AN: This chapter is a lot of Dialogue and Exposition, Sorry, but that's how it chose to be written.
Later that night.
Pegasus pulled everyone into his home theatre and watched each of the highlights of the duels that took place in the Labyrinth.
"This is the highlight from young Mokuba's Duel." He said as he pressed play.
"... Thanks to my Swords of Revealing light I was able to set this up. I activate my Minefield Eruption Trap Card destroying all three of my Mine Golem's and dealing 3000 damage straight to you!"
Mercenary: -1000
Mokuba Kaiba: 1000
"Ah man." The Mercenary Said.
"Splendid set up Young Mokuba." Pegasus Said. "Would you mind terribly, showing me the deck, you made this afternoon?"
"Well, it isn't much of a deck." Mokuba explained. "I was looking through the cards and found a set that I wanted but ran out of time. So..." Mokuba handed Pegasus the cards.
Blizzed, Defender of the Ice Barrier
Caravan of the Ice Barrier
Cryomancer of the Ice Barrier
Dai-sojo of the Ice Barrier
Dance Princess of the Ice Barrier
Defender of the Ice Barrier
Dewdark of the Ice Barrier
General Gantala of the Ice Barrier
General Grunard of the Ice Barrier
General Raiho of the Ice Barrier
General Wayne of the Ice Barrier
Geomancer of the Ice Barrier
Hexa Spirit of the Ice Barrier
Judge of the Ice Barrier
Medium of the Ice Barrier
Numbing Grub in the Ice Barrier
Pilgrim of the Ice Barrier
Prior of the Ice Barrier
Revealer of the Ice Barrier
Royal Knight of the Ice Barrier
Sacred Spirit of the Ice Barrier
Samurai of the Ice Barrier
Secret Guards of the Ice Barrier
Shock Troops of the Ice Barrier
Speaker for the Ice Barriers
Spellbreaker of the Ice Barrier
Strategist of the Ice Barrier
Warlock of the Ice Barrier
Zuijin of the Ice Barrier
Freezing Chains of the Ice Barrier
Magic Triangle of the Ice Barrier
Medallion of the Ice Barrier
Mirror of the Ice Barrier
Winds Over the Ice Barrier
Ice Barrier
Terror of Trishula
Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier
Dewloren, Tiger King of the Ice Barrier
Gungnir, Dragon of the Ice Barrier
Trishula, Dragon of the Ice Barrier
Trishula, Zero Dragon of the Ice Barrier
"Oh yes. I can see you doing great things with these cards." Pegasus handed the cards back to Mokuba.
"Thanks." Mokuba said, accepting the cards back.
"Let's move on to young TéA's Highlight." Pegasus said.
"... I activate the Spell Card Raigeki, and since you don't have a monster, I can't attack you."
"It doesn't matter." The Mercenary said. "The effect damage was enough to end me."
Mercenary: 0000
TéA Gardner: 2000
"Didn't you just love watching that one?" Pegasus asked.
"Riveting sir." Croquet said.
"TéA. Please share your new deck with me."
Aussa the Earth Channeler
Aussa the Earth Charmer
Avalanching Aussa
Awakening of the Possessed - Gagigobyte
Awakening of the Possessed - Greater Inari Fire
Awakening of the Possessed - Nefariouser Archfiend
Awakening of the Possessed - Rasenryu
Blazing Hiita
Denko Sekka
Dharc the Dark Charmer
Effect Veiler
Eria the Water Charmer
Fairy Tail - Luna
Fairy Tail - Rella
Fairy Tail - Rochka
Fairy Tail - Sleeper
Fairy Tail - Snow
Familiar-Possessed - Aussa
Familiar-Possessed - Dharc
Familiar-Possessed - Eria
Familiar-Possessed - Hiita
Familiar-Possessed - Lyna
Familiar-Possessed - Wynn
Hiita the Fire Charmer
Inari Fire
Jigabyte
Lyna the Light Charmer
Ranryu
Storming Wynn
Witch of the Black Forest
Witchcrafter Golem Aruru
Wynn the Wind Channeler
Wynn the Wind Charmer
Awakening of the Possessed
Book of Eclipse
Dark Ruler No More
Fairy Tail Tales
Grand Spiritual Art - Ichirin
Raigeki
Secret Village of the Spellcasters
Spellbook of Knowledge
Spirit Charmers
Terraforming
Twin Twisters
Dimensional Barrier
Metaverse
Possessed Partnerships
Solemn Warning
Solemn Wishes
Spiritual Earth Art - Kurogane
Spiritual Fire Art - Kurenai
Spiritual Light Art - Hijiri
Spiritual Water Art - Aoi
Spiritual Wind Art - Miyabi
Unpossessed
Aussa the Earth Charmer, Immovable
Dharc the Dark Charmer, Gloomy
Eria the Water Charmer, Gentle
Hiita the Fire Charmer, Ablaze
Lyna the Light Charmer, Lustrous
Wynn the Wind Charmer, Verdant
"Ooh. I Expect great things from that deck young TéA."
"I just hope I can live up to your expectations." TéA replied.
"I'm sure that you can and will young TéA."
"Thanks Mister Pegasus."
"You're Most Welcome. Now. Next is Little Yugi's Highlight."
