Koros45 doesn't own Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's or Yu-Gi-Oh! ZeXal.
Kindred Spirits
Chapter Nine: Clash of the Kings
The sun was setting over the horizon of the city, turning all of the yellow brick into splendid orange. The sky was just as breathtaking; purple clouds that stretched out across the heavens in strange shapes. For someone who had died, it seemed like a paradise, if only for a fragile moment.
"It's beautiful."
Isis stared at the setting sun, and gave thanks to Ra for his passing through the afterworld. The sun was always a splendid sight, and it truly made her feel alive again; a constant source of hope for the woman that she had a reason to keep going. As Ra faded from the skies to rest, Isis wondered what had happened to Egypt. Yusei didn't know much about it when she asked, except that it was famous for its mummies and pyramids.
A sigh came from her lips. Isis sat down on the balcony of her room and glanced at the city around her. The towers and palace were the most obvious, but Isis always liked to look at the standard houses and watch the people there; the families that never aged, the children that never grew, and the babies that never got sick. The afterworld was both a blessing and a curse in this manner. When one died, they would assume the age that their body was in at that time. Some growth wasn't uncommon, but occurred at such a slow, random cycle that it was rarely noticeable.
"I'm blessed to have been sent here at the age that I am. I lived a good life in a short time."
Even so, Isis had regrets.
She regretted focusing on her prophecies. The Millennium Necklace had taken most of her focus to function, and several of her visions were depressing. She recalled a boy dying of a fever in one vision, only to find that he was perfectly fine when she visited his family. Soon, she forgot about him, and was horrified to find that, a week after the vision, he had died of the fever.
She remembered how the necklace would distort her sense of time. The future it showed Isis was not linear in any sense. One moment, she would see minutes into the future, then days and then back to minutes. Sometimes she saw every vision as a puzzle of separate visions; each with their own meaning, and time period. It was maddening.
Most of all, Isis remembered how she would try to go back in time. To see how the tragedies could be averted. To see Mahado's face one last time. To see his smile one more time. To see him die one more time. Again and again, she tried in vain to see how his death could be prevented, but every time she only succeeded in raising her grief.
And then there were the nightmares. Karim and Mahado had them too. The darkness in the items would seem to spread to their hearts and plague them while they were sleeping. Isis would be trapped in a changing time. The people she knew would greet her before aging and aging. Blaming her for it as they gradually decayed into skeletons before her eyes.
Many of her nights were like that. Always trapped inside of her mind.
Isis looked to the sky again. The sun was almost set. The city was now a vibrant gold compared to the open purple sky.
"Why am I still here?"
+=(0)=+
Yusei was disturbed to find that he was developing a routine. He had hoped, in vain, that Atem would send him home with a gesture, or spell. Instead, Yusei was living in a dead world that was starting to seem comfortable. The feelings of guilt and frustration were still there, but Yusei had to think more and more about his home to even remember why he was feeling bad.
He got up and walked around the city. There weren't many people up in the mornings and he preferred the solitude. Back home, Yusei had lots of friends. It seemed as though they all were capable of getting along with each other as long as he was there with them. He wondered how they would function without him.
Jack and Crow would work together if necessary, but Aki was still a wild card in the group. Rua was as optimistic as ever, but seeing his role model fall into the momentum reactor wouldn't be healthy for him. Ruka was the most accepting, but her age would often cause the others to ignore her. Yusei thought about how he could make his friends become more open to each other as he walked.
"I have no knowledge of the future. I simply must believe in my friends. I'm sure that they can face the dark Signers!"
But in his heart of hearts, Yusei was still worried.
He glanced at one of the towers and saw Isis. The woman was clad in a white robe, and a tunic. She looked distant, her sad eyes remembering something in her past.
"Isis. Is something wrong?"
Isis turned and glanced at Yusei in surprise. The man seemed to always appear in the strangest places.
"I'm just puzzled."
"I know the feeling."
Yusei grinned, and his patient, open gaze goaded her on.
"Well, I just don't know why I'm . . . I can't believe that this afterworld is the land of the Gods. It seems too similar . . . and yet, no one else seems to care."
There was a long pause as Yusei though about what to say.
"I think that this is merely another journey."
She turned to him, surprised.
"Journey?"
He nodded.
"I don't think that there is a definite way of knowing where people that die before us end up. You told me that people here vanish from time to time?"
"Yes. Are you saying that they will cross over to another afterworld?"
Yusei shrugged.
"There's no way of knowing. Maybe they go to the afterlife your legends speak of. Maybe they return to Earth as new life."
There was a smile on his face as he finished his statement.
"No matter what happens, live this existence to the fullest. You still have plenty of time to connect with these people."
Isis felt rigid as he finished.
"But you don't understand. All my living life I did just that. I connected with several people, and when they died it tore at my soul. It's made me hesitant to connect to anyone else here. I don't want to feel that pain again."
"Isis, who says you can't see your friends again? If anything, I would have faith in your Gods. I would believe in a new future."
She smiled, and the melancholy look in her eyes faded away
"I'm grateful for your words, Yusei. I'll try to make this new future possible. Are you well?"
He looked down off the edge of the balcony, and sighed.
"I have no way of returning home."
He felt her hand upon his shoulder and turned. At first, he thought she might slap him, but she grabbed his other shoulder and squeezed.
"You should listen to your own words. Believe in the future. You may not be able to go back right now, but maybe you need to just deal with this life as it passes you by."
He closed his eyes for a moment chuckled, and then he extended his fist towards her.
Isis was at a loss for words.
"What does this gesture mean?"
"It's a sign of friendship."
She lightly pressed his fist against his and smiled.
"I didn't think I would make any new friends after I died."
"Me neither. I'll take your words to heart."
He turned and walked away.
She chuckled.
