/ Duel Universe
/ Author: The Cowboy of Oklahoma
/ Halloween Special: Ch 37: All Hallows Eve pt1 Heros vs Vampires Duel!!
/ word count: 2926
/ (Author's note: All duel actions are random and fair. Multiple choice decisions made by coin toss.)
Harper vs Camula
Human Encampment:
Personal Journal of Harper; Day 189 at the Encampment:
Dear Journal,
It was just another day in the life of the Encampment, everyone was preparing for the day we would eventually fight for our home and return to Earth. There had been a few exciting moments here and there, dark fiends, suffocating mist, leaving Earth just a few short years ago, and the training, oh lord the training is a killer! My bones have never ached so much after a duel! Traipsing through a flipping maze, duel multiple opponents one after the other, until you reach the end of the maze. You don't even get to have a break between duels, just as one ends, your opponent for the next appears! And the life points! They dwindle constantly till the end, and if you don't have a way to replenish them, you are screwed! But enough about that, these are just the day-to-day activities, this journal entry is about something else entirely, we have just learned that certain holidays are here on this world as they were on ours. It's Halloween!!
Elsewhere:
A large black pot sat atop a pile of burning wood, an eerie green goop bubbled inside. A hand reached forth and sprinkled some substance into the pot, causing it to roil harder for a few moments before settling back down, almost completely calming the boiling goop to a standstill.
"What do you see witch?" A voice spoke from the dark.
"A moment my Lord, it is almost done." A cackling old woman responded, then waved her hands over the pot, speaking a spell of unintelligible words and syllables.
The liquid bubbled a little more and then started to change in colors near the center. It seemed to lift and fall as if reaching out, then settled back down, smooth as glass. Images began to form, most were indiscernible, some focused, showing man and monsters battling on a field. Vampires clashed with Heros, zombies rose from the grave and portals opened from another realm spewing out massive warriors. Two titans, one on either side, clashed with a brilliant flash of light and energy, then the cauldron went dark as the goop inside appeared to go cold and sank to the bottom.
"My...my Lord, what was that!?" The witch asked in a shaky voice.
An individual slowly leaned forward, tapping their fingers on the arm of the chair in which they sat, then spoke in a hushed tone. "Fate."
Human Encampment:
Everyone, humans and monsters alike, were busy making decorations and setting up little play areas, games, treats, even a few larger monsters were harnessed and made ready to give rides to all that wanted. Children were running around laughing at the prospect of getting to stretch their legs, play, and enjoy more treats than they usually get on a daily basis. There was excitement in the air of just getting to relax and enjoy a day without worrying about training. There was even a rotation of crews from the builders and orbiting command vehicles to come down and join the party. Suddenly murmurs were coming through one end of the crowds and it was getting a little louder as something or someone was making their way through everything. You could see some of the larger monsters bowing their heads in that direction and others actually knelt. As the crowds slowly parted, one could finally see a blue and pink outfit and long blond hair. Dark Magician Girl strode through the crowds, admiring all the different venues and multitudes of sweets that were being made. Caramel Apples, Peanut Brittle, bite-sized Sweet Cakes, lightly dusted Brownies, Green Lollipops, Chocolate Mysteries, there was even some type of Gummied Worms, and more!
"Oh, this all looks so lovely and cute." Dark Magician Girl exclaimed excitedly, then asked, "May we try some?"
"Of course your Highness. I got the ingredients for these peanut butter and chocolate treats here from this world but I did my best to recreate an Earth-based treat. It's called a Peanut Butter Cup." The vendor said as he held up a small tray and let her take her pick.
"Here! Here! Try mine, your Highness!" Another vendor called out, "mine is called Dirt, but don't let the name fool you, it is chocolate pudding in a small cup or bowl, with candy worms inside and chocolate cookie crumbs sprinkled on top!" He said excitedly.
"Oh, how delightfully deceiving, sounds bad but is quite delicious. It's fitting for this sort of celebration." Dark Magician Girl said while tasting the treats.
Many more humans and monsters alike shared some of their confections with her and even gave so much she needed to transport it back to the palace.
"I hope you enjoy your evening everyone!" Dark Magician Girl announced, "Tonight we shall celebrate a combined event from both our worlds! Please be safe and have fun!"
The crowd gave a rousing cheer and clapped for her speech. Then a few of the larger monsters gave a mighty roar, making everyone turn to see the sun beginning to set on the horizon. Torches were lit and some made their way around the Encampment lighting even more for the night's festivities. Children wore makeshift costumes and enjoyed face painting, candy hunting, sweet treats, and being around other children their age. Parents enjoyed their children's happiness and the serenity the night brought even as many were constantly moving to stay with their children. Couples walked around holding hands and teasing their partners. Those with newborns gathered near the center and let the sights and sounds wash over them while the littlest ones played together. There was a small language barrier, but a few well-placed translation spells kept any from having to ask repeated questions to get through the night. All were happy here, but they weren't all that were near. Nearby some monsters that weren't invited, were planning to crash the party.
