Thetrueazure: I'm not dead yet guys.
Ritsu: Surprising, you've been playing Deus Ex Human Revolution after you got your classes set. Other then that you've just been plain lazy.
Thetrueazure: *Pulls out Tensouder* I don't need this from you.
Tensouder: Gotcha.
Thetrueazure: Twistornado card! Tensou!
Tensouder: Explosion Skick Power. *Sends Ritsu out the window.*
Asuka: Haven't talked in awhile. Well, we own nothing, enjoy the conclusion to this duel.
"I dark tune my level 3 Squire with my level 11 Doom Knight!" Doom Knight became a black smoke and entered Farrl and destroyed his three stars, Farrl endured the pain as eight black stars began to circle around. "Forgive me, guys."
"You have done your duty young Kenshin, now it's time for me to take over."A voice said.
The seven seals are now broken! His sword is crying out for the blood of my enemies! If the darkness is engulfed by pure shadows, a new era of darkness descends on us! Dark Synchro! Rise, Great Maker of the Dark Swords, Dark Knight Founder Kenshin (-8/3000/1500)!
The tower of darkness cracked open and spilled out onto the ground, reaching Satellizer's legs. When it touched her feet, she had to hold her mouth to prevent herself from getting sick.
"I never sensed such a powerful negative energy; it makes me sick just by touching it!" Satellizer thought as the shadow tower slowly crumbled.
A giant knight walked slowly out of the lake of shadows. His entire body was covered in a horrifying armor, his Chest Armor resembled that of a giant skull and he was wearing a torn cape and his body was covered in chains with human skulls attached to it. He stretched his right hand out and out of the puddle of shadows formed a giant sword in the shape of a skeleton which he swung at Satellizer. Then Krad stepped out of the tower, but he was completely different: His jacket was torn apart, strange tattoos were covering his body and his right hand was similar to that of a demon. The thing, that changed much about him, was his hair. Instead of snow white hair, his hair was much longer and had a deep black color. When he opened his eyes and looked towards Satellizer with a golden glow.
"It has been centuries since I saw the sky like this! Finally, I have been set free!" the new person laughed in a dark tone.
At Ritsu's place
Keira was clutching herself; she was shivering all around her body.
"He's here" She said before she collapsed.
Ch.60 Fall of the Dragon Slayer Final Part.
As Dark Knight Founder Kenshin stood on the field, towering menacingly over Satellizer, his cape flowing in the wind, Krad, or rather Credo now, grinned evilly. "It sure does feel good to be back in this body again." He said while he looked at Satellizer who looked surprised.
"Incredible." Satellizer thought as Credo released a powerful aura. "This aura is stronger than my masters even without the seal and even if the seal was lifted…his aura would still be greater."
Belial, having recovered from the energy wave, looked down at Krad in horror. He turned to Shinken and glared at him. "What… What's happened to him!? What did he do!?"
Shinken just crossed his arms "He has done what is necessary." He solemnly said.
Credo kept an evil grin on his face as his tattoos glowed. He then looked to Satellizer "Now then, shall we continue?"
The others had all gathered back at Ritsu's place, their search having turned up no trace of Krad. However, in an instant, all their elements reacted as did Kurogasa's mark. As they looked outside, they saw the pillar of negative energy and knew that Krad must be there. But the feeling they got from it was… chilling.
Terra groaned, putting his hand to his head. "This feeling… It's like… Like all the joy has disappeared from the world." He described the feeling.
Akira nodded his discomfort clear on his face as well. "I know… If Krad is down there…"
"…Then we need to get down there ASAP." Ritsu said without hesitation while his element reacted. The whole group nodded and rushed out the door, except for Keira, who was still on the couch shivering. Ritsu paused "Keira… You have to come with us. Krad will need you. You've always helped pull him out of the darkness." She looked away, her face still etched with sadness and fear "Please, Keira… Your love for him may be the only thing that saves him."
Keira looked up shocked at that, looking to Ritsu, unsure of what to do. But then, when she saw the look in his eyes, the look of pure confidence, she knew he was right. Krad needed her. She was sure of that. Nodding, she got up and said, quietly, "Okay…"
Once everyone was outside, Ritsu, Kurogasa, Satoshi, Terra, Jihl, Akira and Nami got on their Duel Runners with Yuzuki on the back of Ritsu's, Kuraki on Kurogasa's and Shiko on Satoshi's Runner, they all drove off, heading towards the New Domino Duel Park. As they drove along, Ritsu and Keira were thinking the same thing.
"Krad, please be safe."
Credo took another minute to take in Satellizer's terror, taking great pleasure in it. "Now then, I do believe that it was my turn. So, I think it's time I continued."
Satellizer: 10800
Krad: 4600
Examining his opponent's field Credo smiled "Thanks to your Destruct Potion, your Field Marshal is now gone and with Solemn Wishes being the only card on your field left, I have a clear shot at your life points!" Letting out an evil chuckle the tattoos on his body began to glow again. "Now, Dark Knight Founder Kenshin, attack her life points directly! Show her the true power of the Kenshin bloodline! Dark Excalibur"
Kenshin gave a low growl as he pointed his sword in one hand to the sky, dark black and purple smoke slowly flowing towards the blade. "Time for you to suffer, you pathetic cretin!"
Satellizer's eyes grew wide for a moment but returned as she pulled a card out of her hand. "Hold on! I activate the effect of Battle Fader from my hand! By special summoning it to the field, I can-!" Suddenly, as she slapped Battle Fader onto the field, it was instantly destroyed as purple laser beams shot out of the skulls on Kenshin's armor and pixilated the monster. "WHAT!?"
Credo grinned as he held in his hand three cards he had just pulled from his graveyard. "Sorry, I guess I forgot to mention Dark Knight Founder Kenshin's special effect, a little something called Dark Knight Execution. By returning three Dark Knight monsters from my graveyard to my deck, I can negate the activation of a spell or trap card or a monster effect and destroy it! Now then, with your pesky Battle Fader out of the way, I believe my ancestor was about to hurt you… badly."
