Yu-Gi-Oh! DT

by dtaoa

This is an original story with OCs and original cards that takes place a century after Yu-Gi-Oh! 5d's. Eric Lambert is a duelist who dreamed of becoming a professional duelist until his fateful encounter with an evil organization. With the help of new friends, Eric joins the battle to save the earth, discovering his own self-identify and unveiling a sinister plot with dark roots.

5. Chapter 5

Yu-Gi-Oh! D.T.

Chapter 5-Extreme Heat, Extinguish the Flames of Pain

November 16, 3050 12:31 AM

On his way to Battle City, the man in the black cloak stopped for some drinks at a dueling bar. Dueling bars were hangouts for tough underground duelists who liked to compete against each other for money while enjoying all the worldly vices of any normal bar. Although it reeked of immorality, the man was in no position to judge. Plus, it was a great place to learn of current or upcoming events in the dueling world. However, things got a little messy now and then. He just happened to come in at one of those times. A skinny dark man lost to a bratty young lady. Though she attracted the eyes and hearts of many duelists in the bar with her ravishing looks, she was also a fearsome duelist. She was probably good enough to never lose in the underground world. It was just her misfortune for owning a rare card the organization was looking for.

The skinny man took out a blade and threatened to kill her if she didn't give him her rare card. Everyone was prepared for an all-out brawl. The man took one last drink of his whiskey and decided to do his job. With one knock on the head, he sent the skinny man flying through the wall. The crowd hushed and whispered at the man's god-like strength. He activated his duel disk and faced the woman, who cockily activated hers in response, completely unaware of just how poor her decision was until a minute later.

November 16, 3050 1:34 AM

"I activate my Trap card Shining Glow!" Eric declared. "This equips to Moonstar Dragon and gives it 1000 ATK. Moonstar Dragon, attack Swift Flare Knight! Emanating Pulsar!"

Moonstar Dragon, suddenly enveloped by a translucent glow, amassed billions of photons to form a bright sphere of light energy in its mouth. When the ball grew to half the size of its entire body. the shining dragon threw its head forward, unleashing a powerful stream of energy that completely disintegrated Gareth's knight. (3200/3100)

(Equip this card to a LIGHT attribute monster. It gains 1000 ATK and cannot be destroyed by card effects)

"Turn end," Eric smiled, satisfied with his move.

However, his smile suddenly faded when he noticed a grin on his opponent's face.

"What's so funny?" Eric asked suspiciously.

"You took me by surprise there," Gareth said, "when you summoned that monster."

"Of course," Eric said. "This is my true ace monster. There's no way you wouldn't be impressed."

"That's not it," Gareth replied. "What surprised me was the fact that you owned a Nature Dragon."

"Nature Dragon?" Eric asked.

"The Nature Dragons," Gareth explained, "are a collection of six Synchro Monsters whose power is said to rival that of the Signer Dragons. No one knows just how they came to be. The only thing known about them is that the duelist doesn't choose them; they choose the duelist."

"Well," Eric said, "I don't know what you're talking about, but I got Moonstar Dragon from my mom. I don't know anything about who choosing who, but I know that he's my best friend and he's going to help me win this duel."

"Indeed," Gareth smirked, "it's only fitting that the Light Nature Dragon would choose someone like you. But you're mistaken about one thing: you're not going to win."

"I'd like to see what you can do," Eric smirked back.

"My turn," Gareth said. (4/4) "When I have no monsters, I can Special Summon Rising Dragon!"

The floor of the duel field rumbled loudly as a hazel-colored dragon burst from underneath.

(Rising Dragon: Level 5/EARTH/Dragon/ATK-2000 DEF-0/Effect-This card can be Special Summoned from your hand if you have no monsters on your side of the field. If you summon it this way, its ATK is cut in half)

"Next, I summon the Tuner monster Flame Soul!"

A small flame kindled itself from thin air, slowly enlarging to form a fireball with white eyes.

(Flame Soul: Level 3/FIRE/Pyro/ATK-500 DEF-0/Effect-This card can be Special Summoned from your hand if there is a Level 5 monster on the field)

"I'm tuning level 5 Rising Dragon with level 3 Flame Soul," Gareth declared. "Searing flames engulf the world! Soar from the smoldering fire! Synchro Summon! Incinerate, Crimson Blaze Dragon!"

