Tamamo's plan was foiled once again, with Larry losing to Jack the entire Dawnguard was defeated.
But Tamamo isn't done yet sending out Yadira to fight Serana.
In the shadows Errol and the mysterious Egyptian team also made their plans to go after The Blades.
29. Breaking Point.
Just after The Blades left the Carnival area The remaining Daggers were alone again, every other team in this area was eliminated.
'So what now?' Don asked.
'Don't know' Drake replied: 'I guess we will go our separate ways again, not too many Duelists left and Tamamo is still around.' Drake looked over at Don. 'You in for a Tamamo hunt?' He asked Don was quick to agree.
The Daggers decided to go in different directions, Drake and Don would be going back towards the City take a van and go to the Docks, Rini and Serana would stay in the Carnival for a while to catch their breath.
'Serana.' Rini said when Drake and Don were gone. 'What do you say we Duel? Just with cards no Duel Disks.'
Serana wasn't surprised she felt Rini's blood teeming with excitement.
'If it is a workout you want I can oblige.' A kind voice said, out of nowhere Yadira approached the two.
'I know you.' Serana said as she stood up and took position between Rini and Yadira.
'Serana stand back.' Rini said as she observed their assailant, Rini also stood up.
'Rini? You okay?' Serana was concerned, she didn't see what Rini saw.
'Serana she ain't human.' When Rini said that Serana slightly backed off.
'That's a Jinn.' Rini revealed the identity of Yadira. 'I never thought it possible to see one, let alone in America.'
Yadira let out an amused chuckle. 'Seems we have an expert here.' She replied, her eyes started to glow green.
'Serana Jinn are dangerous, heavily featured in Arabic folklore. They are not really spirits nor are they human. To see one is rare since they mostly appear invisible, but to actually see one disguised as a human.' Rini was in awe, Serana drew back even further.
'Bit out of her home region ain't she?' Serana whispered: 'What are we exactly dealing with here?'
Rini carefully observed Yadira. 'Well for starters Jinn have their own communities much like humans, they need food and water, they can follow a religion or not, most stay on the good side of the law some are considered to be evil.' Rini paused for a second as Yadira slightly moved.
'Don't get on the bad side of a Jinn, they can poison your mind.' Rini carefully chose her words as to not to upset Yadira: 'Ever had sleep paralysis? People used to believe that a Jinn possessed you, they thrive on dreams and once they possess you they put your mind in your dream world, you get to live out your perfect life in your dreams while the Jinn runs wild with your body, and once they're done with it they'll kill you.'
Serana took position in front of Rini. 'So she's that dangerous? Good thing I'm wide awake and now I know what I can expect.'
Yadira laughed: 'If I wanted your body I would have taken it by now, but I have no use for the body of a dirty vampire.' The Jinn spoke: 'Little-miss-know-it-all on the other hand.' She added with a devious smile.
'I can see it in your eyes, you still wonder how I'm here.' Yadira said, Rini indeed wondering this. 'Like you said we Jinn hail from Arabia, we always lived there until a few centuries ago when people were sick of us, they found out how to hurt us and started hunting us, my brethren fled to Europe. There are a lot of creatures like us running rampant over there so we fit right in, there we started to prosper again, most of my kind stays quiet and live their lives peacefully.' Yadira's eyes started to glow even brighter: 'But I have a vision, and Tamamo can help me realize that vision.'
Serana stepped to the front. 'Yadira, placing your false hope in the hands of someone like Tamamo.' The vampire's Duel Disk activated.
'You are a Jinn Yadira, you have incredible powers, whatever your vision is I bet you can do it yourself perfectly, Tamamo misguided you she's using you but I can't let you see reason.'
Yadira simply smiled she activated her Duel Disk in response to Serana.
(Yadira: 8000) - (Serana: 8000)
'I summon Venom Snake.' Yadira stated, a snake with a purple upper body and red stripes around its body appeared, it had several sharp blades sticking out of its back its rattle tail also had a blade on it. (1200 ATK)
The Jinn then quickly played another three cards which appeared face-down behind the Venom Snake.
Serana drew her card, she was on edge.
'I summon Tristan, Knight of the Underworld.' On top of the roller coaster appeared the skeletal warrior riding his mighty steed, the black cloak on the horse's back was flowing in the wind, with a powerful roar the warrior commanded his steed to leap down. (1800 ATK)
'With Tristan on the field I special summon Isolde, Belle of the Underworld.' Next to Tristan appeared the flirtatious, white-haired woman, she blew a kiss at Tristan who in turn got stronger. (Isolde: 1000 ATK, Tristan: 1800- 2100 ATK) 'Tristan gained three-hundred attack points because I control another Zombie now.' Serana explained: 'Tristan!' Serana shouted, the horse took a leap at the Venom Snake.
