Ren challenged The Blades, Juliet and Leo met his challenge eager for a payback. A harrowing Duel followed, Ren changed into his tick form and woke up the real Ren who was trapped in his own mind for a while, Juliet nearly killed the real Ren which would have meant the Distortion would disappear however the Distortion gave his own life fusing with Ren so that they both could survive.
With only one Ren left there is some pressure off, but both Leo and Juliet are very low on life points while this new Ren still has nearly all his life points.
23. The Trial - Part 5.
Juliet's Red Supernova Dragon let out a bloodcurdling howl. (4000- 6500 ATK)
One opponent was still left, the Distortion sacrificed himself in order to safe the host Ren, without him the Distortion would be done for.
Juliet wasn't relaxing just yet, the Distortion had nearly all his life points left while she and Leo were nearly out of life points.
However the world of the Distortion was fading fast and the brutal Duel where the players attacked each other physically was over.
Besides her dragon Juliet had another face-down spell or trap card.
While Leo had two Blackwing out: Shura the Blue Flame (1800 ATK) and Gale the Whirlwind. (1300 ATK)
Ren's field was completely empty, his field spell was destroyed, his Monarch had crumbled into nothing, but it was his turn.
Ren drew his card and just like that the Distortion's magic had worn off.
'Juliet!' Jack shouted as soon as the black bubble was gone.
'We're fine Jack!' Juliet replied: 'Leo and I can finish this!'
Ren started to laugh maniacally: 'You two? Finish me? Never!' He laughed, shadows shot out of his pants, immediately an explosion of magic followed, Ren started to scream as a shadowy tail appeared behind him it was a long, fluffy, black tail with a red tip.
'Is that a tail?' Jack sounded confused.
'Outrageous! You cannot hope to destroy me!' Ren shouted.
'That magic is coming from that tail!' Juliet shouted towards Jack, the magic around them was incredible, it felt like they stood in a powerful storm and could be swept away any moment, all of a sudden the magic gathered around Ren and flowed into his body, everything became calm again, but Juliet felt the magic slowly rising as if the realm of the Distortion was slowly returning.
'Leo we need to hurry.' She said.
Meanwhile Jack was trying to find an answer: 'Tamamo's tail?' He wondered: 'Must be, Ushiwaka mentioned that Tamamo's tails were cut off, he also mentioned she needed nine people to charge those tails, Ren must be one of those, must also refer to the Disciples that Rao mentioned.'
Jack was deep in thoughts. 'I think you're right.' He heard Duban saying next to him then he realized he was thinking out loud.
(Leo: 1600) & Juliet: 1500) - (Ren: 7400)
'I activate The Monarchs Stormforth.' Spoke as he casually played his card.
'This allows me to release Red Supernova Dragon!' He roared as pillars of darkness swallowed the dragon, behind him the massive Caius rose. (2400 ATK)
Caius created his vortex, Shura was sucked in.
'I aim the damage at you.' Ren calmly spoke as he pointed at Juliet.
Juliet simply took there and took the hit now that it was a regular Duel again.
(Leo: 1600) & Juliet: 1500- 500) - (Ren: 7400)
'Attack Gale the Whirlwind!' As Caius prepared his attack Ren played another card. Leo looked at Juliet than at Jack when he saw it was Ego Boost, Caius became stronger. (2400- 3400 ATK)
Leo closed his eyes as the black orb obliterated his tiny bird.
(Leo: 1600- 0) & Juliet: 500) - (Ren: 7400)
Juliet was still focused on Ren just as Leo wanted to walk back to the rest of his team the fiery aura around Juliet flared back to life, a black aura shot out from Ren forming a tornado, a spear shot out of the center of it, it pierced Leo's heart, he immediately fell down. 'Your fate is now linked to his.' Ren's voice spoke from out of the dark tornado.
Juliet saw a black wire running out of her chest it was connected to the spear.
Slowly the tornado disappeared, Ren was hovering in mid-air his eyes had a yellow glow over them, Tamamo's tail was now clearly visible.
'Fine. If that's how you want it.' Juliet scoffed.
'I activate Call of the Haunted!' She shouted, the armor she had gained earlier from Red Supernova Dragon appeared on her again. (4000- 7000 ATK)
'I'm done with you!' She howled as she took a leap at Ren, the Disciple fired black orbs at Juliet but she batted them aside one after the other then she delivered one powerful slash across Ren's chest, blood burst out of the wound and Ren staggered backwards.
(Leo: 0) & Juliet: 500) - (Ren: 7400- 2800)
Ren's tail started to glow, his wounds closed.
'I activate Pot of Avarice.' He replied, quickly he retrieved Thestalos, one Caius, two Illusory Snatcher and his Raiza.