Rising Dragon burst into flames and transformed into a glowing pillar of fire, while Flame Soul flew in circles around it, leaving a blazing spiral trail. Within the tower of flames, Eric sensed a heartbeat, one that beat steadily at first and then gradually quickened. Whatever Gareth was summoning, Eric's own heart was beating at the same rate, sensing the destructive power contained in those flames. In an slow and sinister fashion, the pillar of fire condensed to form the silhouette of a dragon even larger than Eric's, its heart still beating at an audibly quick rate. In a single stroke, the dragon brushed aside all the flames surrounding it, revealing a bulky frame with sharp, crimson scales. Despite its fearsome appearance, this dragon gave off a majestic feeling, something about the absolute confidence exuded from both it and its master. However, whatever majesty that dragon had vanished when it was coated in black by Kurohouka.

(Crimson Blaze Dragon: Level 8/FIRE/Dragon/ATK-2800 DEF-1600/Effect-When this monster is Synchro Summoned, deal 500 points of damage to your opponent. Each time this monster attacks, discard one card from your opponent's hand. If they don't have cards in their hand, destroy 1 card on the field instead or deal 500 points of damage to your opponent)

"So," Eric said nervously, "it looks like I wasn't the only one hiding an ace monster."

"This is Crimson Blaze Dragon," Gareth smiled proudly, "the Nature Dragon of Fire."

"It's as you said before," Eric smirked. "The dragon chooses the duelist. This monster is very fitting of you. The arrogance and violent nature are both there."

"I'm flattered," Gareth said sarcastically, "but instead of talking about it, let me show you. When Crimson Blaze Dragon is Synchro Summoned, you take 500 points of damage from its effect!"

"What?" Eric exclaimed.

The bright red dragon threw its head back and snapped it forward to launch a tremendous fireball at Eric, creating a massive explosion on his field. (2700/3100)

"If I haven't said it before," Eric frowned, "this beast is just like you, making a distasteful first impression like that."

"Once again," Gareth smiled, "I'm flattered. But I don't want you to think poorly of me, so that's all the damage I'll do this turn. Turn end."

Strange, Eric thought. He summoned his ace monster just to deal a little bit of effect damage? No. Knowing Gareth, that isn't his true aim. He duels with the intent of unnerving his opponents with psychological damage. Most likely, he summoned a monster weaker than Moonstar Dragon to tempt me into attacking it, and the effect damage served as a message saying "Tag, you're it." An amateur would probably be provoked enough to attack head-on and fall into Gareth's trap. Sadly for him, I'm no amateur.

"My turn!" shouted Eric. (5/5) "I summon Moonlight Axe Wielder in defense mode. This will prevent you from activating Trap cards during the Battle Phase."

An axe-wielding warrior clad in white armor descended from the sky, taking a defensive stance.

(Moonlight Axe Wielder: Level 4/LIGHT/Warrior/ATK-1700 DEF-1200/Effect: While this card is face up on the field, your opponent cannot activate any Trap cards during the Battle Phase)

"I see," Gareth smiled. "You saw through my strategy. Well, no matter. If I can't activate my Trap in the Battle Phase, then I'll just use it now! I activate Heat Wave! Your monsters can't attack this turn!"

As the card's name suggested, a simmering wave of heat passed through the field, innervating Eric's monsters and stopping them from moving.

(While you control a Fire attribute monster, none of your opponent's monsters can attack this turn)

Damn this guy, Eric cursed mentally. He's treating this like some kind of test for me. He made sure that even if I figured out and tried to stop his plan, it still wouldn't do any good. But...

"Maybe I can't attack," Eric said, "but I can still deal damage! I play the Quick Spell Crescent Moon Beam! If I have a Light attribute monster, I can deal you 1000 damage. But, I can't use any Spells or Traps until my next Standby Phase."

Both of Eric's monster collected light energy and fired a beam at Gareth, striking him for half his total Life Points. (2700/1100)

(When you control a Light attribute monster, deal your opponent 1000 points of damage. You cannot activate a Spell or Trap card until your next Standby Phase)

"Turn end."

"Well well," grunted Gareth. (6/6) "You're not bad either. You dealt me a large amount of damage while avoiding the card's drawback, since you have no set cards to begin with. I applaud you."