Right on cue, Dark Knight Founder Kenshin continued with his attack. With a mighty battle cry, lightning shot down from the sky as Kenshin held his sword high above his head, the bolt striking his blade as he slashed at Satellizer.
Satellizer gave a cry of pain like never before. The electricity surged though her body, sending wave after wave of agony through her body. It seemed like the pain went on for hours, but in truth, it only happened for a few seconds. But that was not the truly terrifying part.
"RRRAAAGGGHHH!" Apollyon yelled out in agony.
"Master!" Satellizer screamed. How could she feel pain, she was dead, she couldn't feel pain.
Satellizer: 7800
Krad: 4600
As both the dark dragon lord and his familiar slowly recovered from the attack, Credo grinned once again as more tattoos appeared on his body in an eerie purple glow. "Yes, Apollyon, you are hurting too. Want to know why? The Kenshins have long hunted creatures like you. It is my destiny to eradicate you!"
Belial looked upon his master and friend, his heartbreak clear in his eyes. "Krad, please, stop this! This is not who you are! Surely there must be a better way to defeat Apollyon!"Belial begged.
Just then, Krad, the real Krad, appeared beside Credo in a manner similar to the way Atem appeared to Yugi. Looking up at his dragon, he looked at him sadly. "I'm sorry, Belial. This is the best way I can think of. This is the only way I can think of to defeat Apollyon."
Credo then swatted his hand back, making Krad disappear as he took control back "That's enough suffering for now. So, I'll set one card facedown and end my turn." He then slid the card into his spell and trap zone, the facedown card appearing on the field immediately afterwards as control turned over to Satellizer.
The Familiar was shaking from the pain as she tried to keep the blood leaking from her wound from bleeding too much as she felt herself trembling in fear and anger. "How? How was this possible? I am one of the leading Familiars of Apollyon – the Dragon of Darkness, the dark dragon lord of the duel monster spirit world! How could she have been injured in such a way from just one attack!?"Growling to herself, she glared at him. "I'm going to kill you, User of Shadow! I will see to it that you fall! I draw! And thanks to Solemn Wishes, I get an extra boost!"
Satellizer: 8300
Krad: 4600
As the others made their way towards the duel, the other five Elemental Users and Kurogasa suddenly groaned as they got a sharp headache when their elements and mark reacted.
Yuzuki looked up at Ritsu over his shoulder, holding on tight to him as he regained his balance after swerving, distracted by the headache. "Ritsu, what happened?" She asked in concern.
The User of Light grunted as he looked ahead. "It's Apollyon… Krad… Krad hurt him… Badly…" As she gave a slight gasp, Ritsu looked over his shoulder at her. "And I don't think that's a good thing." Looking to the others, he gave a nod, signaling them to speed up as much as they could.
With ferocity, Satellizer drew the top card of her deck, adding it to her hand as quickly as possible, immediately trying to figure out a plan to destroy Kenshin. With his effect, Credo was capable of basically destroying any card she played… As long as he had Dark Knights in his graveyard. That was it. If she could get his knights out of the graveyard, destroying the Dark Synchro would then be a simple task.
"This should be simple as long as I get the right cards." She thought.
After thinking back, she knew nine for sure were there. And then from Slash Draw, he could have sent a maximum of seven more, meaning he had had at most 16 Dark Knights there. He used the effect once, which meant Credo could use Kenshin's effect four more times. "If I can just last that long, I can defeat him!" She grinned briefly, only to groan as she felt another pang of pain ripple through her.
"Ugh… I summon a monster facedown in defense mode and I set one card facedown to end my turn." She groaned as both cards quickly appeared on the field.
As Satellizer ended, Credo chuckled evilly "Is that all you can muster? To think, before you were so powerful, perfectly in control. But now I've reduced you to stalling and making a helpless defense. However, please, feel free to keep summoning monsters! Kenshin will gladly cut them down, just like I look forward to finally cutting down your abomination of a master! I draw!"
He quickly drew his card, adding it to his already massive hand as he began his move. His monstrous grin remained plastered to his face as he said, "You're lucky Kenshin's negative effect keeps me from summoning any monsters. Alright, Kenshin, destroy her monster! Dark Excalibur!"
The leader of the Dark Knights gave a low chuckle "With pleasure!" He then leapt into the air, prepared to cut down Satellizer's helpless facedown.
"I activate my trap card!" Satellizer called out as her facedown flipped up "Mirror Force negates your attack and sends it right back you destroying your attack position monsters!"
As the mirror barrier appeared over the monster, now revealed to be a mini tank with a glowing green drill (4/1200/1200), Credo grinned "Your trap won't save your monster! I activate Dark Knight Execution! I return three Dark Knights to my deck to negate and destroy your Mirror Force!" Sliding the three selected monsters out of his graveyard and back into his deck, Credo then clenched his demon hand as Kenshin's skulls shot out purple laser beams again, destroying the trap as he cut down the helpless machine.
"Damn, he took down my Ally of Justice Reverse Break like it was nothing." Satellizer mumbled.
Credo scoffed "You're no match against me and this proves it. If this is the best you can muster I'll have you dead at my feet within the next five turns tops." He then gave a bored sigh. "I end my turn. Go ahead and make your move. And for your sake, I hope you make it count."
Satellizer growled at Credo "If that's what you want then I will gladly provide. I draw!" Satellizer drew her next card as Solemn Wishes activated.
Satellizer: 8800
Krad: 4600
"I just need him to use that effect three more times, and then I can actually make a move."She thought and looked at her hand. "Alright User of Shadows, prepare yourself! I summon out Ally of Justice Garadholg (4/1600/400) in defense mode!" Right on command the orange machine took the field crossing its laser blades to make a shield.