"I'll tribute my Dark Magician to Special Summon Dark Eradicator Warlock!" Pharaoh Said. "Then I'll use Monster Reborn to Bring my Dark Magician back from the Graveyard. Next, I'll activate Knight's Title, tributing my Dark Magician to Special Summon Dark Magician Knight from my Deck..."
Dark Eradicator Warlock Shot two bolts of Dark Energy at the Mercenary, dealing 2000 damage to the Mercenary.
Mercenary: -2000
Yugi Muto: 0100
"Wasn't that an excellent win?" Pegasus asked.
"Yeah, it was." Joey Said.
"We're those the new cards from today?" Pegasus asked.
"No. I made a whole new deck today." Yugi said, showing Pegasus.
Apprentice Illusion Magician
Apprentice Magician
Dark Eradicator Warlock
Dark Magician
Dark Magician Girl
Dark Magician Knight
Dark Sage
Kuriboh
Magician of Black Chaos
Magician's Valkyria
Silent Magician
Silent Magician LV4 X3
Silent Magician LV8 X2
Silent Paladin
Skilled Dark Magician
Black Magic Ritual
Black Pendant
Bond Between Teacher and Student
Book of Secret Arts
Brain Control
Dark Magic Curtain
Dark Magic Expanded
Dark Magic Inheritance
Dark Magic Twin Burst
Dark Magical Circle
De-Spell
Detonate
Horn of Light
Horn of the Unicorn
Knight's Title
Mage Power
Magic Formula
Monster Reborn
Monster Recovery
Mystic Box
Mystical Moon
One-Shot Wand
Sage's Stone
Silent Burning
Spell Shattering Arrow
Swords of Revealing Light
Wonder Wand
Horn of Heaven
Magical Hats
Mirror Force
"It looks like the same deck, just with a few different cards."
"It is." Yugi said. "I wanted my original deck, and then I wanted a deck that I could change."
"I see."
"So, you're not mad?"
"Mad? Whatever for? I allowed you to make your own deck. I can't be mad that you did just that."
"Oh. Okay."
"Now. Let's see what Young Tristan's Highlights Were, shall we?"
Tristan's field was set. In his Monster Zones he had Command Knight, Lava Battleguard, and Swamp Battleguard in face up attack Position, and Catapult Turtle in face up defense Position. In his Spell and Trap Zones he had The A. Forces.
His monster's attacks were:
Swamp Battleguard:
ATK: 3300 DEF: 1500
Lava Battleguard:
ATK: 3050 DEF: 1800
Command Knight:
ATK: 2200 DEF: 1900
Catapult Turtle:
ATK: 1000 DEF 2000
"All Right!" Tristan Said. "Let's do this! I'm going to send my Command Knight to the Graveyard with Catapult Turtles effect to deal half her ATK to you as Damage!"
"What!" The Mercenary yelled.
"Launch!"
Catapult Turtle launched Command Knight at the Mercenary dealing half her ATK to him.
Mercenary: 900
Tristan Taylor: 1500
"Next! I'll sacrifice My Swamp Battleguard to Deal half his ATK to you as Damage!"
"And I lost." The Mercenary said as his life points dropped below Zero.
Mercenary: -550
Tristan Taylor: 1500.
"Excellent!" Pegasus cheered at the screen. "I didn't think that you were a Duelist Mr. Taylor. I was sure that you were going to lose."
"I'm not really a Duelist." Tristan explained. "But I was over at Yugi's house every day after School while gramps was teaching Joey how to Duel. I Kinda picked it up, and I watched Yugi, Joey, and TéA play every day, then I watched pretty much every duel at Duelist Kingdom, and every Duel since. I guess I just Kinda learned how to duel."
"How grand! And what cards did you pick while down in the vault?"
Tristan handed Pegasus his Deck:
Acrobat Monkey
Battleguard King
Berserk Dragon
Catapult Turtle
Command Knight
Cyber Commander
Deepsea Warrior
Hysteric Fairy
Injection Fairy Lily
Isolde, Belle of the Underworld
Jinzo
Judge Man
Launcher Spider
Lava Battleguard
Machine King
Magician of Faith
Nightmare Penguin
Robolady
Robotic Knight
Roboyarou
Sengenjin
Swamp Battleguard
The Legendary Fisherman
Tristan, Knight of the Underworld
A Deal with Dark Ruler
A Legendary Ocean
Block Attack
Double Snare
Heavy Storm
Monster Reborn
Polymerization X3
Pot of Greed
Premature Burial
Sebek's Blessing X3
Spring of Rebirth
Stop Defense
The A. Forces
Battleguard Howling
Battleguard Rage
Driving Snow
Gravity Bind
Reinforcements
Super Robolady
Super Roboyarou
"What an interesting deck. I'm so glad that you are able to play such a well thought out deck."
"Not really. I just picked cards that I liked, or I thought looked cool, and used them to ramp up my deck."
"Nonsense! You played that deck splendidly. Now, shall we watch Kaiba's Highlight?"
"Oh." The Mercenary said. "I Just beat Your Blue-Eyes! I just Beat Seto Kaiba's Blue-Eyes White Dragon!"
"Wrong!" Seto snarled. "I sacrificed it, like all my other Dragons this game, to test the power of this!" He played Deep-Eyes White Dragon.
A majestic white dragon whose scales sparkled in the light appeared in the air.
