WARNINGS: Mentions of suicide and self-harm in the chapter. Possession of people. Kidnappings and tormenting of hikari's.
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IMPORTANT:
'Normal thoughts'
"Mind link talk"
"Normal Talk"
"Walky talky talk "
"Possessed Talk"
Flash Back Voices
Location: Domino City, Domino Park, Magician's Tent
x
"He went in and then the box suddenly fell apart and poof!" Clap the elder man for emphasis on the disappearance. "He was gone without a trace. That's why I called you since Téa wasn't picking up her phone." Answered the patriarch of the Mutou's as he looked at the young lad who was inspecting the area that his grandson had disappeared.
"It's a good thing she didn't because if the ghouls are involved you two could have gotten hurt." Said Tristan as he climbed off the stage "I thought there would be a trapdoor but there's nothing." He looked at his phone "There's no signal in here so this would be a good place to keep someone hidden."
'Still, you can't just disappear, at least not without leaving something behind. ' He sighed before walking to the back behind the curtains. He squinted his eyes as he walked further in the darkened area. From what he could make out there were a few objects hidden under thick tarps. He grabbed his phone before turning the screen to face the shadowed area. Sharp almond slits and a red nose greeted his face. "Sweet Kami." He whispered harshly as he grabbed his chest in fright at the sight of the clown outfit.
"Ugh! I hate clowns." he grumbled as he stepped back looking at the mannequin that was adjourned with bright-colored clothes and wearing an eccentric hat in a funny pattern. The trademark bells were hanging at the tips, glinting eerily in his phone's light. He flicked one bell in annoyance as it echoed in the tent with a loud jingle as he turned around to leave.
"Gramps found anything yet?" Tristan frowned when he received no reply from the elderly male. He moved the curtain out of the way to find the arena empty. "Where did he go?" mumbled the motorcyclist as the high schooler inspected the area. He felt a shiver on his body as the hair on his body stood as the brunette heard the soft tinkle of a bell.
"I swear to God if that mannequin is missing."
Unfortunately for the young male, as he turned to look at the dark area where the Jester had once stood, it was missing. His entire body became impossibly still as the realisation hit him, he and Mr Mutou were not alone the moment they entered the tent and right now Yugi's grandfather was missing.
The moment he felt a presence behind he immediately bolted to his side. He heard a loud metallic clang hitting the ground where he once stood. As he turned to look at his assailant with his fists raised, he felt his eyes widen. What stood in front of him was a sight he could only describe as: someone gave Junji Ito permission to create a clown.
God help him.
The Jester in front of him had an unnatural long-limbed appearance accompanied with the trademark colourful outfit to that of a clown, gloves, and all. The face was covered with a macabre version of a Joker venetian mask with colours smeared across the being's face. What really caught Tristan's eye was the large sickle embedded in the ground. Where he stood a few seconds ago.
The bells jingled as the creature tilted his head as it lifted one of its clawed hands and formed it in a tut-tut gesturing as if scolding the boy for escaping him. ' Great, just my luck .' Groaned Tristan before cracking his knuckles with a nervous grin "You look like a nice guy, I bet you have a lot of friends."
X
Location: ?,?
The sound of the Pharoah's panting filled the silent room as he lowered his hand to his side. He shouldn't have used his powers; he hadn't used it in months, not since his time at Duelist Kingdom with his Duel against PaniK but all that he did back there was knock out the maniac.
How about it? Play a little game with me?
Whenever he used his abilities, he found pieces of himself disappearing in the darkness. ' Not memories but feelings and emotions. ' The ancient being's lips hung gently open. He felt more angry, sadistic, even animalistic at times, unlike the emotions he was feeling whenever he talked with Yugi, Téa or any of his friends.
The Door of Darkness Has Been Opened
Now he felt the warmth disappearing as the shadows returned to their corners of the room. As for his charge, he turned to look at his other half, his dark Magician was crouched over him. A look of worry was cast on the face of the spellcaster. The sight of them stirred an odd emotion in his chest. Their sight of them seemed familiar but he could only recall faceless people and a searing sun.
Unfortunately, the spirit couldn't ponder further on the feeling as he heard a pained groan opposite from him. His jailer Pandora finally snapped out of his comatose-like state as he righted himself up. Small drops of blood were dripping from his mouth and nose as he focused his gaze on his master's target. "I think you need to work on that trick a bit more, ' mon assistant '." He mumbled disoriented as he grabbed his hat before placing it back on the top of his head. The Spellcaster Monster shifted back in its signature battle stance seeing the opponent had snapped out of his strange trance.
"Arcana, please let's stop this." pleaded the young male "Whatever Marik Promised you is not worth throwing your life away."
The Magician ignored him as he straightened his jacket and pulled out a handkerchief from his sleeve. He wiped his nose and mouth before placing it in his side pocket. " Stupide garçon , I don't expect you to understand my reasons for doing this."
How pathetic…
"You do not know what my master can give me if I kill you."
"It takes a lot of commitment to do that, will you be willing to cross that line?"
The entertainer's eyes rolled with tired impatience "Arcana… Can he really give you what you want?"
His jaw tense as he ground his teeth together "I've seen his abilities, his powers over people!" Hissed the duelist as his top lip pulled up on one side. "If anyone can give me what I desire, it's him. Human morels don't bound him; he will grant me what I ask as long as I finish my mission."
He turned to look at the cards in his hand before looking back up at his opponent. "I believe it's now my turn, let's see if I can steal the show back."
The masked man grinned before drawing a card ' And with this card I will pull the rug right from underneath his feet. ' he thought as he grinned at the drawn card. "Ah, I think I'll place one monster face-down in defence and set one card down." The two cards appeared on the field before he crossed his arms as he looked over to the young male. "I end my turn."
The tri-coloured being expression was tight with strain as he reached the top of his deck with numb fingers and drew a card. His hand slightly shook as he stared at the magnet monster in his hand, but his mind wasn't focused on the duel.
HA HA HA… This is good! I'm glad I took your challenge! This is the EXTREME game I've been looking for!
' Did I really let a monster live? ' He clenched his eyes shut as memories took up residence in his head. ' Am I a monster? '
" Yami." His eyes slowly opened as he felt the digits of his Aibou touch his shoulder. " That isn't us anymore and it will never be again." He felt a lump forming in his throat as he felt his Hikari head rest on his upper back. "I never regretted meeting you or what you did for me." He wanted to believe him, he needed to believe it but right now he had other worries. He pushed down the anxious feeling as he looked up at his opponent. He needed to finish this quickly.
"I summon Beta the Magnet Warrior in attack." As he placed the card, the magnet robotic figure appeared, raising its magnet claws in preparation of a fight.
"Tres bien Yugi! My assistant!" Clapped the deranged man. "Because you summoned a monster I can activate my Trap Card, Dark Renewal!" A blood red coffin with gold trimmings appears over the revealed trap card. "This trap card activates when my opponent normal or special summons a monster. I can target your Magnet Warrior and my monster and send them to the graveyard to summon one Dark Spellcaster monster from either my Deck or Graveyard!"
" You can only do that if your own monster is a spellcaster." Interjected Yugi, his vast amount of duelling knowledge coming into play.
The macabre Entertainer smirked as if hearing his opponent's smaller counterpart. "As I'm sure you know my Monster needs to be a spellcaster and lucky for me I do have one." He flipped the card face-up revealing the Monster 'Hannibal necromancer' which was a purple coloured with sharp claws bared and an appearance to that of a typical fiend monster despite the magician having proclaimed that the monster is a spellcaster.
