Episode 43: Dark Path Part 2
Seto and Scourge have just began a duel. Oblivion is watching from his throne. He thinks, My plan to seduce Seto with Darkness may not have worked, but I am far from done with him. Seto will become a force of Darkness, after all, it is his destiny. He will serve Darkness, even if that means the further manipulation of him.
Scourge says, "Since this place gives me the home field advantage, I'll go first." Scourge draws. "I summon Phantom Nebula - Butterfly (Dark/Level 4/Insect/Effect/ATK 1700/DEF 0)." The monster is a beautifully colored nebula shaped like a butterfly. "Then I'll activate Nebula Formation! Since I control a Phantom Nebula monster, I can special summon two Phantom Nebula Tokens (Dark/Level 1/Fairy/Token/ATK 0/DEF 0) in defense mode." Two amorphous nebulae appear on the field. "Since I control a Phantom Nebula Token, my Butterfly's effect makes it so that it can't be destroyed. On top of that, once per turn, you can't destroy a Phantom Nebula Token I control. Alright Seto, it's your turn (Scourge's hand: 4)."
Seto draws. "Hopefully this will be the last time I have to put up with a freak like you! I summon Plasma Soul (Light/Level 5/Thunder/Effect/ATK 0/DEF 0)!" Seto summons a monster that looks like a ghost made of yellow plasma. "This monster may be level five, but I can summon it without any tributes thanks to its effect! Next, since I just summoned a Plasma monster, I'll special summon Plasma Mimic (Light/Level 1/Thunder/Effect/ATK 0/DEF 0)!" This monster is an orb of orange plasma. "When I summon Plasma Mimic by its effect, its level becomes equal to the level of the first monster I summoned (Level: 5)." The orb transforms into a duplicate of Plasma Soul. "And now that I have two level five monsters on my field, your fate has been sealed! I tribute my two level five monsters in order to summon my ultimate monster!" The two monsters swirl together and form a yellow star. That star then begins to change into a white-blue color. "This beast was born from a star! It has power greater than a super nova! I summon Cosmic Plasma Dragon (Light/Level 8/Dragon/Effect/ATK 3000/DEF 2500)!" The silhouette of Seto's monster appears in the star. It roars and the star shrinks away, leaving behind the mighty dragon. "I may not be able to destroy your monster, but I can still damage you! Go, Plasma Stream of Destruction!" Cosmic Plasma Dragon fires a massive stream of plasma at Phantom Nebula - Butterfly. After hitting it, much of the plasma goes on to hit Scourge (Scourge's LP: 2700). "I will not lose to the likes of you (Seto's hand: 3)!"
Oblivion, still at his throne, thinks, Good Seto! Good! I can see the Darkness in your heart. Use it! Use it to destroy your enemies! You will be one of us in no time.
Scourge draws. "You made a mistake leaving me with my monster and tokens. Your downfall begins now. I summon Phantom Nebula - Little Ghost (Dark/Level 1/Zombie/Tuner/ATK 0/DEF 0)!" This monster is nebula shaped like a small ghost. "When I summon Little Ghost, I can special summon one Phantom Nebula Token! That's not all though! I can boost the level of my Little Ghost by one for every Phantom Nebula Token I control (Level: 4)! Now I have my level four Phantom Nebula - Little Ghost tune my level four Phantom Nebula - Butterfly and one of my level one Phantom Nebula Tokens. I Synchro Summon Phantom Nebula - Thor (Dark/Level 9/Thunder/Synchro/ATK 2600/DEF 2300)!" The new monster resembles the Nordic god of thunder, Thor, in nebula form. It wears a Viking helmet, and holds a hammer. "This monster gains 300 attack points for every Phantom Nebula Token I control, which is two (ATK: 3200). Now, attack Seto's dragon, Mjolnir Strike!" The monster raises its hammer and a bolt of lightning arcs from it to Cosmic Plasma Dragon. It is destroyed (Seto's LP: 3800).
Seto grunts. "You will pay for destroying my dragon."
Scourge responds playfully, "Oh Seto. You must learn to let go of things."
Seto snaps angrily, "Like my brother!?"
"Exactly! Do not worry though, many people have problems letting go. We will just have to work on that. Oh well. I guess that I'll just set a card and end my turn (Scourge's hand: 3)."