"They were your words."
=(0)=
Atem was bored. It was inevitable. He had assumed that there would be no end to the fun he'd have with his friends when he returned, but like so many other assumptions he'd had in the past, he was wrong. The fact that he had just arrived seemed to make him restless. Sitting on a throne all day wasn't his idea of a fun time. He talked to Mahado and Seto about it, and the two presented a solution to his problem; something that would put all of his skills to the test.
"There is, of course, a condition, my king."
"What is it, Mahado?"
"If you go through with this, it may send Yusei back to his present time. I figure that under the right circumstances, we can duplicate the test that sent you here, but for Yusei instead."
"But how? That test was to send me to my final resting place. I fail to see how killing Yusei would solve our problems!"
"You're missing the point." Seto spoke, "My battle with Yusei just made him angry. In order for any sort of trial to work, we need to awaken his heart."
"In addition, this test would be designed to wake Yusei's spirit up, rather than put him to sleep. You'll need to remind him why he's been sent here."
"So a duel then?"
"Obviously. The good thing is if he does manage to beat you, I get a rematch!"
=(0)=
Three hours later, Atem and Yusei both stood opposite to one another in the courtyard. Yusei wore his custom duel disk while Atem wore his DiaDhank. To both sides of the courtyard, a crowd of people watched, while the priests, Mahado, Mana, and Kisara observed from an overhead balcony.
"This will be a standard duel. Both players will start with 8000 life points." Atem stated to the crowd around them. "Just so you all know, this will be for sport only. The images you'll all see will not harm either one of us."
The Pharaoh turned his gaze to Yusei.
"I'm rather tired after all of this talking so I'll let you make the first move, Yusei."
He gestured to the man opposite of him. Yusei crouched slightly before he placed the index and middle fingers of his right hand on top of his deck. He drew five cards before he cocked his head to Atem.
"How will you duel?"
Atem smirked.
"This DiaDhank you see on my arm lets me summon monsters from these stone tablets."
Atem gestured to his side of the field. There were two rows of five tablets: one row in front of him and one behind him.
"And these five tablets in front of my field will represent my hand. During my draw phase, a random tablet from my tablet pool will appear next to the rest of my hand."
"What about your graveyard?"
Atem pointed on the ground beside of him.
"When a tablet is sent to my graveyard, its image will appear next to me. This way, we both can keep track of it."
"Glad to hear it."
Yusei drew his five cards while Atem raised his right hand. Five large stone slabs appeared in front of the Pharaoh, their backs to Yusei.
Yusei smirked before he drew the first card of the game. Surveying his hand, he made a strategy.
"I'll just set this monster in defense mode."
A pool of black and brown solidified in front of Yusei, the oversized back of a Duel Monsters card.
"And that ends my turn."
"Defensive tactics this early in the game? He's up to something", Atem thought.
"My move." He gestured as a sixth tablet rose out of the ground in front of him. Atem nodded at the tablet that appeared before him.
Yusei: 8000 Atem: 8000
"I'll begin by summoning Breaker the Magical Warrior!"
The tablet turned to face Yusei before a white sphere came out of it, materializing into a tall man clad in pointy red armor, complete with a visored helmet, a crimson shield, and a long cutlass. (Atk: 1600/Def: 1000 /Lvl: 4)
"I activate Breaker's effect! I can place one Spell Counter on Breaker, and by doing so, increase his attack by an additional 300 points!"
Breaker's sword glistened with a blue light, and he swung it a few times, satisfied with the change. (1600+300=1900/1000)
Now to test his defenses, Atem thought.
"Now Breaker, attack his facedown monster!"
With a graceful motion, the red clad man leapt across the field and slammed his blade into Yusei's lone set card. Upon contact, the card's image rippled before revealing a golden hedgehog with several screws protruding from its back. (800/800/2) With a squeak of pain, the hedgehog shattered under the pressure of the blade.
"It's that hedgehog again! "
"In Yusei's last duel, he used that card by sending it to the graveyard. Furthermore, he used it to help summon a monster that was equal in strength to Seto's Blue-Eyes-White Dragon! I'd better have a suitable defense in case he has a similar strategy in mind." Atem surveyed his remaining hand.
"I'll set this tablet facedown"
A single tablet appeared behind Atem, its face lying against the sand.
"And end my turn." (Atem hand 4)
Yusei drew the top card of his deck, and played another card from his hand.
"I'll summon Max Warrior!"
From in front of Yusei, a mechanical warrior materialized. It had two red eyes, wore two blocky gray shoulder pads, and held a staff which had a two pronged end in its hand. (1800/800/4)
"Battle! Max Warrior attacks Breaker!"
With a cry of battle, Yusei's warrior leapt towards Atem's. Breaker slashed at Max Warrior with his sword, but Max Warrior caught the blade between the two prongs of his staff. Both warriors struggled to gain an edge while all parties looked on.
=(0)=
From atop the balcony, Mana watched with surprise.
"Why would Yusei attack with a weaker monster?"
To her greater surprise, it was Seto who answered.
"If my loss against Yusei wasn't a fluke, he knows what he's doing. The creatures he used all had powers that I didn't anticipate. Perhaps this monster also has such a power."
=(0)=
"When Max Warrior attacks an opposing monster, it gains 400 attack points." Yusei calmly explained.
Max Warrior blocked another slash from Breaker's sword before its eyes flashed with an orange light. (1800 + 400 = 2200) With a mechanical groan, the warrior slammed the end of its staff into the chest of the opposing monster. Breaker flew across the field and slammed into the ground on Atem's side of the field before shattering.
Atem closed his eyes as he took the damage from the attack (8000 – 300 = 7700)
He then waved a hand as his facedown tablet lifted. The card activated with a purple light before an Elvin man appeared on Atem's side of the field. It wore green armor on its head, stomach and shoulders, and wore brown leather padding underneath. It clenched a sword in its right hand.
