Chapter 7: The Relit Flame: A Sister's Spirit, A Brother's Remembrance
"Alright then. My turn." It was now Daigo's turn at the offensive. Kageru felt confident in himself, seeing as Daigo had no monsters while he possessed the 3000 ATK Uruquizas on his side, but in a way was uneasy. Gai and Maira looked closely at the number of cards in Daigo's hand.
"Three cards? You think he might have something?" Tetsu asked.
"I'm sure his last statement wasn't just a bluff that's for sure. He could probably have a destruction spell and a monster or two right now." Gai commented before turning to Kageru and had a feeling that he didn't have much defense set up.
"Looking at Kageru's expression right now, I'd say that facedown he's got is more of an offensive spell or trap rather than protection."
Tetsu and Gai were also beginning to feel uneasy, but Riski on the other hand wanted to show more support than negativity. "Oh come on guys. Show some encourage over here! Kageru is doing his best, and you're both there being negative."
"Uh. Yeah she's right." said Tetsu, who went back to cheering. "Get him Kageru!"
Daigo thought for a short moment. He then made a sudden prediction. "It's about time I finished you off."
The crowd including Kageru looked surprised, wondering what Daigo's next move will be and what kind of attack he will prepare.
"It looks like Daigo has just declared himself the victor. A preemptive call has been made, but is this a serious call? What...is he planning?" The announcer himself looked eager to see Daigo's coming play. Daigo proudly went on.
"I'll show you!" Daigo prepares a monster in his hand readying to summon it.
"I'll start by summoning another Goblindbergh!" Daigo had once again called forth a platoon of goblins riding fighter planes. With its effect, Daigo was now able to summon another monster on the field. "I special summon my Goblin Recruiter in Defense mode as well!" Out of the cargo carried by the goblin planes, came a goblin in a military uniform, carrying with him a flag, as well as a trumpet in hand.
Goblin Recruiter LV4 EARTH/Warrior
ATK 1200 DEF 1500
"I activate Recruiter's special ability! Once per turn he can change any number of "Goblin" monsters on my field to Attack Mode and as a bonus, I can special summon up to the same number of "Goblin" monsters from my deck except Recruiter."
"No way!" Kageru, along with the crowd were caught by surprise once again, as with this powerful effect would now grant Daigo two new monsters to his field of play.
"I special summon two Goblin Rogue Squads from my deck!" The soldier blew his trumpet, attempting to call on more allies with his signaling tune. Daigo looked through his cards and brought out two squads of golbins that looked like well trained thieves. One was in attack formation, while the other in defense.
Goblin Rogue Squad LV4 DARK/Warrior
ATK 1600 DEF 800
"Now I'm gonna activate my Rogue Squad's effect, I can switch them to Attack Mode and have him pick a card from your hand, and if it's a monster, you gotta discard it!"
"Grrgh!" Kageru gave of a look of disdain, as the group of thieves pilfered one of the cards in his hand and dropped it straight to his graveyard. Kageru drops Flamvell Archer to the grave.
"I'm not done yet!" said Daigo. "I activate the effect of Goblin Bootcamp and switch the other Goblin Rouge Squad on my field. Then I'll activate its effect too!"
Once again, a group of goblins pilfered one of Kageru's hand cards and sent it to his grave. He then figured out what Daigo planned.
"Another switch? That means?"
"You guessed it. While I keep switchin my Rouges' positions, the effect of Goblin Bootcamp will keep kickin in, meaning I can drop all monsters in your hand no matter how much ya got!"
"A hand-loop combo!?" Gai was stunned at Daigo's remarkable play.
The crowd and announcer watched in shock, watching as Kageru's hand was rapidly depleted. Kageru's hand was down to a single card. One that Daigo couldn't remove however.
"A spell card? Huh, whatever it's not like that's gonna make a difference anyway."
Maira saw the spell in Kageru's hand, feeling a strong aura emitting from it. She knew if Kageru would last one more turn, the battle would instantly be a victory for him. The question was; Will he survive one more turn?
Kageru stayed silent, hoping that he would be able to last out. He felt troubled looking at Daigo who now had 4 Level 4 monsters in place.