'I activate Restoration of the Monarchs.' Ren stated Caius rose behind him.
'I release Caius for Zaborg!' Lightning struck Ren he gained armor that resembled that of Zaborg, lightning crackled in his hand. (2400 ATK)
'Now I will obliterate you!' Ren roared lightning shot out from his hand: 'With the effect of Zaborg I will destroy your monster!'
Juliet calmly crossed her arms her armor disappeared. 'I banish Red Supernova Dragon and with it all cards you control.'
A gigantic fire erupted from the middle of the field, it burned away Ren's armor, the lightning stopped.
'I normal summon Force resonator and then I special summon Red Warg.' Juliet stated, first one of the black, robe wearing fiends appeared (500 ATK) then next to it appeared a wolf-like humanoid creature it had red fur and most of its body was engulfed in flames. (1400- 700 ATK)
Juliet closed her eyes, both monsters changed into eight orbs they started to circle around Juliet, when she opened her eyes they were the eyes of Red Dragon Archfiend. (3000 ATK)
Juliet took a leap her whole body got engulfed in flames as she focused all her magic into her hands, a large, flaming spear appeared in her hand, with incredible speed she approached Ren, before the Disciple knew what happened he got impaled by the spear, Juliet pulled the spear towards her, Ren lost his footing, in her left hand a small sword appeared.
Ren's gaze met that of Juliet, the only thing she saw was fear.
Juliet let go of the spear, Ren stumbled forward she then leaped over him giving one powerful slash across Ren's back as she did.
As Ren's legs gave way he fell on the ground and Juliet landed behind him.
(Leo: 0) & Juliet: 500) - (Ren: 2800- 0)
Ren's tail disappeared in a swirl of black mist and with it all the magic.
Juliet's flaming armor disappeared, then the spear that had impaled Leo faded, slowly the Blade stood up, a bit dazed but he was okay.
Without saying anything Jack ran to Juliet and hugged her.
'Ren lives.' She whispered: 'Killing him was not the most wise decision, we don't know what the tail can do, I didn't want to risk anything happening if I killed him.'
Jack said nothing he gently stroke her hair.
Just as Duban wanted to say something a portal opened, Akai stepped out, she showed her open hands.
Her eyes glanced over Ren: 'Poor soul, the power got to him.' She let out a sigh: 'This wasn't Tamamo's idea Duban, Ren acted on his own, clearly he was out of order.' She looked at Leo and Juliet. 'You guys okay?' She asked, Juliet and Leo were taken aback by her seemingly kindness.
'We'll live.' Juliet hesitated her reply, Leo simply nodded.
'Duban, please allow me to take Ren out of here.'
Duban nodded: 'No funny business.' Duban warned her.
'Can't feel legs.' Ren groaned as Akai tried to lift him.
'They did a number on you Ren, try not to move, your spinal cord has been severed through the middle of your back, the damage was done with holy magic granted by the Crimson Dragon, not even Tamamo can fix that.'
As Akai carefully lifted Ren from the ground the disciple let out an agonizing howl.
Akai looked at Juliet: 'He'll never walk again.'
Juliet shook her head: 'Akai, I wish it were different, Leo and I had to fight for our lives. Ren proved to be too weak to defeat me, now he has to live with the consequences of his own actions.'
Akai moved her tail around creating a portal behind her.
'You know?' Akai spoke: 'You didn't had it in you to kill Ren, with an attitude like that Tamamo will absolutely destroy you.'
'At least he's alive.' Duban shrugged: 'Shouldn't have messed with you two.' He started to walk away then he stopped and turned around: 'Oh and thanks for dealing with this, doesn't mean we'll go easy on you, Leo when you got eliminated Ren was already disqualified so this loss doesn't count.' Duban started to walk again: 'You guys get ten minutes immunity.' He shouted as a goodbye.
Jack let out a sigh once Duban was out of view. 'So Akai.' He finally said: 'Not at all what I would have expected from one of Tamamo's disciples, seems that at least one of her Disciples has some sensibility left.'
Industrial area.
Esteban stood on one end of the street on the other side stood Karl and Hans, the two remaining members of the German team save for their leader Hermann who was watching from a distance.
Two massive dragons were staring Esteban down, who looked rather calm, one of the dragons was a pure white, serpentine dragon with four wings and golden armor around its chest, its head was protected by a helmet with a half circle around the back of it, this was Light End Dragon. (2600- 2100 ATK)
The white dragon's counterpart Dark End Dragon was the second dragon, a hulking beast covered in black scales, it had long arms and legs ending in sharp claws, it had tattered, bat-like wings, a massive mouth with sharp teeth and yellow eyes sat in the middle of its chest. (2600- 2100 ATK)
'Esteban.' Hans said: 'My Dark End Dragon destroyed the only defense you had, without your Judgment, the Dragon of Heaven the only defense you have is that single face-down card.' A smirk formed on his face: 'I'd pray that spell or trap will protect you, because Dark End Dragon attacks directly!'