"What happened?"
"After one of my monsters is destroyed by battle, I can use my Soul Rope to summon a level four monster from my card pool. However, it costs me 1000 life points.
"I've summoned my Obnoxious Celtic Guard to the field."
(1400/1200/4) (Atem LP: 7700-1000=6700)
Yusei blinked at Atem's move.
He's obviously trying to build up a force of monsters. I'd better be careful.
"I set one card facedown. During my end phase, Max Warrior's attack, defense, and level are halved until my next turn."
As if on cue, Max Warrior slumped slightly as its stats readjusted.
(1800/2 = 900) (800/2 = 400) (4 / 2 = 2)
Yusei ended his turn with 4 cards in his hand.
"It's your move, Atem."
Atem raised his arm and a fifth tablet rose from the sand in front of him. He gestured, and the tablet rotated until it faced Yusei.
"I'll start by summoning Queens Knight."
Another white orb came out of the tablet, this time materializing into a female knight with red body armor, and a shield and sword, which were adorned with the four suits found on standard playing cards.
(1600/1500/4)
"I'll begin my Battle Phase by having Queens Knight attack your Max Warrior.
The Knight ran across the field to attack Max Warrior.
Yusei waved his hand as his facedown card lifted.
"Trap, activate! Scrap Iron Scarecrow!"
The trap lifted, and a humanoid figure appeared from it. It had straight limbs made of metal and wood, and had an old helmet and a pair of loose goggles serving as its head. Incredibly, the object withstood the knight's assault, before it fell to pieces on the ground, and was hidden by the trap card once again.
"During every one of your turns I can negate one attack, and then Scrap Iron Scarecrow is reset." Yusei explained.
Atem smiled. "But now I can attack without worry. Celtic Guard! Attack his Max Warrior!"
The elf leapt towards Max Warrior before cleaving it in two with a quick slash of his sword.
Yusei grimaced as his life points took the hit. (Yusei LP: 8000-500=7500)
"That Scrap Iron Scarecrow card is problematic though. If he summons a high attack or defense monster, it might take me a while to break through his forces."Atem thought.
"I'll set one card facedown and end my turn."
Atem ended the turn with three cards in his hand.
Yusei: 7500 Atem: 6700
Yusei glanced at his hand before he drew a card, bringing his hand up to five cards. He quickly selected two cards before playing them in tandem.
"I summon Speed Warrior."
From Yusei's side of the field, a slim, gray armored figure appeared. About Yusei's height, the figure wore a gas mask and two large skates on its feet. (900/400/2)
"I then equip Speed Warrior with the equip spell Junk Barrage. Speed Warrior glowed with a faint orange aura for a moment before Yusei continued.
"Obnoxious Celtic Guard can't be destroyed by monsters with 1900 or higher attack points, so I should get rid of it while I have the chance."
"On the turn I normal summon Speed Warrior, when Speed Warrior attacks an opponent's monster, his original attack power doubles. Battle! Speed Warrior! Attack Obnoxious Celtic Guard!" (900 x 2 = 1800)
In a few seconds, as its name would suggest, Speed Warrior skated across the field and raised one of its legs to strike the elf. It suddenly stopped as a yellow seal appeared around its body, immobilizing it.
"In case you're wondering, I used Spellbinding circle to stop your warrior's attack. However, as long as this seal remains on my field, you cannot change Speed Warrior's battle position or declare any more attacks with it."
Yusei set one of the three remaining cards from his hand.
"I'll set one card facedown and end my turn. At the end phase, Speed Warrior's attack power returns to normal." (1800 – 900 = 900) (Yusei hand: 2)
"My move!" Atem drew (4), before he gestured to another tablet in front of him.
"I summon Kings Knight!"
Similar in appearance to Queens Knight, Kings Knight was clad in the same suit adorned armor, although his was orange. The man had a short beard, a crown, and carried a sword as well as a shield. (1500/1400)
"Furthermore, when I control Queens Knight and summon Kings Knight, I can summon Jacks Knight from my tablet pool!"
Yusei's eyes widened. "What? Another monster?"
As with Queens and Kings Knight, Jacks Knight had the same four suits on his blue armor, sword, and shield. When he landed in between the other two knights they all crossed their raised swords with a resounding clang.
(1900/1000/5)
"Now I can damage you even if you use Scrap Iron Scarecrow!"
"I'll start by having Celtic Guardian attack Speed Warrior."
The elf took a few steps towards the trapped Speed Warrior, and brought its blade down on the warrior's head, but stopped in mid swing as if halted by an invisible barrier.
"What happened?"
"I used my continuous trap, Scrubbed Raid. Once per turn, I can end the battle phase by sending a card I control to the graveyard. I sent Junk Barrage to the graveyard."
"How clever, a two layered defense." Atem said. "It will take some time to attack you again."
Atem glanced at the three remaining tablets in front of him before gesturing to Yusei.
"Your move."
=(0)=
Mahado stared down at the field below him, analyzing both players' strategies.
"Interesting. While both players have countered each other so far, the tide of the battle is in no one's favor. However, in order for Yusei to use Scrubbed Raid, he must sacrifice another one of his cards. If he doesn't draw a helpful card, he'll have no choice but to keep defending while Atem builds up his field."
The man looked down at Atem. The Pharaoh had four monsters out on the field.
"Regardless what happens, as long as the Pharaoh has field presence, I may be called upon."
=(0)=
The audience watched as Yusei drew his next card, bringing his hand to three.
"Draw."
There was a collective murmur as Yusei played his latest card with the ghost of a smile on his
face.
"I summon Junk Synchron!"
