A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks for your continued interest in my story, and I hope you're all doing well. Sorry again for the long hiatus, but I was a bit busy with my studies. I'll try to stay regular with my updates as 1-2 per month. Now before we continue with the story, let's address a couple of issues:
To dragonrose11: Apology accepted. I'm also sorry for the rude reply, and I get where you're coming from. The Masked Heroes are pretty OP in the GX era, but so are other decks like the Six Samurai and the Gladiator Beasts. One guest left a pretty accurate review: pretty much any online player who knows how to build a deck can beat everyone in the series if their opponents are using the same cards throughout the series. Don't worry. This will not be a Gary Stu story where the MC beats everyone in one turn or never loses a duel as that would stop any character development and make the story boring for a while. Anyways, thanks for your advice and let me know if there are any other issues in the story.
This story will follow the concept of what happens when you throw a stone into a pond. So the very presence of the OC will introduce changes to the GX universe that can be either minor or major.
Now we return to the story! Our hero has finally reached the finals! Who is this mysterious champion he has to defeat to be crowned King of the Underworld?
Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Yu-Gi-Oh except my OC(s). Everything else belongs to Konami.
"You're going down!" = Normal speech
'Hope he's not hearing my thoughts' = Mental thoughts
"I will end you!" = When a character is using some form of power or is possessed.
(ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000, LV: 4): level 4 monster in Attack mode
(ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000, LV: 4): level 4 monster in Defense mode
Somehow I'm in GX!
Chapter 6: Underworld Finals!
Warning! This chapter will contain some graphic language and dark themes! Read at your discretion!
SI POV:
Before the final duel, I was allowed around 10 minutes to rest in the locker room. 'To allow guests time to get refresh themselves and to order food and drinks.' the guard escorting remarked snidely to emphasize just how little value my health and safety meant in the tournament.
I took those precious minutes to steady my breathing and make last-minute adjustments to my Deck before they called for me. After checking my cards nearly a dozen times to make sure that everything was in order, I laid my back to rest on the wall while closing my eyes. Thankfully, aside from the security, I was the only duelist left in the locker room which meant I had some peace to prepare myself.
As if sensing that I was beginning to relax in my new position, one guard slammed the door wide open with a kick and snickered at me when I jumped in surprise.
"Nap time's over kid! It's time for the final duel! Hope you managed to get some rest." He barked while grinning at me.
'Gee, thanks for the wake-up call douchebag.' I thought with a scowl as I got up from the bench and followed him through the corridors back to the platform which took us back to the arena amidst the bright lights and the crowd's cheers.
As the guard once again began to fix the electrodes around my neck and arms, I tried to look through the crowd to spot Joe. To my worry and disappointment, I wasn't able to find him anywhere in the stands.
'Hope nothing bad happened to him ' I thought to myself with a frown as I continued to look for a casually dressed guy amongst a group of rich assholes in suits and dresses who got their rocks off watching people getting electrocuted while playing a card game.
The sound of a click and a sudden heaviness on my right arm, which was strapped to my duel disk, ended my search. Looking down with alarm, I saw a steel chain attached to my wrist with the rest of it going behind it and into a large stone block a couple of meters behind me that wasn't present during the last two duels. There was also another vertical hole next to the steel chain in the block which immediately gave me warning vibes.
Looking back at the guard who locked the chain on me, I called out, "What the hell's this!? What's the chain for? Those weren't there in the last duels!"
With a nasty smirk, the guard replied darkly, "Nothing you'd like brat! You'll find out soon enough. Here's a word of advice though: try not to piss yourself in this duel, alright? Mr. White wouldn't like it if his contestants embarrassed themselves in his tournament."
Before I could demand answers, the announcer yelled into his microphone: "LAAAAAAADIEESS AND GENTLEMEN! ARE YOU READY FOR THE FINAL DUEL?"
The crowd roared in approval as the final duel was about to begin. Frustrated, I looked around and saw that the platform that usually held my opponent was still lowered.
I turned back to look at the announcer as he continued, "Presenting the challenger! Despite his young age, this kid turned vigilante and managed to fight all the way to this match! Please welcome THE REDDDD HOOODDD!"
To my surprise, the crowd roared out in pure cheers this time. 'Do they like underdogs that much?" I wondered in confusion. As if to answer my confusion, the Jumbotron suddenly turned on and scenes of my previous two duels began to play on the screen. With realization and dread, I watched as the scenes were manipulated to show only my attacks during the duels on Bandit Keith and Dr. Doom, and my opponents writhing and screaming in pain. Every time a scene was shown where one of my opponents was screaming in pain, the cameras would then cut away to show me staring emotionlessly or even with an angry expression as I watched my previous opponents get electrocuted.
Feeling bile rise to my throat, I looked away from the screen while trying to quell the disgust and anger I was feeling over what I had done. Despite being arrogant (like Bandit Keith), or twisted (like Dr. Doom), those were still human beings who didn't deserve what I put them through. 'What happened was way over the line' I thought grimly.
To my horror, the same feeling of vicious satisfaction at the end of my last duel rose in response.
'Is it though?' a small voice whispered in my head, 'These so-called guys threatened and hurt innocent people. Do you think they wouldn't hesitate to do the same thing to you? They would probably do it with smiles on their faces if it got them what they wanted.'
Suddenly the lights went dark, which silenced the cheering crowd and managed to bring me back to reality, and several spotlights shined down on the hole where my opponent's platform would rise through. Two pillars of flames burst out of the hole which startled the crowd who let out screams of surprise. The sound of whirring gear rang throughout the arena as the platform began to rise. Realizing what was going on, the crowd let out deafening cheers.
The announcer took that as a sign to continue as he yelled into his microphone to be heard clearly over the crowd's noise as my opponent's platform continued to rise to the arena, "AAANND NOW LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR OUR VERY OWN CHAMPION OF THE ARENA! THE MASTER OF FEAR! THE BANE OF DUELISTS HIMSELF! PLEASE WELCOME: PAAAANIK THE PLAYER KILLERRRR!"
What.
The.
FUCK!?
