Slipping away from school was a lot easier than Taylor expected. Partly because a part of her was still wary of the trio spying for the smallest opportunity to keep their harassment up, even if it was less and less true as of late. Sophia kept missing classes for apparently family reasons, and Emma hasn't been to school in a while. Why, she had no idea. Without them, there weren't much reason for anyone to pay attention to her. The problem was the reason she was leaving the school in the first place. A text message from Lisa, who managed with her bullshit Thinker powers to know the exact way to contact her while she was in computer class. A very quick message accompanied by a link toward a video… of Hookwolf keeping a small crowd and a rogue cape hostage, calling for Khepri to come and answer for "murdering Kaiser", or else they'll start executing people one by one!
Running until she got out of breath and at least two stitches in the side, she managed to quickly catch a bus in that direction, fuming about the situation. Since the leak of the E88 capes' identity online—and wasn't that a fun thing to happen so quickly after Kaiser's, sorry, Max Anders' death! The E88 pretty much exploded in the following days with two branches emerging, one controlled by Hookwolf and one by Purity, both wanting her dead. At least until Purity started a crusade against the PRT for God knows what reasons, one that apparently continuing today. And she sadly had to much firepower that if Hookwolf's other capes spread enough chaos elsewhere, there was likely no one coming in time to help her situation! Taking off the bus and using the spare clothes she kept in case the trio (or the groupies trying to score points with them) ruined what she was wearing, she made a crude mask and cover for her arms and legs before running towards the area between the Docks South and Downtown, praying she would arrive on time…
"So you did come."
Hookwolf's voice was not what she hoped to hear when she emerged from the backstreet and into the larger avenue. The most violent member of the Empire by far, with a long list of known homicides and an even longer list of suspected homicides, twice escaped from transport to the Birdcage. The one who remade half the Empire into what he called Fenrir's Chosen. The civilians were huddled together by his thugs, and close to them… Parian, standing before the hostages as if to protect them. The fabric cape who was making a spectacle right when Hookwolf arrived with his thugs, and who apparently surrendered without a fight when she realized, according to Lisa's message, that it would only lead to dead civilians.
"I'm here, Hookwolf!" She shouted, hoping to get the attention of the villain and perhaps have Parian escape with the civilians.
Request Received.
Analysis… Analysis Complete.
Origin: Matter Filling Kinetic Energy Based Shard
Request: Steer Host toward Full Power Usage
Evaluating Benefits… Benefits Sufficient.
"I wanted to kill you here and there at first." The nazi was fucking relaxed as if he had all the time in the world, a goon holding a phone was even recording. "But I won't."
Taylor watched Hookwolf uncross his arms, leaving his naked torso exposed and the two tattoos on his arms clearly visible.
"I'm a warrior. And after what you did to Fenja and Menja, I consider you one too." He snorted, as if pleased with his own rhetoric. "So we're going to fight your way. And when I kill you, it'll be fair and square, just like Kaiser would have."
The bastard wanted to use her as springboard for his legitimacy as the true successor to Kaiser, she realized. Taylor didn't care for his manipulations, but at least that meant he wouldn't order his goons to riddle her with bullets while she couldn't defend herself. It would be a fight she could win.
Request Accepted.
Command: Amping Conflict Drive.
Conflict Drive Amped.
"Please, let these people go. I've seen what these battles can do." Pleaded Parian, the doll-like aspect of her costume making it feel like theatre.
"Not how it works, doll." Flatly denied the villain. "An execution needs a public."
"You're on." Said Taylor, readying herself for the Duel. "And when I win, you'll go to the Birdcage even if you have to drag yourself there."
"Oh, I'll enjoy killing you." Answered Hookwolf, a dozen blades spinning in and out of his arms in quick successions.
"Khepri wait!" Pleaded Parian. "Hookwolf, you can't do this! I'll stay in their place, just let them go!"
"I said no." Denied Hookwolf. "They'll stay…"
Parian quickly acted when he was still speaking. Large sections of fabric she managed to sneak on the ground sprung to life between the civils and the gang members watching them, menacing to destroy their leverage.
"Hookwolf! I challenge you—"
"I challenge you and Parian together!" Interrupted Hookwolf before she could finish.
Tag Duel: Activated.
Subordination of Competing Shards Complete.
Conflict Drive Returning to Normal.
The fabric fell on the ground instantly, and a stunned Parian was suddenly by Taylor's side, away from the crowd. The field isolated them from the world and the cards were drawn.
All Clear.
Duel Start.
"You shouldn't have tried my patience, doll. Now you're going to die too." Growled the villain from behind his wolf mask.
Team 1: Khepri&Parian: 8000 LP
Team 2: Hookwolf: 8000 LP
"Khepri, let me out of this!" Asked Parian as she found herself trapped by the rules, seeing the people she tried to protect surrounded without help.
"I can't. We have to fight." Taylor looked at her hand. Not the worst one, if—
"Can't I just surrender and…"
"No!" Cut Taylor abruptly. "We are in a team! If we surrender, we won't be able to defend ourselves! We have to fight, or it's over for us!"
"It'd be a waste. But if you want to roll over and die, go on." Hookwolf chuckled darkly, cracking his fingers. "You go first, doll."
Parian, now realizing she didn't have a choice, looked at the cards in her hand. Her reluctance was obvious even with a fully covered body and face, in the hesitation she displayed at making the first move.
Khepri&Parian: 8000 LP
Parian: Hand 5
"I activate Toy Vendor. A Continuous Spell." A large machine appeared on their field with a colourful pop. Taylor had already seen something similar in the Asian part of the city: a vending machine taking coins in exchange of plastic balls each containing a random toy. "I activate its effect. I discard a card to draw another and show it."
The machine devoured the discarded card before spitting out a plastic ball. The ball opened to reveal a card spinning slowly enough that Taylor could make out what it was: a pink octopus with large googly eyes and small wings on its head. Curious, it wasn't what she expected. She thought the monsters Parian would have to be dolls, or something related to fabric in some way.