Outside the Encampment:
A number of monsters moved in the shadows, slithering and slinking along the ground, moving closer to the Encampment. A pale purple hand raised and all the shadows stopped where they stood. The figure gazed upon the party going on with glowing yellow eyes. One of the other shadows slowly moved forward closer to the leader of their group.
"My Lord, what is your plan? We must take control of this Encampment in one fell swoop." A distinctly feminine voice with sultry undertones asked.
"We will hit the whole Encampment at once. Spread out and surround the Encampment! On my signal, we move!" He answered then began issuing orders. "Move swiftly and silently. Take as many humans prisoner as you can! The more we control, the less the other monsters will be willing to fight! Even her Highness will be powerless to stop us if we hold the Encampment hostage! Now go!" He waved his hand and the shadows dispersed in all directions.
Inside the Encampment:
Humans and monsters alike were having a grand time, games and candy and drinks all around, everyone's spirits were up. The sentries were so focused on the party, they failed to notice the shadows moving closer, ever closer. Screams of joy and laughter were abundant, it almost went amiss when blood-curdling screams sounded off near the edge of the Encampment. A few sentries went to investigate, though none would have figured they would come across the scene of a dead and bloodied human body. The sentries immediately got everyone back away from the body and called for General Freed and human commanders to come to investigate the scene. Word began to spread inside the whole Encampment, murmurs of a body found, parents began rounding up their children, sentries doubled their efforts. Then suddenly out amongst the darkness, a cry could be heard.
"Attack!!"
Outside the Encampment, minutes before:
All the shadows moved into position, the monsters prepared for the assault. A pale purple monster stood out amongst the shadows, he began to raise his hand when suddenly a blood-curdling scream was heard coming from inside the Encampment. The pale monster stopped in his tracks then faded back into the shadows. Another shadow moved swiftly to join his, it spoke in hushed tones, concerned about what just happened.
"My Lord! What is going on?" She asked.
"Something has upset the humans during their party. Who has moved in without my say-so!?" He glared at her demanding an answer.
"None my Lord!" She declared. "None would defile your commands! Whatever has happened inside is not our doing! But we cannot waste this opportunity. They are distracted and vulnerable. We must attack now!" She urged.
The pale monster again stepped into view and stared down the Encampment. Then raised an arm and bellowed as loud as he could for all to hear. "Attack!"
Suddenly the shadows burst forth and dozens of vampiric monsters emerged fang bared and hissing. Sentries on the wall heard the battle cry and turned to see the flood of mo stars barrelling towards them.
"Alarm! We're under attack!" Went up the call to arms.
Man and monster alike turned to face the wall as a veritable wave of vampires swarmed over it. Humans scrambled for their huts, gathering up their children in a rush, trying to keep them from harm. Monsters and soldiers took a stand against the invaders and tried to hold them back as fighting broke out all along the perimeter. some vampires were slain instantly, some monsters and humans fell to having their throats torn into by long sharp fangs. Larger monsters joined the fray, dragons swooped down from the sky, grabbing up vampires and carrying them away from the Encampment. Some dragons were piled onto by vampires and their multiple bites took a toll, bringing down the mighty creatures. Dark Magician Girl herself stood against a small number of vampires as they headed for some unprotected children. Pushing them back, she used her magic to form a shield around herself and the few children there. Vampires piled onto her shield, smashing their fists into it, trying to break in. The fighting went on for almost an hour, neither side giving in when suddenly, every vampire cried out almost in unison, stopping their assault as suddenly as it began. They parted, allowing their Master, Vampire Lord, to stride through unhindered, directly up to the shield Dark Magician Girl had erected. Tapping its surface, he smiled a devilish grin.
"Drop your shield, your Highness." He mocked with a hiss.
"Never! I will not let you take these children!" She declared.
"Oh, and what about these children?" He asked as he stepped aside, revealing several more children, ranging from teen to toddler and the toddlers' mother, all being held hostage by several vampires, one was even sniffing at the neck of a little child, licking its lips and baring its fangs.
"No! Don't hurt them!" She begged.
"Lower...your...shield!" He said menacingly, tapping the shield along with each word, punctuating them.
Dark Magician Girl closed her eyes in thought. She couldn't think of a way to get out of this. These children were going to die and she was powerless to help them all. She raised her staff and tapped the shield's inner wall, collapsing it, allowing herself to be captured. Vampire Lord stepped forward and grasped the back of her head, yanking back to force her to look at him.
