With the execution of The Mythic Dawn Drake got what he wanted.

With his plan foiled again Norman retreated from the tournament, with the Sacred Beasts in their hands Normal felt invincible, until Hoji showed up and took the souls of Norman, Leroy and Senna.

Duban tries to keep this incident under the rug and he let the tournament continue.

In the meantime Serana and Rini are ever moving closer to their two targets.

17. Demon Hunters.

Serana signaled Rini to come over, quickly she moved through the shadows to the vampire, the two were hiding behind some construction materials stored next to one of the many factories, their targets were two Duelists, one a woman with long, black hair she wore white pants and a pink winter coat, her male companion was wearing simple jeans and a blue winter coat, the two were discussing something, slowly Serana moved from behind their cover.

'Was wondering when you'd show yourself.' The man spoke with a calm voice, slowly he and his companion turned around to see their pursuers.

'So it's Rini we reeled in.' His demeanor changed as soon as he saw Rini.

'I'm Ichi by the way.' He introduced himself.

'I'm Ai, Demon Hunters.' The woman introduced herself.

'My name is Serana.' The vampire finally introduced herself.

'You're a vampire aren't you?' Ai asked.

Serana was taken aback. 'Ichi and I can see things for what they are, we possess no magic ourselves, most people know we're Aware it's easier for us that way, it's sort of frowned upon if an Aware person has no magical abilities at least in Japan it's like that.'

Serana immediately was more at ease, Rini was calm as well.

'So how do you know Rini?' Serana asked.

'All team leaders got the information, serious trauma we got told that Rini would always be accompanied by someone, so Serana since you two tried to sneak up on us I assume you're still in the tournament?' Ichi explained.

'I am.' The vampire confirmed: 'You two know that at any point things could go wrong then, when that happens don't be alarmed I can deal with it.'

'Anything we can do to make this Duel as fun as possible?' Ai asked.

'Please be patient.' Rini replied: 'This is actually my first time Dueling like this, I'm nervous, so if I make a mistake please don't be angry.'

Ai and Ichi smiled: 'We know the feeling, Ai and I are in a Duelist league, we're on the brink of entering the Pro Leagues.'

Rini's gaze crossed Serana's.

'In fact.' Ai continued: 'Our manager is watching our performance even now, in fact what we do today determines if we get in or not.'

Rini took a step back. 'Sorry for bothering you, we'll look for other opponents...' Ichi stopped her: 'Our Pro League doesn't recruit Duelists on skills alone, a lot of Pro League Duelists are toxic the one we're with recruits on behavior and skills, we've passed on our Duelist skills in that regard it does not matter if we win or lose, today our manager decides about our behavior, he's Aware and with his magic he can tell if we're genuine or if we fake our kind behavior, so no fooling him.'

Ai smiled: 'You know, at one point my father took me to a convention, there were several different tournaments held, I went to see the Japanese champion at that time Duel, he was there to defend his title, while I was waiting around I saw a man playing fighting games, he was training for the fighting game tournament that was also held there a local tournament, he was skilled I could tell. A kid my age was watching when the skilled player called him over, the kid was just pressing random buttons but he managed to win, of course the skilled man let the kid win later it turned out that man was the world champion for that fighting game, playing with kids like that letting them win.' Ai showed a huge, warm smile.

'Then I saw a Duel going on, someone facing a little girl, the girl used a Deck build out of random cute cards, that man went absolute crazy on the girl not holding back at all, I recognized that man as a Pro League Duelist he was in fact the opponent of the Japanese champion, the champ was watching from the back I could see he was disgusted by the behavior of his opponent. During the Duel the champion utterly destroyed the Pro League champion, then declared he would stop Dueling as of that day, said he couldn't keep Dueling when such toxic people existed.' Ai stopped.

'That Japanese champion.' Ichi continued: 'Hiro did indeed retire then he started the Pro League team that promised to bring joy to everyone involved were it their Duelists of the opponent, the Pro League we want to join is a sister organization of that very one.'

