Seto's POV
I and Mokuba were getting ready for the big party, and it uncharacteristically took us longer than normal. And that's mostly because Mokuba made me try on every suit and tux I owned! Sure, yes I wanted to look amazing for Yuna's welcoming party, but I have already decided which suit I am going to wear the second we were invited.
I stood before the full body length mirror in my walk in closet, looking at my all white suite, light blue high collared dress shirt and a tie that matches my eyes. Mokuba had finally given up on trying to get me to try on more outfits and dressed himself into a black suit with a gray tie and with dress shirt. He didn't even bother tying or combing his long black hair and was excitedly bouncing around like an hyperactive bunny.
The party was starting in a few minutes, but there were already hundreds of cars coming in through Pegasus' gates just next to my property. No one dared to honk their horns, knowing that I would have their hinds for disturbing my peace. From what I could see through our windows, everyone was dressed in their finest suits or evening gowns, and they were all excited to see or meet my rival, the guest of honor to whole of Domino and Japan.
Just a minute or so before the party officially begins, Mokuba and I strode through the doors. The whole house was being used as a ballroom! There were too many people to even fit into the enormous house! Many of them were in the back yards, enjoying the fresh October air. It wasn't chilly, so I could understand why someone would more enjoy being outside rather than being squashed here. There were both alcoholic and normal drinks, all sorts of finger foods, although there will be a fest after Yuna gets here. Cameramen and reporters were everywhere in the room, cameras and notepads at the ready. Servants were running left and right, making sure that their precious Yuna-sama's big night would go as planed and end perfectly.
But Mia wasn't amongst them.
The first to spot me were Yugi and Solomon, and they immediately made their way towards me and my brother. I was really grateful for that, since I have seen many girls, both my age and older, eying me and some were even racing to get to me faster than the others. Just the thought of these types of women, ones that only want to laugh at every single thing I say just because they think they could get a rich man to bed them and get them with child, made me shudder.
And they weren't the only ones! Many businessmen that I had rejected for one offer or merging or the other, were also racing over to me, probably thinking that they could get me drunk enough to sign whatever bullshit they are working on. Even though I can easily make them all cry and cower at my feet, and although I have a very good tolerance towards alcohol and practically can't get drunk no matter how much I drink, I was still very glad those two came now. Some of those men were very persistent, but the thought that they could get on not only my bad side but also Pegasus' and YUNA'S because they were unpleasant towards her family is enough to keep them away as long as they were near me.
Both Moutos looked good enough in their black suits, white dress shirts and ties, Yugi's a light purple and Solomon's a dark violet color. They spent 10 minutes talking to us until Yugi's friends arrived and the Mutt tried to get me into an argument or challenge me to a duel. The only reason I didn't snap at him was because Yuna should be arriving down here soon. The Mutt's sister and Gardner were both trying to get my attention and I had to wonder how they weren't ashamed or embarrassed with what they were wearing.
Serenity was wearing a dress that could have easily been a diving suit with a skirt in a very light, neon pink. The sleeves were all the way to her hands. The turtleneck-like collar was all the way up to her head. The dress was doing an incredible job of cowering her heeled, or at least I think so since I couldn't tell for sure, feet. The only real beauty on the dress was the rhinestones that lined around her waist and the the ends of her sleeves. The dress looked like my late grandmother would have been very well suited to wear and I was tempted to ask her if this was one of Jueli's seniors works.
Tea, on the other hand, looked like a cheap whore in an overdecorated handkerchief. The dress showed her whole back and a good part of her hips. It was way too short, and there wasn't enough material to properly cower her behind and breasts. A bigger part of her arms was bear, except for the net-like gloves and a few bracelets. She was wearing a bit too high to be comfortable platformed heels, and the dress could have been used as a disco ball if it wasn't so small. The worst part was that nothing even matched the other thing.
I believe that even Teresa could have chosen a better dress than Serenity and that anyone could have been smarter than Tea to dress like that, willingly looking like a whore.
And they were trying to get my attention!
I could only hope that once Yuna got here, I would feel batter.
Luckily, I was saved from the two harpies by none other than Cecillia, who pulled me aside and engaged me in a conversation. Soon, Pegasus joined us and, unfortunately, so did the Big 5. Pegasus himself didn't appear all too happy with their presence, but we both were willing to endure it. For Yuna's sake.
As Johnson tried to get me into a conversation, I looked around the room. I saw that Sara, Seira, Taro and what had to be the girls' younger brothers were amongst the guests, talking with Samantha and John. Stan soon arrived and joined in, making me quite jealous since I had to deal with my scheming board of directors. Even some kids from school, both Domino primary and Domino High, were there, as well as tournament contentments of both Battle City and Duelist Kingdom. And there were many others as well, some that I knew and those I didn't care enough to even notice.
After a few minutes, it seemed as though Seira took pity on me and dragged me away from the adults, sticking out her tongue at the Big 5 as they tried to stop her. I spent some good 20 minutes speaking with old friends (I guess that that's what they are) until Yugi and his friends joined us. They were staring dumbfounded at the two celebrities as Sara and Seira caught up with Solomon and Yugi, and Mokuba engaged Taro in an animated conversation about my and Yuna's day together yesterday.