'I activate Offering to the Snake Deity!' The trap card opened up. 'I destroy my Venom Snake and your Tristan and Isolde!' Yadira replied a violent explosion erupted on the field taking out all three monsters at once.
'And now.' Yadira added: 'I activate Snake Whistle!' Two copies of the trap card opened up. 'Since a Reptile was destroyed I can special summon a level four or lower one from my Deck.' Two Venom Serpents, green snakes slithered onto the field, each one had two heads. (1000 ATK x2)
Serana quickly took a card from her hand she played it, it appeared face-down on the field.
Yadira drew her card. 'First I activate Pot of Desires.' She stated the amalgamation of Pot of Greed and Pot of Avarice appeared, first she put the top ten cards from her Deck into her pocket she then drew two.
'I release my two Venom Serpents.' Yadira stated after she drew the cards the snake arms of the mighty Vennominon the King of Poisonous Snakes dragged the two smaller snakes off shortly after the mighty creature rose out of the ground. (0- 1500 ATK)
'Direct attack.' Yadira commanded, the many snakes that made up Vennominon's arms lashed out at Serana, the vampire flinched a bit when the attack hit.
(Yadira: 8000) - (Serana: 8000- 6500)
Yadira quickly played another two cards which appeared face-down behind Vennominon. 'I end my turn.' She stated.
Serana drew her card. 'I activate Call of the Haunted.' She stated as her face-down revealed itself, the sound of a neighing horse echoed over the field and Tristan came riding in. (1800 ATK)
'Next I summon Zombie Master!' In a flash of purple lightning a pile of corpses rose out of the ground with the cackling, white-haired zombie riding on top, (1800 ATK) Tristan became stronger with an ally next to him. (1800- 2100 ATK)
'Tristan!' Serana commanded the knight prepared for attack.
'Oops!' Yadira suddenly yelled as one of her trap cards opened up: 'I just destroyed my own monster.' Vennominon violently exploded.
'And now Rise of the Snake Deity!' Purple mist poured out of the carcass of Vennominon slowly rose Vennominaga the Deity of Poisonous Snakes. (0- 2000 ATK) Tristan took the leap and beheaded the snake woman.
(Yadira: 8000- 7900) - (Serana: 6500)
'Doesn't work.' Yadira stated as she removed a Venom Serpent from her Graveyard and pocketed it, in a few seconds time Vennominaga came back to life. (0- 1500 ATK)
She then immediately got zapped by Zombie Master, Yadira removed the second Venom Serpent and Vennominaga rose once more. (0- 1000 ATK)
(Yadira: 7900- 7600) - (Serana: 6500)
'My turn ends.' Serana stated.
Yadira drew her card a smile formed on her face, a green glow started to emanate from her eyes. 'I activate Painful Choice.' She stated as her spell card flashed on the field, the images of three Venom Snakes and two Venom Boa appeared above her head.
'Keep the Venom Boa.' Serana quickly decided, Yadira quickly added the card to her hand and discarded the other four, Vennominaga let out a roar as she grew in power. (1000- 3000 ATK)
'Attack Zombie Master!' Yadira commanded the snake deity moved forward she lashed out with her snake arms and tore the zombie apart.
(Yadira: 7600) - (Serana: 6500- 5300)
Tristan became weaker without his ally to back him up. (2100- 1800 ATK)
Vennominaga opened the mouth of her snake arm, a tiny snake leaped out that bit onto Serana's leg, the vampire knew that if Vennominaga dealt damage two more times she'd automatically lose.
As the vampire drew her card she didn't directly saw a path to victory. 'I change my Tristan to defense mode.' She stated, the rider dismounted from his horse, he knelt down and crossed his arms. (0 DEF)
'Next I set this and I end my turn.' A reversed card appeared behind Tristan.
From the corner of her eye Serana saw Rini was ready to make a move.
'Rini don't.' Serana firmly spoke, Rini stopped dead in her tracks.
'Intruding now won't do any good, I'm on the defense. I will be the weakest link at that point. If Yadira triggers the effect of Vennominaga that means she wins the Duel and then we're both eliminated. If anything you should run now, get to Jack he'll help.'
Rini shook her head. 'I see a way to victory, if the Jinn wins I can take her.' She replied, a amused smile formed on Yadira's face.
'Since you don't intrude I shall take my turn then.' The Jinn spoke as she drew her card. 'I activate Enemy Controller!' A giant game controller appeared in mid-air a wire connected it to Tristan, the zombie stood up and mounted his horse again. (1800 ATK)
'Vennominaga!' Yadira commanded, like Zombie Master before him the snake woman wanted to tear this warrior to pieces as well, but he resisted.
'I banish Alghoul Mazera to prevent the destruction of Tristan.' Serana shouted, the warrior slashed off the arm of Vennominaga, the snake lady let out a terrifying howl of agony, a second snake came out of the mouth of the cut off arm latching onto Serana's arm.