The black dragon roared, its massive tail with the spike at the end shot forward stabbing Esteban in the chest.
(Karl: 1500 & Hans: 3100) - (Esteban: 5200- 3100)
'Was that everything?' Esteban asked not even fazed.
'I end my turn.' Hans growled.
Esteban drew his card: 'I activate my face-down Monster Reborn.' The French leader simply stated, a flash of light lit up the sky a massive, ferocious beast covered in pure-white feathers appeared in the sky, it had four wings the most striking were its red talons. (3000 ATK)
'I use the effect of Judgment, the Dragon of Heaven, by paying half my life points all other cards on the field are destroyed.'
The beast let out a soul-piercing cry a bright light enveloped the entire field when the light faded on Judgment remained.
(Karl: 1500 & Hans: 3100) - (Esteban: 3100- 1550)
'Now I can only special summon Dragons for the rest of my turn.' Esteban played a card, a howling cry was heard from out of the sky, seconds later a white flash shot through the air before it landed next to the first dragon, it was a younger version of Judgment, the Dragon of Heaven it was shorter, its feathers weren't as long and it only had two wings. (3000 ATK)
'Before I put an end to this I first play this.' Esteban stated a face-down card appeared on the field behind his monsters.
'Now both my monsters take out Hans!' Both of Esteban's dragons let out a piercing cry, Hans stood there as he received the slashes of the red claws of both monsters.
(Karl: 1500 & Hans: 3100- 100- 0) - (Esteban: 1550)
'I end my turn and that means for Judgment, the Dragon of Heaven I banish the top four cards from my Deck and for Judgment Dragon I send the top four cards to my Graveyard.' Esteban spoke as he casually removed eight cards from his Deck.
Karl drew his card: 'Hans, don't worry I'll avenge you.' He took a card from his hand: 'First I activate Dark Hole!' He shouted, a black void opened up in the sky both Esteban's dragon were sucked in.
Quickly he retrieved two cards from his Graveyard it were his own Dark End Dragon and the Light End Dragon that was just destroyed, a purple orb slowly descended from the sky onto the field, out of it crawled a mighty-looking dragon it was covered in green scales with pieces of shining armor around its arms, legs, body, long neck and head, it had a long tail and long, flaming red hair that came from under its helmet, slowly it unfolded its large wings before unleashing a mighty cry. (3000 ATK)
'Chaos Emperor Dragon - Envoy of the End direct attack!' Karl roared
'I activate Half Unbreak on your Chaos Emperor Dragon!' Esteban calmly spoke as he activated his face-down card at that moment black lightning struck him down.
(Karl: 1500 & Hans: 0) - (Esteban: 1550- 50)
'Smart move.' Karl stated: 'Activating Half Unbreak, of course my monster would not be able to be destroyed by battle this turn, which you couldn't do to begin with, in return you only took half damage, you're living on the edge Esteban, next turn I only need to use the effect of my Chaos Emperor Dragon, by paying thousand life points I can send as many cards as possible from the hand and field to the Graveyard to deal three-hundred for each of them, that includes Chaos Emperor Dragon.'
Esteban closed his eyes: 'So you think you have enough ammo? You couldn't win to begin with, I had two cards in my hand last turn and three cards on my field, you had no cards in your hand and your Chaos Emperor Dragon, six cards total enough to win, but I would have activated Half Unbreak anyway, which means I would have ended up with fifty life points anyway.'
Karl got an uneasy feeling. 'You know Karl should have done that, would have left your field open but you had no other cards to begin with, you would have left me to draw one card I had to draw a monster with fifteen hundred attack points or more in order to win that turn, but now? You let me keep the two cards that insured my victory.'
Esteban chuckled: 'To think that Hermann let you on the team, the big leagues are clearly to big for you to handle!'
Esteban played a card, in a flash of light a new Judgment Dragon appeared in the sky. (3000 ATK)
'I activate Chaos Emperor Dragon!' Esteban shouted then he quickly played the second card in his hand: 'I activate Shrink!' He roared the Chaos Emperor Dragon shrunk to half its size. (3000- 1500 ATK)
Then it got torn to shreds by Judgment Dragon.
