Yu-Gi-Oh! D.T.
Chapter 9: Howling Flame, Scorching the Roots of Uncertainty
December 4, 3050 11:43 PM
The man in the black cloak walked to his duel runner holding a card in his hand, smiling as he stepped over the duelist he had defeated to obtain it. With the Ancient Fairy Dragon he had just won, the man had completed his collection of the six Signer Dragons, the last of which was already in the possession of another Dark Chaser general. As soon as he mounted his duel runner, he typed a message to his boss, who immediately replied with a carefree note of congratulations as well as an order to return to headquarters. Annoyed by the jolly attitude his boss always exhibited, the man snorted and pulled the throttle, speeding into the road.
Even though the man was a general, the highest rank within the entire Dark Chaser organization, he knew nothing of their leader aside from the fact that he had a jovial personality which contradicted the authority of his position. Despite the blitheness of his behavior, the Dark Chaser leader was a secretive individual who rarely met anyone in person. Yet, it was this same individual who had formed the single most powerful underground organization in the world, a feat which required nothing less than exceptional intelligence and influence. The first and only time the man in black had met the leader five years ago, he was completely and utterly shocked by how off his expectations were. The man he had met was tall and thin with a sharp nose, a long face, and a crooked smile. His eyes were hidden by the shadow that fell from the top hat he wore, but gave the impression of piercing sharpness. Indeed, there was nothing impressive about his frail physique or his outdated fashion sense, but his charisma could not be doubted. The playfulness of his words were not proof of weakness or naivety, but of absolute confidence in his identity as the most powerful man who ever walked the earth. This was the puppeteer behind the Dark Chaser organization, who pulled the strings of over a million dolls to control the word, and who seemed to find the most wicked pleasure in doing so. It was these qualities that had made the man in black respect, admire, and most of all, fear, this individual.
December 5, 3050 1:04 AM
In a dark room inside the D.T. headquarters building, a woman with long, brunette hair dressed in a black stealth suit dashed in a straight line, skillfully evading the security cameras and dodging the infrared lasers. Without breaking a sweat, she jumped past the movement detectors and weight sensors set up in the highly guarded room. When she finally reached the locked door on the other side of the room, she came to an abrupt stop, recognizing the type of lock it was protected by. It was an expensive mechanism that required a DNA sample of the owner as well as their fingerprints, nothing less than what she expected from one of the world's wealthiest companies. Glancing around the room, the thief grimaced as she noticed the alarms that would sound if a failed attempt was made.
Frustrated but unworried by the situation, she attached a metal device on the door and inserted her thumb into it, wincing in pain as a needle was injected. However, the result was worth the pain, as seconds later, the door opened without a problem. Wiping her blood with a napkin as a forensic countermeasure, the woman walked in slowly, keeping an eye out for any further security. Smiling greedily, she located the item she was looking for: a briefcase containing a legendary card, the Nature Dragon of Earth.
Certain that there was no further danger, the woman grabbed the case and strolled past the door, making sure to close it before maneuvering her way out of the dark room the same way she had entered. In her mind, she had successfully accomplished her mission. However, what happened next was unexpected. Right as she opened the door, she found herself standing an inch away from a young man in a red blazer, who seemed to be equally surprised by her presence. Reacting instantly, the woman threw her knee forward, aiming mercilessly at the man's groin.
Against any other opponent, she would have succeeded in incapacitating him, but unfortunately, she had the misfortune of encountering Gareth Basilius. With even greater dexterity, Gareth swung his hip sideways and intercepted her attack with a kick of his own. He then rotated his body and swept the only leg holding her upright, causing her to fall with a grunt. But she was far from finished. The expert that she was, the woman jumped back to her feet and instantly followed up with a back flip, placing her a good two meters from her opponent. Gareth's eyes widened as he recognized this special maneuver.
With a new understanding of his opponent's skill level, Gareth took a boxing stance and prepared for her next attack. However, he had underestimated her. The woman was no amateur when it came to combat, but her true field of expertise was stealth. Without missing a beat, she threw down a gas pellet which released what Gareth had discovered too late to be tear gas. Coughing vigorously, Gareth stumbled a good three meters out of the gas's range and stood alert for any sign of movement. However, when the gas cleared, there was no one in sight. Looking around the room, he gritted his teeth as noticed a hole in the roof.
Damn, he cursed mentally.
Sighing at the fact that he had been outsmarted, Gareth pressed a button on the wall to activate an alarm, alerting everyone in the building that there had been a security breach. Gareth began to search for her himself until he noticed the contraption she had used to break through his security. Deciding that it would be easier to find her by learning her identity, Gareth took the device to his laboratory to scan for evidence.
When he couldn't find any fingerprints, he looked to the device's design to try to identify the manufacturer. To his surprise, it was an expertly made machine that performed a variety of functions, including alteration of blood composition to match the specific DNA necessary to unlock the door. Gareth had no knowledge of anyone in the government or the black market who could produce such advanced and intricate technology. Whoever made this device was a genius.
Luckily, however, he also had a gifted team of scientists and engineers in his company, a team that could reverse engineer the blood sample she had left behind.
After bringing the device to the main research lab, Gareth returned to his office to look up a list of suspects.