Just as I was about to look around a bit more, Croquet and Kemo came down the stairs, Mia right behind them.
And then she came down the grand staircase. The honored guest of this enormous party.
Yuna.
She looked incredible! She wore a pure white, elegant, body-hugging, floor length night gown. Her hair was in it's normal style, the magnificent thee-colored mane falling to just above her hips, the goldenrod bangs framing her beautiful heart-shaped face and running through her hair to the very end of the tips that were going a bit upward. The only other color on the dress was the black lases that slithered and wrapped around her slender arms, crisscrossing, to the base of her pointer finger, where they tied in a small bow. The lace was also around her slim, swan-like neck, where there was a stone in all colors of the rainbow in the center, and the Millennium Puzzle was now oh a slim silver chain, wrapped around her waist like a belt. The only make-up she was wearing was a little red lipstick, matching her unique eyes and the tips of her hair, Kohl, and a little greenish-blue eye shadow. Her feet couldn't be seen under the dress, since it spread a little around them, although as she walked everyone could see her slim left leg since there was a cut all the way up to her thigh. She had small gold earrings that matched her bangs, and the overall image was of a goddess walking through the room with all her grace and glory.
No one could possibly look away from this enchanting, divine creature that has masked itself to resemble us lowly humans! Not when her hips were swaying seductively, even though it was most probably an unconscious cat from all that modeling with Juilana Hizuri.
Yuna made her way to Pegasus and Cecillia, since they were her hosts and almost-like-guardians, and she greeted them with hugs. Cecillia was almost crying as she hugged the girl that gave her a chance to live, the girl that she and her husband and their staff loved like a daughter, and Pegasus was looking on proudly like a parent would. They and the mansion staff seemed to be the only ones not stunned that the magnificent child of gods wasn't some illusion, since even Yugi, Solomon, the Ishtars and the Bakuras were staring at her like they had just seen her for the first time. Even Sara and Seira, who probably know her a bit longer than Mokuba (who was also gawking at my rival) and I do, were gapping at her, which was saying something. Sara was a model and designer, so she worked with Jueli and Anubis while Yuna modeled their works, but even she was stunned with how Yuna looked in that simple dress.
Pegasus turned to his guests and raised his glass. ''My dear friends and business associates! Our dear honored guest has arrived!'' He yelled, as though no one noticed the abnormally beautiful girl beside him and his wife. ''I know very well that there's no need for introduction, but lets do it just for the hell of it! This is our dearest Yuna Yami Mouto, Daughter of Pharaohs, Child of History, Goddess of Literature! Queen of Games, Duel Queen, Yu-Gi-Oh! World class doctor, Archaeological Wonder, Heartthrob of our dear world, Most popular teen! Model, Singer, Artist, Painter, Compositor and God knows what else! Please welcome her with a big applause!''
The applause and whistles that met the end of his speech was loud enough to be heard all across the town! Hands were a blur as they saluted my rival and there were blinding flashes from all around the room! And Yuna was actually blushing a little from all the attention, making her look even prettier! But it seems that I was the only one to notice it, so I smirk at her. She caught sight of it and returned my smirk right back at me, making me receive a bit of pink to my cheeks as well, though hers had deepened to almost noticeable degrees. When she took a deep breath, calming down completely, she raised her right hand and everything stopped at how regal she looked in that single moment.
She smiled at her audience, and many guys and girls swooned. ''It is a pleasure to speak to you all, especially on this very important day for me. Some eight years ago, I lost my parents in an accident when a tomb collapsed on them. And although they were never going to see it happen, I decided to see to it that all their dreams that they never fulfilled were to become reality. The greatest of them all was for them to see me graduate from the three greatest, most famous colleges in the world before I turn 20 years of age. Many told me that it was useless and impossible, but things happened and I met Pegasus Crawford and his wife, Cecillia. And they agave me an opportunity to fulfill my dreams! I am well aware that most of you know about the circumstances of how I met them and how we got this close, so I shall not speak of old things. However, I met a person who made all of that possible just a few months before meeting them at Duelist Kingdom. We met in school and things didn't start out as well as they could have. We were rivals from the first moment we saw each other, without even knowing why and without understanding each other. But before we even noticed, we grew to respect each other and even became friends and comrades. If I hadn't met Seto Kaiba, my rival and very dear friend, I wouldn't have attracted Pegasus' attention and we all wouldn't have been her today! So I say we give a big applause for Seto and Mokuba Kaiba, my dearest friends, and Pegasus and Cecillia Crawford, my guardians!''
Pegasus, Cecillia, Mokuba and I were more than stunned that Yuna even mentioned us, but I could feel that loving warmth and pride swell in my chest. And from what I can see, Pegasus and Cecillia looked about ready to cry.