(Karl: 1500- 0 & Hans: 0) - (Esteban: 50)
As soon as the Duel had ended Drake slowly stood up, he watched at Hermann who currently had his back turned to him, he signaled Michelle and Don to stay hidden, he quickly moved from cover to cover as he quickly approached Esteban. 'This better work or else I'm in trouble.' His mind was racing as he moved from behind his cover. 'Esteban!' He roared the Duelist looked up. 'You.' He hissed as he recognized the target Tamamo had given him.
Before he could react Drake ran away, without hesitation Esteban gave chase, Drake smiled as he saw Esteban was following him, he ran straight towards Hermann. 'You!' Drake roared to get hermann's attention.
Behind him Drake heard Esteban shouting: 'Stop running! I challenge...'
at that moment Drake took a sudden left, Esteban did not expect this: '...you to a Duel.' He finished now looking straight at Hermann.
A grin formed on Hermann's face: 'That crafty...' He mumbled referring to Drake who rejoined Michelle and Don.
'Unbelievable.' Michelle sighted: 'Your crazy idea actually worked.'
Since the Duel between Akai, Tai and The New Government had just ended the arena wasn't done yet for another Duel, so both Duelists took position on opposite sides of the street.
(Esteban: 8000) - (Hermann: 8000)
'I've been wanting to Duel you Esteban, I don't know why you were hunting that kid it's unlike you.'
Esteban said nothing, he drew his opening hand.
'Fine, you can start.' Hermann said.
'I'll make this quick Hermann, after all I am the better of us two, I shall prove it today and with that I shall also take the title of European Champion once more.'
He took three cards and quickly played them, all three appeared face-down vertically in a row. 'I end my turn.'
'Three face-down card and non of them is a monster? I saw him use Lightsworn just now so he didn't change strategy, bad hand maybe? Unlikely so I need to be careful.' Hermann drew his card.
First I activate Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen.' A continuous spell appeared and with it the majestic hall made of stone and red curtains all over the walls, the stone throne stood behind Hermann.
'First I special summon Darklord Asmodeus!' A black portal appeared above the field a warrior with purple wings came flying out, he wore white robes with black armor covering his chest, shoulders and wrists, once he landed he crouched down and crossed his arms in front of his chest. (2500 DEF)
'That's my extra defense, even if he destroys Asmodeus I still get the two Tokens.' Hermann then took another card. 'Now I normal summon Darklord Ukoback!' A tiny, pale-skinned, muscular man popped onto the field out of a black portal, he wore a gray tunic with a thick chain around his body, his head was protected by a helmet, two wings sprouted from his back. (700 ATK)
'I use the effect of Ukoback to send Darklord Superbia from my Deck to the Graveyard.' Hermann explained his Duel Disk ejected the card he quickly discarded it. 'Now let's see what you're hiding! Ukoback attacks directly!' Hermann shouted, the tiny man took a leap then kicked Esteban in his stomach.
(Esteban: 8000- 7300) - (Hermann: 8000)
'So what is Esteban's play here? Did he actually have a bad hand?' Hermann signaled the end of his turn.
Esteban drew his card. 'Hermann, you never change your strategy, that is why I shall win today.' He boasted, Hermann shook his head: 'Neither do you Esteban if I am predictable than so are you.'
Esteban merely chuckled as he played his card a muscular man appeared before him, his upper body was naked, he wore a blue scarf around his neck and black pants with white armor around his outer legs, in each hand he wielded a short sword with a ridiculous large blade. (1700 ATK)
'Raiden, Hand of the Lightsworn.' Hermann stated: 'You can discard the top two cards from your Deck then if any Lightsworn are among them that monster gains two-hundred attack points until the end of my turn, Esteban you start with that monster ninety percent of the time.'
'Hermann, meet my new strategy!' Esteban shouted as one of his three face-down cards opened up: 'My continuous trap card! Light Spiral, now whenever I discard cards from my Deck because of the effect of a Lightsworn you banish the top card of your Deck.' Then Esteban's other two cards activated as well, they were two more Light Spiral.
'Now Hermann do you realize why I shall win? Because I now activate the effect of Raiden!' Quickly the French Duelist discarded the top two cards.
'Well, would you look at that two Wulf, Lightsworn Beast!'
Before Esteban appeared two, massive, humanoid beasts they wore white armor decorated with gold, a white cloth was tied to their waist, on their right wrist they had a claw made of three large blades, in their left hand they carried a poleaxe. (2100 ATK x2) Raiden also became stronger. (1700- 1900 ATK)
'And now you banish the top three cards from your Deck, one for each Light Spiral.'
Hermann cursed as he removed the cards and placed them in his pocket, Esteban had changed his strategy and immediately Hermann realized he could be in trouble.