Although a city-wide investigation would be helpful, Gareth didn't report this incident to the police. Due to his prior experience working with them and his knowledge that the Dark Chasers had influence everywhere, he believed that they were incompetent and corrupt. If the Dark Chasers were in control of the police, an investigation would inevitably be reported as a dead end. At that point, Gareth realized that the woman herself might have been a Dark Chaser. If the Dark Chasers were after rare cards, then it wouldn't be a surprise if they had sent someone to steal from him.
Normally, Gareth wouldn't bat an eye if one of his cards was missing, but this was no ordinary card. What she had stolen was one of his most valuable cards: Terra Force Dragon. It was a very important card that he was told by his father in his dying will to protect at all costs, along with his own Nature Dragon. Determined to have the card back in his possession, Gareth began his investigation into the records of the most notorious criminal thieves, hoping to find a clue as to who this thief was and what she was after.
December 7, 3050 2:28 PM
Eric drove his duel runner down the streets of Truesdale Town, trying to get the thought of the Dark Chasers off his mind. Even more than a week after his experience with Conundrum, Eric couldn't forget the pained expression on the mohawk man's face, darkened by the traumatic experiences in his past and twisted by the seduction of the Dark Chasers. Worst of all, he remembered the dismal tears that streamed down his face even when unconscious, prompting Eric to wonder just what terrible nightmares Conundrum might have had every night in his sleep. Conundrum was a product of a tragic past and the Dark Chasers' misguidance, the very image of a man drowned in the deepest shadows.
Despite the fact that it was a thing of the past, this experience made Eric undergo the complex task of philosophizing the nature of evil. Did evil exist in everyone? Was a small push all a human being needed to fall from grace? Or did everyone have a choice? Despite all that's happened to him, Eric always believed that he had persevered with his own will and resisted the urge to use his pain as an excuse to do evil, that it was his own decision to treat people with respect. But now, he was afraid of himself and his potential to become tainted by the darkness he was being exposed to.
The only thing that calmed him was his duel runner. When he zipped down the street with the wind blowing through him, he felt like he was in a different world, free from conflict, free from stress. The wind was cool as it kissed his face, numbing his senses as well as his emotions. The firm grip he had on the throttle made him feel like his fate was clutched in his hands, and he never wanted to let go. He looked to the horizon as he accelerated, wanting to believe that his destination was whatever he desired it to be, that he was traveling a road paved by his hands alone, and that he would never stop moving forward.
And then, as though fate had read his mind, a dark green duel runner with pink trim pulled up in front of him, prompting him to hit the brakes. Eric raised his head to see a woman with brunette hair, glaring at him with venomous eyes of rage.
"I'll give you three seconds to answer my question," the brunette atop the duel runner said firmly. "Are you Eric Lambert?"
"Yeah," Eric replied with a glare of his own. "Who are you?"
"Is your father Robert Lambert?" she asked, ignoring his question.
"I'm not answering until you tell me who you are," Eric said.
Without the slightest bit of reservation, the brunette flung a throwing knife at Eric with such speed that he couldn't react. Luckily, or so had Eric thought, it only grazed his cheek.
"I won't ask again," she said with cold eyes.
"M-my father is Robert Lambert," he stammered, certain that she would not miss the next time. "Now tell me who you are."
"Where is he?" the brunette asked, ignoring him again. "Take me to him!"
"Why?" Eric asked.
Once more, she threw a knife straight at him. This time, however, Eric knew what she would do and ducked while predicting the trajectory of the knife. Unfortunately, she had thought one step further, aiming her knife with such accuracy that it grazed the exact same cut on his cheek at the position his head was in after he had ducked. The pain was so great that Eric howled in agony, his eyes becoming watery with tears.
"Where is he?" the brunette yelled furiously.
"He's dead!" Eric shouted back, angry at what she had done to him. "What the hell do you want?"
"My mother is Genesis Celeste," the woman growled with fury. "Your father killed her!"
These words had a profound effect on Eric, whose face instantly became drained of blood and whose eyes widened as his lower lip quivered in shock. Eric had always believed that his father was a great man who believed in the potential of others, who inspired people to have faith in themselves in their darkest times. He looked up to his father as the bright moon that shone in the twilight. How could someone so kind and gentle possibly kill another human being? Upon hearing this woman's terrible accusation, Eric was lost in utter confusion.
"N-no way," he muttered. "You're lying!"
"It's no lie," the woman replied coldly. "My mother could've only been killed by someone she trusted and she knew your father. That could only mean Robert Lambert was my mother's murderer!"
"No!" Eric shouted. "I've never heard of a Genesis Celeste! My father couldn't have known her! There has to be some kind of mistake!"
"I don't make mistakes," she said, dismounting her duel runner. "You're going to atone for your father's sins."
Eric sat frozen on his duel runner, paralyzed not by the fear of this sadistic woman who stood before him, but of the possibility that his father had in fact killed someone. Even when she was less than a meter away from him, brandishing a sharp serrated knife in her hand, Eric did not make a single reaction. He was completely and utterly dumbfounded.
Luckily, however, something stopped her from proceeding any further.
Just as she was about to strike, she was interrupted by the loud roaring of a duel runner engine, approaching them at a swift rate. Both turned to see Gareth pulling up between them on his crimson duel runner. As he observed the weapon in her hand, Gareth immediately understood the situation.
