the third member. Likely this was some kind system that denoted the position of people in this school, not that the king cared. Aside from the hat and change in gold stripes, the younger man dressed just like the oldest member of the group, except he wore a white shirt underneath his uniform and the collar was a little less pronounced, not even reaching his ears.

The third was the only female in the group. Like the man on the right, she also wore a hat, but it was an entirely different one from his. Hers was much smaller, and the shape was unlike any hat Judai or Haou had ever seen, and was far too small to cover the top of her head. Her hat also held the 'DA' symbol, but hers was on the left side of the hat rather than the center, assuming it would even be possible to put the mark on the 'center' of this hat. She had vibrant blonde hair which reached down to the back of her neck. He was briefly reminded of his past life, when noblemen from across his kingdom would offer up their most beautiful daughters to be his wife, but the king's heart was always spoken for. She was indeed a beautiful young woman, with a small black mole underneath her left eye that somehow did not distract from the rest of her face. Each of her ears were laden with an ear ring, a small silver chain that dripped down from her ears, to connect to a gold shape with seemed to hold the small bright emeralds upon them in place. Her eyes were a deep shade of blue, and held much confidence, but Haou could see the fear she held in them. He'd been a solider far too long to not see the fear she hid, that all three of them hid.

Her uniform was different from the males of the group, in particular the fabric of her coat overlapped in the more traditional center. Also the length of her coat stopped entirely at the waistline. Perhaps her uniform was thel girls uniform here, a conclusion Haou as he noticed she wore a short white skirt, so short that much of her legs were exposed to the general public. Another feature for boys to try and catch a glance at when they could get away with it. Haou didn't realize it, but another characteristic both him and Judai shared had been laid bare for all to see. Despite being both male and young, neither seemed to take any time to pursue the more typical interests of men their age, and today was no exception. Had Haou not been one to focus solely on his lusts for dominance, power and revenge he might have had time to admire the largest chest he'd ever seen, but alas Haou was one who would never enjoy the finer things in life, a very ironic thing considering he was in fact a King.

They walked only a short distance, enough only to speak to the new arrivals. Unsurprisingly the oldest was the one to speak. "Identify yourselves!"

"Haou. These are allies in my battle against the cause for the wrath this city has fallen under."

"Cause? You clearly have power. Why should I think you're not the cause of this?"

"Because you are still alive. The being that did this, Draygor, would have killed the three of you and proceeded into the building behind you by now, and used his servants to kill off everyone inside. If you want to label me alongside him." He raised his disk. "Prepare to suffer my wrath. I will not be compared to him."

"You'd do that? Over a mere opinion? You're not making a great impression." The man had raised his duel disk.

"I am not your enemy, I am his. But if I have to fight you then so be it."

"Then so be it."

"Due-"

"WAIT!"

"What in the-!" Before the king could speak any more, both of his shoulders had been grabbed. "Phoenix!"

Ignoring the king, Edo quickly started speaking while Manjoume tightened his grip, trying to silently order him to keep quiet for a moment. "Sorry! Just let us borrow him for a moment."

"You better explain yourself, Phoenix or you're next."

Another voice broke into the conversation. "You're not very good at recruiting are you?"

"I think you will recall I once had an army under my command, Kaiser Ryo."

"Don't compare monsters to humans. Just listen for a moment. You want to make allies of these people, right?"

"'Want' may be the wrong word. Their assistance would serve us better against Draygor."

"Fair enough. But they're people, humans. And people prefer acts of kindness over threats." Kaiser turned to Edo, and then to Manjoume. "You two are well known in Japan. Your fame might have made it over here as well. Chances are they'll respond to you better. You two go talk to them." He turned back to Haou. "We don't need to resolve everything by fighting."

Edo walked a short distance from the group, but still a considerable distance away. "I know he may not seem it, but Haou is against the creature that did this. As are we. I know you don't trust us so how about a deal? I'll duel you. If I win, you hear our story out. You win, we go, and we wont bother you again."

"Interesting offer, Edo Phoenix. I'm surprised to meet you, especially under these circumstances. But I am afraid I cannot take it. I do on the other hand, have two children who would like to duel you." He gave a glance to those who had come out with him. "My daughter, Reggie, and my son, David. But since there is only one of you..." He looked to Manjoume. "They have also expressed great interest in you. Would you two be willing to indulge them in a two-on-two duel?"

Edo turned to Manjoume. "What do you say?"

"Sure." He walked away from Edo, taking a position that would place in across from David. "Bring it on!"

The father turned to his children. "Be careful. We cannot be sure that their words are honest."

"Okay, Daddy.".

"Sure thing, Principal MacKenzie."

"David, even if adopted, you're my son, you can call me 'dad'."