'I equip one Wulf with Lightsworn Sabre.' One of the beast-men held out his hand, a fancy saber with a golden hilt and a blue, glowing blade appeared in his hand. (2100- 2800 ATK)
'Wulf attacks Asmodeus!' Esteban commanded the Wulf with the sword leaped at the Darklord and sliced him in half, where Asmodeus once stood two smaller versions of the monster appeared, both crouching down. (Asmo Token: 1300 DEF, Deus Token: 1200 DEF)
'Raiden destroy the Asmo Token, Wulf take out Ukoback!' Both Lightsworn charged in seconds later both Hermann's monsters were reduced to ashes, vaporized by pure light, Wulf then leaped at Hermann dealing a powerful blow with his mace.
(Esteban: 7300) - (Hermann: 8000- 6600)
'I end my turn and due to Raiden I send two cards to the Graveyard, which means three of your cards are banished.' Esteban said with a smile.
(Esteban: 7300) - (Hermann: 26 cards)
Hermann drew his card. 'The longer this goes on the more cards become unavailable for me, I need to deal with this now.'
Carefully the German Duelist took a card: 'I release my Deus Token to advance summon Darklord Desire!' Out of a cloud of darkness appeared the demon knight clad in heavy, black armor, he had two shields with two spikes on the front and one in the back attached to his wrists, the most striking were his red wings. (3000 ATK)
'Now I equip Desire with Axe of Despair.' The demonic axe appeared in Desire's hand he swung it around a few times. (3000- 4000 ATK)
'Desire attack Raiden!' Hermann shouted, the knight leaped up, the sky got dark then suddenly he dropped out of the sky crushing Raiden with his shield-like weapons.
(Esteban: 7300- 5200) - (Hermann: 25 cards)
'I now use the effect of Desire by making him lose thousand attack points I send your equipped Wulf to the Graveyard.'
The demon spread his wings the Wulf with the sword got surrounded by darkness, when it disappeared Wulf was gone with it. (4000- 3000 ATK)
'I end my turn.' Hermann stated.
Back over at the side of the street where Drake was hiding he was carefully observing. 'So Drake, now what?' Michelle asked.
'I'm biding my time, when the time is right I'll make my move.' He replied.
Esteban had just activated his Monster Reborn his Raiden sat knelt down on the field. (1000 DEF)
'I activate the effect of Raiden.' Esteban stated as he discarded the top cards from his Deck, a second later his third Wulf appeared next to Raiden. (300 DEF)
Hermann cursed as he placed another three cards in his pockets.
'I shall set this card now and end my turn.' Esteban stated, a face-down card appeared behind his monsters, he then took another two cards from his Deck because of Raiden and again Hermann removed another three cards from his Deck.
(Esteban: 5200) - (Hermann: 19 cards)
Hermann quickly drew his card, nothing he could use right now.
'Desire take out that Wulf!' He commanded, with his two shield weapons Desire deflected blows from both of Wulf's weapons then he cut the beast-man down with the spikes.
'Then I decrease the attack power of Desire once more to get rid of Raiden.' Hermann continued a black mist swallowed the Lightsworn whole. (3000- 2000 ATK)
'I end my turn.' The German Duelist stated.
Esteban drew his card. 'I shall activate Pot of Avarice.' He stated quickly he retrieved five of his Lightsworn and shuffled them in his Deck then he drew two cards.
'I activate my face-down card!' He then shouted, the card revealed itself to be Call of the Haunted the ground broke open and Raiden crawled out of the hole. (1700 ATK)
'I activate the effect of Raiden.' Esteban said he took the top two cards of his Deck. 'Lightsworn Sabre and Mirror Force, Sabre was send from my Deck to the Graveyard which means I can equip it.' Esteban explained the sword with glowing blade appeared in the hand of Raiden. (1700- 2400 ATK)
Hermann took another three cards from his extremely thin Deck and pocketed them.
(Esteban: 5200) - (Hermann: 15 cards)
'And for my next move I shall summon Lumina, Lightsworn Summoner!' A young woman with short yellow hair appeared next to Raiden, she wore a simple, white dress. (1000 ATK)
'Lumina's effect allows me to discard one card from my hand then I can special summon a Lightsworn from my Graveyard.' Esteban showed Hermann a card depicting a muscular warrior with blue hair he wore thick, white armor covering his upper body and most of his lower body, his midriff was bare, in his hands he carried a cross between a battle axe and a mace, Hermann knew this card Garoth, Lightsworn Warrior, whenever a Lightsworn discarded cards from the Deck to the Graveyard, Garoth discards another two then for each Lightsworn monster among those two cards the controller draws a card.
Esteban smiled as he discarded the card, seconds later the mighty warrior appeared on the field in a beam of light created by Lumina. (1850 ATK)
'Hermann that I plan to mill your Deck does not mean I won't try to deplete your life points, Raiden attacks Desire then Lumina and Garoth direct attack!' Raiden charged in first cutting the Darklord to shreds with his new sword, Lumina then shot a beam of pure light out of her hands at Hermann while Garoth used his heavy weapon to deal a powerful blow.