Ai nodded: 'What the fighting game champion did with the kid, I want to become just like him, after all being a champion does not mean you're good at the game you play, being humble and kind is also important.'

Ai took a step towards Rini: 'Rini in a Duel you can't know if you're outclassed or not, a lot of Pro League Duelists think they are the best, but there are even more casual Duelists who are really strong, world champion material even but they simply do not care about those things, they want to casually enjoy their game and those casual player are capable of taking out a Pro League's strongest Duelist.'

Serana saw Rini was more relaxed she was glad that the people they chose were this kind.

'But enough about this, we're still in a tournament and you still want to Duel us.' Ichi then said he was more serious.

'Tell us if you want a tag-team or not, we can do both.' Ai added.

'I'll leave it to Rini.' Serana replied.

'I came here to Duel, to see my own strength, to see what I can do against an opponent I'm not familiar with, I don't want a tag-team because then I'm still relying on the power of someone else.'

Ichi smiled he and Ai activated their D-Gazers and Duel Disks, Serana and Rini did the same. 'So Rini who of us do you want to face? You get first choice.' Ichi said.

'I'm sorry Ichi I'm more comfortable facing Ai.' Rini replied.

Serana and Ichi were immediately focused on their battle, both showed a big smile on their face. 'I'll let you go first Serana, if you want that is.' Ichi politely said.

'If you don't mind I'll gladly go first.' The vampire replied.

Next to them Rini and Ai took their positions, Rini's hands were shaking, she nearly dropped her cards. 'Rini.' Ai calmly spoke: 'Try to take deep breaths.' As soon as Rini did she started to calm down a bit.

'I don't think I can do this.' She whispered.

'Rini, I believe in you.' Ai cheered her opponent on, Serana was watching before interfering.

'Hey Rini.' Ai then said: 'Is there someone you love?'

Rini's eyes filled with joy. 'Her name's Violet, she's on a different team.' She replied her face beaming.

'Rini if you face me now, think about how proud Violet will be of you overcoming your fears.' Ai said with a kind voice.

'You're right Ai, I think I'm ready now.'

All four drew their opening hands. 'Duel!' Serana, Ichi and Ai shouted, Rini was too shy to join them.

(Ai: 8000) - (Rini: 8000) & (Serana: 8000) - (Ichi: 8000)

'So Rini do you want to go first?' Ai asked her opponent shook her head.

'In that case I'll keep you guessing what my strategy is.' Ai said she quickly took a card from her hand and played it, it appeared vertically on the field face-down. 'I end my turn.' Ai stated.

'Rini, such a kind spirit.' She thought to herself: 'I want to help you get your confidence, if I can achieve that by losing than so be it, though I won't give you a victory for free.' Ai then looked at her face-down card.

Rini drew her card. 'I summon Harpie Queen.' Rini stated she hesitated, with a mighty yell the majestic, green-haired bird-lady dropped out of the sky she landed gracefully on the ground. (1900 ATK)

'Harpies?' Ai gasped: 'I absolutely love Harpies!' She then shouted, a smile formed on Rini's face. 'Do you play Harpies?' Rini asked enthusiastically.

'I do casually.' Ai replied: 'For the Leagues I haven't found a Deck yet, once you hit the Pro League you need to settle on a main Deck, so I've been testing several Decks, in fact I use an experimental one right now.'

The idea that her opponent was using an experimental Deck gave Rini a boost in her confidence which was reflected in her demeanor, Ai noticed, this is what she wanted giving her opponent more confidence, of course she didn't lie, the Deck was experimental but Ai had confidence in her Deck.

'Harpie Queen attack Ai directly!' Rini shouted, the regal bird-lady leaped at Ai slashing at her with her claws.

(Ai: 8000- 6100) - (Rini: 8000) & (Serana: 8000) - (Ichi: 8000)

Serana and Ichi were watching the start of the Duel.

'Serana, leave it to Ai to give your friend confidence, I know her she's caring Rini is in good hands.'