With a yell, a small orange robot appeared next to Speed Warrior. It's key traits were the ripcord on its stomach, the engine on its back, the white scarf around its head and two large round eyes that gave it an almost cartoon appearance. (1300/500/3)
"When Junk Synchron is normal summoned, I can special summon a level two or lower monster from my graveyard in face up defense mode. However, that monster's effects are negated."
"Be revived! Quillbolt Hedgehog!"
With the tug of the ripcord on its stomach, Junk Synchron waved its hand, and Quillbolt Hedgehog rose from the dry ground. (800/800/2)
Atem stared at Yusei's ensemble of monsters.
"He just got two more monsters to the field. I wonder, is he building up more cards for Scrubbed Raid to use?"
Atem found Yusei's steely gaze. There was no doubt in his focused eyes.
"No. He isn't interested in defending at all on this turn. But how is he going to attack me with these monsters?"
As when Yusei dueled against Seto, he raised his right hand into the air.
"I'm tuning my level three Junk Synchron with my level two Quillbolt Hedgehog."
Junk Synchron tugged on its ripcord before its entire form vanished and was replaced by three green rings, as Yusei began to chant.
"Clustering stars call upon a new force."
The form of Quillbolt Hedgehog flew into the three rings, and its main form faded, leaving its outline in an orange frame work, with two spherical stars in the center. The two stars aligned with the green rings.
"Become the path its light shines upon!"
Without warning a massive line shone through the assembled stars and rings, rapidly expanding and illuminating the whole field in a green light.
"Synchro Summon! Show yourself! Junk Warrior"
The green light faded, revealing a large figure in its place. Junk Warrior's gray body was covered with bulky purple armor accented with yellow trim. Its right hand was massive, and it had similar traits to Junk Synchron; a large engine was on its back, a long scarf wrapped around the warrior's lower face, and there was a pair of small round eyes on its spherical head. (2300/1700/5)
Yusei explained, "Junk Warrior's monster effect: When it is synchro summoned successfully, it gains attack points of all level two or lower monsters I control. Therefore, Speed Warrior's strength is added to Junk Warrior's."
Junk Warrior's eyes turned bright red for a moment as its attack shot up. (2300 + 900 = 3200)
"Battle! Junk Warrior attacks Queens Knight! Scrap Fist!"
Two boosters on Junk Warrior's back ignited, and the warrior shot off like a rocket, pulverizing Queens Knight with one punch. Atem cringed as he took the battle damage.
(Atem LP: 6700 -1600 = 5100)
"Turn end."
Yusei: 7500 Atem: 5100
Another tablet appeared, bringing Atem's total up to four. The Pharaoh nodded before he selected the tablet.
"I'll tribute Kings Knight to play this monster in defense mode!"
Kings Knight's form faded away, leaving a horizontal tablet in its place. (2200/2500)
"I'll then switch Obnoxious Celtic Guard and Jacks Knight into defense mode."
(Obnoxious Celtic Guard: 1200) (Jacks Knight: 1000)
Both creatures sheathed their swords and knelt into defensive positions.
"I'll set one tablet facedown. . . "
Another facedown tablet appeared behind Atem
". . . and play the spell Gold Sarcophagus! This allows me to select any tablet from my tablet pool and remove it from the game! Then it will be added to my hand in two of my standby phases. I select Pot of Greed."
"Your move."
Yusei: 7500 Atem: 5100
"Pot of Greed. A powerful spell that gives him more cards-or tablets-to choose from with no cost. If I don't draw a high attack monster right now, Atem may be in a position to summon another high level monster."
"My turn! Draw!"
Yusei drew with vigor, before looking at his new card in disappointment. He then stared at Atem's field before making his next move.
"Junk Warrior will attack your hidden monster! Scrap Fist!"
Junk Warrior gave out a shout as its fist slammed into the facedown tablet.
The tablet warped into a large sneering demon covered in spikes, bladed wings, and sharp fangs, with a long horn protruding from the back of its head. (2200/2500/6)
The demon struggled with the warrior for a moment before junk Warrior gave a shove, pushing it back before shattering it into pieces with another blow.
Atem smirked at the events that unfolded next.
A clawed talon reached out from the ground and wrapped itself around the warrior's ankle. Junk Warrior flew higher into the air, and the creature holding onto its leg was revealed to be the same creature it had just destroyed. The monster leapt onto Junk Warrior's back, forcing it to struggle just to hover a few inches above the ground.
Junk Warrior: 3200 – 500 = 2700
Yusei blinked at the move. "Explain."
Atem was more than happy to oblige.
"The creature your warrior struck down was my Archfiend of Gilfer. When Gilfer is destroyed in battle, I can equip it to the monster that destroyed it, and lower that monster's attack by 500."
Yusei looked over the three cards in his hand before setting one more card.
"I'll set a monster. Turn end."
"Then it's my move! I raise another tablet!"
=(0)=
Mahado's eyes widened as the tablet rose next to the other two in front of Atem.
"The time has come."
=(0)=
Atem stared intently at the tablet facing him. He gave a glance to Mahado, who nodded.
I'll sacrifice Kings Knight as well as Obnoxious Celtic guard to summon my most trusted servant!"
The two warriors simply faded from the field. For a moment all was quiet. Isis gasped as Mahado faded in front of her very eyes. Then a streak of light shot up from the city, from the tablet room where Mahado's spirit resided in stone. The light slammed into the ground with a loud crash.
"Behold! Mahado! The Dark Magician!"
A lone figure stood where the light had fallen. Clad in his pointy purple armor, Mahado stood beside Atem. The Dark Magician pointed his staff at Yusei's monsters while the crowd around them began to cheer. (Dark magician: 2500/2100/7)
Atem stared at Yusei's field before turning to Mahado.
"It's good to fight beside you again, old friend."
