Yugioh! Forever - CHAPTER 27 is UP.

[Ryno Dorcus]

Hi guys. This is a fan-fic that was not written by me. It was origanly posted on Fanfiction.net but it is such a great story that I just want to share it with you guys.

 

All credit goes to Neomage for writing this, and Yes I have asked his permission to do this.

 

[spoiler=Characters]

[spoiler=Main Characters]

[spoiler=YUGO]

NAME: Yugo Muto

AGE: 14

HAIR: Blond (same appearance as Yugi’s)

EYES: Black

CLOTHES: Black leather jacket and jeans, white undershirt, black suede shoes

[spoiler=Deck List (Used so far)]

Lv 1-4

 

Old Vindictive Magician (ATK 450, DEF 600)

Royal Magical Library (ATK 0, DEF 2000)

Magician’s Valkyrie (ATK 1600, DEF 1800)

Copycat (ATK 0, DEF 0)

Kuriboh (ATK 300, DEF 200)

Neo the Magic Swordsman (ATK 1700, DEF 1000)

Breaker the Magical Warrior (ATK 1600, DEF 1000)

D.D. Warrior Lady (ATK 1500, DEF 1600)

Gemini Elf (ATK 1900, DEF 900)

Double Coston (ATK 1700, DEF 1650)

 

Lv 5-6

 

Magical Marionette (ATK 2000, DEF 1000)

Chaos Command Magician (ATK 2400, DEF 1900)

 

Lv 7+

 

Dark Magician (ATK 2500, DEF 2100)

Buster Blader (ATK 2600, DEF 2300)

 

Fusions

 

Dark Paladin (ATK 2900, DEF 2400)

 

Traps

 

Blast Held by a Tribute

Frozen Soul

Magic Jammer

Waboku

Magic Cylinder

 

Spells

 

Yami

Ring of Magnetism

Dark Magic Curtain

Double Spell

Pot of Greed

Polymerization

Monster Reborn

Premature Burial

Diffusion Wave-Motion

Book of Secret Arts

Swords of Revealing Light

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=KYO]

NAME: Kyo Bakura

AGE: 15

HAIR: Dark

EYES: Violet (wears glasses)

CLOTHES: Green jacket, aqua T-shirt, purple sweatpants and white sneakers

[spoiler=Deck List]

Monsters

 

Lv1-4

 

Dunames Dark Witch (ATK 1800, DEF 1050)

Kelbek (ATK 1500, DEF 1800)

Spirit of the Harp (ATK 800, DEF 2000)

The Forgiving Maiden (ATK 850, DEF 2000)

Agent of Creation – Venus (ATK 1600, DEF 0)

Mystical Shine Ball (ATK 500, DEF 500) X3

Warrior of Zera (ATK 1600, DEF 1600)

Soul of Purity and Light (ATK 2000, DEF 1800)

Spirit of the Pot of Greed (ATK 100, DEF 100)

 

Lv 5-6

 

Marie the Fallen One (ATK 1700, DEF 1200)

 

Lv 7+

 

Archlord Zerato (ATK 2800, DEF 2300)

 

Fusions

 

Spells

 

Mystical Space Typhoon

The Sanctuary in the Sky

Pot of Greed

 

Traps

 

Tower of Babel

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=JENNA]

NAME: Jenna Wheeler

AGE: 14

HAIR: Blond

EYES: Brown

CLOTHES: Yellow T-shirt, short black skirt, black sandals

[spoiler=Deck List]

Monsters

 

Lv1-4

 

Warrior Dai Grepher (ATK 1700, DEF 1600)

Spirit Ryu (ATK 1000, DEF 1000)

Blackland Fire Dragon (ATK 1500, DEF 800)

Luster Dragon (ATK 1900, DEF 1600)

Magician of Faith (ATK 300, DEF 400)

Red-Eyes Black Chick (ATK 800, DEF 500)

 

Lv 5-6

 

Lv 7+

 

Summoned Skull (ATK 2500, DEF 1200)

Red-Eyes Black Dragon (ATK 2400, DEF 2000)

Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon (ATK 2800, DEF 2400)

 

Fusions

 

Ryu Senshi (ATK 2000, DEF 1200)

 

Spells

 

Polymerization

Back to Square One

Inferno Fire Blast

Metalmorph

 

Traps

 

Call of the Haunted

Blast with Chain

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=SETA]

NAME: Seta Kaiba

AGE: 16

HAIR: Blue (dyed)

EYES: Blue

CLOTHES: Silver jacket, white pants, black undershirt and gray boots

[spoiler=Deck List]

Lv 1-4

 

Koumori Dragon (ATK 1500, DEF 1200)

Spear Dragon (ATK 1900, DEF 0)

Lizard Soldier (ATK 1100, DEF 800)

Peten the Dark Clown (ATK 500, DEF 1200) X3

Lord of Dragons (ATK 1200, DEF 1100)

Rare Metal Dragon (ATK 2400, DEF 1200)

Cyber Jar (ATK 900, DEF 900)

Troop Dragon (ATK 700, DEF 800)

Kaiser Seahorse (ATK 1700, DEF 1650)

Dragon Dwelling in the Cave (ATK 1300, DEF 2000)

 

Lv 5-6

 

King of Yamimakai (ATK 2000, DEF 1530)

 

Lv 7+

 

Blue Eyes White Dragon (ATK 3000, DEF 2500) X2

 

Traps

 

Trap Hole

Trap Jammer

Jar of Greed

Interdimensional Matter Transporter

 

Spells

 

Monster Reborn

Luminous Spark

Graceful Charity

Pot of Greed

The Flute of Summoning Dragon

Raigeki

Premature Burial

Mystical Space Typhoon

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=MIKI]

NAME: Miki Taylor

AGE: 14

HAIR: Brown

EYES: Blue

CLOTHES: Pink blouse, dark green shorts, green sneakers

[spoiler=Deck List]

Monsters

 

Lv1-4

 

Disc Fighter (ATK 1000, DEF 1000)

Giant Soldier of Stone (ATK 1300, DEF 2000)

Marauding Captain (ATK 1200, DEF 400) X2

Armaill (ATK 700, DEF 1300)

Exiled Force (ATK 1000, DEF 1000)

 

Lv 5-6

 

The Fiend Megacyber (ATK 2200, DEF 1200)

 

Lv 7+

 

Orgoth the Relentless (ATK 2500, DEF 2450)

 

Fusions

 

XYZ-Dragon Cannon (ATK 2800, DEF 2600)

 

Spells

 

Tribute Doll

 

Traps

 

Sakuretsu Armor

 

 

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=Support Characters]

[spoiler=BLAZE]

NAME: Blaze Redman

AGE: 19

HAIR: Auburn

EYES: Hazel

CLOTHES: Red sleeveless jacket, white blouse, pink shorts, brown boots

[spoiler=Deck List]

Monsters

 

Lv 1-4

 

Darkfire Soldier #1 (ATK 1700, DEF 1150)

Blast Magician (ATK 1400, DEF 1700)

Solar Flare Dragon (ATK 1500, DEF 1000)

Inferno (ATK 1100, DEF 1900)

Flame Ruler (ATK 1500, DEF 1600)

Spirit of Flames (ATK 1700, DEF 1000)

Ultimate Baseball Kid (ATK 500, DEF 1000)

 

Lv 5-6

 

Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch (ATK 2400, DEF 1000)

 

Lv 7+

 

Lava Golem (ATK 3000, DEF 2500)

Ultimate Obedient Fiend (ATK 3500, DEF 3000)

 

Fusions

 

Spells

 

Burning Land

Premature Burial

Pot of Greed

Monster Reborn

Mask of the Accursed

 

Traps

 

Widespread Ruin

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=WADE]

NAME: Wade Ocean

AGE: 20

HAIR: Green (dyed)

EYES: Blue

CLOTHES: Blue T-shirt, blue jeans, white sneakers

[spoiler=Deck List]

Monsters

 

Lv 1-4

 

7 Colored Fish (ATK 1800, DEF 800)

Aqua Spirit (ATK 1600, DEF 1200)

Skull Mariner (ATK 1600, DEF 900)

Fenrir (ATK 1400, DEF 1200)

Enchanting Mermaid (ATK 1200, DEF 900)

Nightmare Penguin (ATK 900, DEF 1800)

Gora Turtle (ATK 1100, DEF 1100)

 

Lv 5-6

 

The Legendary Fisherman (ATK 1850, DEF 1600)

 

Lv 7+

 

Levia-Dragon – Daedalus (ATK 2600, DEF 1500)

Ocean Dragon Lord – Neo-Daedalus (ATK 2900, DEF 1600)

 

Fusions

 

Spells

 

Pot of Greed

Umi X2

 

Traps

 

Tornado Wall

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=MARCUS]

NAME: Marcus Ironside

AGE: 19

HAIR: Silver

EYES: Black

CLOTHES: Gray jacket, black jeans and boots

[spoiler=Deck List]

Monsters

 

Lv1-4

 

X-Head Cannon (ATK 1800, DEF 1500)

Y-Dragon Head (ATK 1500, DEF 1600)

Z-Metal Tank (ATK 1500, DEF 1300)

Ground Attacker Bugroth (ATK 1500, DEF 1000)

Robotic Knight (ATK 1600, DEF 1800)

Gradius (ATK 1200, DEF 800)

 

Lv 5-6

 

Jinzo (ATK 2400, DEF 1500)

 

Lv 7+

 

Barrel Dragon (ATK 2600, DEF 2200)

 

Spells

 

Monster Reborn

Limiter Removal

 

Traps

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=FLORA]

NAME: Flora Green

AGE: 18

HAIR: Brown

EYES: Green

CLOTHES: White shirt with floral pattern, green pants, white sandals

[spoiler=Deck List]

Monsters

 

Lv1-4

 

Prickle Fairy (ATK 300, DEF 2000)

Neo Bug (ATK 1800, DEF 1700)

Vampire Orchis (ATK 1700, DEF 1000)

Des Dendle (ATK 300, DEF 2000)

Parasite Paracide (ATK 500, DEF 300)

Giant Flea (ATK 1500, DEF 1200)

Man-Eater Bug (ATK 450, DEF 600)

Insect Knight (ATK 1900, DEF 1500)

 

Lv 5-6

 

Lv 7+

 

Insect Queen (ATK 2200, DEF 2400)

 

Spells

 

Monster Reborn

Eradicating Aerosol

Pot of Greed

Premature Burial

Multiplication of Ants

Jade Insect Whistle

Swords of Revealing Light

 

Traps

 

DNA Surgery

Call of the Haunted

 

 

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=Minor Characters]

[spoiler=YUGI]

NAME: Yugi Muto

AGE: 20 (32 later on in story)

HAIR: Red/blond/dark

EYES: Violet

CLOTHES: Black leather jacket, pants and boots (think Battle City)

 

 

[spoiler=KAIBA]

NAME: Seto Kaiba

AGE: 24 (36 later on in story)

HAIR: Brown

EYES: Blue

CLOTHES: White trench-coat, black underclothes and boots (think Battle City)

 

 

 

 

 

 

[spoiler=Prologue]

TWELVE YEARS EARLIER, A.D. 2006

 

At the Duel Monsters World Championship Dome in illustrious Tokyo, Japan, spectators were cheering wildly as the two legendary duelists clashed against each other. Everyone who happened to be a fan of the game knew who these two were. Everyone knew their names, their cards, and what kind of strategies they used. And now, these two rivals were facing off against each other in a duel to end all duels.

 

Inside the dueling arena, the two duelists were oblivious to the cheers of their respective fans; their concentration was only on each other. One had brown hair, cold blue eyes, and was sporting a white jacket. The other, dressed fully in black, had red-and-black hair with yellow bangs over his brow. Both had looks to kill on their faces.

 

“This is it, now, Yugi,” said the blue-eyed duelist. “After all these years, this one last duel will decide which of us is truly the better duelist.”

 

“That it will, Kaiba,” remarked the other duelist. “We’ve both fought many battles and come a long way in this tournament to be where we are now. Now, we can truly fight without holding anything back.”

 

On the giant scoreboard far above the arena, the stats showed themselves clearly: Seto Kaiba was in the lead with 6400 life points. On his side of the field were Vorse Raider (ATK 1900, DEF 1200), Rare Metal Dragon (ATK 2400, DEF 1400) and Blue-Eyes White Dragon (ATK 3000, DEF 2500), all in Attack Mode, and he had one card face-down in his magic/trap card slot, besides having three cards in his hand. On the other hand, Yugi Muto had 3350 life points; on his field were three cards face-down in his magic/trap slot, and he also had Queen’s Knight (ATK 1500, DEF 1600) in Defense Mode, and he also had four cards in his hand.

 

Yugi took his turn and drew a card, adding it to his hand. “Now, then,” he announced, “I activate my face-down magic card, Monster Reborn, to return Sangan (ATK 1000, DEF 600) from the Graveyard!” One of his face-down cards flipped face-up, and from it materialized a small, ugly hairball with green arms and legs.

 

Kaiba laughed. “And just what is that supposed to do, Yugi – scare me?”

 

“Maybe it should, Kaiba,” replied Yugi, smirking. “Because now I offer both of my monsters to summon my almighty Dark Magician (ATK 2500, DEF 2100)!” And as he played a card from his hand, both his Queen’s Knight and Sangan disappeared, and in their place materialized a man dressed in purple robes, wielding a green staff.

 

Kaiba’s eyes widened in astonishment. “Whoa! Not him!”

 

“Oh, yes, him!” Yugi smirked again. “And, in addition, Sangan’s special effect when it goes to the Graveyard allows me to select any monster from my deck with an ATK of 1500 or less, and add it to my hand, after which I must shuffle my deck.” He pulled his deck out of its slot on his Duel-Disk and thumbed through it carefully. “And I choose…the Magical Scientist (ATK 300, DEF 300)!” And he added it to his hand.

 

“Now,” Yugi continued, activating the second of his face-down cards, “I activate the power of my face-down magic card, Dedication through Light and Darkness! This will allow me to offer my Dark Magician as a tribute to summon a more powerful monster from my deck – the Dark Magician of Chaos (ATK 2800, DEF 2600)! Come forth, my magician!”

 

As Kaiba’s eyes widened even more at this sight, suddenly the Dark Magician disappeared, and in his place stood a sorcerer with a blue-and-red headdress and leather outfit, with a red-and-white staff. “This is impossible!” he exclaimed.

 

“Nothing’s impossible, if you believe in the heart of the cards,” Yugi responded calmly. “Now, as for my new magician’s effect – his power is so great, it allows me to take back one magic card from my Graveyard and add it to my hand…and the card I choose is Double Spell!” And he retrieved the card from his Graveyard pile.

 

Kaiba’s eyebrow twitched. “What’re you gonna do with THAT card…?” He frowned more. “…unless…”

 

“That’s right, Kaiba,” said Yugi, playing the Double Spell magic card. “As you know, by discarding one magic card from my hand…” Here he took another card from his hand, the Card Destruction magic card, and sent it to the Graveyard. “…I can select one magic card from your Graveyard, and use it as my own card. And the card I choose is…Raigeki!”

 

As Kaiba looked, on, shocked, suddenly a magic card emerged from his Graveyard pile and flew into Yugi’s hand. “Now, I activate Raigeki!” Yugi shouted. Immediately a huge shower of lightning bolts rained down, obliterating all of Kaiba’s monsters. Kaiba instinctively shielded himself to protect against the power of the lightning; when he looked up again, all that remained of his monsters was black soot.

 

“NO! My monsters!” he yelled.

 

“And what’s more, now, Kaiba,” Yugi finished, “you’ve got nothing on your side of the field to protect you from my attack! Now, Dark Magician of Chaos, attack directly with your Chaos Scepter Blast!”

 

The Dark Chaos Mage then powered up his staff with energy and fired it off in a giant blast, directly at Kaiba. But the latter suddenly laughed. “Yugi! You forgot about my face-down card! Activate the trap, Waboku!”

 

The Dark Chaos Mage’s attack hit Kaiba square in the stomach and felled him to the ground; however, to everyone’s surprise, he stood up completely unharmed. “Waboku reduces any battle damage I get during this turn to zero,” he explained. “Your attack has failed, Yugi!”

 

Yugi smiled a small, quiet smile. “I should’ve expected something like this from you, Kaiba,” he remarked. “I guess I’ll just have to do better next time.”

 

Kaiba took his turn, drawing his card. As he looked at it, he chuckled, then started laughing outright. “Yugi! I hold in my hand the card that will seal your demise today!” he declared. “Now, I summon Cyber-Stein (ATK 700, DEF 500) in ATK Mode!” And as he played a card from his hand, a robotic Frankenstein emerged on the field.

 

Yugi, of course, was dumbfounded. “And how will that help, exactly?”

 

“Allow me to show you! Now, Cyber-Stein, activate your special ability!” And Kaiba laughed uproariously.

 

To Yugi’s and everyone else’s astonishment, Kaiba’s life points dropped dramatically to 1400. “By paying 5000 of my life points, I can activate Cyber-Stein’s effect,” Kaiba explained. “Its effect allows me to Special Summon a monster from my Fusion deck to my side of the field. And I think you know which monster I’m going for…”

 

The truth hit Yugi like a brick to the head. “Oh, no!”

 

“Oh, yes! I summon my Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon (ATK 4500, DEF 3800)!” And as Kaiba held out both hands dramatically, a huge behemoth of a dragon, with three roaring heads, emerged behind him in a flash of light.

 

“Yes…the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon…has finally emerged,” Kaiba continued. “However…” he chuckled evilly. “Do you really think that this is the monster I’m going to use to defeat you?”

 

Yugi’s eyes widened in growing horror. “…no…not that…”

 

“Yes, THAT!” Kaiba cried. And he played another card from his hand. “I offer my Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon as a tribute to bring forth my ultimate creature – the mighty Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon (ATK 3000, DEF 2500)!”

 

The Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon’s skin cracked in various places, light shining from within. Then suddenly it exploded outward, as a metallic, futuristic-looking dragon flew about the stadium, shining brightly. Yugi stared in awe as the Blue-Eyes Shining Dragon then came to land beside its master.

 

“You’ve faced my Shining Dragon before, so you know what it’s capable of, Yugi,” said Kaiba. “Its ATK is increased by 300 for every Dragon-type monster in my Graveyard. So, let’s do some math…one Blue-Eyes White Dragon, one Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, one Rare Metal Dragon, one Masked Dragon (ATK 1400, DEF 1100), three Troop Dragons (ATK 700, DEF 800 each) and one Koumori Dragon (ATK 1500, DEF 1200) – that comes to a grand total of 5400 ATK points for the Shining Dragon! Well, what can I say, Yugi – you ain’t got a chance!” And he laughed maniacally.

 

“This is bad…” Yugi grumbled. “Unless I can…” and he shot a quick look at his one remaining face-down card.

 

“Now, Shining Dragon, attack his Dark Magician of Chaos! Shining Neutron Blast!” Kaiba ordered. And the Shining Dragon charged up particle energy in its mouth to fire at Yugi’s mage.

 

“Not quite, Kaiba!” Yugi exploded. “I activate my face-down trap card, Spellbinding Circle! This will paralyze your Shining Dragon and stop him from attacking!” And as he spoke a huge magical crest emerged underneath the dragon.

 

But then, the Shining Dragon fired a transparent blue beam from its mouth, engulfing the crest; and the trap disappeared as quickly as it had come. “What!” Yugi yelled out.

 

“Sorry, Yugi,” Kaiba was the one smirking now, “but you forgot about my Shining Dragon’s other effect – it allows me to choose which monster, magic or trap effects can or cannot be used against it. Now, Shining Dragon, use your Shining Neutron Blast!”

 

Again particle energy charged up inside the dragon’s mouth, and this time it fired all of that energy straight at the Dark Chaos Mage, ripping him apart. Yugi screamed in pain as he felt his monster’s destruction tell on his life points, reducing them to 750. Yugi almost fell down, but he managed to stay on his feet.

 

But Kaiba wasn’t done. “Now, Cyber-Stein, it’s your turn to attack!” And this monster fired a photon blast from its mechanized arm-cannon, this time hitting Yugi directly in the chest and sending him stumbling. He cringed in pain as smoke rose from his burnt chest.

 

“So much for you. Next turn, it ends,” Kaiba declared huffily.

 

Painfully, Yugi got to his feet. His life points were down to 50, he had no more cards on the field, and now he only had four cards left in his hand. He then looked at his deck. This had been a long duel, and as a consequence he only had one card left in the deck slot. “Only one card left…” he moaned quietly.

 

Darkness seemed to surround Yugi as he considered the odds that were against him. All the odds are in Kaiba’s favor now…can it truly be that, all this time, he was destined to be the stronger of the two of us…?

 

His thoughts became reflective. He remembered when, four years ago, he’d owned the power of the Millennium Puzzle; back then, he and the Puzzle’s guardian spirit, a 3000-year-old pharaoh named Atem, had been joined together in one body, and Atem’s ancient knowledge had helped Yugi to win many duels. But all that was before four years ago, when Yugi had successfully assembled all seven of the Millennium Items and aided Atem’s spirit to depart to the afterlife, where it truly belonged. Now, was it beginning to look as though Yugi was nothing without Atem’s guidance after all…?

 

“Don’t give up, Yugi!”

 

Yugi’s head shot up sharply as he heard this, coming from several fans in the stadium. And then the cheers became louder.

 

“Give it everything you’ve got, Yugi!”

 

“You can still win, Yugi!”

 

“We’re all rooting for you, Yugi!”

 

Kaiba heard the cheering of Yugi’s fans and was understandably annoyed. “Delusional idiots,” he muttered.

 

But now Yugi was looking at his deck slot, a faint glitter of hope in his eyes. “Kaiba…”

 

“Huh?” Kaiba looked up and smirked again. “So, you’re going to give up after all?”

 

Yugi held his head up, his eyes now blazing with newfound vigor. “Not in this life, Kaiba!” he snapped. “This duel is still on, and I still have one card left to play! And you’re right…this next turn is the turn that will decide this match!” And with that, he drew his last remaining card.

 

As he looked at it, he chuckled. Then he started to laugh outright. “Kaiba…I’m going to defeat both you and your Shining Dragon!”

 

Seeing the determination on Yugi’s face, Kaiba was dumbfounded. How can he look so confident in the face of defeat?

 

“Now, I summon the Magical Scientist!” Yugi declared, playing the card he’d taken earlier via Sangan’s effect. A bald old man in a lab coat emerged on his side of the field, smirking.

 

Kaiba was even more dumbfounded. “What’s that?”

 

“You’ll soon see,” Yugi assured him. He then played the second card from his hand. “Next, I play Dian Keto the Cure Master, to increase my life points by 1000!” And as he played the magic card, his life points increased to 1050.

 

But Yugi wasn’t finished. “Next, I’ll equip my Magical Scientist with the Axe of Despair, to boost his attacking power by 1000!” And he played another magic card, equipping it on the Magical Scientist to shoot his ATK to 1300.

 

“Big deal,” Kaiba scoffed. “But that’s not going to make a difference against me!”

 

“But I’m not done yet, Kaiba,” Yugi reprimanded him. “Now, I’ll use Magical Scientist’s effect! Trust me, Kaiba – you’re not the only one who can Special Summon Fusion monsters!”

 

Kaiba’s eyes widened in alarm. “WHAT!”

 

Suddenly, much to everyone else’s astonishment, Yugi’s life points decreased back to 50. “By paying 1000 of my life points,” he explained, “which is a far lesser cost than you paid for your monster, Kaiba, I can Special Summon one Fusion monster from my Fusion deck for this turn. But this one turn is all I’ll need to bring forth my – Dark Flare Knight (ATK 2200, DEF 800)!” And as he finished speaking, a warrior wearing dark robes and carrying a huge black shield and a flaming saber appeared.

 

“Next,” Yugi continued, playing another magic card on the field, “I play the magic of the Banner of Courage! This will increase the ATK of all the monsters on my side of the field by 200 points during the Battle Phase of this turn. Now, then…Magical Scientist, destroy Cyber-Stein!”

 

The Magical Scientist dashed forward, his ATK increased by Banner of Courage to 1500, and with one hefty stroke of the Axe of Despair the Cyber-Stein was cleaved in two, and Kaiba’s life points dropped to 600. “That’s the end of your first monster,” declared Yugi. He then set his gaze on the Shining Dragon. “Now, all that’s left is your dragon…”

 

But Kaiba laughed loudly. “Your Dark Flare Knight’s far weaker than my Shining Dragon!” he pointed out. “There’s no way you can win against 5400 ATK points!”

 

“Watch me.”

 

Kaiba was stunned by that. “You can’t be seriously…!”

 

“Dark Flare Knight, attack!” Yugi ordered. And the Knight then charged into battle, its sword burning brightly. But the Shining Dragon countered with a blast of energy that totally decimated the Knight and created an explosion where he’d been standing.

 

“Too bad,” Kaiba mused. “Yugi probably wanted to go out with a bang instead of just quietly giving up…HUH!”

 

Materializing in the smoke was another warrior; this one carrying a scythe in one hand. “Kaiba…meet the Mirage Knight (ATK 2800, DEF 2000),” Yugi’s voice came through to Kaiba, and he saw his rival playing the very last card in his hand onto the Duel-Disk. “When Dark Flare Knight is destroyed as a result of battle, I suffer no damage…plus, when that Knight is destroyed in battle, I can summon his stronger form, the Mirage Knight, from my hand or deck.”

 

“This can’t be!” Kaiba yelled.

 

“And there’s more,” said Yugi, cutting Kaiba off. “When the Mirage Knight battles, it increases its ATK by an amount equal to its opponent’s original ATK. Your Shining Dragon’s original ATK was 3000, so add that to Mirage Knight’s current 2800, add another 200 through the Banner of Courage’s magic…and my Knight has a grand total of 6000 ATK points.”

 

“No! That’s enough to wipe out both my dragon and my life points…!” Kaiba said weakly.

 

“Now, Mirage Knight, finish it with your Final Scythe Slash!” Yugi ordered. And the Mirage Knight did just that: bright light energy emerged on the edge of its scythe as it slashed at the Shining Dragon, cutting it cleanly in two. The Shining Dragon howled as it disappeared, and Kaiba slumped to his knees as his last remaining life points dropped to 0.

 

There was complete silence in the stadium as the holographic projections slowly disappeared. Yugi broke it with four simple words.

 

“It’s over. I win.”

 

And then the loud cheering of every single spectator in the stadium almost drowned out the announcer’s words: “Winner: Yugi Muto!”

 

----------

 

HALF AN HOUR LATER

 

“Hmph.” Kaiba couldn’t help but smile. “I gotta say, Yugi…that was the closest battle we’ve ever fought in years.”

 

The two were standing together at the airport terminal, where Yugi was to catch a plane to go back to Domino City. “Yeah, it was,” Yugi agreed. He had the World Championship trophy safely tucked under one arm. “It was good that we could finally settle the eternal question like this, old friend.”

 

“I’ll say.” Kaiba nodded. “So, now what will you do, now that you’re World Champion?”

 

“I think I’ll retire from it all,” Yugi answered.

 

Kaiba was amazed, and with good reason. “Retire? You? You’re not that old yet!”

 

“I know, but…” Yugi looked up through one of the overhead windows at the night sky, at the stars. “I have a wife and child waiting for me back in Domino City. I want to really be a husband and a father to them, and…as much as I hate to admit it, dueling won’t allow me the time to do that. The same goes for you, I think…?”

 

Kaiba nodded, reluctantly. “Well…it was fun while it lasted, at least,” he admitted. “I’ll be back in Domino sooner than you know, so…see you around, Yugi.”

 

Yugi nodded. “See you.”

 

And the two rivals shook hands…for the first time in years.

 

[Mysty]

Interesting story so far. If Neomage writes anymore of it on Fanfiction.net, be sure to post it here.

[Ryno Dorcus]

[spoiler=Chapter 1]

TWELVE YEARS LATER, A.D. 2018

 

“Yugo…Yugo! Yugo, wake up already!”

 

14-year-old Yugo Muto groaned and rolled over in his bed. “Aw, c’mon, Grandma, let me sleep just a little longer…” he grumbled.

 

“Yugo, no! Wake up now or else you’ll be late for school!” his grandmother scolded him. “It’s almost 7:00 already, and you know what’ll happen if you’re late again! So come on now, young man – GET UP!” And with that she gave him a vigorous shake, one that finally succeeded in waking a very sleepy and very annoyed Yugo.

 

“All right, all right…I’m up,” he grumbled as he stumbled out of bed and blindly headed for the bathroom.

 

Twenty minutes later found Yugo at the table, gobbling his breakfast down. “Now, now, Yugo, take your time or else you’ll choke,” his grandmother reprimanded him.

 

“Gimme a break, Grandma – I’ll be all right,” Yugo scoffed.

 

Grandma then went over to the counter and picked up a letter. “By the way, dear, your father wrote again,” she announced.

 

Yugo paused in mid-bite. “Dad wrote, huh? Did he say when he’s coming home?”

 

“Not for another month or so, I’m afraid,” Grandma revealed. “But he did say to give his love to you…and also to give you a present.”

 

That got Yugo’s attention. “A present? For me? Well, where is it?” He looked around expectantly.

 

“Not so fast, Yugo,” Grandma laughed. “You’re not getting it until after you’ve come home from school, understood? Now finish up and be on your way, and I’ll see you later. It’s getting late!”

 

“All right, Grandma. ’Bye!” And with that Yugo swallowed the last mouthful of breakfast, rushed to the door and grabbed his bag, and in a few moments was off to school.

 

----------

 

As Yugo ran along the sidewalk, down the blocks to reach to Domino High School, he thought he saw someone in the distance. Looking again, he recognized the person. “Kyo! Yo, Kyo, wait up!”

 

A few blocks up ahead, Kyo Bakura heard Yugo call his name and slowed down a little. “Hey, Yugo, woke up late again?” he wisecracked.

 

“Ha, ha,” Yugo replied sarcastically as he caught up to his friend. “So, what’s on the agenda for today?”

 

“Well,” Kyo replied, pushing his glasses further onto his face, “I’ve been hearing a lot of rumors around school since yesterday about some new kid who’s transferring here today. I don’t know much about him, but the word is, he’s supposedly the son of some rich hotshot tycoon. Personally, I can’t wait to see what this guy looks like – if he’ll be some dumb nerdy kid or something.”

 

“Like you, maybe?” Yugo needled. That earned him a death glare.

 

“Anywaaaay, let’s hurry up or we’ll be really late!” And Kyo quickened his footsteps, Yugo hurrying to catch up to him.

 

----------

 

HALF AN HOUR LATER, AT DOMINO HIGH SCHOOL

 

“Students,” announced Mr. Jurai, their homeroom teacher, “I have a special announcement to make. Today we’ll be welcoming a new member of the student body to our classroom. It’s my hope that you will all do your best to make him feel at home and get him comfortably settled into our regular routine here at Domino High School.”

 

Most of the students were leaning forward in their seats, listening eagerly and looking around with great interest. The new student hadn’t come into the room yet, but everybody was eager to see what he looked like and who he might be. Only Yugo, sitting at the very back of the room, didn’t seem much interested.

 

“Probably just some nerdy klutz who’ll make himself a pain in the ass on his very first day,” he muttered.

 

Sitting right beside him was another of his friends, Jenna Wheeler, and she turned and looked at him with disapproval. “Yugo!” she hissed. “At least you can pretend to be nice. This is a new student, after all; we have to make him feel at home!”

 

“Whatever.” Yugo just shrugged.

 

“Now, class,” Mr. Jurai was saying, “please join me in welcoming the newest member of our group – Seta Kaiba!” And he started the applause, followed a moment later by the students.

 

The door, already slightly open, now opened wider, and in stepped a young man with a polite yet somewhat bored expression on his face. His blue hair came down in a sharp point over his brow, and he surveyed the room with eyes that, though they seemed filled with distaste, nevertheless checked off everything in view, missing nothing.

 

Upon seeing him, many of the girls in the room began to swoon. “Oooohh…he’s SUCH a dream!” they cooed, hearts replacing their eyes.

 

“Seta, why don’t you tell your new classmates a little about yourself?” Mr. Jurai offered.

 

“Sure.” Seta shrugged. “As Mr. Jurai has said, my name’s Seta Kaiba. My father is Seto Kaiba, the owner of the powerful business industry Kaibacorp. We were living in America for a few years, but then Dad decided to move back here to Japan, and so he enrolled me here at the school he himself used to attend.” He paused. “I don’t have very many interests, but I do like to read and do research, and I’m pretty handy with computers and other such technology.”

 

Yugo rolled his eyes. What’d I tell you, huh? A major geek.

 

Seta’s eyes continued to roam around the room as he talked, observing everything, marking everyone’s faces. But when they came to Yugo, they paused. Seta raised an eyebrow and looked rather hard at the other boy. Yugo noticed only then that Seta was looking at him, and returned the stare, eye for eye.

 

What’s HE lookin’ at?

 

Seta then smiled rather smugly. “And, for anybody who’s interested,” he said, not once taking his eyes off Yugo as he spoke, “I happen to be a good Duel Monsters player, just like my father was in his youth.”

 

Yugo looked back at Seta and narrowed his eyes. He could see it clearly: in Seta’s eyes screamed the word “CHALLENGE!” Seta had the look of a proud duelist, and he would fight anyone and everyone who challenged him.

 

Yugo’s thoughts were accentuated further by certain knowledge he had. He knew who Seto Kaiba was, of course. Who didn’t? Years ago, according to what Yugo’s father Yugi had told him, Seto was the reigning champion of Duel Monsters, until Yugi himself defeated him in a upset victory. The two became eternal rivals after that, and many times over the years they clashed against each other in tournament after tournament, with Yugi always being the victor. And now…

 

This Seta…son of Seto Kaiba…could he know who I am? Is that why he’s looking at me like that? Does he actually know that I’m Yugi Muto’s son?

 

Yugo chuckled. With a grand flourish, taking everyone else by surprise, he jumped out of his seat and walked up to Seta, extending a hand for him to shake. “I’m Yugo Muto. Glad to have you with us, on behalf of everyone here.”

 

Seta looked at the hand before him. He smirked again and grasped Yugo’s hand in his own. “I’m sure we’ll have a good time together, perhaps.”

 

Mr. Jurai looked at the two boys and couldn’t help but smile. This should be an interesting semester now…

 

----------

 

AN HOUR LATER, ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS

 

“Yugo!”

 

Yugo looked up from where he’d been laying on the grass and found Kyo and Jenna standing over him. “Hey, guys, what’s up?”

 

“I saw your reaction in class,” Kyo remarked. “You seemed rather excited when Seta Kaiba mentioned that he was a duelist. Why, are you thinking of challenging him?”

 

“I…I don’t really know,” Yugo admitted. “I just felt…something…pass over me when he looked at me like that. It was as though he was saying with his eyes, ‘C’mon, duel me!’ It just felt…so amazing!”

 

“Well, may I remind you, Yugo,” said Kyo, speaking very seriously, “that it’s been ages since you last picked up your Duel-Disk to fight anybody? The last time you did, you said that it was gonna be the last time, and all you’ve done ever since is act like a normal guy.”

 

“Yeah…I know.” Yugo looked down at the grass, his face suddenly becoming reflective. “It’s just…everybody knows my dad as a great duelist. They called him ‘the legendary duelist,’ for heaven’s sake. And then…every time people looked at me, all they saw was him…and everyone started talking about how I’d grow up and follow in his footsteps…”

 

Kyo and Jenna looked at him, their eyes softening as they saw the resentment in his face.

 

“All I ever wanted…was for people to see me as me…not as my dad!” Yugo’s voice grew husky with emotion. “That’s why I made that vow, long ago…that the day I ever picked up a Duel-Disk again, I’d start on a quest to make my own duelist’s identity…to be independent of Dad’s fame…”

 

Jenna reached out and gently laid a hand on Yugo’s shoulder. “Yugo…we’ve already acknowledged you,” she whispered. “No matter what happens or what anybody says, Yugo is Yugo. That’s all there is to it. Right, Kyo?”

 

Kyo chuckled and pushed his glasses further up on his face. “Damn straight.”

 

Yugo smiled a little. “You guys…”

 

Suddenly footsteps coming in their direction could be heard, and the trio looked up. “Excuse me,” said a familiar voice.

 

“It’s you…Seta!” Yugo exclaimed.

 

Seta was now standing over them, a faint look of amusement on his face. “It’s just as I thought…you ARE the son of that guy, who defeated my father so many times in the past…Yugo, was it? Are you as good a duelist as our old men were?”

 

Yugo stood up. “Maybe. Are you?”

 

“I’m the best of the best.” Seta smiled. “While I was in America, I won lots of Duel Monsters tournaments and collected many cards. Do you have any good cards worth mentioning?”

 

“I might have a few…”

 

“Good!” Seta seemed pleased. “All right, then, here’s what I propose. You want to duel me? Then come to Kaibacorp’s main building in town tomorrow after school. I’ll see if I can get my old man to lend me one of the dueling arenas for this event. Oh, and Yugo…” Seta smiled. “Make sure you show up. I hope to be entertained.” And with that, he turned and walked off.

 

“Hmmm…an interesting guy, if I do say so myself,” said Kyo.

 

“He’s given you a day to get yourself ready, Yugo. What’ll you do?” asked Jenna.

 

Yugo looked down at the ground, clenching his fists, relaxing them, and then clenching them again. Then he looked up and smiled.

 

“I guess I could go dust off my Duel-Disk.”

 

----------

 

LATER THAT DAY, AT YUGO’S HOUSE

 

“Grandma! Grandma, I’m home!” Yugo shouted as he came into the kitchen.

 

“In the living room, dear,” Grandma’s voice came through. Hearing this, Yugo put down his book bag and went to the living room. Here he found her sitting on the couch, a smile on her face.

 

“So, you’re home,” she greeted him. “You ready for that present I told you about this morning?”

 

“I sure am, Grandma,” said Yugo, and he sat down beside her. “Well, what did Dad send me?”

 

In a mysterious manner, Grandma walked over to a small cabinet across from the dining table. Opening it, she pulled out a medium-sized yellow box and brought it back to the couch. “Here it is, Yugo,” she said.

 

Raising an eyebrow, Yugo took the box and examined it carefully. It had what appeared to be Egyptian hieroglyphs all over it, and on the very top of the lid was a figure of an eye. “What is this?” he asked.

 

“Well,” said Grandma, “when he was younger, your father kept all the Duel Monster cards he collected in that box. He used to say that that box used to hold a precious treasure, a treasure so priceless to him that he carried it everywhere he went. And now, he’s giving this box and what’s in it to you, his son.”

 

Yugo looked down at the box. Slowly, carefully, he raised the lid and peered inside. “It looks like there’s a…a deck of cards in here!” he exclaimed.

 

“Yes, that’s right,” Grandma nodded. “As you know, Dad retired from dueling a long time ago, just after you were born. He kept his own personal deck locked away in this box, but he always took it with him wherever he went. I guess the memory of the days gone past was too precious for him to just let go of like that…until now. Now, he wants you to have that legacy that his own grandfather gave to him, and which he has now given to you.”

 

Yugo reached into the box and took out the cards. He carefully went through them and nodded. “Thanks, Dad,” he muttered. To Grandma: “Thanks for the gift, Grandma. I like it very much.”

 

Grandma and he looked at each other and then went into an affectionate embrace. “Of course, dear,” she replied.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP H.Q., AT THE SAME TIME

 

“So…you want the use of a dueling arena tomorrow afternoon?”

 

“Yes, Father, that’s right.”

 

Seated at his desk in his office, Seto Kaiba smirked. Now sporting a beard and graying slightly at the temples, nevertheless he was still a dashing man, the kind of man that would make ladies swoon. Seated before him was Seta, his son.

 

“This kid you speak of…He really is Yugi Muto’s son?” asked Kaiba.

 

“Yes, he is. And he’s accepted the proposal.”

 

“I see.” Kaiba considered what his son was telling him. “Well, do what you wish. Personally, I’d like to come and watch this match, but I have to be at an important business meeting in the afternoon. But if you can videotape this match and bring the tape to me…”

 

“I understand, Father. I will not fail you.” Seta stood up and put one fist over his breast. “I will definitely win this duel tomorrow.”

 

“I hope you will, Seta. Now, go do what you have to do to prepare.” Kaiba then swung the chair around to face the window, signaling that that was the end of the interview. Understanding, Seta turned and left the office.

 

Kaiba was now brooding with his own thoughts. So, Yugo Muto…Yugi, it looks as if history will be repeating itself. Our two sons will clash tomorrow…and Seta, take this as practice for the upcoming tournament. You must do well!

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 2-]

THE NEXT DAY, AFTER SCHOOL

 

The next day seemed to be very long for Yugo. Impatiently, he endured his classes, every time anxiously glancing at the clock. Can’t that damn last bell ring already? his mind raged.

 

For several hours the previous night, he’d spent a lot of time working on modifying his dueling deck, untouched in such a long time until now. Taking out several of the cards he’d received in his gift box, he’d experimented with different deck combinations, until after some tiring effort he finally came up with a strategy that he felt sure would be unbeatable.

 

Now, as Yugo went through his daily school routine, he wondered to himself, What should I expect from this Seta guy? Everybody knows that his dad always used to use a dragon-themed deck, but…Seta might use something completely different. Will the strategy I came up with be good enough to handle him, a champion duelist…?

 

By and by, much to Yugo’s relief, the last bell rang to signal the end of the school day. Grabbing his stuff, Yugo hurried out of the building amid the crowd of excited students. He caught sight of Jenna and Kyo and hurried over to them. “Hey, guys, what’s up?” he asked.

 

“Just look at everybody hurrying out of school,” Jenna commented, shaking her head. “Yugo, everybody’s heard about your upcoming duel with Seta, and they all want to see it. They must all be heading toward Kaiba Corporation right now.”

 

“Yes, they are,” replied Kyo, adjusting his glasses like usual. “And all things considered, this should be a most interesting duel, wouldn’t you say, Yugo?”

 

“I guess…” Yugo shrugged.

 

“Do you have your necessary stuff with you?” Jenna asked.

 

“Yep!” Yugo fondly patted his bag. “My Duel-Disk and my cards are right here!”

 

“Well, in that case, let’s hurry over to Kaiba Corporation, shall we?” asked Kyo matter-of-factly. And with that, the three friends hurried toward the school gate to catch a taxi to head downtown.

 

----------

 

KAIBA CORPORATION, A FEW MINUTES LATER

 

Roland, faithful retainer to the Kaiba family since Day 1, examined the arena where young Master Seta and the visitor Yugo Muto would soon be having their duel. “Perfect,” he mumbled. “Everything’s in place.”

 

He took a long sweeping glance of the room. The surface area of the arena was an impressive twenty-five feet by thirty-seven feet, and the walls were one and a half stories in height. Spotlights were erected on the ceiling, as well as cameras to capture the whole action. Walking up a few flights of stairs to the control booth that was near the very top of the room, Roland pulled a giant switch, and a moment later a multitude of lights shone from every angle of the room to illuminate every nook and cranny, missing nothing.

 

“Good…very good.” Roland nodded in approval. “Everything is in readiness.”

 

As Roland switched the multitude of lights off, Seta walked in. “Are the preparations complete, Roland?” he asked.

 

“Yes, sir,” Roland nodded. “Just as you ordered, Master Seta.”

 

“And the hologram system is functioning properly?”

 

“Yes, sir. I checked it three times, and it’s working fine.”

 

Just then Roland’s comm.-link beeped, and he answered it. “Yes?...Is that so…Yes, I understand. I’ll inform him at once.” He then looked at the young master. “Master Seta, it seems your opponent has arrived…and several students from your school are here to witness the duel, as well.”

 

Seta chuckled. “Admit them all, Roland. The more, the merrier, I always say.”

 

Roland nodded understanding. “At once, Master Seta.”

 

----------

 

Yugo exited the taxi, followed a moment later by Jenna and Kyo, and stared at the gigantic building before him with awe. “So, this is Kaibacorp…”

 

“Nervous?” Jenna teased.

 

“Well…yeah…this is the first time I’ll be inside such a famous place, you know,” answered Yugo. He swallowed a little. “I hope I do well here. It’s been so long since I’ve been in a duel against anybody…”

 

“Don’t fret, pal,” Kyo placed a reassuring hand on Yugo’s shoulder. “Just do your best, that’s all you need to do.”

 

The multitude of students from school was gathered at the entrance to the building, barred from going in by the suit-and-tie security guards with frowns on their faces. “This isn’t a picnic place, you kids!” one of them shouted.

 

“Aw, c’mon! We wanna watch Yugo and Seta dueling!” one of the kids in the crowd protested, and the others shouted their agreement.

 

Just in time, however, Roland came through the doors, and on seeing him all the other suits stood at attention. “Mr. Roland, sir!” they exclaimed.

 

“Let them through. Master Seta’s orders.” Roland’s voice was decisive.

 

As the guards obeyed and began escorting the kids indoors, Roland’s eyes, hidden behind his shades, caught sight of Yugo and his friends. “Yugo Muto?” he hailed him. “Master Seta has been expecting you. Please, come this way. But your friends will have to join the others inside if they want to witness your duel.”

 

Yugo cast a questioning glance at Jenna and Kyo. The two shrugged. “It’s OK, Yugo; we’ll watch from the sidelines,” said Kyo.

 

“And we can always call out our encouragement to you!” Jenna added happily, and she bounded up the steps behind the now-dwindling crowd. Kyo followed, albeit more slowly.

 

Yugo chuckled. He walked up the steps to meet Roland. The latter promptly turned and walked inside, escorting the visitor to the dueling arena.

 

----------

 

By and by, Yugo came to the entrance to the arena. Here Roland, leading him, paused before he opened the door. “Beyond this door is the arena where the duel will take place,” he affirmed. “Are you absolutely sure you want to go through with this?”

 

Yugo nodded. “Yeah, I’m positive,” he replied. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out his Duel-Disk and cards, and strapped the former onto his left arm. Then he pulled out his cards and kept these in hand, to put in their slot on the disk when the battle should begin. “Open the door!”

 

Roland nodded understanding and pushed the door open. Yugo swallowed, bracing himself, and stepped through the doorway and into the arena. Let’s do this!