"Sorry, dad, force of habit. Leave things to us and don't worry."

"You're my kids. It's my job to worry, but I'll try and take a vacation for a while." He walked past them. "Have fun you two."

It wasn't long before the duellists were in position. "Duel!"

(Manjoume & Edo LP/8000)
(David & Reggie LP/8000)

Manjoume would be the first to take a turn in this duel. "My turn. Draw. I set two cards. Next I summon Ojama Yellow."

It was true what Ryo had suspected, Majoume's fame had spread beyond Japan. His victory over Edo had sky-rocketed his fame overnight and when he'd entered the pro league himself his fame only shot higher and higher. He had quite a reputation about him now. So having his first summon be a tiny whatever the Ojama family is supposed to look like be his very first summon wasn't exactly the most befitting thing for a man of his reputation to do. (Defence position. ATK/0 DEF/1000) "I'm your first summon. You really believe in me, Aniki!"

Manjoume smiled. "Something like that." "Turn end!"

David grinned. "How dull. I would have expected better from one that defeated Edo Phoenix. Draw!" He took a second to glance at his draw, and once he'd checked his hand he knew what to do. "I summon COMM Seeker 4-18-14."

The monster was humanoid in appearance, but that is where its humanity ended. In appearance the monster could almost be described as a grey colored metallic mannequin. 'Almost' because this monster held some unique features. There were two screens on the monster's body. One on its chest, the other on its face.

The chest screen was black. Completely. As this monster was apparently a machine, it would have seemed this screen was simply at this point, turned off.

The face screen was a different color from the chest screen, the background was a bright blue. There was white text on the screen, containing two lines of data. "ATK: 1800", "DEF: 1400". Above the screen the number "4" had been printed onto the surface. The meaning of the data and imprint quickly became obvious. (Attack position. ATK/1800 DEF/1400)

The mechanized human had no hands, instead there was a lens of teal glass where the hands would have connected to the rest of the body. This glass didn't seem to be another screen, but whatever it was used for would be revealed later.

"I was your first summon. You're really trying to kill me, Aniki!"

"I activate a continuous spell card, COMMAND Set – Seek!"

"COMMAND Set?"

"A 'COMMAND' waits for something that can execute it. That time is now! COMM Seeker 4-18-14 effect activate! Command Request!" The chest screen turned on, starting white before changing into blue. "Once per turn, my COMM Seeker can select 1 'COMMAND' Spell or Trap card I control. I target COMMAND Set – Seek." For a second there was a flash of green from the chosen card, signifying it's effect was now active. "COMMAND Set – Seek Effect Activate! When a 'COMM Seeker' monster selects it with its effect, that Seeker will gain an effect, depending on certain conditions, until the end phase. Variable Analysis!" The screen on 4-18-15s chest was suddenly flashing something, "4" "Level 4! Command Download!" The screen was suddenly active with more than just its level. Now a string of 0s and 1s was travelling across the screen. Even a duel monster, this monster was still a computer-based entity. The screen suddenly changed its color to a neon green. "4-18-14 Command Execute! Once per turn I can add level 4 or below 'COMM Seeker' from my deck to my hand. I cannot summon this turn, and 4-18-14 cannot attack this turn, but as I cannot attack this turn because of the rules anyway so that's not a problem."

4-18-14 raised its right hand, the lens suddenly lighting up. The teal surface was up to something. From it rose something made of pure light. At a glance it could have been fooled for a bar code scanner, perhaps that it was meant to be. He pulled out and parted his deck, finding what he wanted very quickly. As he raised the card from the deck, the scanner emitted a ray of blue light, forming a card shaped ray that covered the card "COMM Seeker 2-8-6." The ray turned green, the card was an acceptable target. "I set one card, turn end."

Now it was Edo's turn. "My turn. Draw. I set one card. Next I summon a monster. Come on! Destiny Hero Diamondguy!"

Edo's move was a little more befitting of his reputation. A monster who had many large diamonds poking out of him was a much more intimidating sight than what Manjourme had played first. The Hero took to his knees, crossing his arms in front of him. (Defence position. ATK/1400 DEF/1600) "Diamondguy effect activate. Once per turn, I can pick up the top card of my deck. If the card is a normal Spell card, I must send it to my Cemetery and have its effect activate during my next standby phase, even if I no longer control Diamondguy." He picked up his top card. "D – Mind." He placed it in his Graveyard. "Turn end."

Reggie was smiling. "I've always wanted to duel you, Edo Pheonix. You Japanese professionals always have something interesting to show, but you're the one I've always wanted to fight."

"You any many others. I get fan mail from girls every other day saying they want to duel me."

"Don't throw me in with them. " She drew a card, it was her turn. "I doubt any of them use a Hero deck as well."