"Now begone, my sacrifices!" As the coffin opened a strong suction appeared as the door opened causing the fiend spellcaster and the magnet warrior to be dragged into the box's dark abyss. The door closed as the beasts' cries silenced before a mist started emitting from the crevices of the dark box.
"For this trick I will bring back MY Dark Magician!" The doors opened as a familiar figure of the dark spellcaster appeared, with his arms crossed over his chest, from its confines. The being eyes opened before a maniacal grin appeared on the monster's face. With a somersault, it leapt out of the box and pointed its staff toward its purple counterpart.
"Do give him a hand." Mocked Arcana as his scarlet magician gave a bow towards his opponent and monster. "You may continue with your turn."
The former Pharoah scowled before looking at the cards in his hand. Losing his magnet warrior caused a slight setback. He had hoped he could end this duel quickly, but his opponent had other ideas. With the Scarlet Magician back from the grave he needed to ensure his own Dark Magician's survival. Right now, this was a battle of wits. Neither can attack directly without destroying the other. ' Therefore, we'll both have to use our Magic and Trap Cards to defeat our opposing counterparts. ' Thought the ancient ruler as he gazed at the three cards in his hand.
Archfiend of Gilfer: When this card is sent to the Graveyard: He can target 1 face-up monster on the field; equip that target with this card. That monster loses 500 ATK while equipped with this card. It could come in handy but right now Arcana is determined to ensure his cards are destroyed so that he wouldn't be outnumbered. Summoning him wouldn't be possible now and he doubted his opponent would help him in discarding Gilfer.
Magical Hats his favourite and something he can definitely use. It could only be activated when he controls a "Magician" monster. Lucky for him the faithful Magician is on the field. With this card he could set up to 4 monsters, unfortunately he only has one. Then, for each monster not Set by this effect, he could set one "Hat Token". Then shuffle their positions to confuse them so that his opponent has a 25% of hitting his monster.
If he still has the tokens on the field by his next turn, then he could place a trap underneath and activate it if Arcana is unlucky enough to attack the wrong hat.
Cursebreaker a quick spell card that negates Spell effects inflicted by Arcana.
" Set it ." He flicked his gaze to his partner " If he's a 'Master Magician' he would have cards particularly linked to that of the dark Magician. I know one of them is 'Thousand Knives'. It's a spell card that can only be activated when you have a face-up "Dark Magician" on their side of the field. It allows him to destroy one of our monsters. Our Magician cannot hide then. "
He silently thanked him for the knowledge before turning his gaze back to his opponent "I set two cards face down and end my turn." As he finished his sentence the two face-down cards appeared behind his monster.
He felt a chill up his spine as his opponent quietly stared at him with an open mouth smile before slowly closing it as he drew his card from his deck. "Yes, I suppose it's my turn." said the striped man before grabbing two cards from his hand. "I too set two cards face down." The two cards appeared behind the scarlet Magician "I end my turn."
"I draw." Yami placed the card in his other hand before looking up at the field. The card he drew is called Mystical Refpanel, a trap card. It could only be activated when a Spell Card that affects one player, card, or one side of the field is activated. The effect of that Spell Card is applied to another appropriate target instead.
Tricky unless you know how to use it correctly.
"I set one card and end my turn." He watched as his opponent drew his card before looking at the rest of the cards in his hand.
None of them agreed when I told them to hand it over. So, I used a bit of force…
" What could he give him? I doubt Marik will share power with anyone, " He heard the soft voice of Yugi next to him.
I used my wealth to force them to bankruptcy. Or I made deals with the Mafia…
"Who knows? He's unstable and clearly, he doesn't care about others other than himself." Whispered The Pharaoh not sure who he is talking about anymore.
One of them even committed Suicide.
He grabbed his head as he felt the throbbing of a headache; he tried ignoring the worried expression of his Aibou. "Marik has the capability to control people so I assume the item he possesses has abilities to influence the mind."
" I doubt it's fame or fortune. Then again, I never heard of any famous escape artist named Arcana or Pandora. " Yami hummed in agreement before focusing back on his opponent.
"I set one card." The card appeared next to the other face-down cards on his opponent's side of the field. "I end my turn."
"My turn." He muttered before taking the card. His eyes slightly widen at the card in his hand. Monster Reborn.
If all else fails, he can bring his monster back from the graveyard. "I place one card on the field face-down." He had four cards ready. Four contingencies to ensure his monster's safety. "I end my turn, your move."
"Alright." Arcana drew his card before placing it in his spell and trap slots "I place one card face down." The card appeared next to the other three cards behind his scarlet monster. "It seems we both have one monster and four face-down cards on the field. I believe it's time we spice things up!"
"I activate my face-down card, The Mystical Guillotine!" the card flipped up showing the image of a Guillotine before it gave a red glow. The card's glow expanded as the card disappeared and, in its place, stood a device comprising a tall, upright frame with a weighted and angled blade suspended at the top. A mediaeval guillotine stood in its place.
" This is bad! " Shouted Yugi as his eyes wide at the sight of the execution device. " That's a prohibited card. It's not allowed in the tournament !"
"Arcana! You realise that the use of that card is not allowed!" The jester just snickered at the livid King. "Oh, I'm quite aware but we are hidden from Kaiba systems so our duel disks won't block the use of forbidden cards." Anger flared across the dark being's face.
"Come now, I've been told you love challenges. Think of it as one. I'm sure you can handle it o'le King of Games." Goaded the striped man.
Your luck ran out when you chose me.
Yami shook his head as his hand held the puzzle. The object felt warm, almost scathing in his fingers.
" Dammit! The reason that card is forbidden is that it can destroy a monster regardless of conditions. " As the young male spoke dread filled Yami's chest at the realisation. " Fissure has a condition since it can only destroy one face-up monster your opponent controls with the lowest ATK unless the card is immune to spells, but Guillotine overwrites that! "
The shackles on the Guillotine suddenly extended out towards the magenta-coloured Magician before clasping on the magic being's wrist. Before the Violet haired male could voice his protest, he was yanked towards the executioner's device. The magicians landed on the device with a loud bang as his back was forced against the wooden platform.
" Get out of there! " Screamed the hikari
"Yugi, this is the end of the line for your monster!" Laughed the Maniac as the blade fell "He is CUT from the show!"
' Not if I can help it .' The Pharaoh pressed a small button on his duel disk "I activated my Spell card to continue the Chain! Go Magical Hats!" A face-down card flips up revealing the spell card with a picture of four hats on it.
In a puff of smoke four black hats with a symbol of a question mark appeared on the field. "Unfortunately for you, your card won't touch my monster." One of the four hats disappeared before reappearing over the trapped magician. The blade came down with a frightening force as it cut the fabric headwear in half, revealing it to be empty. Yugi breathed out in a sigh of relief before showing a thumbs up at his partner.
"Is That even possible? Your monster was trapped." Arcana gawked in disbelief "You cheated, didn't you?!"
The ancient being with a smug looked at his enemy as the three hats finished shuffling "Oh it's possible. The card can only be activated in response to my opponent's action whenever it be an attack or an effect." He lifted a single digit "In a chain effect the card effect that is activated first is resolved last and the card" He lifted up his second finger "that activated its effect second is resolved first."
"Don't look so pleased with yourself!" Shouted the livid artist. "I activate my second face-down card, Thousand Knives!"
"I need to control a Dark Magician in order to use this card." Multitudes of blades appeared behind the Red Magician. His staff disappeared as knives appeared between each of the monster's knuckles. The Ruby coloured wizard grinned as he pulled his hands closer towards his chest in preparation to toss the weapons in his grasp. "This card allows me to target one of your monsters and destroy it. It won't matter if your creature is hiding or not it will home in on their location."
