Episode 74: A Friend in Need

In the aftermath of Yuni's duel with Seto, everyone is still standing at the observation platform of the zero gravity duel arena. The Minister of Dueling announces, "Alright duelists, we'll have another ten minute recess, and then we'll get to the final duel of the semifinals! See you all then!"

The duelists begin to file out. Brutus exclaims, "Yeah, then it will be my turn to duel! I am so ready!"

A dark figure appears behind him and says menacingly, "Are you really, boy?"

Brutus instantly tenses up and a shiver travels down the length of his body. He slowly turns around sees Oblivion standing behind him. He's still frozen up with a look of shock on his face. Tori and Yuni step up to either side of Brutus.

Tori says, "He is, and he's going to defeat you."

Yuni adds, "You can't intimidate him."

Oblivion grins in amusement. He observes, "That's not how it would seem to me." He waves his hand through the air, as if to infer that it's no big deal. "I guess that we'll just have to find out." Oblivion strolls out.

Brutus regains his composure, and begins to pant heavily. Tori asks, "Brutus, what happened?"

Brutus takes a deep breath and sighs. "I don't know. I thought that I was ready, but when I was actually confronted with him, I just froze up." He sighs again. "You probably think that I'm a big wimp now, don't you?"

Yuni shakes his head. "Not at all Brutus. You should be scared. If you weren't then you'd be crazy. It's natural."

Brutus slowly nods. "I guess."

"No Brutus, it is. Remember, you don't have to do this. You can quit the tournament. No one will judge you any less for it."

Brutus shakes his head. "No, this isn't about me anymore. Remember back in the Duel Sanctuary Tournament, back when Apophis…I mean Apep took my soul?"

"How could I ever forget?"

"You knew that when you went up against Apep that he could do the very same thing to you if you lost, but you didn't back out. You put your life on the line to make sure that you could save Tori and I. And you did. You never even considered backing out. And now…and now it's my turn to do the same. You can't convince me to step down."

Tori smiles. "Neither of us would ever try to do that. We are all in this together." She grabs Brutus' hand, and then Yuni's and puts them along with her own hand in the center of them. She continues, "You, Yuni, me, even Yugi and Zenith, we're all united against the Darkness." While she's saying this, manifestations of Yugi and Zenith also appear and put their hands in the center, in order to represent them. "And you won't be going into this duel alone."

Yuni agrees, "Yeah, we're all with you, Yugi included."

A tear comes to Brutus' eye. "Oh, you guys. You're the best friends that a guy could ask for." He rubs his eyes with his sleeve.

Yuni asks in surprise, "Brutus, are you crying?"

Brutus smiles. "Crying, who's crying? I've got something stuck in my eyes. That's all. Come on guys, we still got enough time to grab a bite to eat."

Everyone laughs. Tori says, "I guess that some things will never change."

Tori and Brutus walk out. Yuni stands behind for a moment, thinking, I hope that Brutus really can do it.

Yugi asks, What happened to all that stuff about not believing in that friendship stuff?

Yuni shrugs, as if it is no big deal. I told Brutus what he needed to hear, or else I'd be hearing him cowering in fear until, and probably through his duel.

Yugi responds smugly, Sure…

Some time later, the duelists have reassembled in the arena. The Minister of Dueling announces, "And now it is time for the second and final duel of the semifinals round. Whoever wins this one will be the one to face Yuni Oha in the final round! This will be a duel of two almost unknown duelists! On one side, we have Brutus Marc!" A spot line shines down on Brutus. Brutus waves and shows off to all of the holo-cameras. "Four months ago, no one may have known his name, but that's all about to change! Brutus has shown us why his strategy of all out power works so well for him! He'll be a tough one to beat! Then there's his opponent, Oblivion!" The light changes to Oblivion, who shows no interest at all. "For a duelist who was absolutely unheard of before a day ago, he has demonstrated amazing dueling capacity! In his last duel alone he took out all of his opponent's life points in only one turn, without taking a single point of damage himself. Add that to the fact that he kept all 8,000 of his life points from the Survival Duel, and you realize that this guy is a true juggernaut in this tournament! Without further ado, let's get this show on the road! Take your positions!"

Brutus leaps off of the platform, while Oblivion causally strolls off. They maneuver themselves into position. Oblivion states, "Boy, it is not too late for you to back out. Despite what you may think, I take no pleasure in banishing minds."