"You do?"

"Yes. Let me show it to you." She placed a monster in a monster zone. "Descend! Hallowed Hero Kokabiel."

This Hero was rather small for a 'Hero'. This 'Hero' was little more than a child in size, but by no means was this a human child, or anything even close to human. This was something else. This child was an angel. A literal angel.

The boy was smiling as his face sparkled, literally. All around its form there was something glittering in the air. If one were to look close enough, even his iris were star shaped, and were also gold colored except for his pupils, which were normal. His short, spiky hair was a bright blonde.

His chest was covered by white armor, but it was littered with engravings of golden stars. Even if an angel, this Hero was a child at both heart and body. Beneath the armor the hero was dressed in an armless white robe. Both of his arms and feet were completely bare, and from each a trail of stardust was falling, but not quite hitting the ground before vanishing. This was an angel of the stars. His small white wings also emitted the stardust as they flapped in the air, keeping the Hero from having to actually step on the ground. (Attack position. ATK/300 DEF/600)

"Angelic Heroes?"

"Hallowed. Don't take his appearances as a sign of weakness. These Fairies are strong heroes."

David shifted his cap slightly, getting a better look at his sister's side of the battle. "When you can get a useful one to the field."

"Beats your monsters. They don't even have effects on their own."

He shifted it back. "I ain't having this conversation, again."

"Wimp."

"Airhead"

"Asshole"

"Gasbag."

"Nerd."

"Bimbo."

"Prick!"
"Bitch!"

"Knock it off you two!"

"Sorry, dad."

"Sorry, daddy."

The principal sighed. "Kids."

Reggie turned back to Edo, intent on continuing her turn. "Spell Card activate. Celestial Transformation. I can special summon a Fairy-type monster from my hand. Its attack power points will be halved, and it will be destroyed at the end phase. I special summon Hallowed Hero Kerubiel."

This hero was no child. Unlike the previous Hallowed Hero this monster was truly and intimidating hero. This hero didn't smile, didn't carry an aura of playfulness as its ally did. Perhaps Reggie should have considered opening the duel with this Hero if she wanted to make a strong impression.

This angel's hair was on fire, or was perhaps made of fire. Said burning hair fell down to below his neck in a ponytail. His face was not so different, his eyes were just glowing orbs and fire emitted from the inside of his mouth. This angel had more wings than its ally as well. A huge pair of wings shot out from his back, each one seeming to crackle with electricity from an unknown source. His arms, which were held out in front of him, had a wing poking out from the outer side of them, almost like they were meant to be used as a blade. This angel had armor on its chest as well, along with its lower body. This armor was completely black, and had no markings upon them. With a face like the one this Hero had, no extra features were needed to grasp attention. (Attack position. ATK/1600 DEF/1200. Celestial Transformation effect. ATK/800) Even with the appearance of this hero, there was a problem, one Edo could not help but wonder about.

"She's summoned two monsters that can't defeat any of ours. And she used up her normal summon so she can't tribute."

Guessing Edos thoughts, Reggie spoke. "You wonder what I'm planning, right? Well I'll show you! From my deck I activate the effect of a Hallowed Hero! Call from up high!" Above the heroes, far above them a circle of light appeared in the air. Both angels started rising up, headed for the manifestation from 'from up high'. "By returning both of my Hallowed Heroes to my deck, I can summon another from my deck whose level is equal to the combined level of the monsters returned. I return Kokabiel who's level one and Kerubiel who's level four. I special summon Hallowed Hero Uriel!"

Above the combatants of the duel, but still far below the darkness of the sky something emerged from the circle of white light. This was the Hero that had been called down from the sky. This was Uriel.

Uriel was different from the last Hero that had come, he was not quite so fearful to look upon. Most of his head was covered by his helmet, a crimson helmet with many gold spikes poking out of it. One from the very top, and the rest forming a line going down either side of Uriel's face. His face was stern, but much less unique than the last Hero to be summoned. His eyes were brown, and didn't seem to have much of any emotion in them, like he was just watching, waiting. For what one could only wonder.

Uriel's armor was white, almost completely from neck to toe the angel was clad in steel. A cuirass covered his chest, upon which was engraved a symbol of the sun, which had unleashed great flames across the rest of the surface of the chest plate. The blazes themselves, along with the sun had been realistically colored, creating the look as if someone had somehow stopped fire in time, and attached it to the armor Uriel wore. Thick shoulder guards covered the both the upper arms and shoulders of this angel. The Angel's legs were also covered in the armor, right down to the metal boots he wore. Under the armor one could also see crimson chain mail if they looked close enough.