"I'm flattered," Eric grinned, mocking Gareth by imitating him.

"You ought to learn some manners," Gareth said. "Perhaps I'll teach them to you. I activate the Quick Spell Blazing Wing! Crimson Blaze Dragon gains 1000 ATK and can attack twice this turn!"

The red dragon's wings, with their already humongous wingspan, ignited and burned with murky black flames, increasing its ferocity.

(Activate only if "Crimson Blaze Dragon" is on your side of the field. It gains 1000 ATK and can attack twice this turn)

"Crimson Blaze Dragon," Gareth commanded, "attack Moonlight Axe Wielder! Scorching Flame of Destruction! When Crimson Blaze Dragon attacks, I can discard that last card in your hand!"

"What?" Eric exclaimed. "What an overpowered effect!"

Crimson Blaze Dragon flew in the sky and shot a large fireball at the warrior, obliterating all traces of it. Eric reluctantly slid his last card into his Graveyard.

"Now," Gareth continued, "I attack Moonstar Dragon! Scorching Flame of Destruction! Crimson Blaze Dragon's effect activates once more. However, since you have no more cards in your hand, I can destroy a card on the field, such as your Shining Glow! That means that Moonstar loses 1000 ATK!"

"This monster is absolutely broken!" Eric exclaimed.

Before attacking, Crimson Blaze Dragon roared into the air, setting Moonstar Dragon on fire and dispelling the light surrounding it. It then proceeded with its attack, launching a black fireball and blasting Eric's monster into oblivion. Eric grunted at the knockback effect, as well as the pain of seeing his favorite monster being destroyed. (1300/1100)

"With no cards on your field or in your hand," Gareth smiled, "it looks like I win. Turn end."

"Don't get cocky," Eric said as he gritted his teeth. (7/7) "My turn! I summon the Tuner monster Moonlight Guard in defense mode!"

An armored warrior bearing a large, steel shield appeared from a blue portal, kneeling to defend its master.

(Moonlight Guard: Level 3/LIGHT/Warrior/ATK-0 DEF-2000/Effect: If your opponent's monster attacks this card, all of your opponent's monsters' effects are negated. As long as every monster in your Graveyard is LIGHT attribute, this card cannot be destroyed in battle)

"Moonlight Guard can't be destroyed by battle as long as every card in my Graveyard is Light attribute," Eric said. "Turn end."

"My turn," smiled Gareth. (4/8) "I activate Realm of Fire's effect. By removing 4 counters, I deal you 800 points of damage!"

To Eric's surprise, one of the gargoyles surrounding the duel arena opened its mouth and fired a black laser at him, chunking a portion of his Life Points. (500/1100)

"Now I'll do it again," Gareth said, almost laughing. "Welcome to DT Corporation!" (0/8)

"Not so fast," Eric countered. "I remove Moonlight Condenser from my Graveyard to avoid taking damage and destroy one of your monsters! I destroy Crimson Blaze Dragon!"

(Moonlight Condenser: Level 1/LIGHT/Spellcaster/ATK-0 DEF-0/Effect: If you are about to take effect damage, you can remove this card from play from your Graveyard to negate the damage and destroy one monster on the field)

"But that card wasn't in your Graveyard!" Gareth exclaimed. "Wait-!"

"How quickly we forget," Eric grinned. "That card was sent to the Graveyard when your monster attacked me. It was your own effect that backfired against you!"

The gargoyle fired another laser at Eric, only to be stopped by a magical barrier, which reflected the laser at an unsuspecting Crimson Blaze Dragon. Howling in anguish, it exploded in flames.

"I guess it's over," Gareth sighed. "I was careless."

"It was more than just that," Eric said. "You were so caught up in winning that you didn't consider the card you discarded. That shows that in this duel, you're actually having fun."

"Me?" Gareth said. "Having fun? I can't afford to have fun while the fate of the world is at stake!"

"It's that attitude that makes you weak," Eric said. "You're just using your cards as your personal soldiers instead of your comrades at arms. That makes you a tyrant, not a duelist! When you tried to finish the duel because you were excited, you were being a real duelist."

"I think I've had enough of your lectures," Gareth grunted. "If being a 'real duelist' is going to make me lose, then I don't want any part of it!"

