Yu-Gi-Oh! D.T.
Chapter 16: Trouble Stirring, A Stormy Prelude to Battle
January 22, 3051 11:55 PM
"What are you thinking about?" asked a deep voice echoing through the stone chambers of the Ingenian temple.
Gasping in surprise, Sandra bumped against her wooden study desk as she shot up from her seat and spun her head to see a golden sphere of energy levitating inside her room.
"Oh Gryp," she sighed of relief, "you frightened me."
"My apologies," the Ingenian regalia beast chuckled, "but you were so lost in your thoughts that you didn't sense me approaching."
"I…," Sandra began, lowering her head in acknowledgement of Gryp's words, "I'm sorry."
"No no, this is a good thing. I've never seen you smiling so blissfully before."
"Was I…?" the priest blushed. "I must have been pleased with seeing the outside world for the first time after so long."
"It's been twelve years. That's a long time. Do you think the world's changed since you've last seen it?"
"Probably not as dramatically as you have witnessed in your lifetime," Sandra smiled. "But yes, it is very different. The buildings. The trees. The people."
"Speaking of people," Gryp began, "don't you think it's a good idea to become more familiar with Gareth? It's not beneficial for a priest to have poor relationships with her guardians."
"Please do not ask this of me," she pleaded, stroking her long hair. "I cannot bear to face that dreadful man. He terrifies me to the core."
"You'll have to face him eventually," Gryp sighed. "Plus, you didn't seem to have any trouble talking to your other guardian."
"Because he is…." Sandra began before her words trailed off and her face grew red.
"Oh."
"G-gryp!" she stammered. "You misunderstand! I am not-!"
"Oh I see," the spirit repeated. "So that's what you were daydreaming about."
"Gryp, please stop your teasing!" Sandra begged. "I assure you, he is-!"
"Uh huh," it replied in a skeptical tone as it began to leave. "Of course."
"Gryp!" Sandra called out once more before its energy signature disappeared.
Sighing to herself, she fell back into her chair, burrowing her face in her arms rested over the wooden desk.
Why me?
January 23, 3051 1:05 AM
Draped in a fraying gray robe, Olivia walked silently along the dark and narrow alleys of Amelda City. As she passed the homeless, drunk, and decrepit denizens of the garbage-lined neighborhood, her eyes constantly shifted, completely attentive of every movement and sound around her. Paying little heed to the curious glances, Olivia continued straight along her path, passing by society's outcasts of progressively wretched and odorous proportions. Yet, she showed no signs of revulsion or terror, wearing only a hard expression with cold eyes that didn't blink or waiver from the hideousness of the world around her.
Her calm demeanor was not a result of confidence in her combat abilities or distrust of others, but rather a professional trademark of those in her line of work. As an information broker, it was essential to maintain a stable and rational state of mind in order to process the events around her, memorize the slightest of details, and compound her gatherings into valuable pieces of information. The next part was analyzing this information to deduce the truth hidden behind the various obscure clues left behind. For example, she noticed that the next homeless man she walked by did not raise his head. He was wearing an old fleece coat to maintain the illusion of being poor, one that he had probably taken from the druggy shivering across from him. Unfortunately, he had failed to mask his pair of recently-polished leather shoes, ones that weren't too expensive considering the sloppiness of his work.
Before she reached her contact at the corner of the alleyway, she had counted five attackers.
"Do you have the information?" she asked a short middle-aged man whose face was covered by a black top hat. "Where's the person who claims to have known Genesis Celeste?"
"You first," he smiled.
"That's not how this works," Olivia said sternly.
"Oh but I believe it is," the man smirked. "I have the more valuable piece of intel so you have to offer your bit first."
"I wouldn't mess with me if I were you," she threatened, brandishing a razor sharp knife.
"Come now," the man said without a hint of worry. "Let's not resort to violence here. People like us do business with our minds, not our fists."
"Don't lump me in with scum like you," Olivia scowled, raising her weapon. "I'm nothing like you."
"No," the man snickered, "I suppose you're not."
Raising his head to reveal a pair of wicked green eyes, the man snapped his fingers and chuckled, his laughter growing increasingly sharp. However, after several seconds of waiting, the reinforcements he had expected did not arrive, prompting his squeals to subside and a concerned wrinkle to appear on his forehead.