Credo just yawned at her feeble attempt. "Is that truly the best you can do? Merely put up a meager defense against my unstoppable creature? I'm almost embarrassed to kill you seeing how little a challenge you can provide." He taunted, trying to get her angry.
Satellizer did not give Credo the pleasure of a comeback, surprising the dragon hunter with how calm she appeared. She simply took a card from her hand. "I'll place another card facedown and end my turn." One reverse card appeared.
Credo dropped the grin he had for most of the duel. He knew she was planning something; the question was what was she planning? "I draw!" He drew his next card and looked at it. When he saw what card he had in his hand, his grin returned in an instant and started to laugh. "HAHAHAHA! Excellent!"
Satellizer bit her lower lip. "Judging by the way he's laughing, he must've drawn that card."
Credo grinned maliciously. "I activate the Equip Spell Fairy Meteor Crush, equipping it to Dark Knight Founder Kenshin!" Satellizer gritted her teeth while Credo laughed like a psychopath as Kenshin's blade became serrated. "Now that my Founder has piercing power not even your defense monsters can stop me!" With a flashy gesture, Credo pointed his demon hand towards Satellizer. "Dark Knight Founder Kenshin, destroy her Ally of Justice! Dark Excalibur!"
Kenshin gave a dark laugh. "Another monster to die beneath my blade!"He said while letting loose a battle cry, the leader of the Dark Knights leapt through the air and prepared to cleave Garadholg straight in half.
Satellizer was prepared however. "I activate my trap card Threatening Roar!" As Garadholg prepared to unleash a powerful roar to stop Kenshin it was blasted by an all too familiar burst of purple lasers.
Credo returned the required Dark Knights back to his deck and laughed. "Do you really think such straightforward techniques will stop me!? My Dark Knight Execution can counter anything you try to do! Now then, Kenshin, continue your attack and turn her machine into scrap!"
Kenshin's skeleton sword cut through the Ally of Justice, destroying it instantly as right after, taking another slash at Satellizer, bringing her down on both knees.
Satellizer: 6600
Krad: 4600
She held her stomach as she tried to keep herself from getting sick from the sheer agony she was in. "That attack took a lot of me. But it's going according to plan; I just have to make him use that effect two more times."She thought while she stood up
Credo sneered at her "I end my turn there." As his opponent struggled to get back up he scoffed. "You might as well stay down, because I am going to put you back in your grave. And this time… You'll stay dead."
Satellizer growled at him. "You're wrong boy. You think you're so powerful? Well you're wrong! I am a Familiar of Apollyon – the Dragon of Darkness! I have been given incredible power by the most powerful being in existence! And I will end you! I draw!" She practically ripped the top card from her deck as Solemn Wishes activated once more.
Satellizer: 7100
Krad: 4600
"To begin, I will activate my spell card Dark Hole, destroying all monsters currently on the field!" She said as a black hole appeared in the sky above ready to suck up Dark Knight Founder Kenshin.
"You know you're really starting to bore me! Once again, I activate Kenshin's Dark Knight Execution ability! I return three Dark Knights from my grave to my deck to negate and destroy your Dark Hole!" Credo returned three Dark Knight monsters as Kenshin fired a massive purple laser, getting rid of the black hole.
Satellizer gave a small grunt of annoyance, but on the inside was smirking. "Good, he is taking the bait."She thought.
The spirit of Apollyon appeared above her, giving an approving chuckle "Excellent, Satellizer, good. You've almost gotten him. Break the Shadow Seal for me and I promise you shall be rewarded."He said to only her so Credo couldn't hear.
Satellizer nodded to her master and continued her turn. "I summon Ally of Justice Cyclone Creator (3/1400/1200) in attack mode!" Placing the card onto the field, the robotic bird came to the field, letting out a powerful caw as it took the field, staring down Dark Knight Founder Kenshin.
Credo just quirked an eyebrow. "And just what is that little metal bird supposed to do against my Dark Synchro?" He asked in a bored manner.
Satellizer gave an evil grin. "I wouldn't worry about my monster."
At that moment, Ritsu and the others came onto the scene just as Satellizer summoned out her monster. "KRAD!" They all called out as they got off their runners and rushed over to the duel. However, they all slid to a halt when they saw Krad.
"Krad…?" Ritsu asked as he saw his friend in his new form. "What the hell happened?"
Satoshi shook his head in disbelief. "No… There's no way. That can't be Krad." He said in denial.
Keira trembled as she saw Krad stand there now as Credo with Dark Knight Founder Kenshin standing in front of him. "Krad, no…" She dropped to her knees, her eyes began to tear up. "His darkness has completely consumed him. Oh, Krad… Why? Why?"
Satellizer looked over to the other Elemental Users and their allies as they arrived, chuckling evilly. "Oh look, Shadow User, your friends have come to see you be defeated."
Credo just looked at them out of the corner of his eye briefly. "Those weaklings are irrelevant. Right now, I would be more concerned about me than them. So hurry up and make your move." Credo said in a dark tone.
"But of course, but first." Satellizer looked at the other Elemental Users but was more focused on Ritsu. "I do believe this is the first time we've met. I am the proud familiar of the great Apollyon, known as Satellizer Rose." Satellizer bowed despite the pain she was in.
"Make your damn move already!" Credo snapped.
Satellizer just shrugged mockingly. "If you insist…" She said and grinned. "I will set one card facedown and end my turn." As the reverse card appeared she smiled inwardly "Do your worst."
As the others looked on at the duel, they could not help but worry about Krad. While Satellizer had the upper hand in life points, it was clear that Krad or whoever he was now was really the one in control. They could all sense the darkness emanating from that Dark Synchro. And from the looks of things, it was tearing through anything Satellizer set up like it was toilet paper. But why did they still have an unshakeable feeling of dread?
Akira was the first to mention it. "Guys, does anyone else get the feeling that Satellizer is way too confident right now? Especially considering that this monster of Krad's seems untouchable?"