"And thanks to its effect, the only reason I sacrificed the majority of my deck, you take 600 damage for each Dragon in my Graveyard, and I have 14!"
"WHAT!"
"Deep-Eyes White Dragon! Spirit Lightning Blast!"
Deep-Eyes opened its maw and blasted a bolt of Lightning out at the Mercenary past his Shadow Ghoul.
Shadow Ghoul:
ATK: 3200 DEF: 1300
The Mercenary cried out in terror as his Life Points dropped from 2000 down to -6400.
Mercenary: -6400
Kaiba: 0200
Everyone turned to Kaiba.
"With my new deck." Kaiba said. "I will be unstoppable."
"Right." Montgomery said. "Like how I wasn't able to beat you at all."
"Then I'll challenge you to a rematch!" Kaiba said. "Right here and now!"
"Why don't you get to my tier." Montgomery smiled. "I'll take you on if you can meet me on the Dueling Circuit."
"I have a company to run!" Kaiba defended. "Do you honestly think I have time to rise through the ranks of the Duel Circuit AND run a company!?"
"Hire someone to run the Company for you. Cause I'm not Dueling you again. Not unless it's on the Dueling Circuit or on National T.V."
"Fine!" Kaiba Said.
"I would ask to see your Deck Kaiba Boy, but I already saw it in your highlights. Next is Kazutaka's Highlight."
The Mercenary walked into the maze and saw Kazutaka. "Hey." She spoke.
"Hello." Kazutaka waved.
"Personally, I don't want to Duel. How about you?"
"Dueling doesn't really get my blood pumping like it does my Boyfriend's. What did you have in mind?"
"Do you want to just hang out until this is all over? Maybe exchange numbers and do a girls night or spa day when we get back to Domino?"
"When you say exchange numbers, what do you mean?"
"You said that you have a Boyfriend, and I get the feeling that he doesn't like sharing. So, I just mean that we can be friends when we get back... unless you want me to mean what you think I mean?"
"No thanks. Jason is enough for me, but I don't mind being friends."
"Cool." The Mercenary said, taking out her phone. "My name is Stephanie by the way."
"Kazutaka." Kazutaka Said, taking out her own phone.
The girls traded phone numbers and just talked until the Other Mercenaries started leaving.
"How the hell is that a highlight!" Kaiba demanded. "She didn't even Duel!"
"Yes, but she made a friend." Pegasus said. "I made Duel Monsters to spread joy and cheer Kaiba Boy. What's more joyful and cheerful than friendship?"
Kaiba grit his teeth.
"She was really nice." Kazutaka Said. "Her parents raised her to be both strong yet compassionate. If she wanted to, she could have given me a decent fight. Not that she would have won, but still."
"So." Tristan said. "She was into you."
"Only if I wanted her to be. She said that men and women can offer her a certain amount of pleasure. Women can offer her pleasure in more ways than men, but men provide an important role in the conception of children. Her parents raised her to look for both men and women who can fit those roles."
"Damn." Montgomery said.
"Don't finish what you're thinking!" Mina yelled.
"Miss Kazutaka. I know you didn't Duel, but would you allow me to look at the deck you made this afternoon?"
"Sure, but I didn't really make a deck. I just found cards that I wanted to make a deck with and looked like they were opposites to my Dragon deck."
"I see no harm in that. If you can make the deck work, then no one can tell you that you built your deck wrong, now, can they."
"I guess not."
Pegasus looked through the deck and was impressed.
Brave Beauty of Ruby Regard - Bradamante
Gwenhwyfar, Queen of Noble Arms
Horse of the Floral Knights
Ignoble Knight of Black Laundsallyn
Infernoble Knight - Renaud
Infernoble Knight - Roland
Infernoble Knight Astolfo
Infernoble Knight Maugis
Infernoble Knight Ogier
Infernoble Knight Oliver
Lady of the Lake
Merlin
Morgan, the Enchantress of Avalon
Noble Knight Artorigus
Noble Knight Bedwyr
Noble Knight Borz
Noble Knight Brothers
Noble Knight Custennin
Noble Knight Drystan
Noble Knight Eachtar
Noble Knight Gawayn
Noble Knight Gwalchavad
Noble Knight Iyvanne
Noble Knight Joan
Noble Knight Medraut
Noble Knight Pellinore
Noble Knight Peredur
Noble Knight's Shield-Bearer
Noble Knight's Spearholder
Glory of the Noble Knights
Heritage of the Chalice
Last Chapter of the Noble Knights
Noble Arms - Arfeudutyr
Noble Arms - Caliburn
Noble Arms - Clarent
Noble Arms - Excaliburn
Noble Arms - Gallatin
Noble Arms of Destiny
Noble Knights of the Round Table
Avalon
Until Noble Arms are Needed Once Again
Artorigus, King of the Noble Knights
Ignoble Knight of High Laundsallyn
Infernoble Knight Captain Oliver
Infernoble Knight Captain Roland
Infernoble Knight Emperor Charles
Isolde, Two Tales of the Noble Knights
Sacred Noble Knight of King Artorigus
Sacred Noble Knight of King Custennin
"May this new deck work well for you." Pegasus said, handing it back to Kazutaka.
"Thank you." Kazutaka said, taking her deck back.
"You're most welcome." Pegasus said. "Now. How about we check on Tina and Mina's Highlights?"
"Do you two just want to give up?" Tina asked. "You won't last one more turn."