The platform had almost reached the top which revealed a massively tall man wearing a high-collared blue coat over a mesh shirt with a matching cap. He had spikey black hair that stuck out of his cap, a rugged face with two thin vertical lines drawn over his eyes, and black lips which were drawn back in a wide sadistic grin. 'Panik the Player Killer of Darkness. Another duelist who didn't show up in the original GX anime. Didn't Yami kill or banish him to the Shadow Realm during their duel in Duelist Kingdom?'
As the platform finally reached the arena, the man raised a fist in the air as the crowd roared in approval. While the crowd was cheering for Panik's entrance, a guard entered holding a briefcase of electrodes in one hand and a microphone in the other. He handed Panik the microphone and began to attach the electrodes as well as the chain which connected to a stone block that was identical to mine.
While the guard was working, Panik raised the microphone and began to address the crowd, "Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to my arena, and prepare yourselves for the performance of a lifetime!" The crowd burst once again into cheers as he continued, "In this very arena, dozens of the very best duelists challenged me for the crown, and all of you witnessed how I broke every last one of them! They all cried, screamed, and begged before I was even halfway done with them! TODAY WILL BE NO DIFFERENT!"
Turning towards me, he pointed with a sadistic grin, "And what do we have here? A little boy playing trying to play the hero. Let me tell you something kid: heroes don't last very long here in the underworld. By the time I'm through with you, you're going to regret that you didn't stay home with eating your mom's cookies boy. Maybe now you're wishing you were in your bed with them reading you a bedtime story while checking the closet to make sure monsters like me aren't lurking in there. HAHAHAHAH!"
The crowd laughed and jeered at his taunts while I stared him at him with a deadpan. 'Where did this guy learn how to trash-talk? Pre-school?' A nudge to my side made me turn to the guard next to me who was holding out a second microphone to me with an expectant look. 'Looks like trash-talk between the two finalists is also a tradition here. Well if a roast is what these guys want, then who am I to deny them?' I thought wryly before grinning and holding the microphone up.
"Really? That's the best you can come up with?" I asked sarcastically, "Did you go with all those other freaks and weirdoes I faced to some workshop for retards on how to insult people? Besides, the way you keep bringing up my parents makes me think YOU dickheads are the ones who didn't get enough love from mommy and daddy. Not that I can blame them considering how dumb you assholes are. It's a good thing you're dressed like a clown since your entire dueling career pretty much represents what you are and always will be: A FUCKING JOKE!"
Now THAT'S how you roast someone. By the time I was finished, the crowd was completely silent while Panik gaped at me. Then all hell broke loose as the crowd erupted in laughter directed at Panik who turned red with rage at how a "kid" verbally whooped his ass. The announcer and guards were covering their mouths to hide their snickering at the verbal beat-down. Even Mr. White in the VIP box was visibly trying to suppress a smirk.
Finally, the guards took away our microphones as the crowds began to calm down. The announcer then raised his microphone, "Alright everyone! Now that the trash talk is out of the way, let the final duel commence! However, this duel will not be like the other duels. We decided to add something that will make sure duelists think twice before giving up or showing mercy. RELEASE THE BUZZ SAWS!"
Suddenly a high-pitched whirring sound started up behind me. Turning around, I looked back to see a circular saw exiting the vertical hole from the slab of rock and starting to spin at high speeds. Oh God.
Panik's laughter and voice snapped my attention back to him as he explained with his saw appearing and starting up behind him, "In case you don't understand what's happening kid, I'm going to make it simple: As each duelist's life points get closer to 0, that chain will drag the duelist closer to the circular saw behind him. So when you lose, kid, you'll not only lose your duel disk and cards forever, but you'll also lose your arm as well! WELCOME TO THE BIG LEAGUES BRAT! HAHAHAHA!"
Fuck.
My heart was pounding and the feeling of fear began to spread throughout my entire body as I began to process just how much of a shitty situation I was in. If I lose this duel then it would probably mean the end of the line for me. It then dawned on me just how dark an anime universe can be. 'Oh well. I came too far already to just quit. If this is what it takes for me to finally live my dreams then so be it.' I thought to myself as I suppressed my fear to start the match.
"DUEL!"
Panik: 4000
Red Hood: 4000
"Champions first brat!" Panik declared as he drew his first card before looking down at it and grinning. Turning back to me he continued, "I summon Djinn Presider of Rituals in Attack Mode (ATK: 1800, DEF: 1400, LV: 4) and end my turn!"
To my surprise, a green obese goblin-like creature then emerged out on Panik's field in some purple armor pieces that could barely cover anything due to his girth and a helmet. The goblin brandished a golden sword and shield while letting out a roar of challenge towards me.
'What the hell?! I know those Djinn cards were released after the GX era! One of them even negates the effect of Synchro Monsters for fuck's sake Is this some sort of time-warp because I entered this universe with my cards? Besides, didn't Panik use vanilla fiend monsters that have weird attack points only (1)!? Looks like he upgraded his deck since Duelist Kingdom.' I thought grimly. Those Djinn cards are some pretty heavy support for any Ritual Monster as they can give it some powerful effects like immunity from card effects. Another problem was that these Djinn cards can be simply be banished from the Graveyard to be part of any Ritual Monster's tribute, so simply destroying them wouldn't stop the opponent from Ritual Summoning.
I then started my turn while drawing my card.
"Cenric"
It was that voice again! Startled I looked down at my hand to see I drew Elemental HERO Ice Edge. It was exactly the same card I drew when I first heard that voice. A suspicious idea began to form in my head about what was going on. Unfortunately, the card itself didn't make any-more sounds. 'I'll figure this out later ' I promised myself before looking at the rest of my hand: Staunch Defender, Elemental HERO Lady Heat, Skyscraper, Impenetrable Attack, and Polymerization.
After considering my options for a minute, I started to make my move, "I play Polymerization! I now fuse Elemental HERO Ice Edge with Elemental HERO Lady Heat, who is a fire-type monster, to form the master of infernos! He who burns away all evil! Elemental HERO Nova Master in Attack Mode (ATK: 2600, DEF: 2100, LV: 8)!" Nova Master then emerged from a pillar of flame to settle on my field in his battle stance.
Smiling, I continued, "Nova Master! Destroy his Djinn Presider with Nova Flame Bomb!" Nova Master then charged up a giant fireball before launching it at Djinn Presider which screeched in agony before being destroyed.