After the applause quieted down, Yuna continued. ''Thanks to these people, and many of my other friends, whether they could make it tonight or not, I was able to succeed in my mission and fulfill my and my parents' dream! There are many others, but life is ahead of me, and I know that with your support I can do anything! So, tonight is not just about me, but about all of you as well! All those present, or watching and listening. All those who must have wished to be able to come here, but couldn't. Tonight ...'' She paused, looking over the crowd and directly at the cameras. ''Tonight is for all of us! So let us enjoy it!'' She pumped her fist up into the air, the crowd going wild! I could just imagine Lory, Kuon,Kyoko, Sho, Kanae, Chiori, Yashiro, Shoko, Asami, Maria, Sebastian, Zoey, Elliott, Rina, Bridget, Corina, Kiki, Wesley, Kuu, Jueli, the Fuwas, Anubis, Sasuke, Sasha and Teresa and God knows how many other people jumping up and down, crying, cheering and toasting in Yuna's name in their homes.
Once there was quiet again, my rival spoke up for the third time. ''Most of you remember that I have left for Harvard, Yale, and Princeton six years ago, starting with Harvard. Battle City happened before I went to Yale, so I was briefly in Domino for barely three weeks. But the point is, before I left for Harvard, Pegasus and I made a deal. Every time I succeed in graduating from one of those three colleges, he's supposed to give me a one of the kind card. Two, exactly, but they come that way. I have been waiting patiently for long enough now for that third and final pair! So, dear Pegasus, I believe that it is time you hand those cards over!''
Yuna said with a playful smirk and tone, and everyone laughed as Pegasus sighed dramatically. None the less, however, he signaled Croquet to bring him a nicely decorated box and he opened it. On a velvet tissue lay two cards, a red dragon and a red knight from what I could see. Pegasus took out the cards and presented them to Yuna with a small bow. ''It is true that these three pairs of cards are one of the kind, but they are legal dueling cards. And I was not the one to discover them. You see, Duel Monsters is a game that dates all the way back to ancient Egypt and its most magnificent ruler, The Nameless Pharaoh. Every monster, trap or spell you see on a card are recorded somewhere beneath the sands of Egypt! But these three pairs of cards, and thus monsters, have been recorded in only one place. Yuna had been the one to discover this one place and decipher their names, making her their rightful owner. And so, with great pleasure, I now present you, our Queen of Games and Duel Queen, with these two cards, the last ones that will belong to only you and that little 'collection'! I hope they will serve you well!''
And with a great applause, Yuna took the two cards, tucked them into her deck holder that was hidden under her dress, tied around her thigh. She bowed back with this indescribably beautiful smile that made my heart throb! She was almost literally shining like the most beautiful, strongest star in the night sky.
''I sometimes wonder if the person who named her had known that she would literally be a Light of Hope to the world ... '' I murmur to myself, not aware of the fact that someone has heard me.
Yuna's POV
As I put Claw of Hermos and Legendary Knight Hermos next to Fang of Critias and Legendary Knight Critias and Eye of Timeus and Legendary Knight Timeus, I let a small smile settle over my lips. Just four years ago, I only had Timeus, but now I had all three. The resemblance these knights had to Seto (therefore Seth as well), Joey and myself (rather the Nameless Pharaoh) was remarkable! They gave me comfort, even as a bad feeling settled itself in the pit of my stomach.
I didn't have time to think about it as my little god-brothers, Kaito and Gakuto, ran towards me and attached themselves to my thighs! I couldn't help my self and I let out a long joyous laugh as they repeated बड़ी बहन *Baṛī bahana* (older sister) Yuna over and over again. Seira was fat to join them, wrapping her arms around my waist. Sara and Taro came quickly to my rescue, and just then, Seto and Mokuba came from one side and Yugi and his friends came from the other.
''Guys, I would like you all to meet my godsons, although we think of ourselves as god-siblings, Sara and Seira's younger brothers, twins Gakuto, the older one,'' I said as I tap Gakuto's gray-silver hair. ''And Kaito, the younger one.'' I tap Kaito on his orange head, so much like his sisters'. ''Say hi, you two.''
''Hi.'' Said Gakuto, rather monotonously, glaring at the males in the group.
''Hey!'' Kaito was a bit more friendly of the two, but after that greeting, he, too, glared at my male friends.
Joey was the first to approach them, kneeling down beside them. Gakuto stood in front of me and Kaito as Joey extended his hand to him, making the blond chuckle. ''Well, hi there little guy! I'm Joey Wheeler. That's right, you heard right! The great Joey Wheeler, but don't get so excited! I'm just as much human as you are.''
I wince as Gakuto smiles one of his ''charming'' smiles that he had learned from watching Kuon/Ren acting so much, thus hiding his annoyance behind it. The smile gets wider as he kicks Joey in the shins and pulls him by his tie down a bit more to his eye level. Yugi, Mokuba, grandpa, the Sennens, Bakuras and Ishtars all stare at the little boy as Tea and Tristan try to protest, Mai failing in her best efforts to stop the giggles from escaping and Serenity looking torn between yelling at Gakuto and hugging him as he threatens my younger brother's best friend. Seto was smirking shamelessly, obviously very much amused.