Serana nodded: 'In that case I summon Zombie Master.' Serana suddenly stated. A hideous creature appeared, a man with long, silver hair completely emaciated he wore a ragged shirt, trousers full of holes and a tattered cape, a purple lightning crackled between his fingertips. (1800 ATK) 'Next I activate Zombie World.' The vampire continued, part of the arena changed the ground became filled with countless bones and skulls, several dead trees grew between the bones, in the middle was a pond filled with blood-red water. 'Next I shall end my turn with this.' Serana stated as she played a card which appeared face-down.

'Oh Serana I am so sorry.' Ichi then said with a grin.

'Sorry for what?' Serana asked immediately alerted.

'Sorry for cutting your tournament experience short.' Ichi replied as he also played a field spell. Sunlight suddenly broke through the dead trees a mountain range rose to one of their sides so that the view of Rini and Ai wasn't blocked, once the mountain had risen sand suddenly started to cover the bones until all were buried, in the middle of the sand was now an oasis of red water. 'Necrovalley?' Serana gasped.

'The fear of every Zombie World Deck, as you undoubtedly know with Necrovalley all Gravekeeper monsters gain five-hundred attack points, cards cannot be banished from the Graveyards, cards cannot be moved from the Graveyard to another place and effects that change Types and Attributes in the Graveyard are negated.'

Serana seemed awfully calm even though she lost most of her Deck's abilities. 'So.' She then said: 'You were so afraid of Zombie World that you brought a Deck that counters it in the off-chance you ran into one?'

Ichi broke out in laughter: 'That would be it right!' He bellowed: 'And then actually run into one as well!' He stopped laughing then was all serious again. 'No I just like Gravekeeper's, I'm after a particular opponent one of the Duelists from the Egyptian team, this Deck is build to counter her strategy, that I run into a Zombie World Deck here is pure coincidence.'

Serana folded her arms: 'Any reason you want her in particular?' She asked.

'Yes I came across her during an international tournament last year, she got the better of me there, made me miss my chance to join a Pro League right then and there. After the fact I am glad that thanks to her I missed the chance to join that Pro League, they've produced several scumbags over the last year. But she still did beat me and I want a rematch.'

'That is a worthy goal to have, but why risk losing by fighting us?' Serana asked, Ichi took a few seconds to think. 'Well the biggest thing is the Egyptian team seems to have vanished, nobody knows where they are, I'm still in a tournament and I'm in to win. Can't be dodging every opponent until I find the one opponent I'm looking for, that's simply not something a Pro League Duelists does.' Ichi replied as he took a card from his hand.

'I summon Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier.' A stern-looking man appeared, wearing black robes decorated with green lines, in his hands he held an ornate spear, his knees were slightly bent the spear held raised ready to put it through the neck of his enemies. (1500- 2000 ATK)

'Next I activate Necrovalley Throne, which allows me to either add a Gravekeeper's monster to my hand or normal summon one.' Quickly he played a card making clear he used the second choice, this time a woman appeared, she was completely covered from head to toe in black robes and a hood, her face was covered by a black mask, she reverse-gripped a kris in her hand. (1500- 2000 ATK)

'Meet my Gravekeeper's Assailant.' Ichi stated as the woman disappeared into the shadows.

'Her face-down card, it could be something to increase the attack power of her Zombie Master, she doesn't seem worried at all by my Necrovalley, I need to be careful even though I have the advantage here.'

Ichi looked over his hand, he had nothing useful for now.

'Assailant attack Zombie Master!' The woman leaped from out of the shadows. 'I use her effect to change the battle position of Zombie Master!' Ichi commanded, the emaciated man crossed his arms and sat down on one knee. (0 DEF)

As the Assailant landed she plunged her kris deep into the chest of the zombie.

'I banish Alghoul Mazera from my hand in order to negate the destruction of Zombie Master...' Serana calmly stated, the form of a terrible monster appeared a demon with purple skin wearing blue robes with green armor over it and a purplish, tattered cape, in his hand he held a wicked, curved sword. (2300 DEF) '...Which in turn allows me to special summon Alghoul Mazera to my side of the field.' Serana finished her sentence.