"You don't know that!" The Mercenaries yelled.
"Yeah, we do." Mina said. "We're the Firebrand Twins."
"Oh, shit." the Mercenary said. "We done goofed, didn't we?"
"Straight up." Tina said.
"Jigen Bakudan!" Mina yelled. "Extinction Level Event!"
The Firebrand Twins side of the field was destroyed sending:
Cannon Soldier
ATK: 1400 DEF: 1300
Inferno
ATK: 1100 DEF: 1900
The Thing in the Crater
ATK: 1000 DEF: 1200
and
Ultimate Baseball Kid
ATK: 4500 DEF: 1000
From Mina's side of the field...
"We're dead no matter what." The second Mercenary said as they were hit with the explosion from Jigen Bakudan.
Mercenary: -4000
Firetrap Twins: 3000
"Well. I must say." Pegasus said. "The end of that Duel was most explosive."
"UGH!" Kaiba groaned at the terrible pun.
"What Kaiba boy?" Pegasus asked.
"It's a terrible pun Pegasus!"
"Why don't you take your rather small fortune and buy yourself a sense of humor?"
"OOF!" Montgomery laughed. He fell out of his chair and laughed so hard he began crying.
Everyone cringed at the comeback.
"What does he mean big brother?" Mokuba asked.
"I'm sorry Mokuba." Pegasus said. "I shouldn't have said that."
"Okay."
"Shall we watch Montey-Boy's duel?"
"Don't you want to look at Tina and Mina's decks?" Sina asked.
"Oh, my goodness. I can't believe I forgot about them. May I see them?" Pegasus asked.
"Here's mine." Mina said, handing Pegasus her deck.
Barrier Statue of the Inferno X3
Blazing Inpachi X3
Darkfire Soldier #1 X3
Darkfire Soldier #2 X3
Fire Princess X3
Inferno
Raging Flame Sprite X3
Spirit of Flames X3
Dian Keto the Cure Master X3
Goblin Thief X3
Red Medicine X3
Draining Shield X3
Gift of The Mystical Elf X3
Numinous HealerX3
"A fantastic deck." Pegasus said. "Though not the deck you use for Tag Team Duels."
"No. Tina and I can Duel as a team or separately. Though our ranking as solo Duelist's is much lower than that of our Tag Team ranking."
"What is your solo ranking?"
"We are B tier solo Duelists, and A tier Tag Team Duelists."
"Splendid. May I see Tina's deck?"
Tina handed Pegasus her deck.
Chaos Necromancer X3
Des Koala X3
Man-Eater Bug X3
Needle Worm X3
Old Vindictive Magician X3
Poison Mummy X3
Harpie's Feather Duster
Pot of Duality
Raigeki
Swords of Revealing Light X3
Just Desserts
Magic Cylinder X3
Mirror Force X3
Secret Barrel X3
Secret Blast X3
Threatening Roar X3
"Oh my. This deck seems to be pointed towards destroying your opponent as ruthlessly as possible."
"It is. It's meant to be fast paced and make my opponent regret their life choices."
"I see. Though as I said, not your Tag Team deck."
"No, my solo deck."
"Marvelous."
"I think so, but we truly shine as a Tag Team."
"Agreed."
"Then how come you guys aren't S tier Duelist's?" Montgomery asked.
Mina gave Montgomery a look that said he wasn't getting laid for a week.
"Yikes." Jason said. "He's in trouble."
"Keep talking shit." Tina said.
"Shall we move on?" Pegasus asked.
"Yes please." Montgomery said.
"Do you give up?" Montgomery asked.
"YES!" The Mercenary sobbed. "Please! Just stop!"
"You sure that you don't want to keep going?
"YES! I give up! Just stop!"
"Okay." Montgomery said. "I accept your defeat."
"That was an excellent Match." Pegasus said. "However, it was longer than a normal Duel."
"I'll say." Kaiba said. "Who's ever heard of a four-hour long Duel?"
"Only in casual play." Tina said.
"May I see your Deck?" Pegasus asked.
"Here ya go." Montgomery handed Pegasus his deck.
Barrier Statue of the Drought
Criosphinx
Evilswarm Heliotrope
Giant Soldier of Stone
Golem Sentry
Guardian Sphinx
Guardian Statue
Hieracosphinx
Medusa Worm X3
Mine Golem X3
Moai Interceptor Cannons
Morphing Jar
Obsidian Dragon
Sentry Soldier of Stone
Stone Statue of the Aztecs X3
Canyon
Wasteland
Draining Shield
Magic Cylinder
Minefield Eruption X3
Rock Bombardment X3
Secret Barrel
Secret Blast
Tiki Curse X3
Tiki Soul X3
Waboku
"A fascinating deck. Did you add anything from the Vault?"
"No."
"No?!"
"No. I don't need anything. My Deck is perfect the way it is. I have worked tirelessly to make it what it is today and adding anything would just mean that I would need to recalibrate it."
"I see. Let's see if we can add something to it tomorrow, when you make your own card."
"Okay."
"Who's next?" Pegasus asked. "Oh right, Sina."
"Well?" The Mercenary asked. "Do you give up?" I obviously have you at a disadvantage."
Sina looked at her field. She only had one card in her spell and trap zone, while the Mercenary had a full field, with three Amazoness Swords Woman and an Amazoness Tiger.