"You," he growled, "you…."
"Like I said," Olivia smirked, "I'm nothing like you. I'm much smarter."
His lips quivering, the man spun around in an attempt to flee, only to find himself pinned to the ground in a matter of seconds with Olivia's knife at his groin.
"And," she said tauntingly, "I'm much better at my job."
January 23, 3051 10:43 AM
Standing behind the metal double doors of Gareth's office on the twentieth floor of the D.T. Corporation Headquarters building, Aja Donahue tapped her feet and bit her lip as she tried to think about what her boss was doing in his room with that man. As the doors were soundproofed, she couldn't hear a single word they were saying to each other, but she suspected they were up to something. Gareth always was.
In her four years of employment at D.T. Corporation, she had never seen Gareth act so secretive until he began seeing that man. She had studied Eric Lambert's record on the company's database but found no reason why Gareth, a man she had always thought of as cunning and intelligent, would be interested in a poor orphan who graduated from Duel Academy as a measly Slifer.
Well, she thought to herself while curling her short blonde hair with her finger, I guess I have some ideas. It's true that I've never seen him interested in any woman…
Aja shook her head, trying to purge from her mind the idea that Gareth would jeopardize the company's well-being for something so trivial. Yet, at the same time, she had little reason to believe everything he had done was for the good of D.T. Corporation. Ever since he began interacting with that man two and a half months ago, Gareth had been less focused during board meetings and keeping more secrets from her and her coworkers. He spent countless days paying suspicious visits to Truesdale Town to meet this Eric Lambert and even more days locked away in his office doing God knows what. Even if she didn't know exactly what their relationship was, she knew that he was a distraction for Gareth.
As part of her duty as battle commander, Aja determined that in order to strengthen D.T. Corporation's combat power and optimize the company's operations, it was necessary to confront Gareth about her concerns and remind him of his priorities. Then, she would speak to Eric Lambert and make him stay away from Gareth, by any means necessary. It was for these two reasons that she waited outside his office for them to finish their business.
When the door opened several minutes later, she found herself staring directly at Gareth's face, glaring at her with dark judging eyes as though he had been aware of her presence from the beginning. Taken aback, Aja stumbled backwards before regaining her balance and standing straight to give a formal military salute.
"Sir," she began, "I need to talk to you about someth-."
"Aja," Gareth interrupted, "this is Eric Lambert. From now on, he will be a soldier here at D.T. under my direct command. Please provide him with a room and give him a tour of our facilities."
"Nice to meet you," Eric smiled politely, holding out his hand.
Aja grimaced as she scanned his lazily-combed hair and simple attire: a plain white T-shirt, a pair of old faded jeans, and a set of dirty sneakers. Furious at his disregard for the professional atmosphere of the company, she shot him a dirty look before ignoring him and turning back to face Gareth.
"Under your direct command?" she asked. "The only ones who have that rank are battle commanders!"
"Is there a problem?" Gareth said, furrowing his brows threateningly.
"With all due respect sir," Aja replied, "battle commander is a privileged rank that can only be achieved by the most skilled and distinguished of soldiers. How can an untrained and inexperienced rookie be given such an important position of leadership?"
"I can vouch for his skills," Gareth rebutted. "As for experience, that can be obtained with time."
"But sir!" Aja exclaimed. "You can't-!"
"Can't what?" Gareth growled, wearing a dark expression.
"Gareth," Eric cut in, "she has a point. I don't think I'm qualified for this either."
"Let me deal with this," Gareth silenced him before turning back to Aja. "The assignment of this rank is my executive decision. You have no say in this matter."
"My duty as a battle commander-!"
"Is to obey me," Gareth said, raising his voice.
"That's not true," a deep, calm voice suddenly cut in.
Turning around, Aja's expression lit up as she saw Dylan Hewitt quickly approaching them.
"Dylan," Gareth glared, "what are you trying to say?"
"Her duty as a battle commander is to make decisions that maximize our organization's military power," the chief of finance explained. "Therefore, if she feels that something is interfering with the realization of that goal, she has the right to raise an objection."
"And as owner of this company," Gareth said firmly, "I have the right to refuse it."