'So that's what you were after? At least my Spear Soldier can still attack and he deals piercing damage!' Ichi shouted, the soldier charged at the Zombie Master plunging his spear into the chest of the emaciated man this time he fell over and changed into a puddle of gray goo.

(Ai: 6100) - (Rini: 8000) & (Serana: 8000- 6000) - (Ichi: 8000)

'Next I set one card.' Ichi stated as a face-down card appeared behind his monsters. 'And end my turn.' He concluded.

Ai smiled as she drew her card.

I summon Necroface.' She stated, the creepy porcelain head of a doll appeared floating in mid-air, the left half of her face was gone, broken a parasitic infestation, several tentacles of the parasite grew through holes in the head. (1200 ATK)

'All banished cards would be shuffled back into the Deck, but I don't have any.' Ai explained.

'Next.' She continued: 'I activate Macro Cosmos.' She stated as her face-down card turned face-up. 'With this trap card any card send to the Graveyard is banished instead.' She took a card from her hand.

'I activate Pot of Desires.' A weird amalgamation of two two pots appeared on the field, one half was Pot of Greed the other half Pot of Avarice.

'I banish ten cards face-down then I draw two cards, and due to Macro Cosmos Pot of Desires is banished after it resolves.' Ai explained, she placed ten cards in her Deck holder before adding two more to her hand.

'Rini, here I come, ready?' Ai asked: 'I activate Double Summon!' She shouted the spell card appeared on the field. 'Then I release Necroface! Advance summon Golden Homunculus!' A humanoid creature rose behind Ai, a massive artificial giant made from solid, golden rocks, it had massive feet and massive arms with a ridiculous small head. (1500 ATK)

'Since Necroface left the field we each banish the top five cards from our Decks.' Ai stated, her and Rini were quick to discard their cards.

'Now Golden Homunculus gains three-hundred attack and defense for each of my banished cards, with the five cards from Necroface, Necroface itself and Double Summon that makes eighteen cards banished.' Golden Homunculus let out a terrifying roar as its power skyrocketed. (1500- 6900 ATK)

Quickly Ai played another card which appeared face-down next to her face-up Macro Cosmos. 'Golden Homunculus attack Harpie Queen!'

The golden giant pulled back its gigantic fist, Harpie Queen tried to evade the attack but despite its massive size the Homunculus was quite fast, Harpie Queen crashed into one of the buildings behind Rini, leaving a small hole.

(Ai: 6100) - (Rini: 8000- 3000) & (Serana: 6000) - (Ichi: 8000)

Rini's eyes widened she started to breath fast, sweat appeared on her face.

'No.' She muttered. 'No, no, no!'

Ichi looked at Serana's face-down card, which Serana was looking at as well. 'Figured it might be something that affects the Graveyard, a Call of the Haunted maybe.' Ichi spoke, the look in Serana's eyes told Ichi he was right. 'Doesn't matter.' Serana stated as the changed the position of Alghoul Mazera, the demon slowly stood up. (2800 ATK)

Then she quickly played another card which appeared face-down behind Mazera.

Just when Serana wanted to call an attack she noticed Rini.

'I call a time-out Ichi.' The vampire said Ichi nodded.

Serana carefully placed her arm around Rini's shoulders she gently pulled Rini towards her. 'What's wrong?' She asked Rini was simply staring at the Golden Homunculus. Serana noticed Rini's breathing became calmer.

'Take your time Rini.' The vampire said she used her sleeve to wipe the sweat from Rini's face she reached for the calming medicine Kailyn had made but Rini stopped her. 'No I was just overwhelmed is all, I'm better.' Rini said she still held her arms around Serana.

'I'm willing to make it a tag-team.' Ichi then interrupted: 'I'm willing to halve my life points.'

Serana nodded: 'That is not a problem for me either, but only if you want it Rini.' The latter shook her head. 'No I want to overcome this myself, I'm fine now.' She let go of Serana. 'Sorry.' She apologized to Ai.