"The card revealed is Fluffal Octopus. Since it's a Fluffal monster that was revealed, I can special summon a monster from my hand. I summon the Fluffal Octopus I revealed in defence position."
The creature appeared with the same colourful pop effect as the Continuous Spell. Upon closer inspection, Taylor realized what she missed with the illustration: it wasn't a living creature. It was a plushie, a child's toy. An understandable fit for Parian, who already made several promotions for children stores using her power.
Fluffal Octopus – WATER/Fairy/Level 1/Effect: 800/800
"I activate its effect and target a Fluffal monster in my graveyard, then add it to my hand. I target the Fluffal Penguin I discarded, add it to my hand… then I normal summon it."
A frankly adorable plush penguin jumped out of the concrete like it was water. With its beady eyes and blue, furred headphones, Taylor was convinced in any other circumstances someone would copy the design and sell it somewhere in a week top.
Fluffal Penguin – WATER/Fairy/Level 4/Effect: 1600/1100
"I activate its effect to special summon a Fluffal monster from my hand, Fluffal Owl, in defence position." On cue, a small yellow Owl with red streaks on the feathers and little glasses floated down, the sort that would impart wise counsel to a young mouse.
Fluffal Owl – EARTH/Fairy/Level 2/Effect: 1000/1000
"When it's summoned, I add a Polymerization from my Deck to my hand…" She took the spell to her hand slowly, looking at it as if it was going to jump on her face, before playing—"I end my turn."
Parian&Khepri: 8000 LP – Hand 2&5 – Field: Fluffal Octopus, Fluffal Owl, Fluffal Penguin
"What? Parian, you can't be serious!" She called out her supposed ally. That was it? Three weak monsters and nothing else? Not even a facedown card?
"That's it? Toys and plush?" Even Hookwolf sounded disappointed, the sort of disappointment Sophia always had when she didn't take the bait at school, but Parian said nothing. "My turn."
Hookwolf: 8000 LP – Hand 6
"Let's see how much you'll bleed before you die." Even without seeing his face, Taylor could hear the sadistic grin in the murderer's voice. "I activate Unexpected Dai. Since I control no monster, I special summon Gladiator Beast Andal from my Deck."
A towering one-eyed bear clad in purple armour appeared on the field with a ferocious roar. Despite standing on two legs like a man, it bared its teeth at them like an animal with the same murderous aura as its master. A couple of people from the crowd screamed in fear, but they were quickly shut down by the thugs surrounding them.
Gladiator Beast Andal – EARTH/Beast/Level 4: 1900/1500
"He won't be alone for long. I normal summon Gladiator Beast Equeste."
A neigh was the only sign for the arrival of the next monster that jumped from nowhere unto the field, cracking the ground under its weight. A centaur armed with a blue shield and equipped with an armour and mechanical wings on its back, glaring with contempt at them.
Gladiator Beast Equeste – WIND/Winged-Beast/Level 4/Effect: 1600/1200
"Ah. Now these are the sort of warriors I want. If only I could take on the field and attack with them." Somehow it didn't surprise Taylor to hear the murderous nazi wished he could jump in. "I activate the Continuous Spell Gladiator Rejection, then I Link Summon Gladiator Beast Dareios with Andal and Equest!"
The two bestial warriors roared in unison before turning into streams of brown and verdant light, inserting themselves onto the circuit. What emerged looked like a humanoid horse with dark fur, covered with a red armour and armed with a multi-threaded lash.
Gladiator Beast Dareios – EARTH/Beast-Warrior/Link 2/ ↓/Effect: 1700
"Named after Darius, the King of Persia? Not very Aryan of you." Couldn't help but jab Taylor.
"Rome didn't care from where its gladiators came from, and neither do I." Retorted Hookwolf, but it was clear it was in amusement rather than anger. If anything, the suspicion Taylor had from her research that he didn't care for the ideology and rather more for the opportunity to be as big of a monster as he wanted while being part of a group was confirmed here. Which made him even worse of a human being by all accounts. "I activate Dareios' effect. Since you control a monster, I can special summon Gladiator Beast Gistel from my Deck!"
The equine creature cracked his lash and from where he struck smoke exploded then parted, revealing a new monster: a humanoid wolf with dark grey fur and green armour, holding what looked like an electrified whip.
Gladiator Beast Gistel – EARTH/Beast/Level 3/Effect: 1200/1200
"The effect of Gladiator Rejection and Gistel activate! Since I special summoned a Gladiator Beast from the Deck, Rejection summons another with a different type from those I control in defence position as if it was by a monster's effect, and Gistel let me add a 'Gladiator' Spell or Trap from the Deck to my hand! I add the Quick-Spell Gladiator Beast United from my Deck to my hand and special summon Gladiator Beast Bestiari!"
With a sonorous hooting descended a green feathered humanoid bird, armoured like its peers to the point Taylor doubted it should be able to fly, especially with the heavy metal on its wings.
Gladiator Beast Bestiari – WIND/Winged Beast/Level 4/Effect: 1500/800
"Bestiari's effect! When he is special summoned by the effect of a fellow Gladiator Beast I can destroy a Spell or Trap, so let's get rid of this ridiculous machine." Bestiari took to the sky and its wings beat furiously, building wind pressure beneath them. Then it unleashed it all, sending a few civilians to the ground with cries of pain and making the Toy Vendor explode.
"When Toy Vendor is sent to the graveyard, I can add a Fluffal monster from my deck to my hand. I add Fluffal Dolphin." Said Parian with a strained voice.
"Does it even matter?" Rhetorically asked Hookwolf, but it was obvious by how still Parian was the monster had no utility at the moment. "Battle!"
Taylor looked at the field. Three monsters. Parian's field would be wiped, but little damage would be sustained otherwise. Which let her to believe Hookwolf was plotting something for the Battle Phase, certainly related to that Quick-Spell he added to his hand. The question was, how much would Parian's inability to play correctly cost them?