 

To his surprise, as he put one foot through the door, numerous disco lights shone here, there and everywhere and illuminating the room with numerous colors. All around him, he could see the other kids who had come to watch the duel, all seated in such a fashion that, for a moment, he thought of the ancient coliseums of Rome. At one extreme end of the room stood Seta, arms folded, Duel-Disk on his left arm and a smile on his face.

 

“Glad to see you again, Yugo,” Seta welcomed him. “I hope you’re ready to give all our schoolmates here the show of a lifetime. Are you ready to duel?”

 

“I know I am, but what about you?” asked Yugo.

 

Seta smirked. “I’m always ready!”

 

In the crowd, Jenna and Kyo were seated side by side. “This should be very interesting,” Kyo mused. “Now all I need is a cheese-steak sandwich and a couple of sodas, plus a box of popcorn and some donuts would be nice, too…”

 

“Geez, do you ever think of anything besides your gut?” Jenna reprimanded him. “Our friend is down there, about to duel! The least you could do is to give a show of support!”

 

“Well, don’t forget that he’s going up against Seto Kaiba’s son,” Kyo reminded her. “One way or the other, it’s going to be a tough duel.”

 

Jenna looked down at the arena. “Yeah…you’re right about that.”

 

The flashing lights finally stopped as one big spotlight high above illuminated the whole room, bright as day. Below, Seta was saying to Yugo, “The standard Duel Monsters rules apply here. We each start with 8000 life points, and the first player to reach 0 loses. That cool with you?”

 

“Sure!” Yugo activated his Duel-Disk, setting his life points to 8000, and pushed his deck of cards into the slot. “Now, prepare yourself…to lose, that is!”

 

Seta smirked again as he heard the challenging talk. “Big talk coming from somebody who hasn’t dueled in ages,” he remarked. Then he touched a button on the collar of his jacket. “Roland! Activate the big-screens so our other guests can see everything!”

 

“Yes, Master Seta,” answered Roland.

 

To everyone’s amazement, two panels in the ceiling opened. Then, four giant screens, facing different directions, were slowly lowered down so the audience could get a view of the duel and the stats. On seeing the screens lit up and both duelists’ life points set at 8000, the crowd went into one giant burst of cheering.

 

Seta then activated his Duel-Disk and slipped his cards into the slot. “Now, may the best duelist win,” he said.

 

“Yeah!” Yugo answered, ready for battle.

 

Then both players yelled the familiar phrase: “Let’s duel!”

 

----------

 

High above the two players, in the control room, Roland activated the video-cameras that had been strategically placed. “Master Kaiba will at least get to see the video of this duel,” he remarked. “Now, let the fun begin!” And he turned on the holographic projection generator.

 

----------

 

Suddenly, in the middle of the arena emerged a huge holographic coin. “Let’s have a coin toss to decide who goes first,” Seta offered. “Heads or tails?”

 

“Tails!” Yugo replied.

 

As if on cue, the coin flipped itself into the air, spinning numerous times. Both duelists watched it with growing impatience. Finally, the coin landed face-up…and it was heads.

 

“Looks like you lost that toss, Yugo. Sorry about that, but I’ll just have to go first.” Seta drew his first five cards, and Yugo did likewise. Then Seta drew an extra card for his first turn. Looking at his hand, he smirked.

 

“All right, now!” he announced. “First, I’ll summon the Koumori Dragon (ATK 1500, DEF 1200) in Attack Mode!” And he played his first card. As he did, a massive purple dragon appeared on his side of the field, letting off a terrible howl.

 

“Wow!” exclaimed Yugo. “What an UG-LEEEE dragon that is!”

 

“Well, try getting past it, if you can,” Seta challenged.

 

“All right then, I will!” And Yugo drew his card. Then he examined his hand and smiled.

 

“Seta…I’ll set one monster in Defense Mode, and also I’ll set another card face-down,” and he placed the two cards onto the Duel-Disk. The holographic projection showed the images of the two cards. “That’s all for now.”

 

“Playing defensive, eh?” Seta observed. “Good strategy…but it won’t be enough to defeat me!” He drew his next card. “Koumori Dragon, attack his face-down monster now!”

 

The Koumori Dragon reared its head back, then forcefully thrust it forward as it spewed a blast of crimson flame at the face-down monster. The card was flipped face-up, revealing an old man in sorcerer’s robes, and was quickly set aflame. However, to Seta’s surprise, the old magician raised his cane and fired a blast of energy at the dragon, destroying it also.

 

“What the hell just happened?” Seta asked when he managed to find his voice again.

 

Yugo smirked. “That monster was my Old Vindictive Magician (ATK 450, DEF 600)…and his effect when flipped face-up allows me to destroy any one monster on the field. So, naturally, I chose your Koumori Dragon. Now, we’re both without monsters.”

 

“Not quite correct,” Seta answered. “I still have a little something to stand up to you!” Whereupon he played another monster to the field, the Spear Dragon (ATK 1900, DEF 0), a winged dragon with an extremely long and pointed snout. Then he set one card face-down and ended his turn.

 

As Yugo drew his next card, he considered his hand and what was on the field. Both players’ life points were at an untouched 8000. On Seta’s side of the field was still a face-down card and his Spear Dragon; whereas on Yugo’s own side of the field he still had his face-down card. He needed to put a strong monster on the field, pronto.

 

“I’ll set another monster in Defense Mode, and end my turn!” And Yugo did so.

 

Seta swallowed hard. He did not trust Yugo’s face-down monster at all. If he attacked, it might be a monster with a high enough defense to ward off his Spear Dragon. Or, it might turn out to be another effect monster – maybe even a second Old Vindictive Magician. And then, too, there was the matter of Yugo’s other face-down card…perhaps it was a trap card that Yugo was patiently waiting to spring.

 

But when he drew his card, he chuckled. “Looks like luck might be on my side after all,” he remarked. “I will place one card face-down…” and this he did. “…and summon the King of Yamimakai (ATK 2000, DEF 1530), offering my Spear Dragon as a tribute!”

 

The Spear Dragon immediately disappeared in sparks; in a moment, in its place stood a gigantic behemoth of a monster. “Now, King of Yamimakai, destroy his face-down monster!” Seta ordered.

 

The fiend rushed forward and slammed one fist into the defending monster. But to Seta’s utter amazement, the other monster withstood the attack. “The defense of my Royal Magical Library (ATK 0, DEF 2000) is enough to stand against your fiend’s onslaught,” Yugo informed him, as several shelves of books emerged from the ground and surrounded him. “Both my monster and I are safe.”

 

“Not bad,” Seta admitted. “Well, I guess for the time being I’ll just have to end my turn. Your move.”

 

Yugo drew his next card. “All right! Now I’ll tribute my monster, too – to summon the Magical Marionette (ATK 2000, DEF 1000)!” And almost instantly the bookshelves retreated, and in their place stood a massive puppet-master in a red cloak, controlling a knife-wielding doll.

 

But then Seta laughed. “You fell for my trap, Yugo! Activate the Trap Hole!” As he said this, one of his face-down cards flipped face-up. Suddenly a gigantic hole appeared underneath the Magical Marionette, and Yugo could only watch in shock as his creature disappeared from view.

 

“Damn! My life points are wide open!” Yugo cursed.

 

“Sorry, Yugo, but it looks like your luck has just run out.” Seta shrugged.

 

Up in the stands, Jenna was calling out encouragement to Yugo. “Don’t give up, Yugo! You can do it!”

 

“Of course he will…if he plays his cards carefully, that is,” Kyo remarked.

 

“Can’t you be a little more supportive? Yugo’s your friend, isn’t he?” Jenna protested.

 

“Yes, of course, but I’m just being practical here,” Kyo shrugged off her anger. “Yugo has to be prepared to risk losing, as well as to face winning. It’s a fact.”

 

Seta was now taking his turn. He stared long and hard at the card in his hand, then chuckled. Then he laughed altogether. “Yugo! Prepare to meet the most powerful creature in my deck!”

 

“What could that monster possibly be?” asked Yugo.

 

“Only the greatest of all Duel Monsters to ever exist!” Seta answered.

 

Watching from above, Kyo was starting to feel uneasy. This monster…could Seta be talking about THAT creature…?

 

“To start things off,” Seta went on, playing his cards, “I’ll play the magic of Monster Reborn to revive Koumori Dragon to the field!” And as he played the card, a giant cross-shaped object appeared in the air above the two players, bringing Koumori Dragon back from the Graveyard, roaring in all its fury.

 

“And then,” Seta added ominously, twiddling the card he’d just drawn in between his fingers, “prepare for the beginning of the end! For now…” As everyone in the stadium stared open-mouthed, he held the card up high. “I sacrifice both my Koumori Dragon and my King of Yamimakai to summon my ultimate beast!”

 

Yugo braced himself. I’ve got a really bad feeling about this…

 

Then Seta slapped the card down onto the Duel-Disk. “Prepare to meet the furious might of – the Blue-Eyes White Dragon (ATK 3000, DEF 2500)!”

 

On hearing this, every spectator present gasped collectively. Jenna was horrified. “What did he just say?” she cried out.

 

Kyo sighed resignedly. “It’s begun.”

 

“Huh?” Jenna looked at him.

 

“The Blue-Eyes White Dragon is one of the most powerful monsters in existence,” Kyo explained. “From here on out, Yugo’s going to have an extremely difficult time if he plans to beat Seta.”

 

Jenna cast her eyes back upon the arena. “Yugo…”

 

Down below, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon let out a howl that seemed to shake the very room. Yugo could only stand there and stare at the majestic creature before him. “So…this is the Blue-Eyes White Dragon…”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 3]

KAIBA CORPORATION, INSIDE THE DUELING ARENA

 

As the legendary dragon roared in front of him, Yugo found himself in a very serious predicament. How am I gonna beat something this strong?

 

“Blue-Eyes – White Lightning Attack!”

 

“HUH!” Yugo snapped back to his senses just in time to see the dragon charging up particle energy inside its mouth. It’s now or never!

 

“Hold it right there, Seta!” Yugo shouted. “Since you’ve declared your attack with your Blue-Eyes, I can activate my trap card – Blast Held by a Tribute!” And as he spoke, his face-down trap card revealed itself, depicting a man with a cancerous bomb in his chest.

 

As Seta looked on in surprise, to himself Yugo gloated, Since his monster was Tribute Summoned, I was able to activate this Blast Held by a Tribute trap, thank goodness. It’ll destroy his monster AND put a big dent in his life points – 1000 points of damage, to be exact! Then I’ll be in the lead where life points are concerned, plus this’ll give me a chance to come up with a counter-strategy next turn!

 

“All right, Yugo! You got him now!” Jenna cheered, and Kyo smiled a little.

 

But Seta cackled loudly. “Nice try, but I won’t let my dragon be killed just like that! Activate MY face-down trap, the Trap Jammer!” And as his trap was activated, a huge image of a bear-trap appeared, caught by a huge sealing spell underneath it. To Yugo’s astonishment, as well as everyone else’s, the bomb was caught in the trap, now safely rendered harmless.

 

“Huh?” Yugo was at a loss for words.

 

“This is the effect of my Trap Jammer,” explained Seta patiently. “It can only be activated when my opponent activates a trap during the Battle Phase, but that trap will be negated and destroyed. So…Blue-Eyes White Dragon, resume your attack!”

 

Having charged enough energy, the Blue-Eyes fired its cannon-like blast directly at Yugo. The young boy screamed in agony as he felt the electrical energy hit him straight in the chest and push him several feet back before knocking him down altogether. The damage to his life points was very apparent, too – swiftly shooting from 8000 down to 5000.

 

“Goddammit…that’s…too strong…” Yugo gasped out as he lay flat on his back.

 

“Ha, ha! See the power of my Blue-Eyes at work!” Seta laughed triumphantly. “Hey, Yugo, hope you’re still in the mood to duel after that attack you just got! Now, get back up and fight!” His eyes narrowed and the smile left his face. “Or are you going to be like so many of my past opponents, who would run away at the first sight of my dragon’s strength?”

 

On hearing this, Yugo raised his head. “Are you calling me a coward, Seta?” he asked dangerously.

 

“Well, if you’re not, then prove it!” Seta shouted.

 

Trembling with exertion, Yugo slowly picked himself up. Although he really hadn’t suffered any apparent physical damage, nevertheless the force of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon’s blast had taken its toll on him. I have to find a way to beat that dragon. My first chance is now gone, so I have to make up for it somehow.

 

He drew his next card. “Okaaaaay…now I think I’ll set one card face-down, put another monster face-down in Defense Mode…and that’s it for me,” he announced as he played his cards.

 

“Still playing defensive, Yugo? What, you can’t think of anything else to do?” Seta shook his head sadly. “You really are nothing like your dad.”

 

Yugo glared at him. “Don’t compare me to my father!” he snapped.

 

“Why should I bother? Your skill is really weak. When I heard that you’d been out of it for some time, I never imagined that you would’ve deteriorated like this.” Seta beheld the crowd. “Just listen to everybody…already they’re starting to get upset about the whole matter.”

 

Indeed, the spectators were not happy with the low level of performance being displayed by Yugo. “C’mon! Can’t you do better than that?” somebody shouted, and everybody else hollered in agreement.

 

Jenna and Kyo, still watching from above, could hear the shouts of discouragement from the crowd. “Poor Yugo…he’s taking a terrible beating out there…” whispered Jenna sadly.

 

To her surprise, Kyo got up in one swift motion and started to shout, completely out of character for him. “YUGO!” he yelled. “Don’t give up! We’re right behind you!” He then looked at Jenna. “Don’t just sit there! Give Yugo your support, too!”

 

“Y-yeah!” Jenna took up the cheering now. “Do your best, Yugo! I know you can win!”

 

Yugo looked up as he heard his friends calling out to him. A faint glimmer of hope filled his face. Guys…thank you…

 

Then he turned back to Seta, his eyes now blazing with newfound energy. “C’mon, Seta! What’s the matter? Afraid to attack me?”

 

Seta gritted his teeth. “I fear nothing!” he cried as he drew another card. “I summon the Lizard Soldier (ATK 1100, DEF 800) in Attack Mode!” As he played the card, a small dragon-soldier armed with a machete and a stone shield appeared on his side of the field. “Now, Blue-Eyes, destroy his face-down monster!”

 

The Blue-Eyes fired another megaton blast from its mouth, destroying Yugo’s face-down monster, the Magician’s Valkyrie (ATK 1600, DEF 1800). Then, with that resistance out of the way, the Lizard Soldier could attack directly, reducing Yugo further to 3900 life points.

 

“Pathetic,” Seta scoffed. “I end my turn!”

 

This isn’t good, Yugo thought to himself. If I don’t do something quickly, it’ll be the end of me!

 

So, as soon as he drew his next card, he announced, “Now I’ll activate my face-down trap card, Frozen Soul! Since my life points are more than 2000 points lower than yours, your monsters can’t attack me during your next turn!” As his trap activated, a huge blue skull flew out of the card picture and circled around Seta’s monsters.

 

“Big deal,” said Seta. “So I won’t be able to attack. So what? It won’t mean a thing. You’ll just end up losing anyway.”

 

“Really?” Now Yugo smiled. He looked at his hand and decided on a strategy.

 

“I activate the Pot of Greed magic card, which will let me draw two more cards from my deck!” Yugo declared, playing the card. A big grinning green pot appeared on the field and spat out two cards, and Yugo took them into his hand to give him a total of five cards. “Well, well, well…this looks very, very good…”

 

Seeing the sudden confidence on his opponent’s face, Seta frowned. Is he up to something?

 

“Now, Seta, I’m going to summon a new monster to the field – Copycat (ATK 0, DEF 0)! Come forth, my monster!” Yugo ordered. At once a clown jester holding a mirror in front of its face appeared.

 

Seeing the new monster’s stats, however, Seta was dumbfounded. Then he started to laugh, as did several members of the audience. “Are you crazy? THAT is going to be your salvation?” he laughed uproariously.

 

Jenna, too, was confused. “Has Yugo finally lost it?”

 

But Kyo wasn’t so sure. “Don’t give up on Yugo just yet,” he counseled Jenna. “Not everything is as it seems…”

 

Yugo thought so, too. “Don’t go mocking my monster before I tell you its special ability, Seta,” he said to his opponent. “For you see, Copycat has a very dangerous effect: When it is summoned, it can immediately copy the original ATK and DEF of any monster on the opponent’s field that I choose.”

 

“Any monster…?” Then the truth dawned on Seta. “Oh, sheet…”

 

“That’s right – I’m going to have him copy your Blue-Eyes White Dragon!”

 

As Seta looked on in shock, suddenly an image began to appear in the Copycat’s mirror – an image of the Blue Eyes White Dragon’s face. Then, the Copycat’s entire body began to morph, until at last it was the splitting image of the original dragon itself.

 

“It can’t be true!” Seta shrieked.

 

“But it is, Seta!” Yugo countered. “And what’s more, I’m not even done yet!”

 

He held up two cards from his hand and played them immediately. “First, I’m going to activate the magic of the Yami field magic card, which will increase the ATK and DEF of all Spellcasters and Fiends by 200 points…and also decrease the ATK and DEF of Fairy-type monsters by 200.” As he played the card, several dark shadows began to fill the arena, giving a very spooky impression. Yugo could hear some whimpering from a few of the spectators as the darkness enveloped the place.

 

“And next,” Yugo continued, “I activate the magic of my own Monster Reborn card to bring back my Magical Marionette from the Graveyard!” And as he activated the card, the red-clad puppeteer reappeared. Its stats quickly changed to ATK 2200 and DEF 1200 due to Yami’s effect. Since the Copycat Blue-Eyes still counted as a Spellcaster in spite of its new appearance, its stats changed to ATK 3200 and DEF 2700 – far stronger than the original Blue-Eyes!

 

“Now, Copycat, destroy the Blue-Eyes White Dragon!” Yugo ordered. And Copycat Blue-Eyes did just that – charging up a blast of energy in its mouth, it fired it off at its original, completely ripping it to pieces and reducing Seta’s life points to 7800.

 

“Marionette, it’s your turn!” Yugo commanded. And the mage moved its fingers, commanding its puppet to slice the Lizard Soldier, ripping it apart. Seta grimaced as he felt his life points drop further to 6700.

 

Finally, Yugo took one of the two remaining cards in his hand, and set it face-down in the magic/trap slot. “Now, one more card face-down…and with that, I finally end my turn.”

 

“Impressive comeback, Yugo,” Seta congratulated him. Then he smirked. “But my life points are still much, much higher than yours! It’s going to take more than just a few lucky moves to bring me down!”

 

“Well, I’m not going to give up so readily, either, Seta,” Yugo declared firmly.

 

Now the crowd was starting to cheer again. “This is really some duel!” someone exclaimed.

 

“I’ll say!” another agreed. “The best I’ve seen in a long time!”

 

“Those guys sure know how to play!” added a third.

 

Smirking again, Seta drew his next card, giving him a total of three in his hand. “All right…now I’ll set one monster in Defense Mode, then one other card face-down, and that’ll end my turn.”

 

Kyo, seeing this, was surprised. “Okay…so now Seta’s playing on the defensive? He must be up to something…”

 

Yugo suspected something, too, but wasn’t sure what game his opponent might be playing. Is he trying to lure me into a trap? I should play this carefully, but…I really need to get a shot at his life points, or else I’ll never catch up to him!

 

“Okay! Magical Marionette, attack Seta’s face-down monster!”

 

Again the Marionette controlled its puppet, slashing the opposition into bits. But Seta laughed. “That was my Peten the Dark Clown (ATK 500, DEF 1200) that your magician just destroyed! When he’s sent to the Graveyard, I can remove him from play to Special Summon another one like him to the field from my deck!”

 

Seta then took the card from the Graveyard and placed it in his Discard pile. In turn, he thumbed through his deck, then immediately summoned another Peten the Dark Clown to the field. Due to the fact that it was a Spellcaster, Yami’s field effect caused its stats to go up to ATK 700 and DEF 1400. Peten then delivered a raspberry with its tongue straight at Yugo, who was quite annoyed with it.

 

“Whatever!” Yugo barked. “Copycat, destroy that one too!” And the Copycat Blue-Eyes fired yet another blast, obliterating this Peten. But Seta just shrugged, removed the second one from the game, and Special Summoned a third one to the field.

 

“Annoying little guy, isn’t he?” he taunted.

 

Well, at least one thing’s for certain, Yugo mused. There’s a limit to a certain type of card in one’s deck. A duelist can only have three copies of any one card in a deck at any one time, so…he shouldn’t have any more Peten the Dark Clown cards after this one. Next time, Seta…next time!

 

Seta now took his turn, drawing his card. “Now, I activate my face-down trap, Jar of Greed! This will let me draw one more card from my deck!” As he activated the card, a red version of the Pot of Greed came onto the field, and it spat out one card which Seta then added to his hand. He looked at it and smirked.

 

“Next, I’ll play the magic card, Graceful Charity! This will let me draw three more cards, but in turn I’ll have to discard two from my hand to the Graveyard.” He played the card, and a beautiful angel appeared on his side of the field, offering him three cards. He took them, examined his hand, then picked two cards and discarded them, so now he was left with three cards in his hand in all.

 

“Okay…now I summon the Lord of Dragons (ATK 1200, DEF 1100)!” In a moment, a mage dressed in a cape and a helmet shaped like a dragon’s head appeared next to Seta. Since he was a Spellcaster, Yami’s effect strengthened him to have ATK 1400 and DEF 1300.

 

“See my Lord of Dragons, Yugo? He’s one of the most important monsters in my deck because of his special abilities,” Seta remarked. “For one thing, as his name suggests, he’s a master dragon wielder. His powers are so mighty, and his control of these great beasts so superb, nobody can stand in his way. And…” He held up another card from his hand. “This card works well with him, too – The Flute of Summoning Dragon!”

 

As Seta played the card, a horn in the shape of a dragon appeared in the Lord of Dragons’ hand, and he blew a note on it. “When I activate the Flute while the Lord of Dragons is on the field,” Seta explained, “I can Special Summon up to two Dragons from my hand. Well…actually, right now I only have one dragon in my hand, but it’s okay. Now, be summoned, my Rare Metal Dragon (ATK 2400, DEF 1200)!”

 

As the Lord of Dragons continued to play the Flute, a metallic dragon appeared on Seta’s side of the field, growling menacingly. Seta smiled. “Plenty of firepower here,” he laughed.

 

But then he stopped laughing and looked at Yugo’s side of the field again. “Huh? What the hell gives!”

 

He had good reason to ask. Just moments before, when the Magical Marionette had emerged on the field, it had stats of ATK 2000 and 1000, increased to 2200 and 1200 respectively via Yami. But now, its ATK was 2600!

 

“Think back to a few minutes ago, Seta,” explained Yugo. “Magical Marionette has a very wonderful effect – each time one of us activates a Magic Card, the Marionette gets what is known as a Spell Counter, which increases its ATK by 200 points. And, by my count, you’ve activated two magic cards – your Graceful Charity and that Flute of Summoning Dragon.”

 

Seta paled considerably. This isn’t good at all, his mind raged. Yugo might actually beat me if I’m not careful! I have to get rid of him soon!

 

Now Yugo took his turn. As he drew his card, he chuckled. Seta was still in the lead in terms of life points, but Yugo was about to give him a major surprise. “OK, Seta, let me show you another ability of my Magical Marionette!” Yugo declared crisply.

 

“WHAT!” Seta yelled. “Another effect!”

 

“Yes! Observe!” replied Yugo. And then, as all watched open-mouthed, the Marionette’s ATK sharply dropped back to 2200 – and two giant balls of flame were floating in front of the puppeteer.

 

“By removing two Spell Counters from the Marionette,” explained Yugo, “I can destroy any monster on the field that I choose. And I choose…your Dark Clown!” And as he spoke, the balls of flame merged as one and then flew toward Peten, incinerating him and wiping him out.

 

“Now – I’ll conduct battle!” Yugo declared. “Copycat, destroy the Rare Metal Dragon!” And Copycat Blue-Eyes fired a White Lightning Attack, blowing the Rare Metal Dragon to pieces and dropping Seta’s life points to 5900. Then – “Magical Marionette, it’s your turn!” And the Marionette’s puppet rushed forward and stabbed the Lord of Dragons to death, and Seta’s life points went down further to 5100.

 

Seeing this, Jenna was ecstatic. “Way to go, Yugo! Now he’s got no monsters to protect himself!” she exulted.

 

“That’s right,” said Kyo. But to himself he added, Still, Seta’s a much better duelist than that…surely he’ll find a way to regain control of this duel…

 

“In your face, Seta!” Yugo boasted.

 

Seta smiled quietly. “Maybe…but this duel’s far from over!”

 

He drew his next card. Looking at it, he smiled immensely. “I’ll just put this monster face-down in Defense Mode, and end my turn. It’s all I can do right now.”

 

Now everybody was cheering and chanting Yugo’s name. “Yugo! Yugo! Yugo!” echoed throughout the stadium.

 

“Go ahead, Yugo! You’ve got this duel in the bag! Get him now!” Jenna screamed.

 

But then she felt a restraining hand on her arm. “Hey, Kyo, what’s the matter?” she asked indignantly.

 

Kyo’s face was grave. “Don’t celebrate yet, Jenna,” he counseled. “Remember, Seta just put a monster card face-down without hesitation. He might want Yugo to attack him.”

 

As he looked at Seta, Yugo frowned. This is too easy…Seta wants me to attack. I just know it. Well…I’m not going to miss out on this chance to win, but just in case... He drew his next card. “Now, Copycat! Attack his monster!”

 

But as Copycat-Blue-Eyes charged up its attack, Seta started to laugh. “You’re gonna regret that, Yugo!” he sneered.

 

Copycat Blue-Eyes fired its attack, destroying the opposing monster. But as the monster was flipped face-up, it turned out to be the Cyber Jar (ATK 900, DEF 900). “What the heck?” Yugo exclaimed when he saw what it was. But there was no further time to wonder, for almost immediately both Copycat Blue-Eyes and the Marionette were destroyed, as well, as the field turned bright with a massive explosion!

 

“Whoa! That’s too much!” Kyo exclaimed as he instinctively shielded himself, as did most other people.

 

“I see you know this monster,” Seta chuckled as the smoke gradually cleared.. “When the Cyber Jar is flipped face-up, every monster on the field will be destroyed. But not to worry – afterward, we’ll each pick five cards from the top of our respective decks and show them to each other. Then, we’ll Special Summon all Level 4 or lower monsters that we pick up, and the other cards will be added to our hands. So, start picking up.”

 

Grumbling, Yugo picked up five cards, and Seta did likewise; then they walked toward each other and held up their respective five cards. In Yugo’s hand were the Gemini Elf (ATK 1900, DEF 900), Swords of Revealing Light, Magic Jammer, Kuriboh (ATK 300, DEF 200) and Book of Secret Arts; in Seta’s hand were Raigeki, Mystical Space Typhoon, Interdimensional Matter Transporter, Troop Dragon (ATK 700, DEF 800) and the Dragon Dwelling in the Cave (ATK 1300, DEF 2000). Swiftly, Gemini Elf was placed in face-up Attack Mode and Kuriboh in face-down Defense Mode; and both Troop Dragon and the Cave-Dwelling Dragon were placed in face-down Defense Mode – and all the other cards they’d picked up were added to their hands, giving Yugo a total of six cards and Seta a total of three.

 

Since it was still Yugo’s Battle Phase, his Gemini Elf, powered up to 2100 ATK and 1100 DEF by Yami’s effect, prepared to fight. “Now, my twin elves, attack his face-down monster on the right!” Yugo ordered, silently hoping it was the Troop Dragon…and it was.

 

But as that Troop Dragon was destroyed, another immediately appeared in Defense Mode! “What happened?” Yugo asked, stunned.

 

“That’s Troop Dragon’s effect for you,” said Seta. “When it’s destroyed in battle, another Troop Dragon will be Special Summoned from my deck to take its place. So, too bad.”

 

Disappointed, Yugo set another card face-down. “Okay, make your move.”

 

“Be glad to!” Seta drew another card – and started to laugh. “This is it! This is the end! I activate two magic cards – first, Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy the face-down card you just set…” As he played the card, a mighty tornado came onto the field, destroying Yugo’s selected face-down card and almost blowing Yugo away in the process.

 

“…And then I’ll play Raigeki to destroy every monster on your side of the field!” And Seta, laughing maniacally, played the magic card, creating a hail of thunderbolts that completely destroyed Yugo’s monsters.

 

“No!” cried Yugo.

 

“And then…” Seta slowly raised the card he’d just drawn. “I’m going to offer my Troop Dragon and my other monster, the Dragon Dwelling in the Cave, to summon something you’d never expect – my second Blue-Eyes White Dragon!”

 

Yugo’s eyes widened in alarm upon hearing that. “What!”

 

 

---

 

New Characters - Chapter 2

 

NAME: Yugo Muto

AGE: 14

HAIR: Blond (same appearance as Yugi’s)

EYES: Black

CLOTHES: Black leather jacket and jeans, white undershirt, black suede shoes

 

NAME: Kyo Bakura

AGE: 15

HAIR: Dark

EYES: Violet (wears glasses)

CLOTHES: Green jacket, aqua T-shirt, purple sweatpants and white sneakers

 

NAME: Jenna Wheeler

AGE: 14

HAIR: Blond

EYES: Brown

CLOTHES: Yellow T-shirt, short black skirt, black sandals

 

NAME: Seta Kaiba

AGE: 16

HAIR: Blue (dyed)

EYES: Blue

CLOTHES: Silver jacket, white pants, black undershirt and gray boots

[Rucario]

You forgot the

on Chapter 4.

[Ryno Dorcus]

Yeh it was a mistake, fixed now. Chapter 4 Coming Later

[Ryno Dorcus]

[spoiler=Chapter 4]

KAIBA CORPORATION, INSIDE THE DUELING ARENA

 

“I now tribute both of my monsters to summon my second Blue-Eyes White Dragon!” Seta shouted triumphantly, playing the card onto his Duel-Disk. Then, as both his Troop Dragon and his face-down Dragon Dwelling in the Cave disappeared, there was a thunderous roar as the second Blue-Eyes White Dragon emerged, howling in vengeful rage.

 

“This…is…impossible…!” Yugo whispered, staring at the massive dragon in shock.

 

Seta chuckled. “What? Did you honestly think that I had just one Blue-Eyes? Then you’ll pay for that error – with every life point you have!” He raised an arm. “Go, my Blue-Eyes, avenge your fallen brother! Use your White Lightning Attack and attack him directly!”

 

Heeding the call of its master, the Blue-Eyes charged up energy in its mouth, then fired it all off in one massive blast, heading directly for Yugo!

 

Jenna’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh, no, Yugo!” she shrieked.

 

But Kyo seemed quite calm. “Don’t give up on him yet…”

 

And, to the amazement of everyone watching the big-screens, Yugo appeared to be…smiling. “Activate my face-down trap, Magic Cylinder!”

 

Seta’s eyes widened in alarm. “What’d he say!” was all he could manage as, before his eyes, Yugo’s face-down card flipped face-up. Two huge cylinders appeared immediately – and one absorbed the White Lightning Attack. The other barreled it all right back at a now very frightened Seta, who still couldn’t believe what had just happened…and who suddenly howled in agony as his own monster’s attack ripped through him, knocking him down and severely reducing his life points to 2100.

 

“See? What’d I tell you?” Kyo smirked.

 

Jenna sighed in relief. “That Yugo…always scaring people…”

 

Down in the arena, Seta smarted from the impact of the blast as his clothes smoldered. “Goddammit…” he groaned as he struggled to get back up.

 

“Hurts, doesn’t it?” Yugo questioned. “Being hit by the force of the Blue Eyes White Dragon’s attack…it’s not very pleasant, is it, Seta?”

 

“sheet…how could I have been careless…I completely forgot about your other face-down card…” Seta shook his head.

 

Yugo lowered his hands a moment. “Hey, Seta, I gotta admit…this duel’s been so good for me,” he revealed. “I…I haven’t had such a strong opponent in such a long time…someone who could force me to play a decent game…”

 

Seta looked at Yugo, an eyebrow raised.

 

“Let me tell you just why I hung up my Duel-Disk so long ago,” Yugo went on, his face bearing a small, sad smile. “Everywhere I went…no matter how I fought…all people saw was the legacy of my father, Yugi Muto…I never had anybody acknowledge me as me...and not as my dad…” He looked up. “It was…the same for you…wasn’t it…?”

 

Seta’s eyes widened in surprise.

 

“You…being heir to such a powerful company like Kaibacorp,” Yugo continued, wiping a hand over his brow. “You went through an identity crisis, too, right? I mean…people expecting you to live up to the name of your father, the great Seto Kaiba…it must’ve been hard, wasn’t it?”

 

Seta looked long and hard at Yugo…then lowered his eyes. “Yeah.”

 

The entire arena was now quiet. Every person there sensed that this was a critical moment for both players. None dared utter a single word. Jenna and Kyo looked on knowingly.

 

“It…almost came to the point where…I was going to start hating Duel Monsters…and everything my dad stood for,” Yugo admitted, his hair now overshadowing his brow. “And I would have, too…if not for them…”

 

He looked up into the crowd, right where Jenna and Kyo were sitting. “Jenna Wheeler…and Kyo Bakura…my best friends…both children of legendary duelists, just like me…when we first met, they didn’t see Yugi Muto…they saw me…me…” He looked up, his voice about to break. “And I made myself a promise: The day I picked up my Duel-Disk again, I’d begin my own crusade to surpass the legend my father had become…to become a champion in my own right, without having to rely on his fame…” He smiled again. “Same for you…right?”

 

Seta didn’t say anything for a long moment. Then he looked up. “Yugo…for making that comparison between you and your old man before…I apologize.”

 

Yugo’s eyes widened.

 

“Yeah…It was tough, all right,” Seta continued. “I never had anybody acknowledge me as me, either…until now…” He smiled a little. “Who would’ve thought that the child of my father’s greatest rival…would be the first to acknowledge my skill as my own?”

 

“That’s…so emotional…” Jenna seemed ready to weep.

 

“Those two are true duelists, after all,” Kyo acknowledged.

 

Seta straightened up again. “Yugo Muto! Come on – we’ve got a duel to finish, you and I! Show me your true abilities, now!”

 

Yugo’s eyes were still wide with wonder. He…acknowledges me, too… A huge smile crossed his face. “Yeah!”

 

Almost as though on cue, a burst of cheering erupted the place again. The spectators, every single one of them, were cheering for either of the two duelists. “Go, Yugo!” and “You can do it, Seta!”

 

And then…the duel was underway again.

 

With a grand flourish, Yugo drew his card. “All right, Seta! I’ll show you what my strength is really like!” He swiftly selected two cards in his hand. “First, I’ll play my Swords of Revealing Light magic card, to stop every monster on your side of the field from attacking for your next three turns!” And as he played the card, three shining swords of light suddenly came down on Seta’s side of the field.

 

“Then…” Yugo played the other card on his Duel-Disk. “I summon Double Coston (ATK 1700, DEF 1650) in Attack Mode!” Immediately two grinning ghosts, about the size of basketballs, emerged and started circling around Yugo. “And now I’ll end my turn for now.”

 

Seta drew his next card, and seemed especially pleased at what it was. “I’ll activate my own Pot of Greed, to draw two cards!” And this he did, so that moments later he held three cards. But when he saw what he’d acquired, his smile widened. One half of what I need…

 

“I’ll set one card face-down,” and he placed one of the cards onto the field. “Then I’ll summon the Kaiser Seahorse (ATK 1700, DEF 1650) and end my turn!” he announced. And then a majestic sea creature wielding a trident appeared on Seta’s side of the field, beside the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

 

As one of the three swords slowly disappeared, Yugo drew his next card. “All right! Now I’ll set one card facedown and…” He raised another card in his hand. “Then I’m going to summon something you would not be expecting! You see…” He chuckled. “Double Coston’s effect allows it to be treated as two monsters when I’m going to tribute summon a Dark monster to the field. So, I offer this monster to summon – my Dark Magician (ATK 2500, DEF 2100)!”

 

“What!” Seta asked in surprise.

 

The Double Coston gathered as one monster, and then evaporated. Then, emerging in a flash of purple light was a magician in purple robes and carrying a green cane. Its ATK and DEF increased to 2700 and 2100, respectively, through Yami’s effect. “That monster…that was your father’s best monster,” Seta breathed.

 

“Just as the Blue-Eyes White Dragon was your dad’s signature monster,” returned Yugo, grinning. “Now, we can really duel.”

 

“Incredible…they actually have two legendary monsters out there now,” Jenna remarked.

 

“Yep,” replied Kyo. “And from what I’ve heard, back in the day of Yugi Muto and Seto Kaiba, since those two were rivals, the Dark Magician and Blue-Eyes White Dragon were considered rivals, too. Let’s see how this showdown turns out, huh?”

 

But Yugo looked anxiously at the face-down card Seta had on the field. That card…it must be the Interdimensional Matter Transporter he drew earlier, but I’ve never seen that card before…What does it do? Should I take the risk? Maybe… Then, aloud, he announced, “I’ll attack Kaiser Seahorse with my mage’s Dark Magic Attack!”

 

So saying, the Dark Magician charged energy on the end of his staff and fired at the Seahorse – and hit thin air! “Huh?” Yugo wondered.

 

“Seems you forced me to reveal the effect of my trap card, Interdimensional Matter Transporter,” Seta remarked, as a huge mechanical object that pulsed energy floated beside him. “It allows me to take one monster on my side of the field out of play until the end of the turn. And, it so happens I have plans for my Kaiser Seahorse, so…”

 

Yugo shrugged. “Yeah, well…It’s your turn now, I guess.”

 

As the Kaiser Seahorse came out of empty space and returned to the field, Seta drew his card – and his eyes lit up. “Surprise, surprise, Yugo,” he laughed out. “Kaiser Seahorse’s effect allows me to treat it as two monsters when I’m going to tribute summon a Light monster. And I’m gonna summon something really awesome, now – my third Blue-Eyes White Dragon!”

 

Yugo reared up. “You gotta be kidding me!” he exclaimed.

 

“I kid you not! Now, show yourself, my mighty dragon!” And Seta sacrificed the Kaiser Seahorse to summon the third of his ultimate dragons, roaring in all its power.

 

In the stands, Jenna was amazed. “Oh, man…once the Swords of Revealing Light disappear, unless Yugo does something soon he’ll be mincemeat!”

 

“That’s pretty cool…” Kyo murmured. “Who would’ve thought that Seta would have inherited all three Blue-Eyes White Dragons from his father, Mr. Kaiba? And…if he somehow manages to revive the Blue-Eyes that’s in the Graveyard now, it’ll mean big trouble for Yugo…”

 

The stats now stood thus: Seta had his two Blue-Eyes White Dragons on the field, one card in his hand, and 2100 life points to boot. On the other hand, Yugo had his Dark Magician, plus his Swords of Revealing Light and Yami magic cards and another facedown card on the field, three cards in his hand, and 3900 life points. And things were about to get even more interesting…

 

The second of the swords of light disappeared as Seta ended his turn. “Just one more turn, and then afterwards I’ll be able to attack,” he declared. “Make the most of the time you have left, Yugo!”

 

“I intend to!” Yugo answered, drawing his next card. “I think I’ll power up my Dark Magician a little more, with the Book of Secret Arts!” And he played this magic card onto the field. Within moments the Dark Magician was holding a book of spells, and his ATK and DEF shot up to 3000 and 2600, respectively. “Now my Magician is just as powerful as your dragons!”

 

“Not for long, he won’t be,” Seta said frostily. He drew his next card and smiled. “Okay! Now I’ll activate the magic of Premature Burial! By paying 800 of my life points…” and here his life points dropped to 1300 as he activated the magic card. “…I can resurrect one monster from my Graveyard to the field. Now, all three of my Blue-Eyes White Dragons will be together on the field!”

 

As Seta spoke, the ground beneath them shook violently. Then, a rift opened up as the formerly deceased Blue-Eyes, killed earlier in the duel, flew out and then landed beside its fellow dragons, roaring with wrathful vengeance in mind.

 

“Holy crap!” Jenna cried. “Now he’s got all three of those dragons on the field!”

 

“Yeah,” Kyo nodded. “And the Swords of Revealing Light are about to lose their power…”

 

The third sword finally disappeared, and Seta smiled when he saw this. “Next turn, I’ll definitely beat you, Yugo!” he swore. “So make very good use of the little time you’ve got left!”

 

Now scowling, Yugo drew his next card. He stared at it for a long time. “Hmmm…a good card…I’m glad I put this in the deck, but I need that card to make it worthwhile…”

 

He picked two cards from his hand and set them face-down in the magic/trap slots. “All right…now I’ll end my turn. Bring it on, Seta!”

 

Seta drew his next card…and his eyes lit up with delight when he saw what it was. “All right! Now, I’m going to weaken and destroy your Dark Magician!” He held up the card he’d just drawn. “Activate the field magic card, Luminous Spark! This will decrease the DEF of all Light monsters on the field by 400 points…” His eyes narrowed. “…but their ATK will skyrocket by 500 points in exchange!”

 

True to Seta’s description, his Blue-Eyes White Dragons’ respective DEF shot down to 2100, but their respective ATK shot up by 500 to give each dragon a thunderous total of 3500! In addition, as Yugo registered this info with horror, the Yami field card was destroyed, dropping his Magician’s ATK and DEF to 2800 and 2400, respectively! sheet! Yugo’s mind screamed.

 

“Now…” Seta laughed, as victory was just within his grasp. “Blue-Eyes, destroy the Dark Magician!” And one of the dragons charged up its White Lightning Attack, then fired it off in one mighty blast. The Dark Magician tried to block it, but instead got consumed; and Yugo grimaced as his life points went down to 3200.

 

Seta laughed again. “Time to end this! It was fun dueling against you, Yugo, but everything has an end sometime!” And as he spoke, his two remaining Blue-Eyes charged up their attacks, ready to finish it off.

 

“No, Yugo!” Jenna cried.

 

“Well…he fought well, at least,” Kyo sighed.

 

The two blasts of light covered Yugo’s side of the field, and were so bright that anybody close to that end had to cover their eyes. Seta, meanwhile, was laughing victoriously. “Yes! That’s it! I win! I win!” he crowed.

 

But then he stopped and looked at the stats on one of the big-screens. “Huh…? WHAT? His life points haven’t gone down? What the hell!”

 

The smoke cleared on Yugo’s side of the field – and Yugo himself was still standing! “I activated my trap card, Waboku, which reduces all battle damage I get after activation to zero during this turn,” he explained to a stunned Seta. “I’m still in this game, so…sorry.”

 

“Damn it!” Seta screamed.

 

“Wow! Yugo’s so cool!” Jenna cried out. “This is your chance, Yugo!”

 

Kyo looked intently at the arena. “This is Yugo’s only chance…if he can’t do anything in this turn, he’s finished.”

 

Calmly, Yugo drew his next card and stared at it. “YES! Just what I needed!” he exclaimed. “All right, Seta – this duel ends now!”

 

“What the hell are you talking about?” Seta demanded.

 

“Watch and learn!” And then Yugo activated his other remaining face-down card – the magic card Premature Burial. “I’ll pay 800 of my own life points to revive my Dark Magician to the field!” he declared, as his life points dropped to 2400 and the mage returned to the field.

 

“Next…” Yugo held up the card he’d just drawn. “I’m going to activate the magic of Polymerization! I’ll fuse two monsters together – the Dark Magician I have on the field, and the Buster Blader (ATK 2600, DEF 2300) in my hand!” And, as he played the Polymerization card, he discarded the Dark Magician from the field and the Buster Blader from his hand.

 

Seta looked on in surprise. “What the hell!”

 

Slowly emerging on the field was a new monster: a mage dressed in robes similar to the Dark Magician’s, but the robes were dark blue with gold trim. In his hand he carried a sort of scimitar. “Seta…meet the Dark Paladin (ATK 2900, DEF 2400), a powerful and mighty mage with extremely intense powers,” Yugo introduced him. “And he’s got a very powerful effect that I’m sure you won’t appreciate…”

 

“Huh?” Seta could only look on in shock.

 

Yugo smiled. “Dark Paladin increases his ATK by 500 points for each Dragon on the field and in either of our Graveyards,” he explained. “And, let’s review how many dragons you’ve got in your Graveyard right now…”

 

Swallowing, feeling suddenly uneasy, Seta pushed a button on his Duel-Disk, and almost immediately a holographic display of the cards in his Graveyard appeared. Yugo looked at the cards, counting off the Dragon-type monsters he saw. “Koumori Dragon, Spear Dragon, Lizard Soldier, Rare Metal Dragon, two Troop Dragons, and the Dragon Dwelling in the Cave – that’s seven dragons times 500 points, equals 3500…add that to Dark Paladin’s original 2900 ATK, and that gives me a grand total of 6400 points! Plus, your three Blue-Eyes White Dragons here on the field, times 500 points…that’s a punishing total of 7900 ATK points for my Dark Paladin!”

 

Seta looked very frightened. That’s too much! That’s way too much!

 

Then Yugo held up the last card in his hand. “Introducing my Diffusion Wave-Motion magic card,” he announced. “By paying 1000 of my life points and selecting one monster on my side of the field, I can have that monster attack every monster on your side during this turn. Face it, Seta – your dragons are powerful, but they’re not invincible!”

 

“H-hey, wait a sec!” Seta cried.

 

“Too late, Seta!” Yugo called out as he played the card. His life points went down to 1400, and the Dark Paladin raised the scimitar as he prepared to strike. “Now, my Dark Paladin! Wipe out your enemies!”

 

The Dark Paladin slashed downward, creating a mighty sonic wave that ripped through all three Blue-Eyes White Dragons. The dragons roared as they were sliced in two, and then disappeared – and Seta dropped his hands in defeat as his life points shot down to 0. “I win,” Yugo said simply.

 

The stadium was very, very quiet. Then Jenna broke the silence. “Way to go, Yugo! Woo-hoo!”

 

Kyo simply smiled and adjusted his glasses. “Well played, Yugo,” he said quietly, even as the rest of the stadium burst into cheering and applause.