"Now...prepare to be overwhelmed. I overlay my 2 LV4 Goblin Rogue Squads, Goblindbergh, and Goblin Recruiter!"
All groups took the form of spiritual entities that zoomed and spiraled into the air, all converging into a single overlay network.
"XYZ Summon! Lead me to victory, Goblin Chief Commander!"
The network burst as out came a Goblin wearing a top-class uniform carrying 5 star badges on it. He stood high and proud upon a large tank-like fortress with turrets and guns surrounding the exterior.
Goblin Chief Commander RANK4 EARTH/Warrior/Xyz
ATK 2900 DEF 2800
Kageru gazed at the monster before him, fearing the effects that it may have due to having such a tight summoning requirement of four LV4 monsters.
"I activate my Chief Commander's ability! I detach an overlay unit, and special summon as many "Goblin" monsters as possible from my Deck or Grave in Defense Position!"
"You can't be serious!" Kageru was trembling.
"Oh yes I am! I special summon Goblin Panzer Platoon, Goblin Dive Bomb Squad, Goblin Saboteur Squad, and Goblin Recruiter!"
The monster used one of its units. Infantry from within the fortress it stood then began signaling as more goblin forces began marching in.
The groups assembled around Daigo's field in a defensive formation.
One a squad of goblins riding tanks, another a group of goblins riding bomber planes, another a team of goblin agents trained in sabotage and disruption, and finally another Recruiter.
Goblin Panzer Platoon LV4 EARTH/Warrior
ATK 1800 DEF 1500
Goblin Dive Bomb Squad LV4 WIND/Warrior
ATK 1700 DEF 1400
Goblin Saboteur Squad LV3 DARK/Warrior
ATK 1300 DEF 400
Tetsu and Gai grew worried at Daigo's newly filled up field. Gai also knew that the summons were only the beginning.
"Oh man he's surrounded!"
"Not only that, but all those things are effect monsters!"
"RRrrrr Hinodama, you better think of somethin!"
Daigo took a look at Kageru who gave off a look of worried despair.
"Heh impressed aren't ya? We'll let me just give you a few pointers just so you're convinced that nothing you do will help against me."
Daigo began to point and present each of the new goblin monsters on his field. "First, my Panzer Platoon, which has the ability to destroy cards on the field up to the umber of "Goblin" monsters in my field in Attack Mode once it switches from defense to attack mode. Next, Dive Bomb Squad, which when switched from Attack to Defense can inflict damage equal to the number of different named "Goblin" monsters on my field times 500. Then their's my Saboteur Squad, which can negate any spell or trap card during my turn while I control another "Goblin" monster during my Battle Phase also when it inflicts damage I can send a card from the top of your deck to the grave. Finally, you should already know my Recruiter's effect."
Kageru didn't like the sound of any of Daigo's effects one bit. He clenched his fist, telling himself "(Come on...Just One more turn!)".
Daigo grinned and looked in triumph, feeling that he had dominated the field, shutting Kageru's options completely. He looked at him again enjoying his torment. "Impressed aren't ya? This...is true power! Don't worry though, the monsters summoned by my Chief Commander can't switch battle positions this turn nor can they be used as materials of any kind."
Daigo's group cheered on. "Go get him boss, show that punk what for!"
"Hey loser, you oughta be thankful, the great Daigo is gonna give you one more turn to squirm!"
Daigo felt confidence that his win in the next turn was assured, but he was not fully satisfied yet.
"I think I'll go for my Battle Phase now. I'll have my Goblin Chief Commander atttack your Uruquizas!"
"Huh?" Kageru gave off a perplexed look. He questioned what Daigo was up to, attacking with only 2900 ATK against his 3000 ATK Uruquizas.
"Heh.. I activate my Chief Commander's ability, whenever he attacks a monster , that monster loses 300 ATK for every "Goblin" monster on my field!"
"Shoot!" Kageru braced himself for an upcoming damage. All of Daigo's goblins took formation around their leader and began barraging Kageru's Uruquizas with a flurry of weakening attacks. Tank shots, bombs, and other weapons rained upon his lone monster, who recieved massive damage.