"First, Dareios attacks that ridiculous penguin." Taylor's suspicions on the nature of Hookwolf's Skill were spot on as the nazi made a sweeping gesture. "I activate my Skill, Coat of Blades, and give the effect of Metalmorph to Dareios!" A phantom trap card materialized from nowhere on Hookwolf's field, and Dareios was swiftly covered by what looked like liquid metal. "Metalmorph increases the ATK and and DEF of the equipped monster by 300! When it attacks, half of the ATK of its target is added to his own!"
Gladiator Beast Dareios – EARTH/Beast-Warrior/Link 2/ ↓/Effect: 2800
The silvery layer soon solidified, sprouting sharp looking blades in a very similar fashion as the parahuman himself. Yet apparently Hookwolf was not done as he revealed another card from his hand.
"At the start of the damage step, I activate Gladiator Beast Vespasius' effect in my hand! Since a Gladiator Beast I control battles a monster, I can special summon it! All my monsters gain 500 ATK while is on the field!
Another beast appeared at Hookwolf's command, even taller than its fellow creatures that already towered massively above human height. A blue-scaled reptile wielding a longsword, proudly wearing an armour adorned with metallic fins.
Gladiator Beast Vespasius – WATER/Sea Serpent/Level 7/Effect: 2300/0 - 2800/0
Gladiator Beast Dareios – EARTH/Beast-Warrior/Link 2/ ↓/Effect: 3300
The plush stood no chance and was promptly eviscerated in a shower of cotton filling and fabric. At the same time almost invisible pressure blades flew from the destruction and Taylor instinctively dodged, but Parian didn't notice or react in time. She cried in pain as numerous cuts appeared on her costume, each deep enough to quickly draw blood and stain her white dress.
Khepri/Parian – 6300 LP
"First blood." Hookwolf was in his element, smirking in tandem with his creatures as the metal on Dareios receded. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell Gladiator Beast United! It shuffles into the Deck the Bestiari on my field and Equeste in my graveyard to special summon Gladiator Beast Gyzarus!"
The two monsters immediately jumped side by side backward, vanishing into the shadows right at the moment a much bulkier and much more heavily armoured version of Bestiari landed on the ground.
Gladiator Beast Gyzarus – DARK/Winged Beast/Level 6/Fusion/Effect: 2400/1500 - 2900/1500
"Gyzarus' effect! When he is special summoned, I can destroy up to two other cards on the field, and I choose those weak toys!" The last two monsters on their field exploded under the tempest the new Gladiator Beast created with a single flap of wings. "Let's see you bleed even more before you die a pig's death. Gistel, direct attack! And with my Skill Coat of Blades, he gains the effects of Metalmorph!"
Gladiator Beast Gistel – EARTH/Beast/Level 3/Effect: 2000/1500
"During damage calculation, I activate the effect of Smoke Mosquito in my hand!" Declared Taylor as the electric whip closed in dangerously. "When I would take damage from an opponent's monster, I can special summon Smoke Mosquito, halve the damage and end the Battle Phase!"
Smoke Mosquito – DARK/Insect/Level 1/Effect: 0/0
It was as if a smoke bomb suddenly exploded, covering their entire field of vision. Despite the disorientation the enemy beast still found its target and the whip struck mercilessly both Taylor and Parian. Taylor groaned under the lash hitting her left arm, tearing the tissue and burning the flesh beneath.
Khepri&Parian – 5300 LP
Parian didn't look much better. In fact, her mask was partly destroyed by the lightning whip, revealing dark skin beneath the previously all-covering costume as the smoke dissipated.
"Ah! And Purity wanted to recruit you. Maybe I'll show her your corpse and embarrass that bitch further." Barked Hookwolf in amusement. But when he turned to face Taylor his stance shifted, and his seriousness returned. "At the end of the Battle Phase, Gistel's effect. Since he battled, I return him to the Deck to special summon another Gladiator Beast. I special summon Gladiator Beast Attorix."
A female humanoid lynx draped in silvery armour and a battle skirt monster jumped on the battlefield and high-fived Gistel with the fluidity of a long-repeated movement, the wolfman addressing to her an acknowledging growl before leaving the field.
Gladiator Beast Attorix – EARTH/Beast-Warrior/Level 4/Effect: 800/2000 - 1300/2000
"When Attorix is special summoned by the effect of a Gladiator Beast, I send a Gladiator Beast from my Deck to the graveyard. I choose Gladiator Beast Augustus." The faint silhouette of a massive, dark coloured winged beast superposed itself with the feline. "Attorix gains the name and level of that monster."
Gladiator Beast Attorix Augustus– EARTH/Beast-Warrior/Level 4-8/Effect: 1300/2000
"I shuffle Attorix that became Augustus and Vespasius into my Deck!" The two monsters didn't disappear immediately like the previous ones. Instead, they knelt on the ground, head bowing in respect for something to come. "Warriors who fought for the days of old, invite the whip reminding you of the beasts you are! Accept your true nature and come fight at my command! I special summon Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor in defence mode!"
When she heard the summoning chant, Taylor's attention focused. With heavy booted footsteps, a new figure emerged from behind Hookwolf. Shadowing him at twice his height, it was a beast covered in dark brown fur and sporting a crimson armour with golden engravings. A large spear rested in his hands, and massive golden horns sprouted from both its helmet and its back, allowing Taylor to connect it was representing a sort of deer. A carnivorous one, most likely. With a single tap of the butt of his weapon's shaft on the ground, the new monster sent the two materials used for its summon back to the Deck.
Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor – DARK/Beast-Warrior/Level 8/Fusion/Effect: 2400/3000
"Your Ace Monster." She stated, focusing fully on the monster.
Despite not being modelled after Hookwolf's fetish animal, the creature was the perfect representation of its Duellist. Hookwolf was more than a vicious beast. He effectively and knowingly perpetuated a system of barely canalised aggressivity and violence, with the purpose of breaking more and more people until those characteristics were the only mean of expression and scale of individual value. An effective host whose actions propelled the Cycle forward a villain that Taylor was going to stop here and now, leaving another host to inherit a bud and keep gathering data so that he would never commit another atrocity.