"I equip The Dark Magician with Magic Formula! This increases his attack points by 700!"
Mahado yelled as green flames engulfed his form momentarily, before he channeled them into the tip of his staff.
Dark Magician: 2500 + 700 = 3200
Yusei bared his teeth at Atem's move. "Now his Dark Magician is even stronger than Junk Warrior! So that's why he used Archfiend of Gilfer. This guy may use older cards, but he definitely knows what he's doing. "
Now for the battle phase! Mahado, strike down his Junk Warrior with Dark Magic Attack!"
Mahado pointed his staff at Junk Warrior's chest. With the touch of a button, Yusei brought Scrap Iron Scarecrow between the two.
"I'll protect Junk Warrior with Scrap Iron Scarecrow."
As before, the contraption that was vaguely humanoid rose to block the attack, but Mahado smirked and wagged his finger at Yusei.
Atem shouted across the field, "Not so fast Yusei! I play the counter trap, Seven Tools of the Bandit! It may require me to pay another thousand life points, but it's worth it if I can destroy that Scrap Iron Scarecrow!"
(Atem LP: 5100-1000=4100)
A dark orange bolt of energy shot out of now revealed trap on Atem's field, which struck Scrap Iron Scarecrow and caused the card to shatter into several pieces.
"And because I used a counter trap, that means you cannot use Scrubbed Raid in response, which also means that my magician can carry out his attack!"
Mahado's staff shot a ball of purple flames at the mechanical warrior, engulfing it. A horrible groan came from the writhing form as Junk Warrior was consumed by the flames, which pierced through its body and hit Yusei's arm and shoulder. Yusei glanced down at his arm with worry, but upon inspection, realized that the flames hadn't hurt him at all
(Yusei LP 7500-700=6800)
Atem stood with pride as the magician landed beside him. "Although I have no hand left, you are all I need to fight, Mahado!"
"When the equipped monster is destroyed, so is Beast of Gilfer."
The tablet behind Atem sunk into the sand, no longer in use.
"Your move, Yusei."
Turn Eleven: "Draw."
A third card was added to Yusei's hand. The young man glanced at Atem's field, and then back to his cards. (3)
"I'll just set this minster and end my turn."
Another set card appeared horizontally on Yusei's field. The young man contemplated his hand before drawing his gaze back to Atem's field.
"Then it's my move! Draw!"
A tablet appeared before the Pharaoh, and soon after, a second one appeared.
"Gold Sarcophagus now lets me add Pot of Greed to my hand, which I shall now activate."
One of the tablets spun around, and a green pot popped out, with two squinting eyes and a large grin making up its main design. The pot crumbled into pieces, and then two more tablets rose from the ground.
Next, I'll summon Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts!" (1500/1200/4)
A savage roar echoed around the playing field as a new creature appeared. Unlike its name, this creature was a bipedal beast with brown fur, a vaguely humanoid build, leonine head, and a black shaggy mane.
"Although I cannot get rid of all of your forces, I can whittle them down! Dark Magician, attack Speed Warrior!"
Mahado pointed his staff at Speed Warrior, but before he could even cast a spell, the monster vanished from sight.
"Once again, Scrubbed Raid stops your attacks."
"That trap card is impressive, but sooner or later, it will fall! I set one tablet and end my turn!"" =(0)=
Seto stared down at the field and grinned.
"It's not every day you get to see the Pharaoh so aggravated. Even though he has an advantage in monsters, Atem still has to get rid of that Trap. This gives Yusei an opportunity. While Atem's focus is on Scrubbed Raid, Yusei can concentrate on summoning another powerful monster."
He reflected on his loss for a moment before chuckling.
"This should be interesting. Let's see if Atem still has his touch."
=(0)=
It had been no sooner than Yusei drew a third card that Atem decided to act.
"I'll use my trap during your Standby Phase! Go, Dust Tornado! Destroy his trap card!"
Atem's dormant tablet rose and a strong gust of wind shot out of the card. When it had cleared, Scrubbed Raid was gone.
Yusei sighed. "Turn end."
Atem was pleased. "I've got him on the ropes!"
"First, I'll switch Gazelle into Defense Mode . . ."
The leonine creature growled and crouched into a defensive stance. (Def: 1200)
". . . then I'll destroy your monster with Dark Magician! Dark Magic Attack!"
A violet ray shot out of the magician's staff, striking the set card into two pieces. A scream was heard as the image of a dark skinned man holding a long shield appeared before shattering.
"That was my Shield Warrior you destroyed."
"Any game-breaking effects I should know about before I end my turn?"
"No."
Atem glanced at the erect tablets on either side of him.
"Then it's your move."
Yusei drew a fourth card before setting it in his back-most row.
"I'll set one card face down. Turn over."
Atem raised his right arm as another tablet rose.
"My turn. I'll start by switching Gazelle back into attack mode, and then Dark Magician attacks directly!"
The magician chanted in an archaic voice and formed a sphere of violet energy at the top of his staff. The energy expanded before it shot out at Yusei. The impact resulted in a large flash, however, Yusei was still standing after it hit.
(6800-0=6800)
"What happened?"
"I used my trap card, Defense Draw. Thanks to the trap, any battle damage I take from your attack is reduced to zero, and then I get to draw a card."
As if to emphasize, Yusei pulled the top card from his deck and added it to his hand.
"Impressive, however it's still my battle phase! Gazelle! It's your turn!"
The shaggy beast growled and pounced, slamming its bulk into Yusei and biting him in the shoulder. Once again, however, he felt no pain, and there was no injury when he checked.
(Yusei LP: 6800-1500=5300)
"How's that? Are my normal monsters boring you?"
"Actually they are quite nice. However, I think I might have a response."
"Then I'll set another monster and end my turn!"
My turn! Draw! Yusei pulled a fifth card and perked up when he glanced at it.