"You don't want to do that," he warned her.
"Shut up," she growled. "No one's going to stop me from avenging my mother. Not even you."
"And then what?" he asked. "After you kill Eric, how are you going to atone for your own sins?"
"I've been prepared for death since I was eight," the woman said boldly. "I can die with no regrets if my parents' souls can rest in peace."
"I used to think the same thing," Gareth said, glaring at her with sharp eyes. "After my parents died, I was so bent on revenge that I scoured the globe, training my mind and body to find out who killed them and bring them to justice."
"Then you of all people should understand what I'm doing," she replied.
"Yes," Gareth said. "But that's also why I'm going to stop you."
"You're not making any sense!" the woman shouted.
"I was like you once," Gareth said. "I was so blinded by rage that I nearly went insane. My thoughts became irrational. My actions were uncontrolled. I became a monster. But then, a wise man told me something. He said that my parents wouldn't want to see me this way. He said that I shouldn't use their deaths as motivation for revenge, but rather-."
"But rather inspiration to make the world a better place," the thief finished for him.
All three remained silent after this exchange. Eric watched in amazement as Gareth and the brunette gazed in each other's eyes, communicating their feelings without words as though they had some kind of shared knowledge. Having also lost his parents at a young age, Eric could commiserate with their feelings of anger and grief, but could not understand their desires for revenge. He had always steered clear from that dark path, as he knew that it would only lead him further away from his father's light. But it was for this reason right now that he couldn't understand their feelings, the feelings of those who had already stared into the void.
"How did he die?" Gareth asked. "Your father. Master Celeste."
"He was killed by a local gang," the woman said, closing her eyes upon remembering painful memories. "I was the only survivor."
"Gareth," Eric spoke softly, "you've met her before?"
"Yeah," Gareth replied. "Her name is Olivia Celeste. Her father, Jason Celeste, taught me martial arts in Foshan during my youth. He was the man who stopped my destructive path towards revenge and inspired me to fight for justice instead."
"But that didn't stop my mom from dying," she said, her voice shaking. "Even after she was killed, he didn't try to avenge her. He ran away and tried to live a normal life, but he still ended up dying! Justice? There's no justice in this world unless you rid it of scum! That's why I won't believe in his naive idealism. That's why I'm going to do what he should've done! I'm going to find my parents' killers and take my revenge!"
"Your mother was Genesis Celeste, right?" Gareth asked, trying to change the topic. "She was the top researcher at D.T. Corporation twenty years ago. That's why you were able to break through my security. Because you were using your mother's technology. What I don't understand is why you wanted that card in particular."
"It's fate," replied the woman whose name was now revealed to be Olivia. "This card was calling out to me in my sleep, telling me to come for it. It was fate's way of telling me to complete my revenge. I will use this card finish what I started!"
This woman had stolen Gareth's rare card and physically abused Eric. She blamed her mother's death on Eric's father because of the single fact that they had known each other. Even more mental was her belief that fate had told her to steal Gareth's card and pursue her revenge. Everything she had said and done pointed to the conclusion that she was deranged and irrational. Yet, Eric couldn't help but believe her. There was something earnest about her eyes, something that screamed of conviction and determination. He sensed that the card she had stolen, Terra Force Dragon, was incredibly powerful. It was a card that could only be wielded by someone with the mental fortitude to control its savage power. This woman, Eric felt, had the strength to use it.
"Personally, I don't agree with your revenge," Eric said. "But as a duelist, I do believe that you have a strong connection to this card."
"Though that may be," Gareth frowned, "I can't let you keep that card. It's an important card that I was told to protect at all costs."
"You'll have to take it over my dead body," threatened Olivia.
"No," both Eric and Gareth said at the same time.
Both turned to each other and grinned, surprised and relieved to know that they shared the same thoughts. It was at moments like this that Eric and Gareth affirmed that they were indeed friends. When they first met, they had a rough start and disagreed with one another's personal philosophies. Even now, Eric and Gareth still disagreed on several matters, but they had one thought in common: a philosophy that connected them as duelists, companions, and human beings.
"We're going to duel for it," Gareth said with a smile.
"I accept," Olivia replied, also smiling. "This card is my trump card, the instrument of my revenge. I'll show you that you can't stop me from achieving my destiny!"
"I'll prove you wrong," Gareth countered. "In this duel, I will show you the truth."
December 7, 3050 3:00 PM
As the two duelists sat with their duel runners parallel beside one another, a holographic counter appeared, the number of tokens disappearing slowly. Both Gareth and Olivia steadied their grips on their handles, anticipating the start of their battle. When the last token vanished, an alarm sounded, announcing the beginning of the duel.
"Turbo duel!" both shouted at once. "Acceleration!"
Gareth and Olivia pulled back their throttles simultaneously, blasting forward at incredible speeds. However, despite the fact that Gareth's duel runner was the most high-tech model his company had to offer, Olivia managed to pull ahead and cross the finish line first, winning the right to make the first move.
(Both players gain 1 Speed Counter each Standby Phase. A player can activate the following effects during their Main Phase: remove 4 counters to deal 800 points of damage to your opponent for each Speed Spell in your hand, remove 7 counters to draw 1 card, remove 10 counters to destroy 1 card on the field)
"Be careful," Eric warned, keeping up with them on his own vehicle as a spectator, "She's strong."