Kurogasa nodded as he watched the duel "I know. She's baiting Krad." He said as his eyes then moved over to Krad. "The question is; does he realize it?"
Yuzuki and Kuraki helped Keira get back on her feet. "Guys, I have a bad feeling about this duel. I just have a feeling that no matter who wins, the outcome won't be pretty." Nami said in concern.
As everyone looked to Nami with worry, Ritsu kept his focus on the Duel, his eyes watching over Krad. "Come on Krad" he thought "You've just gotta win, and not with your dark side's help!"
Credo gave a low grumbling sound. "I draw." He drew his next card and looked at the field. "First off, I'll place two cards facedown and have Kenshin attack your Cyclone Creator with Dark Excalibur!" Kenshin prepared to attack Satellizer's monster.
"Did you forget about my facedown!? I activate Defense Draw, decreasing any battle damage I would take to zero and allowing me to draw a card!" Satellizer said while her facedown card flipped up.
Credo, having finally lost his patience unleashed his dark aura even more. "And did you forget how powerless you are against the Kenshin clan!? I activate Dark Knight Founder Kenshin's special ability! I return three more Dark Knights from my graveyard to my deck I can negate and destroy your Defense Draw!"
Satellizer just smirked. "Perfect…"
Kenshin negated and destroyed the trap card quickly and prepared to continue his attack. Meanwhile, as everyone watched, Jihl, despite the fear she felt as she watched the duel looked in awe. "Wow, what a powerful card. It allows him to reuse his Dark Knights and can negate just about any card." She said.
With Satellizer's trap out of the way, Kenshin continued his attack, cutting Cyclone Creator in half with his sword as he struck Satellizer again, knocking her back a few feet straight onto her rear as Apollyon also gave a roar of pain.
Satellizer: 5300
Krad: 4600
Credo looked at the fallen Satellizer and grinned. "It's over Satellizer. Just surrender and I promise I'll make your death quick and painless before I cut out the heart of your oversized gecko of a master!" He then glared as he heard laughter from the seemingly broken body of Satellizer. "What's so funny?"
Satellizer soon got back on her feet, her body covered in blood. As she stood back up, there was sickening cracking noise as she reset her bones back into place, almost as if she had not broken them in the first place. The others cringed at this, Shiko even having to turn away as she gagged a little.
Once she was standing up straight again, Satellizer wiped the blood of her lips as she continued to laugh at Credo. "I'm laughing because you used your Dark Knight's greatest weapon!" Her face looked like she had completely lost it as she laughed even louder, sounding truly insane. "Look at your graveyard! You've only got one Dark Knight left! You can't use his effect again! All he has now is his attack power! You got so overconfident that you wasted his effect! Now, I can destroy him and you!"
Credo's eyes widened with shock and rage. "I… end my… turn." He growled without snapping. "Damn, damn, damn! She used me from the start; she figured out the flaw and used it against me! And what's worse is that she did it right under my nose!"
From off on the sides, the others looked to each other with worry as Satellizer announced how she had basically beaten Kenshin. "You guys think she's serious or just bluffing. You really think she can destroy Kenshin?" Terra grunted.
Satoshi sighed as he continued to watch the duel "I wouldn't doubt it Terra. If she's saying she can destroy him, she'll probably do it on her next turn."
Satellizer smiled evilly. "Well, now that your pathetic warrior is of no threat to me, I think it's time I took control back. I draw!" Right as she drew her next card, more golden rain poured down on her from Solemn Wishes, again healing some of the damage from Credo's last attack.
Satellizer: 5800
Krad: 4600
When she drew her card, she was overcome with dark glee. "HAHAHAHA! Excellent! Just the card I was hoping for!" Grinning, she looked to Credo. "Prepare yourself User of Shadow! My master is coming!"
There was a collective gasp from everyone.
"This is bad." Ritsu said in dismay. "She's going to bring out Apollyon."
Credo looked the most confused and worried. "How!? I removed him from play!"
Satellizer laughed and nodded as she retorted, "Yes you did. Which is why I can activate this spell card! Another personal favorite known as Dimensional Tune-Up!" Satellizer said as the spell card depicted a Stardust Dragon appearing from a galaxy. "Now, by removing from play a tuner and the appropriate number of non-tuners from my graveyard, I can synchro summon a removed from play synchro monster! Take a wild guess who I choose!"
Everyone watching the duel was in disbelief, unable to believe a card like that actually existed. "There's no way a card like that exists!" Kurogasa protested, and yet her duel disk accepted the card with no problem.
Staring down Credo maliciously, Satellizer gave an evil grin. "Now then, it's time for my master's arrival! I tune my Level 1 Ally of Justice Tractor and my Level 5 Ally of Justice Catastor with my Level 3 Ally of Justice Cyclone Creator by removing them from play!" As she removed the three aforementioned monsters, they immediately turned into pitch black Synchro Gates and dark colored stars.
The other five Elemental Users' elements reacted, their dragon eyes appearing as Kurogasa's mark began to glow. Ritsu growled with dull pain as he looked out, golden dragon eyes glowing as the wind blew towards them. "Get ready guys. Apollyon's coming!"
From the depths of Hell comes a darkness so evil, it was sealed away for thousands of years! Become Hell's messenger! Synchro Summon! Evil's Incarnate! Apollyon-The Dragon of Darkness (9/3300/2900)!
In a huge explosion of negative energy, the massive dark dragon lord appeared once more, letting out a deafening roar that made everyone except for Satellizer and Credo cover their ears. Apollyon looked down at Credo with a glare. "I will devour your soul, you pathetic and insignificant insect!"
Credo, despite showing some fear, stayed defiant, looking straight up at the dragon of darkness, his body wrapped in a darker aura. "We'll see! I swear that I, Credo Kenshin, will fulfill my family's legacy and do my duty as a dragon slayer and stab my sword through your heart!"