 

Seta, even in the face of defeat, showed that he could lose with good grace. He walked over to Yugo and extended a hand. “Nice play there, Yugo,” he nodded with approval. “I’ve never seen anything like it. You truly are a great duelist.”

 

“Gee, thanks,” said Yugo, somewhat sheepishly.

 

Seta then smirked. “But this won’t be the end of it,” he declared. “In exactly one month, Kaibacorp will be hosting a big tournament right here in Domino City, and after seeing your performance here, I’ve decided to give you a personal invitation. You see, I’m the champion of this contest, and this duel was just to warm up my skills. Hope you’re not offended at being a guinea pig, so to speak.”

 

Yugo just laughed. “A guinea pig, huh? Well, if it means that I’ll get to face a stronger Seta Kaiba next time, then I guess I can let it slide.”

 

Seta nodded. “I’ll be training diligently for our next confrontation, Yugo,” he assured the blond-haired boy. “You are probably the first duelist to have ever beaten me, even if this was just a test duel. I almost envy you, Yugo. From this moment…” He extended a fist at Yugo. “You and I shall be rivals!”

 

Yugo couldn’t help but grin as he extended his own fist to touch Seta’s. “Just like our parents, eh?” And the two boys burst into laughter.

 

----------

 

In the control room, Roland was on the phone even as he watched the boys from above. “I’m sorry, Mr. Kaiba, sir, but Master Seta lost his duel against the Muto boy,” he reported.

 

The voice of authority on the other end of the line answered immediately. “It doesn’t matter – at least two things have been accomplished. One is that Seta has gotten a chance to test his skills against a worthy opponent…and the other is that he has acquired footage of his opponent’s skills to study and learn how to counter for the next time they will duel. And…” Kaiba paused.

 

“Yes, sir?”

 

“I have a feeling that Seta will invite that boy to participate in the company’s upcoming tournament. If that’s the case, then some measures will have to be taken. Roland…later tonight I will call back and explain my plans to you, so make sure you are on standby to receive my call and to follow my instructions as I will give them to you. Am I clear?”

 

“Very good, sir.” And Roland nodded to himself.

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 5]

YUGO’S HOUSE, THE NEXT DAY

 

“Yugo! Wake up, already!”

 

Yugo grumbled and flopped over, looking up. “Who the hell let you in, Kyo? You know I like to sleep in on the weekend!”

 

“Not today, you’re not,” and with a grand flourish Kyo ripped the covers off Yugo’s bed. “Get up, you lazy punk! You’ve been sleeping since you got back from Kaibacorp yesterday, and frankly, it should not be so!”

 

“And who told you that?”

 

“Your grandmother. Who else?”

 

“Ugh…” A disgruntled Yugo finally got up. “Honestly, I wonder sometimes where you get all your energy from…”

 

“From lots of food, of course!” Kyo grinned.

 

“Whatever,” Yugo sighed, heading out of the room and toward the bathroom.

 

----------

 

Half an hour later, Yugo and Kyo were heading down the street together. “So, where do you wanna go to?” Yugo asked, somewhat bored.

 

“How about we head over to Jenna’s house? I hear she’s got a really cute cousin who’s supposed to be coming to Domino City today!” Kyo sounded excited.

 

Yugo gave Kyo a look. “Does widdle Kyo have a cwush on sumone?” he asked in baby talk.

 

Kyo turned red. “It’s…it’s not like that!” he blurted.

 

“Kyo has a cru-ush! Kyo has a cru-ush!” Yugo teased in singsong, dancing around Kyo.

 

“That’s it – you are SO dead!” Kyo snarled, rushing at Yugo. The latter, however, merely laughed and stuck his tongue out as he dashed out of harm’s way.

 

“Too slow, Kyo! Much too slow!” Yugo teased.

 

“Come back here, you little prick!” Kyo snapped.

 

Yugo just laughed and ran off, in the direction of Jenna’s house, just two blocks away by now. Kyo chased after him, swearing about what he would do once he got his hands on the other boy.

 

By the time they arrived at Jenna’s front lawn, both boys were panting from exertion – and from laughing. “I swear, Yugo, you’ll never change,” Kyo remarked, wiping the sweat from out of his eyes.

 

Yugo ran a hand through his hair. “That was fun!”

 

“Why, hello there, boys,” said a female voice. The two immediately looked up. Standing there was Jenna’s mother, in her bathrobe. She was holding a rolled-up morning paper in one hand and had a smirk on her face.

 

Kyo and Yugo turned red. “Uh…h-h-hi, Mrs. Wheeler,” Kyo stuttered. One couldn’t blame him for stuttering – Mrs. Wheeler was a drop-dead gorgeous woman, even in her thirties.

 

“Is – is Jenna awake yet?” Yugo asked, swallowing hard as he did his best to keep cool.

 

Mrs. Wheeler laughed. “Oh, Jenna’s been awake for the last two hours,” she replied. “She’s around the back with her dad. Why don’t you guys come inside and have breakfast with us? We’d be glad to have you.”

 

“Uh, sure, yeah, we’d love to,” Kyo nodded vigorously.

 

“I second that,” Yugo replied, also nodding vigorously.

 

A deep male voice right at the door caused both of them to jump. “I do hope you boys will remember that my wife is already taken and accounted for,” the voice remarked good-naturedly. “And if you ARE going to eat with us, you’d better hurry up or else I’ll eat both your shares.”

 

Mrs. Wheeler laughed and brushed her blond hair out of her eyes. “Oh, Joey, leave them alone. Of course they know all that!”

 

“Well, come on up,” Mr. Wheeler offered. “We’re having cheese omelets, and we’re makin’ lots of them right now.”

 

“Oh, boy!” Kyo and Yugo exclaimed, practically running over each other to get to the kitchen.

 

----------

 

“Boy, that was good,” Yugo chuckled, patting his stuffed belly. “You make great omelets, Mrs. Wheeler.”

 

“Thanks, but I didn’t make them this morning,” Mrs. Wheeler informed him. “Jenna did.”

 

“Oh?” Yugo blushed a little. “Wow…great job then, Jenna.”

 

Jenna was seated beside her father, right across from Yugo. She blushed and held her head down. “Gee, thanks.”

 

“So, Jenna, is it true that you’ve got a cousin coming to Domino today?” Kyo asked for the sake of conversation.

 

“Yep!” Jenna brightened. “Her name’s Miki, and she’ll be coming to stay here in Domino City – permanently!”

 

“That’s right.” Mr. Wheeler took a sip of his orange juice. “I don’t suppose you guys have heard of the company, Devlin & Taylor?”

 

“I think I have,” Kyo spoke up. “That’s a multi-national environmental rights organization, isn’t it?”

 

“That’s right,” Mrs. Wheeler nodded. “Tristan Taylor – that’s Miki’s father – and his partner, Duke Devlin, started Devlin & Taylor as part of a move to promote environmentally friendly means of managing industry and commerce. Mr. Devlin had quite a lot of money saved up from previous business engagements he’d had with various top business figureheads across the country…and so, with his funds and Tristan’s insight, they were able to create a company that now offers advice to numerous conglomerates on ways to conduct business without harming the environment. Quite an achievement, if I do say so myself.”

 

“That’s pretty awesome, I guess,” Yugo remarked.

 

“So, what’s Miki like, Jenna?” asked Kyo.

 

Jenna shrugged and looked away. “To be honest, I don’t really know for sure. It’s been so long since we last saw each other – we haven’t seen each other since we were little children. I wonder if she even remembers what I look like…”

 

“Well, she’ll be here today, honey, so you guys will have plenty of time to catch up,” said Mr. Wheeler. “By the way, Yugo, any word from your dad?”

 

“Not coming home for another month or so, Mr. Wheeler,” Yugo informed him.

 

“Ah, well, too bad,” sighed Mr. Wheeler. “I really need to catch up on old times with him one of these days. How about your dad, Kyo?”

 

Kyo adjusted his glasses. “Dad’s work with Grandpa takes him out of the country a lot these days,” he admitted. “Luckily, Mom’s still around – otherwise I’d probably burn the house down, trying to cook.” He grinned.

 

“You’d burn anything, including the food you’re trying to cook,” Yugo needled him.

 

Before Kyo could kill Yugo, a loud car horn outside got the group’s attention. “Could that be them?” Jenna asked excitedly.

 

“If it is, they’re kinda early,” admitted Mrs. Wheeler.

 

Mr. Wheeler got up and went to the front door. Opening it, he then exclaimed, “Well, well, well! If it isn’t ugly ol’ Tristan with the stupid haircut, as always!”

 

Emerging from a seemingly spotless Peugeot was Tristan Taylor, with a neatly-trimmed mustache and a sly grin on his face. “You should talk, Joey – bet you haven’t looked at yourself in a mirror lately!” And with that, the two men raced at each other, collided with a loud BANG, and then tussled on the ground.

 

Kyo and Yugo stared openmouthed, and Jenna looked on in embarrassment. “Uh…is this normal?” Kyo asked.

 

“For those two, I’m afraid so,” admitted Mrs. Wheeler.

 

Looking at the car, Jenna spied someone in the backseat. “Is that…Cousin Miki?” she asked, breathlessly.

 

“Oh, yeah.” Mr. Taylor got up off the ground. “Hey, Miki, honey, c’mon out and say hello!”

 

The back door opened, and out stepped a pretty young girl. Her dark brown hair came down her back, swept in a wave as she walked; a slight touch of red was on her lips; and she had an innocent little smile on her face. “Hi, everyone,” she greeted them.

 

“Hey, how’s my little niece doin’?” Mr. Wheeler asked jovially, sweeping her up in his arms and spinning her around before setting her back down. “Glad to see you again!”

 

Mrs. Wheeler came out to them and hugged Miki, though not as extravagantly as Mr. Wheeler had done. “So nice to see you again, dear,” she said. “But by the way, where’s your mom? Didn’t she come with you?”

 

“No,” Miki shook her head. “She couldn’t make it this trip – had to stay with Dad’s firm in England. But she sends her love to everybody.”

 

Miki then beheld Jenna. “Hey, cuz, long time no see,” and she went up and held her cousin in a tight embrace.

 

“Yeah,” Jenna answered. “Great to see you, too, Miki.”

 

Miki then looked over Jenna’s shoulder and noticed Yugo and Kyo. “And these are…?”

 

“Oh – oh, right.” Jenna rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. “Miki, meet my two good friends, Yugo Muto and Kyo Bakura.”

 

“Nice to meet ya,” Yugo greeted Miki as he shook her hand.

 

“Uh, yeah…my pleasure, too,” Kyo muttered, blushing a little.

 

Yugo glanced knowingly at Kyo. “Poor guy…you’ll get over it,” he snickered.

 

Kyo shot him a death glare. “Shut up.”

 

Miki giggled. “I like you guys,” she remarked. “You’re both so funny!”

 

“So, come on in, everybody,” Mr. Wheeler invited. “Tristan, Miki, there’s still breakfast here for you…”

 

“Sure, wouldn’t mind having a bite myself,” Mr. Taylor grinned.

 

----------

 

“So…both of your dads are archaeologists, huh?” Miki remarked. “Must be a boring life they lead.”

 

“Well, not really,” Kyo replied. “My dad and Mr. Muto sometimes come back with interesting stuff. They always manage to find something to make them the top guys in the history buff’s world.”

 

The four teens were hanging out on the porch of the Wheeler house. Jenna, sitting on the railing, cocked her head to one side. “Just listen to those old folks in there,” she said. “I swear, Dad and Uncle Tristan can be so childish when they get together.”

 

“That’s only natural,” Kyo said thoughtfully. “They were best friends in their childhood, after all. It’s only natural that they should act like goofs when they’re together, like today.”

 

“Well, how Mom can stand it is a mystery,” Jenna sighed.

 

Miki then looked at Yugo, who’d been relatively silent during the exchange. “Hey, is something wrong?” she asked, concerned.

 

“Huh? Oh, sorry…no, nothing’s wrong,” he replied, apologetic. “I was just thinking about something, that’s all.”

 

“Share it with us!” Jenna was now interested.

 

Kyo chuckled knowingly. “If I have to guess, Yugo…you were thinking about Seta’s offer, weren’t you…?”

 

Yugo now smiled. “Yeah.”

 

Miki looked confused. “Um…”

 

“Seta is the son of Kaibacorp’s president, Seto Kaiba,” Kyo explained for her benefit. “Yesterday, he gave Yugo here an invitation to compete in the company’s tournament next month.”

 

“Oh? You’re a duelist?” Miki asked, intrigued.

 

“That’s right,” answered Yugo. “Why, are you interested in the game?”

 

“Well, I like to collect cards,” Miki acknowledged, “but so far, I’ve only managed to get a few really good cards.”

 

“Well, let us see them,” Jenna offered.

 

Miki reached into her pocket and pulled out three cards. “I only started collecting a few days ago, actually,” she confessed, “so I don’t have as many cards as I would’ve liked. But these are the ones I have gotten.”

 

Kyo, Jenna and Yugo crowded together to see Miki’s cards. She had two monster cards and a trap card: Orgoth the Relentless (ATK 2500, DEF 2450), Disc Fighter (ATK 1000, DEF 1000), and Kunai with Chain. “Hey, these are actually pretty good!” Kyo remarked, looking them over.

 

“Thanks.” Miki smiled. “I really like those three cards, you know…”

 

Jenna looked at her. “Gifts from somebody?”

 

“Yeah…from the three most important people in my life.” Miki blushed.

 

The other three looked at her knowingly. “A gift…from the person most important to you…nothing can ever rival that,” Yugo said softly.

 

“Yeah, well…” Miki became thoughtful. “I always wanted to have my own deck, you know, but…I never could get enough cards to make one for myself.”

 

The other three looked at each other. Then Jenna grinned. “Maybe we can help you!” she exclaimed.

 

“How?” Miki asked, in surprise.

 

“Well…” Kyo spoke in a mysterious tone. “All of us have plenty of cards, so, perhaps we can give you a few of the cards we’ve got, buy a couple more, and help you construct a deck. What do you say?”

 

“No, really, I don’t want to inconvenience you…” but Miki was cut short.

 

“No inconvenience, really! And – by the way, do you know how the game is played, since you’re collecting cards?” asked Yugo.

 

“A little,” Miki admitted.

 

“Then we’ll teach you!” Kyo nodded with decision. “So, what do you say?”

 

Miki didn’t say anything for a long minute. Then she smiled. “Guys…you’re all so kind…”

 

“Then it’s decided!” said Jenna. “We’ll help you develop a theme for your deck, give you the right cards, and in that way help you get started as a duelist!”

 

“And…” Yugo could barely contain his chuckle. “Who knows? Maybe you can enter Kaibacorp’s competition next month, too!”

 

Kyo and Jenna smiled alongside him. “Then, I suppose we’d better get our decks ready, also,” Kyo reasoned. “Because I don’t get to duel nearly enough these days. It’s a good way to maintain my practice.”

 

“Me, too,” Jenna affirmed.

 

The teens were so absorbed in their plans, they failed to see their parents watching them from the window. “Just like us when we were younger, eh, honey?” Mrs. Wheeler spoke to her husband.

 

“Definitely,” agreed Mr. Wheeler.

 

“Especially that Yugo,” added Mr. Taylor. “Just like his old man used to be.”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 6]

KAIBACORP, LATER THAT NIGHT

 

Roland sat at the computer, frowning as he looked at the information spread out on the monitor before him. “Hmmm…looks like Master Kaiba did a lot of research to get this information,” he mused. “Well, if this is how he wants to do this, then so be it. Who am I to question his motives…?”

 

----------

 

Elsewhere, in his room, Seta was carefully going through his deck. As he did, he was watching the video of his duel against Yugo, making note of all the cards being used by both players. “Okay…so I need to find something to counter that…and I need this, and…” He flipped through the cards in his deck, frowning. Then finally he shook his head.

 

“Fine,” he murmured. “Time to go to the stash.”

 

Reaching under his bed, he pulled out a massive suitcase and opened it. Before his eyes was spread a massive collection of Duel Monster cards – monster cards, magic cards, trap cards – everything was there!

 

“Who says money is the root of all evil?” he snickered. “I say it’s the best way to get cards!” And with that, he started to raid his stash, picking cards to add to his deck…

 

----------

 

DOMINO CITY, OVER THREE WEEKS

 

Over the next couple of weeks, many youngsters in Domino City were feverishly scrambling to get good cards to make into compatible decks. By now, everyone had heard of the Kaibacorp tournament and was preparing for it.

 

On the Monday afternoon after Yugo and Seta’s duel, Seto Kaiba had appeared on every big-screen TV in the city and made an announcement about the tournament. Every person in the city who was a duelist was instantly paying attention as he began to speak.

 

“Greetings, duelists everywhere,” he had begun. “Sharpen your ears and listen well. In one month from today, right at Kaiba Corporation’s main building, we will be hosting a grand tournament, the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup. The winner of this tournament will get the grand prize of $700,000, plus an opportunity to get some extremely rare cards from the personal stock of yours truly, Seto Kaiba. So, get your cards, Duel-Disks, and skills ready! Remember, one month from today!”

 

Since that time, people had been getting cards and Duel-Disks, and were now feverishly training and improving themselves. One month is not a lot of time, after all; and the idea of getting the prize money and some rare cards was very appealing to some.

 

The situation was no different with Yugo and his friends. Each was spending his/her spare time assembling cards. They all wanted to be part of the excitement, too; and they wanted to be sure that they were truly prepared.

 

Having gotten settled into her new home and also at school, Miki was slowly but surely getting new cards, with the others’ help. For her deck theme, she had chosen Knights, saying, “I always wanted to have knights in shining armor by my side.” Whereupon Yugo, Kyo and Jenna, having some monster cards that fell into that category, gave them up to her and bought cards for themselves to make up the difference.

 

In the meantime, Kyo was going through his own stash of cards that he’d collected over the years. I need to restructure my deck carefully, he noted. I want to make a good impression on the others. Plus, I really want HER to see me in action…even if anybody else laughs at my deck strategy, as long as she’s impressed by it…

 

Yugo, too, wanted to make an impression – but on someone else. As he went through his cards, one thought kept repeating itself in his mind. Dad…it’s too bad that you won’t be here to witness this, but…this will at least be the first step to fulfilling my dream – to prove that I can – and will – surpass you as a duelist and create my own legacy!

 

Jenna, however, was having a problem. After Kaiba’s announcement to Domino City, both of her parents, having collected lots of cards individually, had compiled decks and then presented them to her, asking her to choose one. However, she also knew that both her parents had their duelists’ pride, and she was afraid to hurt one by choosing the deck of the other. So, she was at a loss.

 

One evening, as the appointed time for the tournament drew closer, Jenna sat in the living room, staring at the two decks, left on the coffee table by her parents, covered by a transparent dish-cover. She looked at one, then the other. The decks were packed into boxes of different colors – one yellow, the other orange. The orange one was her father’s; the yellow, her mother’s.

 

“DAMMIT!” she shrieked in frustration.

 

Her parents, upstairs, heard the shriek and came rushing downstairs. “Jenna, what’s the matter?” asked Mr. Wheeler, concerned.

 

“I’m sorry,” Jenna whispered, blushing. “It’s just…I can’t choose between you guys. I just can’t.”

 

Both parents looked astonished. “What are you talking about, Jenna? Who said you should choose between us?” asked Mrs. Wheeler.

 

Jenna hung her head. “That’s just it…that’s exactly what you guys are asking me to do, right now…” and she cast a now disdainful look at the two decks.

 

Mr. Wheeler looked at her and understood. “Jenna, honey…nobody’s asking you to choose between us – we both love you, and we know you love both of us,” he said softly. “Choosing one of our decks is only a small matter. It doesn’t mean you’ll end up loving one of us more than the other. No matter what your choice is, you’ll always be our daughter. So, don’t fret about that, okay?”

 

“Your dad’s right, dear,” put in Mrs. Wheeler, gently stroking Jenna’s hair. “No matter what your choice, we’ll both be there to support you. And…once you choose the deck you want, it’s up to you to edit it any way you like. So, don’t be afraid, okay?”

 

Jenna wiped her eyes. “Thanks, Mom, Dad.”

 

Her parents smiled at her gently, awaiting her decision. With newfound courage, Jenna raised the dish-cover, exposing the two decks, and reached out her other hand…

 

----------

 

YUGO’S HOUSE, ONE WEEK BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT

 

One day, one week before the tournament was to begin, Yugo came home from school to find his grandmother in the kitchen, a huge smile on her face. “Oh, Yugo, glad to see you’re home,” she greeted him. “Have I got a surprise for you!”

 

Puzzled, Yugo set his bag down and came to her. “What is it, Grandma?”

 

“Go look in the living room,” she whispered.

 

Now very confused, Yugo stalked into the living room…and was amazed at what he saw. “Can it be…?”

 

Standing at the window, his back to Yugo, was a fairly tall man in a brown coat, his hands in his pockets. His hair, like Yugo’s, was spiky, but it had three different colors: red and black with yellow bangs. He turned around slowly, a smirk appearing on his lips. “Long time no see, son.”

 

“D…Dad…?” Yugo could barely speak, he was so stunned.

 

“In the flesh.”

 

Indeed, the man standing before Yugo was his father, Yugi Muto…the man celebrated by many as “The Legendary Duelist.” In his youth, he had been very short, so short that some called him a midget. Now, at the age of 30, he’d overcome that height problem and stood at an impressive 5’10’’, taller than Yugo by only three inches. “Aren’t you going to give your old man a hug?” he asked, arms outstretched.

 

Impulsively Yugo ran up to his father and threw his arms around his neck. “It’s so good to see you again, Dad!” he exclaimed. “But…how’d you get back so soon?”

 

Mr. Muto chuckled and released Yugo. “Well, the excavation went well, and so I decided to surprise you and come back a few weeks ahead of schedule,” he explained. “And then, I heard about this new tournament that Kaibacorp’s hosting, and that you might be in it…”

 

“Definitely!” Yugo grinned.

 

“So, you’ve prepared your deck already?” Mr. Muto continued.

 

“Of course! And…” Yugo nodded. “I got that special deck from Grandma, the one you used to use. I have to thank you for it.”

 

“Of course. But then, I’d intended to give you that deck, anyway.” Mr. Muto nodded.

 

They didn’t say anything for a long moment. Then Yugo got up and walked over to a framed picture on a nearby mantelpiece. “Yeah, it’s going to be so exciting,” he whispered. “I just wish…she could be here to see it…” He held his head down a little as he spoke.

 

Mr. Muto got up and walked over to where his son was. The picture Yugo was looking at was of a young woman with blond hair and glasses, with an impish smile on her face. “Your mother…” He smiled a sad smile. “Yes, I know, son. I miss her, too – but this much I know: if she were alive today, she would be proud of the young man you’ve become.”

 

“Your mom was quite the woman, you know, Yugo,” Grandma’s voice came from behind. Turning slightly, the two saw her standing at the entrance to the living room. Her gaze was set directly on the picture of Yugo’s mother.

 

“Yes…she was quite the woman,” Grandma continued, walking over and putting her hands on her son’s and grandson’s shoulders. “She achieved much in her life, becoming a world-renowned archaeologist at the young age of 22 and making many important discoveries that aided in the shaping of the past. It’s sad that she died, but one thing I can say for sure…she never let her work get in the way of her family. She loved you guys very much.”

 

“A good wife and mother, she was,” Mr. Muto agreed.

 

Yugo reached out and touched the photo. “Mom…” he whispered.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP, THREE NIGHTS BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT

 

Seta placed the finishing touches on his deck and whistled in appreciation. “Now, THIS is a deck!” he grinned.

 

There was a knock at his door. “Come in,” he invited.

 

Standing at the door was Roland. “Master Seta, your father wishes to see you right away,” he announced. “He says it’s of great importance – and to bring your deck and Duel-Disk with you.”

 

Raising an eyebrow, Seta picked up his equipment and followed Roland down to – much to his astonishment – the arena where he and Yugo had had their match. They went up to the control room, where Kaiba waited, arms folded.

 

“What’s this all about, Father?” asked a confused Seta.

 

Kaiba narrowed his eyes. “Seta, I’ve observed you fitting up your deck in preparation for the tournament, and you’ve been doing well. But, to determine if you’re really ready, I’ve prepared a little test for you. Pass, and I’ll give you something that will aid you greatly in the competition.”

 

“Is that right?” Seta asked. “Well, okay.”

 

Kaiba nodded. “Go down into the arena and ready your Duel-Disk!”

 

Seta nodded assent and left the room. A few minutes later he was down in the arena, his Duel-Disk at the ready. “Bring it on!” he challenged.

 

Kaiba chuckled. We’ll soon see if you’re really prepared, son…

 

Suddenly, on the other side of the room across from Seta, two panels in the wall opened up, revealing a round sphere suspended by wires. As he stared in surprise, the sphere opened up to reveal a small robot – with a Duel-Disk on its arm!

 

Seta then heard his father’s voice over the loudspeaker. “I trust you’re familiar with the Duel Computer?” Kaiba said. “This is your opponent for this match, and its dueling level has been put at the highest available! Defeat it at its level, and then I’ll know that you’re worthy of being in this tournament! Do you understand?”

 

“Gotcha!” Seta replied.

 

The Duel Computer began to beep and whirr as it calculated its opponent’s duelist data. “Subject name: Seta Kaiba. Duelist level: 8. Probability of victory against subject: 83.”

 

We’ll soon see about that, tin-bucket, Seta thought grimly as he slotted his cards into his Duel-Disk and set his life points to 8000.

 

“Deck analysis complete. Life point settings: 8000. Ruling system: conventional. Are you ready?”

 

“Bring it on!” Seta declared.

 

Both players’ life points were displayed. The familiar coin appeared on the field and spun. “Heads. Probability of success: 74.”

 

“Whatever,” Seta grumbled.

 

The coin landed on the ground, and just as the computer had said, it showed heads. “Coin toss result confirmed. I shall go first,” it beeped.

 

“Bring it on, computer!” Seta snapped, drawing his cards.

 

The Duel Computer drew six cards, then held up the last one it had drawn. “Alligator’s Sword (ATK 1500, DEF 1200), Attack Mode,” it announced as it played the card, revealing an alligator clad in armor with a sword. “Two cards face-down,” it continued, placing two cards face-down in the magic/trap slot. “End turn.”

 

Seta drew his card with determination. “Okay, here I go!” he announced. “I summon the Blindly Loyal Goblin (ATK 1800, DEF 1500) to the field!” And he summoned a bald-headed warrior with a sword in hand, ready to fight. “Destroy the Alligator’s Sword!”

 

But as the Goblin ran forward, sword ready to chop, slice and dice, suddenly one of the Computer’s face-down cards flipped face-up. “Activate the trap card, Energy Drain! This card increases the ATK and DEF of one monster on my field by 200 times the number of cards in my opponent’s hand till the end of this turn.”

 

“What!” Seta cried out.

 

Since Seta had five cards in his hand, he watched with astonishment as the Alligator’s Sword’s ATK and DEF shot up to 2500 and 2200. This monster blocked the Goblin’s attack and then countered with a wicked backhand chop, decapitating its opponent and bringing Seta’s life points down to 7300.

 

“Grrr…” Seta selected another card from his hand and set it face-down. “I end my turn!”

 

As the Alligator’s Sword’s stats returned to normal, the Duel Computer drew another card. “Gray Wing (ATK 1300, DEF 700), Attack Mode!” In a moment a gray-scaled dragon appeared on the computer’s side of the field, letting out a loud screech.

 

“How wonderful,” grumbled Seta.

 

But then the second of the Duel Computer’s face-down cards flipped face-up. “Activate the trap, Ultimate Offering! By sacrificing 500 life points, I can Normal Summon another monster to my field.”

 

“What’d he say?” Seta asked, in disbelief.

 

Then the Duel Computer raised another card in its hand. “Activate the magic card, Pot of Greed, to draw two cards from the deck.” And in a moment it had a total of four cards in its hand. “Now, offer 500 life points for Ultimate Offering’s effect in order to Normal Summon a second monster, Spirit Ryu!”

 

Immediately, as the computer’s life points dropped to 7500 another monster appeared on the computer’s side of the field – Spirit Ryu (ATK 1000, DEF 1000). Then, it discarded one card from its hand, leaving it with two.

 

“Gray Wing’s effect: When I discard one card from my hand during the Main Phase, Gray Wing can attack twice during the same Battle Phase during this turn.”

 

Seta took this in with a disbelieving look on his face. “This…is…bullshit!” he rasped.

 

The computer then played another card in its hand. “Activate the magic card, Super Rejuvenation,” it explained. “For each Dragon-type monster discarded from my hand or offered as a tribute during this turn, I can draw one card during the End Phase of this turn. Now attack directly, Alligator’s Sword!”

 

The Alligator’s Sword dashed forward, embedding its blade into Seta’s shoulder. Seta cried out as his life points shot down to 5800. Then, as that monster jumped back, Gray Wing flew forward, delivering a crushing bite to Seta’s arm, reducing his life points further to 4500. Then, as according to its effect, the dragon flew around and attacked him again, reducing his life points further to 3200. Finally, the Spirit Ryu flew forward, its body shining with mystical energy. But then, to Seta’s utter surprise, it discarded its last card from its hand. But that wasn’t Seta’s concern, as suddenly Spirit Ryu’s ATK and DEF increased by 1000, putting both at 2000!

 

“Spirit Ryu’s effect: For each Dragon-type monster that I discard from my hand to the Graveyard during the Battle Step – if it attacks during this turn – Spirit Ryu’s ATK and DEF are increased by 1000 until the End Phase of the turn.”

 

But just at that moment Seta laughed. “Ha! I activate the trap card, Nutrient Z!”

 

Immediately a huge contraption appeared, with the number 4000 on its side, and it burst open, swiftly increasing his life points to 7200. “If I’m about to get Battle Damage of 2000 or more, Nutrient Z increases my life points by 4000 before the damage is calculated!”

 

But even as he said this, Spirit Ryu crashed into him headfirst, and he winced as his life points went back down to 5200. Then, as that dragon went back to its place on the field, the computer ended its turn, drawing two cards in the process. Seta realized that it must have discarded two Dragon-type monsters – the one discarded for Gray Wing’s effect must have been a Dragon.

 

I am in some serious sheet here, Seta mused. The Duel Computer brought my life points down so low in just one turn…only the Nutrient Z trap card saved me, but…now I’m going to have to get really serious if I want to win! I HAVE TO WIN!

 

---

New Characters - Chapter 5

 

NAME: Miki Taylor

AGE: 14

HAIR: Brown

EYES: Blue

CLOTHES: Pink blouse, dark green shorts, green sneakers

[Ryno Dorcus]

[spoiler=Chapter 7]

KAIBACORP, THREE NIGHTS BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT

 

As the duel between Seta and the Duel Computer continued, the stats stood thus: Seta had 5200 life points, no cards on the field, and four cards in his hand; while the Duel Computer had 7500 life points, two cards in its hand, and on the field it had Alligator’s Sword, Gray Wing, Spirit Ryu, and the Ultimate Offering trap card. Up in the control room, Roland watched the stats with some concern. “Master Kaiba, I beg your pardon, but do you think it was wise to put the computer’s skill level at maximum?”

 

Kaiba watched the duel calmly. “It was necessary to push Seta’s skill to the limit,” he replied. “Plus, he already has the motivation he’ll need to win…”

 

Back in the arena, Seta drew his next card. He studied his hand carefully, then decided on a strategy. “All right, then! I activate the magic of Polymerization, to fuse together two monsters from my hand – Lord of Dragons (ATK 1200, DEF 1100) and Divine Dragon Ragnarok (ATK 1500, DEF 1000) – to form my powerful King Dragun (ATK 2400, DEF 1200)!”

 

As he held up the respective cards, images of the Lord of Dragons and the Divine Dragon Ragnarok appeared on the field, then suddenly seemed to be sucked together into a whirlpool vortex. After a moment, however, the whirlpool ceased spinning, and where the two monsters had been, in their place stood a giant Lord of Dragons with green shoulder plates, gold scales, wings and the lower body of a dragon!

 

“Register this into your systems,” Seta told the computer with a sneer. “As long as King Dragun is on the field, you can’t target any Dragon-type monsters for the effect of any card. Plus, once per turn, I can Special Summon one Dragon-type monster from my hand to my side of the field. And, right now, I choose to Special Summon from my hand – Cave Dragon (ATK 2000, DEF 100)!”

 

King Dragon gathered energy in his hands and growled. A moment later, a monstrous dragon emerged beside him, growling as it readied for battle. “Okay, Cave Dragon, destroy Alligator’s Sword with Molten Cave Breath!”

 

The Cave Dragon took a deep breath, then exhaled. The resulting breath of flame was so noxious and hot, Alligator’s Sword was consumed, and the Duel Computer’s life points were reduced to 7000.

 

“Now, King Dragun, it’s your turn! Destroy Gray Wing!” Seta commanded. And King Dragun collected fiery energy in his hands, releasing at Gray Wing and destroying it, reducing the computer’s life points further to 5900.

 

“There.” Seta seemed quite satisfied. “Had enough?”

 

But apparently the Duel Computer hadn’t had enough. As it drew its next card, giving it three cards in all, it spoke again. “One monster, facedown in Defense Mode.” And a moment later the monster card emerged facedown on the field. “Now, I offer 500 life points for Ultimate Offering’s effect to summon Kaiser Glider (ATK 2400, DEF 2200), offering Spirit Ryu as a tribute.”

 

And in a moment a golden, flaming dragon with bird-like wings appeared in Sprit Ryu’s place, even as the Ultimate Offering trap card reduced the computer’s life points to 5400. “Now, attack and destroy King Dragun.”

 

“What is this thing – nuts?” Seta asked.

 

Kaiser Glider dashed forward at King Dragun, flames pouring off its body as the two monsters collided. Seta covered his ears as the deafening collision occurred, certain that both creatures would be destroyed…but when he had the courage to look up again, to his utter astonishment Kaiser Glider was still standing. “What is the meaning of this!” Seta demanded.

 

“Kaiser Glider’s effect: this monster is not destroyed if it engages in battle with a monster with the same ATK,” the Duel Computer informed him. “And now…” it played the last card in its hand. “Activate the magic card, Monster Reborn, to revive the Blue-Eyes White Dragon (ATK 3000, DEF 2500) from my Graveyard.”

 

Seta reared up in utter shock. “BLUE-EYES WHITE DRAGON!” he shouted. Then the truth hit him like a brick: one of those Dragon-type monsters that the computer discarded earlier – it must have been the Blue-Eyes White Dragon!

 

As the Blue-Eyes White Dragon emerged on the field, up in the control room Roland was astonished. “The Blue-Eyes White Dragon? But, Master Kaiba, aren’t there only three copies of that card in the world?”

 

“Not anymore.” Kaiba smirked. “Quite a few more copies of that card have been made in recent years. And, besides…” He chuckled. “That dragon you see down there now, in the Duel Computer’s deck…it’s only one-third of that computer’s real power.”

 

Roland looked up in alarm. “Sir…! You didn’t - !”

 

“I did.” Kaiba said this flatly.

 

Now the duel’s score stood at this: Seta had 5200 life points, one card in hand, and on the field he had only the Cave Dragon to defend his life points. Meanwhile, the Duel Computer had 5400 life points, no cards in hand, and on the field it had Kaiser Glider, one facedown monster and one Blue-Eyes White Dragon, plus the Ultimate Offering trap card was still there. From Seta’s point of view, things were not looking good at all.

 

Now Seta took his turn and drew his next card. As he did this, he stared at the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and as he did, he felt a harsh twinge of fear in the pit of his stomach. Yugo…is this the fear you felt when you faced my Blue-Eyes White Dragon for the first time…?

 

But then in the next instant he shook his head violently, fighting off the fear. No! I must not be afraid! I’ll find a way to beat this computer! I have to!

 

“Okay,” he said aloud, “consider yourself lucky! If I don’t have any other Dragon-type monsters on my side of the field, Cave Dragon can’t attack! So I’m going to set one card face-down, and end my turn!” And he did so.

 

The computer simply drew its next card. ““I now flip Magician of Faith (ATK 300, DEF 400) face-up in Attack Mode!” And it flipped over its facedown monster, revealing a young maiden with red-and-blue robes and carrying a rod with a golden moon design at the tip.

 

“Magician of Faith’s effect: When this card is flipped face-up, I can return one Magic card from my Graveyard to my hand – and I choose Pot of Greed.” And, as Seta watched in consternation, the computer retrieved the card from its Graveyard, giving it four in hand. But even then the mechanical opponent wasn’t done. “Blue-Eyes White Dragon, attack Cave Dragon. Chosen attack – White Lightning.”

 

As the Magician of Faith kneeled in a defensive stance, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon charged up its attack and blasted the Cave Dragon to pieces, bringing Seta’s life points to 4200. Then, Kaiser Glider prepared to attack directly.

 

But Seta would have none of it. “No friggin’ way! Activate the trap card, Sakuretsu Armor! This destroys one attacking monster when you’ve declared an attack with that monster!”

 

As if on cue, suddenly a huge, spiky suit of armor covered Kaiser Glider, squeezing it until it was crushed into pieces. “Plus,” and Seta couldn’t help but smile at this, “when Kaiser Glider is destroyed and sent to the Graveyard, you have to return one monster on the field to its owner’s hand. And, there are only two monsters on the field – on YOUR side – that I should consider troublesome. Your choice.”

 

The Duel Computer merely took back the Blue-Eyes White Dragon card into its hand. “Good strategy, Seta Kaiba,” it droned. “You defy logic…nevertheless, your chances of victory: 18.”

 

“What?” Seta roared, rightly feeling insulted.

 

“End turn,” the computer replied.

 

This piece of trash is PISSING me off! raged in Seta’s mind. Nevertheless, he drew his next card That tin-bucket probably can’t summon anything. So, I’ll have to bet on that.

 

Aloud he announced, “Now, then! I’ll put one monster face-down in Defense Mode and end my turn.”

 

But upon drawing its next card, the computer did manage to summon something, much to Seta’s chagrin. “Avatar of the Pot (ATK 1200, DEF 1300), Attack Mode,” and a green monster with a grinning face appeared. Then: “Magician of Faith, shift to Defense Mode.” And the spellcaster kneeled down, holding her rod in front of her for protection.

 

Then the Duel Computer held up another card. “Avatar of the Pot’s effect: Discard one Pot of Greed card to the Graveyard to draw three cards.”

 

“Say what!” Seta shot at the computer.

 

But much to his dismay, the computer did discard the card and, in exchange, drew three cards from its deck, giving it a total of five cards in hand. “Now…my chances of victory: 99.”

 

Hearing this, Seta was stunned speechless. And why is that?

 

Up in the control room, Kaiba chuckled.

 

The Duel Computer held up another card, King of the Swamp (ATK 500, DEF 1100). “King of the Swamp’s first effect: Discard this card to the Graveyard to add one Polymerization magic card from my deck to my hand, then shuffle my deck.” And it did this action, discarding the card, retrieving one Polymerization from its deck, and then shuffling the deck before replacing it in the Duel-Disk. But even then the computer wasn’t done.

 

“Activate the effect of the magic card, Premature Burial,” it went on. “By paying 800 life points, Special Summon one monster from my Graveyard to the field…and the monster selected: King of the Swamp.”

 

Now Seta was confused. “Why would this thing resurrect the very monster it just discarded?” he wondered.

 

As the gooey, slimy monster appeared on the field and the computer’s life points dropped to 4600, the machine held up the Polymerization card. “King of the Swamp’s second effect: it can be substituted for any one Fusion-material monster.”

 

“Huh?” Seta looked up at that. What’s he gonna fuse together?

 

“Now…” The Computer played one more card. “Activate the magic card, Polymerization, to fuse together the King of the Swamp on the field and the two Blue-Eyes White Dragon cards in hand to form my deck’s ultimate creature: the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon (ATK 4500, DEF 3800)!”

 

Roland went pale upon hearing that. “You did put that card in the computer’s Fusion deck…”

 

“That I did,” Kaiba was now smiling widely. “Seta must be wetting his pants right now, just looking at that thing…”

 

Indeed, Seta’s face was a picture of fright as, without warning, the arena shook as a thunderous howl could be heard. Then, on the field materialized a monstrous version of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon: three gigantic heads, large wings, and a terrible roar.

 

This…is…awesome…the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon…I always heard Dad talking about it, but…never would I have thought I’d see the day when I could witness it inaction first-hand…only, I wasn’t counting on having it used AGAINST me…

 

“Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, attack the opponents’ face-down monster. Chosen attack: Neutron Blast.”

 

Immediately the Ultimate Dragon charged up three different colors of energy in its three mouths – red, green, and blue; then it fired them all off as one collective blast. The monster, blasted to oblivion, turned out to be Troop Dragon (ATK 700, DEF 800); in an instant, Seta utilized its effect and Special Summoned another from his deck to the field in Defense Mode. But Avatar of the Pot was ordered to attack next, and that Troop Dragon was destroyed, too. Seta promptly Special Summoned the third one to his field.

 

But now what was he to do? He had 4200 life points, one card in his hand, and only one remaining Troop Dragon on his side of the field; by sharp contrast, though it had no cards in hand, the Duel Computer still had 4600 life points, and on the field it had the Avatar of the Pot, the Magician of Faith, and one very cross Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, not to mention that its Ultimate Offering trap card was still there.

 

Taking his turn, Seta drew his card and saw at once the situation before him. The Avatar’s ATK was low enough for him to destroy it with any strong enough monster that he could easily summon, and the Magician of Faith’s stats were obviously weak enough so he could destroy her, too; however, if he did do that, that would leave his monster open for an attack from the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. How am I gonna get out of this mess? he wondered to himself.

 

Seta sighed as he looked at the cards in his hand. Hmmm…99 chance of victory, huh? Well, I guess I’ll just have to bet on that remaining 1...

 

“I activate Pot of Greed, which will let me draw two cards!” And he played the magic card on the field and retrieved two cards from the top of his deck, giving him a total of three cards in hand. When he saw the cards he’d drawn, he snickered. “Okay, you stupid computer! You’re going to regret ever crossing me!”

 

He held up one card and slapped it down on the Duel-Disk. “I activate the Change of Heart magic card, to take control of one monster on your side of the field until the end of this turn! But…this is the last turn for you, for I am gonna control the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!”

 

A malevolent spirit flew out of the card and into the dragon’s chest. It shuddered momentarily, then flew over to Seta’s side of the field. “Even if your chances of victory are 99, there’s always still a chance you’ll lose – and this is it!” Seta yelled. “And now…” He held up one more card, the very card he’d been waiting to play.

 

“I activate the magic of Megamorph! Since my life points are lower than yours, the ATK of the monster I equip with this will double! And so…I’ll equip it to the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, to bring out its true power!”

 

As Seta played the card, Megamorph’s magic flowed into the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon. Instantly it got bigger and bigger, until its very size threatened to tear the place in two. Its ATK shot up to a very dangerous 9000!

 

“Sir!” Roland breathed, utterly astonished. “Are you seeing this?”

 

“Roland…I see it.” Kaiba still appeared calm, but deep inside he was tingling with excitement. My son…you’ve managed to bring out the dragon’s true potential, even though it was meant to be used against you… A faint smile now crossed his lips.

 

“Now, Blue-Eyes! Neutron Blast!” Seta screamed.

 

Once again the dragon charged up energy in its three mouths, then let it all go in one thunderous blast. It utterly destroyed the Avatar of the Pot, but the accompanying shockwave also obliterated the Magician of Faith, the Ultimate Offering trap card, and whatever else might have been on the field – and short-circuited the Duel Computer’s circuitry, too.

 

“Malfunction…! Malfunction…! Defeat not possible! You definitely defy logic!” the machine blubbered, before coming down in a ball of flame, crashing to the ground and breaking into pieces.

 

Seta breathed heavily as he watched the holograms disappear and the mechanical opponent burn to ashes. “Damn…that was one tough duel,” he managed to whisper.

 

A hand on his shoulder startled him, and he turned to see his father. “Congratulations, my son,” Kaiba nodded his head. “You have passed the test.”

 

“I have…?” Seta seemed relieved to hear that. “How wonderful…so, what is it you promised to give me if I won?”

 

“Oh, yes. About that.” Kaiba reached into his coat and pulled out a card. Taking it, Seta was astonished to see what it was.

 

“The Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!”

 

“Yes.” Kaiba nodded again. “This duel was merely a test to see if you would be able to conquer one of the most powerful strategies in Duel Monsters. You proved to me that, not only were you capable of beating that strategy, but you were also capable of controlling the monster at the heart of that strategy…the combination of the three most powerful creatures in your deck. This is the instrument with which you will earn your victory in the upcoming tournament…and with which you will crush all opposition to your goal.”

 

Seta nodded and pocketed the card. “I understand, Father. Thank you.”

 

Kaiba patted his son’s shoulder. “Good. Now, go back to your room and get enough rest. In a few more days, the tournament will begin, and you need to be amply prepared for it. Understood?”

 

“Yes, sir.” Seta saluted, and then exited.

 

Kaiba smirked as he watched Seta leave. “Now, Roland,” he said calmly, “how about getting an extinguisher to put out that fire before it burns down the building?”

 

----------

 

A few hours later, Seta was in his own bed, but sleep kept eluding him. He was too filled with excitement; he was thinking about the great power that he’d only recently earned from his father.

 

Such an amazing card I have in my grasp now…such power…and to think that I’m the one who gets to control it…

 

He looked to the window nearest his bed and beheld the stars outside. Yugo, my friend and rival…are you also preparing yourself for the tournament, perhaps right now? Are you as psyched about it as I am? I hope you are…for I sincerely hope that you and I will get to fight each other again. I am eager to see what the outcome of our next match will be. Will my new creature, the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon, bring you to your knees? Or will you surprise me…?

 

With these thoughts, Seta finally fell asleep.

 

----------

 

YUGO’S HOUSE, AT THAT MOMENT

 

Yugo lay in his bed, his deck neatly stacked on the night-table beside him. He couldn’t sleep, either; his mind was on the tournament that was to take place in just a matter of days. And, just as Seta supposed, Yugo was overly excited about it, too.