With a grin the being expertly tossed the knives in his hand at the left hat, The sharp blades went through cutting the magician accessory to pieces. The weapons appeared again in his grasp as the same fate befall the Hat on his right side, cutting it to ribbons. "No place left to hide! Slash him apart my Magician!" The monster made a face as it hesitated for a moment before throwing the six blades at the final silk hat, which had now disappeared revealing the crouched form of the Dark Magician.
"I think not, I activated Curse breaker!" The card that appeared had the image of a broken lock on it "It negates your card's effect!" The blades crumbled in dust mere inches from the Spellcaster's face.
Arcana's Shoulders took on a predatory bow ' You really are getting on my nerves, you brat! ' Seethed Arcana he's mouth thinning with displeasure before calling out "Attack my servant!" His Monster's staff re-appeared before he launched himself towards its Violet Counterpart.
The opposite Spellcaster twirled his wand before pulling his weapon up to block a strike from the Scarlet Sorcerer before jumping back gaining distance from his opponent.
"Dark Magic Attack!" Commanded the two duellists.
In a perfect synchronised fashion, they charged towards each other with their weapons drawn. A bright light appeared as they came into contact causing a minor explosion of red and mauve coloured particles to rain on the field.
"They're both destroyed but mine won't remain in the graveyard for long." Smirked the Macabre male before frowning as his opponent gave his own arrogant smile.
"Funny because mine won't either."
With an angry snarl he yelled out "I activate Monster Reborn and bring back My Dark Magician!" The card flipped up before it gave out a bright light as a dark figure jumped out of the gateway. The being landed with a gentle step on the field, softly venting out in exhaustion, as it stood In Front of its master.
"My turn then!" Yami grabbed the card on top of his deck before immediately placing it with the other card in his hand. "I activate my face-down card, Monster Reborn!"
A gentle glow appeared before his own Dark Magician descended from the card-shaped portal and he too softly landed on the field opposite of his enemy. Unlike his opposite he didn't look worn out if anything he looked worriedly at his twin.
" Arcana… your monster. " Said this partner as he gazed at the trembling wizard. "He's exhausted. " Whispered the soft-hearted boy. " He can't keep up."
"I praise you, Pandora." The mauve eyes of the King soften "Your skills as a duellist so far are something to admire. Yet you lead me down here Arcana." He gestured to the tent and arena they are in. "To a duel that the winner will roam free but with a guilty conscience that their opponent suffered at their hands."
"Clearly you have suffered." Came the soft baritone of the Egyptian King.
The Masked being lips twitched before he gently touched the mask hiding his face. "Once I was the greatest illusionist and Magician since Harry Houdini himself." His eyes glimmered as he thought back at what he once was. "My act was the envy of the entire magic world, and I loved every minute of it all. I had all Money fame but more importantly I had her, my sweet Catherine." Though he was trying to hide it, the corners of his mouth were twitching upwards at the mere mention of the name.
"She was my inspiration." His hand covered his face as small drops were dripping from underneath his mask. "We were going to be married until that fateful day. It was a routine escape trick. I've done it a million times but as everyone looked on, something went horribly wrong."
He pulled off his mask revealing a stiff leather like skin surrounding his eyes and across his nose. There were signs of skin grafting but clearly the original injury was too severe to heal properly. The Ancient being flinched at the sight of the scar. "I lost my career and in a way myself that they. I wasn't the same man."
"I lost her." Tears were falling freely from the scared man's face "I drove her away, Yugi. I was a broken man. I didn't want her to see me ruined." He stared at his scarred hand "I didn't want her to be corrupted by a hideous beast."
"She stood by me despite what happened, and I hurt her!" Wept Pandora. "I realised I couldn't live without her. I searched for her, but it was too late she left me." The illusionist clouded orbs locked with the Pharaoh's, he couldn't contain his smile. "My life was over until I met my master, he made me an offer, that if I could kill you, he would help me get her back."
Yami couldn't even muster the energy to feel angry at the broken man. All he could do was shake his head at the adult. "Working for Marik will only lead you to more pain and suffering Arcana. Marik cares about no-one but himself. He'll say and do anything to get what he wants. It's not too late to set us free."
The sorrow filled magician gave a sorrow filled smile. "It's a cruel world, Yugi. You'll find that out soon enough. There are very few things you can count on and even fewer people." He placed the mask back on his face. "But I am counting on my master to bring Catherine back into my arms."
A light had turned on behind him showing a sitting silhouette behind a pair of curtains. The silhouette had delicate features that most women were blessed with. The kidnapper practically swooned at the sight. "There she is waiting for me just like Marik Promised." He tilted his gaze at his tri-coloured opponent "He's a man of honour Yugi, you shouldn't be so quick to judge people."
"Give me a minute my darling." He cooed at the silhouette "I must destroy Yugi then we can be together forever."
The Pharaoh glared at the deranged man "No sane human being would allow a death match to continue, especially if the person they care about is going to cause harm to someone" He pointed in his opponent's direction.
"You are a fool to trust in him. You've allowed Marik to taint the person you cared about most." He closed his eyes as he gently placed his hand on the object that was his tomb and home "Like with the people you care about. Just like in a duel, you must trust in one another."
He snapped his eyes open "You should've placed your trust in yourself and in your cards, but you rely on tricks and illusions to win instead of believing in your deck. And that will be your downfall."
Arcana scoffed at the child "Yugi you are more naïve than I thought. They are just cards and nothing more."
"That is your problem, they are not just cards; my heart is in my deck and that is something you'll never understand."
The ghoul duellist just huffed in annoyance "You talk about your faith in the cards Yugi but that will be your downfall." He saw the boy bristle at the threat. "I knew you'd depend on your Dark Magician to bail you out." He grinned before pointing at his deck "So I built my dealing deck with one purpose to take it away from you."
"And the moment those blades touch you, you will lose more than a limb." He cackled "Your host will die and you, little ghost, will experience the pain of loneliness, as I have, for an eternity since no-one else can use that little trinket. You will be forgotten once again!"
X
Location: Domino City, Central, Kaiba Tower
The various sounds of the clacking of Keyboards filled the room before being interrupted by the hissing sound of the elevator doors opening. Revealing two figures walking towards the large monitor at the edge of the control room.
"It's been twenty-five minutes since I gave out the order to my enforcers," The being known as Kaiba sat down on one of the large chairs in the room. "Yugi still hasn't reappeared on our duellist tracking system. His duel disk won't operate unless it has a connection to the Tournament Tracking Computer."
"Or another Compatible system" Chimed in his younger brother "Since the tracking system can't locate him and if Yugi ends up in a duel against the ghouls. It's most likely a false duel system. Right?"
The chestnut-haired male nodded "Exactly, they don't want me watching where my duellist's locations are, at all times." He gazed at the large screen with a contemplated frown "If I can find Yugi, I can find other potential missing contestants."
' Right now, I've got the entire map of Domino in front of me and only a handful of messengers, four enforcers and an untold number of Hunters. ' He furrowed his brow in thought as an old lecture from his father came to mind. 'Adversaries will do the simplest thing they need to do to make an attack work .'
He brought the keyboard closer to him as type in a few system commands. ' If I don't know how many adversaries I'm facing, then the best option is to refine my search and Isolate the areas that work with my system. ' Entered the new command system before standing up to address his hirelings.
"Search for every computer network in Battle City that is compatible with the Duelling system, check if any unknown Dual ring is being accessed and make it snappy." Commanded the CEO.