"You're wrong," Eric said. "It wasn't you having fun that destroyed your monster or stopped you from finishing me. It was my faith in my cards and their faith in me."

"Just finish me off already," Gareth sighed. "You have enough Flame Counters to deal me 1600 damage."

"I won't do that," Eric said.

"What?" Gareth exclaimed, his eyes nearly popping out of its sockets. "Why?"

"Slowly burning away your opponent's hope and pride is your way of doing this," Eric explained. "I won't inflict the same damage you inflict on others."

"Bullshit!" Gareth yelled. "Why would you waste such a clear opportunity to win?"

"Because I can trust my cards to win," Eric said. "Dueling with faith in my cards and respect for my opponents: that's what it means to be a duelist!"

At that moment, Gareth felt a hole in his heart. Even though he fought for the sake of justice, even though he did whatever he needed to do to save the world, he couldn't compare to this man. The man who stood before him shined with a light much brighter and much nobler than anyone he's ever met. The fact that he continued to live his life without compromising his beliefs despite everything that's happened to him was truly admirable. From the bottom of his heart, Gareth respected Eric, and for the first time in his life, felt that someone else had proven him wrong.

"My turn, Eric said. (1/9) "I activate Realm of Fire's effect. I remove 8 counters to draw 1 card."

As Eric pulled a card from his deck, a fiery trail followed. (1/1)

"I summon the Tuner monster Lunar Wing in defense mode!" Eric said. "When he's summoned, I get to draw 1 card."

A bird-like creature descended from the sky, its bright, silvery wings glistening with sparkles.

(Lunar Wing: Level 1/LIGHT/Winged-Beast/ATK-0 DEF-0/Effect-When this card is Normal Summoned, you can draw 1 card)

"I set 2 cards face down," Eric said. "Turn end."

I'm at a serious disadvantage, Gareth thought. Even though I had a huge lead earlier, Eric managed to turn the tables with just 1 card. Now, I have no hand and no field, while he has 2 monsters and 2 set cards to protect them. I seriously underestimated this guy. I'm just lucky that he couldn't summon a strong monster to finish me off this turn.

"My turn," said Gareth. (2/2) "I activate the Continuous Spell Prodigy of Fire!"

"That's the card that's treated as a Spell and monster," Eric frowned.

Ashes flying through the air gave birth to a young boy holding a fireball in each hand. Eric closed his eyes to avoid watching this innocent boy's flames turn black.

(This card is treated as a monster and a trap (Warrior type/Fire/Level 4/ATK 1700/DEF 1200). If this card is destroyed as a monster, deal 500 points of damage to your opponent. If this card is destroyed as a Spell, discard 1 card from your opponent's hand)

"Prodigy of Fire," Gareth said, "attack Lunar Wing!"

"I activate my trap card Moonlight Veil!" Eric countered. "My monsters can't be destroyed this turn and I gain 500 Life Points."

As Gareth's monster threw a fireball at Lunar Wing, a mystic light enveloped it, shielding it from the attack. (1000/1100)

(No LIGHT attribute monsters can be destroyed this turn. You gain 500 Life Points)

"You increased your Life Points because you remembered Prodigy of Fire's effect," Gareth smiled. "Turn end."

"My turn!" Eric shouted. (3/3) "I remove from play my Moonlight Boxer to Special Summon Moonlight Prince in attack mode!"

A ball of light appeared on the field, flashing once to reveal an nobleman in fancy, silk garbs.

(Moonlight Prince: Level 5/LIGHT/Warrior/ATK-1500 DEF-300/Effect: You can Special Summon this card from your hand by removing 1 LIGHT attribute monster in your Graveyard from play)

"I'm tuning level 5 Moonlight Prince with level 1 Lunar Wing," Eric declared. "The shining moon guides all to greatness. Glisten brightly in your destiny! Synchro Summon! Sparkle, Lunar Knight!"

The two monsters disintegrated into particles of light, which rose to the air and collected into one large mass. Without warning, the particles simultaneously rained down, acting as a gateway to another dimension. Stepping out of this gateway was a lance-wielding warrior in shiny blue armor.