Panik: 4000 – 800 = 3200
Red Hood: 4000
To my confusion, Panik simply chuckled at the loss of his monster and life points. Suddenly, my electrodes lit up before I screamed in pain as electrical currents were delivered into my body. Collapsing down to my knees in shock and pain, I looked back at Panik with a snarl, "What the fuck was that!? Why did I get the shock when it was your life points that got hit?"
Laughing sadistically, Panik responded sarcastically, "Oops! My equipment seems to be malfunctioning. Well, we can't have this duel without any penalty for losing life points, so looks like you're going to have to take the shocks for me since you're the only one with a working shock collar!"
"They seem to work just fine for everyone else! Your chain doesn't seem to get any shorter. Is that a malfunction too!? You're just cheating!" I growled back.
Grinning, Panik replied while the crowd cheered at the spectacle, "Cheating!? Why I would never! How should I know that my chain doesn't work either? If you want to blame someone, blame the technicians who set up this equipment. But don't worry kid, I instructed them to make sure your equipment work just fine!"
I was seeing red at this point. Not only was I supposed to take shocks for any damage I take, but also for any damage my opponent takes as well. As the cherry on top of the bullshit cake, Panik doesn't need to worry about the possibility of having his arm sliced off so he can think more clearly in this duel. On the other hand, I had to grapple with the constant thought of what my future would be like as a one-armed cripple if I lost this duel.
'Fuck this shit. I'm winning this fucking duel no matter what those bastards throw at me!' I thought with rage. I then continued my turn, "Whenever Nova Master destroys one of your monsters in battle: I can draw 1 card from my Deck!" After that, I drew my card which turned out to be United We Stand. I then ended my turn.
With a sadistic laugh, Panik then drew his card before starting his turn, "Looks like you're still standing, brat. I thought you'd have pissed your pants by now. Oh well, it's time for me to show you why kiddies like you should fear monsters like me! I summon Manju of the Ten Thousand Hands in Attack Mode (ATK: 1400, DEF: 1000, LV: 4)!" A large wooden-like creature almost completely covered in hands with some even sprouting from his head. Panik then continued, "And when he's summoned unto the field, I can add a Ritual Spell or Monster Card to my hand, and I choose End of the World!"
'Shit! If he's using that card, then he can summon-'I thought with alarm as Panik then played the card, "I play End of the World! And since Djinn Presider of Rituals is in my Graveyard, his special ability allows me to remove him from play as part of the tribute! I also tribute Manju to summon the monster that will end all life on this world: Demise, King of Armageddon (ATK: 2400, DEF: 2000, LV: 8)!" A circle of blue fire then erupted on Panik's field. From that circle, a large grinning skeleton in black armor with blue highlights emerged while holding a huge battle axe. The crowd let out a roar of cheers and applause as what looked like Panik's ace monster finally emerged.
Panik held out his arms as he called out with a grin, "Feast your eyes on the monster that put away so many duelists who thought they had what it takes to become King of the Underworld. I now activate Demise's special ability: by paying 2000 LP, I can destroy every other card on the field! Go Demise, use Infernal Burst!"
Once again my electrodes lit up to deliver another dose of voltage in response to Panik's loss of life points which caused to me scream out in pain as my knees buckled.
Panik: 3200 – 2000 = 1200
Red Hood: 4000
Blue flames then began to cover Demise's axe as he held it above his head before slamming it blade-first into the ground. A large ring of blue flames then quickly expanded from Demise and engulfed Nova Master who groaned in pain before quickly exploding. Panik then continued with a sadistic gleam in his eye, "Now kid, it's time for you to start screaming again! Demise, attack him directly with Apocalyptic Strike!" Demise then leaped at me before he brought down his axe on my head as I flinched from the blue flames and what was about to happen next.
Panik: 1200
Red Hood: 4000 – 2400 = 1600
My electrodes lit up to deliver even more punishment as I once again started to scream in agony. Panik ignored the sounds of my screams and the crowd's cheers at my suffering as he continued, "Next I play Sebek's Blessing, which increases my Life Points by the same amount you just took as damage. Finally, I set a card face down and end my turn."
Panik: 1200 + 2400 = 3600
Red Hood: 1600
A sudden tug on my hand then pulled me off my feet and dragged me backward as the contraption pulled my chain towards the saw which seemed to spin faster and faster the closer I got to it. I struggled to get back up as every nerve fiber in my body was on fire and all my muscles were twitching by the time the electrodes shut off. I barely heard Panik ending his turn as I struggled to get back up.
No wonder Panik defeated all those duelists. No one can last long when they're constantly getting electrocuted at every turn in addition to having their asses dragged towards a buzz-saw every time they lost some Life points. And Panik is taking full advantage of that fact. His whole fucking deck is centered on him losing Life points to shock his opponents, and regain those points while dealing battle damage so he can repeat the cycle over and over again. This isn't a duel. This is fucking torture.
"What's the matter, kid? Too tired to get up? Or maybe you're too scared to continue facing a monster like me!" Panik taunted me with a savage grin.
Finally, I managed shakily to get back to my feet after a few tries. 'Shit. I don't know how much more of this I can take. I need to get rid of Demise ASAP or else Panik will win by default because I'm unable to continue.' With a twitching hand, I reached for the top card in my Deck, 'Alright Deck. Please give me something!' I then drew my top card and sighed in relief when I saw Miracle Fusion.
With renewed energy, I began my turn, "Alright! I now play Miracle Fusion! This card allows me to fuse monsters in my Graveyard while removing them from play (2). I once again fuse Elemental HERO Lady Heat with Elemental HERO Ice Edge, which is a water-type monster, to summon the master of the unforgiving cold! He who brings the chill of fear into the heart of villainy! Elemental HERO Absolute Zero (ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000, LV: 8)!" After Absolute Zero emerged from a spiral of ice on my field, I continued, "Absolute Zero! Attack Demise with Ice Shard Blizzard!" Absolute Zero then sent out hundreds of ice shards which pierced Demise and destroyed him.
Panik: 3600 – 100 = 3500
Red Hood: 1600
I quickly braced myself before grimacing as the electrodes sent a small shock for Panik's loss in Life Points. I then ended my turn and looked back at Panik who looked surprised that I was still able to keep on fighting.