Seto draws. "Your strategy has one flaw! Your tokens are weak points. I plan to exploit that weakness. I summon Plasma Slayer (Light/Level 4/Warrior/Effect/ATK 1800/DEF 0)!" The monster is a warrior made of red plasma, holding two swords of orange plasma. "Plasma Slayer, attack one of Scourge's Phantom Nebula Tokens!" Seto's monster charges at Scourge's, and slashes through it. Thor loses some of its attack (ATK: 2900). "When Plasma Slayer destroys a monster by battle, it gains a level (Level: 5), but that's not all! It gains 400 attack for every extra level it has (ATK: 2200). I'm still not done. Because I can send the top card of my deck to the grave in order to allow my monster to attack a second time!" The top card of Seto's deck is discarded. "Attack his other Phantom Nebula Token now!" Seto's monster destroys the last token. Thor's attack is lessened again (ATK: 2600). "Now my level and attack go up again (Level: 6) (ATK: 2600)!"
Scourge comments, "So it appears that you have evened the playing field. We'll just have to see how long that lasts for."
Seto returns, "I don't plan on losing."
Scourge says playfully, "Seto, Seto, Seto. Does anyone really ever plan on losing? I know for a fact that I don't plan on losing, and yet…one of us will lose. So does it really matter what your plans are?"
"You know what I mean."
"Do I? Do I really? Maybe you should be a little more specific."
"Enough! I am sick of your rambling! I've had enough of it!"
Scourge says in fake offense, "But…Seto, my rambling is my most appealing quality."
"Please, don't flatter yourself. I'll just set a card and finish my turn (Seto's hand: 2)."
Scourge draws. "You're going to pay for insulting my rambling. You can insult me, you can insult the order I work for, but no one insults my rambling. And to make you pay, I evolve my Phantom Nebula - Thor!" Thor is cloaked in a harsh, white light, and begins to morph shape. "I evolve my Thor into Phantom Nebula - Prince of Thunder (Dark/Level 9/Thunder/Evolution/ATK 2600/DEF 2300)!" The light ceases and reveals a similar monster, except it's larger and the shape now makes it look like it has a full set of armor. It also has a second hammer in its other hand. "Once per turn, my Prince of Thunder allows me to special summon a Phantom Nebula Token." A token appears on Scourge's field. "On top of that, he gains 400 attack points for every Phantom Nebula Token that I control (ATK: 3000). Before, I dueled for the Disciples, but now that you insulted me, this is personal. Prince of Thunder, attack Seto's Plasma Slayer!" Scourge's monster lets loose lightning from both of its hammers.
Seto objects, "I've still got my facedown card! I activate Plasma Protection! This trap allows me to lower the level of one of my level five or higher Plasma monsters by one, in order to prevent it from being destroyed this turn (Level: 5) (ATK: 2200)!" A giant wall of plasma erupts out of the ground and intercepts the attack, however Seto still takes damage (Seto's LP: 3000).
Scourge says, "If you feel that protecting that one measly monster was worth it, fine with me. Do whatever you can to make yourself feel better about the fact that you will lose. My turn is over, so my Prince of Thunder devolves back into Thor." Thor's attack is boosted due to the Phantom Nebula Token on the field (ATK: 2900) (Scourge's hand: 4).
Seto draws. He says with confidence, "I'm not losing anytime soon. That is, as long as I keep on drawing cards like this."
Scourge says innocently, "Aw, did little Seto draw the card he needed? Isn't that sweet?"
"I assure you, there's nothing sweet about it. I summon Plasma Beast (Light/Level 1/Beast/Tuner/ATK 500/DEF 600)." The monster is a small, mouse-like body of yellow plasma.
Scourge looks intrigued. He says, "I don't know Seto. It looks pretty sweet to me. How could such a cute and harmless little thing being dangerous to me? It couldn't hurt a fly."
"Wrong again Scourge! When I summon Plasma Beast, I can make its level become equal to the level of another Plasma monster that I control, such as my Plasma Slayer (Level: 5)!" The monster grows to be five times its original size and looks monstrous and dangerous.
Scourge says, "I take it back. That monster is not the cute little fur ball I made it out to be. How interesting."
Seto declares, "Now I have my level five Plasma Beast tune my level five Plasma Slayer! I Synchro Summon Plasma Lord (Light/Level 10/Warrior/Synchro/ATK 3200/DEF 2700)!" The new monster has the form of a regal warrior with elegant armor and a long sword. It is made out of a light-yellow plasma. "Go Plasma Lord, attack now!"
Scourge says, "Sorry Seto, but I can't let that happen. I activate my facedown card, Instant Nebula! This trap summons two Phantom Nebula Tokens, but they are destroyed at the end of the turn. That doesn't matter though, because these two tokens give my monster an extra 600 attack (ATK: 3500)! So much for your shiny new Synchro."