"You have lost! We have beaten you! And now we shall feast! Humans always did have the sweetest taste. So thank you for bringing us our favorite meal!" He grinned until his mouth was as wide as his head, sharp teeth lining the entirety of his mouth. "Kill the mother and her child!" He commanded.
"No!" Dark Magician Girl screamed.
The vampire holding them, a female with pale blue skin, purple dress, and glowing yellow eyes, yanked the child from the mother's arms. She screamed for her baby but could not wretch free of the monster's grip. It held the woman by the back of her throat, squeezing to keep her from screaming anymore, then pulled her closer to her mouth and sank her fangs deep into the mother's jugular. The mother's voice was silenced as she began to gurgle as the blood poured out, filling her lungs and oozing into the mouth of the Vampire Lady, drinking her fill. She tossed the lifeless body of the mother back to more vampires to let them ravage what was left, turning her attention to the child wailing in her other hand.
"No! No stop! I beg yo…!!" Dark Magician Girl tried to plead for the child but was cut short as the Vampire Lord clamped his mouth onto hers. She tried to push free but his grip was firm and she was forced to accept the ill-gotten kiss.
The Lady turned the child to herself, "the smaller ones are even sweeter than the grownups!" She hissed as she brought the baby to her fangs ready to sink into her next kill.
Suddenly a fist slammed into the side of the head of the Vampire Lady, sending her sprawling and loosening her grip on the child. The child screamed as the monster drew closer, but was suddenly silenced as it felt secure, grasped in the arms of another. It looked around at what happened and looked up into the face of a white hero. Vampires all around snarled at the sudden arrival of this intrusion, Vampire Lord stared in disbelief at the Hero.
"And just where did you come from?" He asked in a threatening tone.
Neos didn't respond, he just stood there holding the child.
The Vampire Lord snarled, "kill the child!" He ordered another vampire standing with a small girl in its arms.
The vampire didn't hesitate in lifting the screaming girl and brought its fangs down to her neck.
Human Encampment: Harper vs Camula
The creature's fangs bore down onto the little girl's neck, but it was suddenly slammed to the side and the girl freed from its grasp as a large gold plated Hero was now standing where the vampire was before, holding the girl, unharmed, in its arms.
"What is this!? How are these monsters getting through our ranks!?" Vampire Lord demanded.
"That's because they aren't!" A female voice to the side answered him.
He looked and saw a young woman wielding a duel disk and saw three other heros standing ready to attack.
"You monsters are going to pay for what you've done!!" Harper screamed in rage.
"And just what have I done little girl?" He asked mockingly.
"You murderers killed my boyfriend!!" She screamed.
"Oh, a human died, why should I care? You're nothing more than our food," he informed her. "And what can you do about it?"
"My Heros and I are going to put you back into the hole you crawled out of!" She swore.
"Oh? You want to duel me? As if I'd stoop so low as to duel a mere mortal. You cannot hope to defeat me," he sneered.
"Bring it fang face!" She taunted.
"I will not duel you, but I know one that has no qualms with doing so. Camula! Approach!" He called out amongst the horde of pale skin and glowing eyes.
The crowd began to move as someone was approaching from a short distance away. A tall slender woman appeared as the crowd parted to allow her a way to their Lord. She had long green hair and a blood red dress that could kill any man's desires, or crush any woman's hopes. On her arm was what looked like a golden duel disk encrusted in jewels.
"My Lord," Camula said with a slight bow to her Lord.
"Camula, this peasant human dares to challenge me to a duel. Handle her, and when you're done with her, kill her, do it slowly, make it hurt!" He commanded.
"As you wish my Lord," Camula said as she turned her attention to Harper and her Heros, a look in her eye as if she recognized the monsters standing against the vampire clan, "this will be payback for the last time as well," she stated coldly, "now you will die for your insolence human! I will enjoy defeating you then feasting on your soul, washing it down with the nectar of your blood!" Camula said with her mouth contorting to a grin far larger than her head should have been able to accommodate.
"Bring it bitch!!" Harper said, readying her deck.
"Very well," Camula replied, setting her deck into her overly decorated device.
"Duel!!" They both said together.
"I'm going first!" Harper stated, "I draw! I normal summon Ehero Wildheart in attack mode, then I set 1 card facedown!"
A strong man with tanned skin, dark hair, tribal tattoos, and a powerful sword on its back and a card back formed onto the field.
"That ends my turn!" She finished.
"Is that all? For such fire in your soul, that was pathetic," Camula stated, "my move, I draw," grinning she looked back to the human female, "I normal summon Necroworld Banshee in attack mode."
A pale skinned creature wearing simple white cloth and long white hair formed onto the field.
"Battle! My Banshee, attack her monster with all our hatred! These cattle dared stand against their masters and betters!"
Banshees' mouth fell open wider than normally possible, then a scream left her throat with a deafening roar, forcing Harper to clamp her hands to her ears.
To be continued…