His surprise quickly wore off as he chuckled darkly while drawing his card, "Well-well kid. I'm surprised you lasted this long, but let's see how you survive this. I play my Trap Card: Call of the Haunted! Now I can summon a monster from my Graveyard in Attack Mode, so rise again Demise, King of Armageddon (ATK: 2400, DEF: 2000, LV: 8)!" Demise then once again emerged from a circle of blue flames to settle on Panik's side of the field.
Chuckling darkly, Panik continued, "I think you know what's going to happen next brat! I activate Demise's special ability: by paying 2000 Life Points, I can destroy every other card on the field!"
I watched with ever-growing dread and fear as Demise once again slammed his axe into the ground to destroy everything with blue flames.
Panik: 3500 – 2000 = 1500
Red Hood: 1600
My electrodes once again lit up an ominous red before sending me to the ground screaming as they delivered hundreds of volts into my body. Panik simply laughed in delight as he watched me scream in pain from the electrocution. Finally, the electrodes turned off again and I was left gasping in pain on the ground.
Still panting, I looked up from the ground weakly at Panik and rasped, "Since Absolute Zero was sent off the field, his special ability now activates which destroys all the monsters on your field." Absolute Zero's specter emerged on the field before entering Demise and caused him to be encased in ice before shattering.
Surprisingly, Panik was not bothered in the slightest that his monster was destroyed. With a cocky grin, he replied mockingly, "Lucky move kid. Now here I am all defenseless on the field. Whatever will I do? Oh well, I set one card face-down and end my turn."
I glared weakly at him as I struggled to get back up again despite my body screaming in protest. With a gasp, I managed to steady myself before drawing Elemental HERO Voltic from my Deck. I then contemplated my moves before deciding, "I summon Elemental HERO Voltic in Attack Mode (ATK: 1000, DEF: 1500, LV: 4)!" Voltic then appeared amidst bolts of electricity in his purple lightning-themed armor before settling down on my field.
"In Attack Mode? Are you sure you want to do this kid? You know what will happen if that thing attacks me directly." Panik laughed derisively as he spread his arms wide open in a challenging manner.
'Shit he's right! If I attack him directly, I'll take the shock for decreasing his Life Points. Maybe I should have summoned Voltic in Defense Mode instead-'I thought hesitantly before shaking my head to clear my doubts 'NO! He's just trying to play mind games with me! I said I would win this duel no matter what it took. No Pain, No Gain!' I thought with grim determination.
"Nice try, asshole! Voltic! Attack him directly!" I called out, and Voltic then leaped at Panik with his arm outstretched in a punch covered in electricity which struck Panik who flinched in surprise.
Panik: 1500 – 1000 = 500
Red Hood: 1600
On the other hand, I once again let out a scream and nearly lost my balance again as the electrodes once again switched on to deliver punishment. Luckily, I managed to stay standing before continuing, "Now Voltic's special ability activates: Whenever he inflicts battle damage, I can summon one Elemental HERO monster that was removed from play, and I choose Elemental HERO Lady Heat (ATK: 1300, DEF: 1000, LV: 4)!" A fireball then condensed on my field and Lady Heat then quickly emerged from it in her red-and-white flame-themed armor before taking a battle stance.
I was beginning to have hope of finally finishing this duel before Panik replied, "Don't go raising your hopes kid! I play my Trap Card: Damage Condenser! By discarding one card from my hand, I'm allowed to summon one monster in Attack Mode from my Deck that has equal or less Attack Points to the amount of battle damage I just took, and I choose Holding Arms (ATK: 500, DEF: 1200, LV: 4)!"
"What!?" I replied in shock as a large electrical machine with a central tube emerged and began to channel electricity to its tube. Finally, the tube exploded and a large pair of golden handcuffs inscribed with the eye of Wdjat emerged from it.
Panik continued with a savage grin, "And now Holding Arms' ability activates: When it's summoned out on the field, it can target one of your monsters and stops it from attacking! Also, all of that monster's effects are negated!" Holding Arms then launched itself towards Lady Heat before wrapping its cuffs around her hands and lifting her in the air while Lady Heat let out a yell of surprise and protest.
Gritting my teeth in frustration, I continued, "I set down one card face-down and end my turn."
"Aww, what's the matter kid? Sad that you can't cut our little playtime short?" Panik asked mockingly with the crowd cheering and laughing in support, "Hate to break it to you kid, but I'm not done with you yet! You're not leaving here except either in tears or a stretcher!"
Drawing his card, he then grinned, "Perfect! I now play Pot of Greed! Now I can draw two more cards." I didn't even have the energy to mock him for explaining an effect that everyone knew by heart. After drawing two cards, he continued with a chuckle, "Well what do you know? I play my second Pot of Greed!"
I watched in frustration as Panik drew practically a new hand. Guess heroes aren't the only people to have this kind of bullshit luck in this universe. Panik then continued, "Color me impressed, kid. Few duelists lasted this long against me. As your reward, I'll let you face something special. You already met Demise, so now it's time to meet HIS QUEEN! I play the Spell Card Advanced Ritual Art! It allows me to summon a Ritual Monster in my hand by sending normal monsters from my Deck to the Graveyard whose total levels equal to that monster's own. I send from my Deck the Level 8 Cosmoqueen to summon the mistress of death and damnation: Ruin, Queen of Oblivion (ATK: 2300, DEF: 2000, LV: 8)!"
I watched in alarm as a white-haired lady emerged from a large circle of red flames decked in a skimpy red/black dress that exposed her midriff and thighs while holding a blood-red bident.
'Ruin, Queen of Oblivion. The second ace in the Armageddon Deck.' I thought with dread. Seeing my face, Panik laughed viciously, "Looks like you know how much of a shit situation you're in, kid, but I'm feeling merciful today. If you beg me the right way, I'll probably stop that saw from slicing you in half in exchange for your cards and duel disk. So what do you say, brat?"
The crowd quickly booed at what they saw as a possible end to their fun before falling silent to listen to my response.
"Do your worst, bitch. I'll never break." I snarled back without hesitation as the crowd cheered at the prospect of the duel continuing.