Seto counters, "Actually, it's not! If Plasma Lord battles a monster with a lower level than it, that monster loses 500 attack, meaning my monster is safe, and yours is not!" Seto's monster sends off a fiery burst of plasma at Scourge's monster (ATK: 3000). "Now Plasma Lord, finish your attack!" Seto's monster draws its sword and slashes at Scourge's, destroying it (Scourge's LP: 2500). "Now that I have freed the world of your monster, I end my turn, and don't forget, that means that two of your tokens are destroyed (Seto's hand: 2)." Two of Scourge's tokens vanish.
As Scourge starts to draw, he looks a little unsettled, but after he draws his card, a grin comes to his face. He says, "It looks like you aren't the only one who can draw a fearsome card when they need to. And I am sure that this card I just drew is more powerful than any card in your entire deck."
Seto reputes, "I highly doubt that."
"Well why don't you see for yourself? I activate Corruption of Shadows!"
Seto looks unnerved for a second, but then quickly recovers his composure and says, "Ha! That card? Do you ever learn any new tricks? It would appear not. Besides, you don't even have an Evolution monster to Darkness Evolve. What a draw."
Scourge says, "But Seto, I'm not even done yet. Why don't you just wait and find out. Please, take a seat. Enjoy the show. Things are going to get interesting. I activate Monster Reborn, and special summon my Phantom Nebula - Thor from my grave! It won't stick around though. Because I am going to evolve it into my second copy of Phantom Nebula - Prince of Thunder!" The monster goes through the same transformation as before. It gains attack due to its effect (ATK: 3000). "However, before I get rid of it, I'll use its effect and bring out another Phantom Nebula Token (ATK: 3400). And now, for the main event! Go, Darkness Evolution!" Prince of Thunder becomes cloaked in shadows and starts to change. "I evolve Phantom Nebula - Prince of Thunder into Darkness Evolution: Dark Phantom Nebula - Odin the Father (Dark/Level 10/Fairy/Evolution/ATK 2600/DEF 2300)!" The monster that emerges from the shadows is completely changed. It now resembles the Nordic god Odin. He is slimmer and has a long beard. He holds a large staff.
Seto says, "So, you managed to pull it off. But, you better have a pretty powerful effect on that monster if you plan on beating mine."
"As a matter of fact, it does. For you see, just like its previous forms, Odin gains attack for every Phantom Nebula Token I control, only he gains 500 attack (ATK: 3600). And that's not the end of it, Odin also allows me to summon another Phantom Nebula Token, boosting my attack once again (ATK: 4100). "And you know what the best part is? Since my monster is the same level as your monster, you can't lower my attack with your effect. Let's do this Odin, attack Seto's Plasma Lord!" Odin raises its staff and a beam of light comes from it and pierces Seto's monster (Seto's LP: 2100).
Seto says, "When you destroy my Plasma Lord, he allows me to special summon one level five or higher Plasma monster from my grave. Return to me, Cosmic Plasma Dragon!" In a burst of light, Seto's dragon returns to the field.
Scourge says, "How nice to see you again, Cosmic Plasma Dragon. It's too bad I'll just have to destroy you again. That's the end of my turn (Scourge's hand: 3)."
Scourge looks to the side, towards Oblivion. Oblivion nods and thinks, Yes, now is the time. The seed of Darkness shall be planted within your heart Seto. You are mine.
Seto begins to draw, but before he does, Scourge interrupts, "Before you draw Seto."
Seto stops drawing and looks up. He says, "What?"
"It's just, I thought that I should remind you what you're dueling for."
"What do you mean by that?"
Scourge holds up his hand, palm up, and a ball of shadows appears above. The ball stretches and forms a ring. "I just thought you might want to see your brother again." In the center of the ring, an image appears. A moving image of Seto's little brother huddled up in some sort of dark holding cell. He's hunched over and apparently crying.
Seto's face turns to pure hatred and rage. He shouts, "You leave my brother out of this!"
"But Seto, isn't this all about your brother in the first place? Isn't the only reason we're even dueling because I have your brother?"
"No! This duel is about you and me! You won't stay out of my life! I will win this duel, and you will give me back my little brother!" Seto is practically shaking with rage.
Oblivion thinks, Yes Seto, give in to your anger. Let your rage take hold. We will make a Disciple of Darkness out of you yet.
Scourge says, "Come on Seto, calm down. I just thought I'd give you a little encouragement. Nothing wrong with that, right? We're all friends here."
Seto shouts, "You are not my friend! You are the most disgusting person I know! I want absolutely nothing to do with you! The sooner you are out of my life, the better!" A dark, purple aura begins to shroud Seto. He quickly becomes completely engulfed by it.