"Beast Tamer Editor's effect! I special summon a Gladiator Beast from my Extra Deck, ignoring its summoning condition! Come on out, the greatest of fighting beasts! Gladiator Beast Claudius!"
Editor moved its spear from which an energy whip emerged and cracked it against the ground. Immediately after, a shadow covered the battlefield. With a colossal clamour the street ruptured under the weight of the winged leonine beast that appeared, the impact propelling gravel into the civilians and thugs alike so strongly many cried in pain. One and a half times tall as Beast Tamer, the monster let out a roar as powerful as Lung's dragons', throwing the captive people on the ground with damaged eardrums and vibrating their fractured bones painfully.
Gladiator Beast Claudius – DARK/Beast/Level 12/Fusion/Effect: 3700/2600
"I set two cards and end my turn." Emptying his hand, Hoolwolf stared at Taylor with vicious anticipation. "Don't disappoint me now."
Hookwolf: 8000 LP – Hand 0 – Field: Gladiator Beast Dareios, Gladiator Beast Claudius, Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor, Gladiator Beast Gyzarus, Gladiator Rejection, Set Naumachia and Set Gladiator Lash
Khepri&Parian: 5500 LP – Field: Smoke Mosquito
"My turn." Rasped Taylor, consulting her hand. Parian left her nothing useful. She needed to either win now or majorly cripple her opponent on her own.
Khepri: 5500 LP – Hand: 5
"I activate the effect of Battlewasp – Rapier the Onslaught from my hand! By discarding another Insect monster, I can place a Battlewasp Wind Continuous Spell from my Deck face-up on my field, then special summon it!"
A new breeze picked up, quickly turning into a small tornado focused on Taylor's field. From within it jumped a massive black wasp with metallic reinforcements and an artificial dart, buzzing menacingly.
Battlewasp – Rapier the Onslaught– WIND/Insect/Level 5/Effect: 1900/0
"Claudius' effect!" The leonine monster brandished its sceptre high, lightning gathering on the top. Parian stepped back until she hit the limit of the Duel Area, but Hookwolf paid it no mind. "When my opponent activates monster effect, I can special summon a Gladiator Beast! Because it's your turn, I special summon it from my extra Deck! Come forth, Gladiator Beast Domitianus!"
Thunder boomed above the city and lightning forked into a gate. Crowned by the cackling storm emerged Vespasius, clad in the rich apparel of one who triumphed over foes and took their equipment. Its roar drowned the buzz and the wind, asserting dominance over those it saw as prey.
"Then I activate my Trap, Gladiator Lash! Since I special summoned a Gladiator Beast, you must discard a card!" Taylor looked at her hand, annoyed, before sending the useless Baby Spider in the graveyard.
Gladiator Beast Domitianus – DARK/Sea Serpent/Level 10/Fusion/Effect: 3500/1200
"Battlewasp Wind's effect!" The wind renewed in intensity, picking up small debris in its wake. "When a Battlewasp is summoned, I add a Battlewasp with less ATK from my Deck to my hand! I add Battlewasp – Arbalest the Rapidfire to my hand, and normal summon it!"
A purple and yellow wasp flew from the whirlwind, its chitinous back crafted in the form of its namesake.
Battlewasp – Arbalest the Rapidfire – WIND/Insect/Level 4/Effect: 1800/800
"I activate Arbalest's and Wind's effect in sequence! With Wind I add Battlewasp - Twinbow the Attacker from my Deck, and Arbalest special summons a level 3 or lower Insect from my graveyard! I choose Battlewasp – Sting the Poison!"
"The card discarded for your first monster." Deduced Hookwolf when the mechanically augmented wasp appeared, its transparent lower abdomen showing a purple venom inside. Its two activations were exhausted; the wind of the Continuous Spell died.
Battlewasp – Sting the Poison – WIND/Insect/Level 2/Tuner/Effect: 400/800
"Sting's effect! When it's summoned, I can add a battlewasp monster from my Deck to my hand, and I choose—"
"I activate Dominitius' effect!" Interrupted Hookwolf, the reptilian monster readying its multiform weapon. "I negate the effect of your monster and destroy it!"
"Sting's effect! I tribute another Insect monster to target your Dominitius and negate its effect!" Reacted Taylor, her creature opening its venom-filled abdomen.
"Gladiator Rejection prevents you from targeting my Gladiator Beasts with card effects outside of the Battle Phase. Your effect can't activate!"
The trident flew through the air in a blink. It missed Taylor by a hair's breadth, cutting a few of her actual hair before skewering Sting the Poison, planting itself on the ground near Parian.
"Confidant, are you?" Whistled Hookwolf appreciatively, but Taylor didn't dignify him with an answer and only glanced on his field. Still one set card. She couldn't target his monsters. It would have to do.
"Wind's second effect! I target an Insect monster I control and make it a Tuner. I choose Rapier the Onslaught and tune it with Smoke Mosquito to synchro summon Battlewasp – Sachi the Ceremonial Bow!"
Rapier dissolved into five rings of light surrounding Mosquito's one star before a string of light engulfed them. Jumping from the summon with her eponymous weapon, the purple humanoid insect flew a few meter sabove the air with an arrow pointed at Hookwolf.
Battlewasp – Sachi the Ceremonial Bow – WIND/Insect/Level 6/Synchro/Effect: 2400/1200
"Sachi's first effect! I return a Continuous Spell to my hand, and this turn I'll be able to make the additional normal summon of a Battlewasp monster! I return Battlewasp Wind, then activate it again!"
The wind picked up once more, propelling Sachi higher. As Hookwolf stayed silent, confirming his monster was now inactive, Taylor resolved on a specific monster, the best she could do in that situation.