 

There was a knock at his door. “Yugo…? Are you still awake?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

Grandma came into the room and sat down beside him. “You really should get some rest, dear,” she admonished him gently.

 

“I know, Grandma, I know. It’s just…I’m so excited about this tournament.”

 

“I know you are dear. Your father and I can’t wait to see you in action, too. But…every good duelist needs his rest. You do understand that, right?”

 

“I know.”

 

“Well, good night. And remember, we’ll be rooting for you at the tournament.” And she bent over him and kissed his brow.

 

“G’night, Grandma.” And as Grandma exited the room, Yugo switched off the light and closed his eyes. Soon he, too was fast asleep.

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 8]

YUGO’S HOUSE, THE DAY OF THE TOURNAMENT

 

Yugo’s eyes slowly opened. “Man…” he groaned, instinctively brushing his bangs out of his eyes. “Do I feel tired…”

 

He glanced over at the alarm clock by his bedside. Just at that moment, it began to buzz the hour of 7:00. Sighing, he reached over and snapped it off.

 

Yawning massively, he shook his head to clear the spider-webs out of it, then happened to glance over at the calendar on the far. He could see the red X’s that he’d crossed off the last couple of days, including yesterday and the day before…

 

“OH, CRAP!” he jolted fully awake as he realized what the X’s were for. “Gotta get up! Gotta get UP!” And with that, he literally somersaulted out of bed and made a mad dash for the bathroom.

 

Fifteen minutes later he was back in his room, hurriedly dragging his clothes on. Picking up his Duel-Disk, he slipped it onto his left arm. Then he grabbed his deck and pushed it into one pocket. Slinging his leather jacket over his shoulder, he paused to glance at himself in the mirror, and seemed satisfied at what he saw. “Okay, handsome, do a good job today!” he winked at his reflection, running a hand through his blond hair before heading out the door.

 

As he was heading out, Yugo heard his grandmother’s voice. “Yugo, aren’t young going to have something to eat before you leave?”

 

“Sorry, Grandma, but I can’t! I’ll be late for the tournament!” he called back.

 

“Well, just make sure you get something to eat, then,” Grandma replied, her voice filled with warmth. “Your father and I will be there to see you competing, that’s for sure!”

 

“Thanks! Later!” and with that parting shot, he was gone.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP, HALF AN HOUR LATER

 

As he rushed through the streets, Yugo took note of all the other duelists who were heading toward Kaibacorp. So many of these guys…this is going to be a little lengthy and difficult…

 

In ten minutes, however, he was right outside the Kaibacorp building, mixed up in the crowd. “How am I supposed to get through these guys to get inside now?” he grumbled.

 

“Yugo? Is that you? Hey, man, over here!”

 

Looking to his right, Yugo caught sight of Kyo waving to him from fifteen feet away. Heading in that direction, he saw that Jenna and Miki were with Kyo, and all had smiles on their faces.

 

Kyo was munching on a submarine sandwich. “I was saving this for lunch, but I figured that there’d be a lot of action in the morning, so I decided to have something in my stomach before then,” he explained.

 

Yugo cocked an eyebrow at him. “You did eat breakfast before you left this morning, right?”

 

“Yeah, so?” Kyo took another bite of his sandwich.

 

Jenna giggled. “Did YOU remember to eat at all, Yugo?”

 

Right at that moment, Yugo’s stomach growled noisily. “Ooohhh…I guess I forgot,” he said sheepishly.

 

“Never mind,” said Jenna kindly. “I managed to sneak some cold cuts out of the fridge. Here, have some.” And she presented the sandwiches, which a grateful Yugo accepted and began to devour immediately.

 

Miki, her Duel-Disk on her arm, looked around nervously. “So many people…is everyone here going to compete in the tournament?”

 

“Yeah, I suppose so,” said Jenna. “But don’t be afraid, Miki. For a lot of these people, it’s their first time, too.”

 

Kyo looked about him as he took another bite of his sandwich, and scowled. “I’ve seen a few of these guys before,” he remarked. “Some of them couldn’t duel to save their necks. They should be arrested just for being here.”

 

“I totally agree with you there, four-eyes,” a suave voice behind them spoke up. Turning, they came face-to-face with two older teens, also wearing Duel-Disks. One was a young woman with long red hair, blood-red lipstick and a stern look in her eyes; the other was a man with spiky, shoulder-length green hair and deep blue eyes.

 

“Oh, hey, I know you guys!” Jenna exclaimed excitedly. “You’re Blaze Redman and Wade Ocean, aren’t you? You’re two of the world’s top duelists!”

 

“That’s right, kid,” Blaze confirmed, brushing a stray lock of hair out of her eyes. “You’re lookin’ at Blaze Redman, the hottest Fire duelist anywhere on the planet…”

 

“…and Wade Ocean, the biggest Water duelist since the legendary Mako Tsunami,” added Wade, smirking. “And we’re gonna stomp the competition that’s here now. Are you here for the tournament, too?”

 

“Uh, yeah,” said Yugo. “It’s only our first tournament, but we wanna do our best and see how far we can get…”

 

“Your first time, huh?” another voice emerged from the crowd. This one belonged to another man, one with silver hair and a cold gleam in his eyes. “Then you should do the sensible thing and back out now while you’ve still got your lives.”

 

“What was that?” asked Yugo.

 

“Still up to being your arrogant self, eh, Marcus Ironside?” Wade chuckled. “I swear, some things really never do change.”

 

Marcus snorted. “Isn’t it obvious, Ocean, that these kids don’t belong here? Especially these two little girls,” and he flicked a disdainful look at Jenna and Miki, who looked ready to kill him.

 

“Oh, leave them alone,” a pleasant female voice emerged. This time, a young woman with curly brown hair, green eyes and a friendly smile stepped up. “Everybody who happens to be a duelist had a first start somewhere. Including you, Marcus.”

 

“Whatever.” Marcus shrugged and looked the other way.

 

“Little ones, my name’s Flora Green,” the newcomer introduced herself. “And I must apologize for Marcus – he can be that way all the time, even with his friends.”

 

“That he even has any friends is a wonder in itself,” Blaze muttered.

 

Kyo introduced himself and his friends. “I hope we’ll all do well in this contest,” he smiled at Flora.

 

“And I wish you and your friends good luck too…you’ll need it.” Flora laughed softly.

 

Wade was looking at Yugo. “So, your name’s Muto…as in, related to the legendary Yugi Muto?”

 

“He’s my dad,” Yugo nodded.

 

“I thought as much,” Wade nodded, looking Yugo over. “Hairstyle’s the same, although it’s all one color…face looks about right…well, I’ll remember you, kid. I hope we get to duel in the tournament. I’d like to see if you use the same strategy he used to use. I always wanted to duel that guy, but…I guess you’ll do, if we meet up.”

 

“Maybe you will, maybe you won’t.” Blaze shrugged. “Frankly, kid, I don’t care if you ARE related to Yugi Muto…you get in my way, I’ll stomp you. No offense, but that’s how it is in Duel Monsters.” And with that, she turned and walked off.

 

“Geez…what’s wrong with her?” Jenna protested.

 

“Let it go,” Kyo admonished. “That’s precisely the same attitude that some of these other duelists will have. Better get used to it.”

 

A loud voice above their heads caused everybody to look up. “Welcome, duelists, to the site for the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup,” Kaiba was saying on the big-screen TV above them. “Will everyone please follow the guards at the front entrance into the building, where you will receive further instructions…”

 

“That’s our cue, guys,” Jenna straightened up and smiled. “Miki, are you ready to do this?”

 

“Y-yeah!” Miki nodded her head determinedly. “C’mon!”

 

“Well, we’ll see you later, then, eh? Come on, Wade, let’s go,” and with that Flora turned and walked off. Wade waved a hand and followed after her.

 

Marcus, heading off on his own, paused and glared at the group of friends. “You pipsqueaks had better hope you don’t face me in any match,” he growled. “But if you do, I’ll take great pleasure in wiping you all out, one by one.” And he turned his head and walked away.

 

“I don’t know about you guys, but I HATE that jabroni,” Yugo seethed darkly, and the others nodded agreement.

 

----------

 

Following the guards into the building, the many duelists were all itching to begin battling, and Yugo in particular was trembling with excitement. I just can’t wait! he kept saying to himself, over and over.

 

But by and by, the large group was led into a room with a dome-shaped ceiling far overhead. In the room was a large assortment of desks and chairs, all neatly arranged in straight rows. There were twelve rows; each row had ten desks and chairs, and the space between each row was approximately two to three feet. In short, it looked like an examination room.

 

“What is this?” someone bellowed. “We came here to duel, not to take any damn tests!” A few others roared their agreement.

 

“Quiet down, all of you!” a loud voice snapped, filled with so much authority that the complainants immediately shut up. The voice belonged to Roland, and he was at the front of the room, looking very stern. “There is a reason why you are all here at this moment, and all will be explained in a moment. So have some patience!”

 

Kyo adjusted his glasses and noted the large stacks of paper on the table in front of Roland. A written test in a Duel Monsters tournament? This is new to me, but hey, what the hell.

 

“Once you are all seated, I will explain the reason for this test,” continued Roland. “The guards will direct you to your seats…right now.”

 

In a matter of minutes, all the seats were filled. Satisfied, Roland went on. “Now, a number of you are wondering why we should have a written test in this competition, but as I have said, there is a reason for that. Mr. Kaiba, the tournament organizer, will explain.” And at this point he glanced toward a separate doorway.

 

That door opened, and a moment later in stepped Seto Kaiba himself. “Greetings, duelists,” he began. “You wonder why you have to take a written test? Well, I will explain, so listen up. And I will not be repeating myself.”

 

Everyone was silent as they waited for him to continue.

 

“In the game of Duel Monsters, there is more to it than just putting on a Duel-Disk, having a deck of cards, and saying, ‘Yes, I’m a duelist!’ There is more to it than just engaging in a battle and having more life points at the end of it. There is a lot of knowledge that is needed to be able to play the game properly and well.” Kaiba’s eyes narrowed as he spoke. “One of the most fundamental things needed to be deserving of the title of ‘duelist’ is for you to have a thorough knowledge of the rules of the game, of the workings of each card, and also an understanding of the different strategies that you will be bound to encounter.

 

“Therefore,” he went on, “this test will examine your general knowledge of the game of Duel Monsters, as well as your understanding of the cards used in the game. You will have to call upon all your experience as duelists in order to do well here. Now, Roland, please hand out the papers to these people…”

 

“At once, sir. Guards, hand out the papers!” Roland ordered.

 

The guards swiftly took up the stacks of paper and went down the rows, placing one paper facedown on each desk. Roland barked out again, “Everyone, do not turn over your papers until you are instructed to do so!”

 

A few minutes later, all the papers were handed out. Roland continued, “Now, would you please look inside your desks? You will see that inside your desks, there are cases containing pencils, rulers, sharpeners, erasers and pens. Take out the cases and place them on your desks.”

 

There was a flurry of noise as the duelists obeyed.

 

“Has everyone been served with a paper?” Roland asked. “Good. Now, I will explain the guidelines that will dominate this test. Please turn over your papers.”

 

Another flurry of noise as the papers were turned.

 

“As you will see on your papers,” Roland went on, “this test consists of three parts: Duel Monsters General Knowledge, Card Knowledge, and Strategy Assessment and Management. The first two parts each have three sections where you will be required to write short answers, answer true or false, and fill in the blanks. The third section requires practical skill, and you will be required to write your answers in full. This section has seven questions, of which you will be required to choose four to answer. The entire test will be marked out of 100; anyone who gets less than 70 points…will not be permitted to compete in the tournament!”

 

There was a slight shudder among the duelists when they heard this.

 

“The time is now 7:55,” said Roland. “I have set the alarm on the clock on the wall…” and here he indicated a large clock right on the front wall, in view of everyone. “…for 8:00. When you hear the alarm, you will begin. The test will last for 2½ hours, which means that you will stop writing at 10:30. And, one more thing…”

 

Hearing the ominous note in Roland’s voice, all looked up.

 

“Cheating will not be tolerated in this test.” Roland’s voice was filled with doom. “This includes looking at any of your own cards, or asking for help from any of your fellow duelists. The guards will be monitoring each and every one of you in this room. If you are caught cheating at any time, you will automatically fail.”

 

Kaiba smirked as he saw the sweat on some of the duelists’ faces. I love seeing some of these worms squirm, he thought to himself.

 

Roland looked out of the corner of his eyes at his master. Master Kaiba was wise to come up with this scheme, he mused. Only a handful of the persons here actually deserve to compete in the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup. By using this test, Master Kaiba can weed out the pansies and losers, and only the best of the best will remain. He then cast a glance around the room. Without a doubt, those duelists who Master Kaiba personally invited to the tournament will pass this with flying colors. And… He scanned the rows until he caught sight of Yugo, who was patiently waiting. That boy…how well will he do?

 

Unaware that he was being watched by Roland, Yugo took a small glance around him. Two rows away, to his right, Kyo was seated, polishing the lens of his glasses with care before putting them back on. Three rows to his left and a few seats down to the back, he could see Jenna tapping the top of her desk with some nervousness. Kyo’s so calm about this…knowing him, he just might pass. And I can’t say I blame Jenna for being nervous…I myself wasn’t expecting this test at all…

 

Then he shot a glance one row to his right and eight seats toward the front. But it’s Miki I’m really worried about…she barely has any experience with this…if she fails here, it’ll devastate her badly… He sent up a silent prayer that Miki would pull through with a passing grade.

 

Miki herself was wiping her hands on her lap, doing her best to wipe them clean of the cold sweat that was gathering on her palms. Kaiba saw this and suppressed a chuckle. A newbie…will she fall by the wayside? Or will she surprise us?

 

The hand on the clock that was ticking off the seconds came closer to the big number 12. Tick…tick…tick…tick…

 

Then it reached. And just at that moment, the minute hand pointed at the number 12, also. And the hour hand was now pointing directly at the number 8.

 

The alarm went off: three loud buzzes.

 

“You may begin!” Roland commanded.

 

And with a mad scramble, every one of the duelists in that room took out their pencils and pens and began to inscribe their names on the front page of their papers.

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 9]

KAIBACORP EXAMINATION ROOM, 8:00 a.m.

 

Miki looked through her test paper. Section A – Duel Monsters General Knowledge – stared up at her. She remembered what Roland had said – that the first two parts of this paper each had three parts: short answer, true and false, and fill in the blanks. She decided to look at the General Knowledge section, but swore not to take up too much time on this section alone.

 

She examined the first question in the short answer section. “What is the name of the company that manufactures the Duel Monster cards?”

 

That one was easy. Anybody who had even a remote knowledge of Duel Monsters knew that the company called Industrial Illusions created the cards. She swiftly wrote down the answer and moved on to the next question.

 

“What is the name of the game that was based on the original Duel Monsters game and created after it?”

 

That was easy, too. She knew that the game in question was Dungeon Dice Monsters, a game that was just as popular as Duel Monsters, though not more. She swiftly wrote down that answer.

 

But then she looked at the next question and frowned. “In the Duel Monsters game, what is the maximum number of cards allowed in a deck?”

 

Now, what was the answer to that…? Forty? No, that was the minimum number allowed. Okay…Fifty? Maybe…but then again, that assumption was based on the number of cards she knew always came in starter decks. And she knew it couldn’t be any number that was too high, because for practical reasons that would be overload. Maybe it was sixty…no. She also knew that Fusion monsters were not counted as part of the conventional deck. So…

 

While Miki frowned at the question, not far away Kyo was looking at Section B, Card Knowledge, and was in the process of answering the true or false section. Truth be told, he liked answering the true and false sections on any paper before anything else. He hadn’t started on Section A’s true or false section yet, because he knew it would take a little while to assemble the correct answers to general knowledge questions.

 

“True or False: Rare Metal Dragon can be Normal Summoned or Set.”

 

That’s too easy, Kyo thought smugly as he wrote down the answer: False.

 

Then he studied the next question. “True or False: St. Joan and Guardian Angel Joan have the same ATK and DEF.”

 

Another easy one, he gloated, and again wrote the answer: True.

 

A little distance away, Yugo was looking at the true and false part of Section A. “True or False: The Battle City finals were held in Domino City.”

 

Yugo chuckled a little when he saw this. He knew what the answer to that question was, of course. After all, his own father had been a finalist in that tournament. “False,” he muttered, writing it down.

 

He checked the next question. “True or False: There are more than 20 monster types in Duel Monsters.”

 

“Hmmm…” He frowned as he tried to remember the various types. Then he wrote his answer: False.

 

And a few seats away, Jenna was looking at the fill-in-the-blanks in Section A. “There are (blank) ways to summon monsters in Duel Monsters.”

 

She chuckled. This was a no-brainer. “Normal Summon…Tribute Summon…Flip Summon…Special Summon…Ritual Summon.” And she wrote her answer: 5.

 

But then she frowned and looked at the question again. Hold on…I seem to remember hearing somewhere that a Tribute Summon can also count as a Normal Summon, and that a Ritual Summon counts as a Special Summon… She crossed out her first answer and wrote the number 3 instead.

 

Meanwhile, Kaiba stood at the front of the room, casting a glance at every person who was writing. Roland and the other suits, in the meantime, were walking down the rows, checking the answers of the duelists, missing nothing.

 

Then suddenly one of the suits called out, “Hey, you!”

 

Everybody turned to see who he was shouting at. At the very back of the room, sitting just one row away from where Marcus Ironside was sitting, a young man paled as every eye in the room turned to look at him. As it turned out, he had somehow managed to sneak some of his own cards into his desk and was sneaking a peek at them for assistance with the answers when he was caught.

 

“You’re disqualified! Out of here at once!” the suit yelled.

 

While Marcus scowled viciously, the guy groaned and got up, exiting the room.

 

He lost his chance…and so early, too… Miki’s heart was filled with pity for the guy, but in the next instant she dismissed it. Never mind…I have to do this! And she turned her mind back on the questions set before her.

 

----------

 

It was now 8:50. Already Yugo had finished writing his answers for the last part of Section A, and was now going on to Section B. As he examined the Short answer section, he frowned at the first question that caught his eye.

 

“Arsenal Summoner’s effect allows the user to select one card that includes the word ‘Guardian’ in its name and add it to his/her hand. However, there are five cards that fall into this category that Arsenal Summoner’s effect does not allow the user to select. Name any three of these cards.”

 

Now, here was a problem that Yugo did not really know the answer to. He had never used the Arsenal Summoner (ATK 1600, DEF 1600) before, and he was stumped. He decided to leave that question alone for the time being and move on to the next one.

 

But the very next question nearly floored him. “State the effect of the Ultimate Obedient Fiend.”

 

Yugo nearly swore. He had no idea what the effect of the Ultimate Obedient Fiend (ATK 3500, DEF 3000) was, for he’d never even heard of that card before.

 

But Blaze, sitting two desks behind Yugo, apparently knew what the answer to that question was. Snickering, she wrote it all out, then put her pen back down and looked the paper over again.

 

But if Yugo was having it hard with this section, then Miki was suffering greatly, for many of the cards that were being mentioned in this section, she’d never heard of before. But then she came upon another question in this section, and her mood brightened a little. The question read: “Which cards work best with Queen’s Knight?”

 

Miki was now quite happy, for Queen’s Knight (ATK 1500, DEF 1600) happened to be a card she knew about. She wrote down her answer and moved on.

 

Meanwhile Kyo had already moved on to Section C, the Strategy Assessment and Management part of the paper. He studied the seven questions before deciding on his first one.

 

The question he chose showed a diagram of a dueling field. On one end of the field was the Berserk Gorilla (ATK 2000, DEF 1000) in Attack Mode, and on the other was one face-down card in the magic/trap slot. The question read: “In this diagram, the defending player, i.e. the player with no monsters on the field, has only 1800 life points. An attack from the other player’s monster can wipe him out. How can the defending player counter this, using the face-down card in his magic/trap slot, without inflicting damage to either player’s life points? Illustrate your answer with a diagram.” (N.B. The face-down card cannot be the Mirror Force trap card.)

 

Kyo chuckled as he looked at this. There were several answers one could give to this. For one, the player in question could use the trap card Sakuretsu Armor, which would destroy the attacking monster. Or, the player could use the trap card Zero Gravity, since that would immediately flip the monster into Defense Mode – and since Berserk Gorilla’s effect caused it to be destroyed when it was in Defense Mode…Kyo smiled and wrote his answer, then carefully drew his illustration.

 

Meanwhile, Jenna paused from her writing and glanced around. From what she could see, Kyo was writing briskly, Yugo was thinking hard about what he should put on the paper, and Miki…it was hard to tell, but from Miki’s grave expression Jenna guessed that her cousin was having it rough. Hang in there, Miki, she silently begged.

 

Then she looked around at the other participants. Blaze seemed to be pondering each answer before she wrote. Wade, at the far end of the room, had a big smile on his face as he wrote. Behind him, Flora was calmly tapping the eraser end of her pencil on the desk before she wrote her response. And at the back end of the room, Marcus’s face showed no emotion whatsoever as he scribbled his own responses down. All the others seemed locked in concentration, with a few furrowing their brows in deep thought.

 

Jenna sighed and turned back to the question before her. She was in Section B, and was in the True or False section. “True or False: There can only be one Field Magic card in play on the field at a time.”

 

She smiled and wrote down the answer: True.

 

Next question: “True or False: The trap card Seven Tools of the Bandit requires 1000 life points to activate, while the trap card Trap Jammer requires the player to discard one card from the hand to activate.”

 

Jenna scoffed at this. She’d seen for herself when Seta activated the Trap Jammer during his battle with Yugo, and knew that the answer to this question was false – even if the part about Seven Tools of the Bandit’s effect was true. She wrote her answer down quickly and moved on to the next question.

 

----------

 

While the participants were writing, Kaiba had momentarily stepped out of the room and was now lounging outside the door, calmly munching on a granola bar. He looked at his watch; the time was now 9:15. “Plenty of time yet,” he grumbled.

 

----------

 

Miki glanced up at the clock. 9:17. She was now in the fill-in-the-blanks section in Section B, and she was at a loss as to what to write.

 

“The effect of (blank) increases its ATK by 200 for every Fairy-type monster in the user’s Graveyard.”

 

“The only effect of (blank) removes any monster it destroys in battle from play.”

 

“(Blank) cannot be summoned unless the magic card Shooting Starbow – Ceal is on the field.”

 

“Mass Driver is a (blank) magic card.”

 

Miki sighed in frustration. She knew the answers to none of these at all. On impulse, she turned the paper a few pages back and looked at it in woe. She’d managed to answer some of the questions so far, but many remained unanswered. She decided to go straight to the last section and put her hopes there.

 

Not far away, Yugo was now working on Section C. He fingered his chin as he examined the second question he’d chosen to answer out of this section.

 

“Your opponent uses the Destiny Board in his/her deck. So far, he/she has managed to put 4 of the 5 letters on the board. It is now your turn, and if you end your turn, the last letter will come on the board and your opponent will win. Your magic/trap slots all have the following cards: an active Swords of Revealing Light, three face-down cards, and an active Call of the Dark trap card. One of your face-down cards is a monster revival magic card, which you cannot activate because of Call of the Dark’s effect, and another is a magic card that will allow you control of your opponent’s monster (not Change of Heart). In your hand is Mobius the Frost Monarch (ATK 2400, DEF 1000), whose effect is the only available way to defeat the Destiny Board. Your opponent also has a face-up Dark Blade (ATK 1800, DEF 1500). Using a diagram to illustrate, state how you can use these cards to prevent the last letter of the Destiny Board from coming onto the field. In addition, give the names of the two facedown magic cards and their effects, and also give the effect of Call of the Dark and Mobius the Frost Monarch.”

 

Yugo frowned as he tried to remember the cards’ effects. “C’mon, c’mon,” he growled, “this is something you learned from trading cards with your friends! Think, Yugo, think!”

 

Yugo looked long and hard at the question again. Then he thought about the scenario and what sort of card could be substituted for Change of Heart. Then suddenly a grin lit up his face as memory served him well; he swiftly picked up his pen and wrote down the following answer:

 

“The two facedown magic cards are Monster Reborn, which allows a player to Special Summon a monster from his own or his opponent’s Graveyard to the field in face-up Attack or Defense Mode; and Snatch Steal, which allows a player to take control of one face-up monster on the opponent’s side of the field, but the opponent’s life points will increase by 1000 during each of his/her Standby Phases. The effect of Call of the Dark destroys all monsters that were Special Summoned using Monster Reborn, and in addition Monster Reborn cannot be activated as long as Call of the Dark appears on the field. The effect of Mobius the Frost Monarch destroys up to two Magic or Trap cards when it is Tribute Summoned successfully. To win, the defending player should take control of the Dark Blade using Snatch Steal, then tribute it to summon Mobius the Frost Monarch, then use Mobius’s effect to destroy the Destiny Board.”

 

Yugo looked at this answer. Then, as if for afterthought, he added, “The player should also use Mobius’s effect to destroy Call of the Dark, in order to be able to activate the face-down Monster Reborn.” Satisfied, he took up his pencil and began to sketch furiously.

 

----------

 

10:00. Just half an hour left.

 

Jenna had gone over the answers she’d written, and was now writing her final answer for the chosen fourth question in Section C.

 

“Using a diagram to illustrate, show any number of ways to defeat a player who uses an Exodia strategy.”

 

She swallowed hard. She knew that Exodia was a powerful monster, especially when used correctly. But how to beat it? There were very few effective ways.

 

As she thought about it, she remembered Seta using his Cyber Jar (ATK 900, DEF 900) during the battle with Yugo and its effect, and a smile graced her lips. She quickly wrote down her chosen scenario – then thought of another one, where a player could use the effect of a Needle Worm (ATK 750, DEF 600) to send five cards from the top of the opponent’s deck to the Graveyard, or…Every idea that came to her mind, she wrote it down.

 

Kyo had just finished checking his answers and put the paper down with a smile. Then he looked ahead to where Miki was sitting, and his expression changed to a frown. Will she pass? Will she?

 

As for Miki, she was glancing frantically at the answers she’d written down. Some seemed to be right, but a lot of them she’d had to guess, and she now had just one more question from Section C to choose. And all of them seemed so hard, and she wasn’t sure which one…

 

Oh, to hell with it! Miki’s mind screamed out. Just pick a damn question and finish it now!

 

And so, bracing herself, Miki turned the last page and beheld the final question:

 

“Your opponent has activated the trap card, Tower of Babel. The effect of this card allows him/her to put one counter on the card for each magic card activated by either player; if 4 counters are on the card, the player who activated the magic card at that time will lose 3000 life points. Your opponent already has 3 counters on the card. Using a diagram to illustrate, show how you can use a magic card to destroy the Tower of Babel without losing life points.”

 

Without losing life points? Are these people kidding? How can you activate a magic card without losing life points in this scenario…unless…

 

Miki thought about it for a moment. Her mind crossed on a card she’d gotten from the others recently. Mystical Space Typhoon…a quick-play magic card…

 

Her mind raced as she thought of the rules of the game where activation of cards was concerned. Each card fell under a certain speed category – some cards’ effects would resolve faster than others. So…

 

Bursting with newfound knowledge, Miki quickly scribbled down her answer, explaining how she could use Mystical Space Typhoon to destroy the Tower of Babel before the fourth counter could be set on the trap card. Then, satisfied with her outline, she grabbed a pencil and furiously drew the outline.

 

Miki had just put down the pencil when the alarm on the clock buzzed again. The time was now 10:30. “Time’s up! Stop working!” Roland ordered.

 

Miki sighed in humongous relief. Yugo fell forward at his desk. Jenna leaned far back in her seat and closed her eyes. Kyo just twirled his neck, cracking the joints. It had been long and difficult, and now all that remained was the grading scheme.

 

As the guards came along and picked up the papers, all the competitors waited with anxious breath to see what the results would be. For they all had a good feeling that their results would be shown to them very, very soon, to determine who would get to stay and participate and would be kicked out.

 

“All right…please remain in your seats, everyone,” said Roland once all the papers had been collected. “Momentarily we will read out your scoring results and determine who among you will be allowed to participate in the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup!”

 

---

New Characters Chapter 8

---

 

NAME: Blaze Redman

AGE: 19

HAIR: Auburn

EYES: Hazel

CLOTHES: Red sleeveless jacket, white blouse, pink shorts, brown boots

 

NAME: Wade Ocean

AGE: 20

HAIR: Green (dyed)

EYES: Blue

CLOTHES: Blue T-shirt, blue jeans, white sneakers

 

NAME: Marcus Ironside

AGE: 19

HAIR: Silver

EYES: Black

CLOTHES: Gray jacket, black jeans and boots

 

NAME: Flora Green

AGE: 18

HAIR: Brown

EYES: Green

CLOTHES: White shirt with floral pattern, green pants, white sandals

[Ryno Dorcus]

[spoiler=Chapter 10]

KAIBACORP EXAMINATION ROOM, 10:40 a.m.

 

With the examination over, many of the participants were relieved. However, an edge of tension was still in the air, as the results would soon be revealed, and everyone there had the vague impression that a large number of them would not pass. After all, the questions had been difficult; only a seasoned duelist could have answered them correctly.

 

Jenna was running her fingers through heir hair. Yugo was just sitting there, seemingly staring into space with a scowl on his face. Kyo adjusted and readjusted his glasses over and over again. All three were thinking the same thing, about the same person.

 

Will Miki pull through this?

 

Indeed, Miki herself was wondering the same thing. Fretfully, without realizing it, she started biting her nails. Will I be one of those who’ll get eliminated…?

 

“Hey, kid. Biting your nails isn’t good for you.”

 

Startled, Miki looked up into Blaze’s eyes. “Huh…?”

 

Blaze’s mouth was still set in a stern line; but as Miki looked into the other girl’s eyes, she thought she saw a spark of kindness in them. “You really should calm down,” Blaze counseled. “You can’t know the result until you actually get it in front of you. For now, just be thankful that you did your best.” And with that, she walked back to her seat, leaving a mystified Miki behind.

 

By and by, Roland returned. “Listen up, everyone,” he announced. “Our computers have just finished calculating all your scores, and now we’ll call out the names of those who scored highest. Those of you who hear your names, please come to the front.”

 

He held up a sheet of paper which, the duelists guessed, was the list of names. Looking at the names, he began.

 

“First, with the highest score of 95 points – Flora Green!”

 

Flora emitted a small squeal of joy and jumped up, hurrying to the front. Roland then read the next name.

 

“Second, with 87 points – Kyo Bakura!”

 

Calmly, Kyo got up and headed for the front.

 

“Third, with 85 points – Yugo Muto!”

 

Stunned, then elated, Yugo let out a loud whoop as he headed up to the front. Flora nodded in congratulations, and Kyo smirked his assent.

 

In the back of the room, Marcus scowled fiercely. Those brats got high scores? Unbelievable!

 

“Fourth, with 83 points – Blaze Redman!”

 

Coolly, Blaze headed for the front, tossing her hair back as she went.

 

“Fifth, with 76 points – Wade Ocean!”

 

Wade grinned as he walked up to join the others.

 

“Sixth, with 74 points – Jenna Wheeler!”

 

Jenna was astonished, as were the others. I…I actually got a good score? All right!

 

But as Jenna got up and bounded up to the front in her joy, she didn’t catch Marcus’s murderous scowl raking her back. The others at the front saw it, though; and Yugo and Kyo, in particular, were not happy about it.

 

Miki smiled a little. Cousin Jenna…I’m really happy for you, but…what about me…? I waited so long for this, and now…if I get any score lower than 70 points, I won’t be able to compete…I’m sorry…

 

“Seventh, with 71 points – Miki Taylor!”

 

Miki’s heart jumped to her mouth. WHAT? Did…did he actually just call my name? Oh, man, I can’t believe he just called my name!

 

Relieved and elated, Miki got out of her seat and joined the others at the front. As she did, she went up next to Blaze and whispered, “Thank you.”

 

“Think nothing of it, kid,” Blaze replied, shrugging.

 

Roland then read the next name. “Eighth, with 70 points – Marcus Ironside!”

 

Slowly, Marcus got out of his seat and walked up to the rest of the group. As he did, he fixed a piercing stare upon Miki and growled, “I can’t believe a ROOKIE got a higher score than me! Me, a ten-year veteran at Duel Monsters!”

 

Feeling suddenly scared, Miki retreated behind Blaze. The other girl, in turn, stepped up to face Marcus head-on. “Drop it, Mac,” she said sourly. “Just be glad you have a place and be done with it.”

 

The two stared daggers at each other; then Marcus sighed and stepped away. “Whatever.”

 

Roland then folded up the paper and put it in his pocket, to everyone else’s surprise. “As for the rest of you…you all FAIL!”

 

There was a general response of shock at this news. “Hey, man, what the hell are you saying? You must’ve made a mistake or something! We MUST have gotten good grades!” one guy screamed, and the others roared in bitter agreement.

 

“There was no mistake,” Roland answered frostily. “I’ll tell you where you fell down. Most of you flopped where the general knowledge questions were concerned, some of you just didn’t know anything about the cards themselves, and a shameful number of you failed in the third section, as well. All you were concerned about was that you could get to the competition quickly, and therefore you didn’t take this test seriously. This test was examining how well you could think and plan – especially in the third section. Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about.”

 

He looked directly at Miki. “This young lady, Miki Taylor, did remarkably well in Section A because her general knowledge about the history of the game and the important figures instrumental to its success is very high and commendable. In addition, though it was evident from Section B that her experience with the cards is limited, she made up for it in Section C – the way she answered the questions she selected, while amateurish at best, showed that at least she was thinking. And then, the total tallied points enabled her to be No. 7 on this list.”

 

Roland fixed a severe stare on the rest of the duelists. “By stark contrast, most of you couldn’t give a sensible answer to the questions in Section C – my God, even in Section A, a number of you couldn’t even get the question about who the creator of the cards was correct! Some of you even went so far as to confuse Industrial Illusions with Kaibacorp! Disgraceful!”

 

Silence followed his tirade. A few of the losers were now looking away in painful embarrassment; they knew that he was right, too awfully right.

 

“And now,” Roland finished, apparently calmed down from his outrage, “all of you, please leave. The guards will escort you to the front door.”

 

He then turned to the eight chosen ones. “The rest of you, please, come with me.” He turned and walked toward a separate doorway, and the eight followed after him. Soon, they were walking in a rather long corridor.

 

“Psst…hey, Miki, congrats! I knew you could do it!” Jenna gushed.

 

“Thanks.” Miki nodded. “But, I’m a little worried…”

 

“About what?” asked Jenna, immediately concerned.

 

“That Marcus Ironside guy…I don’t like him…I saw the way he was looking at us,” Miki sighed.

 

Kyo turned his head and looked at Miki. “Fret not, Miki. If he tries anything, I’ll knock him flat!”

 

“Same here,” added Yugo. “Nobody messes with my friends!”

 

Wade, walking nearby, chuckled. “You guys seem tight-knit,” he remarked. “But, of course, you do realize that this tournament will pit you against each other, right?”

 

“Well, we’re here just to test our skills and have fun,” Jenna replied.

 

Flora giggled. “It’s nice to see you with such optimism,” she remarked.

 

“True, true,” agreed Kyo.

 

Miki now asked, “Guys, what do you make of Blaze?”

 

“Blaze? Why do you ask?” asked Yugo.

 

Miki looked up at Blaze, at the head of the procession. “I get the feeling that she’d like to be friends, but…she just seems so…aloof and alone,” she whispered. “I don’t get it…it’s as if she’s carrying some burden on her shoulder…”

 

The others were surprised – that hadn’t crossed their minds. “Well…I guess it’s not our business to ask about hers,” Kyo observed wisely. “If she’s hiding something private, let it stay hidden.”

 

By and by they came to a halt in front of a door. Roland pushed a few buttons on the console, and a moment later the door opened. “Password-protected,” he explained.

 

The group entered into a dark room, where Roland motioned to all of them to halt. He then snapped his fingers, and a moment later a light shone down from the ceiling, illuminating the entire room. “Whoa!” exclaimed Yugo.

 

“Greetings once again, duelists,” a familiar voice was heard. Looking up, they all saw Kaiba standing on a platform, overlooking them. “Hmmm…eight of you? Yes, that’s a good enough number for our tournament,” he continued, chuckling.

 

“Mr. Kaiba, will you explain, or should I…?” asked Roland.

 

“That’s all right – I’ll tell them.” Kaiba took a deep breath. “Now, then. The eight of you have done well in the written test that I compiled, and now you are here, ready to actually duel. The tournament itself will not start just yet, however; I will give all of you a grace period of two hours in order to finalize your decks and be prepared. In the meantime, I will explain the rules of this contest, after which you will begin your final preparations.”

 

They all waited with bated breath as he continued.

 

“The rules will be the conventional ones, as follows: in each match, you will each begin with 8000 life points; monsters of Level 5 and 6 will require one monster for a Tribute Summon; monsters of Level 7 or higher will require two; et cetera. And…” His eyes twinkled. “At the end of it all, when there is only one among you who is left after elimination, the winner will get the privilege of facing my son, Seta Kaiba, this tournament’s champion, in a duel. If, by some stroke of good fortune, you manage to defeat him, then you will gain the prize of $700,000 and some rare cards from me!”

 

Yugo shuddered with excitement. Man, I don’t care about the prize money or those rare cards. Just getting a chance to face Seta again in a real match is enough for me!

 

Rare cards, huh? Miki smiled.

 

To impress her…I’ll do all I can! Kyo repeated to himself determinedly.

 

That prize money sure sounds good! That was the thought on the minds of Jenna, Blaze and Wade.

 

I want to see how far my skills have progressed, Flora mused.

 

As for Marcus, he just regarded the others with a cold stare.

 

“Now, as I said, you all have two hours to finish preparations – after that, the first match will begin!” And with a grand flourish, Kaiba turned and walked off.

 

----------

 

“Yo, Yugo!”

 

Yugo looked up from where he was assembling all his cards. “What’s up, Kyo?”

 

Kyo had a grave look on his face. “Could I talk to you for a bit?”

 

“Sure. What about?”

 

Kyo narrowed his eyes. “I’m a little worried about Jenna and Miki…especially Miki.”

 

“What? Why?”

 

Kyo looked hard at Yugo. “I have a bad feeling, Yugo…I think that that Ironside guy might try something.”

 

Yugo immediately got serious. “What do you mean, ‘try something’?”

 

“You saw how he was looking at Jenna and Miki back in that exam room. That look in his eyes…it was a look that was screaming bloody murder. Frankly, I’m scared for them.” Kyo dropped his gaze. “I sincerely hope that none of us gets to duel him…and that he gets knocked out in the first round. That way we won’t have to contend with him.”

 

“Well, we don’t have any control over that. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

Yugo gave Kyo a searching glance. “Kyo…you really do like her, don’t you…?”

 

Kyo was astonished. “Huh? Who’re you talking about?”

 

“Who else, jabroni? I’m talking about Miki!”

 

Kyo turned as red as a tomato. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

 

“Sure you do. Don’t lie to me, Kyo – it’s written all over your face.” Yugo was grinning impishly now, and that made Kyo blush even harder.

 

----------

 

“Master Seta?”

 

Roland had left the tournament competitors in the solitary room by themselves and had gone to check on the young master. Now he stood in front of the door, tapping it with his knuckles.

 

“Yes, Roland, what is it?”

 

“Sorry to bother you, young master, but the tournament participants have been chosen. I thought you might wish to come and watch the first match.”

 

A pause. “Is Yugo among them?”

 

“Yes, sir, he is.”

 

A chuckle escaped from inside. “Is he the first one dueling?”

 

“I do not know, sir.”

 

“Well, it’s all right, then. I think I’ll stay here and continue to fine-tune my deck. Come and call me when it’s all over.”

 

“I understand.” And Roland left Master Seta in peace.

 

----------

 

TWO HOURS LATER

 

“I’m getting seriously bored here!” Wade cried out in frustration.

 

Standing by himself by the wall, arms folded in resignation, Marcus wasn’t impressed. “Shut up,” he growled. “They’ll come back to us in due time.”

 

“He’s right, Wade,” Flora put in. “Let’s just have a little more patience, that’s all.”

 

By and by, Kaiba and Roland returned, the former holding a sheet of paper. “Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone,” said Roland. “Will you kindly follow us, please…?”

 

“About time!” Wade exploded as the group of eight followed the two men out of the room.

 

The group walked out the door, then went up a nearby staircase and walked up several flights. At length they came to another door, which Kaiba pushed open. The duelists walked in and were amazed.

 

The room they were in had a big space in the middle of the floor, elevated by stairs. At the top was a railing near the edges of the platform. The platform itself was roughly twenty feet long and thirty feet wide. “This is where you will all be dueling,” Kaiba explained. “Now, I will read the order of the matches. Once you know who your opponent is, there can be no change, so don’t complain.”

 

Everyone waited as he read the order of the duels. They were in this order:

 

DUEL 1: Wade Ocean vs. Blaze Redman

 

DUEL 2: Marcus Ironside vs. Miki Taylor

 

DUEL 3: Yugo Muto vs. Flora Green

 

DUEL 4: Jenna Wheeler vs. Kyo Bakura

 

Kyo cringed. It’s just as I feared, he groaned inwardly. Miki, please don’t get hurt! Just beat him when your turn comes!

 

“Wahoo! I get to duel first!” Wade exclaimed happily.

 

Blaze sighed. “Well, let’s do this, I guess.”

 

“Step up to the platform!” Roland ordered.

 

Everyone else backed away a little and watched as Wade and Blaze stepped up and readied their Duel-Disks. This, they all knew, would be an interesting fight.

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 11]

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

“So…you’re my first opponent, huh?” Wade remarked as he and Blaze stood on opposite sides of the platform. “Should be an interesting match – the eternal rivalry of Fire and Water. Well, good luck, anyway.”

 

“Sure.” Blaze’s answer was short and to the point.

 

The two duelists’ life points rose to 8000. As this happened, suddenly large cameras hidden in the ceiling panels emerged, trained on Blaze and Wade. “Huh? What’s up with this?” asked Blaze, looking up.

 

“This is simply to give the people of Domino City a good show on all the big screens throughout the city,” Roland replied. “Now, prepare to duel!”

 

As the holographic system was activated, the familiar coin appeared in between the players. “Blaze Redman, heads or tails?” asked Roland.

 

“Tails!” Blaze replied.

 

The coin was flipped – and when it landed, it showed tails. “I will go first, then,” Blaze announced as she and Wade drew five cards each.

 

The other competitors were interested in seeing the duel get underway. “This should be good,” Jenna muttered.

 

“Both Blaze and Wade are expert duelists,” Flora nodded. “This will be a good match.”

 

Then Roland raised his hand, bringing it down sharply by his side a moment later. “Begin!”

 

----------

 

Outside the Kaibacorp building, many people were going about their business as usual. Suddenly, the big-screen that graced the top of Kaibacorp flashed on, showing the tournament about to begin inside.

 

“Hey, look!” one man nudged his friend excitedly. “The Kaibacorp contest is starting!”

 

“So it is!” his friend answered. “Let’s watch!”

 

Everywhere in the city where a big screen was, the reaction was the same. Pretty soon, small crowds had gathered everywhere – in the square, near major buildings – and all were eager to see the match get underway.

 

Inside bars, stores and supermarkets, everybody paused what they were doing as the nearest available television sets began broadcasting the tournament. And in some places, betting factions were created to determine which of the two duelists would win this fight.

 

----------

 

YUGO’S HOUSE

 

“Mother, come on, or we’ll miss Yugo’s duel!” Mr. Muto exclaimed, exasperated.

 

“I’m coming, son,” Grandma replied.

 

Shrugging, Mr. Muto finished combing his hair and was just putting on his jacket when he heard his elderly mother cry out. “Yugi, quick! They’re showing the first duel on TV!”

 

In a moment he was in the living room, where Grandma was sitting in front of the TV, entranced. “Is Yugo dueling?” Mr. Muto asked eagerly.

 

“No,” Grandma answered. “Two others are, though.”

 

Mr. Muto looked at the screen. “Hey, I know those two,” he remarked. “They’re two of the world’s top contenders in Duel Monsters.”

 

“Sit down, and let’s watch, eh?” Grandma invited. And so her son sat down, and then the both of them looked at the TV with interest.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

“Now, then, let’s do this!” Blaze drew her first card. “I summon Darkfire Soldier #1 (ATK 1700, DEF 1150) in Attack Mode!” A moment later a soldier carrying a big sword and wrapped in flames appeared on the field.

 

“Wow!” Kyo exclaimed, putting up a hand to shield from the heat. “That’s hot!”

 

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” Flora grinned. “Just watch.”

 

Blaze then set one card face-down. “That’ll end the turn for me,” she remarked. “Bring it on, water-boy!”

 

“With pleasure!” After drawing, Wade also set one card face-down, then summoned the 7 Colored Fish (ATK 1800, DEF 800), a fish with a snakelike body and scales that glistened with every color of the rainbow. Then he held up another card in his hand.

 

“Now, I’ll play the field magic card, Umi! This’ll increase the ATK and DEF of all Fish, Sea Serpent, Thunder, and Aqua-type monsters by 200 points, and it’ll also decrease the ATK and DEF of all Pyro and Machine-type monsters by 200!” he explained as he played the card. “Behold the mighty power of the deep blue sea!”

 

Suddenly a huge ocean appeared out of nowhere, and the water caught the players up to their chests, so high that they had to hold up their Duel-Disks to prevent them from getting wet. But what happened next startled Blaze: The 7 Colored Fish’s stats shot up to 2000 ATK and 1000 DEF, while her Darkfire Soldier #1’s ATK and DEF decreased to 1500 and 950, respectively!

 

“Now, 7 Colored Fish, attack with Rainbow Scale!” Wade ordered. And, jumping around in the water, the fish suddenly swam forward toward the soldier, intent on killing it.

 

But then Blaze laughed. “You must have water in your brain, Wade!” she mocked. “Activate my trap card, Widespread Ruin! When you declare an attack against me, this card destroys one monster on your side of the field with the highest ATK!”

 

Suddenly the 7 Colored Fish exploded, much to Wade’s astonishment, and fish parts scattered everywhere, dropping into the water with various loud splashes. “Too bad, Wade,” Blaze chuckled.