(Yadira: 7600) - (Serana: 5300- 4100)
'Since Alghoul Mazera was banished I special summon him!' The purple-skinned zombie with the large, curved sword crawled out of the ground. (2800 ATK) Tristan in response got stronger again. (1800- 2100 ATK)
Grumbling Yadira played a card which appeared face-down behind her Vennominaga.
'My turn.' Serana drew her card, she immediately played it a smile formed on her face as the area slowly changed into the rotten swamp and dead trees that was Zombie World, Vennominaga's arm came back to life and reattached itself to the now zombie, in that instant Vennominaga let out a howl. (3000- 0 ATK)
Yadira was shocked. 'Yadira.' Serana spoke: 'Zombie World changed all your Reptiles into Zombies, this means Vennominaga no longer has any Reptiles in the Graveyard to gain attack points from, nor can you banish any of those monsters to revive her!'
She then quickly played a card Mezuki, the half man, half horse zombie leaped onto the field his large axe ready to strike. (1700 ATK)
She then played another card this one was Monster Reborn, Zombie Master crawled out of the ground again. (1800 ATK)
'I can give you what you want.' Yadira tried, almost begging, let me show you!'
Serana felt a throbbing pain in her head images of her and her parents flashed before her eyes, her parents she had never known, in the flashes the three were happy living a normal life.
'NO!' Serana yelled and the throbbing stopped.
'I do not wish to live in a false world! My parents are dead, I have accepted that a long time ago. The life I have now is worth living because of all my friends! Yes I miss my parents like anyone would but having them back? No that is saying I am not satisfied with my life now! Alghoul Mazera!'
The Zombie warrior took a leap.
'Fine, then you just dug your own grave! I activate Raigeki Break!' Yadira yelled as her trap card opened up, she discarded the Venom Boa from her hand. 'I destroy Zombie World! That means Vennominaga will be stronger again and gains the third counter! I...'
The Jinn was stopped by Serana who activated her card. 'Go Dark bribe! You get to draw a card but your Raigeki Break is stopped!' Serana yelled.
Yadira let out a scream as Vennominaga was beheaded in one, fluid motion, Tristan galloped past Yadira striking her as he did and then Mezuki leaped in to smash her with his axe, which right before impact got enhanced by the purple lightning from Zombie Master.
(Yadira: 7600- 4800- 2700- 1000- 0) - (Serana: 4100)
Yadira snarled something Serana couldn't understand, she deactivated her Duel Disk while Yadira slowly backed off, she was clearly afraid.
'And so it transpired, as predicted.' A calm voice sounded out of nowhere, Serana's hair stood on end. 'Rini.' She whispered but then fell silent as the opposing figure that was Tamamo appeared from the shadows, she had been watching there the whole time.
'My lady.' Yadira stammered she sad on her hands and knees pushing her face almost through the ground.
'Stand.' Tamamo demanded without even looking at her Disciple, as Yadira tried to crawl back on her feet and fell down again whilst trying Tamamo closely observed Rini who was defiantly staring back.
Tamamo moved on to Serana, a serene smile formed on her face, Serana was frozen in fear: 'I applaud you, taking on Yadira and survive.' Tamamo turned her attention back to Yadira: 'You've performed as expected Yadira.' The Jinn perked up a bit. 'But my lady, I lost.' Yadira stammered.
'Yes, but you stood no chance, Rini told the vampire about you, Rini made her aware of your powers Yadira therefor they didn't work. This was a fair Duel and the vampire was simply the better Duelist.'
Tamamo looked back to Serana, she reached out her hand to touch Serana's cheek, Serana was too scared to move. 'I see, you still haven't forgotten our previous encounter.'
The moment Tamamo wanted to touch Serana a hand slapped away hers.
'Rini!' Serana shouted startled by the action of the normally hesitant Rini.
Tamamo slowly lowered her hand, Yadira was ready to attack.
'You're out Yadira.' Tamamo spoke without even looking at her.
'You've got spirit.' Tamamo spoke her entire demeanor had changed, her eyes were now cold her smile was gone.
'You were not there that day.'
Rini knew Tamamo meant the day she had killed Jurgen, Rini also knew Serana suffered a crushing defeat there, Serana stood here to defend her despite her fear.
'We Duel.' A voice broke the silence, Serana had a look of absolute shock on her face. A smile appeared on Tamamo's.
'Like I said, you got spirit.' Tamamo calmly spoke as she started to walk back.
'Rini, what the hell?' Serana gasped.
Rini calmly activated her Duel Disk. 'I'm ending this.' She simply stated.
'Ending? Rini!' Serana was panicking.