Apollyon laughed. "We shall see, puny dragon slayer! Satellizer, let me loose upon him!"
The familiar bowed to her master. "As you command master. I activate Apollyon's special ability! By cutting my life points in half, I can increase Apollyon's power by the same amount!" A dark aura surrounded Apollyon as he devoured it.
Satellizer: 2900
Krad: 4600
As Satellizer's life points decreased, Apollyon gave a powerful roar as his strength increased immensely (3300-6200).
"6200 Attack points!" Nami said in disbelief.
With devilish glee, she pointed at Kenshin. "Now, Apollyon, my master, destroy Dark Knight Founder Kenshin! Chaos Darkness!"
Apollyon laughed. "With pleasure! Goodbye, impudent knight! Chaos Darkness!" Opening his jaws, he formed a massive ball of black energy. Once it reached a big enough size he fired off the blast sending a massive wave of energy that completely enveloped Kenshin making him cry out in agony.
"Credo, my descendant, forgive me!" Kenshin cried out as he was destroyed, the beam then enveloping Credo, burning his body.
Satellizer: 2900
Krad: 1400
Credo slowly got up off the ground, smoke rising from the burn wounds on his body as he growled at Satellizer and Apollyon angrily, his body once again wrapped in its dark aura. "Urgh… You… You disgusting abomination of a lizard! I swear, I swear that I will kill you!"
"It sure doesn't seem like that. On my next turn my master will annihilate you, breaking the Shadow Seal and bringing him one step closer to being free of the seal the Elemental Dragons placed on him. So, I'll set one card facedown and end my turn." Satellizer said as the reverse card appeared.
Credo growled angrily "I draw!" he called out as he grabbed the top card of his deck, literally slashing through the air and quickly looking at it. "I activate Pot of Greed, allowing me to draw two more cards from my deck!" The pot appeared on the field, giving a gleeful laugh as the next two cards from his deck popped out of it and into Credo's hand. "Alright, I set one card facedown and then I will activate the spell card Shining Rebirth! By sending monsters from my Deck to the Graveyard, I can Synchro Summon a monster from my grave whose level is equal to the monsters I sent! So, I will send my Level 6 Dark Knight Lancer – Legato to the graveyard to tune him with my Level 2 Dark Knight Apprentice for a Synchro Summon!" Dark Knight Apprentice turned into two synchro gates and surrounded Legato, turning him into six stars.
"Belial is coming!" Keira shouted happily, knowing now that Krad could still win. With Belial's effect and all the cards in his hand, Krad easily had the power to destroy Apollyon. It seemed that maybe the war would be over before the final battle even began. However, as the others celebrated, Ritsu looked to Kurogasa and Satoshi, the three of them knowing things were not as easy for their friend as they seemed.
The power of the shadows will aid us in our war against evil! Become the power that is stronger than darkness itself! Synchro Summon! The dragon of the shadows, Belial-The Dragon of the Shadows (8/2900/2800)!
In a huge flash of light, the Dragon of Shadows appeared, ready to fight. However, looking back at his master over his shoulder. "I'm ready to aid you, Krad."
Credo looked up at Belial with frustration. "That's not my name, not anymore! Krad was weak! I am not!" As Belial looked sadly upon who used to be his master, he sighed before looking back to Apollyon, putting on his best angry face as Credo continued his turn. "Next, I use the effect of my Dark Knight Founder Kenshin in the graveyard! By removing him from play, I can add all Dark Knights in my deck, graveyard, and even removed from play zone to my hand!" As he pocketed Kenshin, he appeared floating over the field before exploding into a swarm of purple stars, each one representing a Dark Knight, floating into Credo's hand, materializing into Dark Knight cards. Credo then grinned "Now, I activate Belial's special ability! I can discard any number of cards from my hand to the graveyard to increase his attack by 400 for each one! And thanks to Infinite Cards, I hold 28 cards in my hand!" Sending every single card he had to the Graveyard, Belial glowed a bright purple as his power increased exponentially (2900-14,100).
Everyone looked on in amazement at the incredible boost in power the Dragon of Shadows had received. They could sense the incredible power the mighty monster had now. At Belial's current strength, he could easily overkill Apollyon.
The Dragon of Darkness stared down the Dragon of Shadows with a dark look. "Belial… At last, we meet face to face after so many years. Out of all the Elemental Dragons, I always saw potential in you. Such great darkness!"
Belial growled at him. "Please, I would never join you. Just because I am the Dragon of Shadows, it does not mean my power is evil! Darkness can serve good just as easily as light! And I'll prove it to you!"
"Oh well… It matters not. Tell me, though… You and your friends together could not defeat me all those centuries ago. What makes you think you alone can defeat me now?"
Belial glared at Apollyon. "Don't try to act all calm, Apollyon. You can sense my power. I will defeat you here and now! My master and I will rid the world of your evil!"
"Belial, destroy Apollyon – the Dragon of Darkness! Eliminate that abomination!" Credo commanded Belial.
Belial opened his mouth, charging up a powerful burst of dark flames. "Shadow Flame Strike!"He unleashed the powerful stream of purple and black flames, one big enough to completely engulf Apollyon. Everyone held their breath, waiting to see if the attack would go through, ending the threat of Apollyon once and for all.
"I activate my counter trap, Negate Attack!" A clear barrier blocked Belial attack and kicked up a lot of dust.
Keira looked over at Krad and Belial, still being held close by Yuzuki. "No… Krad… You can't lose… I can't lose you…" She whispered.
When the smoke cleared and Apollyon appeared still standing, Belial, too, looked like he was losing faith. "No… I… I was so close. I could have ended this…"
However, Credo kept his arms crossed and looked calm. "Calm yourself dragon. This isn't over. I still have a plan."