The Hero held its weapon of choice in its right hand, a very simple but impressive weapon. A sword, but not a traditional one. Uriel's bare hand glowed as he held it, the very long blade, that held no guard and was rather thin for a sword. But size and weight did not matter to this sword and it's gentle glow, because this sword held one attribute that meant that it was a danger to anything that would call Uriel his enemy.

This sword was made of fire.

Uriels wings were perhaps the most inspiring feature upon him. They had spread out far so it was easy to see the details of this magnificent extensions of the Hero. The wings themselves appeared to be made of Gold, but each had been draped in some kind of armor, making the wings appear to burn like Uriel's blade at a quick glance, particular in this moment when the sword itself was casting light on said wings.

This Hallowed Hero was a rank above those who had come before him, and one could rightly wonder, if this Hero was this much more of a sight to behold above its underlings, how much more magnificent were the ones who considered him an underling? (Attack position. ATK/2400 DEF/1800)

"Uriel, battle! Attack Destiny Hero Diamondguy! Sacred Inferno!"

Uriel raised his burning blade as he rose high into the air, casting his eyes upon the targeted Hero. He turned the blade slightly in the air, making sure the tip would be pointing at Diamondguy. He swung down.

The sword seemed to explode, and a geyser of fire burst from the entire blade. The Geyser expanded and expanded as it travelled towards its target.

It hit. Diamondguy screamed as the sacred blades burned even the Diamond that composed his body. No matter how much he'd scream or struggle however, nothing would stop his fate. The fires finally consumed him, obliterating his entire body. Edo was now defenceless, a fact Reggie could not help comment on.

"Looks like you're at a disadvantage, Edo."

"Do you think so? We're not done yet."

"Just wait. We may be students, but me and my brother have wiped the floor with pros on more than one occasion. Daddy's a bit of a show off when it comes to the strength of his students."

"Sometimes I think that's why he adopted me, since I was toughest among the boys. I expect him to say 'Boy, if you ever lose I'll disown you' one day."

"I'm right here, kids."

"And we're not losing, so there's nothing to worry about."

"You mean aside from the entire city?"

"I was trying not to think about it."

"Guess that makes two of us. I set one card. Turn end."

Haou kept his silence, but he was far from pleased with the opening round. "You let them get the power advantage. If you want to win a duel you must gain control early. Now you're going to be beaten into the ground. Then again, you both have a habit of reversing odds according to Judai's memories. It's a shame I cannot motivate you myself. Were you my subordinates I would kill you were you to fail."

Manjoume was ready to make a move. "My turn. Draw. I activate a continuous spell card Tactics of the Weakest. As long as this spell is active, when a monster with zero attack points attacks an attack position monster whose attack is 1000 or greater, that monster's attack points will be reduced to zero for that battle. I move Ojama Yellow to attack position." "Wait! Aniki!" (ATK/0) "Ojama Yellow, battle! Attack COMM Seeker 4-18-14!" "Oh no."

Ojama Yellow gulped down his fear. He jumped, somehow managing to propel himself across the arena. He pulled back his fist, before declaring his attack "Ojama Punch!" On any other day, this would be an effort doomed to fail. On this day however the odds were evened.

Almost. "Continuous trap Card Activate. COMMAND Set - Protection! 4-18-14! Target COMMAND Set - Protection! Command Request!" Yet again the screen on 4-18-14 showed the number "4". "Variable Analysis. Level 4. Command Download!" Another sequence of 0s and 1s ran across the screen of 4-18-14, another Command was being processed. "4-18-14 Command Execute! Once per turn, I can prevent 4-18-14 being affected by an opponents card effect. I prevent the effect of your Spell being used on 4-18-14!"

The Seeker raised its left arm, and suddenly the lens started to emit light. Not just in front of it, but in all directions. A Sphere of light was forming around the Seeker, and then around the Ojama when it reached it. There would be no effects altering the outcome of this battle. The Seeker raised its right arm, forming a fist of light. "Ojama Punch" met the Seeker's attack, and the outcome was decided in a second.

(Manjoume & Edo LP/8000 → 6200)

Edo looked to this team-mate "Any other bright ideas, genius?"

"A couple. Trap Card Activate! Ojamable. I can activate this when an 'Ojama' monster is destroyed, I can return Ojama Yellow to my deck now, and draw two cards, but then I have to discard one." He picked up his Ojama Yellow card, hearing his ace speak just before it reached his deck. "Thanks for letting me get away, Aniki." Manjoume began quickly shuffling his deck, placing it back in after a handful of shuffles. "Draw." He took once glance at his hand before discarding the card he wanted into the grave. He was considering his move when Edo spoke again.

"So that was your plan? Not bad, but we need better."