"My Brother always tells me That when your opponent has you at a disadvantage, that is your biggest advantage. Do you know why?"
"No. Why?"
"Because they are going to underestimate you."
"And how have I underestimated you?"
"I activate the Torrential Tribute Trap Card."
"I activate my Mystical Space Typhoon." The Mercenary said in a deadpan, and now I'm going to enjoy what happens next." He smiled a perverse smile.
"Bet you won't." Sina said as she kicked the Mercenary in the balls.
A figure flipped over the wall and axe kicked the Mercenary into the ground.
"Yeah." Ryder said. "That doesn't fly! Since Montgomery and Mina aren't here, I'll take the role of big brother and kick your ass for them."
"How about big brothers friend?" Sina asked. "It's weird to think of you as my brother."
"Oh. Sorry, yeah, big brothers friend works."
"Cool. If Monty and Mina get married, maybe you'll get upgraded to uncle."
The group looked at Sina, but Tina was looking at Ryder.
"That was hot." She whispered into Ryders ear.
"Oh. You think so?"
"No. I know so..."
"We're in public." Ryder reminded.
"Damn it."
"Even though you lost Sina. It was an exceptional duel, and just so you know. He'll be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Do you mind if I look at your deck?"
Sina handed Pegasus her deck to look through.
4-Starred Ladybug of Doom
Armed Ninja
Chewbone
Crimson Ninja
Des Feral Imp
Des Koala
Gravekeeper's Guard
Gravekeeper's Spy
Hade-Hane
Hane-Hane
Magician of Faith
Man-Eater Bug
Mask of Darkness
Morphing Jar
Needle Worm
Nobleman-Eater Bug
Old Vindictive Magician
Penguin Soldier
Poison Mummy
Princess of Tsurugi
Reaper of the Cards
Scapeghost
Skelengel
Trap Master
Wall of Illusion
White Ninja
Worm Apocalypse
Mystical Space Typhoon
Pot of Greed
Riryoku
Tribute to The Doomed
Draining Shield
Dust Tornado
Localized Tornado
Magic Cylinder
Magic Jammer
Negate Attack
Torrential Tribute
Trap Jammer
Wall of Disruption
"Well. I can say that this is a great deck. You should be proud of it."
"Thanks. Montgomery helped me build it."
"He's a good brother, isn't he?"
"Yeah, but he's going to be up ALL night worrying about how he wasn't there to help me, even though he trained me to help myself."
"Monty-boy! Don't you trust your sister?"
"Yes, but my parents charged me with protecting her, and I failed them."
"Or... did you let her protect herself?"
"He has a point." Jason said. "Teach her how to defend herself, turn her into a living weapon and no one will mess with her."
"I'm not going to turn my baby sister into a living weapon!"
"Mokuba?"
"Yeah?"
"TODD!" Kaiba yelled. "Did you turn Mokuba into a living weapon?"
"Working on it."
"Why!?"
"Because, no one will mess with him if he can kill them with a pencil."
"What!?" Everyone yelled in unison.
"What?" Jason asked. "Mokuba."
"What?"
"How many times has someone tried to kidnap you since Roi took over?"
"At least twice a week."
"What!" Kaiba yelled.
"And how many of those times did you stop yourself?"
"At least half."
"How?"
"Hamstring and Achilles Tendon." Mokuba said.
"WHAT!" Kaiba yelled.
"See." Jason Said. "Eventually they'll get the message."
"And what if they don't!"
"That's what Roi and I are for."
"I hate to break up this conversation." Pegasus said. "But can you continue this after we're done?"
"This isn't over Todd!"
"We'll talk about this later."
"Thank you. Now. Onto Jason."
"Okay." Jason Said. "Time for an old but a goody. I'll activate Orgoth the Relentless' effect." Jason rolled tapped the dice function on his Duel Disk Rolling Three Dice. The dice rolled and he got 2, 2, 3.
"Okay so my Orgoth the Relentless gets an additional 700 ATK taking him from 2500 to 3200. And since I rolled two two's, he can't be destroyed by battle or card effect. Now. I'll attack your Jinzo."
The Mercenary grunted as Orgoth yeh Relentless flung Jinzo's head at him, dealing 800 Damage to him.
Mercenary: 1200
Jason Todd: 0500
"But I'm not done yet. Next I'll activate Sparks, Hinotama, and Ookazi."
Mercenary: -0300
Jason Todd: 0500
"I win."
The Mercenary glared at Jason. "This isn't over. I'm going to make you acknowledge me."
"Good luck."
"Well." Pegasus Said. "That was an interesting Duel, but why not use the Archfiends?"
"I felt like I was relying on them. I wanted to see if I had gotten soft."
"Not at all." Kazutaka Said.
"You've been hanging around Tina too much."
"Maybe you're right." Kazutaka looked at Tina. "Tina, you're a bad influence."
"You're welcome. You're love life will never be the same."
"Do any of us have normal love lives?" Montgomery asked.
"I feel that we are more of an outlier than anything." Ryder said. "You and Mina are in a highly sexual relationship, Jason and Kazutaka are in a fledgling sensual relationship, TéA and Yugi Are denying their true feelings for each other, Tristan has feelings for someone but it's complicated, Joey doesn't feel like he's ready for a relationship because he thinks that he's going to screw it up six ways from Sunday, Seto has fantasies of a Blue Eyes Scaley, Tina is always horny, and I'm trying to keep Tina from tying me to the bed and just taking me in my sleep."