(Esteban: 5200) - (Hermann: 6600- 6200- 5200- 3350)
'And now to get rid of almost the rest of your Deck just by ending my turn.' Esteban laughed: 'First I discard three cards due to Lumina!' When Esteban discarded his cards Hermann took three as well.
'Now Garoth activates discarding another two cards.' Esteban went first since there were two Lightsworn monsters he drew two cards, then Hermann removed three from his Deck.
'Now Raiden Discards two cards.' Again both Duelists took the appropriate amount of cards from their Decks. 'And Garoth activates again.' Esteban continued he discarded the top two cards from his Deck then he drew two cards again, finally Hermann removed another three cards.
(Esteban: 5200) - (Hermann: 3 cards)
Hermann drew his card he immediately played it the card appeared face-down as a spell or trap.
'Now I activate Polymerization! I fuse Superbia, Morningstar and Ukoback!' An orb of black mist erupted from the middle of the field. 'I fusion summon The First Darklord!' A man with pale skin and almost white hair stepped out of the orb, he had many, small wings he wore black, spiky armor in his hands he carried a large shield and a sword with its blade made of blue flames. (4000 ATK)
'Since I used Darklord Morningstar as a material I destroy all cards you control Esteban!'
The French Duelist cursed as blue flames licked away at his monsters and face-up cards. 'Now direct attack!' Hermann shouted, his warrior disappeared then reappeared behind Esteban he slashed away with his flaming sword.
(Esteban: 5200- 1200) - (Hermann: 3350)
'A nice try Hermann, but in the end you came up short.' Esteban said as he drew his card. 'I special summon Judgment Dragon!' A loud cry echoed over the field as Esteban's majestic, white creature with its red claws dropped out of the sky. (3000 ATK)
'Don, Michelle.' Drake spoke: 'I'll go now, if I don't make a move now Esteban will win, if that Duel ends he'll have full life points again, we can't possibly take out Esteban. I'll bet everything on this should I fall you guys retreat and rendezvous with Jack.
Esteban had a huge grin on his face, he could almost taste his victory. 'Not so fast!' A familiar voice suddenly interrupted, both Duelists looked up as Drake approached them his Duel Disk activated. 'Guess I want to join in on the fun.' He simply said his gaze met that of Esteban, finally the French Duelists had acquired his target.
'According to the rules I start with half my life points, the turn goes to me but I can't draw a card nor can I attack on this turn.'
(Esteban: 1200) - (Drake: 4000) - (Hermann: 3350)
'Right, time to see if my gamble pays off.' Drake muttered as he drew his opening hand. 'I start with teleport!' He shouted as his spell card appeared: 'Since you control monsters and I don't I can special summon Winda, Priestess of Gusto, a young, green-haired woman appeared she wore a white tunic with a brown coat over it, in her hands she held a staff. (1000 ATK)
'Next I normal summon Gusto Gulldo.' Drake continued a small green-feathered bird wearing armor and a spiked helmet appeared next to the woman. (500 ATK)
(Esteban: 1200) - (Drake: 4000- 3200) - (Hermann: 3350)
'Time for some Tuning!' Drake shouted seconds later the green glow illuminated the area. 'My tranquil soul, give form to my ferocious dreams! Fly free into the world of the wake! Synchro summon! Take shape, Daigusto Gulldos!' Winda took a leap helped by some of her magic, Gulldo grew to roughly three times its size Winda landed on the birds back, the duo landed and Winda started to cast a protective barrier around her and her war-bird. (800 DEF)
'With the effect of Daigusto Gulldos I shuffle Winda and Gulldo back into my Deck in order to destroy Judgment Dragon!' The bird leaped up and started to create powerful gusts of wind with its wings, Judgment Dragon soon had to give up against the powerful element.
Drake quickly played two more cards which both appeared face-down.
'I end my turn which means that Esteban can now finish his turn.' Drake stated.
'You think you're so clever? Allow me to show you your error here, I simply special summon another Judgment Dragon from my hand!'
Esteban crossed his arms as second later the majestic creature reappeared flying in from behind some buildings. (3000 ATK)
'I hate to brake it to you Esteban.' Drake replied with a grin: 'You're not as clever as you thought you were! I activate Past Image which banishes Judgment Dragon until the next standby phase!' As Drake's Trap card opened a portal opened behind Judgment Dragon and sucked it up.
'What good it'll do you?' Esteban replied: 'I simply end my turn.'
Hermann drew his card, he now only had one card remaining in his Deck.