'You don't need to apologize to me, I should be apologizing to you, I should have talked you through it instead of making Golden Homunculus so strong all of a sudden.'

Serana made sure Rini was all good to go before she went back to her own Duel. 'I was about to make an attack, Alghoul Mazera attacks Gravekeeper's Assailant!' The demon leaped forward with his curved sword he made quick work of the female assassin.

Slowly the demon walked back to Serana's side.

'I end my turn.' She stated.

(Ai: 6100) - (Rini: 3000) & (Serana: 6000) - (Ichi: 8000- 7200)

Rini drew her card, she was still shaking a bit.

'Rini?' Ai asked drawing the attention of her opponent: 'Can I see some more of your Harpies? I really like them.'

Rini smiled. 'I can show you Harpie Dancer.' She replied gracefully the bird-lady wearing the bikini-like top and bottom appeared, the golden ornaments that were attached to her clothes were softly moving in the wind. (1200 ATK)

'Since Harpie Dancer's name is Harpie Lady while on the field I activate Elegant Egotist in order to special summon Harpie Lady 1 from my Deck.' One of the Harpie Lady Sisters dropped out of the sky it was the one with long, spiky, pinkish hair. (1300 ATK)

'I used this card to defeat Violet, so I will use her again, I treat Harpie Lady 1 as a Tuner and then tune Harpie Lady 1 to Harpie Dancer!'

The area lit up with a green light it drew the attention of Serana and Ichi.

'Elegant creature of myth, the lady of winds arrives! Synchro summon, come forth Cyber Slash Harpie Lady!'

Feathers fell down on the field suddenly the older version of Harpie Lady 1 dropped out of the sky, her golden armor shone in the light of the sun. (2600 ATK)

I activate another Elegant Egotist since Cyber Slash Harpie Lady counts as Harpie Lady while on the field, I special summon Cyber Harpie Lady!'

A new Harpie Lady appeared she leaped from one of the nearby buildings, her outfit resembled that of Harpie Lady 1, she had green wings and long, pinkish hair she wore elegant-looking armor that covered her body, in one of her claws she held a whip. (1800 ATK)

'Since a spell was activated the effect of Cyber Slash Harpie Lady is activated, I send Golden Homunculus back to your hand.'

Ai smiled as she saw Rini live up, quickly she removed the card from her Duel Disk, the golden giant faded away.

'Cyber Harpie Lady, Cyber Slash Harpie Lady direct attack!' Ai shielded herself with her arms, first the whip struck her then Cyber Slash Harpie Lady used the knife-like weapons she wore around her nails to slash away at her opponent.

(Ai: 6100- 4300- 1700) - (Rini: 3000) & (Serana: 6000) - (Ichi: 7200)

'Now I set this.' Rini stated, a face-down card appeared behind her monsters. 'I end my turn.'

Ai smiled as she drew her card: 'Golden Homunculus was just an appetizer, Rini are you ready for the main dish?'

Ai saw the panicked look return in Rini's eyes.

'Rini's it's going to be a big one, be ready. I summon Gren Maju Da Eiza!'

A dark mist erupted from the middle of the field, a hideous creature appeared from out of it, it was a dragon-like demon, a red exoskeleton covered most of its body, it sat on its hind legs, it had a long tail that was maliciously sweeping around, it held its large claws ready to strike, for the rest it had large wings and its rather small head was covered in several horns.

'The attack power of Gren Maju Da Eiza is four-hundred for each of my banished cards.' Ai explained, the demon let out a loud, piercing shriek as its power rose dramatically. (?- 7200 ATK)

'Gren Maju Da Eiza attack Cyber Harpie Lady!' Ai commanded.

'I activate Icarus Attack!' Rini shouted when the claw of the demon was about to strike down her Cyber Harpie Lady.

'I tribute Cyber Slash Harpie Lady to destroy Macro Cosmos and Gren Maju Da Eiza.' The armored bird-lady leaped into the air, she glowed for a brief moment before disappeared, two beams of light shot out from the place she disappeared one pierced the trap card the other annihilated the red demon.