'Trust me Serana, like I've been trusting you. I've relied on you all this time, this time just rely on me.' Rini felt what Serana couldn't, a surge of magic that lit up her body, it felt similar to Tamamo's. Up until this point Rini hadn't been able to sense magic all that good, but now each string of magic around her had a distinct feel, a taste, a color. She was now able to tell where everyone was based on their magic.
When Tamamo had taken her place both Duelists activated their Duel Disk, then Serana took position next to Rini.
'Serana, you don't need to...' Rini started but Serana silenced her.
'I don't know what's gotten into you Rini, but I can't allow you to do this alone, Violet will kill me.'
Tamamo smiled as she drew her opening hand. 'It doesn't matter with how many you come at me, makes no difference.'
(Rini: 8000 & Serana: 8000) - (Tamamo: 8000)
Rini was fixated on Tamamo Serana felt Rini's heartbeat which was awfully calm. 'I summon Harpie Queen.' Rini stated as her opening the regal bird-lady appeared a stern look on her face, her long, hair flowing in the wind. (1900 ATK)
Tamamo saw an aura of colorless magic coming out of Rini's eyes, Serana couldn't see it, Rini quickly played another card, it was the spell Elegant Egotist, the card disappeared and seconds later the three sisters landed next to their queen. (1950 ATK)
'I end my turn.' Rini stated.
Just as Tamamo wanted to draw her card the magical aura that came out of Rini's eyes exploded outward quickly enveloping the entire area Tamamo closed her eyes, a similar wave of magic exploded outwards from her, Rini's was colorless while Tamamo's was dark, almost black. For a moment both waves clashed then dissolved like nothing had happened.
'I see.' Tamamo thought as she drew her card. 'You wield the ancient magic like I do. You hope to challenge me on my own level. Foolish!' Tamamo felt uneasy she took a deep breath to calm herself.
'I summon Arcana Force II - The High Priestess!' A serene-looking woman descended in a beam of light, she wore simple, blue robes she wore a golden cross around her neck, from behind her back many tentacles writhe in the shadows, in her hands she held a book with a red aura surrounding it. (1300 ATK)
Her card started to spin above her head. 'Stop.' Tamamo demanded as the card stopped right side up immediately, in a flash of light the serene woman disappeared. 'She'll be back next turn, she's banished for now and I end my turn.' Tamamo stated.
'Rini.' Serana said as she drew her card: 'I'm not holding back now, I will abuse your Harpies as I see fit, I cannot afford to think about your bond with your monsters now.'
Rini nodded: 'I expected that, I'm not liking it but I must win this not only for you but for Jack as well.'
Serana wanted to object. 'For me? I'm in this Duel because of you Rini, we do this together.'
Serana placed her card in her field slot, the area changed into the rotten Zombie World, Tamamo smiled as she found herself in the middle of the blood lake, she spread her arms and invisible platforms appeared underneath her feet lifting her up.
'I release the now Zombie Harpie Queen in order to advance summon Red-Eyes Zombie Dragon!'
Tamamo leaped backwards off of the platforms holding her in the air to avoid the gross, decaying zombified Red-Eyes bursting out of the blood lake, the dragon unleashed a roar spewing its putrid breath all over the place. (2400 ATK)
'Since I cannot attack this turn I set this card and end my turn.' Serana stated as a reversed card appeared behind her Zombie Dragon.
Tamamo drew her card, in a flash of light the High Priestess returned. (1300 ATK)
'With the effect of The High Priestess in the right side up position I can normal summon two Arcana Force monsters this turn and the second normal summon cannot be negated by card effects and any effect that would not allow that summon is negated as well, that includes your Zombie World.'
With a smile Tamamo took two cards from her hand. 'First I normal summon Arcana Force V - The Hierophant!' This time a holy man appeared out of a bright light, he was a pope-like figure wearing purple and simple robes he wore a miter and held a cross in his hand, his face was blank, every now and then a face filled with agony appeared underneath the skin of his face only to disappear again. (1400 ATK)
'The Hierophant can either curse me or bless anyone. Right side up and I cannot attack as long as he remains on the field, upside-down and the attack power of a monster on the field is doubled even if The Hierophant leaves the field.' She looked at Rini as the card started to spin. 'You decide my fate.' The demoness spoke.
'Stop!' Rini shouted, the stopped upside-down immediately.
'You reap the blessing of your choice.' Tamamo spoke, the man clasped his cross tight he trust it skyward and a warm light erupted around the Red-Eyes Zombie Dragon. (2400- 4800 ATK)
'A blessing can also be a curse.' She then spoke: 'Let's see what fate has in store! I release The High Priestess for Arcana Force XII - The Hanged Man!' A weird tree-like alien tentacle spouted from the ground in it hung a formless, alien creature it had a tiny head on an elongated neck and four tentacles, the tentacles lashed out grabbing Serana, the card started to spin above The Hanged Man. (2200 ATK)
'You control your own fate on this one.' Tamamo spoke to Serana.