''I don't like you, श्रीमान *Śrīmāna*(mister) Wheeler. And I don't like the fact that you think that you have the right to interrupt family time. You have just one warning, Mister Wheeler, and tell your friends over there that the same goes for them as well.'' With that, Gakuto let him go and turned back to talking with me. The others are left to stare at the little silver-haired, light red-eyed boy as he smiled sincerely for me and his siblings. None of them seemed to dare to anger him, but Seto was an exception to everything.
He walked closer to us, stopping when he was only a few steps away from me. I smile up at my rival, blushing at how handsome he looked in that damned suit. He was real eye-candy! It was a real wonder that the girls hadn't mobbed him by now.
Seto smirked at me playfully as he commented. ''I really thought that only Sasha would be that scary when defending you, but these boys could easily be in the same caliber as him. You really are good with kids.''
Kaito and Gakuto slowly seemed to relax from their tensed states as they heard his voice and recognized the famous blue eyes.
''You're Seto Kaiba.'' Kaito wasn't questioning him, he was just confirming a well known fact. These kids knew of Seto from both my and Taro's stories about our days back in Domino primary school. They know very well how close Seto and I are and they had heard his voice on many occasions, the main one when he yelled at them all through his collar communicator during the first turn of my final duel in Battle City.
A fine brunet eyebrow rose even as Seto confirmed with his usual ''Hn.'' But that was all they needed and the two jumped on him!
The great Seto Kaiba almost fell to the floor as two kids of the age of six and a half. Gakuto had somehow made it up to his left shoulder and Kaito was hanging around his heck, trying to get to the other shoulder. His older twin helped him and they were soon both occupying a shoulder. Seto had barely stumbled once he regained his bearings from the surprise attack, and was answering the endless questions that the two boys were pouring out to his ears on either side of his head. Mokuba, Roland and Fugata had jumped to help him, but stopped to watch as he laughed at something Kaito had asked. Mokuba smiled and went to stand beside his brother and help out in answering the questions, and soon Yugi, grandpa, Mana and Mahad joined the little group. With the Sennens came the four Ishtars and the two albino twins, and with Yugi came his little group of friends. Seira and Mana were fast in catching up and the little soon-yo-be-singer of the Mermaid Princesses was all to happy to announce that in a few months, she'll be joining the group officially. Taro and Sara introduced themselves to the rest of the group and explained how I knew them all.
But all I could care was about how Seto chuckled every now and then at some question or observation the little boys made. It was really only a little sniff of what an incredible father he would make and the real person under all those icy shields. I was glad that Gakuto, Kaito and even Sasha liked him, since those three boys were really like my brothers. Sure, they could never be Yugi, but I had learned to love each of them the same way. And since I realized that I am in love with Seto back during the finals of Battle City, to see that my family, even the extended one, accepts him was something that gave me hope that things might turn out good.
As we all talked, I felt a dreadful sensation in my stomach just before there was an explosion and the wall where the front doors were crumbled, almost killing a lot of people. The gap in the wall was smoking and from the smoke, three motorcycles entered the room. Everyone screamed as they made their way through the room, straight for me. I acted quickly, and with the help of Seto's fast reflexes, we pushed them all out of the way. However, that separated me from the group, and the tallest of the bikers grabbed me. The man reached under my dress and I was quick to react, kicking him in the gut. It caused him to drop me, but not before taking out some cards.
The pain I felt made me realize which cards he took, since an emptiness descended over my soul. Three parts missing.
He took the God cards!
I was luckily able to land safely, but I was instantly running towards them. The three rode to the top of the stairs and stopped there, throwing a single card to a tall, old man in the crowd. Even if I hadn't seen the flash of blue, I would have known that he had thrown Obelisk the Tormentor. I turn to the man as he revealed his face from underneath a cloak. He was wearing a strange duel disk on his left arm and the stone around his neck was giving off an evil aura as it glowed softly. The other three got off of their bikes and took off their helmets. A blond, tall man, a bit shorter brunet and a redhead girl.
The tallest of them spoke. "Nameless Pharaoh."
I was shocked that someone who obviously has no connections to the past or the Millennium Items could possibly know about the origin of my soul. The Egyptian families seemed to be as well, but they were too shocked to even blink. The man continued after seeing my reaction.
"When the forbidden door is opened, the light of Oreikalkos will punish this filthy world. We are Doma's three swordsmen."
Just hearing the name of the accursed seal and stone made me stand on edge. I knew everything about the old myths of the great lost city of Atlantis, and I know that the Oreikalkos was the reason the damned city was even destroyed! And I know what that damned seal desires most.
But it's best that they are not aware of the knowledge that I have at my disposal.
''What do you want? And how do you know of my connections to the past?''
The man smirked. ''We know many things about you, Pharaoh. As for what we want ... Our master wishes to meet you. We are here to make sure that you accept his invitation, is all. I recommend that you do so. He is rather eager to speak to you.''
Seto and Joey were the first to speak up, and I had an unpleasant feeling that they were somehow going to get involved in all of this.
''Do ya seriously thin' dat she's gonna go with ya anywhere after what ya jus' did?! Ya ought to be crazy!''