(Lunar Knight: Level 6/LIGHT/Warrior/ATK-1800 DEF-1400/Effect-This card can attack until your opponent controls no monsters. This card gains 100 ATK for each monster in your Graveyard)

"Lunar Knight gains 100 ATK for each monster in my Graveyard," Eric said. "There are 6 monsters in my Graveyard so Lunar Knight's ATK becomes 2400! Lunar Knight, attack Prodigy of Fire! Shining Lance!"

Lunar Knight charged and struck Gareth's monster with his lance, skewering it before it burned away in fire. (1000/500)

"Since Prodigy of Fire was destroyed as a monster," Gareth explained, " you take 500 points of damage!"

Residue flames from Gareth's monster flew at Eric, softly brushing past him. (500/500)

"Turn end," Eric said.

"My turned," said Gareth. (4/4) "I remove 4 counters to deal 800 points of damage!"(4/0)

"I activate the Trap card Magnetic Wave!" Eric shouted. "This equips itself to Moonlight Guard and makes it lose ATK or DEF points instead of the damage I would take. Also, Moonlight Guard is now the only monster you can attack!"

A gargoyle fired another black laser, only to be redirected at the shield-wielding warrior, who was left huffing, but otherwise fine.

(The equipped monster loses ATK or DEF points equal to the amount of damage you would take and is the only monster your opponent can attack)

"Moonlight Guard loses 800 DEF," Eric said.

"I activate Burning Rebirth!" Gareth declared. "I revive Crimson Blaze Dragon!"

A pool of lava formed on the ground, bursting open to open a path for the Nature Dragon of Fire from Hell.

(Special Summon "Crimson Blaze Dragon" from your Graveyard. Its effect is negated)

"But its effect is negated," Gareth said. "I can only attack Moonlight Guard, who can't be destroyed by battle, so I end my turn."

"My turn!" yelled Eric, shivering excitedly from the sight of the demonic dragon. (5/1) "I won't let you be the only one to have a Nature Dragon. I activate the Quick Spell Moon Wave Swap! I return Lunar Knight to my Extra Deck to Special Summon Moonstar Dragon from my Graveyard!"

A gold halo hovered above Lunar Knight, absorbing it in a column of light and replacing it with Eric's graceful Nature Dragon of Light.

(Return one monster you control to their owner's hand to Special Summon a monster from your Graveyard. It cannot activate its effect or attack this turn. You can add a card from your deck to your hand if you returned a Synchro monster)

"Since I returned a Synchro Monster," Eric explained, "I can add a card from my deck to my hand. I add Moonlight Wave Generator to my hand."

(Moonlight Wave Generator: Level 2/LIGHT/Machine/ATK-0 DEF-0/Effect: You can discard this card from your hand to have a LIGHT attribute monster gain 1500 ATK and DEF until the End Phase)

"You summoned back your Nature Dragon and added an ATK-boosting card to your hand," Gareth frowned, impressed but annoyed. "It's a good thing Moon Wave Swap doesn't let your monster attack this turn."

"You know your cards too well," Eric sighed. "Turn end."

"My turn!" yelled Gareth. (6/2) "I summon Fire Extinguisher in defense mode!"

A firefighter clad in a red fire jacket and armed with a water hose fell from the sky.

(Fire Extinguisher: Level 1/WATER/Aqua/ATK-200 DEF-0/Effect-You can remove from play all Fire attribute monsters in both players' Graveyards for each player to gain 500 Life Points for each monster removed from each respective Graveyard. You can also destroy 1 Spell or Trap card on the field if you control another monster)

"I activate Fire Extinguisher's effect," Gareth said. "I remove from play all Fire monsters from the Graveyard and gain 500 Life Points for each! I have 3 so I gain 1500 Life Points!"

The firefighter consumed the fiery spirits of Gareth's fallen monsters to charge its hose and sprinkle refreshing water on its master to heal his Life Points. (500/2000)

"Also," Gareth said, "since I had another monster when I activated its effect, I can destroy a Spell or Trap. I destroy Magnetic Wave!"

Turning its hose around, Fire Extinguisher unleashed a torrent of water at Eric's card, causing it to shrivel and crumble.

"Although I can attack you now," Gareth said, "I know you have an ATK-boosting card in your hand. Turn end."

"My turn!" said Eric. (7/3) "Moonstar Dragon, attack Crimson Blaze Dragon with Emanating Pulsar! I discard Moonlight Wave Generator for Moonstar to gain 1500 ATK."