"I got better, don't worry. Trap card activate. Ojamassault. During the turn an "Ojama" monster is destroyed, and I control no monsters, I can special summon one of each 'Ojama Yellow', 'Ojama Black' and 'Ojama Green' from my deck in attack position." He parted and searched through his deck, finding his monsters very quickly. He pulled them out, and just before placing them on the field he heard them all speak, clearly terrified. "We don't wanna go out there!" "I summon Ojama Yellow, Green and Black!"

"NOOOOOOOOO!" Unceremoniously, the three Ojama brothers were slammed onto the field. As if that alone wasn't cruel enough, they stood up to discover what position Manjoume had placed them in. (All attack position. ATK/0 DEF/1000)

In ordinary circumstances, summoning three monsters with zero attack points would be considered insane, but Manjoume had a certain spell to change that, and David noticed. "This was his aim all along. He'd use Ojama Yellow to attack, then once he destroyed 4-18-14 he'd move onto Uriel. We'd be defenceless. Good thing I stopped him the first time, but I can't do it again. Let's hope Reggie's got something."

Manjoume was carefully considering his next move. "David can't stop me again, but Reggie might be able to. I didn't plan for this. I thought I could take out his Seeker then Reggie's Hero and have two Ojamas to spare. But now I have to sacrifice two Ojamas to destroy their monsters, but Reggie might have her set card ready just for that. Hero decks, they're such a pain in the ass." He grasped a card from his hand, there was only one thing to do.

"I move to my main phase two. I activate a Spell Card, Ojamadeal. I can return any number of 'Ojama' monsters I control to my deck. Then I can draw one card for each monster returned. I must show you every card I draw, and any 'Ojama' cards I draw are sent to the Graveyard." "Make up your mind already!" Ignoring his three aces, Manjoume shuffled them into his deck before placing it back. He drew all three cards at once, looking at them before showing them to the rest of the participants. "Polymerization, Megamorph and Masked Dragon. I don't have to discard a thing. I summon Masked Dragon."

The red and grey-ish colored dragon had already curled itself up into a defence-able position when it arrived on the field, it's eyes watching the Seeker across from it with considerable intent. It would rather have not battled the machine, but both were duel monsters, and duel monsters were destined to fight to the death. Life sucked for these creatures. (Defence position. ATK/1400 DEF/1100) "Turn end."

David grinned. "Masked Dragon eh? It, along with whatever it summons will be target practice. My turn, draw! I summon COMM Seeker 2-8-6!"

A miniature version of 4-18-14 appeared. The differences between it and its larger version was that this one had a "2" imprinted on its "head", it was coloured white, and the lenses on its arms were white. Also the data on its 'face' was different. "ATK: 800", "DEF: 600". (Defence position. ATK/800 DEF/600) "COMM Seeker 2-8-6 Effect activate! Command Request! Target COMMAND Set – Seek!"

Booting up into blue, the number "2" quickly appeared on the screen. "Variable Analysis. Level 2! Command Download!" Again a bunch of 0s and 1s made their way across the screen. Anyone who had been looking closely enough would have realized that so far no two sequences had been the same. The second the sequence had finished, leaving the screen a neon blue, "COMMAND Set – Seek" shattered. David was quick to explain the meaning of this.

"Because 'Seek' has given commands to Seekers twice now, it is destroyed. All my 'COMMAND' cards can only be used so many times before they're destroyed. 2-8-6 Command Execute! I can move a COMMAND Spell or Trap card from my deck to the top of my deck."

Exactly like before, a scanner of light appeared in the seekers 'hand'. Except this one was white in color. David picked up a card, and the scanning process started all over again. He revealed his selected card. "I move COMMAND – Upgrade." After the brief moment of David properly shuffling his deck he continued. "I activate a continuous Spell Card, COMMAND Set – Engage. COMM Seeker 4-18-14 effect activate. Command Request. Target COMMAND Set – Engage!"

The process was identical to the first. "Variable Analysis! Level 4! Command Download!"

Whatever this Command was, was something that was going to have to wait. David had something else in mind first. "Equip Spell Activate! Break Draw! I can only equip it to a Machine type monster, and I choose 4-18-16. Each time the equipped monster destroys another monster by battle, I can draw a card. Now COMM Seeker 4-18-14 Command Execute! By making it the only monster I control that is allowed to attack, it can attack all monsters you control. I know what Masked Dragon can do when it's destroyed, consider your reaction wisely! COMM Seeker 4-18-14, battle! "

4-18-14 raised its fighting arm, and again was forming something out of light. This time the light took the form of a revolver. Since it was looking to attack more than one target, what better than a gun? It fired its first round, the bullet of light not even taking half a second to reach and cause its target to explode. David grinned as he spoke.

"I destroyed you monster, so I can draw a card." He did "You wanna summon another target for me?"