A lightbulb appeared above Tina's head.
"That wasn't consent." Ryder pointed at her. "Remember what I said about consent."
Tina pouted.
"Consent is an important thing in a relationship." Mina said.
"I know." Tina grumbled. "I just wish Ryder would give me his consent already."
"Patience." Ryder said.
"Alright." Pegasus said. "Moving on. Jason. Would you show me your deck?"
"The one I used or the one I built this afternoon."
"The one you built or both."
Jason handed Pegasus his decks:
Duelist Kingdom Deck
Amazoness Fighter
Amazoness Swords Woman
Axe Raider
Black Luster Soldier
Blast Sphere
Cannon Soldier
Celtic Guardian
Gaia The Fierce Knight
Giant Soldier of Stone
Giga-Tech Wolf
Gilford the Lightning
Goblin Attack Force
King of Yamimakai
Lava Battleguard
Oni Tank T-34
Orgoth the Relentless
Overdrive
Protector of the Throne
Sangan
Steel Scorpion
Strike Ninja
Swamp Battleguard
Sword Hunter
Wolf Axewielder
Zanki
Black Luster Ritual
Change of Heart
Dark Hole
Hinotama
Monster Reborn
Monster Recovery
Ookazi
Polymerization
Remove Trap
Riryoku
Shield & Sword
Soul Release
Sparks
Swords of Revealing Light
Tremendous Fire
Tribute to The Doomed
Yellow Luster Shield
Call of the Haunted
Kunai with Chain
Michizure
Mirror Force
Negate Attack
Shadow Spell
Trap Hole
Trap Hole of Spikes
Waboku
Giltia the D. Knight
Labyrinth Tank
Other Deck
4-Starred Ladybug of Doom
Amazoness Swords Woman
Ancient Dragon
Ape Fighter
Blast Sphere X3
Des Koala
Gilford the Lightning
Man-Eater Bug
Mine Golem X3
Morphing Jar
Needle Worm
Old Vindictive Magician
Orgoth the Relentless
Poison Mummy
Raging Flame Sprite
Solar Flare Dragon X3
Submarine Frog
Unifrog
Warm Worm
Gravekeeper's Servant
Hinotama
Ookazi
Raigeki
Sparks
Tremendous Fire
Cemetary Bomb
Gravity Bind
Just Desserts
Magic Cylinder
Minefield Eruption X3
Mirror Force
Negate Attack
Secret Barrel
Secret Blast
Shadow Spell
Pegasus looked through them and gave them back. "Most interesting." Pegasus said. "I'm interested in seeing what else you choose to do with that deck."
"I aim to surprise." Jason said.
"Next on the list is Kaeru." Pegasus said.
"I'll play the Wetlands Field Spell and have my three Unifrog's attack your life points directly for a total of 4800 ATK."
"You couldn't have done that if you hadn't had those Froggy Forcefield's and Mirror Force!"
Mercenary: -4000
Kaeru: 2000
"Sure. Keep talking." Kaeru said, walking away.
"That was the perfect mic drop." Pegasus Said.
"I'll say." Ryder said.
"That was pretty bad ass." Saru said.
"Do you mind Kaeru?"
Kaeru handed Pegasus his deck.
Beelze Frog X3
Des Frog X3
Dupe Frog X3
Flip Flop Frog X3
Poison Draw Frog X3
Submarine Frog
Substitoad
Swap Frog
T.A.D.P.O.L.E. X3
Tradetoad
Treeborn Frog
Unifrog X3
Des Croaking X3
Polymerization
Umiiruka
Wetlands
Draining Shield
Froggy Forcefield X3
Gravity Bind X2
Magic Cylinder
Mirror Force
D.3.S. Frog
"Ah yes." Pegasus mused. "I sent you this deck for the Decathlon because you thought the Big Five were going to kill the Kaiba brothers and when Kaiba-boy found out he was going to fire everyone, and you wanted to have another job lined up just in case."
"That's correct."
"It looks like everything worked out though, considering you're still working for Kaiba."
"Yes sir."
"And by now I'm sure you figured out the pun for this deck?"
"Yes sir. The Kanji in my name can be read as Frog."
Ryder facepalmed. "we've been friends for how long, and I haven't picked up on that?"
"Going on two years." Saru said.
Ryder took out a piece of paper and wrote out the Kanji for Kaeru and Saru and facepalmed again. "The Kanji for your names can be read as Frog and Monkey."
"Yes."
"Why does that matter?" Tina asked.
"When we were in the duel at the Decathlon, I saw Kaeru and Saru groan when they looked at their decks. Kaeru was playing his Frog deck and Saru his Primate Deck. It totally makes sense now!"
"Ah yes." Pegasus said. "You were the winner of the Decathlon. How did you enjoy the experience?"
"I've never felt more alive." Ryder said. "And I Really Must thank you for allowing me the opportunity to participate in the Decathlon. As well as the deck, and the Booster pack."
"You're Most welcome, though I do have a request."
"What is it?"
"I would like to duel against your Decathlon deck, complete with the Exodia cards from the Booster pack I included."
"YOU WHAT!" Kaiba demanded. "How dare you put more of those cards into circulation!"