"Not if it conflicts with your responsibilities as CEO," Dylan interjected. "You have an obligation to this company's well-being. If one of your employees raises a valid complaint, which Miss Donahue here has, then for the sake of the company, it is your duty to see to the issue and fix it."
"Even if I accept the premise of your argument," Gareth frowned, "it is still undetermined whether Aja's complaint is a valid one."
"Seeing as hiring an unqualified battle commander can pose disastrous consequences for the our resources, our success in our battle against the Dark Chasers, and many of our soldiers' lives, I do believe that Miss Donahue's concerns regarding Mr. Lambert's competence are undisputedly valid."
"Dylan," Gareth said darkly, "you're exceeding your authority."
"Not remotely. As chief of finance, I have the responsibility of managing the company's assets, which involves determining the most efficient expenditure of our capital. If I feel that we are making an unwise investment, it's my job to make sure we cut it. Therefore, my judgment holds significant and legitimate weight in this decision."
"I assure you," Gareth gritted his teeth, "Eric is very capable. I have ascertained his skills."
"We have no evidence of what you claim," Dylan refuted. "Therefore, your argument has no basis."
With Dylan's constant onslaught of rational arguments, Gareth was rendered speechless. Aja smiled with admiration towards the ruthless, no-nonsense chief of finance, unable to conceal her excitement over witnessing Gareth's first defeat in an argument. She couldn't deny that seeing the frustrated look on his face gave her a sliver of joy.
As expected of Dylan Hewitt, she thought to herself. If there's anyone who can oppose Gareth and come out on top, it's him.
"Then," Gareth muttered a few seconds later, "what do you propose?"
"Have him duel Miss Donahue," the chief of finance suggested. "If Mr. Lambert is truly qualified to be a battle commander as you claim, then he should be able to hold his own against an existing one. One of our best, if I might add."
"Eric?" Gareth turned to his friend.
"Fine with me," Eric smiled. "I'll leave the big words, bureaucratic talk, and political jibes to you. I'm a duelist. Dueling is what I do best."
"You're not a coward, I'll give you that," Aja sneered. "But we'll see if you're still so confident after the duel."
With that, the four descended an elevator to the tenth floor, which housed a variety of concrete walls that enclosed specialized training spaces for soldiers to practice drills. Having memorized the layout of the floor after years of training of soldiers, Aja led them to an empty room designed for dueling. Eyeing the camera embedded in the wall to monitor and record soldier performance, she walked to her post at the other end of the room. Eric Lambert stood ten meters opposite her, wearing the same arrogant and childish smirk on his face. The sour-faced Gareth and expressionless Dylan stood on opposite corners of the room to oversee the match.
"This is your last chance to save yourself the embarrassment of losing in front of the boss," Aja taunted.
"Don't worry," Eric chuckled weakly. "He's seen me lose plenty of times already."
"Hearing that makes me question your abilities even more," she said dryly.
"You won't know for sure until it's over," Eric smiled. "So let's get started."
"Duel!" both shouted simultaneously.
"Since you're a rookie," Aja said condescendingly, "you can take the first turn."
"I'll gladly take that offer," Eric bowed jokingly before drawing his sixth card. "I discard Bright Star to Special Summon Moonlight Viking from my hand."
A shining ball of light appeared on the field, only to be swallowed by a descending axe-wielding viking warrior clad in blue cloth and silver armor, with the emblem of a crescent moon on his spiked helmet.
(Moonlight Viking: Level 5/LIGHT/Warrior/ATK-2200 DEF-300/Effect: You can discard 1 card from your hand to Special Summon this card from your hand. If you do, you cannot summon another monster this turn)
(Bright Star: Level 1/LIGHT/Psychic/ATK-500 DEF-0/Effect: If this card is sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon it to your side of the field on your next Standby Phase)
"I set 1 card," Eric continued. "Turn end."
"My turn," Aja declared, unfazed by her opponent's move. "I summon the Tuner monster Speed Mechatron in attack mode."
A triangular sheet of yellow-colored metal materialized on the field, unfolding itself moments later to reveal a small robot with a pair of roller-skating feet.