Moonstar Dragon charged a ball of light and unleashed a burst of energy so powerful it illuminated the entire field, vaporizing Crimson Blaze Dragon. (500/900)

"I set 1 card face down," Eric said. "Turn end."

"My turn," Gareth said. (4/4) "This is the end."

"Oh?" Eric grinned. "You can still do something with only 1 monster on your field and 1 card in your hand?"

"That's right," Gareth said. "You destroyed Crimson Blaze Dragon, but you left me with a monster. I summon the Tuner monster Fry Cook of Fire!"

An energetic, middle-aged man dressed in chef's attire stepped onto the field from a red portal, brandishing its two spatulas.

(Fry Cook of Fire: Level 4/FIRE/Warrior/ATK-1400 DEF-1000/Effect-Once per turn, you can tribute one monster you control to Special Summon 2 Fire Burger Tokens (Pyro type/ Fire/level 1/ATK 0/DEF 0))

"Via Fry Cook's effect," Gareth said, "I tribute Fire Extinguisher to summon 2 Fire Burger Tokens!"

The chef summoned a flaming grill and used Fire Extinguisher, who had been transformed into a pair of meat patties, to create two hamburgers.

"I'm tuning my 2 level 1 Fire Burger Tokens with my level 4 Fry Cook of Fire! Searing flames engulf the world! Be born from the smoldering fire! Synchro Summon! Roar, Leoferno!"

Gareth's three monsters formed into orbs of fire that aligned in a spinning, horizontal cylinder, rotating faster and faster until flames burst from both ends. The flames vanished to reveal the familiar fiery lion Eric had known since childhood. The only difference was its sad expression as its flames turned black from Gareth's Kurohouka. However, unlike before, even Gareth could see how his monster had suffered as a result of his actions.

(Leoferno: Level 6/FIRE/Beast/ATK-2400 DEF-1800/Effect-If this card destroys a monster whose original ATK is greater than that of this card, deal 1000 points of damage to your opponent. When this card is destroyed in battle, you can deal 800 points of damage to your opponent or Special Summon a Fire attribute Tuner monster from your Graveyard)

"That card," Eric said, "Kurohouka doesn't suit you."

"Somehow," Gareth said, "I agree. But for now, Leoferno, attack Moonstar Dragon! Infernal Impact!"

Both monsters, a lion shrouded in dark flames and an elegant dragon emanating light, clashed and created a tremendous explosion of polar opposite colors. When the smoke cleared, neither remained standing. Both had been destroyed.

"When Leoferno destroys a monster with higher original ATK than it," Gareth said, "you take 1000 points of damage. Good game."

"Yeah, the game is over," Eric said. "For you that is! I activate my Trap card Damage Reverse! All the damage I would take goes to you!"

(All effect damage you would take this turn is dealt to your opponent instead).

Gareth gasped as he just came to terms with his defeat. Smiling, he admitted to himself that he expected Eric to have a counter. As a sign of respect, Gareth fell to his knees as his own black flames washed over him, wiping out the rest of his Life Points. (500/0)

To lose by one's own hand was the true symbol of defeat. Yet, Gareth realized that he had lost to himself from the very beginning. By sacrificing his integrity for results, he had been tainted by the very darkness that he swore to destroy. This man had shown him that. This man had washed away the darkness that stained his passionate, red flames.

"You are a great duelist," Gareth said. "You have beaten me in this duel, but more importantly, you have beaten me as a human being. I admit defeat. But the next time we duel, I will show you my true crimson flames!"

"I look forward to it," Eric said as he walked away with a grin.

As he walked out the main door, Gareth's face was lit up with a smile. Eric was a wimp in kindergarten but he was now stronger than anyone. Gareth considered what Eric had said about what it meant to be a duelist. He was right. Gareth had forgotten how to enjoy a duel. He had forgotten the meaning of a duel. There was no point in fighting if he didn't do it with trust in his comrades and respect for his opponents. What was the point of making an achievement if he couldn't be proud of it afterwards?

Gareth felt, in a word, enlightened. It was as if Eric had awakened his true self from the darkness he thought was necessary to fight a greater evil. He was the moon that shone in the darkest night, expelling the blackest of shadows and guiding those in need of help. Even though Eric had won his freedom from the company, Gareth knew they would meet again very soon.