"I special summon Twinbow the Attacker from my hand and activate Battlewasp Wind! I add another copy of Sting the Poison to my hand, and normal summon it with the additional summon of Sachi! Wind again! I add Pin the Bullseye from my Deck to my hand, then special summon it with its own effect!"
Her field was now full with the addition of the small Pin the Bullseye, so small in comparison to the rest he almost looked like a normal critter.
"I tune Sting the Poison and Twinbow together to synchro summon Battlewasp – Azusa the Ghost Bow!"
The new monster stepped gracefully on the field despite lacking the wings of its brethren. A female archer of the same sort as Sachi, but more heavily armoured with crimson plate and a large white battle skirt beneath.
Battlewasp – Azusa the Ghost Bow – WIND/Insect/Level 5/Synchro/Tuner/Effect: 2200/1600
"Pin the Bullseye's effect deals you 200 damage." The small insect darted between the much larger beasts, evading their claws and weapons before stinging Hookwolf's left arm directly.
Hookwolf: 7800 LP
"Azusa's effect. When you take effect damage from a Battlewasp monster, he deals you damage equal to that monster's original ATK."
The insectoid archer drew and fired swiftly right as Pin retreated. The arrow flew true quick, breaking one of the wolf ears of Hookwolf's mask and leaving a clear red path on his head.
Hookwolf: 7600 LP
"Come on, Khepri. You can do better than that." Taunted the nazi without bothering to wipe out the blood from his admittedly shallow cuts.
"I will." Said Taylor through gritted teeth. "I tune Sachi, Pin and Azusa together to synchro summon Battlewaps – Ballista the Armageddon!"
Rings of light ascended into the sky. Sachi and Pin flew together until they became starlight in the centre, and the world went white. With a buzz as strong as the whirring of a helicopter, a creature as large as Tamer Editor appeared. A gigantic red and green wasp with an organic ballista attached to its back, a barbed dart pointed directly Hookwolf's monsters. The Gladiator Beasts roared in defiance before the threat, readying their weapon and scratching the ground with their claws and boots.
Battlewasp – Ballista the Armageddon – WIND/Insect/Level 12/Synchro/Effect: 3000/1200
"Not as impressive as those I've seen on video. And not your own Ace Monster either, I think." Taylor ignored the inquisitive comment of her opponent, knowing her next move would put him down a peg.
"I activate Ballista's and Sachi's effects! Sachi effect first! When she is used as synchro material, you take 100 damage for each of my banished Battlewasp monsters! Ballista's effect second, first in the Chain! I banish all Insect monsters in my graveyard, and your monsters lose 500 ATK and DEF for each of them! I banish Rapier, my two Stings, Sachi, Azusa, Twinbow, Baby Spider, Mosquito and Pin!"
Ballista fired once, twice, thrice, kept firing the massive bolts upon its back in Hookwolf's direction. Tamer Editor roared in outrage and with an imperious movement commanded the Gladiator Beasts to defend. As one, they jumped to intercept. Daeiros' lash couldn't stop the first projectile, and the strength of the impact broke his entire arm.
Gladiator Beast Dareios – EARTH/Beast-Warrior/Link 2/ ↓/Effect: 0
The metallic layers protecting Gyzarus' wings shattered at the first impact when he tried to use them as shields. One of the bolts found purchase on the joint section and with a sick crunch, his left wing was torn apart from the body.
Gladiator Beast Gyzarus – DARK/Winged Beast/Level 6/Fusion/Effect: 0/0
Dominitius roared defiantly as he managed to bat away two of the bolts sent his way, but there were too many. His blade trident exploded at the third impact, the fourth projectile cracked his armour and the fifth went through the tail and pinned it to the ground, rendering him immobile and powerless.
Gladiator Beast Domitianus – DARK/Sea Serpent/Level 10/Fusion/Effect: 0/0
Claudius use his entire body as a living rampart, howling in pain as he was transformed into a living pincushion before finally bending the knee, brought low by the weight of the bolts and his own fading strength.
Gladiator Beast Claudius – DARK/Beast/Level 12/Fusion/Effect: 0/0
Tamer Editor angrily growled at the failure of his fighters before spinning his sceptre like an improvised helicopter helix to deflect the last three projectiles. The first splintered his sceptre, the second completely destroyed it. The last bolt impacted the side of his skull almost in an exact mirror of the arrow that singed Hookwolf and shattered half of the helmet, breaking one of the golden antlers.
Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor – DARK/Beast-Warrior/Level 8/Fusion/Effect: 0/0
Right as the last of Ballista's bolt struck, a ghostly silhouette appeared behind Taylor. Bow drawn to the limit, it fired a misty arrow, silent almost invisible as it reached for its target… Hookwolf moved. Almost too late, but not too late enough, and the arrow missed the heart to instead cleanly pierced his right shoulder. The villain stumbled, then regained his footing with a long breath. A breath that was soon broke by… laughter.
Hookwolf: 6900 LP
"So close!" He laughed, laughed without paying attention to the blood spluttering from his wound. "You're showing your true face, Khepri! Just like when you cut Fenja's arm and stabbed Menja repeatedly. Just like when you had Kaiser die." Hookwolf discarded his damaged metal mask, revealing a rugged, scarred visage with a manic, bloodthirsty grin. "Now, it's a real fight. I like it. I like it much better than your hero charade or that that useless doll cowering behind." Parian shuddered at the contempt sent her way as she tried to limit the bleeding with her damaged costume.
The ghost of Sachi dissipated. Taylor didn't take the time to correct the villain. She said she would send him to the Birdcage, and it was what she fully intended to do despite how much she wanted the opposite. Either way, she would gain data and spur further conflict vectors.
"Battle! Ballista the Armageddon, attack Tamer Editor!" A new bolt was charged upon the gigantic insect, targeting the sneering deer.
"Domitianus' effect! I'm the one who choose your attack targets, and you will attack Gyzarus!"