(Speed Mechatron: Level 2/EARTH/Machine/ATK-200 DEF-500/Effect: When this monster is destroyed by your opponent, either by battle or by effect, you can Special Summon a Mechatron monster from your hand)
"No response, huh?" she commented snarkily. "Well, I'll spring your set card one way or another. I activate my Spell card Auto Maneuver - Flash Beam, destroying your set card."
"I activate-!"
"Don't think so," Aja cut in. "Flash Beam prevents you from activating anything in response."
Eric wore a look of concern as a swift laser incinerated his set card.
(While you control a Mechatron monster, you can target 1 Spell or Trap card your opponent controls and destroy it. Your opponent cannot activate any card effects in response to this card)
"You're a careful one, aren't you?" Eric commented.
"Any sane person knows that rushing in blindly is suicide," she replied coldly. "If you think I'm being particularly 'careful,' that just shows how much of a rookie you are."
"Ouch," Eric chuckled weakly. "Not too light on your plays or words."
"You won't be laughing for long," Aja frowned, offended that her opponent wasn't taking her seriously. "When I control a Mechatron monster, I can Special Summon Assist Mechatron from my hand."
A red metal box descended from the sky and disassembled itself to reveal a bulky automaton with two limbs holding protective shields.
(Assist Mechatron: Level 3/EARTH/Machine/ATK-0 DEF-2000/Effect: While you control a Mechatron monster, you can Special Summon this card from your hand)
"I tune level 3 Assist Mechatron with level 2 Speed Mechatron," Aja declared. "I Synchro Summon Delta Mechatron - Sniper."
Reverting back to their original shapes, Aja's two mechanical monsters joined together, making loud screeching noises as they molded in convoluted patterns. Eventually, the contraption stopped moving and the final product emerged: a thin orange-coated robot pointing a long sniper rifle at Eric.
(Delta Mechatron - Sniper: 1 Mechatron Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuners/Level 5/EARTH/Machine/ATK-2000 DEF-1000/Effect: Once per turn, you can destroy 1 monster your opponent controls and inflict damage equal to half of that monster's ATK. During the turn this effect was activated, this card cannot declare an attack)
"I activate my monster's effect," Aja announced. "Once per turn, I can destroy 1 monster you control and deal you damage equal to half of its ATK."
Taking a stable crouching stance, Aja's monster aimed its gun at the armored viking and fired, shooting a powerful beam of energy which pierced through and obliterated its target. The resulting debris blew back at Eric, who gritted his teeth from the damage he took. (2900/4000)
"Sniper can't attack the turn I use this effect," Aja explained. "I set 1 card and end my turn."
"That's quite the monster," Eric commented. "Not particularly strong but easy to summon with a versatile effect."
"Do you always talk this much?" she asked with a hint of irritation. "What's your point?"
"My point is that I'm beginning to learn what kind of person you are," Eric replied.
"I think it's irrelevant, not to mention pretty obvious, what kind of person I am," Aja scoffed. "I'm a dignified fighter with no tolerance for negligence or incompetence."
"You're the calculating type who uses the most efficient method to combat your opponent's strategies," Eric continued. "Your deck is designed for risk-free, cost-effective, and consistent plays."
"I'm still not seeing why this makes a difference," Aja retorted. "Stop stalling and make your move."
"Fine," he sighed as he drew a card. "I'll show you what I mean by dueling instead of talking. During my Standby Phase, Bright Star is Special Summoned to my field."
A shimmering sphere of light blinked onto the field, its brightness oscillating every few seconds.
"Next, I summon the Tuner monster Moonlight Sorcerer."
A swirling blue portal spiraled outward from a single point in space, revealing a young male spellcaster wearing a pointed hat and a cerulean robe scattered with various moon paraphernalia.
(Moonlight Sorcerer: Level 4/LIGHT/Spellcaster/ATK-400 DEF-2000/Effect: This card gains 200 ATK for each LIGHT attribute monster on the field)
"I'm tuning level 1 Bright Star with level 4 Moonlight Sorcerer," Eric declared. "The shining moon guides all to prudence. Glisten brightly in your shadowy elegance! Synchro Summon! Howl, Lunar Wolf!"
Bright Star twirled around Eric for a few seconds before resting atop the blue sorcerer's hands. Spreading his hands apart, the iridescent ball expanded, illuminating the world around him with a blinding flash of light. As the brightness faded, what remained on Eric's field was a ravenous gray canine baring its sharp fangs at its opponent.