Letting out a growl of annoyance at my little defiance, Panik continued, "Someone should teach you to respect your betters you little shit! You asked for this: Ruin! Attack his Voltic with Doom Strike!"
Ruin then leaped at Voltic with her bident outstretched to pierce him. Just before her attack could connect, I interrupted, "I play my Trap Card: Impenetrable Attack and use one of its effects! During this Battle Phase, I can reduce all battle damage to 0."
The bident then pierced Voltic who let out a groan before exploding. Scowling, Panik replied, "My Ruin also has a special ability: if she successfully destroys one of your monsters in battle, then she's allowed to make a second attack! So destroy his other monster with Doom Strike!" Ruin then thrust out her bident at Lady Heat who let out a wail of pain before exploding as well.
"I switch my Holding Arms into Defense Mode (ATK: 500, DEF: 1200). Next I place one card face-down and end my turn. You got lucky this time kid." Panik growled with anger.
"Luck has nothing to do with it," I replied as I drew my card and smiled when I drew Elemental HERO Woodsman. I then made my move, "Alright, first I summon Elemental HERO Woodsman (ATK: 1000, DEF: 2000, LV: 4)!" Woodsman emerged out on my field with a roar, "Then I equip him with United We Stand, which increases his Attack and Defense points by 800 for every monster I have on the field (ATK: 1000 – 1800, DEF: 2000 – 2800)!" Woodsman then roared out as a yellow aura surrounded him.
"Finally, I activate the Field Spell Skyscraper!" After placing the spell card in the duel disk, the skyscraper buildings then erupted to surround the field. Smiling, I explained, "With Skyscraper out on the field, all my Elemental Heroes gain 1000 Attack points whenever they attack a stronger monster! Now go Woodsman (ATK: 1800 – 2800)! Attack Ruin, Queen of Oblivion!"
Woodsman then leaped high in the air before descending towards Ruin in a drop-kick. Before he could connect, however, Panik replied, "I activate my Trap Card: Draining Shield! Now your Woodsman's attack is negated, and all of his Attack points are added to my Life Points! HAHAHAHA!"
"No!" I shouted in despair as Woodsman's attack was stopped dead in its tracks by a barrier that surrounded Ruin.
Panik: 500 + 2800 = 3200
Red Hood: 1600
Barely able to contain my emotions, I set down Staunch Defender and ended my turn.
Panik then drew his card with a grin that grew wider at what he drew, "I activate the Spell Card Axe of Fools (3) and equip it to Ruin. It gives her 1000 Attack points but negates her effect. Also during each of my Standby Phases, I take 500 points of damage, but you'll get something worse than that. Also, I switch Holding Arms back to attack mode (ATK: 500, DEF: 1200)."
I watched with despair as Ruin's bident was replaced by a short steel axe that had a goofy face on its side (ATK: 2300 - 3300). Panik then shouted, "It's the end of the line for you kid! Ruin! Destroy Woodsman!"
Ruin then leaped at Woodsman (ATK: 1800) while swinging her axe with such speed that I barely had time to press a button on my duel disk. Woodsman was quickly struck down and then exploded. Immediately, my electrodes lit up to deliver a massive current which caused me to fall to the ground while screaming in pain to the point that I could barely breathe. At the same time, my chain dragged my writhing body so close to the spinning buzz saw that I could practically feel the vibration from its blades as they were inches away from my hand.
Panik: 3200
Red Hood: 1600 – 1500 = 100
Meanwhile, Panik and the crowd watched in delight as I was electrocuted and dragged within inches of death/mutilation. Finally, the electrodes shut off, and I was able to breathe and look up with sweat running down my face at my right hand which was held above my head next to the buzz saw.
Panik then called out, "Time for you to die kid! Holding Arms, attack him directly!" However, his monster remained where it stood. Confused, Panik once again ordered it to attack, but it remained stationed on his field. Panik then grew red in the face with rage and screamed at his monster, "What the fuck is wrong with you, you useless piece of crap! Why won't you attack?!"
"It's because he can't attack this turn," I answered him as I painfully stood back up while trying desperately not to touch the buzz saw. Looking back at Panik, I pointed at Staunch Defender and explained, "Before you could destroy Woodsman, I activated my Trap Card: Staunch Defender! It lets me choose one of my monsters and during this Battle Phase: you're only allowed to choose this monster as a target that all your monster must attack if possible. Since Woodsman was just destroyed, Holding Arms can't attack anything else."
The crowd was gasping in shock, and Panik was gaping by the time I finished explaining how I survived. The crowd then let out cheers at my move which served quickly turned Panik's shock into rage, "Why the fuck won't you just lose already! You have no monsters on the field and only 100 Life Points left. Just give up!"
"Giving up is for pussies like you." I replied savagely, "Now stop bitching and finish up your turn."
With a growl, Panik then ended his turn as I drew Phantom Magician from my Deck. I then quickly set him in face-down Defense Mode and ended my turn. Frustrated by how long this duel was going, Panik drew his next card with a growl before shouting, "Ruin, attack his face down card!"
Ruin then leaped at my face-down and sliced it in half, only for the skeletal Phantom Magician to appear briefly with his dark cloak and bone-like scepter before exploding. I then quickly intervened, "You just destroyed my Phantom Magician (ATK: 600, DEF: 700, LV: 3) which allows me to activate his special effect: I can now summon from my Deck one "HERO" monster with 1000 or less Attack Points in face-up Defense Mode. I choose Elemental HERO Shadow Mist (ATK: 1000, DEF: 1500, LV: 4)!"
Shadow Mist then appeared on my field before kneeling with her arms crossed in front of me. I then continued, "Now her ability activates! If she's Special Summoned out on the field, I can add one "Change" Spell Card from my Deck to my hand, and I choose Mask Change!"
Further annoyed at his inability to finish me off, Panik replied, "Fine! I switch Holding Armsto Defense Mode (ATK: 500, DEF: 1200). Then I set one card face-down and end my turn."