Serana was awfully calm for hanging upside down. 'Stop.' Serana said she was all serious, the card stopped after a few seconds upside-down.
'Once per turn a monster you control is destroyed and you take damage equal to its attack power.' Tamamo explained, two tentacles let go of Serana they wrapped around Red-Eyes Zombie Dragon slowly strangling it, then the grip around Serana tightened the vampire let out a shriek because the monster actually hurt her.
(Rini: 8000 & Serana: 8000- 3200) - (Tamamo: 8000)
'The Hanged Man attacks Harpie Lady Sisters!' Tamamo commanded, the alien creature let go of Serana then it grabbed each of the sisters and strangled them like it had done to the Red-Eyes Zombie Dragon before.
(Rini: 8000- 7750 & Serana: 3200) - (Tamamo: 8000)
Rini first helped Serana to get back up before she drew her card.
'I activate Book of Life.' Serana stated interrupting Rini's turn: 'First I banish The High Priestess then Rini can summon a Zombie from the Graveyard.'
Rini thanked Serana with a quick head nod. 'I summon Harpie Queen!' She shouted as her favorite monster now a Zombie crawled out of the ground. (1900 ATK)
'Now I shall add this.' Rini continued as she played two more copies of Elegant Egotist, a six total of Harpie Ladies started to fly around as Rini called on two Harpie Lady Sisters. (1950 ATK x2)
'Then I activate Triangle Ecstasy Spark to increase the attack points of Harpie Lady Sisters!' Sparks appeared around all the sisters as their attack power skyrocketed. (1950- 2700 ATK)
'And finally I add Harpie Lady 1 to the squad!' The pink-haired zombified bird-lady came falling down the sky as her wings were rotted. (Lady 1: 1300- 1600 ATK, Queen: 1900- 2200 ATK, Sisters: 2700- 3000 ATK x2)
'Rini, you're not messing around.' Serana stammered: 'I had no idea you could even do this.'
Rini briefly looked at Serana. 'I can do much more! My Harpie Ladies attack!' Rini howled, the bird-ladies scattered in every direction. First a group of Sisters took out The Hanged Man while Harpie Lady 1 swiftly put an end to The Hierophant then the second set of Sisters and their Queen swarmed around Tamamo who gracefully blocked every single one of their strikes with her Duel Disk.
(Rini: 7750 & Serana: 3200) - (Tamamo: 8000- 7200- 7000- 4800- 1800)
As Rini ended her turn the attack power of the Sisters lowered again. (3000- 2250 ATK)
Serana was shocked about what Rini just did, Tamamo staggered backwards, her eyes widened, her breathing irregular.
'How?' She stammered: 'She is completely unfazed by my magic, she's not only matching mine she is negating the effect it should have on her...'
Tamamo then realized something. 'Damn, I use my power to turn fate in my favor, if she negates my magic then my monsters...'
Tamamo now felt something she hadn't felt in a really long time.
'Rini! I can feel Tamamo's blood, you broke her focus, she's afraid if you plan to finish this like you told me then now is the time for one final push.'
Tamamo started to laugh as she drew her card: 'Finish me? You? You can plan to make a final push, but it is my turn first!'
She quickly played the card she just got Mystical Space Typhoon appeared a powerful tornado ravaged the swamp, all the Harpies turned back to normal. 'Now I summon Arcana Force X - The Wheel of Fortune!'
Before the two girls appeared the compass engraved with runes, shortly after the demon with the snake tail appeared lifting from the ground. (1000 ATK)
A card started to spin above it. 'Stop.' Tamamo declared her voice was shaky, Serana picked it up Rini didn't. 'I should tell Violet about this. Rini is incredible, she made Tamamo doubt herself, we might actually win this.' The vampire thought to herself, meanwhile the card stopped in the right side up position. 'I special summon The Hierophant through the effect of Wheel of Fortune!' The compass in the demon's hand started to spin like crazy, a beam of light shot out of it and the pope-like man reappeared on the field. (1400 ATK)
'I use my special summoned The Hierophant as a tribute and I pay thousand Life Points in order to special summon Arcana Force XX - Judgment!'
A red light shot out of the The Hierophant incinerating it then a red light shot out of Tamamo's body, both beams disappeared into the sky.
(Rini: 7750 & Serana: 3200) - (Tamamo: 1800- 800)
Suddenly the sky broke open as a half-naked man descended from the clouds, he had four black wings spouting from his back, he was held in the sky by a mass of writhing tentacles on closer look the mass of tentacles made up the lower body of the creature, a halo shone brightly above his head which was covered in long, golden hair, two horns protruded from the sides of his head, in his hands he held a golden trumpet. (3000 ATK)
'I tribute Wheel of Fortune.' Tamamo stated in a blinding light the demon with the compass disappeared, slowly the demonic Angel moved over to Serana, its card appeared above Serana's head and started to spin.