"I probably shouldn't, but I will. Masked Dragon effect activate! I can special summon another Dragon-type monster from my deck whose attack points are 1500 or less. I summon another Masked Dragon!" A second 'target' was now between Manjoume and 4-18-14 (Defence position ATK/1400 DEF/1100)

"Are you trying to get us beaten?"

"I got a plan!"

"And it benefits me. 4-18-14! Attack again!"

The barrel of the revolver moved to the next round before sounding off another shot. Yet again its target was wiped off the face of the field, leaving David to collect his second card. Manjoume wasn't about to call it quits though.

"Masked Dragon effect activate! This time I summon Armed Dragon Level 3!" This dragon took an alternative pose to defend itself, holding up both its rather thick arms across its chest. This precaution wouldn't be of any help. (Defence position. ATK/1200 DEF/900)

"One more target for my Seeker! Destroy it!"

The third round shot off like the first two, and the result was no different. With his third target destroyed, David drew his third and final card. "I set one card. Turn end."

Edo was next. "My turn. Draw! Diamondguy effect activate! I activate the effect of D – Mind from my Cemetery! I must special summon a level three or lower 'Destiny Hero' from my deck. Come on! Destiny Hero Dread Servant!"

The servant of the prisoner of the Clock Tower appeared kneeling, not before anyone in particular, but his shield was raised and his staff by his side. This Hero was ready to defend its current master. (Defence position. ATK/400 DEF/700) "Spell card activate. Destiny Draw. I must discard a 'Destiny Hero' monster. Then I can draw two cards. I discard Destiny Hero Diabolicguy." He discarded the soon to be useful hero before picking up his cards. "Spell card activate. D – Birth. I can revive a 'Destiny Hero' from the Cemetery, but it'll be destroyed during the end phase. Come on. Destiny Hero Diamondguy." (Defence position. ATK/1400 DEF/1600) "Diamondguy effect activate." Edo did not bother to explain it this time, he simply picked up and revealed a card. "Another normal spell. D – Guide." He placed it in his graveyard. "It will activate itself from my cemetery next turn. Speaking of my cemetery, Diabolicguy effect activate! By removing it from play, I can special summon another 'Diabolic Guy' from my deck." The hero ejected itself from Edo's graveyard, with the third year/professional duellist placing it into his deck box before looking through his deck for-"Come on, Destiny Hero Diabolicguy!"

Two 'snaps' sounded from the ground as the toughest looking Destiny Hero appeared to the field. With its two gigantic bat wings, three horns on its head, the razor sharp claws emitting from its hands and the physique it held this creature rightfully earned its name. However, names and appearances are not always the best way to determine actual strength. (Defence position. ATK/800 DEF/800) " I tribute all three of my Destiny Heroes!" The Heroes vanished one by one, something else was about to take their place. "Come on! Destiny Hero Dogmaguy!"

Now this was a hero whose appearance accurately reflected his power. His gigantic form created a shadow over the field before he finally descended to the ground. The balance of power had been shifted. Now Edo was the duellist with the greatest fire-power.(Attack position. ATK/3400 DEF/2400) One thing in Duel Monsters was always constant, no matter how powerful a monster you summoned, it was always best to consider your move before you made it, and Edo knew it better than most.

"Who do I attack now? There's Uriel, but I have no idea what to expect when I do. That Seeker on the other hand, I at least know their weakness. I'll attack David's monster, I'm ready for the worst case scenario." "Dogmaguy! Battle! Attack 4-18-14!"

Dogmaguy raised its blade before suddenly gliding towards its target. This was going to be over quickly.

But not that quickly. "Continuous trap activate! COMMAND Set – Counter-attack! COMM Seeker 4-18-14 effect activate! Target COMMAND Set – Counter-attack!"

Unlike before, 4-18-14 had no number upon its chest screen, this set of "Commands" was different from the rest. It was optional. "Target effect number one!" Another sequence of 0s and 1s were processed, the Seeker had found a new Command. "4-18-14 Command Execute! It gains attack points equal to half the monster attacking it for the duration of this battle!" 4-18-14 raised its hand, before rushing forward just like Dogma Guy was, and it had formed a blade that was a copy of its opponent, if made of light. (ATK/3500)

The fight was indeed over quickly, but Dogmaguy was the one to fall. Once again David was permitted to draw a card, which he did so silently.

(Manjoume & Edo LP: 6200 → 6100)

Now it was Manjourmes turn to the witty remark, and he had just the perfect one in mind. "Any other bright ideas, genius?"