''You really must think that she's stupid to go anywhere with you!? No way! Just come near her, and you will get what you deserve!''
The other two bikers smirked, the brunet's a playful, predatory one, while the girl's was a sexual one. ''You really are feisty as they say, Mr Kaiba.'' She purred and Seto looked repulsed. The other guy just said that Joey was just as he thought he would be and that he would enjoy beating him.
I glare at the three. ''And what if I don't go with you?'' I challenge.
''Then none of these people will ever get out of here with their souls attached to their bodies.'' Panicked cries were heard all across the room, everyone thinking that these guys would just kill them. But they don't understand that these guys want exactly that. Their souls. Their bodies would continue living, but would be soulless.
'This is serious! Those are Oreikalkos stones that they have, and they could easily do it! I need to buy them all time!'
I straighten. ''As you must know, I am a Duelist, so let a fair Duel decide my faith!''
''Are you sure, Pharaoh? Even without your God cards?'' The man that had been in the crowd taunted me.
The guests started murmuring.
I smirk at him in such a way that shut the room up instantly. ''If you would be so kind to not forget that I went through a good part of Battle City and the whole time before that without those three cards, I would be very happy. As you know, I had became the Queen of Games two years before becoming Duel Queen, even without the three God Monsters and stayed that way long enough to become their owner. So, yes, I am sure that I could kick your butt even without my kas.''
The three bikers and this man frowned, but we were going to duel anyway. Mia was quick to give me my Duel Disk, and Seto and Yugi were quick to come to the first row. Before I gave my Deck over for shuffling, I turned to Pegasus. ''Get everyone out of here! Now!'' He was quick to do so, only leaving Seto, Mokuba, Yugi and his friends.
We shuffled our Decks and took our places.
Just as we were beginning our duel, the man spoke. ''I have something you desire - the God cards, while you have something we desire - your soul! That pure soul that entrapped darkness within itself! I am Gurimo, and I serve Lord Rafael.''
''I should warn you that the God cards are a force you know nothing about! Return them to me now, and maybe your own soul will be spared their anger.'' I yell at the idiotic man, but I knew that he was a lunatic to serve a lunatic who obviously works under a lunatic.
Just great.
''I'm well aware of their power, as well as their connection to you, Pharaoh! And if you want them back, you will have to duel for them!''
I just sigh, knowing that this was a trap, but I accepted the challenge. I needed those cards back, or the hole in my soul would never be fulfilled.
I draw first, and play Beta the Magnet Warrior in defense. Then I set one card face down and end my turn.
"Nameless Pharaoh. Let us try your power." I heard the blond man say.
The bearded man summons Marauding Captain (1200 ATK), using its special ability to summon Shadow Tamer (800 ATK) to the field as well. ''Then, the worst is yet to come. I'm about to play a card more powerful than all three Egyptian God cards—the Seal of Orichalcos! The magic in this card existed long before the sands of ancient Egypt were formed. Kneel down to its power!''
'Shit, I knew it!'
As he activates the card, a circular boundary filled with magical symbols appears on the ground around us, and series of lines draw out an asymmetrical six-pointed star within it. On every point of the star, an electricity-waves-spreading machine the size of a dueling deck was stationery. As soon as the seal took its place on the floor, a big explosion of energy was sent across the room.
Seto was the first to run towards the edge of the seal, but he stopped as something went for Mokuba, turning to catch a plate that was thrown his way. He glares at the redhead as the Yugi-tachi run up to the barrier, only to be thrown back by the electronic field. The bearded man explained it, and even said that my Millennium Puzzle wasn't strong enough to get me out of the circle until both duel disks are turned off.
''In other words, not even the mysterious substance that the Millennium Items are made of and the same effect that your Puzzle shares with the Great Pyramids is enough to get you out of here! This is where you lose, Pharaoh! Once we have everything we need, the world will be reformed to be a paradise like it once was!''
I knew that if I tried to escape, there was a good chance that I would succeed, but it might be a danger to my life. So, I'll just have to see this duel through.
Yugi's POV
I wasn't sure if I should feel worried or relieved that Yuna seems to know more about this and is just pretending to be clueless. I guess that it's always a good thing to know something about the enemy, but knowing about something ancient means that she acquired that knowledge through her dreams, and that is not good. Just because she dreamed once about it, doesn't mean that she won't again, and during a duel, that is the worst thing that could happen.
These guys want Yuna's soul, the soul of the Nameless Pharaoh. That can't be good. And they said that The Orichalcos existed long before the Pharaoh's Puzzle, so Yuna's ''toy'' is useless. But the Seal exists on his side of the field, strengthening each of his monsters.
''The Oreikalkos turns the monsters to dark monsters. So be prepared!''
Well, this guy just signed his own death warrant! Yuna hates it when someone treats the cards, and the monsters within them, as nothing more but Seal glows in the foreheads of Marauding Captain and Shadow Tamer, and their eyes turn red, as their attack strengths each increase by 500 points.
I can't believe that a night this special is being ruined by these guys!
"Your man is pretty good, Rafael. But can Yuna get the upper hand? That girl should never be underestimated, from what I hear!" The brunet told the blond guy. So, his name is Rafael? Who are the other two?