Gyzarus roared loudly, forcing Ballista to shift its attention to the one-winged bird. The bolt was fired and it pierced through the monster, leaving a gaping wound on its torso and pulverizing the store behind, missing Hookwolf entirely. To Taylor's surprise the Gladiator Beast didn't explode or dissolve; it was still on all four, with a torrent of dark blood from the gaping wound in its torso… a wound that was closing.
Hookwolf: 3900 LP
"As long as I control Dareios, my Gladiator Beasts monsters can't be destroyed by battle or card effect during your Battle Phase." Explained the villain with a smirk, wiping the blood from his shoulder.
And if he was chosen, then it meant he possessed the effect to switch out with Gladiator Beasts from the Deck, concluded Taylor. She couldn't finish him off, but attacking with Arbalest would only further the villain's plan.
"Not yet, the battle isn't over! I activate the Continuous Trap Gladiator Naumachia!" The second set card was revealed by Hookwolf before she could end her Battle Phase. "Since I control a Gladiator Beast monster, all your monsters must attack! And I will have your Arbalest attack Claudius!"
Without a choice in either targeting or the very decision to attack, Taylor watched her monster arm its far smaller natural crossbow and shoot at the massive leonine monster. The projectile, while much larger than an actual crossbow bolt, was downright insignificant compared to those shot by Ballista that were still driven in Claudius, and the monster barely seemed to register it.
Hookwolf: 2100 LP
"I end my Battle Phase." Said Taylor reluctantly.
"And at this moment, I activate the effect of Gyzarus and Tamer Editor!" Hookwolf's Ace Monster gestured towards Claudius imperiously, despite its terrible state. "Tamer will return Claudius to my Deck to special summon Gladiator Beast Noxious! Gyzarus will return to my Deck to special summon Gladiator Beast Bestiari and Gladiator Beast Murmillo!"
The wounded monsters retreated, replaced by new combatants. Bestiari unfurled its wings and hooted, accompanied by a blue fish whose shoulders carried water cannons and a humanoid leopard armed with massive steel gauntlets.
Gladiator Beast Bestiari – WIND/Winged Beast/Level 4/Effect: 1500/800
Gladiator Beast Murmillo – WATER/FISH/Level 3/Effect: 800/400
Gladiator Beast Noxious – DARK/Beast-Warrior/Level 5/Effect: 0/1000
"Murmillo's, Bestiari's and Noxious' effects! Noxious allows me to send a Gladiator Beast from my Deck to the graveyard, I choose to send Gladiator Beast Octavius! Bestiari will destroy your Battlewasp Wind! Murmillo let me target and destroy a face-up monster, I choose your synchro monster!"
The effects resolved in the declared order, and Taylor watched as her Continuous Spell and the monster she just managed to summon was destroyed. Damnit, she had planned for this to happen on the next turn, not so soon.
"Ballista the Armageddon's effect! If it was synchro summoned and is destroyed by my opponent, I can special summon three of my banished Insect, as long as their level is 11 or less! I special summon Sachi, Azusa and Sting in defence position!"
The three Insects returned to the field, gathered projectingly around her. She didn't have anything impactful enough in her Extra Deck right now. Perhaps… no. If she had the mean to trigger the secondary effect she would win on the spot, but she didn't have that mean yet.
"I set two cards and end my turn."
Khepri&Parian: 5500 LP – Field: Battlewasp – Sachi the Ritual Bow, Battlewasp – Azusa the Ghost Bow, Battlewasp – Sting the Poison, Battlewasp - Arbalest the Rapidfire, 2 Set cards
Khepri: Hand 0
"My turn!"
Hookwolf: 2100 LP – Hand 1 – Field: Gladiator Beast Dareios, Gladiator Beast Domitianus, Gladiator Beast Noxious, Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor, Gladiator Beast Bestiari, Gladiator Beast Murmillo, Gladiator Naumachia, Gladiator Rejection
He looked at his still wounded monsters, then back at Taylor. "So, they are still crippled. No matter. I return to my Deck Andal, Augustus and Octavius from my graveyard as well as Dominitianus and Murmillo from my field to special summon back Gladiator Beast Claudius!"
The wounded and healthy combatants alike retreated for the return of the mightiest Gladiator Beast. After appearing it glared at Taylor, then broke one of the discarded bolts of Ballista under its foot.
Gladiator Beast Claudius – DARK/Beast/Level 12/Fusion/Effect: 3700/2600
"When Claudius is summoned this way, I can conduct my next Battle Phase twice!" The leonine monster raised its weapon triumphally…
"Counter Trap activated! Iron Thunder! By paying half of my Life Points, I negate the activation of Claudius' effect on the field and destroy it! Iron Thunder then destroy all cards in its column!"
A sudden weakness permeated her body as a flow of transparent energy emerged from the card, taking the form of a mechanical warrior armed with a halberd. A blink was all it took for the head of Claudius to suddenly fly away from its body. Before it touched the ground the projection already moved on, cutting open Tamer Editor in half and shattering Gladiator Rejection with one last strike.
Khepri&Parian: 2750 LP
"You…" Hookwolf's voice now resembled more the growl of his beasts than human sounds. "I return Bestiari and Noxious to my Deck to special summon Gyzarus!"
The avian monster descended with the same anger as its master, ready to shed blood.
Gladiator Beast Gyzarus – DARK/Winged Beast/Level 6/Fusion/Effect: 2400/1500
"Gyzarus' effect! I target your other facedown card and Sting the Poison!"
"Without Gladiator Rejection, they can be targeted!" Retorted Taylor. "I activate Sting the Poison's effect! By sacrificing Sachi, I target Gyzarus and negate its effect!"
The wasp pierced Sachi, liquefying her into its abdomen before projecting the resulting venom on Gyzarus. The bird's armour and wings dissolved with a metallic smell, forcing it on the ground.
"Your struggle is futile! I normal summon Gladiator Beast Gistel, then I Link summon Gladiator Beast Dragases with Dareios and Gistel!"
A bald eagle sporting a full suit of armour closer to a roman soldier's than a gladiatorial equipment appeared, pointing its gladius forward.