"Oh, my Kaiba-boy." Pegasus said with a start. "I didn't know that you were in charge of deciding what cards I put into circulation."
Kaiba grit his teeth.
"So, what do you say Ryder?"
"It would be an honor to duel the creator of Duel Monsters."
"Great. We'll duel tomorrow after dinner."
"Sounds like a plan."
"Now. Let us watch Saru's Highlights, shall we?"
Saru looked at his field. He had Howl of the Wood face up in his spell and trap zone, three Ape Fighters, Voltic Kong, and Berserk Gorilla in attack position.
He looked at his opponents field. His opponent had a Red-Eyes Black Dragon on the field and smiled.
"What! What are you smiling at!"
"This. I Play the Forest Field Spell and equip my Berserk Gorilla with the Beast Fangs Equip spell."
"So, what! You can't do shit!"
"That's where you're wrong."
"Wrong about what!"
"This. Berserker Gorilla! Ōzaru Smash!"
Berserk Gorilla jumped onto the wall and launched itself at Red-Eyes Black Dragon before it closed its fists and slammed down.
Mercenary: 1200
Saru: 0800
"And that's not all." Saru said. "Thanks to my Howl of the Wild trap card you take 300 damage for each Beast on my side of the field, and I have 5."
"What!"
"Yes. You take 1500 damage in total."
Mercenary: -0300
Saru: 800
"Now leave." Saru said, walking away.
"Hey!" The Mercenary yelled, pulling a gun. "Don't you dare walk away from me!"
The wall behind the Mercenary cracked and a stone hit the Mercenary in the back.
"He told ya ta walk away." Kaeru said, walking through the hole in the wall as the wall repaired itself. "Ya didn't listen."
"Thanks." Saru said.
"Don't mention it. It's what brothers do."
"Wasn't that touching?" Pegasus asked.
"I can hardly contain my tears." Croquet said.
"All right." Ryder said. "That was awesome."
"Of course, it was." Saru said. "You think that Mister Kaiba would let two weaklings stay around as bodyguards?"
"Absolutely not!" Kaiba Said.
"Yeah." Montgomery Said. "He needs someone to protect him when he loses a duel."
"Why you!"
"Moving on to young Ryder." Pegasus said, but first, May I look at your Deck Saru?"
Saru handed Pegasus his deck.
Acrobat Monkey X3
Ancient Crimson Ape
Ape Fighter X3
Ape Magician
Baobaboon
Bazoo the Soul-Eater
Berserk Gorilla
Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest
Inpachi X3
Voltic Kong
Woodland Archer
Woodland Sprite
Yellow Baboon, Archer of the Forest
Beast Fangs
Beast Rage
Closed Forest
Forest
Murmur of the Forest
Mystical Moon
Poison Fangs
Sogen
Spiritual Forest
The Big Cattle Drive
The Big March of Animals
Unicorn Beacon
Wild Nature's Release
Battle Instinct
Beast Rising
Beast Soul Swap
Berserking
Dances with Beasts
Howl of the Wild
Roaring Earth
Super Rush Recklessly
"Amazing."
"Didn't you build the deck sir?"
"Yes, I did, but you still Duel with it beyond expectation. That is the sign of a good Duelist. If you can take a deck and take it past its limitations and expectations. We can move to Ryders now."
Ryder looked at the Mercenary. "Here's your three options. You can either duel my Decathlon deck, which has Exodia, and even if I take Exodia out almost always is in my opening hand. Or you can duel against my deck which is always a gamble if even I'll win while using it because it's purpose is to make Vegas look tame by comparison. The other option is I walk out of this maze like nothing happened. Shall I flip the coin to decide?"
The Mercenary bolted away from Ryder.
"Ah man." Ryder complained. "Just my luck."
"Splendid!" Pegasus cheered. What an exciting highlight."
"He didn't even Duel!" Kaiba yelled.
"Yeah." Ryder sighed. "I got a bad flip."
"Speaking of a bad flip." Tina said. "Guess who's going commando?"
"Tina!" Ryder said. "We're in public."
"Moving on." Pegasus said. "On to my duel. I hope You're Ready for an absolutely fantastic Duel."
The Mercenary walked into the dead end where Pegasus was hiding and turned around. "Nope! I refuse to duel to creator of the damn game!"
"Well now you've done it." Pegasus said. "Gone and hurt my feelings."
"There is no way. I'm not the king of games!"
"Are you sure that you won't change your mind?"
"NO!"
"Okay." Pegasus sighed. "I suppose you can leave, but everyone will know that you are a coward."
"Work smarter not harder."
"Very well." Pegasus said.
"HOW IS THAT A HIGHLIGHT!" Kaiba yelled.
"Because Kaiba-Boy. The Mercenary showed a backbone when others didn't. I gave him props for standing up to me."
"Whatever." Kaiba Said.
Lotus looked at his field and saw his Ghostrick Angel of Mischief with two Ghostrick Sirens as XYZ Materials. He looked at his hand and smiled. "I will activate. My Ghostrick Angel of Mischief's Special Effect and add Ghostrick Doll to her as an XYZ Material. Do you know what that does?"
"No." The Mercenary tried holding back tears. "But I'm sure it's horrible like all your other Ghostrick cards."
"I win the game."
"Oh, thank goodness it's over." The Mercenary sobbed in relief. "Can I go now?"