"If the Pharaoh is defeated here, he and his reincarnation aren't worthy to be our rival. If this girl can't be better in this simple game, maybe she isn't worth bringing to our master. But it is said that this little spitfire can evoke miracles to happen. If not, then she isn't worth the praise she got." I heard Rafael say and I really started wondering if they are here to just get killed. Seto was already seething with rage since they showed up, but now he looks about to burst! And angering Seto Kaiba is NOT a smart thing to do!
"Then that leaves Joey Wheeler." the brunet biker said gleefully.
"And Kaiba Seto." the redhead girl added with obvious lust and desire. Seto glared at the girl with repulsion and discuss, anger very much clear on his face.
"Don't forget that the Pharaoh is essential to us now, and the other two can wait. So don't bring personal matters into your hunt,Valon, Amelda. If we can get their souls, we will succeed. With the Pharaoh's soul, we will be able to change the very world. We will be able to get back the paradise this world once was!" Rafael said.
Uh oh!
! I'm not sure what these guys plan to do with my sister and her (and the Nameless Pharaoh's) soul, but achieving paradise, something that is considered perfect, can't come without a cost! I just hope Yuna will be okay.
Seto's POV
I watch as Yuna activates her magic card, Shallow Grave, allowing them each to bring back a monster from the graveyard. She chooses Beta the Magnet Warrior. Now she can combine her three Magnet Warriors together to form Valkyrion the Magna Warrior (3500 ATK). Since the bearded man has no monsters in his graveyard, he can't summon a monster with Shallow Grave's effect.
"Your man had better think of something quick, or the Pharaoh will kick his bum." Valon said, but the redhead says there's plenty of time left. The blond just smiles.
"Butshe's really good! Are you sure that idiot can stand up to her?" Valon insists.
"He still has THAT card ..." Amelda reminds her companion and a shiver of dread runs through me as the bearded man laughs.
"I'll destroy the Pharaoh with his own Egyptian God! Watch!" I feel that pool of dread pile itself in the pit of my stomach as I watched the man make his move. First, he uses Monster Reborn to bring Marauding Captain back from the graveyard. Yuna warns him that only certain duelists can use an Egyptian God card. But the bearded man continues, sacrificing his three monsters to summon Obelisk the Tormentor. The monster immediately leans towards Yuna only to freeze as the seal appears on its forehead, and the god's eyes glow red, as its attack rises to 4500! Yugi, his friends, Mokuba and I all stare in shock as the blue God Monster roars in something between rage and pain.
Suddenly, Yuna releases a pained cry of her own and clutches her head as if she is in unbearable pain. Yugi and I were the first to call out her name, slight fear clear in our voices, but she didn't appear to hear us. Her eyes are tightly shut and the cards in her hand were almost crushed by the force with which she was pressing them to her head. The giant monster shrieks in rage as it's eyes focus on its only true owner, causing everyone to flinch. The man who summoned it was shaking in his own skin, terrified of the being behind him and his connection with the girl he was dueling.
I can't help but wonder if there really is a true connection between Yuna and the God cards.
The bearded man laughs. "The power of the Orichalcos merges the most powerful creature that ever existed with the most incredible force ever imagined! You are stuck in a circle of doom, Pharaoh! And soon, your ancient soul will be sealed for all eternity!"
The minutes pass on as finally I couldn't just stand and watch. I run straight toward Yuna, yelling her name and expectations that the electromagnetic field knocks me back, only to find myself right beside her, clutching her to my chest as she finally almost saggs to the ground.
"WHAT!? How?!" Everyone yelled. The three bikers watching were stunned, Yugi and his friends were all gawking and Mokuba was only able to whisper my name. He was speechless after that one word, but for once, I had more important things to worry about than my brother. Obelisk
was still screeching, and Yuna was still clutching her head. She was leaning heavily against me, but I don't mind. In fact, I was really worried about that! After a moment, I started shaking her shoulders gently, then a bit harder, but it didn't work. Yuna wassstill clutching her head, as if in unbearable pain, and calling her name had just as little effect. Without even knowing why, I called out "My Pharaoh!" and it gave a strange reaction. Yuna tensed, her arms falling down from their position of holding her head and hair. Her shoulders went lax and her whole body leaned against me. Surprisingly, Obelisk roared with such anger and even TURNED towards the bearded man! He was in an attacking position, and I believe that only that green circle on his forehead was stopping it from tearing the guy to shreds! "See! Even the Gods are imprisoned in the Seal of Oreikalkos! If evenher soul monsters can not fight it, nneither will she! We will have your souls in no time at all!" Yuna's opponent yelled across the field.
Just then ... a strange light came from the Millennium Puzzle. It spread fast around Yuna and I and as it grew steadier and stronger, Yuna seemed to be coming back to awareness. Obelisk suddenly stopped roaring and turned to us, eyes set on Yuna as my rival muttered something in a strange foreign language. Even stranger was that I understood it without even being aware of it! Just then, Yuna looked up and gasps echo around the room. They were like red glass, almost transparent and bottomless, seemingly empty from a distance. But I saw shadows and light dancing within the endless pools of blood. And just as quickly as they have become like that, they just as quickly returned to normal.