'Tributing Cyber Slash Harpie Lady and Not Cyber Harpie Lady?' Ai muttered, she knew Rini was planning something.

'Doesn't matter, I activate my face-down Macro Cosmos.' Ai stated her face-down card opened up. 'Next I activate Monster Reborn!' The holy Ankh appeared on the field, it turned black then Gren Maju Da Eiza reappeared on the field. (?- 7600 ATK)

'I activate Card Destruction!' Ai continued, she discarded the only card she had Rini placed the cards from her hand in her pocket before she drew new ones, Gren Maju Da Eiza became slightly stronger. (7600- 8400 ATK)

Quickly Ai played the remaining card from her hand which appeared face-down behind her demon.

'I must end my turn here Rini.' Ai said.

Ichi was looking over his hand considering his options. 'Well first I have to get rid of that pesky Zombie World.' He said quickly he played a card, Mystical Space Typhoon appeared, a strong wind started to suck up all the skeletons buried in the sand, then the dead trees were ripped out of the ground and finally the red water, slowly the oasis started to fill with normal water.

'Now I can at least tribute summon.' Quickly Ichi played another card, an older man with a dark skin appeared, he had short hair and a beard, he was wearing a blue shirt, green pants and black and white robes, in his hand he carried a golden, ornate staff. (1900- 2400 ATK)

'As long as I control Gravekeeper's Servant my Graveyard is unaffected by Necrovalley, then since Gravekeeper's Chief was tribute summoned I can special summon a Gravekeeper's monster from my Graveyard.'

In a puff of smoke the Gravekeeper's Assailant reappeared, she showed herself for a few seconds before disappearing in the shadows. (1500- 2000 ATK)

'Gravekeeper's Assailant attack Alghoul Mazera, changing it to defense mode.' Ichi commanded the assassin appeared out of the shadows of a tree, Mazera crouched down. (2300 DEF)

With her kris Assailant tried to attack the demon but her weapon simply bounced off of it.

(Ai: 1700) - (Rini: 3000) & (Serana: 6000) - (Ichi: 7200- 6900)

'A small price to pay, at least Gravekeeper's Chief can take it out now.' Ichi said with a smile, the Chief simply tapped his staff in the sand seconds later a hole opened up underneath Alghoul Mazera, the demon got swallowed by the sands.

'Now I activate Rite of Spirit!' Ichi shouted, his face-down trap card opened up. 'This card allows me to special summon Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier!'

The man in black robes crawled out of the sands, he twirled his spear around to get the dust off. (1500- 2000 ATK)

'Gravekeeper's Spear Soldier direct attack!' Ichi commanded.

'Then I activate Zoma the Spirit!' A small, slender dragon appeared before Serana, it had a sickly, gray skin, pointed wings and sharp dagger-like nails. (500 DEF)

'My attack continues!' Ichi shouted, the soldier took a leap before planting his spear through the chest of the dragon.

'Smart move Ichi, had you not attacked Zoma I would have had it attack Gravekeeper's Chief instead, you would have taken more damage then.' Serana said she showed a devious smile a sign she was enjoying this Duel.

(Ai: 1700) - (Rini: 3000) & (Serana: 6000- 4500) - (Ichi: 6900- 4900)

'Serana I end my turn.' Ichi stated.

Serana drew her card. 'I summon Tristan, Knight of the Underworld.' Serana stated, a horse leaped over one of the houses, the back half of the horse was covered by a dark-blue cloak, on top of the horse sat a skeletal warrior clad in blue garment and a yellow cape, in his hand he held a sword. (1800 ATK)

'Now that I control Tristan I special summon Isolde, Belle of the Underworld!' A flirtatious, young-looking woman appeared out of a puff of purple mist, she wore a revealing, black top and a long, purple skirt, she had short, white hair and two large, red horns growing out of the sides of her head, the horns were bent towards her forehead, once she stood on the field she sat down on her knees. (0 DEF)

'I use the effect of Isolde to make her and Tristan both level six.' The horns of the woman started to glow, four stars appeared above her and Tristan then two were added.