(Lunar Wolf: Level 5/LIGHT/Beast/ATK-2000 DEF-1000/Effect: When this card destroys a monster by battle, you can banish 1 LIGHT monster from your Graveyard to have it attack again)
Normally, Aja thought nothing of the cards' holographic projections because she understood them as cheap effects meant to entertain an easily impressed public, or, as Gareth had once told her, a fear tactic used to intimidate criminals who were cowardly and superstitious by nature. However, one gaze upon this beast's ferocious yellow eyes was enough to fill her body with a feeling of uneasiness, a feeling which persisted no matter how much she told herself it was only an illusion.
"Lunar Wolf," Eric announced, "attack with Lunar Fang!"
"You plan on crashing my monster, huh?" Aja said in an unimpressed tone. "How naive. I activate my Trap card Counter Maneuver - Blitz. Your attacking monster is destroyed."
"I see," Eric smirked. "So it was a destruction effect. I chain my Quick Spell Moon Wave Swap, returning Lunar Wolf to my Extra Deck and replacing him with Moonlight Viking from my Grave!"
When Lunar Wolf pushed off the ground with its hind legs and pounced, Aja's monster suddenly opened a series of panels from all over its body, unveiling an array of gun barrels which unloaded a storm of lasers and bullets at the beast. However, before they managed to strike, a silvery beam of moonlight descended upon the wolf, absorbing it into the sky to save it from destruction. Moments later, another beam struck the ground, delivering Eric's fallen viking.
(When your opponent declares an attack on your Mechatron monster, destroy the attacking monster)
(Return one monster you control to its owner's hand to Special Summon a Light attribute monster from your Graveyard. If you returned a Synchro monster, you can draw 1 card)
"So you anticipated my set card and used a Quick Spell to save your monster," Aja noted. "Stop smiling when you made a play a kindergartener could've made."
"Well," Eric said, raising an eyebrow, "your Trap is sprung and I just summoned a monster with higher ATK than yours. Also, since I returned a Synchro monster via Moon Wave Swap's effect, I can draw a card. If I didn't know any better, I'd say this is a step above kindergarten level. But I do know better, because this was a play I've made countless times before kindergarten."
Agitated by his bold and arrogant words, Aja gritted her teeth as she mentally acknowledged that he had indeed made an excellent play.
"Moonlight Viking," Eric commanded, "attack Delta Mechatron - Sniper!"
Unleashing a deafening battle cry, the viking charged at the orange machine and hacked at it repeatedly until it was completely dismantled. (2900/3800)
"I set 1 card," Eric said with a pleased grin. "Turn end."
"My turn," Aja announced, smiling upon seeing her newly drawn card. "You made one decent move, but I'm afraid this duel's far from finished. "I summon the Tuner monster Supply Mechatron."
As a blue cylindrical device materialized on the field, its bottom half divided into four symmetrical limbs to pad the insect-like machine's fall.
(Supply Mechatron: Level 3/EARTH/Machine/ATK-500 DEF-500/Effect: When this card is Normal Summoned, you can Special Summon 1 Level 4 or lower Mechatron monster from your Graveyard)
"Supply Mechatron Special Summons a level 4 or lower Mechatron from my Grave," Aja explained. "I choose Assist Mechatron."
The churning of machinery could be heard from within the quadrupedal automaton as it rebuilt the red defense robot and ejected it from its head.
"I tune level 3 Assist Mechatron with level 3 Supply Mechatron," Aja declared. "I Synchro Summon Alpha Mechatron - Quickshot."
In a similar fashion to her previous Synchro Summon, Aja's monsters reverted back to their original shapes and merged together, molding and grinding with increasing complexity until the mechanical complex took on the shape of a green mecha wielding a menacing assault rifle.
(Alpha Mechatron - Quickshot: 1 Mechatron Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuners/Level 6/EARTH/Machine/ATK-2400 DEF-1300/Effect: When this card destroys a monster by battle, you can decrease this card's ATK by 1000 until the End Phase. If you do, this card can attack twice during this Battle Phase)
He didn't respond to my Synchro Summon, Aja thought, narrowing her eyes after seeing Eric's suspicious grin. That means that his set card will trigger when I attack him.