There came a reply of a chorus of "Yes, sir."
"I figure that a basement or something is blocking the transmission from reaching, so it's somewhere close. Any system that refuses to identify themselves will be marked for investigation."
"I'll take the street's" Said Mokuba as he jogged towards the Elevator "I'll be starting Domino East, Radio me when you get a location." The doors closed as he saw his brother continue to gaze at the computer.
The CEO grabbed at the small radio on his colour "Hagane when you're done go to Domino East. Monitor Mokuba. That's an order."
X
Location: Domino City, Domino Park, Magician's Tent
"I meant it as a joke!" Shouted Tristan as he dodged a swipe from the demented clown before immediately blocking a second swipe, with a steel pipe he got from the ground. "Clowns aren't overrated, I think they're cool!" As he dodged another hit, he grabbed the jester by the arm as he flipped him over his shoulder. The being back flipped and landed gracefully on their feet giving a simple bow with their hands. "I'm thinking that maybe I should have taken gymnastics." Grumble the Judo user.
The clown twirled its weapon gleefully as it seemed to dance closer to him. ' This is bad.' Thought the high schooler as exhaustion was taking hold. ' I'm exhausted, I still haven't found and I'm about to be the typical Jock that dies in a horror movie stereotype. '
He tightened his hold on the steel pole. "I'm going to ask you this once, what did you do with the old man and my friend." They tilted their heads in confused fashion at the question. Tristan gritted his teeth in annoyance "If you gonna-"
"Excuse me." The motorcyclist jerked his head to the side as heard a deep male voice from the entrance of the tent. "He's fine, I dealt with the undesirable that attempted to take him as for you, friend." The form of the large being came into light. "I'm hoping this one will give me better answers."
The man that appeared next to him was a giant for a lack of a better term. He was a male in his mid-thirties with hazel coloured spiked hair. He wore large sunglasses preventing anyone from seeing his eyes. His outfit comprised a two-piece white outfit and black trimmings with the large KC signature on the right side of his thorax. On his shoulder were large, spiked shoulder pads, thick armguards with a metal plate on the forearm. He wore large silver heeled shoes with spiked tips. In his hand was a crumbled-up mask that reminded Tristan of the same one his adversary was currently wearing.
This guy was the embodiment of what you expected a bodyguard to be.
The man noted his young charge's cuts and scrapes. "Not bad Kid, but I'll take it from here." He dropped the broken mask before reaching over to grab the makeshift weapon from the young boy.
"Mind of I?"
"Uh… sure go ahead." Mumbled the brunette in shock as the bodyguard grabbed the steel pole. The Guard nodded in thanks before turning his attention to the joker in front of him. It was no longer bouncing on the ball of its heels. Rather it held up the scythe in a defence position of the being chest.
The giant lifted the weapon and took a massive swing at the clown. The opponent lifted his weapon up to defend himself. What hit the scythe wasn't the steel pipe in fact the steel pipe was tossed to the side. What had hit the sickle was the large man's fist which had wrapped around the base of the weapon.
Before the Jester realised what had happened, the muscled male whipped the weapon away before landing a solid punch on the cretin's face A loud crack was heard as the mask caved in and possibly even the assailant's nose. The joker laid motionless on the ground.
The brunette expected… honestly; he didn't know what he expected.
"My boy, are you alright?" At the sound of Mr. Mutou, Tristan finally allowed exhaustion to take hold over his body as he collapsed at the foot of the stage. His hands were slicked with blood from the minor cuts he had received during the showdown. He gave a slight wincing grin at the old man. "I've been better, sadly I didn't get any information out of them." The grandfather took off his bandanna before wiping the blood off the young male hands.
"Not in the way you expected, kid." Rumbled the larger male as he placed his shades back on. He crouched down to the unconscious figures on the ground. He padded and felt around the clown's outfit before taking out a small paper.
"Are the two of you aware of any places called Pandora's Cards and Rarity's Emporium?"
Tristan's eyes widened at the name "Wait we were there!" He winced as Solomon tightened the small makeshift bandage, that was made from the elder's bandanna, around his hand "Two days ago, in fact. We went there to get your boss' new duel disks for the tournament." The enforcer grinned, the two figures reflecting in the man's shades, as the piece of information confirmed his suspicion.
"I believe I know where your friend is."
X
Location: Domino City, North C, Pandora's Cards and Rarity's Emporium
The spirit grit his teeth in unfathomable rage. Not for himself but for Yugi.. his host… partner… brother. He needn't be dragged into this mess where no one would come out unscathed.
"So tell me little fantôme … What must it be like to have nothing? Not even memories to revisit in the middle of the night…"
The mad jester delighted in the pained expression that flashed on the previous young king. The subtle quake of his fingers barely holding on the precious cards. "That's what you're really after isn't it, little ghost ? The scary but undeniable truth. Their hearts… their memories. You want to drag them down into the darkness with you so that when you go back, it won't be as lonely… you are as insane as I… just as alone but immensely worse."
Yugi could feel the tremble of his own body as it rested in the might of the pharoah's hold. There was a terrible twisting raging in his belly. It hurts… he was hurting and… afraid?
"If you value your tongue you will stop your senseless threats and continue with your turn." Yami sneered at the fool. Yugi looked at him with worry. His voice was as sharp as glass but its edge dulled with fear. Yami was barely holding himself together. Lonely, afraid and desperate. Those were very familiar feelings to Yugi but he would not let him fall. They were together and they would prevail. The jester just snickers at the young king's barely held threat. He had him. "What the matter? I'm just speaking the truth, fantôme. " He turned back to his deck and drew a card. "One must learn to accept it. I place one card face down and ended my turn." The card that Pandora's had placed down appeared behind his monster who had now stopped panting in exhaustion and had returned to its signature Monster stance, though it still had a worn-out expression on its face.
"My turn then." The Pharaoh drew a card from his deck before placing it in his hand and grabbed two cards "I set two cards face-down. I also end my turn."
The entertainer drew a card before he started giggling at the sight of the card in his hand. He looked up at the boy with an enormous grin on his face. "Are you ready Yugi, because I promise you this turn I will attack your life points." taunted the adult.
Yami narrowed his eyes at the threat "Careful what promises you make Arcana. You might not keep them."
The deranged jester just laughed at him before thrusting a card in the spell and trap slots "I activate the Spell Card 'Beckon to the dark'!" The card flipped up revealing a picture of an armoured hand. The lightning struck from the card before clouds started forming over the heads of the two duelists. There was a rumbling roar as more lightning struck the area between them.
The clouds parted revealing a large clawed armoured hand. "Beckon to the Dark allows me to send one face-up monster to the Graveyard. Want to take a guess on which one I'm going to send?" he asked with a gleeful expression. The clawed gauntlet grabbed the violet monster with surprising quickness. Yugi's monster struggles within the monster's grasp, attempting to escape its fate.
"I won't allow that to happen!" Shouted Arcana's opponent as he thrusted an arm at his direction "I reveal my trap card "Mystical Refpanel"
"I can only activate this card when my opponent uses a spell card that affects the player, their card, or if a spell card on one side of the field is activated." The hand released the imprisoned monster before reaching for the red-coloured duplicate of its previous prey. "The effect of that Spell Card applies to another target instead. Like your monster!"
"I knew you'd do that, ' morveux ' . In fact, I was hoping you would!" He snickered before tapping on his disk "I activated my own trap card 'Nightmare's Chains'!" The clawed hand and the Mystical Refpanel trap card shattered in small pieces.