Flamvell Uruquizas
ATK 3000-1500=1500
Chief Commander then aimed its tank barrels at Uruquizas and fired. Artillery and shells covered the field. Uruquizas fell to destruction and Kageru Life Points fell closer to 0.
"Urrghhaaa!"
Kageru LP 1800-1400= 400
"I'll end my turn!" Daigo snickered at Kageru, who slowly got up.
Kageru take the opportunity to catch his breath. He had only one turn left to settle things. He looked at his current situation and thought "(Heh, it's just like how Maira got surrounded by that Lionel guy. He managed to fill his field like this, only Maira still clobbered him.)" Kageru stood and thought for a short moment, and looked at the spell card in his hand. Memories of his sister and Maira came running through once again. He remember asking asking in curiousty about the spell in his hand.
It was at the conversation they had at the table, as their mother Kyoko dreamt of Kageru's future.
-flashback-
"Thanks a lot bro. I would be flippin out if I didn't have this in my deck."
Kageru nodded at Akane, and took a look at the card again with curiosity.
"Hey sis?.."
"Yeah?"
"What's so special about it anyway. I've never really seen you use that spell before in your duels, and I'm still kinda having some trouble understanding effects with pretty long descriptions."
Akane paused in thought for a short moment, she then came up with a response. "Do you remember those stories that dad always tells us?" Akane asked.
"Of course I do!"
"Well then.. Do you.…think they're real?"
"Of course not. I mean…..Duel Monsters is just a fun game right?"
Akane looked at him peculiarly and responded "Yeah..yeah of course it is."
"Why do you ask?" Kageru asked.
"Well...think of it like this..." Akane took some of the monsters from her deck before her brother.
"You see these? These Flamvells that dad always told us about?"
"Yeah, the clan that sided with a bunch of other guys and made the Allies of Justice right?"
"That's right, these fierce beings fought hard together with the other clans to protect their homeland from the Worms." Akane placed the spell on the table as well.
"Many of its members suffered heavy casualties, and were nearly wiped out."
"So what then?" Kageru still felt confused.
"However, their passion and willpower to fight on was unwavering. It was so strong that many would even rise from the grave to bravely fight again until their bodies burnt out. It's an amazing card, that always told me that I can comeback from even the most devastating plays, and fight on with passion."
Kageru looked at the spell in awe. "The will to fight..." He thought.
Kageru remembered the duels he had with Maira. He lost the majority of the time, but usually put up a fight. However what he really surprised her with, was the spell that Akane had. A spell that was rarely ever seen, and only used in the most dire situations. Not even, Gai, Tetsu, Riski, and Sugar, or hardly anyone they knew for the matter knew about it.
Maira felt relieved when she saw he had played that card. To be frankly honest, she was slightly scared of the card. when he used it against her, she thought for sure she'd end up losing, however, she just happened to have the right hand and ended up winning. Despite this, she did not doubt that the card Kageru now held was a power beyond any normal duelist could gain.
-back to duel-
"(It's time.)" Kageru opened his eyes, turning back his attention to the duel. "(This is for you two; Akane. Maira.)"
"My turn!" Kageru's eyes burned brightly.
Daigo wondered what Kageru could do with a mere two cards left. "This is a waste of time, haven't you given up already? *sigh* Fine, I enjoy beating down losers like you anyway! Go ahead, and challenge my army!"
Kageru smiled, holding a card in his hand. "Hey Daigo… You're not the only...who's got an army."
Daigo looked at him oddly. He thought that he was only trying to break his confidence. "Are you kiddin? Look at your field and hand, and look at mine! What you got like 5 Monster Reborns or somethin?"
"Heh. Better than that. He flashed the spell he had in his hand. A spell showing a fiery explosion where Flamvell Babies danced around.
"What is that spell?" Tetsu asked.
"I don't know, but I've never seen it before. Come to think, I've haven't really seen a profile on his deck either." Gai also wondered what the card Kageru seemed proud about. Maira knew the card well however. It was the same card he protected so hard that day. "I don't think even his sister ever used that card…at least, not while from what I've seen."
"Get ready Daigo! Cuz I activate the spell card...REKINDLING!"