Belial looked sad when Credo referred to him as "dragon," rather than his name. It was clear that this truly was not his friend and master anymore, but rather the true manifestation of his darkness.
Credo sighed. "I end my turn."
"Well then, I think it is time my master and I finished this. I draw, and once more I get a boost from Solemn Wishes." Satellizer drew her next card.
Satellizer: 3400
Krad: 1400
"Let's end this, Master. I-!"
"You're wrong! I will be the one to end this! I activate the trap card Ring of Destruction!" Credo said as his facedown card revealed itself.
Satellizer gave a gasp as Credo revealed his card. So did the others.
Kuraki looked to Kurogasa. "Why is he doing that? If he equips that Apollyon, he'll still lose and Satellizer will still have 100 points left?"
Kurogasa looked down at the duel. "If he is activating that card now, he must have the other to go with it."
Credo then pointed to Apollyon. "Now, I attach Ring of Destruction to Apollyon. However, to ensure my survival, I will also activate the Ring of Defense quick play spell card.!" As the ring of the grenades attached to Apollyon's neck, a ring of shields appeared in front of Credo.
Apollyon looked upon the ring of grenades around his neck, and for the first time in his life, the dark dragon lord actually felt fear. "No… No, this… This cannot be! I am Apollyon, the Dark Dragon Lord! I cannot be killed!" Fearfully, he looked to Satellizer. "Satellizer… Do something!"
Satellizer looked worried. "Do not worry my master! I have a plan!" She took a card from her hand. "I activate the quick-play spell, Spell Series! This allows me to copy the effect of a spell card and I choose your Ring of Defense!" The card flipped face-up, revealing a white fairy that quickly transformed into the Ring of Defense.
Credo, however, continued to grin. "Please, I'll still destroy your master! And I have a card to take care of your Spell Series! I activate the quick play spell card Sword of Dark Sealing!" A black sword with a black skull on it appeared on the field. "I can return five Warrior-type monsters from my graveyard to the deck to negate the activation of a spell, trap, or monster effect and destroy it! And I choose your-!"
Satellizer then raised her hand, interrupting Credo "Wait a minute, User of Shadows! I would choose carefully! Are you sure you want to get rid of my defense and not your Ring of Destruction?"
Credo looked at her with confusion. "What kind of fool do you take me for? Do you really think I would choose to destroy the card that will ensure my victory?"
Satellizer looked to him and smiled. "You will when I tell you this. You see, if my master is destroyed in such a manner, the release of all his power will create an explosion more powerful than Zero Reverse. Completely annihilating New Domino City!"
Everyone looked at her in shock. If Credo targeted Satellizer's Ring of Defense, then the entire city would be ground zero when Apollyon is destroyed.
"True you will survive thanks to your Ring of Defense, but everything else in the city will be obliterated, including your friends!" Satellizer said
Credo looked to where the others were standing and grinned. "Do you really think I care about what happens to them? It's time I ended this!"
"NO!"
Inside Krad's Mind
Krad and Credo stood facing one another in a dark room, the only light being on the spot where the two stood. Credo looked to Krad incredulously. "What are you doing!? This is what you wanted, yes? This was your strategy to defeat Apollyon!"
"Yes, but not like this! I'm not going to sacrifice the people of New Domino to destroy Apollyon!"
Credo snorted at this. "You see… This why you needed me, to have the strength to do what you couldn't! You wanted Apollyon dead to save the world, you've got it! True, it will cost a few million, but you'll be saving billions more! They're casualties of war!"
Krad's anger exploded at that. "If I let you do this, I'd be the very thing that Apollyon was! I won't sacrifice innocent people… I won't kill my friends and Keira just to stop Apollyon!"
Credo then did something that shocked Krad. He actually gave him a genuine smile. "Congratulations Kenshin heir."
"W-What?" Krad looked behind Credo and saw the previous heirs, including someone he hasn't seen his entire life. "M-Mom?"
Krad's mother stepped past Credo and faced her son. "I'm so proud of you. The Kenshin clan has always protected the innocent, you have kept that tradition alive. You will be an outstanding heir." She then began to vanish.
"W-Wait! I still want to talk!" Krad tried to stop her until she shook her head.
"No, you must continue your fight to the bitter end." She said solemnly. "But always know this, I will always be watching over you."
Back on the Duel, Ritsu and the others were prepared for Credo to target Ring of Defense until their elements and mark reacted to something.
Looking up, they saw a huge pillar of positive energy erupt from where Credo stood. When the light faded, they saw standing there Krad, his purple Dragon Eyes glowing.
Keira began to tear up as she saw this. "KRAD! He's back!"
Belial looked back and his face lit up when he saw his friend back to normal. "Krad! You're back!"
"You bet I am! And it's time for me to finish things! Now then, I activate the effect of Sword of Dark Sealing! I return five of my Dark Knights back to deck to negate and destroy," he paused as he pointed up at Apollyon. "Ring of Destruction!" The eye sockets on the sword then glowed bright red before firing two laser beams out of them, destroying the Ring of Destruction.
Yuzuki smiled brightly, leaping into the air., "Yes! Krad saved the city!" However, when she looked to Ritsu, she saw he looked like he was on the verge of tears. "Ritsu…?"
Ritsu looked to her, trying to keep his composure. "Yuzuki… He saved the city, but… That means Krad is about to lose." As those words left his lips, everyone suddenly realized what that meant.
"KRAD!"
Satellizer grinned evilly as she looked to Krad. "Well, it would appear the User of Shadows has chosen to take the path of the tragic hero, going down in a blaze of glory." Satellizer gave a sigh.
Krad, however, continued to smile. "You're right… But I would rather lose my soul and fall as a hero than become a murderer, living as a villain."
Satellizer found his smile disgusting and sneered "How noble. Well then, I will end this quickly for you. I draw!" Satellizer drew her next card while Solemn wishes activated once more.