Brutus points at Oblivion and says with certainty, "I'll never back down! I'm fighting for a friend, and because of that, I have more power than you'll ever have!"

Oblivion shakes his head. "Such ignorance. I assure you, in your case, ignorance is not bliss."

The Minster calls out, "Alright, let's get going! Activate your Duel Gauntlets!"

Oblivion summons his Duel Gauntlet of Darkness and Brutus attaches his deck case to his. The Duel Computer announces, "World of Duel Tournament semifinal duel now commencing. Brutus Marc, with 4350 life points vs. Oblivion, with 8000 life points. Scanning decks…decks accepted. Commence dueling."

"And random chance has decided that Brutus Marc will make the first move of this duel!"

Brutus draws and shouts excitedly, "Oh yeah, that's what I'm talking about! Let's start things out big! I discard Power Gladiator from my hand in order to activate its effect and add a Brutal Coliseum from my deck to my hand, which I'll immediately activate!" The field around Brutus and Oblivion transforms into the ruins of an ancient coliseum, one that might have once held gladiator battles. Brutus and Oblivion are on either side of a battle field in its heart, while the spectators are in the stands meant for the audience.

Oblivion looks around in disgust and comments, "How…savage."

Brutus explains, "This beauty of a card allows me to summon a level four or lower monster from my graveyard that has 2000 or more attack! Come on back Power Gladiator (Earth/Level 4/Beast-Warrior/Effect/ATK 2100/DEF 0)!" The monster is an anthropomorphic lion wearing silver armor and holding a circular shield and a mace. It roars in challenge. "Normally, if I didn't control Brutal Coliseum, Power Gladiator would have destroyed itself, but I have no such worries. Next I'll summon the Goblin Attack Force (Earth/Level 4/Warrior/Effect/ATK 2300/DEF 0). Just try to get past my brute forces (Brutus' hand: 4)."

Oblivion draws. "That can be arranged quite easily." He observes his hand. "Judging off of the cards you played, I'd say that you'd respect this card. I summon Apocalyptic Knight of Destruction (Dark/Level 4/Fiend/Effect/ATK 2400/DEF 0)." The monster is a fiendish creature made of consolidated darkness. It wears dark armor and holds a shield and sword made out of swirling shadows.

"So you've got yourself a powerful monster. I know better than any, a monster with that much power, but that low of a level has to have some sort of downfall."

Oblivion shrugs. "It does, but it is insignificant. First off, I can't Evolution Summon the turn I attack with this card, and second, in order to attack, I must first mill the top four cards of my deck." As he's saying it, Oblivion sends the top cards of his deck to the grave. "Now Apocalyptic Knight of Destruction, attack the Goblin Attack Force."

Brutus looks as if he can't stop himself from laughing. He exclaims, "Ha, you just fell for it!"

Oblivion inquires without much care, "And what would that be?"

"My Brutal Coliseum increases the attack of my level four monsters with more than 2000 attack by 300 when they enter battle (ATK: 2600)! Let's counterattack Goblin Attack Force!" Brutus' monster force charges in on Oblivion's monster, but as soon as they begin they attack, they are all destroyed by the Knight of Destruction (Brutus' LP: 4250). Brutus demands, "Hey, what gives!?"

"You really are more stupid than you look. Your Brutal Coliseum card works for any monster that's level four or lower with 2000 or more attack, such as my Apocalyptic Knight of Destruction."

Brutus appears annoyed. He complains, "Darn, you're right."

Yuni shouts at Brutus, "Come on Brutus, you can't afford to make mistakes like that!"

"I know, I know!"

Oblivion comments, "It would seem that you don't know." He sets a card. "Take your next turn (Oblivion's hand: 4)."

Brutus draws. "Don't expect me to screw up like that again! It was a one time deal! I'll use Brutal Coliseum in order to bring my Goblin Attack Force back to the field! Then I'll summon the Giant Orc (Dark/Level 4/Fiend/Effect/ATK 2200/DEF 0). Now I'll kick things up a notch with this card, Powermerization! This card allows me to fuse together two or more level four or lower monsters with 2000 or more attack! I'll fuse the Goblin Attack Force with Giant Orc in order to summon Giant Orc Attack Force (Dark/Level 4/Fiend/Fusion/ATK 3000/DEF 0)!" Brutus' monster looks exactly like what its name implies. It is a massive force comprised of several Giant Orc monsters. "Summoning a monster with Powermerization gives it 500 extra attack (ATK: 3500)! Let's go Orc Attack Force, destroy Oblivion's monster!"