" That's another forbidden card. It was banned near the beginning of the game because of the unfair advantage it gives. "
"It negates the trap and destroys it but there's more to this little trick." Chains slipped out of the card before shooting towards the Violet Magician wrapping around his waist.
"What?!" Exclaimed Yami as his Monster struggled at the chains that were growing tighter by the second. " Yugi, what does that card do? " His eye flicked to his partner waiting for an explanation only to see his hikari adorning a pale expression. " You're about to find out. There is nothing we can do to counter it ." Said Yugi with a horrified expression as a metal cross slowly seeped out of the ground till it stood next to the ex-ruler.
The iron chains pulled the struggling spellcaster towards the metal object. Despite its desperate attempt to wrestle the chain away the magician was pressed against the contraption and his arms were forced to spread out as the metal rope tied the creature's hands and arms to the crucifix. It cried out in pain as its palms were pierced with the spikes on the contraption causing the being to drop his staff causing it to clatter to the ground.
"No! Dark Magician!" shouted the spirit.
"What the matter? You look terrified." Snickered the burned being seeing the distressed look on the boy's face. "Think of it as a punishment for going against his true master. After all, disobedient beings learn well from fear."
"No honourable duelist would use such a deprived card, Arcana!" Hissed Yami as he saw his monster struggle and grimace in pain.
"Don't be so melodramatic Yugi." laughed the jester ""All it does is forbid your monster from attacking or changing their battle position and you cannot free him as it makes the monster immune to other card effects." He replied, grinning at the realisation forming on the boy's face. "Oh, that's not all! It not only makes one of your monster zones useless but basically put your monster out of the game" He looked on in gleeful amusement.
"If my opponent controls no other monsters, any monsters I control can attack my opponent" he smirked as his scarlet wizard slowly raised its weapon towards his doppelgänger's master "Directly."
"Now my monster, attack Yugi directly!"
Silence greeted him Despite the command that was given the magician was still as it stared at his target with a conflicted look on its marked face.
You don't understand why the dragon doesn't attack. It's because your heart isn't in that card. Its fate and loyalty are clashing.
Arcana looks at the creature with a dumbfounded expression "What are you waiting for? Attack him!" The sorcerer glowered as it heard its master again.
"Try again Arcana, maybe there is a glitch in the system." Grinned Yugi before his smile turned into a smirk "If you want, I can give him the order maybe that will work." Laughed the smaller Pharoah lookalike as he egged on the so-called 'Master' Magician. " Yugi? " Questioned the now spirit form of his Yami. His eyes were filled with the look of confusion and concern. "Let me handle it. He needs help." whispered Yugi as the Red monster raised its staff in its shaking hands.
Tiny tremors raked his frame as it looked up at its twin with a nervous glance seeing him being inflicted with pain and agony. "It's okay." His eyes widen before looking at the owner of the voice. Grey eyes met the magenta ones of his 'target' who had adjourned a gentle smile. "I don't blame you… go ahead."
"I said attack!" Screamed the ghoul unaware of the conversation taking place between his duel monster and opponent. The magician twirled his staff before thrusting it at the young duelist's direction. Black lightning shot out towards Yugi.
Yugi bit his lip keeping himself from yelling in pain the moment it made contact with the tri-coloured male as it caused agony to course through his body as his life points lowered from 4000 to 1500. When the pain finally relented, he gave a slight gasp of air as he felt his body shake. ' Yeah… Shadow Magic is definitely involved .' Thought the boy as he wiped the spit from his mouth ' A normal duel is not supposed to hurt .' He looked up to see the mirthful expression on Arcana's face. His eyes flick to the side to see the worried look of his Dark magician especially as it stared at the blade saw inching closer towards his owner.
" Yugi that's enough I'll take over now. " he felt the reverberating voice of his partner echo in his head. "'Yeah sure. I'd appreciate that." Whispered the young male before closing his eyes.
X
Location: Domino City, North C
" Pandora's Cards and Rarity's Emporium? "
"Yes sir, I believe that's where the boy is being held." Inform the large male over the small handheld device as he and his two charges run to their destination. "Currently on route to the location."
" Keep at it. Mokuba should be in that location as well, Hagane. Inform me when the culprit is apprehended. "
"Understood." He placed the phone back. "We'll be meeting Mokuba-sama at the location."
"Is that a good idea?" Asked Tristan as he tried to keep up with the guy."Bringing in a kid I mean."
Hagane didn't look back but replied "You and I can break down doors and bust skulls but what happens if we can't get in. Our next option would be hacking."
"Of course! Where the body lacks, the mind will pick up the slack." huffed Solomon Sugoroku Mutou as he attempted to match the pace of the other two.
X
Location: Domino City, North C, Pandora's Cards and Rarity's Emporium
"Given Up yet?" Cooed the deranged performer "I'd appreciate it if you did. I have places to be and a wedding to plan."
"And give up a chance to prove you wrong?" The eyes opened the violet orbs now tainted with small specks of red. He smirked as he drew a card "I couldn't pass that up."
"Such bravado. I'm not sure what's more terrible you're acting or your sense of humour."
"Maybe a bit of both." He murmured before plucking the monster card 'Big Shield Gardna' from his hand. "I place one monster face down in defence mode." The card appeared next to the bound form of his Dark Magician. ' Right now, the best I could do is defend my life-points and with Gardna it should keep me safe long enough until I can figure out a way out of this but until then.' '
"I end my turn, Your move Arcana." He looked up as his turn finished.
"And move I will." He grinned as his gaze laid down to the card in his hand. "Now Yugi, it seems my show has finally reached its climax. That turn was your last!" cackled Pandora "Now to start off this finale I'll place one card face-down and now I summon one monster, meet The Doll of Demise!"
What appeared out of the card is what Yugi could only describe to his friend: Is a Demon possessed Puppet with an axe and the impatience of a serial killer. Clearly this deranged Pinocchio wanted to be a real boy and he was going to be one even if he had to wear your skin to do so. With an attack power of 1600 and defence with 1700 it had every right.
"That monster and your two face-down cards may prevent me from attacking you with them but there is another way for me to reach your life point. With this card!" He jammed a card in his trap and spell slot.
"I activate my Continuous Magic Card Ectoplasmer!"
He had an amused expression on his face as he pointed a finger at his puppet's direction. "Here is a little demonstration of this card's abilities. First, I choose the fiend type." As soon as the jester said it the card was enveloped in a white aurora. "Lets see ah, I tribute Malice Doll of Demise." The monster's form gave the same ominous aurora as the card before a white wisp floated from the monster before being absorbed in the card. It resulted in the monster's form crumbling to the ground in a lifeless heap.
"This card absorbed the life essence of my monster and converted half of it into energy and the other half into well..." Before Yami could inquire, the card emitted a large blast of energy in his direction. The hit caused him to gasp out in pain as his body arched from the hit of energy.
"Attack Points…Half of my monster's attack will come out of your life-points." at that the Pharaoh looked down to see his life points go from 1500 to 700. "With that the edge of death comes ever closer." He looked to the side to see the blade a few inches away from their leg.
I'll explain in case you didn't understand. I can choose two types of monsters to be converted into ectoplasm, I can tribute one face-up monster and if I do, it will inflict damage to my opponent equal to half the original ATK of the tributed monster."
" That's an outdated card. I'm surprised the database still allowed it. " An annoyed look came over his Aibou as he facepalmed. " Right false duel system. Damn it. "
"Wait, you said two types. Why two?" Asked the ex-ruler as he saw the scarlet Magician expression raged from shock to fear as it slowly turned its head to look at his master in pure terror.
"Well, it's quite simple, Yugi." Said the trickster with a Cheshire grin as his eyes turned into narrow slits "I can use this ability twice.