"But what will it be?" Eric smirked, verbalizing her train of thought. "Is it an ATK changing effect? Or maybe a destruction effect? Flip? Bounce? Negation?"
Ignoring him, Aja glanced at the two cards in her hand, one that raised her monster's ATK and one that protected it from effects. After running several scenarios through her mind, she came to the conclusion that any move she made would be a gamble. If his set card was an ATK changer, then the latter would be useless. If it was any other effect, then the former would do nothing. Using both would virtually assure her a safe attack and potentially win her the game. However, if he had some other way of surviving the turn and destroying her monster, then she would be relying on topdecks for the rest of the game. Closing her eyes and recalculating the probabilities in her mind, Aja determined the most risk-free option.
"I activate Auto Maneuver - Explosive Shot," she announced. "My monster gains 1000 ATK and deals you an additional 500 damage when I attack."
(Increase the ATK of all your Mechatron monsters by 1000 until the End Phase. During this turn, when your monster declares an attack, inflict 500 points of damage to your opponent)
"I also activate Auto Maneuver - Reinforced Armor," she continued. "My monster can't be targeted or destroyed by your cards."
(Until the End Phase of this turn, all Mechatron monsters you control cannot be targeted or destroyed by your opponent's card effects)
"I see," Eric smiled. "You've protected your monster from almost everything. I'll tell you now, your attack's going to go through."
"Quickshot attacks Moonlight Viking," Aja mandated, purposely ignoring her opponent's words which she had interpreted as a bluff to dissuade her from attacking.
"I activate my Trap card Moonlight Veil!" Eric declared with a wave of his hand. "My monster can't be destroyed this turn and I gain 500 Life Points!"
Aja's mechanical soldier, whose green plates glowed with a bright sheen, unleashed a barrage of raging bullets at Moonlight Viking, each bursting into orange explosive clouds upon impact. A thunderous roar echoed throughout the rectangular training room, which instantly became filled with ash and dust. However, when the smoke cleared moments later, Eric as well as his monster remained standing, shrouded by a protective layer of sparkling moonlight. (1700/3800)
(No LIGHT attribute monsters can be destroyed this turn. You gain 500 Life Points)
"I wasn't lying when I said your attack would go through," Eric smirked. "It's just too bad for you that there are more ways of nullifying an attack than stopping your monster."
"Turn end," Aja said through gritted teeth.
"My turn then," Eric announced, smiling upon seeing his draw. "First, I summon Bright Star during my Standby Phase via its effect."
Once more, the shining sphere of light blinked onto Eric's field.
"Then, I summon Flash Gunner Luna."
A helmeted woman clad in an azure stealth suit with golden trim dashed onto the field from a silver portal, performing a series of fancy spins with her pair of laser guns.
(Flash Gunner Luna: Level 3/LIGHT/Spellcaster/ATK-1300 DEF-200/ Effect: You can return 1 monster from your field to your hand to deal 500 points of damage to your opponent)
"And here's my last card," Eric grinned. "I discard Vanishing Moon to decrease your monster's ATK by 1000."
A shimmering ball of rock materialized above Aja's monster, crumbling into specks of dust which rained on the green automaton, weakening it and rendering it immobile.
(Vanishing Moon: Level 1/LIGHT/Psychic/ATK-1000 DEF-100/Effect: You can discard this card from your hand to have one of your opponent's monsters lose 1000 ATK and 1 level. If you do, Special Summon this card to your side of the field in attack position on your next Battle Phase)
"Here it comes," Eric announced. "Moonlight Viking, attack-!"
"Stop the match," Dylan suddenly interrupted.
All eyes turned to face the chief of finance standing in the corner of the training room. Aja watched with anguished eyes widened by a helpless feeling of betrayal as Dylan Hewitt began making his way out of the facility without another word.
"Wait!" Aja pleaded. "I can still-!"
"The game's over," he said plainly without turning back. "Mr. Lambert is the winner."
"But sir!" she cried, the frustration and anxiety apparent in her voice.
"Be sure to show Eric to his room," Gareth said with a tiny smirk as he followed Dylan out the door.