"Bite me! Trap activate. Destiny Signal! I can special summon a level four or below 'Destiny Hero' from my deck. Come on! Destiny Hero Diskguy!" Now it was Edo's turn to disappoint. The blue-skinned, disk-wearing hero was far from the most impressive sight to be seen in this duel, but at least Edo would have a defending monster. (Defence position. ATK/300 DEF/300) "I set two cards and then activate a field spell. Clock Tower Prison."

As soon as the card was taken by the disk everything started to change. The black sky was suddenly replaced by a more normal nights sky, with a moon looking down at them from high in the sky. The academia, along with its surroundings were erased as a whole new building arose from the ground. In seconds the four stood inside a courtyard of something the card name described well. It was a prison, and a clock tower loomed behind Manjoume and Edo, overlooking the entire duel. Manjoume and Edo may have been at a disadvantage, but now they at least had a home field to play on. The clock of destiny was starting to tick. Ticking towards the end of the battle.

"Turn end."

With one Hero user having finished his turn, it was time for the other to take hers. "Draw." Before Reggie could continue, the world was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a clock chiming. The tower clock's hand had turned. "Huh?"

"During each of my opponents standby phases, my Clock Tower gains one Clock Counter." (Clock Tower Prison/1)

"Well I'll worry about that later. I'm going to continue with my turn. Since I control a 'Hallowed Hero' monster, I can special summon this from my hand. I special summon Hallowed Hero Jerahmeel."

Jerahmeel was the most unique Hallowed Hero to be summoned so far, for the fact that he didn't actually wear armor. In terms of dress, he was the most simply dressed. His face was smiling, not the childish smile of Kokabiel, but an old one, a wiser one, one that had seen much, perhaps much he did not want to recall. This was a smile of compassion, one reflected in his eyes. This angel wore only a white robe that covered his entire body. His hands were clasped together in front of him as his white wings beat softly against the air, with his auburn hair moving gently against the draft. For a 'Hero', this monster appeared to be oddly tranquil. (Attack position. ATK/2200 DEF/2000) "Jerahmeel cannot attack this turn however, but I don't need him for that. I'm returning them both to the deck. Call from up high!" Unlike before, there was no circle of light in the sky. Both Heroes merely rose up into the darkened sky, passing through the darkness like it wasn't even there. "I return Uriel and Jerahmeel to my deck to summon a level ten Hallowed Hero. Descend! Hallowed Hero Michael!"

The darkness above them parted, in what could be called a miracle the new angelic Hero descended upon the world. Whatever the Duel Monster equivalent was to 'Heaven' was where this Hero was coming down from. The angel radiated with an aura of purest white, even its exposed skin shone with the holy aura. Michael's face was completely uncovered, with his deep blonde hair dancing in the air as he descended to the earth. His face was that of a young man. The aura he emitted made it impossible to determine anything about Michaels eyes, they just seemed to glow with the same aura his being did. His blonde hair also seemed to glow, but whether it was from the glow his body emitted, or it glowed on its own was a mystery.

The armor on this angel's chest was a different from the other angelic heroes to come before him, he was glad in a teal colored armor, which held nothing in the way of decoration. It would have been fair to call this armor bland in appearance. It was not the cutesy armor of Kokabiel, nor the creepy one of Kerubiel. Or the poetic one of Uriel. This armor seemed only to protect its wearer, and to do nothing else. Despite its lack of decoration the armor was in great condition, to the point that it actually shined in the glow that emanated from Michael. There was no armor on his arms or legs, instead the only covering on Michael's legs was what most would jokingly call a 'skirt', but anyone even mildly familiar with battle clothing would know he wore it to maximize leg movement. Said garment was also undecorated and a deep grey, coming to just above Michaels knees. Michael's wingspan was the largest yet seen, and there were four wings, two by two. The wings had no armor, were uncovered and not in the least bit special looking in nature, like someone had taken two very large sets of Eagle wings and affixed them to Michael's back.

While this monster's upper body may have been armored, no thought was given to its arms and legs, both were void of any armor, protection and barely any clothing for that matter. The only clothing Michael wore outside of his battle clothing were sandals. This monster's physical stature and mighty wingspan were a much more impressive sight than his sword, but it was an impressive work of divine craftsmanship none the less.

The handle of the blade was made of gold, but lacked any kind of decoration at the base of anywhere else on its handle. Instead it's true decoration was in the guard of the blade. A cylinder of gold reached out in both directions of the guard, before shooting upwards into a larger circle. It would take a few seconds of glancing to realize that the guard, and indeed the handle of the sword itself was meant to represent a set of weighing scales. A long white blade shot out from the handle, it too glowing with the same aura Michael glowed with.