 

Wade shook his head. “Okay, so I made a wrong move there,” he admitted, “but I can always make up for it. Your turn.”

 

As Blaze drew her next card, she cast a worried glance at the Umi card, which was powering the sea around her. This isn’t good…a lot of my monsters are Pyro-types, so they’ll be weakened considerably by this ocean…I have to get rid of the water somehow, but how? I don’t have a card in my hand that’ll help me right now. I’ll just have to ride this wave, so to speak…

 

“Okay! Now I summon Blast Magician (ATK 1400, DEF 1700) to the field!” And as Blaze gave the command, a mage dressed in red robes and carrying a crooked staff appeared.

 

Blaze smirked. “Blast Magician may be a Fire monster, but because he’s not a Pyro-type his stats won’t be decreased by Umi,” she gloated. “And by the way, Wade, in case you didn’t notice, your life points are wide open for a direct attack! Blast Magician, use your Fireball Spell Attack!”

 

The Blast Magician began to chant, and a moment later his staff turned burning red. Then the redness gathered into the jewel at the tip of the staff, until it appeared to resemble a flaming torch. Then he pointed the staff at Wade, ready to fire!

 

But Wade just laughed. “I activate the trap card, Tornado Wall!” He flipped his facedown card face-up, creating a literal wall of tornadoes around himself, just as Blast Magician let loose with the attack. But the fireball simply bounced off the tornadoes, leaving Wade unharmed!

 

“Okay…could somebody tell me what just happened?” asked Blaze in disbelief.

 

“Be glad to!” Wade seemed very pleased with himself. “I could only activate this trap card, Tornado Wall, when Umi was active on the field. As long as the Tornado Wall stays on the field, any damage I get from battle becomes zero. So, in other words…your attack has failed, babe.” And he winked at her.

 

“Seems Wade certainly has his strategy well planned out,” Yugo remarked, looking on in wonder.

 

“Yeah,” Jenna agreed. “He did plan this well! The Tornado Wall is invincible!”

 

Standing a little distance away, arms folded, Marcus snickered to himself. Actually, that’s not entirely true, kid. The Tornado Wall does have one little weakness…and if Blaze is smart enough, she’ll soon figure it out…

 

Since she couldn’t attack with another monster, Blaze had no choice but to end her turn. “Make your move,” she told Wade.

 

“Certainly!” Wade drew his next card, then looked at it long and hard. Then he laughed. “Oh, this is simply incredible! Who would’ve thought I’d get THIS card so soon in the duel?”

 

Blaze looked at him, puzzled.

 

“All right…first, I’ll remove the 7 Colored Fish in my Graveyard from play to Special Summon a monster from my hand – the Aqua Spirit (ATK 1600, DEF 1200)!” And as Wade removed the named monster from his Graveyard, he played a card on the field. Immediately a beautiful water maiden appeared, her stats increased to 1800 ATK and 1400 DEF by Umi’s effect.

 

“And next,” and here Wade waved the card he’d just drawn, “I’ll offer the Aqua Spirit as a tribute to summon one of my best monsters – The Legendary Fisherman (ATK 1850, DEF 1600)!”

 

Immediately the Aqua Spirit disappeared in a shower of bubbles. In her place, rising up from the water, was a wild-haired man riding an orca and wielding a spear in one hand. “The Legendary Fisherman is such a mighty warrior, for a reason,” Wade remarked. “The power of the sea grants him many great abilities. As long as Umi remains on the field, he cannot be affected by any magic cards whatsoever, and he cannot be selected as an attack target. And now…Legendary Fisherman, attack and destroy the Darkfire Soldier #1!”

 

The Fisherman readily threw his spear, hitting the Soldier right in the chest and sending him flying back. As the Soldier landed in the waves, the Fisherman’s orca dived underwater. In a moment the two resurfaced, the Fisherman having retrieved his spear…and Blaze scowled as her life points went down to 7650.

 

“And now…I’ll end my turn,” Wade said, a big smile on his face.

 

----------

 

ELSEWHERE IN DOMINO CITY

 

In a bar only a few blocks from Kaibacorp, the patrons were watching the match on TV with relish. “That Wade Ocean sure knows his strategies like good, man!” one man remarked, and several others agreed with him.

 

“Yeah, but that Blaze chick is no pushover,” another guy countered. “She’ll probably come up with a strategy of her own to beat that guy.”

 

“No, she won’t!” the first guy snapped. “Just look at the predicament she’s in now! Wade said it himself – she can’t touch him!”

 

“Oh, yeah?”

 

“Yeah!”

 

“All right, then!” the second guy growled. “Let’s have a bet on this!”

 

All the other patrons shook their heads knowingly. Both these squabbling men, regulars to this bar, were known gamblers, and would make a bet for even the smallest things.

 

“A bet it is, then,” roared the Wade fan. “I say that Wade will definitely win this match!”

 

“And I say that he won’t!” the Blaze fan countered. “Loser buys five beers for the winner.”

 

“You’re on, motor-mouth!” the Wade fan yelled.

 

The other patrons had to suppress their laughter. Now, this was a bet to see!

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

The stats of the duel now looked like this: Blaze had her Blast Magician on the field, plus she had four cards in hand, and her life points were now 7650. On the other hand, Wade’s life points were still at an untouched 8000, and on the field he had The Legendary Fisherman, the Tornado Wall trap card and the Umi field magic card, and in his hand he had two cards.

 

It was now Blaze’s turn, and she drew her card. She looked long and hard at it, then sighed. This card could work with the right strategy, but I have to rely on HIM in order to pull it off. So…I guess I’ll just have to wait a little while longer…

 

Aloud she declared, “Okay! Now I’ll summon the Solar Flare Dragon (ATK 1500, DEF 1000) in Attack Mode!” And then, quite suddenly, a massive flame-covered dragon appeared from the water, howling in rage. But Blaze wasn’t done.

 

“Next,” she continued, “I’ll remove one Fire monster in my Graveyard from play to Special Summon another creature to the field – Inferno (ATK 1100, DEF 1900), in Defense Mode!” And when she removed her chosen card from the Graveyard, she summoned a flaming bird-faced creature with a beak full of skulls.

 

Because of Umi, Solar Flare Dragon’s ATK and DEF went down to 1300 and 800, and Inferno’s ATK and DEF rapidly decreased to 900 and 1700 – but Blaze didn’t seem very much disturbed. “All right – finally I’ll place one card facedown.” And she did. “Make your move, Wade.”

 

Wade drew his next card and frowned at Blaze. She seems a little too calm…something’s up! I just know it! Still…there’s no way she can penetrate my solid defense now!

 

Wade looked at Blaze’s monsters that were now on the field. He knew that Solar Flare Dragon’s effect prevented it from being an attack target while there was another Pyro-type monster on the field, which was certainly why she’d Special Summoned that Inferno monster in such a hurry. Well, he could summon another monster, too.

 

“I summon Skull Mariner (ATK 1600, DEF 900) to the field!” And in the next moment, a large red pirate ship emerged, with a giant skull at the bow. “Now, my Legendary Fisherman, destroy Inferno!”

 

Again the Fisherman threw his spear, catching Inferno right in the mouth and sending it crashing into the waves.

 

“Now, it’s your turn, Skull Mariner! Pirate Battering Ram!”

 

With that the Skull Mariner picked up incredible speed, slamming into the Solar Flare Dragon with such force that the other monster was thrown back – and Blaze grunted as she lost more life points to put her at 7350.

 

On the sidelines, Miki was shaking her head. “Gee,” she remarked, “Blaze sure is getting her butt kicked, isn’t she?”

 

“Don’t be so sure, little one.” Flora smiled knowingly. “If I know Blaze, right about now she’ll come up with a really dastardly strategy.”

 

Indeed, as Blaze regained her bearings and drew her next card, she chuckled. “Oh, Wade, I guarantee that you’re going to hate every bone in my body now,” she declared. “For by having me as your opponent, you’ve just sealed your own death!”

 

“Huh? What do you mean?” Wade asked warily.

 

Whereupon Blaze revealed the card she’d drawn earlier – Lava Golem (ATK 3000, DEF 2500). “Once I bring this monster onto the field, nothing you can do can help you!”

 

“But how are you going to get that on the field? You don’t even have any monsters to tribute for that!” Wade argued. For Lava Golem was a Level 8 monster, thus requiring two tributes.

 

Blaze just smiled. “Who said anything about tributing my monsters?”

 

Wade stared at her – then gaped as the truth dawned upon him. “Oh, hell, no!”

 

“Oh, hell, yes! I’m going to tribute the two monsters on your side of the field to Special Summon this big guy to the field!” And Blaze laughed out loud.

 

Suddenly, much to Wade’s dismay, The Legendary Fisherman and Skull Mariner disappeared from the field. In their place now stood a massive behemoth made entirely out of piping hot lava. And, much to Wade’s consternation, he was locked in a cage, suspended from the monster’s neck by a giant chain!

 

“Aren’t you glad I gave you such a strong monster, Wade?” Blaze mocked him. “But then again, it’s not like you’re going to get any chance to attack with him! For now…” she held up one of the two cards left in her hand. “I activate the magic of the Mask of the Accursed! Equip this to the Lava Golem!”

 

A mask appeared on the field, and started floating over to Wade’s side. Since the mask itself was too small to fit on Lava Golem’s face, it was instead embedded in its chest. As the others looked at it, they marveled that it wasn’t burnt up by Lava Golem’s fire at all.

 

“Now, here’s the deal,” said Blaze. “During each of your Standby Phases, as long as you control the Lava Golem, its heat will weaken you by 1000 life points. In addition, during each of my Standby Phases, as long as the Golem’s equipped with the Mask of the Accursed, it can’t attack at all, and since you’re the controller of this big guy YOU’LL lose an additional 500 points. Sound like torture? Well, just wait till the lava gets to you and makes you sweat better than a pig!”

 

“Whoa…she’s cruel…” Yugo gulped, hard.

 

“Bah, that’s nothing,” said Marcus, speaking for the first time. As they turned to look at him, he went on, “I’ve seen Blaze perform before, and she’s done a hell of a lot worse to her opponents. Even this is like a walk on the beach compared to what I’ve seen.” He looked up at the arena and smiled. “Looks like Ocean can’t take the heat – but unfortunately for him, this is one kitchen he won’t be able to get out of so easily!”

 

Blaze shrugged. “Unfortunately, I can’t summon another monster in the same turn that I Special Summon Lava Golem, but…that just won’t matter. Why don’t you look so smug now, Wade?”

 

“Uh…aren’t you forgetting something, Blaze?” Wade smirked a little. “You may have trapped me with this hellish thing, but as long as the Tornado Wall is up to protect me, I can’t suffer any battle damage whatsoever!” He beheld the tornadoes still swirling upward from the ocean around them. “So, even if I do suffer effect damage …your plan’s still flawed!”

 

But Blaze shook her head. “Not really. I’ll now activate my face-down magic card, Burning Land!”

 

“WHAT!” Wade shouted in shock.

 

“Ah, I see from your face that you know what it does,” Blaze remarked as the card was flipped face-up. “Well, I’ll explain anyway, for our viewers who don’t know. This nice little card will destroy all Field magic cards, and in addition, as long as it stays on the field, both of us will get 500 points of damage during our respective Standby Phases. So, if my math is right, I’ll only get 500, but YOU, Wade…with Lava Golem’s effect, the Mask of the Accursed, and now the Burning Land card – that’ll mean 2000 points worth of damage!”

 

“sheet…you really had this planned out, didn’t you?” Wade stormed, furious.

 

Suddenly a blast of fire from heaven came down and completely incinerated the Umi magic card, drying up the ocean in the process. Since Umi was destroyed, the Tornado Wall trap card was destroyed along with it, and all the tornadoes diminished and disappeared altogether. In short, Wade’s protection was now gone.

 

Wade cursed himself mentally. Goddammit – how could I have let her string me along like this! This isn’t fair!

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 12]

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

The duel between Blaze and Wade was now at a pause, with the stats as follows: Blaze was still behind in life points, with 7350; she had one card in hand, and only two cards on the field – the Burning Land card, which was now active, and Mask of the Accursed, which was now equipped on the Lava Golem on Wade’s side of the field. Wade’s life points were still at 8000, he had two cards in hand, and the only thing he had on the field was the Lava Golem, courtesy of Blaze’s “generosity.”

 

And now, Blaze’s generosity was about to cost Wade big.

 

As Wade took his turn and drew his card, suddenly a large load of lava landed on the bars of his cage. Though none of it caught him, just the intense heat alone was enough to knock him down. As he grimaced, he lost 1000 life points, putting him at 7000. Then, as if that weren’t enough, a blast of fire from the sky – thanks to Burning Land’s effect – hit his cage directly, and he groaned as he lost another 500 life points, putting him at 6500. This is bad! Very, VERY bad! his mind kept screaming.

 

He looked up at the Lava Golem’s chest, where the Mask of the Accursed was embedded, and frowned with distaste. If that weren’t there, stopping the monster from attacking, he could at least attack Blaze directly and knock her life points for a loop. But obviously that wasn’t going to happen anytime today. He had to think of something, fast.

 

On the sidelines, Kaiba was watching the duel along with the others, and he couldn’t resist the smile that came across his face. I certainly chose well when I invited this woman to compete in my tournament, he thought to himself. Then again, I did invite Wade Ocean to compete, too. They don’t call him “the Ocean Master” for nothing.

 

Now, as Wade prepared to play his card, he growled, “Blaze, believe me, you are going to regret this!”

 

He then announced his next move. “I’m going to remove two Water monsters in my Graveyard from play to Special Summon another creature from my hand – Fenrir (ATK 1400, DEF 1200) in Attack Mode!” A moment later, a huge, snarling snow wolf emerged, glaring at Blaze with cruel red eyes.

 

“And next,” he continued, playing another card from his hand and leaving him with one, “I’ll summon another creature to the field – the Enchanting Mermaid (ATK 1200, DEF 900)!” And in the next minute a beautiful mermaid appeared on the field next to Fenrir.

 

“Take a good look at these two, Blaze,” said Wade, his face void of any smile now. “Your life points are, like, extremely wide open for an assault! This is for what you’ve just done to me! Enchanting Mermaid, attack!”

 

Seemingly floating on air, the Mermaid approached Blaze, then stopped about halfway across on the field. She started to sing – a beautiful melody that had Kyo and Yugo drooling with lust. Jenna looked at them with disgust, and Miki just looked bemused. But for Blaze, the song was anything but melodic, as she was holding her ears and screaming in agony. Her life points swiftly dropped to 6150.

 

“Now, Fenrir, it’s your turn!” Wade ordered once the Mermaid was back in her place on his side of the field. Needing no further instruction, Fenrir dashed forward at astonishing speed and delivered a nasty bite to Blaze’s arm. She cried out and tried to get him off, and only after a minute of torturous biting did he let her go. As her life points decreased to 4750, she felt very cold and numb in the spot where the wolf had bitten her.

 

“Had enough yet?” Wade asked, the grin now back on his face.

 

“You obviously don’t know who you’re dealing with, do you?” Blaze retorted, drawing her card. As she spoke, Burning Land’s flame hit her full force, dropping her further to 4250 – and then the Mask of the Accursed kicked in, sapping Wade’s life points down to 6000.

 

Marcus smirked. “Blaze had better watch herself if she wants to win,” he commented.

 

“Uh-huh…and why is that?” asked Yugo.

 

“Because, kid, Burning Land is a two-edged sword,” Marcus replied with mock patience. “It saps the opponent’s life points, but it also drains the user’s life points. And right now, there’s not much to say about Blaze’s life points…if she really wants to win, she’ll stop screwing around and get into the game.”

 

And that, apparently, was exactly what Blaze had in mind. “Now, Wade,” her voice was very soft, very cold, “you’re about to meet the main reason why you should have never screwed with me. Activate the magic card, Monster Reborn, to revive Inferno to the field!”

 

In a moment the flaming specter was back, screeching – but Blaze wasn’t finished even then. “And now,” she held up the last card in her hand, “I offer Inferno as a tribute to summon Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch (ATK 2400, DEF 1000)!”

 

Inferno exploded in a rush of fire; then, in its place among the smoke stood a massive man in a suit of armor with a red cape, holding a ball of flame in one hand. “Whoa! Check that out!” exclaimed Jenna.

 

“That, everyone, is Blaze’s most famous monster, and the most popular one among her fans worldwide,” said Flora. “Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch…with a dangerous special effect…”

 

“HUH?” Yugo and his friends stared at her.

 

“I’ll explain,” Blaze interrupted them. “When Thestalos is Tribute Summoned successfully, I can randomly discard one card from my opponent’s hand…and, if the card is a Monster card, I can use Thestalos’s effect to do damage to my opponent equal to 100 times the number of Level stars the monster has.”

 

“That’s crazy!” Wade exploded, looking down at the one and only card in his hand in panic.

 

“Do it! Thestalos!” Blaze yelled. And with that, Thestalos formed a ball of fire in his hand and fired it directly at Wade’s hand. Wade screamed out as his card was practically burned and sent to the Graveyard – then he grunted in pain as he suffered 400 points of damage to his life points, leaving him with 5600.

 

“A Level 4 monster, eh?” Blaze remarked. “I was hoping for a higher level than that, but I guess we can’t always have what we want…but now, it’s time to do battle! Thestalos, destroy that annoying Mermaid with Flamethrower Cape!”

 

Without further ado, Thestalos began to spin, getting faster and faster with each spin, until his very cape was burning. The edge of the cape sliced into the Enchanting Mermaid, burning her to ashes and further reducing Wade to 4400 life points.

 

“Fresh from the kitchen: Barbecued Mermaid Scales!” Blaze tinged with laughter at her own joke. Even the others on the sidelines couldn’t help laughing.

 

Hardly anyone seemed to notice a slow, sinister change in Wade’s mood…until he spoke. “Blaze…”

 

Blaze looked up, her laughter gone instantly. Something about Wade’s tone of voice just now…for some reason, it unnerved her.

 

“Shut the hell up and let’s finish this.” Without a second statement, Wade drew his card. Again, Lava Golem’s burning hot lava scorched him, reducing his life points down to 3400…and then Burning Land’s effect hit him once again, dropping him even further to 2900. But when he looked up again, gone completely was the jovial look in his eyes. In them, now, was something that made Blaze’s own eyes widen with horror.

 

Pure, unadulterated hatred.

 

Kyo saw it, too. “Jesus Christ,” he whispered. “I’ve never seen somebody have that look in their eyes before…”

 

Then, again, Wade spoke. “Blaze…do you know what you’ve just done…?”

 

Blaze was at a loss. “Huh?”

 

Wade’s eyes narrowed even more. “That monster you just destroyed…the Enchanting Mermaid…that was one of my most favorite monsters…but…she was more than just a card to me…she…and all the others you butchered…they were a reminder…a reminder to me…of that time…”

 

Blaze said nothing. Wade was trying to say something, to bring across a point, she realized. She decided to wait and let him finish.

 

“There’s a reason…why I decided to become a duelist,” Wade continued, his voice still dripping poison. “My sister…she used to be a marine biologist. She loved those sea creatures…was always concerned about them…she always was one to love the sea. Until that day…”

 

Blaze’s eyes softened. “What…happened…?”

 

“That day…that day, she was on a cruise ship, with some friends,” Wade went on, his head hung low. A mighty storm had been predicted by the weather channels, but the captain of the vessel just decided to throw all caution to the wind, and…the squall became too much, and that beautiful liner sprang a leak…only a handful of people escaped that sinking ship, but…Sis wasn’t among them…” Tears were flowing down his cheeks now. The others, looking on, felt somewhat sorry for him.

 

“They found her body a few days later,” he continued, wiping his eyes with the back of his arm. “After the funeral, I could never bring myself to even set foot on the beach for three years. Three years! And after all that time, he came to me…the great Mako Tsunami…retired from dueling by then, but still a powerful and respectable guy. He knew what I was suffering, because…he’d suffered a similar loss himself…and…” He smiled a little. “He told me that I had to conquer my fear of the ocean – my very namesake – and live on for my sister’s sake. Then he gave me his own personal deck, the very deck he used to use himself…and he told me to never stop fighting for what I believed in. And I trusted him…I trusted him, and I kept on living…even in those times when I just wanted to die…to be able to duel took away the pain I felt…” He looked up at Blaze. “Is it any wonder why I’m so jovial all the time? Because I carry such a burden on my back, a burden I never want anyone else to have to experience even for a moment…” He sniffed and released a sob.

 

Blaze didn’t – couldn’t – say anything for the longest moment. When she finally did, it was in a subdued voice. “Wade…”

 

“What?” he asked gruffly.

 

Now it was Blaze’s turn to hold her head down. “It may sound strange, coming from me…but…I understand your loss, far better than you think. I really do. It hurt, didn’t it…? To lose that precious someone, to wish you could be with her even one more time…”

 

Wade’s eyes widened as he heard Blaze say this. In all the time he’d known her, she had never spoken quite like this before.

 

Yugo looked at Blaze with amazement. This person…did something happen in her past, too…?

 

Then Blaze looked up, the haughty look back in her eyes. “Wade! We still have a duel to finish! Come on, now – show me what you’ve got! Give me your all, RIGHT NOW!”

 

Wade still had that surprised look on his face. Then, slowly, the cocky grin reappeared. “You got it!”

 

Holding up the last card in his hand, Wade announced, “I activate Pot of Greed to give me two more cards!” And he drew the two cards from his deck – then held up one. “Time to break free from your trap!” he shouted.

 

“How’re you gonna do that?” Blaze taunted.

 

Wade smirked again. “By offering both Fenrir and Lava Golem as tributes to summon Levia-Dragon – Daedalus (ATK 2600, DEF 1500) to the field!”

 

Blaze reared up in alarm. Holy sheet – if he tributes Lava Golem, then the Mask of the Accursed will disappear and he won’t lose any more life points! And, if he has THAT card in his hand – Oh, I am so screwed!

 

Both Lava Golem and Fenrir disappeared from the field, as did the Mask of the Accursed. And then, as Wade was freed from Lava Golem’s cage, there was a loud hiss as a massive blue sea serpent appeared. Then, ominously, Wade held up the last card in his hand. “Now…time to activate another Umi card!”

 

“WHAT?” yelled almost everyone.

 

Wade smirked. “What? Did you really think I had just ONE Umi card? Dream on!” He played the card, refilling the arena with the ocean yet again.

 

Blaze, of course, was very concerned, since Umi increased the Levia-Dragon’s ATK and DEF to 2800 and 1700, making it far stronger than Thestalos, whose ATK and DEF were reduced to 2200 and 800. “This sucks ass, man…”

 

“Oh, but do you think I’m going to just attack you like that?” Wade chuckled. “Nope! I, dear lady, am going to do something far worse! Now, Levia-Dragon, I activate your effect!”

 

Suddenly, as the serpent bent its head down into the water, to everyone’s astonishment it seemed to – suck up the sea?

 

“What’re you doing?” Blaze asked worriedly.

 

“By tributing one Umi,” Wade explained, “I can destroy everything on the field except Levia-Dragon.”

 

“NO!” Blaze shrieked, realizing what the consequences would be.

 

“That’s right! Now, my sea creature – spew that water out!” Wade commanded. And, as Blaze looked on in horror, Levia-Dragon did just that, washing away both a hapless Thestalos and the Burning Land magic card.

 

“Now, time to attack! Levia-Dragon, attack directly!” Wade ordered. And the creature did just that – with a mighty whish of its tail, it rammed Blaze violently, severely reducing her life points to 1650.

 

“sheet!” Blaze screeched. Her mind was raging, I can’t take another hit like that! I gotta find a way out of this, pronto!

 

Somewhat shakily, she drew her next card. Looking at it for the longest time, she decided to do something. “I’ll set this monster facedown, Defense Mode. Then I’ll end my turn.”

 

“Oh, getting desperate, are we?” Now it was Wade’s turn to mock her as he drew his next card. “Okaaaaay…your time’s finally come, babe! Time for me to finish this game and get really serious on your ass!”

 

“What’re you talking about?” Blaze demanded.

 

“Just this: I’ll offer Levia-Dragon as a tribute to Special Summon his true form to the field – The Ocean Dragon Lord – Neo-Daedalus (ATK 2900, DEF 1600), truly the most powerful monster in my entire deck!” And as Blaze looked on in disbelief, Wade played the card. In a moment, the Levia-Dragon had swiftly mutated into a massive, two-headed sea snake, stretching the length of the entire room.

 

“Neo-Daedalus, destroy Blaze’s face-down monster!” Wade ordered. And, with a mighty lash of its tail, the massive sea serpent did just that, flattening what turned out to be the Flame Ruler (ATK 1500, DEF 1600).

 

“So much for that,” Wade remarked.

 

But now Blaze was smiling. “Oh, Wade…that’s just so rude of you, to underestimate my monster like that! Now, I’ll also show you the true force of my deck!”

 

She drew her card, and as she looked at it, she smiled with satisfaction. “Now, I’ll activate my own Pot of Greed to gain two more cards into my hand!” And very soon she had two cards. Looking at them, she laughed triumphantly.

 

“I activate the magic of Premature Burial, giving up 800 life points…” And here Blaze’s life points dropped to 850. “…to bring back Flame Ruler from the Graveyard!” And in the next moment the Flame Ruler, a blue-haired man with a red jacket and flames burning around him, emerged once more.

 

“Now,” Blaze continued, “since Flame Ruler’s effect allows me to treat him as two monsters if I’m going to summon a Fire monster, I’ll offer him as a tribute to summon the truly most powerful beast in my deck – the Ultimate Obedient Fiend (ATK 3500, DEF 3000)!”

 

“What!” Wade cried out, astonished.

 

Flame Ruler disappeared in a cloud of smoke. Then, suddenly a terrible rumbling could be heard as the ground quaked. Next thing Wade knew, the floor burst open, and from out of the hole came a terrible heat, so fierce that he had to back away. But what he saw next amazed him: Coming out of the hole was the biggest giant anyone had ever seen. His skin was as red as a boiled lobster, he had horns on his head, and here and there on his body were eyes.

 

“Meet my Ultimate Obedient Fiend…straight from the lava pits,” Blaze smirked. “Now, since I haven’t got any cards in my hand and I have no other cards on the field – my Fiend, attack his Neo-Daedalus with Flaming Fist of Loyalty!”

 

The Obedient Fiend drew its fist back, then let loose with a mighty punch that completely incinerated Neo-Daedalus and destroyed it, lowering Wade’s life points all the way to 2300. As she watched the sea serpent’s body disintegrate into ash, Blaze chuckled. “Can you counter that? Don’t disappoint me now!”

 

Wade was feeling sore that Blaze had just destroyed his favorite monster, but gone was the feeling of rage. Instead, he laughed. “Now, THIS is what I call a duel!” he cried as he drew his next card. Then he stared long and hard at the card, and laughed.

 

Okay! Now I’ll have to bet everything on this card… “I’ll set one monster in Defense Mode, and then I’ll end my turn!”

 

Blaze drew her next card. Since the Ultimate Obedient Fiend couldn’t attack while she had a hand, she decided to summon the monster card she’d just drawn. “I’ll remove one Fire monster in my Graveyard from play to Special Summon the Spirit of Flames (ATK 1700, DEF 1000) to the field!” And a moment later a giant flame spirit appeared, growling menacingly. Then, as Wade looked on in amazement, its ATK shot up to 2000.

 

“The Spirit of Flames increases its ATK by 300 during each of my Battle Phases,” Blaze explained. “Now, Flame Spirit! Destroy Wade’s facedown monster with Corrupt Fire!”

 

The Spirit of Flames turned into a mighty wall of fire, ramming into the facedown monster. But, to Blaze’s dismay, that monster turned out to be the Nightmare Penguin (ATK 900, DEF 1800), a smartly dressed penguin complete with a top hat.

 

“When Nightmare Penguin is flipped face-up,” said Wade, grinning, “you must return one card on your field to your hand. So…”

 

Grudgingly, Blaze took back the Ultimate Obedient Fiend into her hand. “Annoying bastard,” she moaned.

 

“My turn again!” Wade drew his next card and smiled broadly. “Now I summon Gora Turtle (ATK 1100, DEF 1100) in Attack Mode!” A moment later a brown turtle appeared on the field.

 

“And what is THAT?” asked Blaze.

 

“Well, as long as this little guy stays face-up on the field, all monsters with an ATK of 1900 or higher cannot attack. That means that even your Spirit of Flames won’t affect me at all during your Battle Phase. Your move.”

 

Blaze sighed. This is going to be harder than I thought…

 

But when she drew her next card, her face lit up. “Oh, Wade…this is the end of you!”

 

“And how do you figure that?”

 

“Because of this! I summon the Ultimate Baseball Kid (ATK 500, DEF 1000) to the field!” And the Blaze summoned – to everyone’s amazement – a little boy in red baseball clothes and carrying a big bat.

 

“Oh, come on! Is that supposed to be a joke?” Yugo bawled.

 

“Oh, it’s no joke,” Blaze answered. “Because this kid gets 1000 ATK points for every other Fire monster on the field – and since there’s one other monster on the field now, his ATK is 1500!”

 

Wade took in the situation at a glance. “Damn! That’s enough to wipe out Gora Turtle!” he exclaimed.

 

“Now, Baseball Kid! Destroy Gora Turtle!” ordered Blaze. And in a moment, the baseball bat cracked Gora Turtle’s skull, destroying it and putting Wade’s life points at 1900. Then, its ATK raised to 2000 by its effect again, Spirit of Flames attacked directly…

 

…and reduced Wade’s life points to 0.

 

With that, Roland announced, “Winner of the first duel: Blaze Redman!”

 

----------

 

ELSEWHERE IN DOMINO CITY

 

The two gamblers in the bar stared at the TV as Wade’s life points were eliminated. Then the Blaze fan chuckled. “I think you owe me five beers, pal.”

 

The Wade fan looked up the ceiling and screamed, “NOOOOO!” while everyone else laughed at his loss.

 

[RyanAtlus]

Sorry. It's too small to read. XD

[Ryno Dorcus]

My bad.

---

[spoiler=Chapter 13]

CHAPTER 14

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

As the holograms disappeared, Blaze and Wade were breathing hard. It had been a tough, lengthy duel, and both were exhausted. Then suddenly Wade, getting up from the floor where he’d been knocked down, started laughing.

 

“Man, that was one of the best battles I’ve ever been in!” he exclaimed. “Blaze, I really have to say it: You rock as a duelist!”

 

Blaze nodded. “You’re not so bad yourself,” she remarked. “I see now why they call you the ‘Ocean Master.’” She turned to leave the platform. “Hey. Maybe someday we’ll duel again. I look forward to it.”

 

Wade nodded respectfully. “Me, too. Until then…”

 

The two of them stepped down from the platform. As they approached the others, Miki stepped toward Blaze.

 

“Hey, Blaze…that was really cool, how you came back from behind at the last minute,” she remarked. “You’re really a good duelist.”

 

“Uh – thanks, I guess,” said Blaze. “But hey – don’t you have to duel now?”

 

At that Miki’s expression changed to a frown. She looked over her shoulder at Marcus, who was already walking up. “Yeah…”

 

Yugo, Kyo and Jenna walked up and surrounded Miki. “Don’t worry about a thing, cousin. You hear?” said Jenna.

 

“Just do your best,” said Kyo.

 

“We’ll all be rooting for you!” added Yugo.

 

“Thanks, you guys,” Miki replied. With that, she turned to walk toward the platform, her Duel-Disk and cards at the ready.

 

“The second match, Marcus Ironside vs. Miki Taylor, is about to begin! Duelists, prepare yourselves!” Roland commanded.

 

----------

 

THE WHEELERS’ HOUSE

 

Mr. Wheeler was watching the matches on TV, and eating popcorn at the same time. “Hey, Tristan, where are you?” he bellowed. “You missed the first duel, man!”

 

Mr. Taylor came out from elsewhere, shaking his head. “Can’t a guy use the bathroom in peace?” he bellowed.

 

“What d’you have – diarrhea?” Mr. Wheeler cracked.

 

“Whatever, man,” Mr. Taylor grumbled.

 

They then beheld the upcoming duel. “Hey, it looks like Miki’s gonna duel now!” said Mr. Wheeler, a note of anticipation in his voice.

 

“Well, let’s start rooting for my little girl! GO, MIKI!” Mr. Taylor raised his arms and shouted.

 

“GO, MIKI!” Mr. Wheeler echoed.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

“God, I’m so nervous,” Miki whispered as she made it up to the arena. “I hope I don’t mess up…”

 

Across from her, Marcus had an emotionless face. “Humph…having to face a rookie like you…it disgusts me.”

 

Miki looked up at him. “Well, you were a rookie once, yourself,” she replied. “You shouldn’t look down on beginners just for being beginners.”

 

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Well, let me tell you this from now, kid. The moment they picked you as my opponent, you’d already lost this duel.”

 

Kyo, standing nearby, would have none of it. “Don’t listen to that nut-job, Miki! I know you can do it!”

 

Miki looked down at him and nodded. They’re expecting so much from me…I can’t let them down…

 

“Heads or tails, Marcus?” Roland asked.

 

“Tails, I suppose,” Marcus said with a sigh.

 

The coin was flipped, and the end result was tails. But then Marcus did a surprising thing. “Let the girl go first,” he declared. “Since she’s going to lose anyway, I may as well grant her this much.”

 

“Jerk-off,” muttered Yugo.

 

“That’s not the right word to describe him,” Jenna murmured.

 

The two duelists drew five cards each. “Begin!” Roland yelled.

 

Miki drew the first card and looked at it. “All right…I think I’ll summon Disc Fighter (ATK 1000, DEF 1000) to the field!” And she played her card, a moment later revealing an armored man with a discus in each hand.

 

“Such a weak opening…you really are a rookie,” grunted Marcus, drawing his first card. “I summon X-Head Cannon (ATK 1800, DEF 1500) in Attack Mode!”

 

A monstrous floating robot with two cannon barrels, one on each shoulder, emerged on the field. “Blast the Disc Fighter!” Marcus ordered. And it did just that – firing a mighty blast from its cannons, killing the Disc Fighter and reducing Miki’s life points to 7200.

 

“Hang in there, Miki! You can do it!” Jenna cried.

 

Miki nodded and drew her next card. “Okay…now I’ll set a monster facedown and end my turn!”

 

Marcus just laughed. “Do you really think that’ll do anything to me?” he demanded. “Well, if you want to play that way, fine! Now I’ll summon Y-Dragon Head (ATK 1500, DEF 1600) to the field!” A moment later a robotic red dragon appeared on the field.

 

“Hmmm…both of those monsters are Machine-types,” Kyo observed. “I guess it’s safe to assume that Marcus’s deck revolves around Machines, right?”

 

“Yes, that’s the theme of his deck,” Blaze nodded in agreement. “And there’s more…”

 

“How much more?” asked Yugo.

 

“See those two monsters there, X-Head Cannon and Y-Dragon Head?” said Wade, pointing to the field. “They are only two-thirds of a powerful force that Marcus has under his control. They happen to be his favorite monsters, too.”

 

“Uh…how powerful are we talking?” Jenna asked worriedly.

 

Flora looked directly at her. “Very.”

 

And Marcus was about to demonstrate that. “Now, Y-Dragon Head, activate your Union ability! Equip yourself to X-Head Cannon!”

 

“Union ability?” Miki asked in disbelief, even as she watched a panel on the Y-Dragon Head’s back open up, allowing the X-Head Cannon to seat itself comfortably within.

 

“Allow me to explain,” said Marcus. “There are certain Effect monsters in Duel Monsters that are known as Union monsters. By their own effect, they can equip themselves to certain monsters for varying results. In this case…” He indicated the X-Head Cannon and Y-Dragon Head. “Y-Dragon Head is a Union monster that can only be equipped to X-Head Cannon – increasing X-Head Cannon’s ATK and DEF by 400 points!”

 

Indeed, X-Head Cannon’s ATK and DEF were suddenly showing as 2200 and 1900, respectively!

 

“Now, my monster – destroy her facedown monster!” Marcus ordered. And, with a mighty blast from its cannon, X-Head Cannon decimated Miki’s Defense position monster, the Giant Soldier of Stone (ATK 1300, DEF 2000).

 

“Is this your friend’s first time dueling?” Flora asked suddenly.

 

“Uh, yeah,” replied Yugo. “Why?”

 

“This is bad…this is very bad,” Flora muttered. “You see, when it comes to dueling, Marcus will not show even the slightest bit of mercy to any opponent. It’s a documented fact – whether man, woman or child, whether old or young, he’ll skin his opponents alive and leave them out to dry.”

 

Eyes wide, Jenna turned and yelled, “Miki, be careful! This guy’s a monster!”

 

“I already figured out that much!” Miki retorted.

 

She drew her next card and examined her hand. She now had six cards in hand, and she decided to start getting a little more serious. She’d purposely been playing the way she had to test Marcus, but…now that she knew what he was capable of, she knew not to hold back any longer.

 

“I’ll set two cards facedown, and summon Marauding Captain (ATK 1200, DEF 400) to the field!” And a moment later a man in armor, a green cape and holding twin swords appeared.

 

“As long as this guy stays on the field, you can’t select another Warrior-type monster as an attack target,” explained Miki. “Plus, when I Normal summon him successfully, I can Special Summon one Level 4 or lower monster from my hand…and I choose my second Marauding Captain!”

 

As Marcus looked on, a duplicate of the first Marauding Captain appeared beside his twin. “Hmmm…interesting…” he muttered.

 

“Good thinking, Miki!” said Yugo. “Now he can’t attack you at all, thanks to Marauding Captain’s effect!”

 

“Yeah,” Kyo smiled and nodded. “Since you have two of them on the field, their effects interlink with each other, practically making an impenetrable shield. That was very smart of you.”

 

“But, guys, she can’t attack,” Jenna reminded them.

 

“That’s all right,” Yugo answered. “As long as she can stall him, she can come up with a plan to take down his life points.”

 

Miki looked at the cards on her side of the field. “Looks pretty good to me from here,” she nodded, and with that she ended her turn.

 

But Marcus wasn’t amused. “You think that’s going to stop me?” he demanded. “Not likely!” He drew another card. “I summon Z-Metal Tank (ATK 1500, DEF 1300) to the field!”

 

A large yellow tank emerged on the field. Marcus snickered. “Now, I’m going to get rid of your little defense,” he vowed. “Y-Dragon Head, disassemble from X-Head Cannon!”

 

To everyone else’s astonishment, Y-Dragon Head and X-Head Cannon separated and went back to being individual monsters. “That’s the beauty of Union monsters,” said Marcus with an evil chuckle. “During the Main Phase, you can either make them Equip cards, or change them back to being monsters. And now, time to show you what they can do when they’re fused together!”

 

“Say what?” Yugo and Kyo shouted simultaneously.

 

“Now, X-Head Cannon, Y-Dragon Head and Z-Metal Tank – combine to form the XYZ-Dragon Cannon (ATK 2800, DEF 2600)!” And Marcus held his arms out wide and laughed insanely.

 

A panel on the top of the Z-Metal Tank opened up, and the Y-Dragon Head’s feet were tucked in as it landed inside this panel. Then the panel on the Y-Dragon Head’s back opened again, and once more the X-Head Cannon was comfortably tucked in. As it now appeared, it was a weapon of war.

 

“But hold on – if it’s a Fusion monster, shouldn’t you use Polymerization?” Miki protested. “You can’t fuse monsters without using the Polymerization card! That’s cheating!”

 

“Under normal circumstances, yes, that’s true,” Marcus acknowledged. “But the XYZ-Dragon Cannon is a unique Fusion monster, in that I don’t even need the Polymerization card to fuse the monsters together. All I need to do is to remove the three monsters from play to Special Summon the XYZ-Dragon Cannon to the field. And…” He held up a card in his hand, then discarded it to the Graveyard. “By discarding one card from my hand, I can use XYZ-Dragon Cannon’s special effect – to destroy one card on your side of the field! And I choose – your Marauding Captain on the left!”

 

“But you can’t attack! You shouldn’t be able to!” Miki screamed.

 

“It’s not an attack, rookie – it’s a card effect,” Marcus corrected her. “Now, my cannon monster, blast the Marauding Captain on my left!”

 

As Miki looked on in utter terror, the XYZ-Dragon Cannon fired a massive blast composed of three – one from X-Head Cannon, one from Y-Dragon Head, one from Z-Metal Tank – and utterly demolished the chosen Marauding Captain. “Hee, hee,” said Marcus, now grinning widely, “now are you going to admit that you don’t even belong in this tournament?”

 

“Well, I got a higher score on the written test than you!” Miki reminded him.

 

“So what? That was just beginner’s luck!” Marcus stormed. “Now I’ll really put you in your place! XYZ-Dragon Cannon, attack!”

 

Again the Dragon Cannon charged up energy to fire off – but just as it did, Miki chuckled. “I activate my facedown trap, Sakuretsu Armor! This’ll destroy your monster for good!”

 

“WHAT?” Marcus yelled in shock. But there was no time to wonder, for suddenly Marauding Captain’s armor changed to one with lots of spikes, reflecting the attack and destroying the Dragon Cannon with its own attack!

 

“Woo-hoo! Way to go, Miki!” Yugo cheered.

 

Wade looked astonished. “Gee…for a first-timer, she’s playing like an expert!”

 

“That’s only natural – it shows that she’s been making good use of her time from last month,” Blaze remarked. “Lots of training, collecting good cards and practicing one’s strategy can get anyone a good distance in the world of Duel Monsters.”

 

But anyone looking at Marcus could see that he wasn’t taking his monster’s destruction well. “This is bull!” he exploded. “I’m a veteran at this! I’m not supposed to be outplayed by some beginner!”

 

“News flash: you just were,” said Miki.

 

Marcus turned to look at her. “I won’t forget this,” he vowed. “That was my favorite monster, and you destroyed it! I’ll make you pay for this, you little slut! Just you wait!”

 

Unfazed by his threats, Miki drew her next card. “You really need to lighten up, you know,” she sighed woefully. “It’s just a game, after all. You lose one game, it’s not the end of the world.”

 

“Let’s hear you say that again after I crush you!” Marcus answered venomously. “Your move!”

 

Miki then looked at her hand and decided on her next move. “Now, then! I summon Armaill (ATK 700, DEF 1300) in Attack Mode!” And when she played the card, a strange-looking monster appeared – an armor-clad warrior holding a sword in each hand, and having what appeared to be a long tail with a bladed tip. “Attack his life points directly!”

 

Armaill slithered forward like a snake, stabbing Marcus in the shoulder with its tail; Marcus winced in pain as his life points were reduced to 7300.

 

“Okay, Marauding Captain, it’s your turn! Double-X Slash!” Miki commanded. And with that, Marauding Captain rushed forward and slashed Marcus’s chest twice in an X formation, further reducing him to 6100.

 

“Now, that’s a good one! Put that bastard in his place!” Jenna cried.

 

“Hold on,” Flora warned her. “She may be playing well right now, but Marcus has a way of bouncing back – with ruthless force.”

 

Marcus’s shirt was sliced through from where Armaill and Marauding Captain had attacked him, and blood was flowing. He snarled through his teeth as he drew his next card, “So help me, when I get my next monster on the field, I’ll bury you!”

 

He examined his hand and then looked back at her. “The buck stops here, jabroni!” he declared as he summoned the Ground Attacker Bugroth (ATK 1500, DEF 1000). Then, as if for afterthought, he placed one card facedown. “And then…I think I’ll end my turn.

 

“Huh? Why didn’t you attack?” asked a dumbfounded Miki.

 

“Do I have ‘stupid’ printed on my face? You don’t really think you’d catch me with your traps a second time, do you?” Marcus growled at her.

 

Damn…I wanted a chance to destroy his monster and expose his life points again, but oh well… “Okay! My turn!” Miki drew her next card. “I’ll place one card facedown, then I’ll shift my monsters to Defense Mode…” As she said this, Armaill and Marauding Captain crouched in a defensive stance. “And that ends it for me!”

 

“Good move,” said Kyo. “If he’s got a stronger monster on the field, the only sensible thing to do is for her to put her monsters into Defense Mode. That way, he won’t get the chance to get at her life points.”

 

Marcus then took his turn. He drew his card, and looking at it, his eyes lit up. “Good! This is just what I – ”

 

“Not so fast!” Miki countered. “I activate my trap card, Drop Off!” and she activated the very she’d just set facedown. “This card forces you to send the card you just drew to the Graveyard!”

 

“WHAT THE HELL?” Marcus roared, but he sent the card to the Graveyard anyway. “You are SO going to pay for that little stunt! Count on it!” he yelled.

 

On the sidelines, Kaiba smirked. To think that a rookie like Miki can actually rattle a professional like Marcus…it’s so amusing, it’s almost embarrassing!

 

Marcus examined his hand. “Well, since you just ruined my plan,” he growled, “I’m going to make you pay! I summon Robotic Knight (ATK 1600, DEF 1800) in Attack Mode!”

 

A black-and-red robot with what looked like a swashbuckler’s hat emerged on the field, ready to fight. “But I’m not going to do anything right now! I’ll just end my turn!” Marcus announced, and he did just that.

 

Is he planning something else? I don’t like this one bit! Miki thought to herself. She then drew her next card. “I’ll offer Armaill as a tribute and set a monster in Defense Mode!” she announced.

 

Armaill disappeared from the field, and a facedown card emerged in its place. “And I’ll end my turn,” Miki finished.

 

Marcus drew his next card – and started to laugh. “Oh, this is just so wonderful!” he exclaimed. “Now I’ll offer Robotic Knight and Ground Attacker Bugroth to summon another creature to the field – my almighty Barrel Dragon (ATK 2600, DEF 2200)!”

 

In the blink of an eye, Robotic Knight and Ground Attacker Bugroth disappeared. In their place stood a behemoth of a mechanical dragon, with three massive cannons on its back. “Now! Witness the beginning of your destruction!” Marcus yelled.

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 14]

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

Miki’s life points were at 7200; on her side of the field she had Marauding Captain and a facedown monster in Defense Mode, plus she had one card facedown in her magic/trap slot; and she had three cards in her hand. Marcus’s life points were at 6100; on his side of the field, he had Barrel Dragon and one facedown card; and in his hand were two cards. And it was still Marcus’s turn.