"We can't say for sure," Gareth frowned. "She only won because of her mother's technology."
"No," Eric said with a serious expression, "there's something about her, something different."
Gareth glanced at Eric with a hint of skepticism. He knew that Eric was a skilled duelist who had a particularly strong understanding of the relationship between duelists and their cards, but sometimes, he didn't know where this knowledge came from or whether to believe it. He was reluctant to believe that Eric could sense things even he couldn't. Yet, just as Gareth began to the legitimacy of Eric's words, he was reminded of how Eric's mysterious sense of intuition had broken through his shell in their duel and shown him his true self. Suddenly, he felt guilty for doubting Eric. To Gareth, Eric was an important friend who proved to him the power of faith in one's deck. In order for him to have done that, he must possess an uncanny duelist instinct, an understanding of Duel Monsters far more profound than he could ever imagine. Though Gareth trusted science more than instinct, for better or for worse, he decided that he would give Eric the benefit of the doubt.
"I suppose we'll find out," Gareth grinned as he returned his focus to the duel.
"My turn," Olivia announced, gracefully drawing a card from her deck. (1/1) "I summon Fragrant Daffodil in attack mode!"
A seed fell from the sky, sprouting and growing to form a yellow, six-petalled flower with a cartoon-like face.
(Fragrant Daffodil: Level 2/EARTH/Plant/ATK 300 DEF 200/Effect-When this card is Normal Summoned in attack position, you can draw 1 card from your Deck. If that card is a Spell card, you can activate it ignoring its activation conditions)
"When Fragrant Daffodil is summoned," Olivia explained, "I can draw 1 card. If it happens to be a Spell, I can play it while ignoring its activation conditions."
"Ignoring activation conditions, huh?" Gareth said to himself, furrowing his brow as she drew.
"Fate really is on my side," Olivia grinned. "I drew the Speed Spell Overgrowth, so I can play it ignoring its 8 Speed Counter activation condition. Through its effect, I can Special Summon 2 Plant type monsters from my hand. I summon Fragrant Tulip and Fragrant Gladiolus in attack mode!"
Another two seeds descended from above, blooming rapidly to reveal two more flower monsters. The first was a pink tulip with its petals open, twirling around midair like a ballerina. The other was also a pink flower, but its characteristics were far less delicate. Among its five sharp petals, two branched off to reveal a pair of arms, each holding a petal as a sword. Yet, like Olivia's other monsters, this monster had a elegant, feminine quality to it.
(When you have 8 or more Speed Counters, Special Summon 2 Plant-type monsters from your hand or Graveyard)
(Fragrant Tulip: Level 3/EARTH/Plant/ATK 0 DEF 0/Effect-Once per turn, when this card is in attack position, you can inflict 600 points of damage to your opponent. During your End Phase, this card is changed to defense position)
(Fragrant Gladiolus: Level 4/EARTH/Plant/ATK 1800 DEF 1200/Effect-While you control this face-up card, your opponent cannot attack other Plant-type monsters)
"You're not done yet, are you?" Gareth asked, aware of her cards' abilities.
"Not nearly," Olivia grinned. "I activate Fragrant Tulip's effect, dealing you 600 damage!"
From the yellow anthers of the tulip floated a mass of pollen, gliding gracefully in the wind. Suddenly, without warning, the tulip spun with a flawless pirouette, striking the pollen fragments and launching them at Gareth, who grunted as the impact obscured his vision with clouds of smoke. (3400/4000)
"I set 1 card," Olivia said, gently inserting it into her duel disk. "Turn end. During my End Phase, Fragrant Tulip will switch to defense mode."
Closing its petals to form the familiar conical shape of a tulip, Olivia's monster stopped spinning and remained completely still.
"She's pretty good," Eric commented. "On her first turn, she summoned three monsters: one to summon the others, one to deal you damage, and one to protect the other two. Not a single move was wasted."
"Not only does she have a strong monster setup," Gareth nodded, "but also set Traps to defend herself with. It's almost a perfect field."
"I'm flattered by your compliments," Olivia smirked, "but I'd appreciate it if you took your turn."
"My pleasure," Gareth grinned back as he drew a card. (2/2)
"How are you going to counter her move?" Eric asked out of curiosity. "Are you going to make an even stronger setup than her's?"
"No," Gareth replied, "that's never really been my style."
Her field is indeed set up well, Gareth thought to himself, but it's also really fragile. Each of her monsters are weak individually, so if I can attack with full force, I might be able to overwhelm her.
"I Special Summon Rising Dragon from my hand!" Gareth said, forcefully laying the card on his duel disk.
As violently as always, Gareth's umber dragon burst from the ground, roaring loudly to announce its arrival.
(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)
"Then," Gareth smiled, "when I control a level 5 monster, I can Special Summon the Tuner monster Flame Soul from my hand."
A fire lit up spontaneously in the air, collecting into a ball and revealing a pair of mischievous black 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)
"Right off the bat, huh?" Eric laughed. "How very like you."
"I'm tuning level 3 Flame Soul with level 5 Rising Dragon," Gareth declared. "A burning flame of the soul smolders brightly! Kindle the fire of blazing salvation! Synchro Summon! Reduce to ashes, Crimson Blaze Dragon!"