'It doesn't help our intruder Esteban.' Hermann said as the portal reappeared and Judgment Dragon got out. (3000 ATK)
'But he has given me the opening I needed to finish you both off!'
He looked at Drake then at Esteban.
'I use the effect of The First Dark Lord, by paying thousand life points I can special summon Darklord Superbia from my Graveyard.'
The demon knight slammed his sword into the ground a black circle appeared around it, then a pillar of black mist shot out, out of the mist came another demon it was shaped like a black chalice, with arms and wings. (2900 ATK)
'I now release Superbia so I can special summon Darklord Desire again.' Next to The First Darklord appeared the other demonic knight. (3000 ATK)
'Finally I activate Call of the Haunted!' Hermann's second face-down card opened up and with it reappeared Superbia. (2900 ATK)
(Esteban: 1200) - (Drake: 3200) - (Hermann: 3350- 2350)
'I activate the effect of Desire to destroy Judgment Dragon!' Hermann shouted, the black knight became weaker but with his mighty shield-like weapons he crushed the majestic beast. (3000- 2000 ATK)
'Desire attack Gulldos!' Hermann continued his knight leaped at Drake's monster with his first shield he smashed through the protective barrier that Winda had created with his second shield he finished both the rider and her war-bird. 'Superbia direct attack!' A black beam was launched out of the top of the chalice that was Superbia's body before Esteban could do anything the beam hit him blasting him aside.
(Esteban: 1200- 0) - (Drake: 3200) - (Hermann: 2350)
'Drake.' Hermann said as he used his tablet to confirm Drake's name.
'I thank you for giving me this opportunity, but you should have known I wouldn't go easy on you.'
Drake's eyes were fixed on his face-down card.
'The First Darklord attack directly!' Hermann roared.
'I activate Emergency Teleport!' Drake replied, in a flash of light Winda, Sage of Gusto appeared on the field again. (400 DEF)
Hermann chuckled. 'I cancel my attack, because of Emergency Teleport she is banished when I end my turn, which I do now.'
Winda slowly faded away.
Drake closed his eyes, his hand was empty but he only needed to survive his opponent's next turn.
Drake drew his card, slowly he opened his eyes, Hermann observed his opponent but Drake's face showed nothing, without saying anything Drake played the card which appeared face-down in a vertical position.
'Your move.' Drake casually said.
Hermann knew this was it, final card in his Deck he had to end it this turn, he drew his card as he had expected it was nothing he could use.
'The Fist Darklord direct attack!' He roared.
'I activate Brain Hazard!' Drake shouted as a reply: 'I special summon Winda whom you just Banished!' The young woman slowly appeared, she was crouching down. (400 DEF)
Hermann lowered his left arm. 'You've fought well Drake.' Hermann then placed his hand on top of his life point counter.
'If I destroy Winda now you special summon Gulldo from your Deck in defense position, when I destroy Gulldo you special summon another Level two monster in defense position.' He smiled: 'I gambled and lost, should have attacked your Winda and deal with the monsters you'd summon then, on your turn you would have gotten Brain Hazard which then would be useless for you since you had no banished monsters at that time, securing me my victory. Hermann then removed his hand from his life point counter. 'I end my turn.' He said.
Drake was surprised Hermann didn't surrender.
'Go on kid, end your turn.' Hermann said with a huge smile on his face: 'Decking me out is a legit way to win and for you way more satisfying then winning if I surrender.'
Drake hesitated: 'Without Esteban this wouldn't have been possible.'
Hermann chuckled: 'You used the rules of the tournament to your advantage which payed off and besides without you intruding I would not have been able to defeat Esteban, so in a way you've beaten us both.'
Drake smiled from ear to ear: 'In that case.' He said as he drew his card: 'I'll end my turn.'
(Esteban: 0) - (Drake: 3200) - (Hermann: 0 cards)
Hermann and Drake shook hands.
'You know Hermann, this might not have been a full Duel for me I enjoyed it. Maybe one day Hermann I will challenge you for a one on one Duel.'
Hermann smiled: 'When you do I'll be waiting for you.
Tamamo was watching from a distance from a rooftop, Yadira stood next to her, Tamamo looked not amused. 'That weakling Esteban.' She growled.
'My lady, what's next?' Yadira asked.
'I have a new team in mind to use this trick on. When I planted the idea in Esteban's head I never expected his rivalry with Hermann would overwrite my trick.'
Yadira's eyes gleamed: 'You want to do this with a team that has a rivalry with Jack so that they stay focused.
Tamamo simply nodded: 'But I'll need to lure them out first and I just know how to do that. They are in the city so that's where we're heading.'
City area.