'This is how Judgment works.' Tamamo started: 'This effect I can only use when someone took battle damage in the previous turn, by tributing a monster I gave control of it to you.' Tamamo's gaze pierced through Serana. 'You control your own fate now Serana if the card lands right side up you'll gain Life Points equal to the damage I took last turn, which I remind you was sixty-two-hundred. Should the card land upside-down you'll take that amount of damage instead.'
'I have faith.' Serana thought: 'If I survive this Tamamo gave me a three-thousand attack point monster I can end her with her own monster and pass judgment on her instead.'
Serana closed her eyes. 'Stop.' She said, the card started to slow down agonizingly slow, eventually it stopped upside-down, the Angelic creature blew its trumpet a beam of bright light descended on Serana instantly, her screams were deafened by the sound of the trumpet.
(Rini: 7750 & Serana: 3200- 0) - (Tamamo: 800)
'Serana lost all her life points which means Judgment returns to me.' Tamamo stated as the creature moved over to her again.
Rini was shaking uncontrollably. 'Rini screw this Duel, run now!' Serana groaned as the attack really did hurt her, not as much as a Shadow Duel but she still felt it.
'I won't.' Rini replied her voice trembling Tamamo showed a confident smile on her face. 'You said you wanted to end me didn't you? You're alone now so I have granted your wish, besides you dealt enough damage to me to do this, so in a way this is all your fault.' Tamamo tried to provoke Rini she spread her arms as a sign for Rini to come at her, for a moment Rini's eyes flashed a powerful aura exploded from within her body, when it hit Tamamo the demoness staggered backwards a bit.
'Enough! Judgment!' Tamamo yelped in surprise, the sudden burst of magic had taken her by surprise, slowly the hand of the angelic demon grabbed Harpie Lady 1 incinerating her with holy light.
(Rini: 7750- 6350 & Serana: 0) - (Tamamo: 800)
With the Harpie Lady gone both groups of Sisters and Harpie Queen got weaker again. (Queen: 2200- 1900 ATK, Sisters: 2250- 1950 ATK)
Quickly Tamamo played two cards both of which appeared face-down. 'I end my turn.' She stated her voice was still shaken a bit.
Rini drew her card.
'You can't fool me Tamamo, those face-down cards, they are either to reflect an attack back at me or to destroy my monster when I attack or they are a bluff. Anyway I'm taking any risks here! I activate Harpie Lady Phoenix Formation!'
Each of Rini's monsters started to glow they started to fly into a formation then flames erupted creating a giant, flaming bird. 'I destroy Judgment and deal all of its attack points to you as damage!' Rini yelled the fire bird took to the skies, with a screech it flew through the chest of Judgment before making a dive at Tamamo.
'I activate my trap!' Tamamo shouted, one of her cards opened up. 'Barrel Behind the Door! I reflect that damage back to you!' Rini crossed her arms as the flames of her own bird washed over her instead.
(Rini: 6350- 3350 & Serana: 0) - (Tamamo: 800)
Tamamo staggered backwards before she fell to her knees, her mouth was open her eyes widened full of fear. This was way too close for her.
Rini changed the position of her monsters, the bird-ladies landed and took a defensive position. (Queen: 1200 DEF, Sisters: 2100 DEF x2)
Tamamo's hand slightly trembled as she drew her card.
'I activate Suit of Sword X her spell card flashed onto the field and with it ten swords appeared hovering in mid-air. The spell card started to turn slowly. 'Right side up all your monsters are destroyed, upside down all my monsters are destroyed.' Tamamo spoke.
Rini knew this was it, Tamamo had no monsters and it didn't seem she had any in her hand either, if this card landed upside down her Harpies would survive and that meant the end of Tamamo.
'Stop!' Tamamo demanded, immediately the card stopped upside down, it refused to budge.
'I won't let it end like this!' Tamamo howled nine shadowy tails appeared behind her, panic filled her eyes, the card started to move again stopping right side up, the ten swords all shot towards Rini's monsters each sword piercing a Harpie.
'I activate Ace of Wands!' Tamamo continued as her final trap card opened up, the card started to turn. 'This stops upside down and you take damage equal to the total attack points of the monsters that were just destroyed fifty-eight-hundred. It lands right side up and you'll gain that many life points.'
Rini felt the incredible surge of her magic slowly slipping away. 'Stop!' She demanded but the card kept turning.
'I am in control of fate.' Tamamo said her voice was still shaking, her eyes still filled with fear. She demanded the card to stop, it made one more rotation before stopping upside down, Rini felt all the magic leave her body then lightning struck her.