Flames blazed around Kageru. An endless stream of fire covered the field. The air grew hotter and hotter. The crowd watched in awe at the sight of the card's activation.
"What is this!?" Daigo began to tremble.
"Rekindling...The relighting fire representing the spirit of my monsters; An endless blaze that can burn through anything. This spell allows me to Special Summon as many FIRE monsters as possible with 200 DEF from my graveyard!"
"WHAT!?" Daigo and the crowd stood in shock.
Kageru's confidence grew strong. "From my grave I special summon Flamvell Firedog, Flamvell Archer, Flamvell Magician, Neo Flamvell Sabre, and Neo Flamvell Origin!"
The flames ignited into each of Kageru's empty monster zones, and each come about his monsters that fell in battle or sent by Daigo's cards. Their bodies burned brighter than usual. A life essence that produced a near endless stream of heat energy until it burnt out.
Flamvell Firedog LV4 FIRE/Beast
ATK 1900 DEF 200
Flamvell Archer LV3 FIRE/Pyro
ATK 1000
DEF 200
Flamvell Magician LV4 Fire/Spellcaster/Tuner
ATK 1400
DEF 200
NeoFlamvell Sabre LV4 FIRE/Pyro
ATK 1500
DEF 200
NeoFlamvell Origin LV2
FIRE/Pyro
ATK 500
DEF 200
Five monsters gathered on field, back for a vengeance. Daigo couldn't believe his eyes.
"I-impossible! Just one spell!?"
"Time for some payback. First I'll activate Flamvell Archer's ability! By tributing a Pyro Monster on my field, all of my Flamvells gain an 800 ATK boost!"
Archer gathered strength from NeoFlamvell Origin, taking it's essense and tranferring its power towards its arrows. It then shot a hail of flaming shots that rained, igniting the blaze in each of Kageru's monsters wilder than ever.
Firedog 1900+800= 2700 ATK
Magician 1400+800= 2200 ATK
Sabre 1500+800= 2300 ATK
Archer 1000+800= 1800 ATK
"Here I come! Go Sabre, attack Saboteur Squad, Magician Attack Reruiter,
Archer, Attack Divebomb Squad, and Firedog attack Panzer Platoon!"
All of Kageru's monsters charged rapidly at Daigo's army. Daigo's Goblins were instantly overwhelmed as the flames devoured and decimated every last one of his soldiers.
"Nooo! My army!"
"I'm not done yet! I activate my trap! Urgent Tuning! This allows me to perform a Synchro summon during my Battle Phase!"
"Darn it!"
"I'm tuning my LV 4 Sabre and LV4 Magician for a Synchro Summon!"
The two monsters formed a rings, as the stars within them began to take the shape of a constellation. The monster that appeared was a tall crimson-red swordsman, he wore a green cape, red armor and wielded two flaming blades.
"Synchro Summon, Crimson Blader!"
Crimson Blader LV8 FIRE/Warrior/Synchro
ATK 2800
DEF 2600
With the summon occurring in the Battle Phase, Kageru had formed a new monster and was able to attack once again.
"Grr. My Chief Commander is still stronger and can still weaken your monster by 300! Face it loser! This duel is mine!"
"Heh I don't think so. I activate from my hand, the Quick-Play Spell, Ego Boost, this boost an attacking monster on my field by an extra 1000 until the end of the turn!"
"Darn it!"
"Go Crimson Blader, shred his Chief Commander! Red-Iron Blazer!"
The Swordsman leaped up with its blades at hand. It then begun spinning rapidly, creating a flaming hurricane that burned down and devoured Daigo's last monster.
Crimson Blader
ATK 2800+1000-300=3500
Daigo LP 5300-600=4700
"Grr, no matter, I still got more than enough Life to take you down next turn!"
Kageru grinned. "There is no next turn."
"What?!"
"Forgot the rule we got already? I attacked with at least 3 different monsters. So."
"!? Another Battlephase!?" Daigo shivered in denial.
"Time to end this! Everyone attack!"
As Kageru gave the order, all his monsters charged at Daigo, whose field was now empty.
"Aaaahhhh!"
Daigo LP 4700-Big Number=0