"I guess so."
"I'm going to tell everyone I know to stay the hell away from Industrial Illusions! It's terrifying."
"Thank you. I really like working here, and I can't work here if I have to constantly defend it from people like you." Lotus said before Turing around. "What a nice man. I'll have to send him a muffin basket."
Everyone looked at Lotus in abstract terror.
"What the hell?" Tristan asked.
"What?" Lotus asked back.
"You made that guy burst into tears!"
"So did Montgomery."
"Over four hours! You did it in ten minutes!"
"I'm confused. Why is it acceptable for Montgomery to make his opponent cry, but not me?"
"Because! That guy was probably trained to not break under torture, and you broke him in ten minutes!"
"I see. Then I'll make sure to send him TWO muffin baskets."
"Ugh!" Tristan face palmed.
"Why not show Tristan your deck, Lotus?" Pegasus suggested.
"Alright." Lotus handed Tristan his deck.
Tristan looked through the deck and was horrified.
Ghostrick scare x3
Ghostrick Alucard
Ghostrick angel of mischief
Ghostrick dullahan
Ghostrick fairy
Ghostrick festival
Ghostrick jiangshi x2
Ghostrick lantern x2
Ghostrick Mary x3
Ghostrick mummy
Ghostrick or treat x3
Ghostrick renovation
Ghostrick shot x3
Ghostrick siren x2
Ghostrick socuteboss
Ghostrick specter x3
Ghostrick stein x2
Ghostrick yeti x2
Ghostrick nekomusume x2
Ghostrick vanish x3
Ghostrick witch x2
Ghostrick jackfrost x2
Ghostrick museum x3
Ghostrick-go-round
Ghostrick break x3
Ghostrick warwolf x2
Ghostrick ghoul x3
Ghostrick skeleton x3
Ghostrick yuki-onna x2
Ghostrick doll x2
Ghostrick parade
Ghostrick night x3
Tristan handed Lotus his deck back with a vacant look on his face.
"Oh." Pegasus Said. "Did I forget to tell you that like young Jason's affinity for the Archfiends, Lotus has an affinity for the Ghostrick's?"
"NO!" Kaiba yelled. "You kind of forgot about that!"
"Whoops. Silly me. Now. Let's see what young Joseph's highlights were."
"All right." Joey Said. "I'll fuse my Red-Eyes Black Dragon an' my Meteor Dragon ta get Meteor Black Dragon!"
"What the hell is that thing!" The Mercenary yelled trying to get away from the purple and yellow dragon with red veins running through its body.
"Dat? Dat's my Meteor Black Dragon, but I ain't done wit ya yet. Ima activate my Cursed Armaments on yer Super Conductor Tyranno..."
Super Conductor Tyranno's attack dropped 3300 to 2700.
"...den I'll activate Graceful Dice..." Joey pressed the Dice Function on his Duel Disk, it showed six dice. A D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, and D20. He pressed the D6 and a D6 rolled across the floor before coming to a stop at the Mercenaries feet, landing on a six.
Meteor Black Dragon went from 3500 to 4100.
"...but I'm still not t'rough. I'll activate Lucky Iron Axe, an' equip it ta my Meteor Black Dragon..."
An Axe appeared in Metro Black Dragon Clawed hand and it went from 4100 to 4600.
"...next I'll equip Meteor Black Dragon wit Salamandra..."
A Fiery Serpent surrounded Meteor Black Dragon and its attack rose from 4600 to 5300.
"...an' finally, I'll activate Skull Dice!" Joey activated the Dice Function again and pressed the D6. The D6 rolled over to the Mercenaries feet again and showed a six causing Super Conductor Tyranno's attack to drop from 2700 to 2100.
"Meteor Black Dragon Attack! Molten Meteor Blast!"
Meteor Black Dragon blasted Molten Meteors at the Super Conductor Tyranno, Annihilating it.
Mercenary: -3200
Joey Wheeler: 0500
Everyone looked at Joey.
"That was amazing Joey!" Yugi cheered.
"Way ta go Joey!" Tristan Said.
"WHEELER!" Kaiba yelled. "Are you telling me that you are actually good at something!"
"I told ya Kaiba. Legendary Heroes changed me fer da betta. I'm not just hoping dat luck will carry me t'rough ta da Next Duel anymore. I'm t'inkin' my plays t'rough and comin' up wit' strategies I can use ta win duels now. I'm not da same dumb kid dat lost ta ya in Duelist Kingdom. I'm not some lost dog seekin' anyone's approval, an' if'n ya want me ta prove it, den Let's Duel Right here an' Now."
Everyone looked at Joey in complete and utter shock.
"Damn son!" Tina said. "Are you going to let him diss you like that Kaiba?"
"Shut up Von Brand!"
"Why?" Mina asked. "Does it make you uncomfortable when someone challenges your authority like that?"
"Kaiba." Pegasus said. "That was an official challenge. You can either accept or we can get back to the highlights, but I warn you. If you pass on this challenge, then you will be seen as weak, and you'll never rise through the ranks of the Dueling League."
"Da what?" Joey asked.
"Well. Sit back and let me tell you about the Dueling League" Pegasus said, picking up a glass of raspberry schnapps.
AN: Next chapter will have a lot of Dialogue, Have the group making their cards, the Duel between Ryder and Pegasus, and will finish with them returning to Domino City.