Oblivion declares, "I activate Apocalyptic Scourge! This trap prevents my monster from being destroyed, and stops all battle damage."

"Well then I'm just going to have to activate the effect of Giant Orc Attack Force, which by tributing my Power Gladiator, can negate your card effect!" One of the orcs jumps towards the trap card and smashes it with its club. The rest of the force continues on to fight Oblivion's monster.

Tori cheers, "Yeah Brutus! Good thinking!"

Brutus grins and chuckles. The two monsters move at each other. The attack of Giant Orc Attack Force (ATK: 3800) and Apocalyptic Knight of Destruction (ATK: 2700) are boosted. Brutus' monster destroys Oblivion's (Oblivion's LP: 6900). The attack of Giant Orc Attack Force returns to normal (ATK: 3500).

Yuni looks shocked. "You actually just caused damage to Oblivion!"

Brutus grins and gives a thumbs-up. "You bet I did!"

Oblivion shakes off the damage and threatens, "You'll pay for that boy!"

"Sure, right after I set two cards. Oh, but before my turn is over, since it attacked, my monster switches itself to defense mode." The force of orcs fall asleep. "But, the effect of Brutal Coliseum switches all of my monsters back to attack mode!" The sound of a gong rings through the field. The orcs wake up. "Now try to prove it (Brutus' hand: 1)."

Oblivion draws. "I don't make idle threats. I bring back my Apocalyptic Knight of Destruction." Oblivion's monster returns to the field.

Brutus asks, "But how, you didn't activate any card!"

"I may not have, but you did!"

Brutus is confused. Yuni reminds him, "Brutus, a Field Spell works for both sides of the field! He's using your Brutal Coliseum again!"

Brutus looks around him in shock. He exclaims, "Shoot, not again!"

Oblivion grins malevolently. "I really should thank you for activating that card. It has been so useful to me. Now, for business. I Evolve Apocalyptic Knight of Destruction into Apocalyptic Ruler of Massacre (Dark/Level 6/Fiend/Evolution/ATK 2500/DEF 2000)!" The monster evolves. It now wears a cloak made out of shadows in addition to its armor and it carries a pike of shadows instead of a sword. It appears overall more lethal. "As soon as this monster is summoned, its effect activates. By sending the top four cards from my deck to my grave, I can add a card from my grave to my hand." The top four cards fly into his grave. Another card flies from his grave to his hand. "Now to activate it. I play Apocalyptic Corruption!"

A look of horror crosses Brutus' face. He quickly shakes it off and challenges, "Come on, do a Darkness Evolution! I dare you! I'll still defeat you!"

"I highly doubt that. Go, Darkness Evolution!" The Ruler of Massacre is cloaked in shadows and darkness. "I summon Darkness Evolution: Apocalyptic King of Carnage (Dark/Level 8/Fiend/Evolution/ATK 2500/DEF 2000)!" The next monster is more deadly and fiendish than ever. The cloak over the armor has become a full on cape of shadows. It carries a pitchfork of darkness as a weapon.

Brutus burst out laughing. "Is that all!? And I thought that I might have to worry! 2500 attack points aren't going to be defeating my monster any time soon!"

"You seem so confident in yourself. I wonder what will happen if I shatter that confidence. For you see, the attack of the King of Carnage is boosted by 300 for every Apocalyptic monster that's in my grave, and I happen to have four right now (ATK: 3700)." Brutus' eyes widen. "Now I activate its effect. By sending an Apocalyptic monster to my graveyard, such as my Apocalyptic Herald of Doom, I can destroy one card you control. Say good bye to your Giant Orc Attack Force!"

Brutus regains his composure and says, "My monster will be leaving on my own terms! I activate the Counter Trap Card, Parting Curse! By tributing a monster, I can negate your effect and inflict damage to you equal to its attack!" Brutus' monster is turned into a beam of red energy, which is sent at Oblivion (Oblivion's LP: 3400).

Oblivion looks angered that he has been damaged yet again. "I will not allow that to go unpunished."

Tori says to Yuni, "Wow, Brutus is at the top of his game. He might have had a faulty start, but this is the best I've ever seen him duel."