Scourge says jokingly, "Seto, you must control your anger. It's getting the best of you."
Seto shouts, "No! It's not my anger! It's you! Ahhhh!" Seto draws his card. Surrounding the card he drew, there is a dark aura, similar to the one surrounding Seto. "I don't know where this card came from, but I don't care! I activate Dark Cosmic Entanglement!"
Oblivion thinks, Yes, that's it! That card is the manifestation of Seto's rage. The seed of Darkness has been planted.
Seto continues, still in rage, "Since I control a Plasma and/or Cosmic monster that is at least level six, I can special summon three Plasma and/or Cosmic monsters from my graveyard! I summon Plasma Beast, Plasma Soul, and the Plasma Striker (Light/Level 5/Thunder/Effect/ATK 2200/DEF 0) that I milled from my deck earlier! Then I activate the effect of Plasma Beast and make its level match the level of my Cosmic Plasma Dragon (Level: 8)! If any of these monsters are still on the field by the end of the turn, I'll take 3000 points of damage, but that doesn't matter! I tribute my Plasma Beast, Plasma Soul, and Plasma Striker, whose total levels equal 18 in order to summon Quantus, the Spatial Lord (Divine/Level 10/Divine-Beast/Effect/ATK 4000/DEF 4000)!" The ground starts to shake. It grows more and more violent. The floor behind Seto fissures and Quantus, the Spatial Lord ascends from the ground. He raises so high that he breaks through the roof, letting in sunlight.
Scourge looks terrified, "No! Not again! Anything but that!"
Oblivion shouts at Scourge, "No Scourge! Stand your ground! Complete your task!"
Scourge looks back at Seto's titanic monster and gulps.
Seto says, still with anger in his voice, "Now I activate the effect of Quantus, which allows me to double the level of Cosmic Plasma Dragon!" Energy surges from Quantus to Cosmic Plasma Dragon (Level: 16). "Now I tribute Cosmic Plasma Dragon in order to increase the attack of Quantus by its level times 500!" Quantus grabs the dragon and crushes it in his hand, absorbing its power (ATK: 12000). "Revenge shall be mine! Quantus attack Scourge's pathetic monster, Fist of Physics!" Quantus readies his fist. It begins to glow with swirling energy. It unleashes its punch and obliterates Scourge's monster (Scourge's LP: 0). Scourge slams against the wall behind him from the force of the attack.
The Duel Computer says, "Seto Ossius wins. For a tremendous display of force, Seto has been awarded with 592 points, for a total of 5,613. For showing resistance, Scourge has been awarded with 102 points for a total of 264."
While the rest of the display from the duel has disappeared, as is normal, Quantus is still standing behind Seto. Seto storms over to Scourge and picks him up by his robe. Seto, who is still emanating a dark aura, and still more angry than ever, demands, "Tell me where my brother is! Give him back! If you do not, you will rue the day that you took him from me! I will completely destroy you!"
The voice of Quantus booms out, "No Seto! Do not give in to your rage! This is what the Disciples of Darkness want!"
Seto look up at Quantus and demands, "What am I supposed to do!? They have my brother!"
Quantus says, "You will get your brother back! This is not the way! Calm yourself!"
Seto looks down at Scourge, who has a true look of fear on his face. Seto takes a deep breath, and the dark aura subsides. Seto tosses Scourge to the side. He mutters, "Pitiful. You aren't even worth my anger." Scourge scampers back, while still on the ground. Quantus lowers his hand to the floor and Seto steps onto it. Quantus starts to raise Seto. On the way up, Seto looks straight at Oblivion and says, "As for you, don't think that I'm through with you. I will get my brother back. Fear the day that we meet again." Quantus raises Seto above the roof level. He places Seto on the ground of an abandoned street, since the room they were in was underground. Seto looks Quantus in the eyes, and says, "I don't know why I'm listening to you, or even talking to a virtual image of a fictional card in the first place, but know this, if I ever get another chance at those creeps, I'm taking it."
Quantus booms, "All shall become clear in time!" And Quantus vanishes.
Seto shakes his head and says to himself, "I must be going crazy."
Back down with Scourge and Oblivion, right after Seto is lifted out of sight, and Quantus disappears, Scourge gets up off of the ground and says excitedly, "That was fun! Did I do well Lord Oblivion?"
Oblivion nods. "Yes my servant, you did absolutely perfect. Seto may have overcome the Darkness in his heart this time, but the seeds have been planted. He will be a weapon for Darkness in no time at all. Seto shall be mine!" Oblivion laughs evilly.