(Rini: 3350- 0 & Serana: 0) - (Tamamo: 800)
Rini was trembling, the strange magic that was surging through her body had now completely left her. She felt her legs gave way as she fell Serana caught her.
'Easy Rini, easy you were awesome.' Serana whispered as she gently stroke Rini's hair carefully sitting her down, Serana sat next to her holding her tight.
Tamamo in the meantime was staring at her hands, her eyes widened, her breathing irregular.
'H-how?' She gasped in disbelieve.
'My lady?' Yadira said as she carefully approached her.
'She's a nobody, how could she be on my level?' Tamamo was stammering.
'My lady, she got lucky.' Yadira spoke she wanted to lead Tamamo away but she slapped away Yadira's hand.
'She wasn't lucky.' Tamamo hissed her shaking stopped: 'She matched me on my level, my resolve it... I need some time to think.' Carefully Tamamo took a step backwards, Yadira wanted to help her. 'Alone.' Tamamo hissed, for a moment Yadira was confused she looked at Serana and Rini wanting to say something, she didn't instead she started to make her way to the nearest exit.
Shortly after Tamamo had left The Blades appeared on the scene, they were closely followed by Don and Drake.
'Rini!' Violet yelled as she ran to her friend she gently took over from Serana, Rini started to sob uncontrollably she clamped her arms around Violet. 'What the hell were you thinking!?' Jack spoke to Serana he was angry. 'It was my fault.' Rini sobbed: 'I challenged her.'
Serana let out a sigh: 'You wanted to challenge her alone, I joined willingly.'
Violet carefully held Rini's face. 'Why Rini? This was reckless.' She then turned towards Jack: 'And you back off Jack, doesn't matter who challenged who. Tamamo planned this, if Rini hadn't challenged her Tamamo would have.'
Jack took a deep breath. 'You're right Violet, I'm sorry Serana, Rini.' He apologized, he then knelt down next to Rini and Violet, carefully he placed his hand on Rini's shoulder.
'What you did to Tamamo, it gave us a fighting chance, she doubts herself now. She needs to recover from this, now if Duban could find her we can end it.'
Less than ten minutes later the five Blades, Serana, Rini, Don and Drake found themselves in a black van with blinded windows, a Half-Dwemer was driving and a very annoyed Duban sat next to him.
'Jack, if you like my company so much you only need to say it.' Duban spoke.
'Duban this is no laughing matter.' Jack replied, they were on their way to the exit, Violet wanted to be sure Rini got out of the arena safely, Duban then insisted to bring her to their medical facility outside the arena.
'The girl's exhausted.' Duban said referring Rini who was laying on the back seat her head resting against Violet's chest.
'Whatever that Duel was it wasn't an ordinary one, she even forced Tamamo back. How?' Duban almost sounded demanding.
'I have a theory.' Jack replied: 'Rini was one of the Dark Signers. When I faced her she managed to push back the influence of her Earthbound God. When she pushed the Earthbound God out her body took the appearance of a Winged Twilight, a monster native to America heavily influenced by what we call American magic. When Violet defeated the Earthbound God for real Rini wasn't taken by Errol who controlled the Earthbound Gods it was that Winged Twilight, this made Rini survive, the Winged Twilight represented her as a Dark Signer like two separate entities the bad one was taken out and the kind Rini remained.' Jack looked out of the window they were on the edge of the city arena near the exit.
'Your point?' Duban asked.
'My point is that something is slumbering within Rini, I've felt similar magic coming from Tamamo and Rao. At first I thought it was simply the Japanese side of magic but Ushiwaka's magic feels different. Rini, Tamamo and Rao they all share something, can't say what but that is what awakened in Rini just now.' Jack paused for a moment.
'Violet and Rini were born in Japan, where you are born does not determine what magic you can harness, being born in Japan makes it more likely you're more affiliated with the magic found there. Violet was more attuned to what we have here in America, but Rini was affiliated with the Japanese side. Magic in Japan is unfamiliar for me. But it is clear that Rao, Rini and Tamamo have a special kind of magic only found in Japan but extremely rare. My guess is that it came natural to Tamamo, Rao controls it but it is weaker form. Rini was born with it but it was slumbering, turning into a Dark Signer awakened it on a subconscious level hence her being able to exorcise the Earthbound God, this time those Earthbound Gods were infused with American magic which clashes with Rini's magic. And just now Rini stood face-to-face with Tamamo who does not hide her magic at all when confronting someone, Rini must have attuned herself with it and that is what awakened her own power, if only briefly.'
Duban said nothing for a few seconds. 'So if Rini can learn to command that power at will and become more aware of it she can theoretically take out Tamamo.' The Dwemer seemed lost in thoughts, muttering things in Arabic.
'We're not weaponizing my girlfriend!' Violet hissed.