The orbital spirit of fire circled Rising Dragon, merging with it and engulfing it in raging flames. Howling vehemently, the umber dragon rose to the sky and unleashed an even greater mass of fire surrounding it. Slowly but surely, the dragon's silhouette began to grow, changing into a larger, more demonic form. At the peak of its growth, the dragon expanded its enormous wings, brushing away all the flames to reveal the majestic figure of the Fire Nature Dragon. The very sight of its gargantuan frame, crimson scales, and black thorns was enough to make Olivia shudder, shocked that he had managed to summon his strongest monster on his first turn.
(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)
"Crimson Blaze Dragon's effect activates," Gareth announced. "When it's summoned, you take 500 points of damage!"
Gareth's dragon pulled its head back and chucked it forward, launching a massive fireball at Olivia, who shrieked at being hit. (3400/3500)
"Okay," Olivia said through gritted teeth, "you managed to summon your Nature Dragon. What now?"
"My attack," Gareth said. "Crimson Blaze Dragon, attack Fragrant Gladiolus!"
"I didn't expect you to summon your ace so quickly," Olivia frowned, "but I'm not completely unprepared for it! I activate my Trap card Petal Wall! If I control 2 or more Plant monsters, my monsters can't be destroyed by battle this turn!"
"That's not good enough if you want to stop my burning flames," Gareth boasted. "Crimson Blaze Dragon's effect activates! When it attacks, I discard 1 card from your hand!"
"What?" Olivia exclaimed. "Such an overpowered card!"
"That's what I thought the first time I saw it," Eric nodded. "But it's perfect for someone like Gareth. It's just as intense and overbearing as he is."
"I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult," Gareth winced.
"If you're done mocking me with your idle chatter," Olivia said with a furious expression, "I'd like to get on with the duel."
"Right," Gareth agreed. "In addition to discarding a card, you also take battle damage from my attack. Scorching Flame of Destruction!"
Gareth's crimson dragon unleashed a torrent of wild flames at Olivia's monster, which was protected by a layer of colorful petals. However, this defense wasn't strong enough to hold back the scorching heat of its attack, as jets of fire escaped through and struck Olivia, who tightened her grip and gritted her teeth to endure Gareth's assault. When the attack was over, she reluctantly slid a card into her Graveyard. (3400/2500)
(When you control 2 or more Plant-type monsters, your monsters cannot be destroyed by battle until the End Phase of this turn)
"I set 3 cards," Gareth said. "Turn end."
"My turn!" Olivia declared. (3/3) "I switch Fragrant Tulip to attack mode and activate its effect. You take another 600 points of damage!"
The pink ballerina flower opened its petals once more to release pollen grains into the air, twirling fluidly to launch them as projectiles at Gareth, who grunted as they struck him. (2800/2500)
"I set 1 card," Olivia said, waving her hand in a light and elegant manner. "Turn end. At my End Phase, Fragrant Tulip will switch to defense mode."
"She's catching up," Gareth noted. "But I wonder why she's not changing Fragrant Gladiolus to defense mode. If it's the only monster I can attack anyway, it would spare her some Life Points."
"Don't you see?" Eric smiled. "She's strong. She's not hiding behind her monsters. She's fighting with everything she has alongside them. If her monsters will get hurt, then she's willing to share their pain. She's the most headstrong duelist I've ever met."
"I don't want to be praised by the son of my mother's killer," Olivia growled as she turned towards Eric, glaring at him with rageful eyes.
"I won't let you tarnish Eric's honor," Gareth said, angered after seeing Eric's suddenly downcast expression. "Eric thinks you're a strong duelist, but to me, all you are is an impulsive brat clinging to petty revenge. You're just a desperate child blaming your mother's death on Eric's father with no evidence other than the fact that they were acquaintances."
"Think what you want," Olivia barked, "you won't beat me!"
"Yes I will," Gareth said, his eyes fiery with determination. "My flames of justice will burn through your ignorant recklessness. My turn!"
As Gareth drew his card, both his and Olivia's Speed Counters reached four, causing their duel runners to accelerate and charge down the lane. (4/4)
"I activate my Speed Spell Churning Lava," Gareth said, slamming the card on his duel disk. "When I have 4 Speed Counters, Crimson Blaze Dragon gains 1000 ATK!"
Roaring thunderously, Gareth's dragon became coated in a layer of molten lava, which seeped into its scales to create a glowing network of orange throughout the dragon's body.
(When you have 4 or more Speed Counters, increase the ATK of 1 FIRE monster you control by 1000 until the End Phase of this turn)
"Crimson Blaze Dragon," Gareth commanded, "attack Fragrant Gladiolus! Its effect will discard a card from your hand!"
"I activate my Trap card Rose's Poison!" Olivia shouted worriedly. "When your monster attacks mine, I can equip it to your monster, halve its ATK, and prevent it from attacking!"
"After everything you've said and done," Gareth growled, "there's nothing that can save you from my flames! I activate my Trap card Crimson Blaze! Crimson Blaze Dragon is unaffected by all monster, Spell, and Trap card effects until the End Phase of this turn! Scorching Flame of Destruction!"