Gladiator Beast Dragases – WIND/Winged-Beast /Link 2//Effect: 2000
"Battle—"
"At the end of the main phase, I activate my other trap, Butterspy Protection!" Taylor didn't wait for the Battle Phase to happen; she was now all too aware it was where the strength of Hookwolf resided. "I target a monster on the field and switch it to face-up Defence position, then all damage I would take for the turn is halved! I change Arbalest into Defence position!"
"Battle!" Resumed Hookwolf, showing his teeth like an animal. "Gyzarus attacks your poisonous beast! Coat of Blades activates! With Dragases effect, you can't activate cards or effects until the end of the Battle Phase!"
Gladiator Beast Gyzarus – DARK/Winged Beast/Level 6/Fusion/Effect: 2900/1800
The bird was covered in metallic blade before shredding Sting the Poison to pieces in revenge, but no damage came through.
"Dragares attacks your synchro monster! Coat of Blades again!" The other avian monster charged and cut Azusa in half without difficulty.
Gladiator Beast Dragases – WIND/Winged-Beast /Link 2//Effect: 3400
"Battle ends. Dragases' effect." Hookwolf seemed to calm down, either from the blood loss getting to him or seeing her monsters destroyed having a cathartic effect. "I return him to the Extra Deck to special summon two Gladiator Beasts from my Deck. I special summon Gladiator Beast Darius and Gladiator Beast Equestes."
The centaur came back, and with him was a monster that was clearly a less equipped version of Dareios. No, it would be more correct to say Dareios was a superior version of Darius.
Gladiator Beast Equeste – WIND/Winged-Beast/Level 4/Effect: 1600/1200
Gladiator Beast Darius – EARTH/Beast/Level 4/Effect: 1700/300
"Equeste's effect. I return Beast Tamer Editor to my Extra Deck from the graveyard. Darius' effect. I special summon a Gladiator Beast from my graveyard with its effect negated. I special summon Claudius."
Gladiator Beast Claudius – DARK/Beast/Level 12/Fusion/Effect: 3700/2600
"I shuffle Claudius and Gyzatus into the extra deck to special summon back Beast Tamer Editor! Beast Tamer Editor's effect! I special summon Domitianus from my Extra Deck!"
"I'm living in one duel what the PRT has experienced for years, aren't I." Said Taylor between gritted teeth, her annoyance at the permanent back and forth of these damned monsters reaching a tipping point. Though by the death glare the returned Ace Monster of Hookwolf sent, it was mutual.
Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor – DARK/Beast-Warrior/Level 8/Fusion/Effect: 2400/3000
Gladiator Beast Domitianus – DARK/Sea Serpent/Level 10/Fusion/Effect: 3500/1200
"I end my turn."
Hookwolf: 2100 LP – Hand 0 – Field: Gladiator Beast Domitianus, Gladiator Beast Tamer Editor, Gladiator Beast Equeste, Gladiator Beast Darius, Gladiator Naumachia
"It's… it's my turn."
Khepri&Parian: 2750 LP
Parian: Hand 4 – Field: Battlewasp - Arbalest the Rapidfire
Upon hearing her voice, Taylor looked at Parian, realizing she completely disregarded her since the start of her turn.
"Are you alright?" She asked tentatively. The rogue was standing up with her costume dirtied with dried blood, looking less like the pristine Victorian doll of the start of the duel and more like a gothic horror mannequin.
"No… No, I'm not alright." Parian shook her head. "I didn't want this." She looked at the wounded hostages, the thugs still surrounding them, the blasted street… something seemed to snap within Parian. Her eyes suddenly focused, her expression hardened.
"I normal summon Fluffal Dolphin."
Fluffal Dolphin – WATER/Fairy/Level 4/Effect: 1600/1000
While the pink dolphin in a floatie was as adorable as the rest, there was something different in the way it manifested. Less colourful, less cheerful.
"I activate its effect to set the Toy Vendor in my graveyard and send Edge Imp Sabres from my Deck to the graveyard."
Ping. It was as if her wounds now fuelled the rogue, a whole new energy was coursing through her body.
"I activate Toy Vendor. I discard Edge Imp Scythe and draw a card, reveal it…" The ball popped from the machine then opened, revealing a cutesy rabbit carrying a handbag. "Fluffal Rabbit, which I special summon."
Fluffal Rabbit – EARTH/Fairy/Level 1/Effect: 300/1200
"More of these things? I don't see any difference." Muttered Hookwolf just loud enough for everyone around to catch it.
"You will see." Promised Parian quietly. "I activate Polymerization to fuse together Fluffal Rabbit on my field and Edge Imp Chain in my hand… to fusion summon Frightfur Kraken."
A spiralling whirlpool of colours appeared in the air above the field, sucking in Fluffal Rabbit. Another creature joined, something entirely different from anything Parian has shown until then; a vaguely torso-looking thing with two bright dark pink eyes within, entirely made of metallic chains. Then the two dissolved together, giving birth to a monstrosity. A three-meters tall purple plush in the shape of a kraken, with giant blades piercing out of its six tentacles and three more claw-like blades from atop its head. Inside its mouth fanged with steel teeth, the same eyes that shone within the Edge Imp looked around with dark intent.
Frightfur Kraken – WATER/Fiend/Level 8/Fusion/Effect: 2200/3000
Taylor looked back and forth from the newly summoned monster and Parian. If she had been unharmed, then the contrast between the prim and proper rogue and the twisted creation before them would have been quite shocking. Well, it did shock the hostages if the children crying or the adults' horrified looks were any indication.
"Edge Imp Chain's effect. When it's sent from the hand to the graveyard, I can add a Frightfur card from my Deck to my hand. I choose Frightfur Fusion." There were no hesitations in her actions, no more meek cowering. "Kraken's effect. I target a monster you control and send it to the graveyard. I target Domitianus."