"You're a monster!" Growled the ancient king "You're willing to sacrifice your own comrade's soul, have you no heart?!"
The Rare hunter shrugged his shoulders "I'll do whatever I must if it means I can have Catherine back in my arms. My monster is nothing but a steppingstone to get there." A slight bliss smile appeared on his face. "You wouldn't understand unless you've felt it. Love can make people feel euphoric, as if we are all that matters in a universe." His mouth twitched before it turned into a frown. "It can also make us feel sad and desperate, as if we're losing our mind." His eyes darkened as he finished his description "I lost my grip on reality a long time ago, Le petite fantôme ."
"Arcana you've gone too far… If you continue this your monster will turn on you in the end." warned Yami as he clenched his fist in anger.
"You are the master; they are the servants. And they should ensure victory for you even if it means you must destroy them to get there." Retorted the entertainer. "My Dark magician devotes its life and soul to my needs. Now I believe it's time, I activate-"
"You would sacrifice me?" a trembling raspy voice resounded in the room. The form of the red magician turned to look at Arcana "Have I not been faithful, my master?" A pained expression was plastered on the monster's face as he looked at his betrayer.
"If you really are then why are you disobeying me?!" Snapped the scarred figure before attempting to re-activate the magic card. The monster slowly turned away from its master and resigned itself to its fate.
"He is speaking to you, begging for his life and yet you continue." Whispered the lithe figure in shock.
This is your punishment for Losing to me! And to your card for betraying the last time!
He felt his body shake in fury. "You do not deserve to be called a duelist much less his master."
The card 'Ectoplasmer' gave its sickening glow, clearly not caring for the drama that was unfolding before it, only desiring a tribute of a soul to feed its endless hunger. The same aura surrounded the red being as said, being looked up to stare at his twin before looking at his killer's opponent.
"I wish you were my master." Came a soft whisper from the marked being's lips before his form crumpled to the ground as the aura of the monster was absorbed into the card. The sight of his red counterpart form caused the violet Spellcaster to struggle furiously against his prison.
"Say goodbye to the rest of your life points!" A large ray of energy shot out from the card towards the ancient figure.
The Dark Magician gritted his teeth before the same colour of the energy of ectoplasm enveloped his form. A white wisp floated from the magician's body causing it to slump forward in the chains that held it up. The wisp thrusted itself in front of the Pharoah's form, protecting him, as the energy of the Ectoplasmer card collided with it causing a bright explosion. Smoke and light blinding the inhabitants of the duel ring.
"Well, that's the finale I guess." Chortled Pandora before looking down at the box laying at his feet. He'd prefer to leave before the screaming starts. ' Odd .' He thought as the number of his opponent's life points didn't decrease. ' Is there a glitch in the system? He couldn't have survived that. '
His eyes widened as the smoke cleared revealing the form of his opponent. The blade hadn't even moved an inch. His life points hadn't even gone down. "I don't understand, y-you were defeated!" stuttered the now terrified jester. His opponent was unresponsive, and he couldn't see the boy's expression as the tri-coloured hair covered his eyes.
"Answer me!"
"I am unsure of how this outcome came to be but I am certain of one thing, Arcana." Came the stern voice of the spirit. He looked up back to his opponent, his mauve eyes had disappeared and in its place was a dark red crimson stain. "I will no longer show you mercy. You have dug your own grave."
' This makes little sense! Was it because there were two Dark Magicians on the field? Did this cause an error - '
"Are you done?" Snapped the spirit.
"Fine." Hissed the ghoul as he pressed a small button showing the end of his turn. ' At least I am prepared if he tries anything. Not that it will matter. I still have two Dark Magicians in my deck remaining. '
"My turn." Yami looked at the card before placing it on one of his monster zones "I summon Gazelle the King of Mythical Beasts in Attack Position."
A muscled beast jumped out of the card that had appeared on the field, it opened its maw and let out a deep growl. The mane covered most of the lion-like face of the beast. The claws, teeth and horn of the beast gave a menacing glint in the tent's light.
' Predictable! ' Grinned Arcana "You activated my trap card Shadow Balance!"
A large scale appeared above the field of the two duelists. One really couldn't call it a scale as it contained a large gaping maw, tail, and feet. At the base of two normal plates were the creature's two eyes.
"I can activate this card when my opponent Summons a monster or more than one monster, and if they control more monsters than myself." The Jester held up two fingers. "In your case you have two monsters while I have nothing." As he said this the scale creature opened its mouth causing the face-down monster and Gazelle to be sucked in. Disappearing from the field.
The spirit's eyes widened as he saw his two monsters, the now revealed Gardna and Gazelle, in one of the plates. "It will now force us to have the same number of monsters on the field."
"But you have no monsters!" As the King finished his sentence. The plate that contained his two monsters started closing the sharp teeth that adorned the plates dug in their flesh causing them to cry out in pain before disappearing in broken pieces.
" He doesn't care about their pain at all. He only wants others to suffer. " Whispered his previous silenced light as his hands covered his face " I want him to stop. " The small, tiny whisper of a command was nearly enough to make him delve into his shadow magic again.
Yami gritted his teeth as the emotion of rage and hatred nearly overflowed. Despite the want, the need to teach the in se ct where he belonged. He needed to reign in his emotions. For both their sakes. He quietly exhaled before looking back up to his opponent "I end my turn. Make it count, Arcana"
' Cheeky ' Glared Pandora as he drew a card ' Not that it bothers me because I just sealed your fate .' Snickered the adult as he gazed on the card that would guarantee his victory.
"As you've probably noticed, I need to sacrifice weaker monsters to summon stronger high-level ones." Grinned the entertainer as he lifted a card "But there are a few selected cards that allow a duelist to summon those monsters without sacrifice. Right now, I need to ensure I can use it safely." He jammed a card in one of the slots.
"I activate the Mystical Space typhoon! I destroy the card on your left." A torrent of wind appeared on the targeted card causing it to flip up revealing the spell-card 'Fissure' before it shattered apart.
"Now I activate the Magic Card 'Dark Magic Curtain'! This card allows me to Special Summon one Dark Magician" from my Deck. At the cost of paying half my life-points but it's a small price to pay for this is your defeat." Grinned the Maniac as the sinister contraption appeared.
The curtains were a blood red colour that kept the portal, where the monster would appear, hidden. The curtain kept shifting and moving as if there was an invisible breeze in the room. On the top is a skeleton figure with a pentagram symbol one the adornments of what looked like a demonised fitting room.
"Come forth, Dark magician!" The skeleton-being grabbed at the curtain before throwing it aside revealing the familiar figure of Arcana's Dark Magician. Unlike its usual mischievous expression this one adjourned a neutral, distant look. As it jumped off the Dark Curtain's platform.
"Are you ready Yugi?! It's time for the finale!" Laughed Arcana before thrusting his finger at his opponent. "Attack My Monster, Destroy him!"
A purple aura surrounded the Magician as it threw itself at his target. It raised its staff preparing to finish his opponent off it. Before it couldn't finish this action, the monster paused as the room erupted in a bright red light. It looked down seeing a sigil slowly being carved the ground underneath their feet.
"I had a feeling the card you placed on the field would ensure any magic or trap card that targets your Magician would be negated." The spirit grinned as he looked down seeing the sigil nearing its completion. "Instead, I placed a trap card that will help me summon a powerful monster, but it requires a specific condition in order to activate."
"I reveal my trap card 'Magician's Circle!'." A card flipped up revealing a picture of a crystal ritual altar.