With a deafening roaring, Crimson Blaze Dragon unleashed a massive burst of vicious flames in each direction, setting fire to everything in their path. In one swift motion, the dragon launched a tremendous fireball at Olivia's monster, incinerating it with flames so powerful that not even ashes remained. Olivia sat with her eyes wide open and her lips quivering, completely paralyzed by the sight of her monster being obliterated in such a horrendous fashion. Even her hands shook as she inserted her last card into her Graveyard. (2800/500)
(When your opponent's monster attacks your Plant-type monster, equip this card to the attacking monster and halve its ATK. As long as this card is equipped, that monster cannot attack)
(Activate only if "Crimson Blaze Dragon" is on your side of the field. All of your monsters are unaffected by monster, spell, and trap effects until the end of the turn)
As Gareth sat panting from his angry outburst, Olivia made soft whimpers from the fear and shock of witnessing such extreme violence. Just minutes before, she had been so verbally abusive and so rash in her actions, but now, the strong woman they had seen before suddenly disappeared, replaced by a vulnerable girl crying frightful tears.
When making his last attack, Gareth had simply assumed that she was rude and immature; he wanted to give her a piece of his mind and punish her for her misdeeds. However, he never expected that she was so delicate on the inside. Her timid sobs made him regain his senses as feelings of regret fell heavily on his stomach.
"Gareth," Eric frowned, "I appreciate that you defended me, but you went too far. You let your anger control your actions again. Just look at how badly you hurt her."
"Sorry," Gareth muttered. "I guess I was a little carried away. It was wrong of me."
He stared at the Speed Spell in his hand, knowing that he could win right then and there, but that there would be no honor in inflicting even more damage to someone who had already lost the will to fight. If he were his old self, he would've been happy to see his opponent in such a wretched state. He wouldn't have hesitated to use Speed World 2's effect to end the duel with the most psychological damage possible. But now, he understood the error of his ways. Now, he could see in himself the villain he had sworn to vanquish.
"Turn end," Gareth said, bowing his head in shame.
All three drove in silence down the street, too scared to utter a single word. Olivia, who had been so confident and verbal before, sat shaken and afraid. Gareth's anger and determination had dissipated and replaced itself with shame and guilt. Eric, who was hurt by Olivia's accusations and saddened by Gareth's actions, was silent as well. The next few minutes were spent quietly driving down the lane. No one wanted to continue the duel.
Minutes later, however, they were all taken by surprise.
"I-I," Olivia stammered, "don't think you were wrong."
Eric and Gareth both turned to her, interested to know what she was going to say.
"I don't think what Gareth did was wrong," she said, recovering from her shock. "It's as you said. He's really passionate and really intense. That's why he was able to make such a powerful attack. That's why he was able to break through my defenses."
"It was just anger," Gareth frowned. "I let my anger get the best of me. I used it as an excuse to harm others and to satisfy my own revenge. I'm a hypocrite for criticizing you when I'm no better."
"Maybe," Olivia smiled, "but you woke me up. It's true that I'm reckless and impulsive. I acted on my emotions rather than my reason and ended up hurting innocent people. After seeing what you did, I think I can believe what you said about knowing what I've been through."
Eric watched in awe as tears streamed down her face. She had been shaken and scared to death by the ugliness of Gareth's anger, but she still had the courage to say all that. The toughness that she had exhibited was simply a manifestation of the resentment that dwelt within her, a facade to protect the delicate and fragile girl inside of her. In a way, what Gareth did was wrong. But at the same time, it was the best thing he could've done. His intense flames had burned through her tough act and revealed her true, gentle self. They had also shown her the grotesque face of wrath, a face she herself could have worn if she had gone down the same path. After witnessing her determination, Eric knew that he was right about her. In her duel with Gareth, Olivia had revealed her personality without even knowing it. Her adorable flower monsters and graceful movements showed her delicate side, while the persistence in her play showed her headstrong nature. Olivia's ignoring of her Speed Spell's activation conditions showed her impatience, while her defensive Traps showed her benevolence. Despite her rough exterior, her heart was soft as a flower.
"It's my turn," she said, drawing a card with lavish hand movements. (5/5) "You've shown me the strength of your feelings, so I think it's only fair to show you mine."
"Right," Gareth grinned. "Show me how the real you duels."
"I summon the Tuner monster Fragrant Allium," Olivia declared.
Rising from the ground came a long green stalk, growing steadily until it began to bloom into a round flowerhead, resembling a flowerhead of cool lavender.
(Fragrant Allium: Level 3/EARTH/Plant/ATK 400 DEF 200/Effect-When this card is used to Synchro Summon an EARTH Synchro monster, that monster gains ATK equal to 100x its level)
"I'm tuning level 3 Fragrant Allium with level 2 Fragrant Daffodil and level 3 Fragrant Tulip," Olivia announced. "Perennial petals dance along the resilient wind. Give bloom to the heiress of nature's grace! Synchro Summon! Rise forth, Terra Force Dragon!"
All three of Olivia's monsters dissipated into flower petals of various colors, swaying gently in the wind. Suddenly, they began to move faster, multiplying and swirling in a turbulent fashion to form a tornado of rainbow colors. The tornado churned more and more violently, collapsing in on itself at the center to form a dense core. Without warning, the tornado burst open, scattering the flower petals everywhere and revealing a sand-colored dragon with sharp, crested scales and a pale underbelly. Its most defining feature was a long, sharp strip that protruded from its head, laced with two columns of black spikes that ran down its slender neck. Releasing an echoing roar, the Nature Dragon of Earth dispelled the petals floating around it to announce its eminent arrival.