The Solid Vision holograms faded and she was left alone with her opponent. When the door completely shut, Aja's head and shoulders fell in defeat. Although she was ashamed of losing, what infuriated her even more was the fact that a man she did not respect had been given the satisfaction of winning. Not only that, but Gareth and now Dylan, both men she once admired, had turned against her, abandoning her in favor of this arrogant brat. Somehow, it seemed like the world she had known was falling apart.
A rookie being given the rank of battle commander? By engaging in sinful activities with our leader? By making himself look good in front of Dylan? In a duel that wasn't even finished? Give me a break!
Gazing bitterly at Eric and the stupid grin on his face, Aja swore to herself that she would never acknowledge him.
January 23, 3051 11:21 AM
Gareth placed his thumb on his office door's security system and leaned in for his retina to be scanned. Confirming his authorization, the double door swung open, allowing him to walk inside the spacious room where he took a seat at his glass desk. Swirling a full 180 on his swivel chair, Gareth crossed his arms and legs as he looked out the window and watched the bustling commotion of the city. This was his favorite pose for collecting his thoughts and meditating on them, as the fast non-stop activities below seemed to reflect the workings of his brain.
At this moment, his mind identified and isolated several problems which needed his attention, primarily the disobedience of Dylan and Aja. As they have been two of his most loyal and competent employees, Gareth was shocked to learn that they distrusted him and had the capacity to reject his commands. He feared that this was a sign of his fleeting control over his company, a harbinger of one of his worst nightmares: having his rightful place usurped from him once more. Furrowing his brows, Gareth decided that he needed to strengthen his hold on the company's reins and do away with any potential conspirators, preferably in an amiable fashion. Fortunately for him, he had already taken the first step by enlisting Eric into D.T. as a battle commander, a move that ensured him both political support and military power.
At the thought of Eric, however, Gareth's train of thought traveled elsewhere. Having witnessed his duel against Aja, he immediately recalled how impressed and surprised he was by Eric's abilities. Without losing focus, he had managed to make a mockery of Aja, one of his strongest battle commanders, and with ease. What more, he had exhibited perfect control over his Ingenian beast; that is, he had managed to use it without succumbing to dark emotions and harming his opponent. To this day, this was a feat that Gareth himself had not managed to achieve.
He gritted his teeth as an internal conflict churned inside him. As Eric's friend, he knew he should feel happy for him, proud of him for having overcome his inner darkness and obtaining a new strength from his resolve. Gareth knew he should be praising and congratulating him for his well-deserved accomplishments. And yet, he felt little more than bitterness, jealousy, and resentment. At that moment, Gareth began to realize that perhaps it was negative feelings like these that prevented him from fully controlling his powers. Perhaps it was these sinful emotions that prevented him from being the person he wanted to be. Perhaps it was these dark thoughts that barred him from the light Eric had managed to discover.
Clenching his fists, Gareth continued to analyze and rationalize his thoughts.
January 23, 3051 11:34 AM
The gargantuan silhouette of a menacing dragon towered above a shivering young boy, baring its long fangs with a sadistic grin. As the boy fell backwards in absolute terror of the beast which stood before him, a shrieking cackle could be heard, carried by an unnatural torrent of wind which ravaged his face.
"Please!" the boy pleaded. "I give up! You can take anything you want!"
"Anything I want?" the voice repeated with snicker. "I don't need your permission to take what I want."
A dark figure stepped past the massive dragon, taking slow heavy steps towards the boy whose whimpering intensified.
"I guess it's true that this started out with me wanting your cards," the voice said in a vicious tone. "But now, I changed my mind."
Just as he said that, the footsteps ceased and the boy felt an ominous presence standing inches away from him, casting an oppressive weight on the child who was already reduced to tears. He slowly raised his eyes, tracing the man's long green trench coat until he reached his face, when he let out an audible gasp. Behind the young man's unkempt black hair which fell to his neck, he could see a pair of devilish brown eyes surrounded by a mass of blood red veins.
Upon seeing the boy's horrified expression, the man's lips curled upward to form a perverse smile, his face wrinkling as they did so.
"Torturing you has been so fun," the man laughed wickedly, "that I can't seem to stop."
For the next few minutes, the only sound that could be heard was a little boy's agonizing cries of pain and despair.
Then, silence.