Tamamo carefully observed her obviously frightened opponents, they had realized who stood before them, a devious smile formed on Tamamo's face as she activated her Duel Disk.
'Jiro, this might be it for us.' Rai muttered.
'I know Rai, but I'm not about to give up, we've got a second chance thanks to that Blade, let's give our all here.'
(Rai: 8000 & Jiro: 8000) - (Tamamo: 8000)
'I summon Air Armor Ninja!' Rai shouted while playing her first card, the warrior clad in his green ninja outfit leaped onto the field. (1400 ATK)
'I end my turn.'
Tamamo looked her opening hand carefully she picked a card: 'I activate Double Summon.' She stated her spell card appeared on the field.
'First I shall set one monster.' She continued a face-down card appeared before her. 'Then I normal summon Arcana Force VI - The Lovers.'
Tamamo's weird, alien-like creature appeared with its pointy head, long arms that ended in large hands and its body shape like it was wearing a dress. (1600 ATK)
A rotating card appeared above her monster. 'Stop.' Tamamo declared when the card was in its right-side-up position it immediately stopped spinning. 'My monster now counts as two tributes for an Arcana Force monster.' She explained as she signaled the end of her turn.
'My turn.' Jiro stated as he took two cards from his hand, one of the cards he played immediately it appeared as a face-down card.
'Now I release the Green Armor Ninja from my partner in order to advance summon Dai-Sojo of the Ice Barrier!' As the ninja disappeared a muscular man appeared in his place wearing blue pants with a piece of matching cloth tied around his waist, his upper body was naked, he wore several pieces of jewelry his head was completely hidden by a large, round hat which he held tipped forward, the moment he stood on the field he knelt down on one knee. (1600 ATK- 2200 DEF)
The Duelists noticed that more and more drones were hovering around them, suddenly Tamamo lifted her head: 'Jack!' She shouted: 'I know you're seeing this, Duban makes sure you do, allow me to show you a preview of what is to come.'
She drew her card: 'I summon Arcana Force III - The Empress!' Tamamo's sleek, humanoid creature with gray skin appeared, the six horns that stuck out of her back looked as sharp as ever. (1300 ATK)
'I activate Torrential Tribute!' Jiro shouted as his face-down card opened up. 'Dai-Sojo cannot be destroyed by the effects of spell or trap cards which means that only your monsters are destroyed!'
Tamamo simply smiled as her two monsters and her face-down Arcana Force I - The Magician exploded.
'Now you're open to our counter attack.' Jiro said with a grin.
'Oh how wrong you are.' Tamamo replied, then she smiled: 'You did amuse me though.' She took a card from her hand: 'I activate Reading of the Fate-Less!' An unknown spell card appeared, the moment it did all the screens got distorted showing static mixed with live images.
'I banish all three of the Arcana Force monsters in my Graveyard!'
Behind Tamamo rose a gigantic creature, Jack was staring at the television screen but he couldn't make out what it was, nor did he get any information on the monster.
Tamamo spread her arms a bright aura appeared around her. 'Arcana Force Infinite: The Scourge of Fate! Let my life force empower you!' She yelled the light from the aura around her got absorbed by her monster.
(Rai: 8000 & Jiro: 8000) - (Tamamo: 8000- X)
Even though Tamamo had no more life points the Duel didn't seem to have ended. 'Now attack!' She howled, the creature behind her unleashed a beam of pure energy that obliterated Dai-Sojo, then two more explosions followed, when the smoke cleared Tamamo's opponents laid on their backs, their cards sprawled around them.
(Rai: 8000- 0 & Jiro: 8000- 0) - (Tamamo: X)
As the Japanese Duelists left the area five new Duelists showed up.
'Larry that's the one Jack warned us about.' One of the Duelists spoke.
'I know Clair that's why we're here.' He replied: 'We'll take her out before Jack gets even a chance, would be good for The Dawnguard's reputation.'
Eliminated:
Hermann, Hans & Karl: The Brotherhood Fist.
Esteban: Illuminated Duelists
Jiro & Rai: Team Rising Sun
Ren: The Old Order (Disqualified).
The Brotherhood Fist & Illuminated Duelists eliminated, 10 teams remaining.
Next time:
Tamamo sticks The Dawnguard on Jack.
While The Blades are in trouble The Daggers rush to the carnival area to help their friends. ''The Dawnguard Moves - Part 1'' coming next.
Card details:
Arcana Force Infinite: The Scourge of Fate
Type: Unknown
Attribute: Unknown
Level: Unknown
ATK: Unknown
DEF: Unknown
Effect unknown.
Reading of the Fate-Less
Quick-play spell card
Used to summon Arcana Force Infinite: The Scourge of Fate.
Further effects and details unknown.