(Terra Force Dragon: 1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuners/Level 8/EARTH/Dragon/ATK 2500 DEF 2000/Effect-Once per turn, you can destroy all Spell and Trap cards on the field and increase your Life Points by 500 for each card destroyed. During your opponent's turn, you can tribute this card to negate all damage you receive until the End Phase of that turn)
"Terra Force Dragon," Eric whispered to himself. "It's so rough and threatening, but somehow, it's also pretty, just like her. Fate or no fate, their spiritual connection is strong."
"Indeed," Gareth nodded, also mesmerized by its appearance. "Their resemblance is almost uncanny."
Olivia blushed at their comments, embarrassed that she was the center of attention. Yet, she herself couldn't help but become entranced by the majestic sight of the monster she had just summoned. When she said that Terra Force Dragon had called out to her, she wasn't lying. Olivia did feel a deep connection to it, a connection that mysteriously frightened her, yet felt so right at the same time. Standing before her right now was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. Her eyes sparkled with moisture as she felt the beating of her monster's heart, thumping at the same rate as her own.
"Well," Gareth grinned, "are you just going to stare at your monster or are you going to do something with it?"
"Show us your true strength!" Eric smiled, encouraging her with a thumbs up.
After hearing their words, Olivia couldn't help but smile back. Just a while ago, she had attempted to kill Eric and felt angry at the very sight of Gareth, but now, she was shocked that she felt no resentment towards either of them. As she looked at their cheerful faces, she admitted to herself that she felt genuinely happy to have met them. Despite all she did to them, they forgave her and regarded her as a fellow duelist, a fellow human being. They were, without a doubt, good people.
"Thank you," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. "You showed me that I was wrong. Now, it's time to repay you by showing you who I really am, my true power! I activate Terra Force Dragon's effect, destroying all Spell and Trap cards on the field and increasing my Life Points by 500 for each destroyed!"
Terra Force Dragon spread its voluminous wings and took flight, twirling with agile movement as it ascended into the sky and towered above Gareth. Then, without any hesitation, the dragon swooped down in a straight line and crushed his set cards, tilting upwards at a dramatic angle to create a massive flux of wind. Astonished by the sheer force of the impact, Gareth braced himself as he was struck with a flurry of turbulent gales. Gripping firmly on his overarching handlebars, Gareth managed to stabilize his duel runner and catch up with his opponent. (2800/1500)
"Now," Olivia continued, "because Terra Force Dragon was Synchro Summoned with Fragrant Allium, it gains 100 ATK times its level, giving it a total of 3300 ATK!"
"Bring it on," Gareth smirked, eager to face a worthy opponent in battle.
"My pleasure," Olivia replied back with a smile. "Terra Force Dragon, attack Crimson Blaze Dragon! Terra Firma Collision!"
The mighty Nature Dragon of Earth raised its claws and rammed them into the ground, raising jagged pillars of stone in a straight line towards Gareth's dragon, the last pillar striking it and piercing it through the chest. Shrieking in pain, Crimson Blaze Dragon exploded and vanished into dust. (2000/1500)
"Turn end," Olivia announced with a flick of her hand.
"My turn," Gareth said, drawing a card from his deck. (6/6)
He could win this turn. With the two cards in his hand, he had the tools to defeat Terra Force Dragon and win the duel. But the guilt of his last attack stopped him from doing anything. After doing something so cruel to her earlier, after she had finally understood the error of her ways, Gareth felt that winning right now would be an insult to Olivia's courage, Eric's trust, and his own pride. As he turned to Eric, he saw in his eyes the same moral conflict that was occurring inside him. As he turned to Olivia-.
"Do what you have to do!" Olivia said suddenly.
For a moment, he remained silent, shocked at her exclamation.
"Don't go easy on me," she pleaded. "I know you can win right now!"
"I can't," Gareth finally replied. "With everything that's happened, you deserve to win the most."
"No!" Olivia shouted back. "The only reason I survived to have my last turn was because you spared me! Also, the only reason I managed to beat Crimson Blaze Dragon was because you taught me what real courage was. Right now, I'm nowhere near your level, skill-wise and strength-wise. Your passion has inspired me to become even stronger, not as my parents' avenger, but as me. For that, I acknowledge you as a great duelist. If you acknowledge me, then show me your strength once more. Show me your passionate, crimson flames!"
As their eyes met, Gareth could see the persistent gleam of resolve on her face, as well as the competitive expression of a true duelist. Smiling to himself, he acknowledged that she was right. If he were to give up right now, it would truly be an insult to her feelings. The most honorable way to respect Olivia's courage was to give it his all in this duel, to show her his way of the duelist, the blazing flames of his soul.
"I activate the Speed Spell Oil Spill!" Gareth declared. "If my opponent controls more monsters than I do, I can gain 2 Speed Counters!"
Pulling back on his throttle, Gareth's duel runner blasted down the street, passing Olivia and leaving behind a trail of sparks. (8/6)
"Then," Gareth continued, "I can Special Summon a monster from my Graveyard whose level is equal to my Speed Counters. I have 8 Speed Counters, so I can Special Summon a level 8 monster. Revive, Crimson Blaze Dragon!"