"In order to use this a spellcaster monster is required; it can either be from my side of the field." Yami pointed to his Opponent. "Or yours. Second said monster must attack. It can be a direct attack, or it could attack a monster."
Small glowing particles started appearing from the sign on the ground, as the glow slightly dimmed, some specks floated past the ancient being causing the tri-coloured hair to slightly shift.
"When all these conditions are met. Each player can special summon one Spellcaster monster with 2000 or less ATK from their Deck in Attack Position. You may summon one first Arcana. Or have you run out of pawns to use?"
' You brat. You're just prolonging your demise .' The macabre duellist gritted his death as he tried to remember if he had any duplication of Legion the Fiend Jester or Hannibal necromancer. "I'm afraid not but not that I needed it because 2000 Attack points is far too weak to defeat my monster." Cackled the duellist.
"In your eyes maybe but I realised something quite early in our duel. You are a pathetic man that claims to be a Master, but you are unaware of a monster card related to that of the Dark Magician."
"You are lying, there is no-" he was interrupted as the tri-coloured male snapped at him.
"Be quiet! I have grown tired of this charade, and I've delayed this duel long enough." He thrusted his hand towards his opponent. "I special summon the Magician disciple, Dark Magician Girl!"
The ground ripped open, in the middle of the arena, as a small feminine figure flew up before softly landing on her feet. The female's outfit is composed of an off-the-shoulders garment that extends to her upper-thighs and ends up as a pink skirt. It is blue with pink trimmings and a few touches of yellow. Her hat is, similar to that of the monster in front of her, pointed but unlike them hers was blue, along with pink rings and a pink spiral on one side. Her legs were decorated with boots reaching halfway up her thighs, and her wand, which is blue, has a spiral which is like the one on her hat, that was coloured yellow. On her arms, she wore pink and blue gauntlets.
Gentle blonde locks were hidden under the hat. Blushed cheeks graced her face as she gave a sympathetic smile at her opponent's Magician as her emerald eyes shined with unshed tears.
The escape artist blinked, dumbfounded at the monster in front of him. "That's what you're betting your life on? A Magician's Assistant?" He scoffed before smirking "She only has 2000 attack points, that's nothing compared to my monster 2500!" He thrusted his hand forward in a dramatic fashion "Destroy her!"
"Dark Magician Girl." Called Yami. She looked over her shoulder at her owner as their eyes met. Green to Red. "Save him. Release him of this suffering." She nodded before turning to her unwilling opponent. The scarlet being appeared in front of the disciple with his weapon raised a black energy orb at its tip. She raised her own weapon as a violet energy consumed the wand's tip.
"Dark Magic Attack!"
"Dark Burning Attack!"
The two imposing forces collided causing the area's light to burst as shadow and darkness engulfed the room.
"Finally, I WIN!" Shouted Arcana as he saw a dark figure in the smog was all that remained behind from the battle.
"Is that so?"
He made a face but before the jester could utter a sound. He felt his throat close as the figure revealed to be not his monster but that of the Dark Magician Girl. His hand shook as he looked around trying to find his own Magician "I-I don't understand w-where… w-where is my monster and why is yours still here!?" stuttered the now terrified being. ' It makes no sense; my monster should have won. He's attack points was higher than the girl's'
"You really are a sad excuse of a Spellcaster user." Mutter the ex-king. "I'll tell you; Dark Magician girl gains a unique ability when her teacher has fallen before her. She gains 300 Attack points for each Dark Magician sleeping in the graveyard. The soul of her master strengthens her." Behind the disciple a familiar spirit figure of the Dark Magician appeared standing in his signature crossed arm stance.
' That still makes little sense, he only has one Dark Magician in his graveyard. She would have had only 2300 attack points. My monster should have won. It doesn't make any sense!' Panicked Pandora.
"You still haven't figured it out." Sighed Yami in exasperation as he closed his eyes. "If you really are a Dark Magician user, then the truth should be spread out before you." He opened his eyes. "Look Closer."
' Look closer? ' He narrowed his eyes at the duel monster trying to find this so-called 'truth'. ' Wait… what's that? ' The striped man rubbed his eyes. Not believing the sight that greeted him. Next to the apparition of Yugi's Dark Magician was his own. "M-my monster is t-there as well!" Shrieked the Duellist in terror as the magician turned to him. Glaring daggers at him.
Pets are free to choose who they point their fangs at. You forgot that, so you lose.
"My monster gains power from all Dark Magicians in both graveyards. That is 2600 which is stronger than your monster's 2500." The scarlet apparition grinned before ruffling the female disciple's hair causing her to quietly giggle at the attention. "His trust betrayed; your monster has fought against you." The Magenta Magician facepalmed, as his scarlet brother pulled a mocking face at his abuser, before yanking him by his scruff causing the monster to stop with a put on his lips. The interaction between the three monsters caused a small smile to appear over the Pharaoh's face.
"Pandora, all that awaits you is your last act of cruelty. ."
At that statement the jester face paled, the realisation that he was truly defeated.
The spirit gave a slight feral grin at seeing his opponent now truly fearful of their life. "It's my turn, Arcana, you know what that means." The apparitions disappeared leaving the female spellcaster behind as she re-adjusted her hat. "Dark Magician Girl." The girl twirled her wand as she awaited her command.
"Attack him directly!"
x
Location: Domino City, North C, Outside of Pandora's Cards and Rarity's Emporium
"This is where we got the duel disks, you think he's in there?" Asked Tristan as he gently knocked on the door of the shop.
"Big brother said the computer system here kept blocking our system when we tried to investigate the area." The youngest Kaiba stood next to the brunette. "If it can block our computer, then the chances of there being a false duel system here is much higher than you think."
Tristan looked back at seeing the larger male currently talking on his radio, probably calling for backup. He turned to look at the elderly male who had for the umpteenth time tried to call Téa or his student Joseph. Muttering under his breath on 'what a scolding' he was going to give them.
"It's all sorted." Rumbled Hagane as he stood in front of the closed shop. The motorcyclist nodded before looking back at the door. "So, when is back-up coming?"
The armoured male looked at him with a confused expression "Back-up? I didn't call for back-up…"
"Then… who did you call? A locksmith?"
The guy grinned before he lifted a steel heel "An Ambulance." He foot connected at the door's hinges causing the door to loosen and parts of the glass door to crack. A second hit shattered the door entirely. Fragments falling to the door and breaking it into smaller pieces.
Hagane sighed in annoyance as he walked over the debris. The glass emitting a solid crunch with every step as he gazed at the surroundings. "Mmm this building was supposed to be demolished weeks ago. Wonder why the contractor delayed it?" He rubbed his chin as he took in the various, barely painted over, cracks on the walls.
"Um Mokuba aren't we gonna get in trouble for breaking and entering?" Whispered the brunette in worry as he looked at the now destroyed entrance of the fake shop. The haired Gremlin just grinned at him "Don't worry well just say it's Battle City business. Which it technically is." He shrugged before following his brother's enforcer.
"My Dad would say otherwise." mumbled Tristan as he rubbed the back of his head.
"I'll stay out here for when the um… ambulance arrives. Don't want to think they were pranked now do we?" Winked Mr. Mutou which Tristan gave a thumbs up in response. He quietly jogged up to the other two in the building.
"It's kind of small… there is probably a back room or something." Said the Kuriboh lookalike as he gazed around the room. "Move to bookcase Hagane, there could be a blocked door. I wouldn't be surprised if this building had a basement staircase." The enforcer nodded before grabbing the display case, the slight strain caused his veins at his neck to bulge, before heaving the large wooden furniture to the side.