Drawing my card, I smiled as I saw Stratos in my hand. With my mind racing, I quickly hatched a plan before starting, "First I activate Mask Change! By sending Shadow Mist to the Graveyard, I can summon a Masked HERO Fusion monster with the same Attribute! So now I summon the hero of stealth, he who strikes evil from the shadows: Masked HERO Anki (ATK: 2800, DEF: 1200, LV: 8)!" Anki then appeared on my field with a shout and quickly took his battle stance. "Now I activate Shadow Mist's second ability: when she's sent to the Graveyard, I can add one HERO monster from my Deck to my hand, and I choose Elemental HERO Solid Soldier! Next, I summon Elemental HERO Solid Soldier (ATK: 1300, DEF: 1100, LV: 4), and his special ability lets me bring out another LV 4 or lower HERO monster, so come out Elemental HERO Stratos (ATK: 1800, DEF: 300, LV: 4)!" Both Solid Soldier and Stratos then appeared on my field before kneeling in Defense mode before I continued, "Now I can activate Stratos' special ability, which lets me destroy Spell/Trap Cards up to the number of HERO monsters on my field except this one, and I have two! Stratos! Destroy both of his cards!"
Stratos then flared his turbine wings which began to generate powerful air currents towards Panik's Axe of Fools and face-down. Panik then quickly pressed a button on his duel disk which revealed his face-down before it was destroyed, "Don't get ahead of yourself brat! I activate my Trap Card: Threatening Roar! Now you can't attack me this turn!"
I then gritted my teeth as Panik once again stopped me from winning this duel. 'At least Ruin's strength is back to normal ' I thought with relief as the monster's axe was replaced with her original bident (ATK: 3300 – 2300). I then ended my turn.
Panik then drew his card with a scowl which suddenly turned into an evil smirk. 'That's not good ' I thought with alarm. Panik then played his card, "I activate One Day of Peace. This card lets both of us draw one card, and until the end of your turn, neither of us takes any damage. So draw your card!"
Both of us then drew our cards. I smiled as I drew Blazeman, but my happiness quickly turned sour when Panik started to laugh. I turned back towards him to see him staring at me evilly as he held one card out before he continued, "Your luck just ran out kid! I now activate Monster Reborn, so guess who's coming back? Rise again, Demise!"
My heart was lodged in my throat as Demise once again emerged on Panik's field. I knew without a doubt what was going to happen next. 'Fuck … I can't take any more of this. I can barely stand!' I thought with fear coursing through me. My hands couldn't stop shaking as a cold sweat ran down my back.
Panik was quick to notice my fear amidst the crowd's cheers at the sight of Demise. He grinned with manic delight, "Now there's the sight I wanted to see this entire duel! That's right, brat! Tremble in fear as to what I'm about to do you! Now you see why heroes don't last long against a monster like me?! NOW SCREAM FOR ME BRAT! DEMISE! USE INFERNAL BURST!"
Demise then slammed his axe into the ground which erupted in a circle of flames that consumed and destroyed every other card on the field.
Panik: 3200 – 2000 = 1200
Red Hood: 100
The electrodes lit up once again and sent a devastating shock as I fell screaming in pain. It was only by luck that I missed hitting the buzz saw when I fell. Meanwhile, the crowd was cheering and Panik was laughing manically, "THAT'S IT, KID! SCREAM! SCREAM FOR ME SOME MORE! HAHAHAHAHA!"
For what seemed like hours (but was in reality only seconds), all I could hear other than the crowd's cheers and Panik's laughter were my screams of pain. Finally, the electrodes switched off again, but this time I was too tired to get back up again. I tried to get back up only to fall again. I just couldn't keep on going. What was left of my energy was being used in a losing battle to stay awake as my vision was gradually darkening. Panik's laughter and the crowd's cheers were growing more and more distant. I could barely think at this point
Is this it? Is it the end for me?
'Joe… Misako… Serena … Everyone. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. ' I thought as a tear finally slid down my cheek.
"Well kid, that's the end of my turn, but it looks like the end of the duel too!" Panik called out with a derisive laugh, "Aww what's wrong kid? Are you crying because mommy and daddy aren't there to hold you? Don't worry boy: a little birdie told me that one of your friends came here with you! What was his name? Joe was it? I had my guys look him up, and they told me he has a little girl who's just like you: a snot-nosed little runt pretending to be a duelist! I wonder how long she'll last against me when I lure her here using dear old daddy. SHE'LL PROBABLY END UP CRYING FOR MERCY JUST LIKE YOU! HAHAHAHAHAAHA!"
What…
What did he say?
He was going to hurt Joe and Serena.
He was going to torture them.
no.
No.
NO!
"NOOOOOO!" I screamed with rage. My rage and hatred seemed to replenish my energy because suddenly I had no problems getting back up. My muscles no longer twitched. I no longer felt any pain from all those electric shocks. My mind was clear.
This duel no longer mattered.
The prize no longer mattered.
Winning no longer mattered.
All that mattered was Panik and the PAIN I'm going to make him feel.
With a savage snarl, I drew Mask Charge from my Deck while staring at Panik who looked shocked at what he was seeing, "I activate Mask Charge! This card allows me to add from my Graveyard to my hand one HERO monster and one "Change" Spell Card! I choose Elemental HERO Solid Soldier and Masked Change. Now I summon Solid Soldier (ATK: 1300, DEF: 1100, LV: 4), and his ability lets me summon Elemental HERO Blazeman (ATK: 1200, DEF: 1800, LV: 4)."
Solid Soldier and Blazeman then quickly appeared on my field as I continued, "Now Blazeman's ability activates, which allows me to add one Polymerization Spell Card from my Deck to my hand! Next, I activate Mask Change! I send Solid Soldier to summon the hero with the unbreakable will! Whose sword shatters all villains' armor! RISE MASKED HERO DIAN (ATK: 2800, DEF: 3000, LV: 8)! And since he was sent to the Graveyard due to a Spell Card's effect, I can activate Solid Soldier's second ability which allows me to summon one LV 4 or lower HERO monster from my Graveyard in Defense Mode, and I choose LADY HEAT (ATK: 1300, DEF: 1000, LV: 4)!"
Dian and Lady Heat then both appeared on my field in their respective modes. I snarled at Panik who looked apprehensive at all my monsters, "Battle! Dian, attack Demise with Terra Sword Slash!" Dian then leaped and thrust his sword which pierced Demise who let out a screech before exploding. Panik flinched at his monster's destruction. Luckily for him, he was still protected from damage due to One Day of Peace's effect. But not for long.