An air of holiness would seem to many, to be reason enough to expect to be worshipped, but Michael did not carry an air around him that suggested that was what he wanted. It would have seemed that while this Hero may have indeed been some kind of divine, he did not wish to draw attention to that fact. His clothing was simple and practical, his blade, while a most interesting sight, was also one that could befit most any solider. Michael was one who did not wish to receive the adoration he would have perhaps deserved. Michael was just a solider, a divine one perhaps, but a solider none the less. (Attack position. ATK/3000 DEF/2600)

"Michael! Attack Diskguy. Holy Sword!"

Michael raised his sword to the sky, igniting it with pure light. His wings sudden lead against the air, sending Michael down to its soon to be destroyed target. He stuck, creating a shock-wave of pure light. Both Edo and Manjoume suddenly found themselves forced to cover their eyes from the holy light. This attack was of immense force, and its full wrath was yet to come. Through the light they both could hear Reggie speaking. "Hallowed Hero Michael effect activate! As long as I control him, all 'Hallowed Hero' monsters inflict piercing battle damage!"

Diskguy had already shattered into nothing, but the full wrath of the attack was still being unleashed. Edo, being closest to the source of the attack was almost knocked off his feet. (Manjoume & Edo LP: 6100 → 3400)

Reggie didn't feel like gloating. "I set two cards. Turn end."

Haou did not show it on his face, but he didn't need to. His eyes were glowing, which was always almost always a bad sign. "Pathetic."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Kenzan laid Xiaolang's unconscious head on his jacket. "He's not gonna be waking up for a while-sarus."

Asuka was looking down at the very noticeable stain on Xiaolang's jacket. "Is that blood his?"

"No-don. It's Koyo Hibiki's."

"Shouldn't we take the jacket off him?"

"Not yet. Rei and Sorano are looking for a clothing store-don. We'll take what we need."

Sho looked to the blackened sky, sadly. "I don't like the thought of stealing. But is it stealing when the people are..."

"Try not to think about it-sarus.

"I'M NOT GOING BACK IN THERE!"

"Eh?"

In a slightly comedic fashion, Rei was running in their direction, shaking her head, clearly trying to shake the thought of something. They would have laughed, but then she shared why she was running. "Bones! Everywhere!"

She continued running, and would have run passed them had Kenzan not put himself in her path. She collided with him, but against a build like Kenzans her body failed to shift him even slightly. He placed his hands on her shoulders. "Calm down." It took more than a few seconds, but finally Rei calmed down enough to speak, if with a shaky voice.

"B-bones. E-e-eveywhere. We walked in and they were...were everywhere. Peoples bones everywhere. I'm not...not going back!" Kenzan, unsure of what to do, simply kept his arms there, letting Rei vent off the terror she had just witnessed. While she did so Kenzan decided to probe his friend for details, when he finally showed up.

"How bad was it, Sorano?"

"Bad. I don't blame her for running. It gave me a good excuse to get away. This city's like a graveyard. But we at least found a mall. We can get everything we need, if we can stand the sight of all those bones."

"Alright-don. When the others get back we'll decide what to do-sarus. I just hope it's soon, things are not good."

"A city full of bones, a blackened sky and a monster intent on killing us all. I don't know a way this could get much worse, Kenzan."

As much as everyone would have liked to say 'it wasn't so bad'. To try and point out the good points, that they were altogether, they were (with the temporary exception of Xiaolang) healthy and fighting fit. To say things were good however would to have been an utter lie. They were in a city that had been turned into a Graveyard, caused by a monster that would very much like to kill them all, with another monster likely on the way. And to top it all off, their best fighter was under the control of a tyrant. Sorano had pointed it out well, it was hard to think of a way things couldn't get much worse.

A new voice spoke up. "I can think of one."

All eyes turned to face the skull mask-wearing leader of the Horsemen.. "Draygor demands Xiaolang. Let me take him and be spared."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

End of Chapter

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Today's strongest card

Destiny Hero Dread Servant

Monster

Dark

3

Warrior/Effect

ATK/400 DEF/700

When this card is Normal or Special Summoned, place 1 Clock Counter on "Clock Tower Prison". When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can destroy 1 Spell or Trap Card you control.

Commentary: Edo

"His second effect is even more useful than his first, if you use it right."

Authors notes:
Took over a year, but finally I got to my first ever two-on-two duel.

Next Chapter: End of the Tag Duel, and somebody's gonna be duelling Death.

(If it's not obvious who it's gonna be then that means my writing actually has some subtlety. First time for everything.)

Minor note: You may have noticed I've started using an arrow when it comes to life point changes. I figure this would make life point changes easier to keep up with.

P.S: The suggestion vote on a first name for Principal MacKenzie is still open.

About Reggie's hat: I'd have come up with a better description, but for the life of me I couldn't find what that kind if hat is called and further information about it. Just look up her page on the Yu-gi-oh! wiki if you wanna see it.