As Gareth's duel runner charged down the lane, it left behind a trail of fire, burning profusely and growing larger with each passing second. Curling inwards towards Gareth, the line of flames condensed to take an amorphous shape that vaguely resembled a dragon. Then, in one swoosh, the creature within the fire blew off its surrounding flames, revealing its thick, red figure.
(You can only activate this card if you have 5 or more Speed Counters. If your opponent controls more monsters than you, gain 2 Speed Counters. Then, you can Special Summon a monster from your Graveyard whose level is equal to the number of Speed Counters you have)
"Crimson Blaze Dragon," Gareth declared, "attack Terra Force Dragon! When Crimson Blaze Dragon attacks, I can discard a card from your hand. But since you don't have one, I can destroy a card on your field instead. I destroy Terra Force Dragon!"
"I activate Terra Force Dragon's effect!" Olivia countered. "I tribute it to negate all damage I take this turn!"
"Wise decision," Gareth praised, "but not good enough! I activate my Quick Speed Spell Lightning Flare! I remove all 8 of my Speed Counters to deal you a total of 1600 damage!"
"But doesn't Terra Force Dragon all the damage I would take this turn?" Olivia asked.
"Normally yes," Gareth explained, "but in Duel Monsters, effect chains resolve backwards. That means that since I played Lightning Flare after you used Terra Force Dragon's effect, you take damage before its effect resolves."
Olivia's eyes widened after Gareth's explanation. She was surprised that he had thought so far ahead, even preparing for Terra Force Dragon's effect that she herself had barely remembered to use. His skill and understanding of the game were unlike those of anyone she's ever seen. From the way he manipulated even the most advanced game mechanics to his advantage, Gareth had confirmed for her that he was truly an admirable duelist.
"I see," Olivia smiled, closing her eyes.
Crimson Blaze Dragon unleashed a torrent of scorching flames at Terra Force Dragon, who rammed itself into the ground to pull forth a wall of rock to defend its master. However, just as the wall appeared, the flames split off into eight smaller projectiles, circumventing the rocky barrier and striking Olivia to diminish the rest of her Life Points. (2000/0)
(When your opponent activates a monster effect, remove any number of Speed Counters and inflict 200 points of damage for each)
As smoke escaped from various parts of Olivia's duel runner to signify her defeat, all three duelists hit the brakes on their duel runners, slowing down to a complete halt.
"It's my complete loss," Olivia said whimsically. "You really are strong."
"You still have much to learn," Gareth grinned, "but at least for now, I acknowledge you as a duelist."
"I'm sorry!" Olivia suddenly screamed, bowing her head at Eric. "I'm sorry for accusing your father and I'm sorry for hurting you!"
"I-It's okay," Eric stuttered, taken aback by her gesture. "You've learned your lesson, and more importantly, you've shown me that you're a good person with a tough spirit and a kind heart. After seeing how brave you are, I can't help but forgive you."
"Thanks," Olivia smiled, her eyes becoming watery once again.
Then, she turned to face Gareth, who was smiling at their sweet exchange.
"I need to apologize to you too," Olivia said, bowing once more. "I'm sorry for stealing your card. You beat me fair and square. You can have it back."
"No," Gareth said, handing it back to her. "Today, you've proven that you're more than worthy of possessing it."
"But," she contested, "didn't you say it was important to your father?"
"I can't explain it," Gareth said, "but I feel that Terra Force Dragon belongs in your hands. Eric was right, you share a special bond with that card. Take it and use it to become a stronger duelist."
"Thank you," she sniveled, bowing again, "to both of you."
"So what are you going to do now?" Eric asked Olivia. "Are you going keep looking for your mother's killer?"
"Yeah," she replied. "I know that revenge isn't the right thing to do, but I still want justice for my mother's death. I'll continue to look for clues as to who killed her and discover the truth."
"I wish you the best of luck," Gareth said, offering his hand.
Smiling gleefully, Olivia shook his hand with a firm grip. She then turned to Eric and shook his hand as well, giggling when she saw his embarrassed expression. With that, Olivia revved up her duel runner and drove off into the distance, with Eric and Gareth watching her until she became a green speck in the horizon.
"There are good people in this world," Eric smiled, happy that everything ended well.
"I used to think there weren't," Gareth grinned. "But after meeting you, it seems my outlook has changed."
"What do you mean?" Eric asked.
"I always thought that human beings were selfish creatures who did anything to please themselves," Gareth explained. "But now, it almost feels like everyone has some good on the inside. Through dueling, through expressing our true feelings, I'm beginning to believe that we can come to understand one another and overcome our differences."
Ever since Eric's experience with Conundrum, he had felt a tight knot of uncertainty in his stomach as he constantly remembered the image of someone who had become evil due to an overload of traumatic events in his life. He began to doubt the good in people and became obsessed with the fear of becoming tainted by other people's darkness. But now, he reaffirmed that just as anyone could become evil with bad experiences, anyone could shed that darkness and find their inner goodness with the right example to follow. It wasn't really that his faith in humanity was restored. It was that within the shadows that corrupted humanity, though weak and faint, he began to see a glimmer of light.
"Yeah," Eric nodded, "I think you're right."