Without missing a beat, I continued, "Now Dian's special ability activates. Whenever he destroys one of your monsters and sends it to the Graveyard, I can summon from my Deck one LV 4 or lower HERO monster, and I choose Elemental HERO Ocean (ATK: 1500, DEF: 1200, LV: 4). Since it's the end of my turn, you are no longer immune to damage, and Lady Heat's special ability now activates: for every Elemental HERO Monster on my field, including herself, you take 200 points of damage, and I HAVE 3!"
Lady Heat then gathered a fireball in her hands before she threw it at Panik who flinched from the holographic flames.
Panik: 1200 – 600= 600
Red Hood: 100
Panik's surprise then turned to smugness as he smirked nastily at me, "Didn't you forget kid? You take the penalty for all the damage I take!"
His smugness didn't last long, however, as his electrodes then turned on and delivered a shock which caused him to scream in surprise and pain. The crowd all let out gasps as they saw the champion get electrocuted for the first time. Even Mr. White who was in the VIP box was surprised judging from his widened eyes at this turn of events.
GOOD.
After Panik stopped screaming in pain when his electrodes shut down again, he looked at me with shock and a hint of fear, "Wha-what's going on? How are my electrodes working?"
I only smirked darkly at him, "Who knows? Maybe those technicians finally fixed the glitch in the system. At least now we can play out this duel more fairly, right Panik? I now end my turn."
Panik then shakily drew his next card with sweat rolling down his face as he started his turn, "I-I-I play Cards of Sanctity! N-now we both draw until we have six cards in our hands!"
Panik drew six new cards while I drew only one (which was Elemental HERO Knospe). Panik then seemed to gain more confidence at the new cards he was holding, as he then shouted at me, "Alright brat! I don't know how you're doing all this, but this shit ends now! I play Pre-preparation of Rites! This Spell Card allows me to add one Ritual Spell Card from my Deck to my hand, and one Ritual Monster from my Graveyard or Deck to my hand!"
Grinning nastily at me, Panik then continued, "Now I activate End of the World! I tribute Ritual Raven whose special ability allows it to be the entire Tribute for a Dark-Attribute Ritual Monster! So RISE AGAIN DEMISE, KING OF ARMAGEDDON (ATK: 2400, DEF: 2000, LV: 8)!" The monster who I grew to despise almost as much as Panik then took to the field once more.
"Demise! Attack Lady Heat with Apocalyptic Strike!" Demise then slammed his axe into Lady Heat who was quickly destroyed. Grinning crazily, Panik continued, "I now activate the Spell Card The Dark Door! This Spell Card allows both of us to attack with only one monster during our Battle Phases. Next, I activate Mist Body and equip it to Demise! This Spell Card makes my monster invincible in battle! Finally, I set one card face-down and end my turn! You'll never be able to defeat me now you little shit!"
With eyes full of hatred and disdain, I then drew Elemental HERO Liquid Soldier from my Deck and replied, "Are you sure about that? Since it's my Standby Phase, I can now activate Ocean's special ability: once per turn, I can add one "HERO" monster from my Graveyard to my hand, and I choose Elemental HERO Woodsman. Next, I summon Elemental HERO Liquid Soldier (ATK: 1400, DEF: 1000, LV: 4) and his special ability allows me to summon from my Graveyard one "HERO" monster that's LV 4 or below, so rise again Elemental HERO Lady Heat (ATK: 1300, DEF: 1000, LV: 4). I now activate Blazeman's second ability: once per turn I can send one "HERO" monster from my Deck to my Graveyard, and Blazeman will then take on that monster's Attack/Defense points and Attribute. So I send Elemental HERO Bladedge to the Graveyard and activate Blazeman's ability. I don't even need to attack your monster to win this duel, but I think I will."
Lady Heat then emerged on my field in Defense Mode, then Blazeman's armor turned from red to brown as he switched Attributes and Attack Points(ATK: 1200 – 2600, DEF: 1800)
Grinning crazily, Panik replied, "That's what you think brat! Activate Trap Card: Aegis of Gaia! This Trap Card increases my Life Points by 3000, but when it is destroyed I take 3000 points of damage!"
Panik: 600 + 3000 = 3600
Red Hood: 100
Panik continued to taunt me while laughing crazily, "HAHAAHAHAHA! I'll have Demise put you down for good! Then I'll make sure to find that little girl and give her the same treatment. Enjoy your last moments because on my next turn-"
"THERE WILL BE NO NEXT TURN!" I roared in rage, "AND YOU WILL NEVER LAY FINGER ON HER! I ACTIVATE POLYMERIZATION AND FUSE ELEMENTAL HEROS OCEAN AND WOODSMAN!" The two mentioned monsters were then sucked into a vortex above me while I stared at Panik with a bloodthirsty grin, "Since you showed me the ace of your Deck, I think it's only fair I show you MINE. Guardian of this Earth, savior of this world, rise again and strike all evil from existence! Arise ELEMENTAL HERRO TERRA FIRMA (ATK: 2500, DEF: 2000, LV: 8)!"
What is practically the ace of my Deck then descended from the vortex above my head with his arms crossed. A giant bedecked in white armor with blue pauldrons and head-piece, Terra Firma's visage was set in a grim scowl while the jewel in the center of his armor glowed an ominous red as he towered over all other monsters on the field.
Turning towards Panik who looked at my monster in fright, I continued, "I activate Terra Firma's special ability: I can tribute one Elemental HERO monster and Terra Firma can absorb that monster's Attack points for the rest of this turn. And guess what Panik. I CAN USE THIS ABILITY TO ABSORB ALL OF THEM! TERRA FIRMA! USE GRAVITATIONAL ABSORBTION!"
I could have sacrificed only Blazeman to power up Terra Firma, and let Lady Heat burn the rest of Panik's Life Points, but I didn't want to. I wanted Panik to SUFFER.