 

As everyone looked on, suddenly three coins appeared on Marcus’s side of the field. “This is Barrel Dragon’s special ability,” he explained. “I get to flip three coins, and if at least two of the three results are heads, I can destroy one monster on your side of the field. Now, coins – flip!”

 

The three coins were simultaneously flipped into the air, and Miki watched apprehensively. Then, one by one, they landed and showed their results. The first was tails, the second was heads, and the third was…heads! “No!” Miki cried out.

 

“Hell yes!” exclaimed Marcus, obviously pleased with himself. “Now, then! Barrel Dragon, use your effect and destroy the facedown monster she just set!”

 

The three cannons on Barrel Dragon’s back charged up with particle energy; that energy was then released in one large blast, utterly destroying Miki’s facedown monster. Miki instinctively raised her arms as shields to defend against the force of the blast.

 

“And now…” Marcus raised a card in his hand. “I activate the effect of Monster Reborn, to revive a monster from my Graveyard!” He curled his lips in a nasty smile. “Do you remember that card that I drew, but then had to discard because of your Drop Off trap card? Well, I’m going to show you what it was! Say hello to Jinzo (ATK 2400, DEF 1500)!”

 

As Marcus played the Monster Reborn card, a tall, thin cyborg with a green metal body and an ugly mask emerged on the field. “This card’s effect is a powerful one,” he remarked. “It prevents and deactivates the effects of all Trap cards on the field. So, that little card you’ve got over there – it’s virtually useless now!”

 

“Oh, no!” cried Miki.

 

“Oh, yes!” Marcus countered. “Now, Jinzo, destroy the Marauding Captain! Psycho Shock!”

 

Jinzo charged up electrical energy in between its palms, releasing it in a wave of energy that electrocuted and burnt Marauding Captain to a crisp. Miki flinched – she knew what was going to happen next.

 

“Barrel Dragon, it’s your turn!” Marcus laughed maniacally.

 

“Miki, NO!” Jenna screamed, even as the Barrel Dragon charged its attack.

 

“This is bad,” Kyo exclaimed, glaring all the while at Marcus.

 

Then the Barrel Dragon released its particle attack…

 

----------

 

THE WHEELER’S HOUSE

 

“No! Not my Miki!” Mr. Taylor yelled and jumped up, almost upsetting the bowl of popcorn on the table. But even as he said it, on the TV the Barrel Dragon’s attack hit Miki directly, reducing her life points to 4600.

 

“Tristan, there’s nothin’ you can do,” Mr. Wheeler said gravely. “That Marcus guy is a professional player; an’ I could see from the start that he wasn’t gonna hold back at all. I hate to say it, but…it really does look like Miki could lose this duel…”

 

“But – this is her first duel, Joey! She can’t lose – not here, not now!” Mr. Taylor exploded.

 

Mr. Wheeler sighed. “That’s just it, Tristan. Not everybody can win the first time.”

 

Mr. Taylor knew his friend was right. Sighing in utter despair, he slowly sank back into his seat and stared at the TV.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

Miki struggled to get up, after the attack had knocked her down. “I won’t…give up now!” she vowed through clenched teeth.

 

“Can’t you see that it’s hopeless, rookie?” Marcus retorted, utterly fed up. “You’re facing a master duelist! You are nothing more than garbage!”

 

Kyo’s eyes flashed when he heard this. “That does it – I’m gonna rip his lungs out!” And he took one step forward – but Wade stopped him.

 

“Don’t do anything stupid, man,” Wade warned. “If you try to interfere in the duel, she’ll be disqualified. Let her try to get out of this on her own.”

 

“He’s right,” Flora put in. “The only way a duelist can learn from his mistakes, is by himself.”

 

Reluctantly, Kyo stood down. “Miki…” he whispered.

 

Painfully, Miki drew her next card. This looks like a good card…I can use this in a combination attack, like this…

 

“Okay – I’ll summon The Fiend Megacyber (ATK 2200, DEF 1200) in Defense Mode!” And, to Marcus’s surprise, a warrior in golden armor appeared on the field, crouched in a defensive stance.

 

“Hey, hold on – that’s a Level 6 monster! You need to tribute for that!” Marcus yelled, flustered.

 

“Not for his effect, I don’t,” replied Miki, smiling smugly. “If you have at least two monsters more than I do on the field, I can Special Summon the Fiend Megacyber without tributes. And, since this was a Special Summon, I can summon another monster to the field – but not just yet! Now, I’ll activate the magic card, Tribute Doll!”

 

Immediately the Fiend Megacyber disappeared, and a silver doll appeared in its place. “By offering one monster on my side of the field as a tribute, I can Special Summon one Level 7 monster from my hand – and I choose to summon Orgoth the Relentless (ATK 2500, DEF 2450)!”

 

As Marcus looked on in astonishment, the doll disappeared and was replaced by a gigantic sword-wielding knight in blue and purple armor – but Miki wasn’t done. Holding up the last card in her hand, she whistled with happiness.

 

“Now – I’ll Normal summon the Exiled Force (ATK 1000, DEF 1000)!” And a moment later a small army of soldiers appeared beside Orgoth.

 

“So, you managed to get a few monsters onto the field,” said Marcus. “Big deal.”

 

“Oh, it is a big deal – especially with the Exiled Force’s effect,” said Miki. “By offering it as a tribute, I can have the Force destroy one monster on the field – and I choose to destroy your Barrel Dragon!”

 

“What!” Marcus shot out.

 

But there was no stopping the Exiled Force now. The army of soldiers charged forward, slashing and hacking Barrel Dragon to tiny metallic pieces. Then, the Force disappeared.

 

“Now, I have a stronger monster on the field than you do,” Miki teased. “Unfortunately, Tribute Doll’s effect says I can’t have Orgoth attack you this turn, so I’ll end my turn now.”

 

Marcus’s eye twitched. “Such an annoying girl,” he muttered to himself.

 

----------

 

THE WHEELER’S HOUSE

 

“Wow!” Mr. Wheeler exulted. “Now that’s pretty good playing!”

 

“Orgoth the Relentless…that’s Duke Devlin’s favorite card, isn’t it?” Mr. Taylor asked, looking on in wonder at the massive knight.

 

“Yeah, it is,” agreed Mr. Wheeler. “But how’d she get it?”

 

Mr. Taylor thought back. “Now that I think about it, I seem to recall hearing Miki say she got cards from a very special friend…hey, you don’t suppose…?”

 

“If Duke was willing to part with his best monster, it must have been for a good reason,” Mr. Wheeler surmised. “Hey, look, that Marcus guy is about to play again!”

 

“He’s got the personality of Bandit Keith,” Mr. Taylor sighed with disgust. “You remember him?”

 

“Remember him? I was trying my best not to!” Mr. Wheeler growled at the memory of one of his most obnoxious rivals.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

Marcus drew his next card, giving him three in all. Then he looked at his hand and started to laugh. “Well, well, well…your lucky streak ends here, little girl!” he announced.

 

“Huh?” Miki looked at him with surprise.

 

“Allow me to show you! Now, I summon Gradius (ATK 1200, DEF 800) to the field!” And in a moment, a fighter jet emerged on the field, hovering beside Marcus. Then he held up the second card in his hand.

 

“And now…” He held up the card and played it in the magic/trap slot. “Say goodbye to this tournament, girlie! For now I activate the magic of Limiter Removal, which will double the ATK of all Machines on my field!”

 

To Miki’s horror, the ATK of Gradius doubled to 2400 – and Jinzo’s ATK went up to 4800!

 

“A word of advice, kid: Knights were popular during the Dark Ages – not in the modern day!” Marcus laughed savagely. “Now, Jinzo, destroy Orgoth the Relentless! Psycho Shock!”

 

Again Jinzo charged its attack, blasting Orgoth’s head clean off his shoulders. As Orgoth’s lifeless body collapsed and then disintegrated, Miki’s life points went down to 2300 – enough for Gradius to wipe out.

 

“NO!” Kyo cried, rushing toward the platform…

 

“Gradius, finish it now! Fighter Bomber!” Marcus yelled.

 

Gradius flew at supersonic speed, zooming close past Miki’s head. A split second later, a massive sonic boom ripped through Miki, causing her to scream out and literally lifting her off her feet as her life points went down to 0.

 

Rushing like a wild man, Kyo finally reached the arena and caught Miki before she could hit the floor. He knelt down, gently cradling her in his arms. “Miki…Miki, can you hear me?” he whispered, gently shaking her.

 

No response. Then as Kyo looked at her, his eyes widened in horror. Slowly trickling from the corner of Miki’s mouth was a trail of blood.

 

By this time Yugo and Jenna were up on the platform, right beside Kyo. “Miki - ! Miki, dear God, no!” Jenna whimpered in fear.

 

Yugo bent down and placed a hand over Miki’s nose and mouth. “Whew…she’s still breathing,” he announced. “But she doesn’t look good at all – we gotta get a doctor!”

 

Uncertain what to do, Roland looked at Kaiba. His employer nodded. “Announce the winner, Roland,” he said. “I’ll take care of this.” And he began to walk toward the platform.

 

Reassured somewhat, Roland said loudly, “Winner of the second duel: Marcus Ironside!”

 

“Can’t somebody get a doctor, Goddammit!” Yugo yelled.

 

“Calm down, kid.” Taken by surprise, Yugo looked up to see Kaiba standing over him. “I’ve already called the medic over my comm.-link. They should be here any moment now.”

 

“…” Jenna’s mind was filled with rage. She turned wrathful eyes upon Marcus, who was just beginning to leave the arena. “Bastard!” she screamed.

 

Marcus stopped, slowly turning to face her. “Be grateful. The little jabroni got off easy.”

 

Jenna had had more than she could take. Clenching her fist, she charged at Marcus. “Why, you dickhead - !”

 

To her surprise, a strong hand caught her arm from behind before she could launch her fist. Turning, she came face-to-face with Blaze. “Take it easy, girl,” Blaze said calmly. “You want revenge? Then do it the only way a duelist understands – with your Duel-Disk.”

 

Marcus scoffed. “Whatever. My match is over.” And he walked back down the stairs to the ground floor.

 

By this time the medic had already arrived, and she examined Miki on the spot. “This is bad, Mr. Kaiba,” she reported. “We need to get this girl to the ward at once!”

 

“Fine,” said Kaiba. “Get her there, now.”

 

----------

 

THE WHEELER HOUSE

 

“…no…” Mr. Taylor stared disbelievingly at the screen.

 

Mr. Wheeler looked at his friend, not knowing what to say. Sorry, Tristan…I know you wanted Miki to win, but…

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP MEDICAL WARD, TWENTY MINUTES LATER

 

Yugo and Kyo were seated outside the medical ward, while Jenna was pacing fretfully up and down. Then the medic came out of the room.

 

“You’re the girl’s friends?” she asked. “Well, she had to be treated for shock, but she’ll be fine…physically.”

 

“What do you mean, ‘physically’?” Jenna asked warily.

 

The medic sighed. “Well, she’s still unconscious, and nothing seems to be able to wake her. It’s as if her state of mind took a beating in that duel along with her body.”

 

The three friends looked at each other. “Poor Miki,” sighed Yugo.

 

Kyo turned and walked away. “Hey, wait a sec! Where are you going, Kyo?” Jenna cried out.

 

But Kyo did not answer; he just kept walking until the darkness of the corridor swallowed him up. “What’s with him?” Jenna wondered, shaking her head.

 

Yugo smiled a little. “It’s as I suspected – Kyo’s feeling something for Miki. Right now he feels bad because she got hurt. I don’t think anything we say can cheer him up now.”

 

Jenna looked down at the ground. “Miki…Kyo…”

 

----------

 

Kyo kept walking, oblivious to everything around him. It was only when he felt a hand on his shoulder that he jerked back to reality. “Huh?”

 

Standing behind him were Wade and Flora. “There’s no use moping around, dude,” said Wade. “The kid’ll be okay.”

 

“Yeah, she will,” Flora nodded. “Just give her a little time and let her get some rest.”

 

“You make it sound so simple, but it’s more than that,” Kyo shook his head. “She was hoping to be a real duelist…and she spent a whole month preparing for this…and me, Yugo and Jenna – all of us did our best to help her…and now look where she’s ended up!”

 

“Look man, what happened couldn’t be helped,” Wade remarked. “That Marcus – yeah, he’s a pain in the ass, but he’s been dueling ever since he was nine years old. No matter how you look at it, your friend wouldn’t have won against somebody like him.” He chuckled. “And anyway…sometimes you learn a lot more from a defeat than you do from a victory. She’ll have to understand that.”

 

Kyo looked searchingly at Wade. “Did Mako Tsunami tell you that, too?”

 

Wade sighed. “Well…not the exact same words, but…yeah.” He closed his eyes at the memory. “Even before her death, my sister had her good working days and her bad working days. She just took what happened on the bad days as a learning experience, and made up her mind never to make the same mistakes again. She was always like that, you know?”

 

“Cheer up, sweetie,” Flora added. “Miki’s lost this duel, but hey – experience begins somewhere. Who knows – maybe the very next time she duels, she’ll win that battle. Then she’ll treasure the idea of victory even more.”

 

Kyo chuckled. “Yeah…I guess so.”

 

----------

 

YUGO’S HOUSE, AT THAT MOMENT

 

Mr. Muto exited his room, putting on a jacket, and was at the door when Grandma called after him from the living room, “Aren’t you going to stay and watch Yugo’s match? It’s going to start shortly.”

 

“Don’t worry, Mother – there’s a big-screen near Kaibacorp,” he assured her. “If we hurry, we can still be on time to see it.”

 

“Okay, okay. Just let me get my coat.”

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM, TEN MINUTES LATER

 

Roland was looking around with some impatience. “Where are those two? Don’t they know it’s time for their match to begin?”

 

But Kaiba was quite calm about it. “Don’t stress yourself, Roland,” he advised the retainer. “Yugo’s not the type to back away from a duel. He and Flora will be here.”

 

By and by, Yugo arrived at the arena, and Flora came along shortly after. “Sorry we’re late, but here we are,” Yugo apologized.

 

“Just hurry up and get up there, that’s all,” said Roland.

 

Kaiba said nothing. This’ll be the first time I’ll be seeing Yugo’s skills in person. Now, then, kid…show me the skill that defeated Seta!

 

Roland raised his hand, then let it drop. “The third duel, Yugo Muto vs. Flora Green, will now begin! Duel!”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 15]

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

Yugo climbed up to the platform, then turned to face Flora. “Well, are you ready to do this?”

 

She smiled a little. “Yes. But before that, I want to ask you something, Yugo.”

 

He raised an eyebrow. “Huh? What is it?”

 

Flora looked him dead in the eye. “Why do you duel?”

 

The question caught Yugo completely off-guard. “What do you mean?”

 

“Just what I asked. Why do you duel?”

 

Time seemed to stop for Yugo. He sighed and held his head down. “Well…it’s complicated, but…all my life I wanted to be free from the fame of my father, Yugi…I wanted to be recognized in my own right, instead of having to live off his popularity…that’s why I’m dueling. So that, one day, I can surpass the legend he became and be a true duelist with my own fame.”

 

Flora regarded him. “So, in other words…you want people to acknowledge you for who you are, instead of for who your dad was?”

 

Yugo nodded. “Yeah, that’s right.”

 

She sighed. “Well…this is just my personal opinion, but…that’s somewhat selfish.”

 

Yugo jerked. “Say what?”

 

“Let me tell you why I duel,” said Flora gravely. “My grandmother used to be a botanist. She was very passionate about plants, and it pained her to see the daily news about entire forests being destroyed every DAY. Then, last year…when I was at her deathbed, she made me promise to do whatever I could to save trees and wildlife everywhere. I’ve been doing the best I could do ever since then, but there’s one hurdle: lack of interest by the big-name corporations to cooperate.

 

“Whenever you turn on your TV, or pick up your newspaper, you see it: the big companies worldwide, cutting down trees, destroying entire rainforests in order to expand their empires. I may not be able to do much, but if even one person is fighting for nature, even if it’s just me, then that’s all the motivation I need to keep fighting. That is why I duel, Yugo: so I can keep my promise the best way I can!”

 

Yugo sighed. “I think I understand. But, Flora, if you really want to realize your dream, first you’ll have to defeat me.”

 

“And that’s what I intend to do!” Flora readied her Duel-Disk. “Now, let’s do this!”

 

About time, thought Kaiba. This philosophical bullshit was starting to bore me.

 

The coin appeared on the field, and Flora announced, “I choose heads!” Then the coin was flipped…and it did turn out to be heads.

 

“I’ll go first, then,” Flora said triumphantly, drawing an additional card to give her six in hand. “Now, I’ll set one monster facedown in Defense Mode and end my turn!”

 

Yugo frowned as he considered something. She just might have given herself away a while ago with that speech about the environment…if my guess is right, she probably uses Plant-type monsters in her deck…and since some Plant-type monsters work in coordination with Insect-types, there’s a chance she might have those in her deck, too. In that case, I’ll have to tread very carefully here…

 

“Okay!” he announced as he drew his first card. “I’ll also set a monster in Defense Mode – and also, I’ll place one card facedown, and then end my turn!”

 

Flora raised an eyebrow. “Playing cautiously, are we?” she remarked. “I admire that, but…he who hesitates is lost! Let me show you why!”

 

She drew her next card. “Now, I’ll set another monster in Defense Mode, set one card facedown – and flip over my first facedown monster, Parasite Paracide (ATK 500, DEF 300)!”

 

She revealed a bug with red tentacles protruding from its back – then suddenly it jumped forward and latched itself onto Yugo’s Duel-Disk. Horrified, Yugo could only stare in disgust as the thing burrowed into his deck.

 

“That’s the effect of Parasite Paracide,” explained Flora. “It hides itself in your deck when flipped face-up; then, when you draw the card, it’ll be Special Summoned to your side of the field in Defense Mode.”

 

“Hmmm…that doesn’t sound too bad,” Yugo mused.

 

“But that’s not all,” Flora continued. “When that happens, your life points will be drained by 1000, and as long as that card remains on the field, every monster on your side will be treated as an Insect-type!”

 

Yugo flinched when he heard this. “Okay, now it sounds bad,” he nodded.

 

“And it’s about to get worse! For now I activate the power of this magic card – Jade Insect Whistle! This card forces you to select one Insect-type monster from your deck; then, you shuffle the deck, and afterwards, place the card on top of the deck.”

 

“Crud!” Yugo growled.

 

The Jade Insect Whistle made a shrill sound; Yugo reluctantly searched his deck, found the offending Parasite Paracide, and then shuffled his deck. Then he put the card on top of the deck, knowing full well what would happen on his turn.

 

“And now, I think I’ll end my turn,” Flora added, smiling sweetly. “Your turn, Yugo.”

 

Sighing, Yugo disdainfully drew his next card – and immediately the Parasite Paracide appeared onto the field in Defense Mode. Yugo watched as his life points decreased to 7000 points, but he wasn’t about to let that faze him.

 

“All right!” he exploded. “I’ll flip over my facedown monster to reveal the Old Vindictive Magician (ATK 450, DEF 600)!” But when the mage was flipped face-up, much to Yugo’s revulsion he appeared to resemble a cockroach in magician’s clothes!

 

“Ugh! Disgusting!” Yugo nearly puked. “Still…his effect to destroy one monster on the field still stands! And so, I’ll destroy your facedown monster!”

 

The Vindictive Magician then raised his staff – or antenna, or whatever it was supposed to be – and fired a blast at the facedown monster, utterly destroying it. Then Yugo held up another card.

 

“Next, I’ll summon Magician’s Valkyria (ATK 1600, DEF 1800) in Attack Mode!” But as he summoned that monster, he was horrified to see that it, too, had the appearance of an insect. The Valkyria, apparently, was repulsed by her new appearance, too. Nevertheless, Yugo swallowed his disgust and decided on what he had to do.

 

“Okay! Magician’s Valkyria, attack directly!”

 

Eager for revenge for distorting her appearance, Magician’s Valkyrie fired a bright green blast of energy from her staff at Flora, who took it in the stomach, reducing her life points to 6400.

 

“Now, Old Vindictive Magician, it’s your turn!” Yugo yelled. And that old mage fired another blast, reducing Flora further to 5950. With that, Yugo decided to end his turn.

 

“Hmm? You could’ve used your Old Vindictive Magician’s effect to get rid of the Parasite Paracide, you know,” Flora pointed out. “Why didn’t you?”

 

Yugo hesitated. “I…I don’t know.”

 

“Holding back on your opponent in any way is a sign of weakness, Yugo.” Flora shook her head disapprovingly. “And now, it’s about to cost you dearly.”

 

She held up a card in her hand. “I activate the power of my Monster Reborn card, to revive the monster your Old Vindictive Magician’s effect destroyed – my Prickle Fairy (ATK 300, DEF 2000), in Defense Mode!”

 

In a moment a pink-robed plant with thorny vines protruding from its arms appeared on the field. “Prickle Fairy’s effect declares that unless you destroy her first, you cannot attack any Insect-type monsters on my side of the field,” Flora informed him. And, as if to prove this point, Prickle Fairy’s thorns suddenly spread out in the form of a shield around the rest of the field.

 

“Uh…okay…” Yugo sighed. This was going to be more annoying than he thought.

 

“Now, I summon Neo Bug (ATK 1800, DEF 1700) in Attack Mode!” And Flora summoned a bug that, in some weird way, looked like a cross between a mosquito and a scorpion. “Attack the Magician’s Valkyria!”

 

Neo Bug lunged toward Magician’s Valkyria, biting off her head and reducing Yugo’s life points to 6800. Yugo winced as he watched this rather gruesome display. “Uh, all right…” he said to Flora. “That. Is. Simply. Sick.”

 

“Well, you haven’t seen anything yet, believe me,” Flora smiled sweetly now.

 

----------

 

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

“Hurry up, Mother, will you?” Mr. Muto asked with exasperation. “Yugo’s match has started already!”

 

“I’m hurrying, I’m hurrying!” Grandma protested.

 

The two of them presently sat down on a bench where they could see the big-screen just above the entrance to Kaibacorp. “Well, looks like we just barely made it,” Mr. Muto remarked. “The duel has just started, it looks like.”

 

Grandma looked up at the screen, where Yugo was now portrayed in his duel against Flora. “That young girl…she looks familiar…”

 

Mr. Muto looked up. “Ah, that’s Flora Green, internationally-acclaimed ‘Nature Duelist,’” he told his mother. “Fiercely protective of the environment, I hear.”

 

“Well, that’s good for her,” Grandma sniffed. “We need more environmentally-conscious people in this world today. But, hey…she looks as if she’s giving Yugo a hard fight, don’t you think?”

 

“No need to worry about him,” Mr. Muto nodded with assurance. “He had a good teacher…” His eyes flashed. “He’ll win for sure.”

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

Yugo now had 6800 life points, and Flora was at 5950. He had three cards in his hand; she had two. On Yugo’s side of the field were Old Vindictive Magician in Attack Mode and Flora’s Parasite Paracide in Defense Mode, and one other card facedown; on Flora’s side were her Defense Mode Prickle Fairy and her Neo Bug in Attack Mode, and she still had one card facedown.

 

“Flora…you said that you think my goal is a selfish one,” Yugo said. He lowered his hands a moment. “But…your grandmother was a famous botanist, and you’re now famous for your love of plants and plant life. Tell me…did you, at any time, ever feel like you were in your grandmother’s shadow?”

 

Flora looked up, surprised. “Uh – no. Not really.”

 

Yugo’s eyes narrowed. “Then you can’t possibly understand why I feel the way I do, can you? To always feel inferior to someone who everyone compares you to…to always be expected to live up to that person’s reputation…can you possibly understand that? No, you can’t. So…” He ran a hand through his hair, from his forehead to the nape of his neck. “Before you go judging people’s values, why don’t you try putting yourself in their shoes first?”

 

Flora just stood there, unable to reply.

 

Yugo then took his turn, drawing his card. “I summon Gemini Elf (ATK 1900, DEF 900) in Attack Mode!” Immediately twin elves appeared on the field, ready to attack. But then Yugo remembered that he couldn’t attack Neo Bug without destroying Prickle Fairy first, and he cursed under his breath. “Fine…I’ll just put Old Vindictive Magician in Defense Mode and end my turn.” And he shivered at the mantis appearance of his elves.

 

Flora drew another card, and smiled when she saw what it was. “How nice! Now I’ll summon Vampire Orchis (ATK 1700, DEF 1000) in Attack Mode!” And then she summoned a gigantic tree with eyes and a mouth filled with sharp fangs. On its limbs were small flowers that sprouted fangs, as well.

 

“But that’s not all,” Flora continued. “When Vampire Orchis is Normal summoned successfully, I can Special Summon one Des Dendle (ATK 300, DEF 2000) to the field from my hand – which I now do, in Defense Mode!” And so saying, she summoned a large flowery mould to stand beside the Vampire Orchis.

 

Flora then held up the last card in her hand. “Now, observe well, Yugo,” she admonished him. “Whenever I use this strategy against my opponent’s, this card works well for me…I activate Eradicating Aerosol, to destroy every Insect-type monster on the field!”

 

“Say what?!” Yugo gaped in surprise.

 

As Flora played the magic card, a large can of insect spray appeared on the field and started spraying everywhere. Since the Parasite Paracide on Yugo’s side of the field turned every monster on his field into Insect-types, all of his monsters were destroyed, along with Flora’s Neo Bug. “Dammit! Not my monsters!” Yugo cried out.

 

“And, as if that weren’t bad enough, I now activate my facedown trap card, DNA Surgery!” Flora exclaimed. “When I activate this card, I declare one monster type, and as long as this card stays on the field, all face-up monsters will be treated as that type. And the type I choose is – Insect-type!”

 

“What the hell did you say?” Yugo snapped. “Oh, man – how much longer am I gonna have to put up with all these damn bugs?”

 

“Deal with it,” Flora advised him, even as her formerly Plant-type monsters now began to take on various characteristics of various insects. “In case you don’t know, let me give you a little lesson. There are many, many bugs in this world that are actually quite necessary for humankind’s very survival. The silkworm, for example, is the very creature that manufactures the silk we wear as clothing nowadays.”

 

“How…creepy and…simply unnerving…” Yugo shivered at the thought.

 

“But enough about that,” said Flora. “Your life points are now wide open for a direct attack from my Vampire Orchis! Now, my pet, use your Tree Bark Bite and attack him directly!”

 

One of the Vampire Orchis’s fanged limbs lunged forward and bit Yugo on the neck, causing him to shriek in pain as his life points went way down to 5100. He dropped to his knees, holding his neck as his face contorted in agony.

 

“Perhaps now you’ll have the proper respect for insects…and plants, too, for that matter,” Flora remarked smugly.

 

“Geez, for someone who can be so polite, you are a real jabroni,” Yugo muttered, hoping she hadn’t heard him.

 

Getting up with a little difficulty, cringing at the pain in his neck, Yugo gingerly drew a card from his deck. “All right…since I haven’t got much other choice right now, I’ll summon Neo the Magic Swordsman (ATK 1700, DEF 1000) to the field!” And he played the card, revealing a swordsman with mystical energy swirling around his hand – and with antennae sticking out of his head, and bug’s eyes, and wings protruding from his back…

 

“sheet,” Yugo mumbled.

 

“Well, don’t forget, you still can’t attack due to my Prickle Fairy’s effect,” Flora reminded him. “And, since my DNA Surgery card has turned every monster on the field into an Insect-type, including Prickle Fairy, that means that you can’t attack at all! I’m the ruler of this game now!”

 

Yugo looked away, hoping she wouldn’t see the major grimace coming over his face. “Well, all right, then. Fine. I’ll end my turn.”

 

Then Flora drew her next card – and smiled with extreme pleasure. “Now, Yugo,” she said to him, her face brightened by a massive smile. “I activate Pot of Greed, to draw two more cards!” And this she did. Then, when she saw the two cards she now held, she chuckled. “Oh, sweetie-pie…I’m about to introduce you to a very fearsome creature in my deck. Prepare to bow before the might of my Insect Queen (ATK 2200, DEF 2400)!”

 

As Flora tributed both Vampire Orchis and Des Dendle, a frightful shriek could be heard as a massive spider appeared on the field. Six legs…a large body…and one very ravenous mouth…Yugo could only stare in shock at this creature before him.

 

“See her? She’s a beauty, isn’t she?” Flora cried, obviously happy with her triumph.

 

“If THAT’S what you consider beauty, I’d hate to see what you think ugliness is,” Yugo countered.

 

“Oh, you’ve hurt my feelings!” Flora put a hand to her heart and pretended to be stricken. “But no matter – I’ll soon show you a thing or two!”

 

Suddenly, as Yugo stared in astonishment, the Insect Queen’s ATK shot up to 2800! “What gives with that?” he demanded.

 

“It’s Insect Queen’s effect,” Flora explained. “For every Insect-type monster on the field – which all the monsters are, anyway, thanks to DNA Surgery – Insect Queen gets a power boost of 200 points! That’s 200 from Prickle Fairy, 200 from your Magic Swordsman – and 200 from herself! But consider yourself lucky,” she went on, “because in order to attack, a tribute of one monster on my side of the field is required…but I’m not in a mood to tribute my Prickle Fairy just now. So, I’ll set a card facedown, and end my turn. You’re safe…this turn.”

 

Yugo gulped as he prepared to draw his next card. This…is gonna be one hell of a duel, that’s for sure. But…I have to get rid of that Insect Queen before she sinks those fangs into me! I’ve had enough of these goddamn insects, that much I’m certain of!

 

[Ryno Dorcus]

[spoiler=Chapter 16]

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

“Oh, poor Yugo!” Grandma shivered. “Being tormented by those horrible bugs!”

 

She was watching the duel on the big-screen and had just seen Flora summoning the Insect Queen. “Oh, whatever will Yugo do? That girl has the upper hand against him!” she wailed.

 

Mr. Muto seemed especially calm, however. “Please, Mother, calm down,” he reassured her. “Yugo hasn’t lost this one yet…he still has some moves left…”

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

The score was now thus: Yugo had 5100 life points; on his side of the field were Neo the Magic Swordsman in Attack Mode and one facedown card in his magic/trap slot which he hadn’t activated up to this time, and in his hand were three cards. Flora still had 5950 life points; on her side of the field were the DNA Surgery trap card, one other card facedown, Prickle Fairy in Defense Mode and her newly-summoned Insect Queen, and no cards in hand at all. And now, it was Yugo’s turn.

 

“This is bad,” Yugo was muttering to himself. “Very, very bad, indeed.” He realized that if he didn’t get himself protected, and soon, he would end up quite badly – as spider-food. And frankly, he wasn’t in the mood.

 

“Um, all right…I’ll shift Neo into Defense Mode, and end my turn,” he sighed.

 

But when Flora drew her next card, she laughed out loud. “You’re going to regret that move! For now I summon the Giant Flea (ATK 1500, DEF 1200) to the field! Giant Flea, suck the Magic Swordsman dry!”

 

The Flea crawled forward so fast Yugo barely even saw it move. Then, right before his disgusted eyes, it bit into Neo the Magic Swordsman and sucked his blood, leaving only an empty shell. Meanwhile, Insect Queen’s ATK, increased to 3000 because of the Flea’s presence, went back down to 2800 after the Magical Swordsman was destroyed.

 

“And now, say goodbye to a huge chunk of your life points!” Flora declared. “I’ll offer the Giant Flea as a tribute for Insect Queen to attack you directly!”

 

As Yugo looked on, getting sicker with each passing second, the Insect Queen turned and chomped into the body of the Giant Flea. Then, turning, it prepared to bite Yugo!

 

“I’ve had enough of this sheet!” Yugo snapped suddenly. “I activate Blast Held by a Tribute! Since your Insect Queen was Tribute Summoned, it and every face-up monster on your side will be destroyed and 1000 points of damage will be done to your life points!”

 

The facedown card he’d been holding onto for so long finally flipped face-up. Insect Queen halted in its tracks, letting out a pained howl as its heart suddenly exploded. Then its whole body blew up, taking Prickle Fairy with it and splattering disgusting goo everywhere – and lowering Flora’s life points to 4950 in the process. Flora herself was shocked at this sudden turn of events. “My…my Insect Queen…destroyed!” she cried in disbelief.

 

“That’s right, sister,” Yugo snickered.

 

“Well, beat this, then – for my absolute defense still stands!” snapped Flora. “I activate my trap card, Call of the Haunted, to revive my Prickle Fairy in Attack Mode!”

 

As her trap card flipped face-up, Prickle Fairy reappeared on the field, once again protected by DNA Surgery and transformed into an Insect-type in the process. But Yugo simply smiled. “I destroyed your Insect Queen…and that’s not all that’s going to be destroyed in a moment.”

 

Taking his turn, he drew a new card, and smiled when he saw what it was. “Now, then Flora, I’m going to activate a card that I just know you’re going to hate,” he nodded. “I activate the magic of Double Spell! By discarding one Magic card from my hand…” and here he discarded a card, the Pot of Greed. “…I can select one magic card in your Graveyard and use it as my own. And I choose…Eradicating Aerosol!”

 

“Ack! No!” Flora’s eyes widened in realization and horror.

 

The same can of insect spray she’d used earlier now appeared on Yugo’s side of the field. Yugo himself was wearing a devilish grin on his face. “The pest exterminator is in the house!” he bellowed as he activated the card.

 

Since the DNA Surgery card’s effect still treated Prickle Fairy as an Insect-type, Eradicating Aerosol’s spray blasts worked effectively. Prickle Fairy sniffed, then suddenly started choking…and withered into nothingness, as the Call of the Haunted card powering it disappeared as well.

 

Coming into the area at that moment, Marcus Ironside stopped short and stared in astonishment. Are my eyes deceiving me, or is Flora really getting outplayed by a rookie?

 

“Now, your absolute defense has been shattered,” said Yugo confidently. “And now, where was I…? Oh, yes, I believe I was about to summon another monster!”

 

And he did. “Now, I summon Breaker the Magical Warrior (ATK 1600, DEF 1000) to the field!” A moment later a warrior with a sword and shield, clad in red armor and emitting magical energy, appeared on the field, with attributes of a cockroach. But then, as Flora took this new arrival in, suddenly Breaker’s ATK increased to 1900.

 

“What gives with that?” she wondered aloud.

 

“When Breaker is Normal Summoned successfully,” explained Yugo, “I place one Magic counter on him, increasing his ATK by 300 points. And now, let me show you a lesson of my own creation! Breaker, attack her life points directly!”

 

Whereupon Breaker rushed forward and slashed Flora in the gut with his sword, crippling her and bringing her life points down to 3050. But then, once Breaker was back on Yugo’s side of the field, suddenly his ATK shot down to 1600.

 

“By removing that counter from Breaker,” Yugo told Flora, “I can use his effect to destroy one Magic or Trap card on the field – and I’ll have him destroy that annoying-as-hell DNA Surgery!” Whereupon Breaker ran forward and sliced the card in two with one mighty swing of his sword.

 

“Now, that makes me feel better,” Yugo sighed.

 

Shaking her head, Flora drew her next card. Oh, now THIS could help me greatly! This should at least buy me some time until I can find a way to get back into the game!

 

“I’ll set one monster in Defense Mode, and end my turn!”

 

Yugo staredat the facedown monster with suspicion as he drew his next card. “Okaaaaay…now I think I’ll summon my Chaos Command Magician (ATK 2400, DEF 1900) in Attack Mode, offering Breaker the Magical Warrior as a tribute!”

 

Breaker disappeared from the field, and in his place was a mage wearing dark green robes and holding a cane in one hand. “Now, attack!”

 

This magician drew back his staff and fired a blast at the facedown monster. But Flora smiled. “Big mistake, Yugo! You revealed my Man-Eater Bug (ATK 450, DEF 600), whose effect is not unlike your Old Vindictive Magician – it’ll now destroy your magician and leave you defenseless!”

 

The revealed bug crawled forward and jumped at the mage. But then, to Flora’s shock, the Chaos Command Magician raised his staff and blasted the other monster to oblivion!

 

“Sorry, Flora,” said Yugo, “but my mage’s effect negates the effect of any Effect monster that specifically designates him as a target – anything like your Man-Eater Bug.” He smiled smugly. “Your fate has been decided. Next turn, I will eliminate you.”

 

“Not yet!” Flora drew her next card. “I’ll activate the Swords of Revealing Light! This will stop your monster from attacking for the next 3 turns!”

 

But when Yugo drew his next card, he shook his head. “Even that won’t save you now. For now I’ll activate the magic of the Dark Magic Curtain, to Special Summon my famous Dark Magician (ATK 2500, DEF 2100) from my Deck in Attack Mode!”

 

The next thing Flora knew, the purple-clad magician appeared from behind a huge curtain that had somehow appeared onto the field; and he came to stand beside the Chaos Command Magician. “It’s well worth half my life points to have him on the field,” Yugo remarked, as Dark Magic Curtain’s effect sapped him down to 2550 life points. “But not to worry – once those Swords of Revealing Light disappear completely, your life points will be wide open.”

 

Now, the score stood at Yugo with 2550 life points and Flora with 3050. Yugo had two cards in hand while Flora had none. On his side of the field were the Dark Magician and the Chaos Command Magician, and on her side was the Swords of Revealing Light magic card, shielding her from his impending attack.

 

Flora drew her next card, and one of the three swords disappeared. Frowning greatly, she looked carefully at her card and decided to hold onto it. “You take your turn,” she told Yugo.

 

Shrugging, Yugo drew another card and smiled when he saw what it was. “Well, then, I’ll end my turn.”

 

The second sword disappeared. Is he deliberately ending his turns quickly to reduce the amount of energy left in the Swords of Revealing Light? Flora wondered. I have to find some way to finish him, and quickly, too!

 

She drew another card – and her eyes widened in astonishment. Then she chuckled. “Again, I’ll end my turn.”

 

Now it was Yugo’s turn to frown. “What are you up to?” he asked as he drew his card.

 

“Oh, nothing, nothing at all,” Flora answered innocently.

 

Yugo narrowed his eyes. “Well, if that’s how it’s going to be, then – I summon D.D. Warrior Lady (ATK 1500, DEF 1600) in Attack Mode!”

 

A portal opened on Yugo’s side of the field; a moment later a beautiful woman wearing black leather, with a cybernetic arm, wielding a sort of short-bladed light-saber, emerged from that portal onto the field. “Now, I’ve got more than enough firepower on my side,” he remarked, “to finish you off once that last sword disappears. But...” He picked one more card out of his hand and showed it to Flora.

 

“I’ll now equip this card, the Ring of Magnetism, to my Warrior Lady! Her ATK and DEF will decrease by 500, and every monster that you put on your side of the field that’s going to attack must attack her.” He then paused and looked at the cyber-warrior. “Sorry, Warrior Lady,” he whispered…and she looked at him and nodded, accepting her fate.

 

The last sword did disappear at that point, and Flora drew her next card. “YES! Just what I needed!” she cried. “All right! Now I’ll summon the Insect Knight (ATK 1900, DEF 1500) in Attack Mode!” And she summoned a bug that was armed to the teeth.

 

“And next,” and here Flora held up another card, “I’ll activate the magic of Premature Burial, paying 800 of my life points to revive my Insect Queen!” And as her life points went down to 2250, the Insect Queen returned to the field, powered up to 2600 due to itself and Insect Knight being obvious Insect-types. Then Flora held up the last card in her hand, the card she’d just drawn.

 

“Now, I activate the magic card, Multiplication of Ants! By tributing one Insect-type monster on my side of the field…” And as Flora spoke, Insect Knight suddenly disappeared. “…I can Special Summon two Army Ant Tokens to my side of the field.” And as she spoke two metallized ants appeared in Defense Mode, with an ATK of 500 and a DEF of 1200. Since there were now three Insect-type monsters on the field, Insect Queen’s ATK went up to 2800!

 

“And now, I’ll tribute one of my tokens to allow Insect Queen to attack!” Flora exclaimed, filled with glee. “And of course, my first target…is your D.D. Warrior Lady! Not that I have any other choice with that Ring of Magnetism equipped to her, anyway. Insect Queen, devour her!”

 

D.D. Warrior Lady braced herself even as Insect Queen, with an ATK of 2600 after swallowing the token, attacked. There was a sickening CRUNCH as the Queen’s fangs chomped into the cyber-warrior’s body, chewing with great relish, and then swallowed. Yugo watched all this with remorseful eyes, as his life points went down to 950.

 

And then he suddenly grinned. “Boom.”

 

KA-BLAM! Insect Queen barely had any time to screech as suddenly its belly bulged outward – then its whole body exploded once again, splattering goo every which where!

 

“What!” Flora screamed. “But – what happened!”

 

“It was the effect of my D.D. Warrior Lady, that’s what,” explained Yugo. “When she does battle with a monster, after the damage calculation is done I can choose to remove both her and the monster she battled from play…and this time, I chose to do so. So, no more returning for your Insect Queen…”

 

“No…that means…” Flora was at a loss for words now.

 

For formality’s sake, Yugo drew another card. “Now, I’ll use Chaos Command Magician to attack and destroy your remaining Army Ant Token!” And that mage charged up a blast of energy that completely decimated the ant.

 

“Now, Dark Magician, attack directly and finish it! Dark Magic Attack!”

 

The Dark Magician waved his staff around a few times, then blasted Flora with his power. She took it in the chest and landed on her butt a few yards back, as her life points dropped to 0.

 

“That’s it!” Roland called out. “Winner of the third duel: Yugo Muto!”

 

Kaiba smiled as he observed this. Interesting…that kid knows how to think fast, and think well. I see now…if he makes it to the finals, he just might be a real challenge for Seta…

 

Marcus had his own thoughts too. Hmmm…I guess I may have underestimated this guy’s ability…but still, nobody can ever beat me! He’d better pray he doesn’t meet me in the next round!

 

Yugo walked over to where Flora was still sitting, stunned, and he held out a hand. “Hey…no hard feelings, eh?” he grinned.

 

She looked up at him for a long moment. Then she smiled and accepted his hand. “Yeah. No hard feelings.”

 

“Hey, Flora?”

 

“Hmmm?”

 

Yugo nodded. “Good luck with your own mission.”

 

Her eyes widened in surprise. Then she smiled a little more. “And good luck accomplishing your dream, too.”

 

----------

 

FIVE MINUTES LATER

 

Yugo was lounging around the arena. Approaching the entrance, he caught sight of Blaze leaning up against the wall. “Blaze?”

 

She looked up. “I saw your match with Flora. Good job…especially considering that she got the highest on the test.”

 

“Yeah, well…not to be nosy, but I’ve been wanting to ask you,” Yugo commented. He groped for the right words. “Back in your duel against Wade…what did you mean when you said you understood what he’d gone through?”

 

Blaze didn’t answer for a moment. Then, when she finally turned around, she spoke. “I was just being sentimental, that’s all. Hearing somebody’s sob stories makes me like that sometimes.”

 

Yugo shook his head. “I think it’s more than that.” He closed his eyes, then reopened them after a moment. “I won’t ask for details, but…you did have someone close to you once, didn’t you…? A sister, or a brother, maybe?”

 

Blaze shrugged. “Maybe.”

 

Yugo could see it in Blaze’s face that she didn’t want to talk about it. And, personally, he had no wish to press the topic further. So he was glad when suddenly Jenna came up behind him. “Hey, Jenna, took you long enough to get here,” he remarked.

 

“Yeah, well…it’s almost time for my duel,” Jenna replied.

 

Yugo’s face became grave. “And your opponent is…Kyo.”

 

“Hey, I don’t mind a bit,” Jenna answered. “I’m just seeing it as this: whichever one of us wins this duel will eventually get to face that Marcus, and make him pay for what he did to Miki.”

 

Yugo narrowed his eyes. “Yeah…one of us just might.”

 

“Hey, now,” Blaze interrupted them, “don’t get your spirits too high. Remember, somebody else might be Marcus’s opponent in the next round.”

 

“Like you?” Jenna quipped.

 

“Yeah, like me. But…if I do get to face him, I’ll personally kick his ass for you guys. I kinda liked your friend Miki’s enthusiasm and courage…and I’ve been waiting a long time to put that bastard in his place anyway.”

 

Yugo and Jenna looked at each other, then at Blaze. “Well…thanks, in advance,” Yugo nodded.

 

----------

 

TEN MINUTES LATER

 

In a few minutes the duelists were back in the dueling room, along with Roland and Kaiba. “Let’s get the fourth match underway!” Kaiba ordered.

 

“Yes, sir,” said Roland. “Jenna Wheeler and Kyo Bakura, please make your way to the platform!”

 

Jenna and Kyo walked up to the arena and faced each other, their Duel-Disks at the ready. “Let’s do our best here, Kyo,” said Jenna.

 

“Right!” Kyo adjusted his glasses.

 

“The fourth duel of the tournament, Jenna Wheeler vs. Kyo Bakura, will now commence,” announced Roland. “Now, begin!”

 

----------

 

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

A man calmly approached the front steps to Kaibacorp and halted. He looked up and beheld the big-screen, showing that the duel between Kyo and Jenna was just beginning.

 

“Looks like I’m on time,” he remarked with a small smile. “Kyo…”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 17]

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

Kyo and Jenna’s life points were ready at 8000, and the familiar coin appeared on the field. “Jenna Wheeler, heads or tails?” Roland asked.

 

“Heads!” Jenna answered.

 

The coin was flipped – and it showed heads. “Yay! I’ll go first!” Jenna said eagerly.

 

“Duel!” Roland commanded.

 

Jenna drew her first card, and seemed excited at the hand she’d gotten. “All right! Now, I’ll summon Warrior Dai Grepher (ATK 1700, DEF 1600) in Attack Mode!” And she summoned a muscular fighter wielding a giant broadsword. “Then I’ll place another two cards facedown,” she added, putting two cards facedown in the magic/trap slot, “and then I’ll end my turn!”

 

Kyo chuckled and touched his glasses with his fingertips. “Not a bad start, Jenna…but how about this?” He drew his card and studied his hand intensely.