For some reason, Obelisk quieted down, but resistance was still obvious in the large Duel Monster's eyes. He's still looking at Yuna, even as she turns her attention to me. She blinks, before rising her free hand to touch my cheek, all the while looking me in the eyes.
"Seto?"
I give her a small smirk while placing my larger hand over hers.
"Who else?" The returning smirk was confident, yet gentle. Just like all the smirks she gives only me.
"No one else! Only you." We stare at each other's eyes, even as Yuna's opponent orders Obelisk to attack, bringing her LP to 2000 and without one of her strongest monsters. Yuna flinched slightly, but I help her get back on her feet, standing a little behind her. Like a protector.
Like the God Monsters usually do.
Allof the sudden, the bearded man looked dizzy and dazed, as if he was seeing double. Yuna, for once, didn't show any sympathy and just stared the man down.
"The boss warned us 'bout the th fact that mixing the God Monsters and the magic of Orichalcos might not mix too well." Valon comments.
"I think the gizzer's just getting too old for this." Amelda countered.
"That's why we sent him to test the Pharaoh's power first." Rafael added with a smirk that vanished the second Yuna looked up. I am quite aware that her glare is almost as scary as mine, but it can be even scarier if her eyes were cold and not fired up.
Yuna didn't say anything to them, but turned her attention to her opponent.
"This is what I had warned you about. The Gods serve only me without hurting their summoner. They can bring out one's darkness, cloud up one's mind or drive someone insane and many more. The worst are taking one's life or even one's soul away! If you continue this madness, something very unfortunate will happen to you as well! So stop this NOW!"
Yuna says and plays Graceful Charity, allowing her to draw three cards and discard two. She then summons Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts in defense, sets one card face down and ends her
The bearded man recovers and draws, setting one card face down and then attacking with Obelisk, which destroys Gazelle. I heard protests coming from the Mutt and his sidekick, but they were easily ignored. The problem was that Yuna has no monsters to protect her. She doesn't seem worried, though.
"There's not a card in your deck that can defeat Obelisk as he is now!" The beard freak yells.
"I doubt that I will need a particularly strong monster, anyway." Was Yuna's reply.
Yugi cut in with a reasonable questions. "Why are you even doing this?"
"The Age of Destruction is here! Aand the Earth shall be shrouded in darkness. The Pharaoh's soul will fuel the force that devastates mankind. You, your majesty!"
"What do you mean?!" I ask. I don't like how they seem to think that it's fine to just involve my rival into this bullshit every time someone gets bored and tries to 'take over the world' and all that shit.
"A great beast is now awakening from its ancient slumber to complete what it began centuries ago. But before this beast can arise, it must absorb enough souls. But, most importantly, it needs the one soul that was so legendary with its purity that it was able to contain the world's darkness all by itself! The amount of power that that soul possesses is the one that the great beast must get! And that soul is yours, oh Light of Hope!"
Rafael, holding two cards, says they're soul collectors. On the cards, two idiotic looking guys were shown and Yugi identified them as Whewell and Rex, whoever they are. "Their souls are in my hand, offerings to the great beast."
"Sosomething similar to the effects of Seto's and Pegasus' duel! How do you think you are to play with people's lives?!" Yuna yelled out, obviously enraged. Obelisk echoed her roar with his own, making it sound all the more frightening. I shredder, remembering that hollow feeling, as if I was completely empty.
"Hurryup, oh Queen of Games! The sooner you make your next move, the sooner Obelisk can finish you off!" Yuna grits her teeth but complies.
She plays Monster Reborn to bring back Valkyrion the Magna Warrior. The bearded man isn't impressed—Obelisk already crushed Valkyrion once. But all she says is "Well, it's time you say goodbye to Obelisk! Watch this!"
Yuna orders Valkyrion to disassemble into the three Magnet Warriors. Next, she plays the magic card Brave Attack, and sends Alpha the Magnet Warrior to attack. It slashes Obelisk and returns to Yuna's side of the field, then Yuna sends Beta the Magnet Warrior to attack. The bearded man laughs, telling Yuna hier monsters can't even scratch Obelisk, but I saw it.
And Yuna soon pointed it out! "I don't think so. Look again! There's quite a large scratch acrosssmy monster. Obelisk will always serve only me with the full extent of his power, and so Brave Attack's affect that allows my monsters to combine their attack and add their strengths to one another! Equaling up to an impressive 4600! Now, finish my God Monster off, Gamma!"
And with that, the mighty Obelisk was defeated, even as it roared in relief. Every one of Yuna and Yugi's friends cheered and I squeezed her shoulder. The guy opposite us was staring at her, dumbfounded.
"So what? She got lucky, is all!" Amelda tried to make it a small accomplishment to defeat a God card.
"She's quite powerful, ey!" Valon commented and Rafael agreed with a "Indeed."