Yuni nods. He adds solemnly, "I just hope that that's enough."

Oblivion states, "None the less, I still sent an Apocalyptic monster to my grave, so the King of Carnage gains another 300 attack points (ATK: 4000). Now Apocalyptic King of Carnage, attack this weakling now, Carnage Chaos!"

Brutus shouts, "Activate facedown card, Whiplash! Since you're declaring an attack against me, you've got 1000 damage coming your way!" The monster slashes its pike at Brutus, but a shockwave is sent out and hits Oblivion (Brutus' LP: 250) (Oblivion's LP: 2400).

Oblivion is very annoyed and angry. "You are just set on making me mad."

Brutus gives him a thumbs-up. "It's my number one goal!"

"No one angers the Dark Lord and lives to tell the tale. Your move (Oblivion's hand: 5)."

Brutus draws. He says excitedly, "It's time wrap this duel up!" He looks over to Yuni. "I hope you're watching this, because after you see this, you'll never call me an amateur again!" He looks back at Oblivion. "Prepare for this Oblivion! I use Brutal Coliseum to bring Goblin Attack Force once more!" For the second time, Goblin Attack Force returns to the field. "Time to pull out my newest card! I Evolve Goblin Attack Force!" The entire force begins to glow. "I summon the Goblin Attack Army (Earth/Level 4/Warrior/Evolution/ATK 3300/DEF 0)!" The amount of goblins has multiplied times ten. They are also now bigger and hold spiked clubs. "Then, the pièce de résistance! I equip Goblin Attack Army with Maximum Power! This awesome card allows my monster to attack you directly, and you've got no cards to protect you! Go Goblin Attack Army, let's defeat Oblivion once and for all!"

Tori cheers, "He's going to do it! He's actually going to do it!"

Yuni smiles at Brutus and gives him an encouraging nod.

Oblivion shakes his head and says, "Tsk, tsk, tsk. I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but this is not the end of me. I activate the effect of Apocalyptic Guard of Misery from my hand."

Brutus looks completely shocked. He exclaims, "What!?"

"You heard me. By banishing it from my hand, I may negate your attack." A ghostly form of a fiendish shadow creature wearing heavy armor and holding two large shield appears and intercepts the attack.

A look of utter despair crosses Brutus' face. He falls onto his knees. Yuni shouts, "Come on Brutus, get back up! This duel isn't over yet!"

Brutus slowly looks towards Yuni and says with despair, "It is…" As he looks down at the floor beneath him and explains morbidly, "At the end of the turn, the effect of Goblin Attack Army will destroy itself. When the monster equipped with Maximum Power is destroyed, it inflicts damage to me equal to that monster's attack."

Tori gasps. "But that would mean…"

Brutus' monster shatters away, and a burst of energy hits Brutus (Brutus' LP: 0). Brutus finishes for Tori, "I lose."

Oblivion grins malevolently. "Your mind is mine." He holds out his hand and the shadowy tendrils wrap around Brutus and slowly begin to fully cover him.

In his last moments of life, Brutus looks straight at Yuni and says, "I'm so sorry. I regret nothing…" Brutus falls unconscious. The duel ends and the field returns to normal.

The hologram of the Minister of Dueling appears, and he looks completely shocked. He calls out, "We have another one passed out! Medics, get here now!"

Just as they did for Zenith, a team of two medics with a hover-gurney rush in. They use jetpacks to maneuver over to Brutus and place him on the gurney. They then rush out.

The Minister of Dueling tugs at his collar, and looks unsure of what to say. He finally manages, "So…um…it would appear that dueling with Oblivion can take quite a lot out of you…" He chuckles awkwardly. "Well…um…" he begins to regain his normal charisma, "we now have our two finalists! The final duel to determine the winner of the World of Duel, and the next King of Games will be between Yuni Oha and Oblivion! Join us all in one hour for what is sure to be the duel of the millennium!"

Yuni looks at Oblivion with hatred. Oblivion appears not to notice. Tori approaches Yuni from behind and puts a hand on his shoulder. She tries to say, "Yuni…"

Yuni shrugs her hand off. He begins to walk out of the room and says, "Give me some time please. I need a nap or something." He walks out.

Tori says to herself, "I hope that he's up for this."

Celestia steps up to Tori and affirms, "He is, for he is the incarnation of Prince Yu-Gi-Oh, and he is our only hope."