 

“Now, then! I summon Dunames Dark Witch (ATK 1800, DEF 1050) to the field!” And as Kyo played his card, a female warrior with angelic wings appeared.

 

“Huh?” Yugo, watching the duel, was astounded. “Kyo, what is THAT?”

 

“It’s a Fairy-type monster – what does it look like?” asked Kyo, as though he couldn’t see what the fuss was about. “Now, my Dark Witch, destroy Warrior Dai Grepher!”

 

Dunames Dark Witch promptly fired a bolt of lightning from one palm and destroyed the warrior, dropping Jenna’s life points to 7900.

 

“Not bad,” Jenna congratulated him, “but you’re not getting rid of him just like that! Activate the trap card, Call of the Haunted, to bring back my monster from the dead!”

 

A gravestone rose out of the ground, and with it came Warrior Dai Grepher, as though he hadn’t just been killed. Kyo was a bit disappointed. “Oh, well, things can’t always go our way,” he surmised. “I’ll end my turn, then.”

 

Jenna drew her next card and was pleased at what it was. “All right! Now I’ll activate the magic of Polymerization, to fuse two monsters together – the Warrior Dai Grepher on the field and the Spirit Ryu (ATK 1000, DEF 1000) in my hand to form - Ryu Senshi (ATK 2000, DEF 1200)!”

 

An image of Spirit Ryu appeared on the field and merged with Warrior Dai Grepher, to form a new creature – a dragon warrior holding a massive double-blade. “This used to be Warrior Dai Grepher’s true form before he got split in two, according to legend,” Jenna said with the tone of a sage. “And now, I’ll make him even stronger! Activate my other trap card, Blast with Chain!”

 

Several sticks of dynamite, held together by a long chain, appeared on the field. “I can equip Ryu Senshi with this card to increase his ATK by 500, putting him at 2500,” Jenna explained; and sure enough, a moment later Ryu Senshi was holding the chain as his ATK increased. Then Jenna held up the last two cards in her hand and picked one to play.

 

“And now – I’ll summon Blackland Fire Dragon (ATK 1500, DEF 800)!” And then she summoned a green dragon that, from all perspectives, had poor eyesight.

 

“Nice lineup you got here,” Kyo remarked.

 

“Thanks, but flattery will get you nowhere! Okay, Ryu Senshi, destroy the Dunames Dark Witch with Twin Dragon Blade!” Jenna commanded. Ryu Senshi did just that – slicing through Dunames Dark Witch with his double-blade, he reduced Kyo’s life points to 7300.

 

“Now, Blackland Fire Dragon, use your Blackland Flame Burst!” Jenna commanded her dragon. And the Blackland Fire Dragon let loose with a fiery blast that engulfed Kyo’s entire side of the field, reducing him further to 5800.

 

“Ouchie…” Kyo smarted from the burns he’d gotten from the attack. “Well, then! Are you done?”

 

“Pretty much,” Jenna nodded. “From the looks of things, though, it doesn’t look like your deck is saying much, Kyo. Frankly, I’m disappointed.”

 

“I just might surprise you!” Kyo drew his next card. “Now, I’ll set one monster in Defense Mode, plus I’ll also put one card facedown, and then I’ll end my turn!”

 

Jenna drew another card. Now, this is a good card…but I don’t need it right now. I think I’ll hold onto it for later. Aloud she announced, “I’ll attack your facedown monster with my Blackland Fire Dragon!”

 

Again Blackland Fire Dragon attacked – but when the monster was flipped face-up, to Jenna’s surprise it was Kelbek (ATK 1500, DEF 1800), a strange-looking fairy resembling a robot. Since its DEF was higher than the dragon’s ATK by 300 points, Jenna felt a backlash and winced as her life points went down to 7600.

 

“Disappointed? Well, here’s even more bad news,” Kyo informed her. “Any monster that attacks Kelbek is immediately returned to its owner’s hand.”

 

“Huh?” Jenna stared in alarm.

 

Kelbek began emitting a mysterious aura, pushing the Blackland Fire Dragon back, back, back…until it disappeared from the field. Disgruntled, Jenna retrieved the card and added it to her hand.

 

“Well? You could always destroy my monster with your Ryu Senshi,” Kyo taunted.

 

But Jenna shook her head. “I know what you’re trying to do, Kyo. You’re trying to rattle me, force me to play foolish moves. Well, guess what? It won’t work! I won’t fall for your tricks!”

 

On the sidelines, Yugo looked from one to the other, uncertain who he should cheer for. Jenna…Kyo…I really want both of you to do your best, but…this is an elimination tournament. It’s every man and woman for him- or herself. Still…no matter who wins, you’re both still my friends. I just hope you can say the same for each other…

 

----------

 

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

The mystery man sat down quietly on one of the nearby benches, watching the duel on the big-screen. From what he could see, Kyo’s life points now stood at 5800, while he had four cards in hand, and on the field he had one facedown card and Kelbek in Defense Mode. Meanwhile, Jenna had 7600 life points and three cards in her hand, and on the field she had Ryu Senshi equipped with Blast with Chain. “Interesting,” he murmured to himself.

 

A young woman carrying an umbrella approached and asked, “May I sit beside you, sir?”

 

“Why, certainly,” the man replied politely. “Tell me, miss, have you been watching the tournament so far? I only just got into Domino City this morning, so I’d like an update, if you don’t mind.”

 

“Oh, certainly,” the lady answered. “This, I think, is the fourth match in the first round. The first match was between Blaze Redman, the legendary Fire duelist, and Wade Ocean, the ever-so-famous ‘Ocean Master;’ and Blaze won that duel, but just barely. The second match was between the famous Marcus Ironside and a newcomer by the name of Miki Taylor; but the poor girl lost that one terribly. Then there was the third match, Yugo Muto against the ‘Nature Duelist,’ Flora Green – and Yugo won that one. And now…this duel that’s going on is between two newcomers, Kyo Bakura and Jenna Wheeler.”

 

“So, we really have new blood in Duel Monsters,” the man remarked.

 

“That we do,” the woman agreed. “And I’ll tell you something else, sir – from what I’ve heard, Yugo Muto defeated Seto Kaiba’s son Seta in a duel sometime last month.”

 

“Is that right?” The man seemed very interested. “Well, like father, like son, I suppose?”

 

“You could say that.” The woman laughed. “You know, this tournament may be a small one, but already it’s creating waves throughout Domino City. Why, just a while ago I was at the bank, and would you believe that several of the off-duty tellers were holding bets as to which of these two kids would win this match?”

 

“Well, I can’t say I’m surprised,” the man acknowledged. “Duel Monsters has become frightfully popular among the young ones these days. It’s hard to believe now that the game was created just over ten years ago. With the hype it’s been getting, you’d think it was a new phenomenon.”

 

“I suppose you’re right,” said the woman. Presently she arose. “Well, I must be off now; but it was a pleasure to chat with you. You have a good day now.”

 

“Oh, the pleasure was mine, believe me. And you have a good day yourself,” the man answered.

 

As the lady went on her way, the man returned his attention to the big-screen. “So…everyone’s children are in this, eh?” he remarked with a chuckle. “This should be good…”

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

With grace, Kyo drew his next card. “I’ll set another monster in Defense Mode!” And then the holographic image of the card appeared right next to Kelbek. “And then I’ll put one card facedown,” he added, placing the card onto the field. “So, now what will you do, Jenna?”

 

Jenna frowned as she considered the situation before her. Obviously, she couldn’t risk attacking Kelbek, or else her monster would be returned to her hand – and in the case of Ryu Senshi, it would be returned to the Fusion deck. And if she attacked his facedown monster and it turned out to be another Kelbek, that would be asking for more trouble. And then, too, she had no idea what his other facedown card could be.

 

But as she drew her card, her mood lightened a little. “You’re in big trouble now, Kyo!” she cried. “For now…I activate the magic card, Back to Square One! By discarding one card from my hand, I can return one monster on the field to the top of its owner’s deck – and I choose your Kelbek!”

 

“Okaaaaay…” Kyo took up the Kelbek card and placed it back on top of his deck. “Now what?”

 

Jenna examined the two cards left in her hand. “Now…you’re about to meet another little friend of mine! Say hello to Luster Dragon (ATK 1900, DEF 1600)!” And then she summoned a beautiful dragon whose scales were made entirely out of sapphire.

 

“Wow…that’s a magnificent creature,” Yugo whispered.

 

Wade and Flora, standing next to Yugo, nodded in agreement. “That’s a very beautiful dragon, if ever there was one,” Wade commented.

 

Now, time to reveal that facedown monster! Jenna thought to herself. “Now, Luster Dragon, attack Kyo’s facedown monster! Sapphire Wing!”

 

The Luster Dragon rose up, lifted itself into the air on its wings, then flew forward at great speed toward the facedown monster. But when it rammed into the opposition, to Jenna’s astonishment it got thrown back, as the other monster was revealed to be the Spirit of the Harp (ATK 800, DEF 2000), a beautiful fairy with a magnificent harp. Jenna felt another backlash as her life points dropped by 100 to leave her with 7500.

 

“That’s all right – at least now I know what your monster is, and that it’s safe to attack it!” Jenna asserted. “Ryu Senshi, attack!” And Ryu Senshi sliced the Spirit of the Harp in two.

 

“All right, so you have some really strong monsters there,” Kyo admitted, “but I am far from beaten!” He drew his next card, the very same Kelbek that Jenna had earlier forced him to return to the top of his deck, and looked at his hand. Then he smirked.

 

“I’ll re-set a monster in Defense Mode,” he announced, playing his card. “You can probably guess which monster it is, but that shouldn’t be your primary concern now, for now I’ll activate my own Polymerization card to fuse together two monsters in my hand – Marie the Fallen One (ATK 1700, DEF 1200) and The Forgiving Maiden (ATK 850, DEF 2000) – to bring forth a new monster from my Fusion deck – St. Joan (ATK 2800, DEF 2000)!”

 

The images of Marie the Fallen One – a steel-skinned angel – and the Forgiving Maiden – a woman resembling a nun – appeared momentarily on the field; then they fused together to form the appearance of a short-haired young woman clad in knight’s armor and wielding a sword. “This monster is said to be the legendary Joan of Arc,” Kyo remarked. “Her battle prowess was so great, and her supposed power of visions so wondrous, she became leader of the French armies in rebellion against the British.”

 

“Uh, yeah…thanks for the history lesson,” said Jenna. She was quite worried about the fact that now there was a stronger monster than Ryu Senshi on the field.

 

“Okay, St. Joan, time to show Jenna what you’re made of! Use your Sword of Saints and destroy Luster Dragon!” Kyo cried.

 

St. Joan’s sword began to glow with pure light as she stabbed the dragon through the heart, destroying it and reducing Jenna’s life points down to 6700. “That’s just the beginning, believe me,” Kyo assured Jenna. “There’s a lot more where that came from.”

 

Drawing her next card, Jenna realized that she was in some very serious problems. “Uh, all right…I’ll place one card facedown, and end my turn.”

 

“That won’t help you,” said Kyo, drawing another card – and suddenly, to everyone’s surprise, his life points increased by 200, putting his life points at 6000. “Oh, I forgot – that’s the effect of Marie the Fallen One, one of the monsters I fused to form St. Joan,” he explained. “As long as it stays in my Graveyard, I get 200 life points during each of my Standby Phases.”

 

Then he looked at the card he’d just drawn. “Oh, how nice! I play the magic card Mystical Space Typhoon, to destroy your monster’s Blast with Chain! This’ll make him even weaker for St. Joan to destroy!”

 

But as the typhoon destroyed part of the chain that Ryu Senshi was holding, the bundle of dynamite suddenly landed at St. Joan’s feet. “Ha! You’ve activated Blast with Chain’s second effect!” Jenna gloated. “When it’s destroyed as a result of a card effect, I can select one card on the field and destroy it with Blast of Chain’s effect. And I choose – your St. Joan!”

 

At that moment the dynamite went off, blowing St. Joan to pieces. “Your trump card is now gone!” Jenna yelled, ecstatic.

 

But Kyo just smiled. “And in the process, YOU have fallen into my real trap!” he announced. “You were so preoccupied with St. Joan’s strength that I managed to divert your attention away from the facedown card I placed earlier! Activate the Tower of Babel!”

 

Immediately, right where St. Joan had been standing, a huge tower erupted from the ground and rose to the sky – rose so high, in fact, that Jenna couldn’t even see the top. “But – what is this?” she asked in bewilderment.

 

“This is the legendary Tower of Babel, where the world’s languages were mixed up by God,” Kyo replied calmly. “Now, allow me to tell you what this tower’s power allows me to do. Whenever one of us activates a Magic card, this tower creates one magic counter. It can take a total of four counters; when the fourth counter is put on it, the tower will self-destruct, and the person who activated the Magic card at that time will lose 3000 life points!”

 

“That’s crazy!” Jenna exclaimed.

 

“Well, I think it’s a brilliant strategy playing itself out to the fullest!” Kyo could barely suppress his grin.

 

Jenna realized at once the predicament she was in. She knew that Kyo’s facedown monster was his Kelbek, and if she tried to attack it, its effect would just return her monster to her hand – in the case of Ryu Senshi, to the Fusion deck. In addition, if four Magic cards were played while the Tower of Babel was on the field, regardless of who played them, the tower’s effect would inflict 3000 additional points of damage to that player’s life points…and knowing Kyo, he wouldn’t be stupid enough to fall prey to his own trap card.

 

What was she to do…?

 

----------

 

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

The stranger chuckled as he watched the scenario unfold itself. “Yes,” he sighed. “That’s just like Kyo, all right…”

 

“Kyo’s a master strategist,” a familiar voice reached him from behind. “He doesn’t duel very often, but when he does, he bombards his opponents with such strategic play that, more often than not, he forces them to make a mistake that’ll cost them everything.” The voice paused. “But then again, you should know that, since you were the one who taught him.”

 

The stranger turned to face the speaker. “Hello, Yugi Muto,” he greeted him. “It’s been a while.”

 

Mr. Muto smiled. “And it’s good to see you again, too…Ryou Bakura.”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 18]

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

The stats of the duel were shown: Jenna had 6700 life points; on the field she had Ryu Senshi and one facedown card, and she had one card in hand. Kyo, on the other hand, still had 6000 life points; on the field he had his facedown Kelbek and his face-up Tower of Babel trap card, and no other cards in his hand. Yet, it seemed to Jenna that Kyo was the one who had the advantage.

 

Taking her turn, Jenna drew another card. When she saw what it was, she smiled. “Oh, how nice,” she purred. “I’ll set one monster in Defense Mode, and that’ll end it for me!”

 

“Hmph.” Kyo drew another card – and his life points increased by 200 due to the effect of Marie the Fallen One in his Graveyard, putting his life points at 6200. Then he looked at the card he’d just drawn, and his eyes lit up brightly when he saw what it was. Better hold on to this, though. I just might need it in a little while. “I end my turn!”

 

On the sidelines, Kaiba watched with great interest. This guy’s strategy is well-planned. Reminds me of his father’s style…

 

Jenna drew yet another card. “All right! Now, here’s what I’m going to do. First, I’ll flip over my facedown monster and reveal her – the Magician of Faith (ATK 300, DEF 400)!” And she flipped the card, exposing a young maiden with a staff bearing a crescent moon on its tip. “You do know what it does, right?”

 

“Yeah, I know – when flipped face-up, Magician of Faith’s effect allows you to pick a Magic card from your Graveyard and return it to your hand,” said Kyo. “Only question is, which magic card are you thinking of returning to your hand?”

 

“Polymerization!” And then Jenna searched her Graveyard, found the card, and added it to her hand. Then she held up another card.

 

“Now, I’ll offer Magician of Faith as a tribute to call forth Summoned Skull (ATK 2500, DEF 1200)!” And as Magician of Faith disappeared, a gigantic skeletal fiend with horns on its head appeared. “Then I’ll end my turn.”

 

Kyo drew another card, and again Marie the Fallen One’s Graveyard effect increased his life points to 6400. “Hmmm…another good card, but still not the one I want,” he muttered. “I’d better hold onto this, too. I’ll end my turn!”

 

What is Kyo doing? wondered Yugo. Yeah, Jenna can’t risk attacking, but…it’s as if Kyo’s waiting for a specific card. But what card could be so important?

 

Once more Jenna drew a card. Now her eyes lit up with happiness when she saw what it was. “All right! Now I can really put this card to use!”

 

“You sound quite jovial,” Kyo observed. “May I ask why?”

 

“You’ll see!” Jenna grinned. “Okay – first I’ll summon Red-Eyes Black Chick (ATK 800, DEF 500) to the field!” And she summoned a small red egg, dumbfounding everyone else. Out of that egg popped a tiny baby dragon. “Isn’t he cute?” Jenna gushed. “Oh, yes you are, aren’t you, my little baby?”

 

Both Yugo and Kyo face-faulted. “You have got to be kidding me,” Yugo groaned.

 

But Kaiba, looking at the new creature, widened his eyes. Can it be…?

 

“And now…” Jenna held up one more card. “I’ll offer Red-Eyes Black Chick as a tribute to Special Summon his adult form from my hand – come forth, pride and joy of my deck! Red-Eyes Black Dragon (ATK 2400, DEF 2000)!”

 

Suddenly, as Kyo watched in astonishment, the Red-Eyes Black Chick began to glow bright white. As it glowed, it slowly came out of the egg and grew bigger…and bigger…and even bigger…until its wings spread out over the length of the field and it howled in a wrathful voice. It was now a full-grown adult!

 

“This monster,” Jenna explained, “was my dad’s favorite monster, and the creature that got him famous as a duelist. Now I, the daughter of Joey Wheeler, have earned the right to use the Red-Eyes Black Dragon in my deck! And it will be the instrument of your defeat, Kyo! Just watch and see!”

 

But Kyo merely chuckled. “If that is true,” he remarked, “why won’t you attack my monster?”

 

Jenna froze. She looked at him angrily. “Are you trying to goad me?” she demanded.

 

“Nope,” Kyo answered calmly. “I’m just pointing out facts as I see them.”

 

Jenna was fuming, but somehow managed to regain her senses. Kaiba noted this. Hmph…same deck just like her father, but at least she has better control of her temper than he did of his…now we’ll really begin to see the outcome of the battle.

 

----------

 

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

Grandma came along behind Yugo. “Well, well…if it isn’t sweet little Ryou! It’s been so long since we last saw you!”

 

Mr. Bakura smiled. “Hello, Mrs. Muto,” he greeted her. “It’s very good to see you, too.”

 

“So, when did you get back to Domino City?” asked Mr. Muto.

 

“Just this morning, actually,” Mr. Bakura admitted. “My archaeological dig in Egypt was going along well, and we got a lot of interesting artifacts to bring back here to put in the city museum!”

 

“And you figured you should also come and see Kyo’s duel, right?” Mr. Muto prompted.

 

“Of course! I wouldn’t miss it for anything!” Mr. Bakura agreed.

 

“Well, Ryou, we’ve been watching his duel so far, and he seems to be playing really…complicated-like,” Grandma admitted.

 

“That’s because he’s a master strategist…good at making his opponent fret and sweat.” Mr. Bakura grinned. “I should know. I was the one who taught him how to play Duel Monsters in the first place.”

 

“Well, let’s see your son in action, eh?” Mr. Muto nodded knowingly.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

Kyo drew his next card, giving him a total of three in hand – and again Marie the Fallen One’s effect increased his life points to 6600. “YES! Just the card I was hoping for. Now things are about to get interesting!”

 

Jenna looked at Kyo worriedly. “What’re you gonna do?”

 

“Let me show you! First, I’ll summon the Spirit of the Pot of Greed (ATK 100, DEF 100) to the field in Attack Mode!” As Kyo played the card, he summoned a huge Pot of Greed, out of which poked a little spirit with a grinning face.

 

“Uh, yeah…and that’s supposed to scare me?” Jenna asked.

 

“No, but this will!” Kyo held up another card. “For I now activate the magic of Pot of Greed!”

 

Playing the card, Kyo drew two cards from his deck – and the Tower of Babel responded, creating its first magic counter. Then, to Jenna’s astonishment, Kyo was in the act of drawing one more card.

 

“Wait a second – you can’t do that! Pot of Greed allows you to draw only two cards!” Jenna pointed out.

 

“True,” answered Kyo, “but when the Spirit of the Pot of Greed is on the field in Attack Mode, if a player activates Pot of Greed, then he – or she, because both players are affected – can draw one more card.”

 

“Oh, crud,” Jenna muttered.

 

Kyo then looked at his new cards – he had four in his hand now. “Oh, how nice! Just the card I was waiting to draw!” he crowed. “Now, I’ll activate another magic card – The Sanctuary in the Sky!”

 

Suddenly a stone castle, embedded in a huge hunk of rock, materialized on the field, hovering over everything else. At the same time, the second counter appeared on the Tower of Babel. Witnessing all of this, Kyo smirked. “Now things are going to get very interesting,” he announced. “I’ll end my turn.”

 

Jenna drew another card – and by now she was getting very impatient. Then a thought struck her. The Spirit of the Pot of Greed…it’s the weakest monster on Kyo’s side of the field right now – and it’s in Attack Mode! If I attack that monster, I can take a bite out of his life points!

 

With this in mind, she gave the command. “Summoned Skull, destroy that monster!”

 

Summoned Skull rushed forward, and with one swipe of its claws the Pot of Greed’s Spirit was vanquished. But to Jenna’s amazement, Kyo’s life points didn’t decrease! “Hey! What gives here?” she demanded.

 

“That’s the effect of the Sanctuary in the Sky at work,” said Kyo, pointing upward. “As long as it’s on the field, all battle damage done to a Fairy-type monster’s controller from a fight involving that Fairy-type monster becomes zero.”

 

Jenna paled. “Dammit – you’ve got this all planned out, haven’t you?”

 

“Nicely!” Kyo grinned. He then took his turn, and Marie the Fallen One again increased his life points to 6800. “Now, time for me to summon the Agent of Creation – Venus (ATK 1600, DEF 0)!”

 

A yellow-robed spirit appeared on Kyo’s side of the field. “Meet the first of the four guardian spirits of my deck,” Kyo introduced it to Jenna. “And she’s got quite a useful effect, too. By paying 500 of my life points, I can Special Summon one Mystical Shine Ball (ATK 500, DEF 500) from my deck to the field! And so…I think I’ll pay 1500 and summon the three that I currently possess – all in Defense Mode!”

 

As Jenna looked on in astonishment, suddenly three balls of light appeared on Kyo’s side of the field. “How do you like that?” he remarked, now smiling widely, even as his life points went down to 5300. “Now, I’ll just end my turn!”

 

Now Jenna had had enough. She drew her next card. “You’re going down, Kyo!” she cried. “I activate the power of Inferno Fire Blast!” She slapped a card down on the magic/trap slot. “This’ll inflict damage to your life points equal to the ATK of the Red-Eyes on my side of the field! Red-Eyes Black Dragon, use your power!”

 

The Red-Eyes’s mouth began to fill with dark flame; then suddenly it was all released in one giant blast – straight at Kyo’s life points. Kyo smarted as he felt the heat burn into him, and his life points swiftly went down to 2900.

 

“Unfortunately, once I use that card, the Red-Eyes can’t engage in battle in the same turn,” Jenna lamented. “But I still have my other two monsters to attack with! Summoned Skull, destroy Kyo’s facedown monster – I don’t care what it is!”

 

Summoned Skull immediately destroyed the monster with one swift WHOOSH from its claws. True to everyone’s suspicions, the monster was Kelbek, and its effect forced Summoned Skull to be returned to Jenna’s hand. Then, at Jenna’s command, Ryu Senshi destroyed one of the Mystical Shine Balls.

 

But Kyo laughed. “Have you forgotten something, Jenna?” And he pointed to the Tower of Babel. To Jenna’s horror, it now sported three counters!

 

“Oh, for the love of – how could I forget about that?” Jenna wailed.

 

Kaiba smiled and shook his head. Looks like I was wrong. Jenna HAS inherited her dad’s bad temper, after all.

 

Again Kyo took his turn, and once more the effect of Marie the Fallen One increased his life points to 3100. “Well, well, well…seems I have a little something that I can use, after all,” he remarked. “Oh, Jenna…I do hope you don’t hate me for this, but – I summon the Warrior of Zera (ATK 1600, DEF 1600)!”

 

A warrior wearing green armor plates and sporting a huge sword appeared on the field. “See this guy? It is his lifelong mission to find the sacred sanctuary where he can achieve the power of the Archlords,” said Kyo, his eyes flashing. “Well, my warrior, your days of sojourn are about to end!” He held up a card in his hand. “See the Sanctuary above you! Go to it, now!” He played the card.

 

Looking up, the Warrior of Zera started to float toward the sanctuary. As he entered its holy ground, he was consumed by a bright flash of light. Jenna stared in shock as this happened. “What’s going on?” she wondered.

 

After a moment, the Warrior of Zera returned…only now, instead of his previous form, he had white armor and wings on his back. “Jenna…meet my Warrior of Zera’s true form…Archlord Zerato (ATK 2800, DEF 2300)!” Kyo declared. “And now, my Archlord, get rid of that Ryu Senshi! Celestial Sword!”

 

Archlord Zerato pulled out a massive sword and swung it once. The result was the creation of some lethal light blades that ripped Ryu Senshi to pieces, reducing Jenna’s life points to 5900. “I’ll end my turn for now,” Kyo declared afterward, “but make no mistake, Jenna: on my next turn, your Red-Eyes Black Dragon is finished!”

 

Jenna looked frantic as she surveyed the stats of the duel. Kyo only had 3100 life points, but those life points kept getting increased by 200 during his Standby Phases, due to the Marie the Fallen One card in his Graveyard. He had two cards in his hand, and on the field he had his Archlord Zerato and the Agent of Creation – Venus in Attack Mode, one remaining Mystical Shine Ball in Defense Mode, and the Tower of Babel trap card with three counters. Jenna, on the other hand, was still in the lead with 5900 life points, and now she had three cards in her hand, including her Polymerization card and Summoned Skull – but all she had on the field was her Red-Eyes Black Dragon and one facedown card…

 

My facedown card! Realization struck her harder than a bullet train. I completely forgot about it! I can still keep myself in the game! I may not be able to use my Polymerization card because of what that damn Tower of Babel will do to my life points, but I have one other thing I can try!

 

She drew another card, giving her four in all. “Nice try, Kyo, but now I’m going to make your life hectic!” she declared crisply. “For now I activate the trap card, Metalmorph! This card will cover my dragon in a protective suit of metal all over his body!”

 

True to her decree, as Metalmorph was activated, Red-Eyes was covered in a metal-based skin. However, the metal looked uneven and artificial, and Jenna saw that. But she was about to remedy that.

 

“Okay…I’ll offer this Red-Eyes, equipped with Metalmorph, as a tribute to Special Summon a new monster from my deck – the Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon (ATK 2800, DEF 2400)!” Jenna declared. In turn, the Red-Eyes on the field disappeared…and then, in its place stood a black dragon that truly looked like a machine.

 

“All right! Now my Black Metal Dragon can compete with your Archlord Zerato!” Jenna informed Kyo, now smiling sweetly. “Now, my dragon, destroy the last Mystical Shine Ball!”

 

The Black Metal Dragon charged up its attack, then releasing it in a ball of flame, utterly destroying the pure ball of light. “I may not be able to damage your life points,” Jenna remarked, “but at least I can destroy your monsters, one by one!”

 

“Well done, Jenna,” said Kyo. “You’ve played well…but I will win this duel, nonetheless! Allow me to show you how!”

 

He drew his next card, giving him three in total, and yet again Marie of the Fallen One in his Graveyard gave him 200 more life points to put him at 3300. “Now, then…I’ll remove two Light monsters in my Graveyard from play to Special Summon another Fairy – the Soul of Purity and Light (ATK 2000, DEF 1800), in Attack Mode!” And then a transparent angel appeared on the field.

 

Kyo then, quite ominously, held up one of the two remaining cards in his hand. “Now, allow me to show you the real power of the Sanctuary in the Sky! Archlord Zerato, activate your special effect!”

 

The Sanctuary began to shine, its light glowing on Archlord Zerato. “If the Sanctuary in the Sky is on the field,” said Kyo, holding up the card in his hand for Jenna to see, “by discarding one Light monster from my hand, I can have Archlord Zerato destroy every monster on your side of the field!”

 

Jenna stared in horror. “Oh, hell, no!”

 

“Archlord Zerato, use your power and destroy the Red-Eyes Black Metal Dragon!” Kyo ordered. Again, Archlord Zerato pulled out his sword and created light-blades, cutting the Black Metal Dragon into ribbons.

 

“And now, it ends.” Kyo touched his glasses with feeling. “Don’t worry, Jenna. At least you played it smart, up to the very end. And…I know you wanted to be the one to face Marcus, but I’ll take him out for both of us…and for Miki.”

 

Jenna smiled, and lowering her head, she closed her eyes. “It’s all right, Kyo. You proved to be the better duelist today. Do what you have to do.”

 

Kyo nodded. “Archlord Zerato, Venus, and Soul of Purity – attack her directly!”

 

All three monsters pulled out their weapons and rushed at Jenna. She flinched, knowing what was coming…

 

…and she felt nothing. “Huh?” Opening her eyes slightly, she saw something astonishing. All three monsters’ weapons were only inches away from her, even as her life points dropped to 0…

 

…but none of them had touched her. “Why…?”

 

Kyo smiled knowingly. “Because you’re my friend.”

 

On the sidelines, Yugo couldn’t help but smile. These two…

 

Kaiba smirked. Even in victory, he still has a merciful heart…definitely like his father…

 

The other duelists, who had been watching the match, all had their own reactions to the win. Wade was smiling brightly; Flora was nodding with approval; Blaze, arms folded, smirked a little; and Marcus just looked to one side like he didn’t care – and in fact, he didn’t.

 

“Winner of the fourth duel: Kyo Bakura!” Roland announced.

 

----------

 

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

“Congratulations, Bakura,” said Mr. Muto warmly. “Your son has advanced.”

 

“Yes…both our sons have,” said Mr. Bakura.

 

“Things should get very interesting from here on out,” Grandma nodded.

 

[Ryno Dorcus]

[spoiler=Chapter 19]

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM

 

In a few minutes Kyo and Jenna were off the platform, and Kaiba was up there, looking quite pleased. “Duelists who have won the first four matches, congratulations on making it this far into the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup,” he spoke up. “The next round of the tournament will not be held in this room, however – rather, they will be held at another location.”

 

“Another location?” Blaze asked. “Where?”

 

Kaiba smirked. “On the very top of Kaibacorp’s building.”

 

“Really, are you serious?” Kyo asked, showing the surprise he rarely did.

 

“I say it provides a more…exciting feel to it, instead of being cooped up in this room, don’t you think?” Kaiba remarked, grinning slyly.

 

“Doesn’t matter to me,” Marcus grumbled.

 

“Well, anyway, you all have the next hour to restructure your decks as you find necessary,” Kaiba informed them. “At the appointed time, those who are to duel will follow Roland to the roof, where further instructions will be given. Until then…” And he turned and walked away.

 

“So, guys, now what?” asked Yugo.

 

Jenna looked toward the exit. “If it’s okay with you guys, I’d like to go to the medical ward. I want to check up on Miki.”

 

Yugo and Kyo sobered at this. “Yeah,” said Kyo quietly.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP MEDICAL WARD, FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER

 

Some moments later, the trio was in Miki’s room, where the medic was hovering over the young girl’s bed. “Doc, how is she?” Jenna asked.

 

“Well, she’s improved a little, but up to now she still hasn’t regained consciousness,” the medic confessed.

 

“May we be alone with her?” Kyo asked.

 

The medic could see the concern etched into their faces. “Well, fine. Just don’t stay too long, understand?” And with that, she left the room.

 

Jenna sat on the only chair in the room, beside Miki’s bed. “Miki…” she whispered, taking her cousin’s hand in between her own. “I’m sorry…I lost in this tournament, too…but…at least Yugo and Kyo have advanced.”

 

“Yeah, girl,” said Yugo gently, patting Miki’s forehead lightly. “And as for that Marcus guy…I’m not sure which of us will get to face him, or even if we’ll get to duel him at all, but…if we do get him as our next opponent, we’ll make him pay for what he’s done to you. I swear it.”

 

Kyo sighed. “Guys…um…could you excuse me? What I have to say to Miki is for her alone.”

 

“Huh? What’re you talking about?” Jenna asked, surprised. “Whatever you have to say to Miki, you can say in front of us! Right, Yugo?”

 

But Yugo shook his head gravely. “Jenna…he needs to do this. Let’s give him space.” And taking her by the arm, he gently ushered her out of the room, leaving Kyo alone with Miki.

 

Kyo sighed. Removing his glasses, he sat down in the seat where Jenna had previously been sitting and took Miki’s hand in his own.

 

“Miki,” he spoke up. “I don’t even know where to start with this, so, please bear with me, okay?” He paused. “I have a bit of a confession to make. Uh…well…I…I just want you to know…that I really, really think you’re a special person…” He lowered his eyes. “…and…I really, really like you.”

 

He looked down at her face. So angelic…so peaceful… “I know that…it’s only been a month or so since we first met, but…I just want you to know that, as far as I’m concerned, you’re the sweetest, most beautiful girl I’ve ever met.” He squeezed his eyes shut to fight against the tears. “And…to see you in your duel…I was so proud of you, of the way you played…and you just didn’t deserve to be beaten like that!” He reopened his eyes. “I wish you could be awake, Miki…to see me duel in the next round…I wish you could see me…” He closed his eyes again and lowered his head on the bed, beginning to sob.

 

A gentle hand on the top of his head caught his attention. Looking up, he at once saw who the hand belonged to. “Miki…?”

 

Her eyes were half-open, but on her lips was a gentle smile. “Just as I thought,” she whispered. “You…you’re a whole lot cuter without the glasses.”

 

Kyo blushed madly. “Miki…you…heard everything I was saying…?”

 

“I heard enough.” Her hand gently caressed his locks. “Kyo…you’re a really great guy, and…I like you, too.” Her fingers went to his cheek; Kyo blushed even more and swore that he was going burn to ashes right there. “I always did think you were something special, but…I was a little afraid to say anything.” Then her smile slowly turned upside down and she looked away. “And the duel…I’m sorry…”

 

“No, don’t be sorry,” Kyo urged her. He held her chin in between thumb and forefinger and gently turned her face to his. “You did good, Miki…I think you would’ve won. We all think you would have.”

 

Miki smiled again. “That means a lot to me, Kyo. Thank you.”

 

Then she became serious again. “Could I…see the cards in your deck…?”

 

That caught Kyo by surprise. “Ah…yeah.” He took his deck out of his pocket and handed it to Miki.

 

She thumbed through carefully, looking at each card in turn. “I see…so your deck is filled with Fairy-type monsters.”

 

“Yeah, well…it’s actually kinda embarrassing…must be a girly deck, huh?” Kyo chuckled.

 

“No…actually, I think it’s a good deck you have here.” Miki smiled at him. “I may not be as much of an expert on the subject as you guys are, but…this deck…these cards…they’re strong…but at the same time, they’re pure…just like you…”

 

Kyo was now red as an overripe tomato.

 

Miki looked at the cards again. Then she paused and looked at one in particular. “Mudora (ATK 1500, DEF 1800)…?” she asked.

 

“Uh…yeah…what about it?” Kyo asked, curious.

 

As Kyo watched, Miki slowly pulled the card out of the deck and looked at it for the longest time. Then, she brought it to her lips and gave it a kiss. This gesture astonished Kyo considerably. WHOA!

 

Then she handed it back to him. “When you play that card, you can always think of me,” she whispered. Then she did something else – leaning forward, she planted a gentle kiss on Kyo’s flaming hot cheek. “And that’s a little extra something for good luck.”

 

Kyo touched his cheek in wonder. “Thanks, Miki. THAT means a lot to me.”

 

“Okay, you two, enough with the mushy stuff!” said a harsh voice. Turning, both looked up to see Yugo and Jenna in the doorway, arms folded with authority.

 

“Ack! How long have you been there?” Kyo asked in bewilderment, sweating bullets.

 

“Long enough!” Yugo walked over and caught Kyo around the neck in a tight arm-lock, mercilessly rubbing his knuckles into his friend’s scalp. “Kyo’s got a girlfriend! Kyo’s got a girlfriend!” Yugo teased in singsong.

 

Jenna, meanwhile was hugging her cousin tightly around the neck. “Glad to have you back with us, you scamp!” she exclaimed. Then her voice became more sentimental. “You…really had me worried there, cousin…”

 

“I’m sorry,” Miki apologized.

 

“Well, never mind! You’re out of harm’s way, and that’s what counts!” Jenna gave Miki another squeeze.

 

Miki’s eyes widened and she turned blue as she gasped for air. “Jenna…can’t breathe…need…oxygen…” she managed to choke out.

 

“Oh! Sorry!” Jenna apologized quickly, finally releasing Miki.

 

Yugo, on the other hand, was still torturing Kyo. “So, did widdle Kyo bwush wike a big baby?” he teased in baby-talk.

 

“C’mon, dude, you’re embarrassing me!” Kyo gasped out. Jenna and Miki just looked on, amused.

 

“HEY! What’s going on in here?” another voice demanded. Looking up, all four turned red and sweated upon seeing the medic at the door, an authoritative scowl on her face.

 

----------

 

THE WHEELERS’ HOUSE, FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER

 

The telephone rang, and Mrs. Wheeler, looking out the window at the sky, hurried inside to answer it. “Wheeler residence,” she spoke.

 

“Mom, it’s Jenna!” the voice on the other end sounded extremely excited. “Miki’s fine now! She just woke up from unconsciousness, and the medic’s given her a clean bill of health!”

 

“Oh, that’s so wonderful!” Mrs. Wheeler cried excitedly. “I have to tell your father and uncle! This is just so great!”

 

She set the phone down and called out, “Joey! Tristan! Jenna’s on the phone!”

 

The two men came in from the living room, where they’d been watching the rest of the duels. “We know, we know,” said Mr. Taylor half-heartedly. “Yugo won his match, and so did Kyo. We saw it on TV.”

 

“Not that, idiot!” Mrs. Wheeler scolded him. “Miki’s recovered from the aftereffects of her duel!”

 

Mr. Taylor instantly zipped to the phone and grabbed the receiver. “Jenna, are you still there?” he gasped. “Is Miki really going to be okay?”

 

“She’s gonna be just fine, Uncle Tristan. No need to worry – the medic’s giving her a checkup right now to make sure of things.”

 

Mr. Wheeler put his face close to the phone. “Hey, honey, Daddy here,” he spoke. “Tell Yugo and Kyo congrats for winning the first round. And…you did a good job, too. I’m proud of you.”

 

“I’m sorry I didn’t win, Dad,” Jenna sighed.

 

“Nonsense! We can’t win everything all the time, can we? Anyway, we’re gonna be watching the rest of the matches here at home, and we’ll be rootin’ for you guys for sure!”

 

“Thanks, Dad. Bye, you guys!” And with that Jenna hung up.

 

“My baby girl’s going to be okay…” Mr. Taylor was crying waterfalls.

 

“Man, Tristan, get a grip!” Mr. Wheeler grabbed his brother-in-law and shook him.

 

Mrs. Wheeler shook her head and was just hanging up the phone when it suddenly started ringing again. “Huh? That was weird,” she muttered as she answered it. “Wheeler residence.”

 

“Mai, it’s Yugi,” Mr. Muto’s voice came on the line. “I’m in front of Kaibacorp’s building right now, and you’ll never guess who’s here with me!”

 

“Huh? Who?”

 

“Bakura! He’s back in town!”

 

Mrs. Wheeler nearly dropped the phone. “Bakura’s back? That’s really good news!”

 

“What’s that? Bakura’s returned?” Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Taylor asked simultaneously, their faces lighting up.

 

“If you guys wanna see him, come to the entrance of Kaibacorp,” Mr. Muto informed them. “We’ll still be here, watching the rest of the duels on the big-screen!”

 

“Okay! We’ll head over soon! See you then, dear!” And Mrs. Wheeler hung up. “What’re you two idiots waiting for? Grab your coats and let’s hurry and go!”

 

“YEAH!” Mr. Taylor and Mr. Wheeler rushed to find their coats.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP DUELING ROOM, HALF AN HOUR LATER

 

“So…things are turning out for the best, after all,” Kyo remarked, a smile on his face.

 

“Quite so!” Yugo agreed.

 

The two were waiting in the dueling room for the instructions that they would receive from Roland. “Man, I can’t wait for the duels to start again,” Yugo remarked. “Soon, very soon…”

 

“Very soon, what?” asked Kyo. “You’ll spend all that prize money on banana splits, hamburgers and malt shakes? Is that it?”

 

“No, not that!” Yugo snapped. “It’s just…” He became reflective. “This opportunity…a chance to duel Seta again…I wonder how strong he’s gotten since the last time?”

 

Kyo chuckled. “You’re really happy about this, aren’t you? Getting the chance to face off against your rival again…but don’t forget, you’ve got a few other competitors who’d rather burn their hair than let you take that chance away from them.”

 

“Like you, right?” Yugo asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

“Yeah. I may as well say it. Yeah, like me.” Kyo sighed. “But listen, Yugo…if you and I do meet up in the tournament, let’s do our best, no matter who ends up winning, okay? I want to know that I’m facing off against a guy who can put his cards to good use.”

 

Yugo grinned and nodded. “Yeah, Kyo. And…I’d like to duel you, too, if it comes to that. But first there are those other two…Blaze…”

 

“…and Marcus.” Kyo’s tone turned venomous at the mention of that man’s name. “Somebody needs to jabroni-slap that punk into next year for what he did to Miki.”

 

Yugo looked long and hard at Kyo. “You want to know what I think? I think that, of all of us here, you’re probably the best person for the job.”

 

Kyo almost burst out laughing. “You think so?”

 

“Yes. I mean, I hope I get to him and clean his clock, but…I would much rather that you be the one to fight him. You’ve got more personal issues with him than I do.” Yugo’s face was grave. “And besides, too…there’s something I need to know about Blaze. What it is that motivates her…Miki was right about her, you know. Something is definitely bothering Blaze. I’ve been seeing it ever since her duel against Wade Ocean.”

 

Just at that moment Blaze walked in from one direction, and Marcus from another. “Well, I take it you guys are ready for the next part of the tournament?” Blaze asked.

 

“You bet!” Yugo replied.

 

Marcus snorted with contempt. “Beginner’s luck…that’s the only thing that’s been working for you guys. But, the buck stops here.”

 

“Wanna say that again?” Yugo asked threateningly.

 

“Duelists!” All four turned to see Roland, looking very official. “If you’ll come with me, please…?” He turned and left the room, and the four followed after him.

 

----------

 

Not far away, in another room, Wade, Flora, Jenna and Miki were seated together. “Man, it’s not fair that we can’t go up there to watch,” Wade complained.

 

“Oh, well, not everything in life goes exactly as you hope,” Flora reasoned. “At least there’s a TV in here so we can watch the duels.”

 

“Wow,” Jenna murmured.

 

“Yugo…Kyo…” Miki whispered, silently praying for their safety.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP, MOMENTS LATER

 

The group at length arrived on the rooftop, where Kaiba was waiting. Behind him was a platform where the duels would play themselves out, and above that were several large cameras, carefully positioned. “Welcome, duelists, to the second part of the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup,” he greeted them. “This is where you will continue the dueling to determine which two of you will face off for the right to face the champion in the final match. Roland…?”

 

“Yes, sir.” Roland looked at the four duelists. “Now, the duelists who will face off against each other at this time are…”

 

He paused. All four waited.

 

“Kyo Bakura and Marcus Ironside!”

 

Kyo’s eyes widened. Then, slowly, he turned to look at his opponent. Marcus was just standing there, arms folded, returning the glare.

 

You silver-haired piece of sheet…I’ll make you pay for what you did to Miki!

 

“Duelists! To the platform, at once!”

 

Without a word, Marcus and Kyo turned and headed toward the dueling platform. Yugo watched as Kyo walked off, his fists tightly clenched. “This is going to be trouble…”

 

Kaiba chuckled to himself. He knew that this was going to be more than just a duel to advance somebody in the tournament…this was going to be a duel of revenge. Only question is now, even with his skill, how will Kyo fare against a seasoned player like Marcus…?

 

The answer to that question would soon be revealed.

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 20]

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

“Well, it seems all of your friends will be together again in one place, eh, Yugi?” Grandma remarked.

 

“It’s been a good long while,” Mr. Muto agreed.

 

Presently Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler and Mr. Taylor walked up. “Hey, Yug, been a while, eh?” Mr. Wheeler greeted his old friend. “And Bakura! Good to see ya, buddy!”

 

“Hello, everyone,” said Mr. Bakura politely.

 

Mrs. Wheeler looked around. “Hey, Ryou honey, where’s the missus? Shouldn’t she be here?”

 

“Don’t worry – we already phoned her,” Mr. Muto assured her. “She should be here shortly, too…”

 

A car horn behind the group caused them all to turn in surprise. “Hi, everyone!” Mrs. Bakura called in a chirpy voice. “Great to see everybody again!”

 

“Hey there!” Mr. Wheeler and Mr. Taylor called out.

 

Mrs. Bakura parked the car properly, then got out and hugged everyone, giving an extra-special one to her husband. “It’s so good to see you after so long, dear,” she whispered.

 

“You, too, honey,” he replied.

 

“Hey, you two, save the mushy stuff for later! Your son’s about to duel!” Mr. Taylor announced.

 

The Bakuras broke their embrace for a moment and looked up at the big-screen, where Kyo was shown about to duel Marcus Ironside. “So it is!” exclaimed Mr. Bakura.

 

“You go get him, son!” Mrs. Bakura called out. The others sweated when they heard this – she truly hadn’t lost her hyperactivity, even into her middle life.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

“So…I get to duel you, girly-boy?” Marcus jeered him. “I was watching your duel earlier. You use angel monsters…angel monsters – hmph! Only one of three types of men would use such sissy stuff – a wimp, a loser, or a jabroni. Hey – maybe you’re all three!”

 

Kyo said nothing. Marcus decided to take the insults to another level.