Like Mokuba said there was indeed an additional room. The brunette was about to take a step inside before a giant hand stopped him from entering. He looked up at the owner of the hand. "Um, something wrong man?" The enforcer didn't answer as he took a careful step waiting for any potential trap or ambush.
"So um Mokuba… Who is this guy?" Whispered the highschool boy.
"You've seen many people with KaibaCorp uniforms right? Well, they are basically like law enforcers, they make sure people are playing fair and to make sure the rare-hunters don't harass the contestants. Then you get people like Hagane." He pointed in the giant's direction. "They're called enforcers. They respond to serious problems that happen in Battle City like what's happening to Yugi but they have other purposes too."
"Like what?" Asked Tristan as he and Mokuba followed their guide as they were slowly descending the staircase.
"They fight the Ghouls too and investigate potential hide-outs so we can deal with it or get the police to at least arrest them but they're primary function is being walking vaults." Seeing the brunette's confusion the Battle City commissioner explained. "Duelists can battle them to win very rare cards. They have three levels of difficulty. The higher the level the bigger the rewards but if you lose against them you lose your rarest card and not a locator card."
"Huh, so it's encouraged to play against them to strengthen your deck?" The kid nodded -
"WATCH OUT!"
Tristan immediately grabbed the younger child and held him close to his chest as he forced them to duck down. There was a terrible metal to metal grinding sound, similar to that whenever he worked with a blowtorch in his boss's metal body shop, he looked up when silence had reached his ears.
His voice hitch in his throat at the sight that greeted him. A saw blade, roundabout the size of his own head, was embedded in the bodyguard's forearm guard as he stood protectively in front of them. There wasn't a gush of blood so either the force the thing came down on wasn't too bad or this guy's armour was strong enough to make Batman question the quality of his own gear.
"Young Master are you alright?" The scruffy head popped out of Tristan's arms and he gave the giant man a smile before looking on in shock at the contraption.
"You okay?"
"Quite but we need to be careful as we head further down." Informed Hagane as he unlatched his arm guard causing it to fall to the ground with a heavy thud. "Tristan, right?"
"Yeah, that's my name."
The large male carefully took off his sunglasses as he stared ahead seeing a metallic door with a symbol of a question mark painted on. "The moment I tell you to take the boy and run, will you do as I say?"
The motorcyclist gave him a nervous glance. He had an idea what he meant by that, but the implication could also mean that his friend was in bigger danger than he realised. He nodded at his senpai as the three of them moved closer towards the door.
"There's no door handle?" Muttered Mokuba in disbelief and annoyance before looking at Hagane "Think you can break it down?"
The giant gently pushed at the door gouging to see if the door swings inward or outward. The door didn't budge at all. It swings outward, great… Hagane frowned at their luck "This will not be easy or quiet so stand back." At that, Mokuba ran back to the staircase entrance.
Tristan looked at the door before tapping at the wall. "Is the door sturdier than the wall?" The enforcer blinked at the question before looking at the door then at the wall. A wide grin crawled on his face as he understood the boy's implication.
X
The light from Dark Magician girl's wand faded as the familiar chime, the life point timer when it reached zero, echoed in the area. She gave a twirl before disappearing as the duel finally ended. Yami looked down as he heard a small click of the box opening to reveal the key to his shackle and a locator card. At least he got something out of this. Still, he really wished he didn't drag his partner into his mess. He quickly grabbed them before pocketing the card.
"H-how…?"
Hearing the small whisper he looked back up to his opponent, whose current form was silently shaking as small strands of smoke lingered from his monster's attack. "For a duellist not to cherish the bond between your cards, you were destined to walk down the path of failure." He saw the ghoul's hand slowly clenched into a ignored and continued. "It was your disrespect and your misuse of your own monsters that caused you to lose your duel Arcana."
The Pharaoh gave a slight jump of fright as heard a loud bang against the wall behind him. He looked back to see a slight indent at one wall. " Must be Tristan or Joey. Maybe both. "Smiled Yugi " I guess we took too long, so they got worried ." Normally he would argue the fact on how they found them but the spirit ignored it. He was just happy to leave the area soon. He'll ask them how later.
"Disrespect… Misuse… HAH!" scoffed the masked villain "Do you really believe that! There's no way you could have defeated me!" He slammed his hand to his chest ignoring the echoing sounds of the walls being assaulted. "I'm the greatest magician the world has ever known. YOU'RE NOTHING!."
A slight tremor through the basement caused the lights to shiver. The spirit sighed in annoyance at the man "What I am is very sorry for you, it looks like it you led me all the way down here for the sole purpose of losing at your own demented game." A slight snarl came over his mouth as he continued "You've hurt and betrayed you dear monsters but the crime I will not forgive you or your Master is the threat of harming my hikari and my friends." He hissed at the trapped magician.
The jester actually looked fearful at that moment. He clenched his teeth and looked away until he heard the release of the shackles on his enemy. "Would you really leave me like this? You're colder than I give you credit for."
A small crack appeared on the wall behind the Pharaoh as his would-be rescuers attempted to break into the room.
The spirit felt his upper lip pull back in a lopsided smirk as he stroked his ankles to ease the slight pain. "Really Arcana? Did you not design this arena? An escape artisan like yourself would find a way to escape." His grin fell "I'm sure you have a key somewhere on your person Arcana. You're not the type that would put your life on the line at least not without a contingency plan."
He turned around and started walking towards the door, not giving Arcana a second glance. "Besides during the time we had this conversation you would have at least started screaming by now if the blades truly worked as they intended."
Before Pandora could react to the jab, the floor beneath them had quaked causing a Yami to struggle to keep his footing before grabbing on the side of the wall as the light flickered on and off. Wide violet eyes looked around as the tremors continued "What's going on?" mumbled Yugi as he looked around in worry.
The now in physical form hikari yelped in terror as an enormous fist broke through the brittle wall of the building. "Yugi you in there!?" He felt relief flood his body at the familiar sound of his friend Tristan.
"Yeah, I'm here-" He was interrupted as the building gave a loud straining groan. A loud clattering sound caught his attention. He looked back to see what had made that sound only to see the saw blades had started working!
The sound not only caught the boy's attention but that of Arcana and the sounds came from behind the macabre duelist. "My love, are you alright?!" he shouted as he turned towards the object of his affection. Only to find a broken clothed covered Mannequin on the ground. Where his Master had promised she would be.
"Catherine…?"
"Arcana! Get out of there!" Yelled Yugi as he ran towards his ex-opponent trying to reach him before the teeth of blade did. The room gave a loud quaking shudder which had caused the tri-coloured duelist to slip on one of the loose floorboards. He winced at the slight pain his knee gave him before looking and seeing the contraption's blade centimetres from Pandora's still form.
As he called the ghoul's name his vision became filled with red as the monster's teeth connected with flesh.
X
Notes
Très bien - the direct translation is "very well" in french. Other meanings of très bien are "Great!", "Well!", "Good!" and "Very good!". In this sentence "Très bien, Yugi" means Very good, Yugi.
Mon assistant - means "my assistant" in french. It meant to be seen as an insult. As he believes Yugi would always be underneath him and never surpass and become his own master magician.
Garçon stupide - means "Stupid Boy" in french
What must it be like to have nothing? Not even memories to revisit in the middle of the night - Jabba from Lilo and Stitch.
Vous avez triché, n'est-ce pas?! - means "You cheated, didn't you?!." in french
morveux(masculine) - means "Brat" in french
Le petit fantôme (masculine) - means ghost in french
"You look like a nice boy, I bet you have a lot of friends."– Pennywise