Satellizer: 3900
Krad: 1400
"I activate the quick play spell card Cleansing Waters! I choose one monster on the field and that monster loses all attack and defense bonuses!" Satellizer pointed at Belial. "Say goodbye to your attack boost!" Purple rain hit Belial as it weakened him to the point where he couldn't do anything (14,100-2900).
"It's time to end this!" Apollyon roared.
Satellizer pointed to Belial. "Apollyon, end this fight! Destroy Belial – the Dragon of the Shadows with your Chaos Darkness!"
The mighty dark dragon lord charged up his attack, ready to annihilate Krad and his dragon. Krad, meanwhile, looked to his left to see an already crying Keira. "Keira… I'm sorry… I tried my best."
"Goodbye, User of Shadows!"Apollyon cried out as he fired off his attack, enveloping both Krad and Belial.
"NNNNNOOOOO!" Keira cried out mournfully as she tried to run forward, only to be held back by Akira and Satoshi.
As the blast released a massive wave of energy towards the others, Terra ran in front of them, activating his duel disk as quickly as he could and slapping Golem onto the field. "Golem, we need your help! Protect us!"
The Dragon of Earth hopped onto the field in front of his master, calling out, "Hang on, sonny, I got'ya! Mountain Range Defense!" As Golem stomped the ground, a huge rock wall popped up to protect the others. However, even with Golem's great defensive power, the shield was destroyed. It absorbed most of the blow, but still had enough force to blow the others back.
After a few moments, the others slowly got up and could see Krad, laying on the ground, clearly wounded and defeated.
Satellizer: 3900 Winner
Krad: 0
Satellizer grinned as she saw this. "It's a shame, User of Shadows. My master could have used you. Oh well… At least I can take pleasure in knowing your soul is off to the Underworld."
As she said this, the ring of purple fire around them began to close up around Krad, ready to evoke the penalty for losing a Shadow Duel.
Belial appeared above the wounded Krad. "Krad… No! My master, my friend! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I failed to protect you!"
Krad did his best to smile as he said despite the pain, "No… Belial, you didn't. It wasn't your fault. I'm… I'm proud to have been your friend. Please… Watch over Keira for me." He then gave a small gasp as the circle of fire completely closed up around him and what appeared to be a purple ghost-like entity went flying out of his chest, only to disappear a few moments later.
Then, when the ghost-like entity, Krad's soul disappeared, back in the cave where Apollyon was truly waiting, the floating purple energy orb with the kanji for "dark" suddenly shattered. The Seal of Shadows had broken on the Elemental Seal.
"KRAD!"
The others went running towards him, sorrow wrapping them as they approached him, seeing his soulless body.
Meanwhile, Apollyon appeared behind Satellizer and let out a roar of dark joy. "Yes! At last! One of the six seals has broken! My power is beginning to return!" Apollyon then looked at Satellizer. "You have served me well, Satellizer! I can assure you I will reward you for this victory."
Satellizer then bowed before her master. "Thank you, my master. I am proud to serve you."
As the others got to Krad, Ritsu and them dropped to their knees, several of them in tears already as they looked upon his seemingly lifeless body, his eyes void of pupils or irises. Ritsu then hugged his friend close, tears streaming down his face. "Krad… You idiot… Why did you have to do this? Why did you have to think you had to fight alone!?" As he looked up, he then saw Satellizer preparing to leave. Angrily, he got up, his golden Dragon Eyes aglow "SATELLIZER!"
She stopped as she saw the User of Light run after her, and grinned. Immediately, he activated his duel disk. "FIGHT ME! FIGHT ME NOW DAMN IT!"
She then laughed evilly. "In such a rush to join your friend in the Underworld? HA! Oh don't worry, Light User, you'll get your chance at me very soon. In three weeks, when the final battle begins, you'll get your chance to avenge your friend." And then, with a mocking flip of her hair, she turned to leave again. However, she was stopped once more. But this time, by someone she did not expect.
"Satellizer, wait!"
She froze midstep, lost in shock as she heard that voice, a voice she did not expect to ever hear again. When she turned around, she did not expect to see the last person she wanted to see. "Rai…?"
Rai looked to her with shock, but smiling "Yes… Yes it's me. Is that really you?" As the psychic duelist looked on at her, for the first time, the Familiar of Apollyon actually had a real smile as she nodded at him. "Oh, Satellizer… I've missed you so much! I thought… I thought I had lost you."
Satellizer looked to him "It doesn't have to be that way, darling. Join me… join my master's quest. A powerful Psychic like yourself would be a most valuable asset to us. And even more, we could be together again."
Rai looked at her shocked, a million thoughts running through his mind as he tried to process everything. He didn't really know everything that was going on, but from what he saw, he had surmised that the big dragon she used was the bad guy. However… he had the chance to be with his one true love again. He could make up for the accident…
"Don't you dare side with her." Kazuma said as he and the other members of the Order of the Elements came out of the bushes.
Satellizer hissed at him as she saw him arrive "The Order…"
Kazuma ignored her and looked to Rai "She serves a being who wants nothing more than to destroy our world. If you join her, you're an enemy…" He then activated his duel disk, signaling he was ready to fight. "And if you're an enemy… You'll be treated like one."
Rai truly did not know what to do, looking back and forth between the woman he loved and this kid who appeared out of nowhere to fight him. He wanted so badly to be with Satellizer again, and yet… He was not sure if her side was the right one.
Satellizer, seeing the indecisiveness in her lover's face, gave a smile. "Rai, you have three weeks to decide. That is when our final battle will take place. And I hope you pick the right side, my love." And with that, she disappeared into the night, a single tear trickling down her face as she faded into the shadows.
"Satellizer…" Rai whispered out as he looked off into the distance, lost, hurt, sad, and confused.
There was a few moments of silence before Ritsu turned, seeing his brother standing there. He then punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground. "YOU JERK! HOW COULD YOU!?"