'Now that I have a level five or higher Zombie on the field I can activate Zombie Necronize!' Serana's spell card appeared on the field. 'I take control of one monster you control Ichi, guess which one.' Serana explained with a smirk, Gravekeeper's Chief walked over to her side.

'Now that I have Gravekeeper's Chief Necrovalley does not affect my Graveyard!' She shouted as the Call of the Haunted she had set at the start of the Duel opened up, a hole opened up in the sand and Alghoul Mazera crawled out. (2800 ATK)

'Tristan attack Spear Soldier, Gravekeeper's Chief attack the Assailant and Alghoul direct attack!' Serana shouted, Alghoul and the Chief stayed back, Tristan galloped forward his horse trampled over the Spear Soldier, then the Chief held his staff in the air beams of magic homed in on the shadows where the assassin was hidden, finally Alghoul charged forward slashing at Ichi using the giant sword.

(Ai: 1700) - (Rini: 3000) & (S: 4500) - (I: 4900- 4800- 4400- 1600)

'I end my turn, which means Gravekeeper's Chief returns to your side, and the levels of my monsters return back to normal.' Serana stated.

Rini stared at the Gren Maju Da Eiza, she was awfully calm.

'Are you okay Rini?' Ai worriedly asked.

'I'm more than fine, I think I've got this.' She replied, Ai smiled she hoped Rini could break through.

'I start with Harpies' Hunting Ground.' The field changed into the barren mountain top, Cyber Harpie Lady became slightly stronger. (1800- 2000 ATK)

'Now I normal summon Harpie Perfumer!' Rini shouted the first time during the Duel she was enthusiastic about her move.

The bird-lady with her green wings and long, purple and pink hair appeared, she held her perfume bottle in her claw. (1400- 1600 ATK)

'First Harpies' Hunting Ground activates, I destroy your Macro Cosmos.' The trap card exploded without warning.

'With the effect of Harpie Perfumer I'll add Elegant Egotist to my hand.' Rini explained, her Duel Disk automatically ejected the card which she immediately played. 'With Elegant Egotist I special summon Harpie Lady 3 from my hand.' This time one of the sisters appeared, the one with spiky, blue hair. (1300- 1500 ATK)

'With Harpies' Hunting Ground I destroy your face-down card.' Dimension Prison became visible for a few seconds before it exploded.

'I build the overlay network with my three level four Wind monsters!' Rini shouted her Harpies changed into three green orbs, they swirled into the sky. 'The loyal protector descents from the skies! Xyz summon, show yourself! Rank four, Harpie's Pet Phantasmal Dragon!' Rini chanted, first a ball of fire broke through the clouds scorching the ground, then a ferocious dragon covered in small, red scales dropped out of the sky, with a crash it landed on all four legs, the creature snarled at Ai. (2000 ATK: 3 ORU)

'Harpie's Pet Phantasmal Dragon as long as it has Xyz materials it can attack directly.' Ai thought, even though she knew she let Rini explain Ai saw she was really proud of herself.

'Harpie's Pet Phantasmal Dragon, direct attack!' Rini commanded, Ai spread her arms and allowed the flames to envelop her.

(Ai: 1700- 0) - (Rini: 3000) & (Serana: 4500) - (Ichi: 1600)

A broad smile formed on Rini's face she was beaming, Ichi and Serana who got wind of the situation had briefly stopped their Duel to watch.

'I won!' Rini cheered she leaped at Serana kissing her on her cheek, with her face red Rini let go of Serana. 'Sorry.' She muttered: 'For a second I thought you were Vi.'

Serana smiled, she hugged Rini back. 'Don't sweat it Rini, you won be proud of yourself.'

Then Ai approached them she held out her hand towards Rini who quickly shook it. 'Well played Rini, knowing you couldn't defeat my Gren Maju Da Eiza, you went directly for my life points. This is a move that is worthy of the Pro League.' Ai said with a smile, she lead Rini away from Serana so that she and Ichi could finish their Duel.