"Here it is."
"I activate One for One! I discard my Shield Wing to special summon a level one monster from my deck! Come! Tuningware!" (100/0/1)
As with his duel with Seto, the small yellow robot shot out of Yusei's deck and appeared with a beep.
"Next, I'll normal summon my Debris Dragon."
The monster that emerged next surprised Shada and Seto. It appeared to be a smaller version of Stardust dragon, with a red chest, and a more rounded body (1000/2000)
"And when Debris Dragon is normal summoned, I can special summon a monster with 500 or less attack points from my graveyard, but its effects are negated! I revive Shield wing!"
The small dragon squawked and another monster appeared next to it, an emaciated green pterosaur with large wings. (0/900/2)
"It's just like last time! He's going to-"
I activate Tuningware's special ability! When I use it for a synchro summon, I can treat it as level two! Then, I tune my level two Tuningware, level two Shield Wing and level four Debris Dragon!
Debris Dragon flew into the air and was followed by Shield Wing and Tuningware. While airborne, the small dragon's form split into four green rings.
Yusei closed his eyes and began to chant.
"Clustering hopes form a new shining star!"
The forms of Shield Wing and Tuningware dissolved as they flew through the rings, the level stars that composed their basic form being all that remained of their presence.
"Become the path its light shines upon!"
The four stars aligned with the four rings.
"Synchro Summon! Take flight, Stardust Dragon!"
The beam of light that shot through the rings expanded, and a slender figure emerged. With a loud roar, Stardust Dragon's white and blue form flew through the air on proud wings.
Stardust Dragon: (2500/2000/8)
The dragon eyed Mahado and let out a challenging roar. The Magician did nothing in response.
"Tuningware's monster effect lets me draw a card if it was used for a Synchro Summon." Yusei drew another card as he spoke, bringing his hand up to three cards.
"Now, battle! Stardust Dragon, attack that facedown monster! Shooting Sonic!"
A white orb filled the dragon's maw, and in one motion, the dragon breathed a stream of energy that slammed into Atem's set monster, revealing a muscular man with a large shield.
(100/2600/4)
"2600 defense points?" Yusei was shocked.
"Indeed, which means you take counter damage", Atem stated.
(Yusei LP: 5300- 100=5200)
"And when Big Shield Gardna is attacked, he changes into attack mode."
The man stood next to Gazelle, flexing his free arm.
"I'll set one facedown card. Turn end."
Atem conjured up a third tablet.
"This is obviously some kind of trap, otherwise Stardust Dragon wouldn't be in attack position."
Mahado turned to Atem
"Yes Pharaoh, however we won't know what Yusei plans to do next. He has one Synchro Monster out now, so who's to say he won't summon more of them? As your servant, I request you use me to attack. Even if I fall, you will have forced his hand, and you still will have the advantage in monsters."
Atem slowly nodded.
"Very well Mahado! Attack Stardust Dragon! Dark Magic!"
The Spellcaster pointed his staff at the dragon, and fired a beam of power at it, but the dragon was too fast. It flew skyward and turned, diving at the magician.
"Trap activate! Shooting Star!" When I control Stardust Dragon, I can destroy one of your cards! I select Dark Magician."
"NO!"
The dragon slammed into the magician, knocking Mahado off of his feet. The magician hit the ground and abruptly shattered like glass. Atem heard Isis's scream even where he was standing, and he had to remind himself that the duel was a friendly one before he recovered from the loss.
"When Magic Formula is sent to the Graveyard, I recover 1000 life points."
(Atem LP: 4100+1000=5100)
Atem glanced at the tablet he just drew. "I set two tablets face down and switch Gazelle back into defense mode."
"Let's see how Yusei handles this trap."
"Your move, Yusei."
"It's my turn! Draw!"
Yusei played the card as soon as he drew it.
"I summon Gauntlet Warrior!"
A squat man clad in blue plate armor rose to Yusei's side, carrying a massive gauntlet on his right arm.
(400/1600/3)
"Then I'll activate Double Summon, allowing me to normal summon another monster this turn."
Atem waved an arm and one of his tablets lifted.
"In that case I'll active my Summoning Clock. It doesn't do anything you need to worry about on this turn, so please continue with your move."
Yusei played another card.
"I summon Nitro Synchron."
With a yell, another small robot appeared on Yusei's field. This one resembled a cylindrical battery with small arms and legs and a red paint job. (300/1000/2)
"Finally, I'll use Quillbolt Hedgehog's effect to special summon itself from the graveyard while I control a tuner monster."
Quillbolt Hedgehog appeared again with a squeak.
"Not another one of those!"
"Sorry Atem . . . this is how I duel! I tune my level three Gauntlet Warrior and level two Quillbolt Hedgehog with my level two Nitro Synchron."
The three monsters flew into the air and aligned into the appropriate rings and stars as Yusei chanted:
"Clustering minds call upon a new power! Become the path its light shines upon! Synchro Summon! Blaze onward, Nitro Warrior!"
With a blazing explosion and a loud roar, a green-skinned creature appeared. Massive in appearance, the fiendish humanoid had two long horns on its forehead, two blazing orange eyes, and several thrusters outfitted on its arms, and neck, and a large rocket booster protruded from its lower back. The new monster clenched its massive fists, ready for battle.
Nitro Warrior: (2800/1800/7)
"When I use Nitro Synchron to Synchro Summon Nitro Warrior, I can draw a card."
"Battle! Stardust Dragon attacks Big Shield Gardna!"
The dragon reared up and prepared to attack, however Atem had other ideas.
"I see, you're baiting my Gardna into attack mode so that you can deal more damage with your warrior. However, I won't let you do that. I activate Mirror Force!"