The duel continued on for a short while, until Yuna summoned the Dark Magician. She used her trap, Dark Renewal to bring him back from the graveyard to the field by sacrificing Warrior Dai Grepher and Watapon. She must have sent him to the graveyard when she played Graceful Charity earlier on. The bearded man tried to make the best shield of monsters to protect himself of my BEWD's only worthy rivaling monster, but he forgot that my own rival is the greatest Duelist in the world.
"It's my move!" Yuna exclaimed. And what a move it was!
She sets two cards face down, and summons Queen's Knight in defense (1600 DEF). The bearded man begins to draw, but Yuna wasn't done. She activates her trap card, Dust Tornado to destroy the Seal of Orichalcos—but after the dust clears, the Seal is still on the field! Rafael says the Seal of Orichalcos is too powerful to be destroyed by a measly trap card.
It almost worked!
The bearded man then plays the magic card, The Warrior Returning Alive, to bring back Warrior Dai Grepher from the graveyard. Once again, Warrior Dai Grepher's attack strength is raised to 2200 by the Seal of Orichalcos. Not only that, the bearded man plays Allied Forces, which raises Warrior Dai Grepher's attack by another 800 points, to 3000, as well as raising the Bronze Knights' attacks to 1800. The bearded man uses his powered-up Warrior Dai Grepher to destroy Yuna's Dark Magician, reducing Yuna's life points to 1500. Then he attacks Queen's Knight with one of the Bronze Knights, but Yuna activates her set magic card, Magical Academy, allowing Queen's Knight to escape the attack, and replacing her with Dark Magician Girl.
"Now, it's over!" Yuna yelled. "First, Dark Magician Girl's attack is raised 300 points to 2800, due to the Dark Magician in my graveyard!"
But the bearded man says a few extra points won't help against his warriors. And he iis right! Yuna will have to preform a miracle in order to win! And
I know that she can.
Yuna's POV
I know that there's a card in my Deck tthat can save me now! All I need to do is let the Heart of the Cards to guide my hand!
I put my fingers to the top card of my Deck and draw ...
"I play Diffusion Wave Motion, paying 1000 life points to allow my Dark Magician Girl to attack each one of your monsters. First, she slices through the Shield Wall monsters, then the three Bronze Knights, and finally Warrior Dai Grepher. This leaves you defenseless! And it's only getting worse! Because you lose more LP if you have more monsters! It's over! " The wave of Dark BBurning destroyed all the bearded man's defences and left him staring in shocked awe. My and Yugi's friends were quiet for a moment, then started cheering. Mokuba even added a "Yippee!".
Seto gave me a smirking, smug nod, pride and happiness obvious in his ice blue eyes.
After the Warrior Dai Gropher was destroyed, the bearded man lost the duel. I fall to my knees, exhausted from the strain, especially from Obelis's slavery under the seal. I had felt such unbelievably unbearable pain, and not only mine. I have felt his pain and sorrow as well. I looked up at the man, demanding that he returns the cards of my Kas to me.
But the bearded man refuses, saying that the God cards are theirs. Gurimo calls out to "Rafael-sama." He throws Obelisk up to Rafael as the Seal of Orichalcos shrinks around him, forming a column of light that reaches up to a vortex in the sky, sucking out his soul. As the Seal disappears, he falls senseless to the ground. The tthree soon left, and because of my current condition, we couldn't follow them. However, we found that there was a small crystal around my fallen enemy's neck. I immediately recognised it, but didn't comment on it. Arthur Hopkins is in town and he should be more than happy to help out.
Soon, the staff in the mansion returned with some of my friends. However, some were missing.
"Where are Mai, Pegasus and Duke?"
Mia was the first to answer. "Pegasus-shacho has been almost forced to go to California because of company matters. Miss Mai left for the emergency exit but no one saw her afterwards. Mr Devlin had a plane to catch. I am also very sad to report that the members of the Big 5 are comatose and there is very little chance of them even surviving the night, let alone of waking up."
I look toward Seto to find him smiling, probably because he finally has a chance to get rid of the five most disloyal employees both he and his stepfather ever had. But ...
But this is a lot more troublesome than I needed right now.
"Alright, here's what we'll do. Kimo, you will escort the Ishtars, Sennens and Bakuras to their homes in EGYPT and make sure they get there safely. Cecillia, if you don't mind, we will all stay here with you, tonight and go to California in the morning if we are lucky. Seto, if it isn't asking much, can Sara and her family as well as the Smiths stay in your mansion once we leave? I would really appreciate it. Grandpa, I want you to stay with them, too. You as well, Cecillia! Roland, I know that you have your boss and all, but I would like you to check on Arthur Hopkins and call Duke. Fugata, make sure that no one finds out about all of this. The rest of you, please wait for Mia to lead you to your rooms and you have 20 minutes to tell her all the things you'll need,sisince you guys can come with us if you so wish. If you fear for your families, they can stay at Seto's mansion. Is everyone clear on all of this? Croquet, I want to know what made Pegasus leave for the California I2 HQ so suddenly, so don'tforget to iinform me of it in the morning. Goodnight." With that, I left the room to go to my own and have a rest. The problem is that a dream came and brought troubles with it.