The other Elemental Users, their friends besides Keira who was still with Krad, and the other Order members then started to hold Ritsu back while Iris helped Kazuma stand, blood dripping from his nose. Ritsu fought against Satoshi, Kurogasa, Akira, and Terra who were trying their best to hold Ritsu back. "Let me go damn it!"
Wiping some of the blood away, Kazuma looked to his older brother "What the hell was that for!?"
Ritsu, finally having stopped trying to get out of his friends' grasp, looked to his adopted younger brother. "How could you!? Why did you let him fight!? Why didn't you stop him!?"
Kazuma looked at the ground with guilt. "I'm sorry, Ritsu. But… But Dad ordered me not to interfere, saying it was Krad's choice." He replied.
This was not what Ritsu wanted to hear. Angrily, he ran off back towards his Duel Runner. Yuzuki tried to stop him. "Ritsu! Come back!" But to no avail. He hopped on his Runner and was off.
As they watched this, Nami bit her lip. "He's not going in the direction of his house. He's going to the Order."
Meanwhile, Keira sat kneeling over Krad, cradling his head in her lap as she cried, her tears dripping onto his face. "Oh, Krad… Why did you have to leave me? I never got to tell you… Never got to tell you just how much you mean to me… I never told you that I loved you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you that I think you're the sweetest boy I've ever known."
As her tears continued to fall, Shiko came up behind her. "Keira… We've got to go. Ritsu's gone to the Order." Keira looked up to Shiko hesitantly but eventually nodded to her.
Terra came up to her. "I'll carry him." Kneeling down, he picked up Krad's body into his arms and carried him back to his runner and draped him over the back.
At the Order
Shin and Yuki were sitting in Shin's office, the two both silent and solemn, having sensed the breaking of the Shadow Seal. They knew then what was about to come next.
Ritsu came bursting through the door, his face red from anger and crying as he stormed in, slamming his hands on the desk and staring down his father. "Why!? Why did you do it!? Why did you give Krad that sedative and let him go and fight Apollyon alone!?" His whole body was trembling as he waited for his answer.
Shin couldn't look his son in the eye. "I'm sorry, Ritsu."
Doing his best not to snap. "You're sorry? That's all you can say to me after you let my friend run off and lose his soul!?"
Shin sighed "It was Krad's choice. I didn't want him to do this, but in the end, this is your war to fight. You all have to fight it your own way, and this is how Krad chose to fight." He explained to Ritsu who clenched his fists.
Ritsu looked at him like he had five heads. "But he wasn't ready! GAH! Why couldn't he have waited!?" Then, he broke down, falling to his knees and just let his tears roll down his cheeks, hugging his knees as he cried. "He was my friend! Why did he have to be so stupid!" At that, Shin and Yuki both went around the desk and went down to the floor, hugging their sobbing son, trying their best to comfort him.
A little while later, Krad was placed in an empty bed in a spare room, with medical equipment attached to him to make sure his body stayed healthy while his soul was gone. Keira sat in a chair next him, holding his hand while Ritsu was off on his own, trying to heal.
Meanwhile, the others were all in a room together, trying to comfort one another.
Terra was the first to speak. "Was this our fault? Was it because of us he went off to fight Apollyon alone?"
Akira sighed as he thought about what his friend said. "Maybe… Maybe if we hadn't reacted so negatively when he revealed his secret to us. He was just trying to protect us from it. If we had been more open, then maybe he-."
Satoshi turned to him, cutting him off. "We can't think about that! It's not our fault, what happened to Krad. The only one to blame is Apollyon for taking him away from us."
Kurogasa nodded as he walked up next to the User of Fire. "Satoshi's right. We can't linger on what happened. All we can do now is focus on defeating Apollyon. If we can do that, maybe we can get Krad's soul back."
Smiling at her friend, Nami nodded as she got up, wiping away a few lingering tears as she walked forward and put her hand forward. "Agreed. From here on out, we finish this fight for Krad." That was all everyone needed to hear. Nodding to each other, they all got together and put their hands on top of one another's.
"For Krad."
After some alone time, Ritsu made his way to the room Krad was being kept in. Keira was sitting in a chair next to him, holding his hand stroking his hair. She didn't notice Ritsu until he broke the silence "Hey."
Looking up, she looked to him briefly before turning back to Krad. "I just wish I had told him how much he meant to me before this, Ritsu."
He nodded slowly as he pulled up a chair next to her. "I know." The two then sat there in silence for a few moments before Ritsu reached into his pocket. "Krad would have wanted you to have this."
Keira turned to face him and gasped when she saw what was in Ritsu's hand: Krad's deck. "Ritsu… I…"
Ritsu just put the deck into her hand. "Trust me… It belongs with you."
A few more tears fell down her face as a small smile went onto Keira's face. She then leaned forward and gave the User of Light a tender kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Ritsu…"
He gave her the best smile he could before getting up to leave. When he made it to the door, he stopped, though as Keira called out, "Ritsu, wait." She then slowly walked over to him and said, "Promise me something… Promise me you'll get Krad's soul back."
Ritsu was silent for a moment as he looked down at Keira. After what seemed like forever. "..I promise." She then gave him a tight hug before he left, retaking her place at Krad's side.
As she took his hand back between hers, Belial appeared over Keira. "Krad, my friend, my master… I will not fail you. I will protect her and watch over her for you… I promise…"
Thetrueazure: *Sniff* No! Why Krad!? Why!?
Asuka: Ahem, we would like to thank Serpentdragon for helping us with this chapter. And sorry for not updating for almost 2 months, Azure just started college today. Stay tuned.
Ritsu: Three weeks...Three week left until the final battle. The shadow seal was lifted after Krad lost and Apollyon is one step closer to regaining his full power. And they're coming at us with everything they have.
Next Time: Yugioh 5D's Power of the Six Elements; Wavering Seal.
"I'm going to enjoy sending you to far depth of the underworld."