'I'm glad that Rini won.' Ichi said as he and Serana went back to their fields. 'Yes it's too bad Ai's out of the tournament, but with her display here being so supportive, I'd say she has he great chance to be accepted in the Pro League.' Once Ichi was back on his spot he drew his card.

'Now the conclusion shall draw on our Duel Serana, I activate Pot of Desires.' The card Ai had played against Rini now appeared on Ichi's field, quickly he put ten cards in his pocked then he drew two.

'Now I summon Gravekeeper's Spiritualist!' He continued, a long-haired, young woman appeared she wore a black, revealing top, a white skirt with a black cloth worn over it, she wore a fancy-looking, light-purple cape in her left hand she held an orb with the Eye a Wdjat on it in her right hand she carried a golden staff with an axe-like blade on top, the top half of her head was covered by a mask resembling the head of Anubis. (1500- 2000 ATK)

'I use the effect of Gravekeeper's Spiritualist, if Necrovalley is on the field I can fuse her and another monster!' The orb in the woman's hand started to glow, she and Gravekeeper's Chief got swallowed by a sandstorm.

'Serana I give you Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist!'

A young man stepped out of the sandstorm he wore only a black vest leaving his chest bare and a black skirt-like garment around his waist, his white hair was shoulder-length in his hand he held an elaborate, heavy ornate staff with a sun-like design on the top.

'Supernaturalist gains one-hundred attack points for each level the materials had I used for his fusion.' Ichi explained, the staff started to glow with a holy light as its wielder gain more powerful. (2000- 2500- 3400 ATK)

'I equip Supernaturalist with Big Bang Shot, increasing his power by four-hundred and it allows him to do piercing damage.' Ichi explained the staff of Supernaturalist started shining a bit brighter. (3400- 3800 ATK)

'Next I activate Supernaturalist's effect that allows me to add a Necrovalley card or a Gravekeeper's monster to my hand, Supernaturalist attack Isolde!' Ichi shouted, the white-haired man aimed his staff at the young woman, a beam of light annihilated her in mere seconds.

(Serana: 4500- 700) - (Ichi: 1600)

'Now I end my turn and due to Supernaturalist I shall add Hidden Temples of Necrovalley to my hand.' Quickly Ichi added the spell card to his hand.

Serana drew her card. 'Good choice taking out Isolde makes it harder for me to summon a monster from my Extra Deck, not that it matters now because all I need are two zombies on the field.' She stated, a fire erupted on the middle of the field, out of it appeared an old-fashioned chariot, it had green arms coming out of the roof that held an old oil lantern, it had a small demonic face where normally the horses would be connected to, the large wheels of the chariot were lit on fire.

'This is Kasha and when Kasha is special summoned all other monsters are shuffled back into the Deck.' Serana explained the doors of the chariot opened, Tristan was the first to be sucked in, followed by Alghoul Mazera and finally Gravekeeper's Supernaturalist.

'This increases the attack power of Kasha by one-thousand for each original Zombie monster send back to the Deck.

A loud screech came from within the chariot, the fires around the wheels flared up. (?- 2000 ATK)

'Direct attack!' Serana shouted, Ichi closed his eyes as the flaming chariot rammed into him.

(Serana: 700) - (Ichi: 1600- 0)

'Congratulations.' Ichi said with a smile as the holograms disappeared.

'That was a good Duel.' Serana replied: 'Both Duels played here were.'

Rini came running at Serana. 'You won! Congratulations!' She cheered.

After the four had spoken for a few minutes they had to say their goodbyes, just when Ai and Ichi headed towards the exit the television screens turned on. 'And that was a decisive blow!' One of the commentators shouted. 'Just like that the entirety of Team Rising Sun is eliminated!' The television screens showed the five members of team Japan sitting on the ground, before them with his arms spread stood Anthony the world champion from America.

Eliminated:

Ichi & Ai: Demon Hunters

Next time:

The elimination of the full Japanese team by the world champion was a wake-up call for the remaining Duelists.

Jack's Duelist blood is burning after he had witnessed Anthony's display of power, what will Jack's next move be?