"Domitianus' effect! I negate the activation and destroy your monster!" The kraken attempted a lunge at the reptilian fighter, but the Gladiator Beast managed to cut the bladed appendages one by one before destroying it completely. "So, the doll does have some fight in her." Commented Hookwolf, and Taylor couldn't tell if he was annoyed or appreciative.
"I'm not done." Countered Parian. "I activate Frightfur Fusion." The last card in her hand was revealed, a coloured depiction of fusion with various plush toys. "With it, I can fusion summon by banishing monsters from my field or graveyard. I fuse together Fluffal Dolphin, Fluffal Owl, Fluffal Rabbit, Fluffal Octopus, Fluffal Penguin and Edge Imp Sabre to summon Frightfur Tiger."
A veritable cohort of fluffy plush toys spiralled together, joined by what looked like six sharpened scissors held together by steel, and the same demonic looking eyes from the chain monster. Then the actual fusion happened, and another nightmarish creature descended; a badly stitched up tiger plush as tall as the Kraken was, its arms held together by disjointed scissor blade while its open midsection revealed another, very menacing looking pair of scissors. Within its fanged mouth were the demonic eyes, and without a doubt the true essence of the creature.
Frightfur Tiger – DARK/Fiend/Level 6/Fusion/Effect: 1900/1200
"Frightfur Tiger increases the ATK of Frightfur monsters I control by 300 for each Fluffal and Frightfur monsters I control."
Frightfur Tiger – DARK/Fiend/Level 6/Fusion/Effect: 2200/1200
"That's it? All that for such a weak monster?" Mocked Hookwolf, yet Parian's stare only darkened.
"My Skill, Skin Sewing. A monster fusionned with materials from the graveyard gains 400 ATK and DEF for each of these materials." Taylor's eyes widened at Parian's slow and deliberate words, the implications clear.
Frightfur Tiger – DARK/Fiend/Level 6/Fusion/Effect: 4200/3200
"Even so, I choose what you will attack!" Pointed Hookwolf confidently. "You found your backbone too late, black doll. Next turn—"
"There won't be a next turn!" Suddenly shouted the rogue so loudly, even Hookwolf instinctively took a defensive posture. "When Frightfur Tiger is fusion summoned, I can target cards on the field up to the number of materials used and destroy them!"
With an unholy screech, the tiger arched its back and the scissors in its midsection grew, grew, grew until they encompassed the entire field… before closing in a blink. Two halves of monsters fell over Hookwolf's field, blood and viscera staining the blades even after the Gladiator Beasts disappeared.
"Battle." Parian's voice was colder than ice.
"Kill the hostages if she attacks!" Shouted Hookwolf.
The clicks of firearms took Taylor's attention away from the Duel. The gang members, except the one holding the filming phone, held their weapons towards the civilians menacingly. They would shoot. They would absolutely shout, they were the most violent part of the defunct E88, there was nothing holding them back striking even at the people they were supposed to fight for. All the wind was taken from Parian's sails as she looked at the pleading hostages. Taylor wanted to act, to do something, but she couldn't, not like this, not in this type of Duel…
"Now, doll, end your turn." Growled the nazi. "You have five seconds. Four. Three. Two…"
BANG
Taylor's ears ringed as a bright flash of light blinded her. When she recovered her vision, her heart soared as she witnessed an entire PRT squadron finishing to take down the nazis thugs with brutal efficiency.
"No! No!" Shouted Hookwolf furiously.
"Frightfur Tiger attacks directly!" Ordered Parian.
The tiger lunged forward with its mouth open and caught Hookwolf between its metal teeth, chewing on the villain before spitting a bloody mess out.
Hookwolf: 0 LP
Khepri&Parian: 2750 LP
KHEPRI AND PARIAN WIN!
The monster and the field disappeared. The PRT troopers rushed to the wounded villain and instantly covered him in containment foam, tending to the civilians at the same time. Taylor was about to run away when she looked at Parian just in time to see the rogue fall over.
Objective Reached.
"Over here!" She shouted to the troopers, cursing herself.
"Coming!" Instantly answered an officer, approaching with two men. "Shit, that's bad. Console, Parian is wounded, looks like she lost lot of blood. Yes. Yes. Alright, coming in." He turned to Taylor. "Panacea is still up. We're bringing Parian to her."
"Thank you." She said as troopers took the rogue on a stretcher.
"And good job with Hookwolf, there wasn't anyone capable of dealing with him that could be dispatched on time. And you distracted them good enough they never saw us coming."
"I just did what I could." Mumbled Taylor, not expecting the compliments. "You won't, uh…"
"What, arrest you?" Asked the officer, clearly amused by the question. "I'd rather bring you to Panacea and got that burn treated, but I don't think you'd accept."
"No, not really."
"Figured. Well, on the arrest side, I don't think anyone in our team would do that. Other than Director Piggot, people in the house are rooting for you. You didn't hear it from me," He lowered his voice. "but the Director wanted to designate you a villain until the entire cape team stood up against her."
"…They did? They really did?" She repeated with incredulity.
"Sure did, kiddo." The man took out a small stack of papers. "Also, since I have you there, take this. A proposal from Thomas Calvert, one of the consultants working with the PRT. Since you look like you'd prefer to stay independent, he wished you could see that before the PRT got the chance to forward you a worse deal."
"I'll look into it." Nodded Taylor, pocketing the packet. "Thank you, officer."
"Anytime."
The officer returned to his men triaging the wounded, leaving Taylor to disappear in the backstreets before taking off her mask, making herself discreet on the way to the house. Her father was going to be livid seeing the burn on her arm, one that was starting to hurt like hell without the adrenaline. How was she going to explain this? An accident at school?... actually, that could work. God knows the physic teacher didn't pay enough attention to the stupid things his students did. The only problem was preventing him from attacking the school next and reveal the deception. Eyeing a public bench, she decided to sit down with a deep sigh. Right, the papers. Why not take a peek at them already? Taylor unfolded the packet, skimming over the words. Then stopped. Went back, looking more attentively at the words, at each phrase… she couldn't believe what she was going to say, but…
"… I need Dad to see this."