Stardust Dragon slammed into a translucent blue barrier around Atem's field. The dragon was pushed backwards, and Nitro Warrior appeared to stagger as well. Both of Yusei's monsters started to crack and fall apart.
That was when he spoke.
"I activate Stardust Dragon's effect! Victim Sanctuary!"
The dragon shimmered before turning into white goblets of light that hit the barrier head on. After the impact, the light slowly engulfed the barrier until there was nothing left. A few moments later, Mirror Force's tablet shattered behind Atem.
"What? What happened to my trap?" The Pharaoh demanded.
Yusei calmly explained;
"I used Stardust Dragon's monster effect; if any card or cards would be destroyed by a card effect, I can release Stardust Dragon to negate that destruction effect. Because you used Mirror Force, a card that destroys other cards, I was able to use my dragon's effect."
"I continue my battle phase! Nitro Warrior, attack Gazelle! Dynamite Knuckle!"
The warrior swung a massive hand into Gazelle, causing it to shatter on impact.
Since Nitro Warrior destroyed one of your monsters in battle; Nitro Warrior's effect switches Big Shield Gardna into attack mode and attacks it!"
There was a large gasp from the audience as Atem's Gardna stood up, only to see Nitro Warrior lunge at it.
"And because I activated a spell card this turn, Nitro Warrior gains 1000 extra attack points for this one battle! Dynamite Knuckle!"
The warrior rammed both fists into Big Shield Gardna's chest, and caused the other to shatter into pieces that rained on Atem's field. The Pharaoh braced himself not only for the impact on his monster, but also on his life points.
(Atem LP: 5100-3700 = 1400)
"Also, at the end phase, Stardust Dragon is special summoned!"
With a roar, the air shimmered before Stardust dragon gradually appeared, hovering over Yusei's field.
Atem thought about everything he had witnessed.
"Yusei's cards are powerful. Not only did he destroy my Mirror Force, he also cleared out both of my monsters in the same turn! I need a good draw!"
As the next tablet appeared, Atem smirked.
"Good. From my hand I activate the spell card, Card of Sanctity! We both draw cards until we both hold six in our hands!"*1
Atem drew five new cards, a whole new hand, and Yusei did the same.
"This is the risky part. In drawing more cards, I may have given Yusei just what he needs for another Synchro monster."
Atem double checked the tablets in front of him before he almost fell over from surprise.
"Yes! This is the tablet to use!"
"I activate Watapon's special ability! When added to my hand by a card effect, I can special summon it!"
A cute fuzzy creature popped into existence on Atem's field. It was a white ball of fur with two large, blue eyes and a long pair of antennae. It happily cooed as it glanced at Yusei's field. (200/300/1)
"Then I use the effect of Summoning Clock! Since one of my standby phases has passed since I first played it, I can special summon a monster from my hand by sacrificing another one I control!
=(0)=
"So what does the great Pharaoh do in a tight spot, he summons that useless fur ball!"
"That's funny coming from you Seto."
"What's funny?"
"Well, Yusei used cute monsters against you and won."
"Be quiet. You have just as much sense as those two down there. One's personal army isn't supposed to look cute; it's supposed to look intimidating!"
"Well I think Kisara's cute, don't you? Isn't she your strongest creature?"
". . . That's different and you know it."
"well I think that-"
"Be quiet Mana, Atem's power level, it's -"
=(0)=
"Now I tribute Watapon to summon. . ."
Watapon faded and a small ray of light shot off into the sky from the summoning tower. Several seconds passed. A light breeze swept through the courtyard. Then, without warning, a massive blast of light struck the ground behind Atem. This light was brighter than any Yusei had seen before, and the blast went on for a full fifteen seconds before it stopped.
There was smoke everywhere, and Yusei had to step back when it cleared just to get a glimpse of what Atem had summoned.
Yusei gasped and stumbled backwards, not believing what his eyes told him was true. It seemed, like everyone who wished to pass though this afterlife, that Yusei would be judged by a god.
=(0)=
The anime only effect of Card of Sanctity
LIST OF CARDS USED:
Monsters Used
Quillbolt Hedgehog
800/800/2
Earth/Machine/Effect
If you control a face-up Tuner monster, you can Special Summon this card from your Graveyard. If this card was Summoned this way, remove it from play when it is removed from the field.
Breaker the Magical Warrior
1600/1000/4
Dark/Spellcaster/Effect
When this card is Normal Summoned, place 1 Spell Counter on it (max. 1). This card gains 300 ATK for each Spell Counter on it. You can remove 1 Spell Counter from this card to destroy 1 Spell or Trap Card on the field.
Max Warrior
1800/800/4
Wind/Warrior/Effect
If this card attacks an opponent's monster, this card gains 400 ATK during the Damage Step only. If this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle, until your next Standby Phase, this card becomes Level 2 and its original ATK and DEF are halved.
Obnoxious Celtic Guard
1400/1200/4
Earth/Warrior/Effect
This card cannot be destroyed by battle with a monster that has 1900 or more ATK.
Queen's Knight
Light/Warrior
This knight catches her opponents off guard, dominating them with swift yet graceful attacks.
Speed Warrior
900/400/2
Wind/Warrior/Effect
During the Battle Phase of the turn you Normal Summon this card, you can double its original ATK until the end of the Battle Phase.
Kings Knight
1600/1400/4
Light/Warrior/Effect
When this card is Normal Summoned or Special Summoned, if you control "Queen's Knight", you can Special Summon 1 "Jack's Knight" from your Deck.
Jacks Knight
1900/1000/5
Light/Warrior/Effect
A strong master swordsman. His loyalty is to justice, his duty to protect the weak.
Junk Synchron
1300/500/3
Warrior/Tuner/Effect
When this card is Normal Summoned, you can Special Summon 1 Level 2 or lower monster from your Graveyard in face-up Defense Position. That monster's effect(s) is negated.