'We're not.' Duban immediately replied: 'Tamamo realized Rini could do this, Tamamo knew Rini could be problematic later on, Tamamo decided to remove the problem before it got worse. Even if Rini learns to harness that power Tamamo is now aware of it and will come prepared, what Rini did was shaking Tamamo's resolve. I now know where Tamamo is she dropped her guard and I got a lock on her magic signature, would have been easier if she had joined the tournament through official means, she'd have one of the tablets we track the Duelists with.' He said with a sigh: 'Once Rini and Serana are safe I'll bring you to Tamamo's location. Jack our differences will be settled afterward, this is your only shot at Tamamo...' Suddenly the Half-Dwemer hit the brakes, the passengers were lucky they wore seat belts.
'What the!' Duban roared.
'Sir.' The driver said with a shaky voice he pointed to the absolute massive figure who was blocking the road, four other, smaller people stood around him.
'Errol.' Jack growled, without hesitation Drake opened the door of the van. 'Don.' He said.
'Drake what are you doing?' Jack interrupted him.
'You bring Rini to safety, we'll keep Errol here.' Drake simply said, Don already had a huge grin on his face.
Eliminated:
Yadira: The Old Order
Serana & Rini: The Daggers
Next time:
Tamamo's faith is shaken, Rini did a number on her and with Yadira gone she is now on her own.
Just when both Blades and Daggers are about to reach the exit of the Dueling arena to bring Rini to the hospital Errol arrives, a burning desire to take down Jack. However Errol and Don now bravely face the entirety of The Blood Hand. ''Blood Hand Mayhem'' coming next.
Card details:
Arcana Force II - The High Priestess
Type: Fairy/Effect
Attribute: Light
Level: 2
ATK: 1300
DEF: 800
When this card is Normal Summoned toss a coin. If Heads, that card gains the Right Side Up effect, if Tails, that card gains the Upside Down effect. ● Right Side Up: Banish this card face-up. During your next Standby Phase Special Summon this card in the same position it was in with this Effect still applied. You can Normal Summon 1 additional ''Arcana Force'' Monster during this turn. This extra Normal Summon cannot be negated, cards effect that would prevent a Monster from being summoned do not affect that Summon. ● Upside Down: Banish this card face-up. During your next Standby Phase Special Summon this card in the same position it was in with this Effect still applied. Your opponent can see your hand, then they choose 1 card from your hand and Banish that card face-down.
Arcana Force V - The Hierophant
Type: Fairy/Effect
Attribute: Light
Level: 4
ATK: 1400
DEF: 1000
When this card is Normal Summoned toss a coin. If Heads, that card gains the Right Side Up effect, if Tails, that card gains the Upside Down effect. ● Right Side Up: As long as this card remains face-up you cannot enter your Battle Phase. ● Upside Down: Target 1 Monster on the Field double the Original ATK of the targeted Monster, this change remains even if this card leaves the Field.
Arcana Force XX - Judgment
Type: Fairy/Effect
Attribute: Light
Level: 9
ATK: 3000
DEF: 3000
Can only be Special Summoned by Tributing 2 Special Summoned ''Arcana Force'' Monster as a Tribute. or by Tributing 1 Special Summoned ''Arcana Force'' Monster. If Special Summoned this way pay 1000 LP. Cannot be Summoned by other ways. This card's Effect can only be activated when a Duelist took Battle Damage in the previous turn. You can Tribute 1 Monster you control switch control of this card to your opponent. When the LP of the controller of this card becomes 0 and this card is face-up on the Field control of this card returns to its owner, this card's Effect does not activate at this time.
When control of this card changes toss a coin. If Heads, that card gains the Right Side Up effect, if Tails, that card gains the Upside Down effect. ● Right Side Up: You gain LP equal to the Battle Damage a Duelist took on their previous turn. ● Upside Down: You lose LP equal to the Battle Damage a Duelist took on their previous turn.
Note: The above three cards were made by me for this story specifically, nobody is allowed to use these cards for their own.
Suit of Sword X
Normal spell card
Toss a coin. If Heads, apply the Right Side Up effect, and if Tails, apply the Upside Down effect. ● Right Side Up: Destroy all monsters your opponent controls. ● Upside Down: Destroy all monsters you control.
Ace of Wand
Normal Trap
Activate only when a monster(s) is destroyed by a card effect. Toss a coin. If Heads, apply the Right Side Up effect, and if Tails, apply the Upside Down effect. ● Right Side Up: The controller of the destroyed monster(s) gains Life Points equal to the total ATK of the destroyed monster(s). ● Upside Down: Inflict damage to the controller of the destroyed monster(s) equal to the total ATK of the destroyed monster(s).
Note: The above two cards were used by Sartorius during the Yu-Gi-Oh GX anime, credits goes to the writers of the episodes these cards appeared in.