Terra Firma let out a roar as he began to form a grey orb that began to pull in Liquid Soldier (ATK: 1400), Blazeman (ATK: 2600), and Lady Heat (ATK: 1300) who transformed into particles of light that were then absorbed into Terra Firma's orb which grew larger and larger until it was the size of a 10-ton-boulder (ATK: 2500 – 7800)
With a savage grin, I stared down at Panik who collapse to his knees in fright, "IT'S TIME FOR YOU TO SCREAM FOR ME!"
"N-No wait! I-I s-surrender kid! I surrender! I-I'm sorry okay? I-I'll never come near you or those people ever again! I promise! Please don't hurt me!" Panik begged as tears began to flow down his face. His begging only seemed to enrage me even more. Did he seriously expect me to let him go after all he put me through? FUCK THAT!
"TOO LATE! TERRA FIRMA! ATTACK WITH PLANETARY DESTRUCTION!" I roared out as Terra Firma then threw the giant orb at Demise (ATK: 2400) who screamed in pain.
"NOOOOOO!" Panik screamed with the same fear and despair he caused so many others to feel as the rest of his Life Points were wiped away. His electrodes then turned on to give him his just desserts as he began to scream inhumanely in pain.
Panik: 3600 – 5400 = 0 (LOSE!)
Red Hood: 100 (WINNER!)
My chain fell off my hand as the locking mechanism opened after I won the duel. However, I barely noticed that while I watched with a savage grin as Panik continued to writhe and scream in pain as the electrodes delivered a possibly lethal electric shock. The electrodes finally turned off after a few seconds, leaving Panik a whimpering twitching mess on the floor.
But that wasn't enough for me. 'He needs to suffer more.' A voice in my head whispered in my head which I fully agreed with as I began to advance on Panik who was barely conscious.
"I specifically remember that we were playing with much higher stakes than just electric shocks, weren't we Panik?" I asked in a tone full of malice, "Yeah, now that I think about it, there was a punishment involved for the loser of our little duel."
As if by unspoken command, Panik's chain, which was still latched onto his duel disk, began to drag him back towards the buzzing saw. The feeling of being pulled and the sound of the saw must have snapped Panik back to reality, as he began to scream and cry, "NOOO! HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME!"
"I don't know Panik. Our little duel seems to have left me a little tired." I replied with a vicious grin, "But I'm feeling merciful today. If you beg me the right way, then I'll probably stop that saw from forcing you to duel with one hand for the rest of your life."
With tears running down his face, Panik BEGGED, "KID- NO I MEAN RED HOOD! I'M BEGGING YOU! PLEASE HELP ME! HAVE MERCY! PLEASSEE!"
"Sorry Panik, but you forgot to say "pretty please", so I can't say that I like the way you beg." I replied innocently, "Let me explain something to you. You're not a monster, Panik, and you never were one. Today I showed you and everyone else here your true self: a scared man who likes to pretend that he's not. Never forget that." At this point, Panik was broken down completely into sobs and blubbering with the occasional "please" and "stop" mixed in between.
Suddenly, a light shined out of my pocket which momentarily blinded me and caused me to lift my arm to shield my eyes. The light then quickly dimmed and I felt a hand on my arm and a small voice say, "Enough Cenric. He is beaten, and it is not the way of justice to torment our opponents. You are better than this!"
It was the voice! I opened my eyes which widened in shock as I saw none other than Ice Edge floating in the air with his hand on my arm. I quickly shook my head and looked again only for him to disappear. I then looked back at Panik who almost reached the saw.
What… What is this? This isn't me. Since when do I like to torture my opponents? Guilt welled up inside me which then drove me to quickly run towards Panik with my hand reaching into my pocket and pulling out my switchblade. Switching it open, I then raised it above my head as Panik screamed, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING! PLEASE NO!"
"I'M SAVING YOU, IDIOT!" I shouted back and swung down with all my might at the locking mechanism connecting Panik's chain to his duel disk. The blade quickly jammed into the lock, and I then quickly twisted it which managed to unlock the mechanism, freeing Panik from the chain.
Quickly using the opportunity, Panik then scrambled away from the saw as the chain stopped moving backward. I looked down at my broken switchblade and back at Panik who was doing his utmost best to crawl away from me while muttering with wide eyes, "M-m-monster… monster… monster."
It then dawned on me just how quiet our surroundings were. I looked around me to see everyone from the crowd, to the guards, to the announcer, to Mr. White himself who were all staring at me with wide, disbelieving, eyes and open mouths.
The silence was quickly broken, however, when the crowd let out thunderous applause as they rose to their feet clapping and cheering at what they had just seen. The crowd's cheers seemed to break the announcer from his stupor as he shouted into his microphone, "UNBELIEVABLE! AGAINST ALL ODDS, OUR YOUNG CHALLENGER HAS DEFEATED THE CHAMPION IN THE MOST AMAZING COMEBACK I HAVE EVER SEEN! RED HOOD IS OUR NEW CHAMPION! RED HOOD IS NOW THE KING OF THE UNDERWORLD!"
"KING! KING! KING! KING!" The crowd chanted along at the highest of their voices.
It was at this moment that my body reached its breaking point, and I fell into the blissful feeling of unconsciousness.
A/N: How's that for a finale? Our MC is finally the King of the Underworld! This chapter took a toll on me. Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we see our MC dealing with the aftermath of the final duel! As usual, feel free to leave constructive feedback and advice in the reviews section. See you guys later!
(1): I know those cards were released way after GX, but I thought they would be fitting to include in this Deck since Panik loves fiends and needs some good support for his Ritual monsters. As I previously said, this story follows the "stone in the pond" principle. In the original anime, Panik used some vanilla fiend monsters (whose attack points end with -50) and bullshit anime logic to win his duels, so I couldn't use his original deck.
(2): In the modern day, the term we use is "banish". But our MC quickly learned to use the old term to not arouse suspicion.
(3): I know some of you will wonder why Panik made such a stupid move when he could have attacked twice with Ruin and then with Holding Arms to win the duel. Keep in mind, that Panik is not the best duelist and has so far relied on torture and mind games to beat his opponents more than actually using his cards. At this point, he was way too cocky to be at the top of his game. If he was playing better he might have beaten our MC.
Thank you for teaching us the Heart of the Cards
We shall never forget you
Kazuki Takahashi
1961 – 2022
Rest in Peace