Junk Warrior
2300/1300/5
Dark/Warrior/Synchro/Effect
"Junk Synchron" + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
When this card is Synchro Summoned, it gains ATK equal to the total ATK of all Level 2 and lower monsters you control.
Archfiend of Gilfer
2200/2500/6
Dark/Fiend/Effect
When this card is sent to the Graveyard, you can activate its effect. You can then equip it to a monster on the field, and this card will be treated as an Equip Spell Card that decreases the ATK of the equipped monster by 500 points.
Dark Magician
2500/2100/7
Dark/Spellcaster
The ultimate wizard in terms of attack and defense.
Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts
1500/1200/4
Earth/Beast
This monster moves so fast that it looks like an illusion to mortal eyes.
Shield Warrior
800/1600/3
Earth/Warrior/Effect
During damage calculation, you can remove from play this card from your Graveyard to prevent monsters you control from being destroyed by this battle.
Big Shield Gardna
100/2600/4
Earth/Warrior/Effect
Negate the activation of a Spell Card that designates this 1 face-down monster. At that time, flip this card into face-up Defense Position. If this card is attacked, change the battle position of this card to Attack Position at the end of the Damage Step.
Shield Wing
0/900/2
Wind/Winged Beast/Effect
Up to twice per turn, if this card would be destroyed by battle, it is not destroyed.
Tuningware
100/300/1
Light/Machine/Effect
If this card is used for a Synchro Summon, you can treat it as a Level 2 monster. If this card is sent to the Graveyard for a Synchro Summon, draw 1 card.
Debris Dragon
1000/2000/4
Wind/Dragon/Effect
When this card is Normal Summoned, you can Special Summon 1 monster with 500 or less ATK from your Graveyard in Attack Position. That monster's effect(s) is negated. This card cannot be used as a Synchro Material Monster, except for the Synchro Summon of a Dragon-Type Synchro Monster. The other Synchro Material Monster(s) cannot be Level 4.
Stardust Dragon
2500/2000/8
Wind/Dragon/Synchro/Effect
1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
You can Tribute this card to negate the activation of a Spell Card, Trap Card, or Effect Monster's effect that destroys a card(s) on the field, and destroy that card. If you negate an effect this way, you can Special Summon this card from your Graveyard during the End Phase.
Gauntlet Warrior
400/1600/3
Earth/Warrior/Effect
You can Tribute this card to have all face-up Warrior-Type monsters you control gain 500 ATK and DEF until the end of the next Damage Step they battle. This effect can be activated during either player's turn.
Nitro Synchron
300/100/2
Fire/Machine/Tuner/Effect
If this card is sent to the Graveyard for the Synchro Summon of a "Nitro" Synchro Monster, draw 1 card.
Nitro Warrior
2800/1800/7
Fire/Warrior/Synchro/Effect
"Nitro Synchron" + 1 or more non-Tuner Monsters
Once during each of your turns, if you activated a Spell Card(s), this card gains 1000 ATK during its next attack, for damage calculation only. Once per turn, if this attacking card destroys an opponent's monster by battle, you can change 1 face-up Defense Position monster your opponent controls to Attack Position, and attack it with this card.
Watapon
200/300/1
Light/Fairy/Effect
If this card is added to your hand from your Deck by the effect of a Spell, Trap or Monster Card, you can Special Summon this card on your side of the field.
?
Atem can summon this due to his status as Pharaoh. There are two more of these in Atem's card pool.
Spells Used:
Junk Barrage
Equip:
When the equipped monster destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard, inflict damage to your opponent equal to half the destroyed monster's ATK.
Gold Sarcophagus
Select and remove from play 1 card in your Deck. During your second Standby Phase after this card's activation, add the removed card to your hand.
Magic Formula
Equip:
Equip only to "Dark Magician" or "Dark Magician Girl". The equipped monster gains 700 ATK. When this card is sent from the field to the Graveyard, gain 1000 Life Points.
Pot of Greed
Draw two cards.
One for One
Send one monster card from your hand to the graveyard. Special summon a level one monster from your hand or deck.
Double Summon
You can Normal Summon 1 additional time this turn. You can only gain this effect once per turn.
Card of Sanctity (anime effect only)
Both players draw cards until each player has 6 cards in their hand.
Traps Used:
Soul Rope
Activate only by paying 1000 Life Points when a monster you control is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard. Special Summon 1 Level 4 monster from your Deck.
Scrap-Iron Scarecrow
Activate only when an opponent's monster declares an attack. Negate the attack, and Set this card face-down again instead of sending it to the Graveyard.
Scrubbed Raid
Continuous
During the Battle Phase, you can send 1 card you control to the Graveyard, except this card, to end the Battle Phase.
Seven Tools of the Bandit
Counter
Pay 1000 Life Points. Negate the activation of a Trap Card and destroy it.
Dust Tornado
Destroy 1 Spell or Trap Card your opponent controls. You can then Set 1 Spell or Trap Card from your hand.
Defense Draw
Activate only during damage calculation during your opponent's turn. The Battle Damage you would receive becomes 0. Draw 1 card.
Mirror Force
Activate only when an opponent's monster declares an attack. Destroy all Attack Position monsters your opponent controls.
Summoning Clock
Continuous
Activate only when your opponent activates a Spell or Trap Card. You can send this face-up card and 1 monster you control to the Graveyard to Special Summon monsters from your hand equal to the number of your Standby Phases that have passed since this card's activation. The monsters are considered Normal Summoned.
This is my first time writing a duel, and I loved it. I hope you guys found it flowed well and had correct information. Feel free to point out any mistakes that I made, or had the characters make in this story. Next chapter: Yusei struggles to overcome Atem's god, but is that all he's fighting against?