 

“Oh, I get it – you’re thinking of how I smashed the little amateur slut in my last duel, aren’t you? And you’ve been scared shitless, and now you’re wishing you didn’t have to duel against me? Well, I can’t say I blame you – sissy-jabroni-boy!”

 

Blaze stared in disbelief. “Jeez…when Marcus decides to insult somebody, he sure likes to go all-out…”

 

Then Kyo slowly raised his hand to his face and took off his glasses. “Watch the glasses,” he said in a dead voice as he dropped them to the ground.

 

Yugo saw this – and immediately his eyes widened in horror. Oh, sheet, no…!

 

The glasses seemed to fall in slow motion, right up to the moment when they almost hit the ground – and just at that moment Kyo raised his foot and stamped down hard, crushing them and sending glass fragments flying everywhere. He ground his heel into the spot where he’d stomped on the glasses; when he lifted his foot again, all that remained was a very crushed frame.

 

Even Kaiba was astonished. “Destroying his own glasses like that…in such a violent way…is he trying to send a message across…?”

 

Kyo’s brow was knitted severely, his eyes narrowed into vicious-looking slits. Then he spoke, and his tone was like sub-zero frost. “When I’m done with you,” he vowed, pointing to his broken glasses, “you’re gonna be looking like that.”

 

----------

 

“Oh, damn, oh, damn, oh, damn, oh, damn…” Jenna whispered over and over.

 

“Huh? Sweetie, what’s wrong?” Flora asked, concerned.

 

“Oh, for the love of God…Marcus made Kyo crush his own glasses…you should NEVER make Kyo even take off his glasses, let alone crush them like that…” Jenna’s face was a picture of real fright.

 

“You’re scaring me, Jenna,” Miki said in a tiny voice.

 

“What’s the big deal?” Wade asked.

 

Jenna looked directly at him. “Just this: if Kyo takes off his glasses and destroys them, right before any confrontation, it means one thing and one thing only – if you don’t end up in a body bag, you’ll wish you had.”

 

“…what…?” Flora asked, wide-eyed.

 

“Kyo…violent…? That can’t be right!” Miki protested.

 

“Under normal circumstances, he’s so peaceful he wouldn’t even swat a mosquito,” Jenna explained. “And even when he plays Duel Monsters, he knows how to play with sportsmanship conduct. But…”

 

----------

 

“…there’s one thing Kyo will never tolerate, EVER: anybody who takes their insults one step too far, especially when the insult is about someone he cares about,” Yugo recalled. “Usually he knows how to take insults and be a man, but…when you go the extra mile, he’ll really go postal on your ass.”

 

“And you’ve seen evidence of this?” Blaze asked, disbelieving.

 

“Yeah.” Yugo shuddered at the memory in his mind. “Last year, our class had this guy who was a pain and got on everybody’s nerves every hour of the day. This guy – he made fun of Kyo lots of times, teasing him about everything…his clothes, his glasses, his habits – everything, and I mean everything. Kyo just took it all with a straight face, never fought back, not even when the guy left a whole lot of scandalous notes about Kyo everywhere on the campus…”

 

“And?” Blaze prompted.

 

“Well…things came to a head one afternoon,” Yugo told her. “It was Kyo’s mother’s birthday, and he’d just finished making a watercolor painting in the art room to take home to her. Next thing you know, just as we were all there complimenting and commenting on the painting, the guy walked in, grabbed the canvas and ripped the whole thing apart, saying only a sissy or a mama’s boy makes girly presents for his mom.”

 

“I see,” said Blaze. “What did Kyo do?”

 

Yugo flinched. “He…he took off his glasses, said, ‘I’ve had it with your sheet,’ then picked up a crowbar that had been laying near the teacher’s desk, and…well…he let the guy have it all. And all the time, he was crying…crying because his mother’s present had been so recklessly destroyed…and that he had to resort to this…”

 

----------

 

“…” Flora, Wade and Miki stared at Jenna in shock as she related the tale.

 

“By the time Kyo finally stopped hitting him,” Jenna revealed, “the guy had a broken jaw, a fractured arm, six split ribs and a splintered kneecap. And lots of bruises everywhere.” She winced at the recollection.

 

“…my God…” Miki’s hand went to her mouth in horror.

 

“Kyo got suspended for two weeks after that…they would’ve expelled him, if not for the fact that that particular guy was a known troublemaker and lots of complaints had previously been lodged against him by both students and teachers. But Kyo’s folks had to pay for the guy’s medical costs, and they settled out of court with his folks…” Jenna sighed sadly. “It was heartache for everyone.”

 

“Have there been any other incidents since that one?” Wade asked worriedly.

 

“Thankfully, no,” Jena answered. “All the bullies at school steered clear of Kyo after he came back to school, and it’s been that way ever since. Nobody messes with Kyo, his family or his friends, or else they know they’re going to get it. Still…Kyo’s been filled with guilt ever since the incident. He used to keep on talking about how he almost killed the guy over a simple painting…he doesn’t talk about it very much anymore these days, because it’s too painful a recollection for him…”

 

Jenna paused. “I think the thing that hurt him the most about what happened was the anguish he ended up putting his mom and dad through. So, to prevent anything of the sort from ever happening again, he developed that little warning signal: he takes off his glasses and crushes it under his foot. So far, anybody who’s seen him do that has gotten the message in a hurry, but…” She flashed a sickly worried glance at the screen. “Something tells me that, since he’s doing that now after so long, he might not show any mercy at all to Marcus…”

 

Miki hung her head. “And he’s doing that because of me…” she whispered.

 

----------

 

Marcus merely grinned. “Is that supposed to frighten me?”

 

Kyo spat to the side. “Talk all you want, but know this: You have been warned.”

 

The coin appeared on the field at that moment. “I choose tails!” Marcus called. The coin was flipped…and it came down as heads.

 

“Oh, well,” Marcus shrugged it off. “You can go first, pal.”

 

Kyo drew six cards, then looked at his hand. “I’ll set two cards facedown, and then I’ll summon Zolga (ATK 1700, DEF 1200) in Attack Mode!” A moment later a mage wearing a purple robe and floating above the ground appeared on the field.

 

“Fine, then! My turn!” Marcus drew his card. “I’ll set one monster in Defense Mode, and end my turn!”

 

Kyo drew another card, and his tone became even more poisonous. “Now I activate my first trap card, The Eye of Truth!” A moment later an elaborately designed eye appeared on his side of the field.

 

“What’s THAT?” asked Marcus.

 

“As long as this trap remains face-up,” said Kyo, “you have to reveal your hand; and if you have any Magic cards in your hand during your Standby Phase, you get 1000 points added to your life points.”

 

“Hmmm…sounds bittersweet, but increasing my life points – I guess I can live with that,” Marcus shrugged.

 

“Bittersweet? It’s about to become simply bitter!” Kyo snapped. “Now I activate my other trap card, Bad Reaction to Simochi!”

 

Suddenly brown fog began to creep all over the field. “As long as this card remains active,” said Kyo, “the act of increasing your life points is reversed and, instead, you get damage done to your life points. So, instead of increasing your life points with the Eye of Truth’s effect, Bad Reaction to Simochi decreases your life points by 1000 during your Standby Phases if you have Magic cards in your hand!”

 

Marcus’s eyes widened in alarm. “Holy sheet!”

 

“Now, then…let’s see the cards you’re holding,” Kyo instructed him.

 

Scowling fiercely, Marcus held up his hand for Kyo to see. He was holding two 7 Completed magic cards, the Pot of Greed magic card, the Time Machine trap card, and Spikebot (ATK 1800, DEF 1700). “I’m gonna pay you back for this, punk!” Marcus threatened.

 

“Well, just hold on now – I’m not done yet,” countered Kyo. “Now, I’ll offer Zolga as a tribute to summon a different monster: The Agent of Judgment – Saturn (ATK 2400, DEF 0)!”

 

A winged angel immediately appeared on the field, with pure light in his palms – and just then, Kyo’s life points shot up to 10,000! “Zolga’s effect,” he explained. “Whosoever controls Zolga and offers him as a tribute for a successful Tribute Summon or Set can increase their life points by 2000. And now – Saturn, destroy his facedown monster!”

 

With that command given, Saturn fired his pure light energy, destroying the monster and revealing it to be the Battle Footballer (ATK 1000, DEF 2100), a gridiron cyborg. “All right, now I’ll end my turn,” Kyo announced. “Give me your best shot…jabroni.”

 

Marcus muttered curses under his breath as he drew his next card, which proved to be the Acrobat Monkey (ATK 1000, DEF 1800) – and he grimaced as the Eye of Truth and Bad Reaction trap cards together sapped his life points, putting him at 7000 life points. sheet…if this guy can see my cards with that trap card, that means he can predict my strategies! And that Bad Reaction to Simochi trap isn’t making this any better, either…I have to do something, but – what?

 

He sighed. He may as well try something. He didn’t know what cards Kyo might be holding, but at the same time he wasn’t about to abandon every strategy he knew just because this kid had pulled a lucky move on him. “All right! I’ll set this monster in Defense Mode, set this card facedown, and end my turn!”

 

But Kyo just chuckled. “Your Acrobat Monkey in Defense Mode and the Time Machine trap card facedown,” he spoke up. “I know what you’re trying to pull. You expect me to attack your monster and destroy it, then you’ll use your Time Machine to bring it back to the field, and then tribute it for your Spikebot, which you’ll then equip with your 7 Completed cards. That’s just too simple a strategy, Marcus…and I’ve broken it.”

 

Marcus’s eyes widened in outrage. DAMN YOU!

 

Kaiba smiled, seeing the panic on Marcus’s face. “The cool, reserved Marcus Ironside has been unnerved by two simple cards owned by a newcomer,” he shook his head. “Now, if anything is more embarrassing than this, then please show it to me.”

 

Kyo drew his next card. “All right then…I’ll set another card facedown, and end my turn. I’m not going to play your little game.”

 

Marcus drew his card – and winced as the two trap cards again sapped his life points, putting him at 6000. Reluctantly he showed the card he’d just drawn – Cyber Falcon (ATK 1400, DEF 1200). “Now, you’re gonna pay for your little stunt, you bastard!” he said wrathfully. “For now, I’m going to summon Cyber Falcon to the field!”

 

Moments later a jet-powered hawk appeared on the field. “Then, I’ll equip him with both of my 7 Completed cards – to increase his ATK to a full 2800!”

 

“Not quite right, Mac,” Kyo snorted scornfully. “For I activate the magic of the card I set facedown just now, Mystical Space Typhoon, to destroy one of your 7 Completed cards!” And as he played the card from his hand, a huge typhoon appeared on the field and destroyed one of the 7 Completed cards, reducing Cyber Falcon’s ATK to 2100.

 

“Oh, for Christ’s sake!” Marcus cursed.

 

“No, no, no…don’t be carrying on like that, you naughty little sheet-face,” Kyo reproved him, wagging a disapproving finger.

 

“Man…Kyo surely isn’t giving Marcus any chances, is he?” Blaze asked, wonder in her voice.

 

“I’ll say,” Yugo agreed. “Kyo really means business.”

 

“Well, you can’t really do anything else, so…do you end your turn?” Kyo goaded Marcus.

 

“Yes! Yes, I do, you little windbag!” Marcus rasped.

 

Kyo now grinned and drew another card – and then the smile disappeared. “So, Marcus,” he informed his opponent, “it would seem that the judgment of the heavens is really coming for you, eh? For I have something in my hand that’ll spell the end for you!”

 

Marcus looked up in utter astonishment. As if he hasn’t done enough already…

 

Kyo was now holding four cards in his hand. He held up one of them and said, “You know this card, Marcus – I used it in my last duel against Jenna! Now, say hello to the judgment of heaven, coming from the Sanctuary in the Sky!”

 

He played the card; moments later the familiar castle appeared, hovering overhead, as a somewhat holy light shone down on both of them. “And next,” Kyo went on, “I’m going to summon another monster! You’ve seen my first heavenly agent, the Agent of Creation – Venus; and you just got acquainted with my second heavenly agent, the Agent of Judgment – Saturn…now, prepare to meet the third of my four agents, the Agent of Force – Mars (ATK 0, DEF 0)!”

 

In a moment an angel clad in red robes and carrying a war hammer appeared beside Saturn. But Marcus took one look at his stats and laughed out loud. “That guy is supposed to frighten me, because…why?”

 

“Because, when the Sanctuary in the Sky is on the field, and my life points are higher than yours, the Agent of Force’s ATK and DEF are increased by the difference between our life points…and if I remember correctly, you have 6000 life points, and I have 10,000…and 10,000 minus 6000 equals…”

 

Marcus’s jaw dropped as the realization sank in. “He…he gets 4000 ATK and 4000 DEF!”

 

“Exactly right! And now…” Kyo held up another card and played it. “I activate the power of the magic card, Fairy Meteor Crush! When a monster equipped with this card attacks a Defense Mode monster whose DEF is lower than the attacking monster’s ATK, the difference is inflicted as Battle Damage to the defending player’s life points! And I’m going to equip the Agent of Judgment – Saturn with this card!”

 

Instantly a red glow began to surround Saturn’s body. “Now, Saturn! Attack and destroy the facedown card, Acrobat Monkey!”

 

Saturn flew forward, and with one swing of his shining weapon the facedown Acrobat Monkey was crushed to tiny metal pieces. Since Saturn’s ATK was 2400 and the Monkey’s DEF was 1800, Marcus suffered 600 points of damage, reducing him to 5400 life points. Then, as Mars attacked and slammed his hammer into the Cyber Falcon, Marcus suffered another 1900 points of damage, leaving him with 3500 life points.

 

But just as Cyber Falcon was destroyed, Marcus decided that enough was enough. “Fine! I activate my trap card, Time Machine, to return Cyber Falcon right back to the field in the same Battle Position he was in!” And one moment later the metallic bird appeared, screeching in fury.

 

“It’ll soon be over, anyway,” Kyo shook his head. “You may as well call it quits.”

 

“Marcus Ironside NEVER QUITS!” Marcus exploded as he drew his card, grimacing in pain as Bad Reaction to Simochi robbed him of yet another 1000 life points, leaving him with just 2500. But when he looked at the card he’d just drawn…he chuckled…then snickered…then laughed uproariously.

 

“Hey, angel-boy, look at this! This card will signal your doom!” And he held it up for Kyo to see. Kyo’s eyes widened in surprise when he saw what it was – Jinzo (ATK 2400, DEF 1500)!

 

“Oh, hell, no! Not Jinzo!” he cried.

 

“Oh, yes! Now your traps will become useless!” Marcus roared triumphantly as he sacrificed the Cyber Falcon to summon the monster. In a moment Jinzo appeared on the field, its ugly mask glaring at Kyo. At the same time, much to Kyo’s chagrin, the effects of the Eye of Truth and Bad Reaction to Simochi were negated!

 

Hiding his hand once more, Marcus pulled out one card. “Now, I’ll activate the Pot of Greed card, to draw two more cards from my deck!” And he played the card, drawing two cards as he’d said.

 

Then, taking a good look at his new cards, Marcus chuckled. “All right, then, girly-boy, prepare yourself! First, I’ll set one card facedown…” Which he did. “…and then, I’ll equip Jinzo with the magic card, Amplifier!”

 

Kyo started. Amplifier?

 

A giant dome-shaped machine appeared on Jinzo’s head. “Just what is that supposed to be?” asked Kyo suspiciously.

 

“You’ll soon find out,” said Marcus. And he sniggered evilly…

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 21]

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

On the rooftop of Kaibacorp’s building, the duel between Kyo and Marcus continued to play itself out. Kyo was well in the lead with 10,000 life points, plus he had on his side of the field The Agent of Force – Mars and The Agent of Judgment – Saturn, equipped with Fairy Meteor Crush, along with the field magic of The Sanctuary in the Sky and the trap cards The Eye of Truth and Bad Reaction to Simochi, and in his hand he had one card. Marcus had 2500 life points, but on his side of the field he had Jinzo, whose effect was negating all the traps on the field, and who was also equipped with the magic card Amplifier; plus, he had one other card facedown on the field, and in his hand he had one card, which everyone else already knew was the monster card Spikebot (ATK 1800, DEF 1700).

 

“Excuse me, but…any idea what that Amplifier card is, Blaze?” asked Yugo.

 

Blaze shook her head. “I’ve never seen it before either, kid.”

 

Kyo warily drew his next card. “Hmmm…well, I don’t know what you think you’re planning, but if that facedown card of yours is a trap, then you just set yourself up for defeat! Jinzo’s effect destroys the effects of all traps on the field! Now, Mars, finish him off!”

 

Mars flew forward, hammer ready to deliver the finishing blow. But then Marcus suddenly laughed. “You fell for it! Activate the trap card, Mirror Force!”

 

“WHAT?” shouted everyone else present.

 

Interesting, Kaiba mused.

 

Suddenly, as Mars’s hammer came down, a gigantic mirror appeared to block the attack. The shockwave of the blow was so forceful, it not only blew Mars back – it also destroyed both him and Saturn!

 

----------

 

“That’s not fair – that’s cheating!” Jenna screamed out. “How could he activate a trap card? He had JINZO on the field, for God’s sake! He shouldn’t be able to use traps, either!”

 

“Hey – hold on a second,” Wade said slowly. “Normally that is true, unless…that magic card he played…”

 

Miki looked intensely at the screen. “Hey, yeah, Wade, you’re right – I can see that thing on Jinzo’s head emitting some sort of force field around Marcus’s magic/trap slot!”

 

“This is very bad,” Flora muttered.

 

----------

 

“Do you care to explain yourself?” Kyo demanded angrily.

 

“Why, certainly, amateur.” Marcus was obviously very pleased with himself. “You see, as long as Jinzo is equipped with Amplifier, my trap cards are kept safe from his effect of destroying trap effects. So, now I can set and activate as many traps as I like, but you – you may as well not place any traps at all, because Jinzo’s effect will still eliminate them!”

 

Kyo gritted his teeth. “Why, you…”

 

Marcus then drew his next card. “Cool! All right – I play the magic card, Graceful Charity! This will allow me to draw three cards, and then discard two from my hand!” And this he did, drawing his three cards and sending two to the Graveyard, so now he had two cards in his hand.

 

“And now, I’ll activate the magic of Premature Burial, giving up 800 life points to return Spikebot from my Graveyard to my side of the field!” Marcus added, smirking.

 

He played the card from his hand, and as his life points went down to 1700 he brought forth a massive machine with spiked balls suspended by chains for arms. “You want damage? I’ll give you damage, you jerk-off!” Marcus exploded. “Jinzo, give him a taste of your strength! Use your Psycho Shock!”

 

Jinzo charged up its attack and sent it directly at Kyo, who screamed in pain as it electrocuted him, dropping his life points to 7600.

 

“Okay, Spikebot, it’s your turn! Windmill Flail!” Marcus ordered.

 

Rushing forward, Spikebot spun its two chains, making the spiked balls spin and hitting Kyo all over his body, reducing his life points further to 5800. “Had enough yet, rookie?” taunted Marcus. “Don’t worry – I’ll soon send you straight back to the amateur league where you really belong!”

 

----------

 

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

“Ouchie…that had to hurt!” Mr. Wheeler flinched as Spikebot’s ball-and-chain attack hit Kyo directly.

 

“And to think…he was just one turn away from winning this duel,” Mrs. Bakura lamented. “Oh, poor Kyo…”

 

Mr. Bakura’s face was very grave. “I’m just worried about what he did earlier – breaking his own glasses, I mean,” he told the others. “That means he won’t give an inch to anybody right now. Frankly, I fear what he could do, win or lose.”

 

“You…you mean like what he did last year…?” Mr. Muto shuddered. He, and the other parents too, knew the story as well as their children did.

 

“I wouldn’t be too worried,” said Mrs. Wheeler quietly. “If I remember correctly, he’s had to put himself through forced self-control ever since…that incident.”

 

“Uh…I’m kinda lost here…what incident?” asked Mr. Taylor blankly.

 

“Oh, yeah…you weren’t here when all that stuff went down,” Mr. Wheeler recalled. “Well, I’ll tell you about it…”

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

“I’m sorry, but losing here isn’t part of my plans,” Kyo said darkly. “I made a promise…and I don’t intend to back out of it now!”

 

“A promise, huh?” remarked Marcus, amused. “Saying what? That you’d kick my ass as revenge for when I beat that little girl? Hmm, hmm, hmm…revenge is so sweet, isn’t it? I guess I was wrong about you, after all, boy…you and I are a hell of a lot more alike than I first thought.”

 

Kyo glared at him. “I am nothing like you!” he shouted.

 

“Oh, no?” Marcus countered. “Just looking at you, I know you’re not a saint. I can see it in your eyes…you’ve got a dark, dirty past, and you’ve hurt people…just like I did…”

 

Kyo looked at Marcus, his eyes slowly widening.

 

“Let me tell you my story, kid,” said Marcus. “When I was five years old, my dad was an Army man…and let me tell you, the horrors of what he saw on the battlefield day after day eventually drove him nuts. He got discharged, and from there he became a terror to my mom and me. Then, one day, he was drunk…and he killed her…”

 

Kyo gasped in horror. “My God…”

 

“…and then, he came after me, intent on doing me in, too,” Marcus continued, in a monotone, his eyes slowly glazed over. “But I found his Beretta pistol on the kitchen counter…and I shot him…”

 

Yugo involuntarily took a step back. Blaze gulped. Roland, standing nearby, looked extremely uncomfortable. Even Kaiba blinked upon hearing this news.

 

“After that, I got bounced around from foster home to foster home…and every family I got into, was abusive…every day they told me that I was worthless, good-for-nothing, a loser…” Marcus chuckled. “After a while, I lost faith in everything and everyone. I no longer believe there is a God…I no longer believe in heaven or hell…when death comes for us, afterwards, there is only nothingness. You simply cease existing. That’s my belief.”

 

Kyo was sweating and shuddering in horror. Such darkness in his heart…this guy’s insane…!

 

“I never forgot the abuse…I never forgot the pain,” Marcus went on, now grinning in such an insane manner that Kyo grimaced just looking at him. “And I never forgot the promise I made, either…that one day, I’d get even with my dad for ruining my life. So, one day when I was 15, I escaped from the latest foster home I’d been put in, went back to my old house…and I found my dad, relaxing at home…and then I took a ratchet knife I had on me, and…” He made a throat-slitting motion with his finger, running it across his own neck ominously.

 

Kyo thought he was going to faint.

 

“So, I ended up in trouble again,” Marcus added. “And then, the judge gave me a choice: I could spend the rest of my life in prison, or…I could join the army. Of course, I’m no fan of jail, so I picked the second option…I went all over the world. I’ve been places, I’ve seen things. Things that would make a man go crazy before his own time…just like my dad went crazy.”

 

He looked directly at Kyo. “You’ve got some sort of guilt in your heart, too, don’t you…? I can tell, just by looking at you. You did something some time ago, and now you walk around with the weight of that sin on your conscience, just as I have had to do…” Marcus closed his eyes. “Take it from me, kid. There is nobody you can put your trust in except yourself. Everything you do in life, is a war…a fight just to survive, to prove yourself worthy to live…even in a simple game like this, for me it isn’t a game at all…it’s a literal battle for everything.”

 

Kyo didn’t say anything for a long moment. He had his head held down, so that his eyes were overshadowed by his hair. “It’s true,” he said quietly. “I…I did something terrible, quite recently…and ever since that day, I’ve been living with a load of shame and guilt, never thinking I was worthy of being trusted or forgiven by anybody. I thought that there was nothing worth living for…”

 

Yugo looked at him with melancholy eyes. “Kyo…”

 

Kyo then straightened up. “Even so, my friends never gave up on me,” he added. “Yugo and Jenna…they helped me get through my difficult times…helped me to heal…are still helping me heal…helping me realize that life IS worth something…that’s it’s not just a game of chance.” He narrowed his eyes. “And Miki…if I understand her as well as I think I do, then I know that she’ll accept me for who I am, mistakes and all…”

 

He reached into his pocket and, to Marcus’s surprise, pulled out a pair of glasses and put them on. “As much as I’d hate to admit it, Marcus, I have to thank you. You just helped me understand the darkness I almost fell into…the same darkness you succumbed to so long ago. And now – I’ll free you from that darkness in your heart and mind!”

 

Marcus stared at him. Then he laughed. “Kid…I’m not worth saving.”

 

“Leave it to God to decide if you’re worth saving or not. For now, I’ll do what I can to ensure that you are.” And he drew his card.

 

----------

 

“…Kyo…” Miki’s eyes were filling with tears. “Your heart is a kind one, after all…”

 

“Of course,” said Jenna warmly. “He always was a good guy…he just wouldn’t let himself believe it for the longest time.”

 

“So touching,” whispered Flora, close to crying herself.

 

“That he’d go out of his way to say something like that to a creep like Marcus…it makes one think, you know?” remarked Wade, rubbing the back of his head.

 

Miki wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, and then made her decision. She stood up. “I’m going up there. I want to see him dueling up close.”

 

“Yeah. I’ll go with you.” Jenna nodded. Then she turned to Wade and Flora. “Hey, you two coming?”

 

“Might as well,” Wade shrugged. “There’s no point in us staying here by ourselves.”

 

“Shall we go then?” And Flora stood up and walked toward the door.

 

----------

 

Kyo now had 5800 life points; he now had three cards in hand since he’d just drawn; and on the field he had the Sanctuary in the Sky and, though face-up, his Eye of Truth and Bad Reaction to Simochi were still negated due to the presence of Marcus’s Jinzo. Marcus himself still had 1700 life points, his Jinzo was equipped with the Amplifier card, and plus he had Spikebot on the field also, powered by the Premature Burial card, not to mention having one card in hand.

 

Watching the duel, Kaiba’s mood was a reflective one. That Kyo…seems he’s a walking conscience…just like my brother was to me…

 

Kyo studied the cards in his hand. “All right…now I play the magic card, Graceful Charity, to draw three cards, but then I must discard two.” He played the card, drew three cards, and then discarded two from his hand to the Graveyard.

 

“Now, then! Since I used a card effect to draw this monster from my deck, I can Special Summon it to the field! Come out, Watapon (ATK 300, DEF 200), in Defense Mode!” A moment later a ball of cute fluff appeared on the field. Kyo then held up another card in his hand.

 

“And next, I’ll summon the Mystical Shine Ball (ATK 500, DEF 500) to the field in Attack Mode!” And then he summoned one of the pure souls of light to float right next to Watapon.

 

“So…let me see if I have this correct,” said Marcus. “You’re playing a ball of light and a ball of fur to defend against my monsters’ attacks? Well, then, you’ve already lost!”

 

Marcus drew his next card. As he looked at it, his eyes lit up, but he decided to bide his time. “Okay! Jinzo, destroy Watapon!”

 

Again Jinzo used its Psycho Shock, turning Watapon into a ball of frazzle before it disappeared in a puff of smoke.

 

“And now, Spikebot, crush the Mystical Shine Ball!” And this monster swung one of its heavy weapons at the Ball, smashing it into pieces. But Kyo suffered no damage, because the Sanctuary in the Sky was still on the field.

 

“I forgot about that card,” Marcus grumbled. “But oh well. I’ll just end my turn, then.”

 

Kyo drew his next card and seemed to consider his options. “Well, well, well…I believe I’ll use the Monster Reborn card to revive a monster I discarded when I played Graceful Charity earlier…the fourth of my agents: The Agent of Wisdom – Mercury (ATK 0, DEF 1700) in Defense Mode!”

 

A blue-clad angel appeared on the field, his wings around him in a shielding manner. But even then Kyo wasn’t finished. “Next, I’ll activate the Swords of Revealing Light, to paralyze your monsters for your next three turns!”

 

The three swords of light shot down from the sky and landed heavily onto the field, but Marcus wasn’t perturbed. “Are you done?” he asked.

 

“Pretty much, yeah,” Kyo admitted.

 

“Then, I shall take my turn!” Marcus drew another card, and now he smiled. “Well, well, well…now things are going to get very, very interesting! I’ll set this card facedown, and then I’ll end my turn!”

 

As the first of the three swords of light disappeared, Kyo drew another card – and then, to Marcus’s astonishment, Kyo drew a second card. “Um…” Marcus raised an eyebrow.

 

“Oh, my second card draw?” said Kyo. “It’s the effect of the Agent of Wisdom – Mercury. If I have no cards in my hand during your End Phase, I can draw a second card during my Standby Phase, after my Draw Phase is over.”

 

He examined the two cards now in his hand. “Okay…I summon the Agent of Creation, Venus (ATK 1600, DEF 0) to the field!” And as the yellow-robed angel appeared: “And now, I’ll use her effect! By paying 500 of my life points, I can Special Summon a Mystical Shine Ball from my deck to the field!” And just then a second ball of light appeared, in Defense Mode, as Kyo’s life points went down to 5300.

 

But Marcus snorted. “Look, all you’re doing is delaying your defeat! I’ll just smash your monsters, take out your life points, and destroy you altogether…” He glared up at the Sanctuary in the Sky. “Sanctuary or no Sanctuary, your life points won’t stay protected from me forever!”

 

Kyo would not budge, however. “I said I was going to save you from your own dark heart, Marcus,” he said softly, “and that’s just what I intend to do. Just as I have been spared the agony of enduring my guilt any longer, so will I help you.”

 

“Whatever.” Marcus drew another card. Then he paused.

 

Kyo looked at him expectantly. “Well?”

 

Slowly a grin came over Marcus’s face. “Hey, four-eyes,” he addressed Kyo, “it’s time…for you…to die!”

 

He held up a card in his hand. “Now, I activate the magic of Monster Reborn, to revive your Zolga to my side of the field!” And as he played the card, a moment later Zolga reappeared on his side.

 

“I saw how you used this monster earlier – well, I think it’s time for me to use him for my own purposes!” Marcus declared, laughing. “Now, I’m going to tribute both Zolga and Spikebot to summon a new monster – Zoa (ATK 2600, DEF 1900)!”

 

Zolga and Spikebot immediately disintegrated into thin air, as did the Premature Burial card powering Spikebot; as Zolga was returned to Kyo’s Graveyard and its effect gave Marcus an additional 2000 life points to put him at 3700, a massive blue-furred monster emerged on his side of the field, right next to Jinzo. Kyo stared at it with surprise. “Huh? Zoa’s a Fiend-type monster…what’s a machine user doing with something like THAT?”

 

“You’re about to find out!” said Marcus. “For now I activate my facedown trap card, Metalmorph, and equip it to Zoa!”

 

As Zoa became covered with sheets of uneven metal, Kyo’s eyes widened in sudden realization. Is he planning to…!

 

“Now, then!” Marcus continued. “Now I offer my Zoa, equipped with Metalmorph, to Special Summon a new monster from my deck – say hello to Metalzoa (ATK 3000, DEF 2300)!”

 

The metal on Zoa’s body turned dark blue and started to shift until it fit the monster better. Now…the transformation was perfectly complete. Kyo stared at it in astonishment. “Wow…” he muttered.

 

[Ryno Dorcus]

[spoiler=Chapter 22]

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

Kyo’s life points were still at 5800; he was holding one card in hand; and on the field, defending his life points, he had the Agent of Wisdom – Mercury and a Mystical Shine Ball in Defense Mode, and the Agent of Creation – Venus in Attack Mode. Also, he had two magic cards, the Sanctuary in the Sky and his Swords of Revealing Light, and two negated trap cards, the Eye of Truth and Bad Reaction to Simochi, still on the field.

 

Marcus now had 3700 life points; in his hand he still had one card; and on the field he had Jinzo equipped with the Amplifier magic card, and Metalzoa, both looking dangerous and ready to do battle.

 

Since Marcus couldn’t attack, Kyo took his turn – and the second of the Swords of Revealing Light vanished. Drawing his card, Kyo examined the situation before him and knew that, if he wasn’t careful, Marcus would make a serious comeback. I have to do what I have to do, he promised himself.

 

“Hey, kid!” Marcus snapped at him. “Are you gonna make a move sometime TODAY?”

 

“Just biding my time, that’s all,” Kyo replied. He switched Venus into Defense Mode. “I’ll end my turn now.”

 

Marcus shrugged and drew his next card. “Oh ho! Now, this is what I call interesting! I activate the power of the magic card, Heavy Storm, to destroy all magic and trap cards on the field!”

 

A huge wind began to blow – with intense hurricane force. Kyo did his best to stand his ground, but nearly got blown away anyway. “Dammit!” he yelled out as all of his magic and trap cards were wiped out and their fragments blown away. To everyone’s amazement, too, Jinzo got destroyed along with its Amplifier card!

 

“Now, I summon Reflect Bounder (ATK 1700, DEF 1000)!” He summoned a reddish robot floating above the ground. “And now, my monsters are free to attack! Metalzoa, destroy that Agent of Wisdom!”

 

Metalzoa swiftly raised its fists, smashing Mercury into pieces. Then: “Reflect Bounder, it’s time to fight! Crush the Agent of Creation!” And Reflect Bounder floated forward, firing a blast from a cannon in its chest and destroying the poor angel.

 

“sheet…now all I’ve got is the Mystical Shine Ball to defend me!” Kyo cursed.

 

“Where’s your faith now? Huh? Where’s your hope?” Marcus taunted him. “The Sanctuary in the Sky is gone, your traps are finally destroyed, you’ve got only one monster to protect you, and as far as I can see you only have two cards in your hand…who or what is going to save you?”

 

Kyo gritted his teeth in annoyance – and then a shout came from one side.

 

“KYO!”

 

Yugo and Blaze turned in surprise. “Miki! Jenna!” Yugo exclaimed.

 

Indeed, Miki and Jenna were there, with Wade and Flora behind them.

 

Kyo stared in surprise. “Miki…? What are you doing up here?”

 

“Kyo…” Miki took a step forward. “I…I know everything. Jenna told me all about it.”

 

Kyo looked quizzical…and then his eyes widened in realization. “You know…?”

 

“Yeah.” Miki nodded. “But…everybody makes mistakes, Kyo…nobody’s perfect! Still…you’ve admitted your faults, and you’ve been trying to atone for what you did…” Tears came to her eyes. “Kyo, we…I…still trust you, Kyo…still believe in you…”

 

Miki let out a quiet sob, making no effort to stop the tears from falling. Kyo saw this and hung his head. “Miki…thank you.”

 

Then, adjusting his glasses as always, he looked back at Marcus, the fire revived in his eyes. “Marcus…I said I was going to save you from yourself…and I’m going to do it now!”

 

He drew his next card and stared at it for the longest moment. “This is just the card I was hoping I’d get…” He smiled and flashed a wink at his friends. “Miki, the card you kissed…watch as your faith in me is rewarded!”

 

Miki looked up in surprise. Jenna’s eyes widened, and then she smiled a little. Yugo was already grinning from ear to ear, knowingly.

 

“All right! It’s time for me to summon the truly most powerful monster in my deck!” Kyo played the card with a flourish. “I summon Mudora (ATK 1500, DEF 1800) in Attack Mode!”

 

Immediately, there appeared on the field a man in a yellow headdress and gold mask, wielding a curved knife. “Is that supposed to frighten me in some way?” asked Marcus, disbelieving. “Its ATK is low enough for any of my monsters to wipe out!”

 

“Really?” Kyo couldn’t help smiling. “Look again.”

 

Rolling his eyes in annoyance, Marcus looked – and his eyes widened in shock. Mudora’s ATK was now 2900! “WHAT THE HELL?” he shrieked.

 

“Mudora’s effect increases his ATK by 200 points for every Fairy-type monster in my Graveyard,” explained Kyo. “So, let’s take a count: that’s seven Fairy-type monsters that have either been tributed or slaughtered in battle…” He counted off on his fingers. “Zolga…Watapon…one Mystical Shine Ball…the Agents of Force, Creation, Wisdom and Judgment – Yep, that’s seven.”

 

Marcus paled. “That makes him stronger than my Reflect Bounder!”

 

“Uh-huh!” Kyo smiled and placed one card from his hand facedown in the magic/trap slot. “Mudora, carve that bot to pieces!”

 

Mudora rushed forward and, with one swift motion, sliced Reflect Bounder’s head clean off its shoulders. But then there was a sudden backlash, even as Reflect Bounder was destroyed – and Kyo’s life points went down to 2900!

 

“Wondering what just happened?” asked Marcus, as his life points dropped to 2500. “It was Reflect Bounder’s effect. When it’s attacked while in Attack Mode, before damage calculation, it inflicts damage to my opponent equal to the attacking monster’s ATK.”

 

Kyo then touched his glasses and said, “Oh, well. Now, I end my turn.”

 

Marcus drew his next card and looked long and hard at the card he’d drawn. Then he began to laugh. “This is certainly something!” he exclaimed. “I summon a second Reflect Bounder in Attack Mode! You may have caused me to destroy my Jinzo, but your Mudora is still weaker than Metalzoa – and this other monster that I have here will help me to bury you!”

 

Kyo chuckled. “Bring it.”

 

Yugo looked at his friend and smiled. Just a while ago, he was hell-bent on destroying Marcus…now, he’s laughing and smiling even in the face of cynicism… He looked over at Miki. Miki…you’ve certainly had a positive influence on his heart, indeed…you’ve filled that hole in his heart that neither Jenna nor I could fill, even with all the support we gave him in his time of guilt and grief…I almost envy you.

 

Marcus stood up straight and tall. “Metalzoa, wipe out Mudora!”

 

Miki’s eyes widened in horror. “Kyo, look out!”

 

The smile disappeared from Kyo’s face instantly. “Not a chance! Activate the trap card, Fairy Box!”

 

Suddenly, as the facedown card was flipped, a massive box appeared on the field, concealing both Mudora and the Mystical Shine Ball. Metalzoa stopped, uncertain.

 

“What’re you waiting for? Attack!” Marcus shouted.

 

Then a coin appeared on the field. “When Fairy Box is activated and one of your monsters is going to attack,” he explained, “I get to flip a coin and call it. If I get it wrong, your monster attacks as normal, but…if I get it right, your monster’s ATK is decreased to zero. So, here I go! Coin toss, activate!”

 

As Metalzoa raised its arms and Mudora popped out of one of the holes in the top of the box, the coin was flipped. “I call tails!” Kyo shouted.

 

The coin then landed on the ground – and it was tails! As Marcus stared in speechless horror, Metalzoa’s ATK went all the way from 3000 to 0 in a second!

 

“Mudora, counterattack!” Kyo ordered. And Mudora raised his knife and slashed downward, carving the giant machine monster in two – and reducing Marcus’s life points all the way to 0.

 

“I only hope you know that you’re the one who sealed your own death,” Kyo pointed out. “You recklessly charged in…and that was your undoing.”

 

Marcus sighed. “Well…you sure showed some spirit there, kid, I’ll admit that much.” He looked at Mudora. “And…you said the girl kissed that card for you…? Sounds cute. But I can sense that there was something else behind that…when you activated that trap card to protect it…is that what they call real love for someone?”

 

Kyo looked into his opponent’s eyes. “Yes. That’s exactly what real love is all about. You care so much about the person, you’ll do anything to protect that person. And Mudora…the card, I mean…for me, it’s a symbol of the bond between Miki and me.”

 

Miki blushed upon hearing this. “Oh, Kyo…”

 

Marcus was silent for a long moment. Then he looked at the second Reflect Bounder, still on the field. “You know…when I was young, I got this deck as a present from my mother. She used to work in a steel factory, but she saved up money and bought the deck for me, even though I never asked her to do so…just so I could be happy. Because seeing me happy made her happy,” he said softly. “This deck, and my memories of her, are all I have left of her. I can’t continue dishonoring her memory by treating them like this.” He looked up. “You’ve won, kid…this time.”

 

Kyo smiled. “Long ago…you had a choice, and you chose. Now, you were faced with another choice, and you chose.” He nodded. “Even if you don’t believe in a higher power…freedom of choice is the one real freedom that everyone has a right to, and that everyone should cherish. You, Marcus, are no exception.”

 

Roland cleared his throat. “Uh, ahem…winner of this duel: Kyo Bakura!”

 

Both duelists turned and stepped off the platform. Marcus turned and looked at Kyo. “You make sure you keep getting stronger, Kyo Bakura…one day, you and I will duel again. And by then, I’ll have even stronger cards, and my deck will be the toughest ever.”

 

Kyo grinned. “I look forward to it.”

 

Marcus then started to walk toward the door that would take him back downstairs. He paused as he came close to Miki. “For everything I said…I apologize,” he said. “Maybe you’ll get another chance to duel me…by then, I hope you’re stronger.”

 

Miki didn’t know what to say.

 

“And you, man,” said Marcus, looking directly at Yugo, “I want to fight you also, one day. Make sure you don’t lose until then.” And with that, he walked away.

 

“Marcus…” Flora started to follow him, but then she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked into Yugo’s eyes.

 

“Let him be, Flora,” said Yugo quietly. “He probably needs some time alone, to think things through.”

 

“Yeah…I guess you’re right…” said Flora.

 

Not far away, Kaiba decided that he’d had enough of the chitchat. “All right! Duelists, you have a break of ten minutes before the next match!”

 

“Ah – yes!” Yugo replied, somewhat startled.

 

Blaze shrugged. “Okay, then.”

 

----------

 

“Uh, sir…? Why’d you give them a break of ten minutes?”

 

Kaiba was standing near the edge of the roof, looking down at the crowds. “It just seemed appropriate enough, Roland,” he replied. “Some of these kids need to have a few words with each other…let them have their words.”

 

“If you say so, sir,” said Roland.

 

“I say so.”

 

----------

 

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

“Did…did you guys see that? Kyo actually won!” Mrs. Bakura exclaimed in glee.

 

Mrs. Wheeler looked up. “Hey, isn’t this Marcus Ironside coming out now?”

 

Everyone turned their attention to the doors. A second later they were pushed outward, and who should emerge but Marcus Ironside himself.

 

Mr. Taylor walked up to him. “Marcus Ironside, eh?” he remarked. “So, you’re the fellow who defeated my Miki.”

 

Marcus looked up. “Oh, you’re her father, huh? Well, this much I can say about her…she had determination, even when she lost. She’ll make a fine duelist someday.”

 

As Mr. Taylor stood there, unable to reply, Marcus turned and walked in another direction. And I need to be ready for the next time Kyo and I have our own confrontation…

 

He then cast his eyes heavenward and let out a sigh. Mother…if you can see me from up there in heaven…

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

“Um, Kyo…”

 

Kyo looked up. “Yes, what is it, Miki?”

 

“Well…I just want you to know that I…”

 

He held up a hand. “It’s okay, Miki. You said everything you had to say when you came up here.” He looked searchingly at her. “Believe me…ever since you kissed that card, it’s become my favorite. I would never let anything happen to it…and I never will. And I’ll always look out for you in the same way, too.”

 

She knelt down beside where he was sitting. “No matter what Kyo did in the past, Kyo is Kyo,” she said gently. “That’s all I need to know.”

 

He looked at her. “You’re too kind.”

 

Slowly, carefully, she reached out and touched his glasses. “Just do me a favor: Take better care of your glasses.”

 

He smiled. “I’m sorry. I promise I will…although, truth to tell, I don’t know how easy that promise will be to keep.”

 

Miki then grasped Kyo’s glasses and pulled them off. “It’s just as I said before…you’re a lot cuter without them.” And she leaned forward and – much to Kyo’s surprise – kissed him gently on the lips, causing him to blush slightly.

 

Not very far away, Yugo was going through his deck with grave intensity. Jenna looked at him with concern. “Are you all right?”

 

“I’ll be fine,” he assured her. “It’s just…Blaze is such a powerful opponent. You saw that for yourself during her match. Plus, I wonder what it is that’s bugging her so much…”

 

Jenna gave him a searching glance. “You’re still hooked on that, aren’t you?”

 

“Believe me…I have an eye for these sort of things.” Yugo sighed and looked across at Blaze, a few feet away, who was reassembling her deck on her own.

 

Presently Roland’s voice announced, “The next duel will now get underway! Yugo Muto and Blaze Redman, kindly make your way to the dueling platform!”

 

Yugo smiled. “Time for me to do this,” he remarked.

 

“Hey, Yugo?” Jenna’s voice halted him momentarily. “Uh…good luck, okay?”

 

He turned and grinned at her. “Thanks, Jenna.”

 

“Don’t you dare lose now, man!” another voice warned. Yugo looked sheepishly at Kyo, who had walked up just at that moment.

 

“Never give up, Yugo!” Miki echoed, standing beside Kyo.

 

Yugo nodded. “You guys are the best, believe me,” he said with feeling. Then he turned to look up at the platform. “Okay…here I come!”

 

As his group of friends watched with admiration, Yugo climbed up to the platform to face off against Blaze. This is going to be a difficult duel, but…I believe I can make it…I have to!

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 23]

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

“Well, well, well…looks like I get to duel against you, huh?” Blaze remarked. “This should be interesting, wouldn’t you say?”

 

“I suppose so,” answered Yugo. He looked at her gravely. “But don’t expect that I’ll be an easy victory. I’ll fight to the bitter end!”

 

“I’d expect something like that from someone like you,” Blaze answered.

 

The coin appeared once again on the field. “Heads!” said Blaze.

 

Then the coin was flipped – and it showed heads. “Well, I guess I get to go first,” said Blaze.

 

“Duel!” Roland ordered.

 

Blaze drew her first card, then considered her hand and her strategy. Yugo and I have basically the same advantage – we’ve seen each other’s strategies in action. That only means, then, that I’ll have to come up with something that I know he hasn’t seen before…and I think I may have a card in my hand that’ll help me accomplish that! So, here I go!

 

“I summon Fireyarou (ATK 1300, DEF 1000) in Attack Mode!” Blaze declared, playing one card from her hand. A flaming spirit with a mischievous grin emerged in front of her, emitting huge bursts of hot flame.

 

“Then I’ll activate the field magic card, Molten Destruction!” And Blaze played another card.

 

Suddenly, the very ground underneath them began to rumble. As Yugo looked around, confused, all of a sudden a massive volcano emerged from the ground, spewing huge boulders and magma everywhere – but none of it hit the two competitors. “What is this?” Yugo asked.

 

“This is the field magic of Molten Destruction,” explained Blaze. “It decreases the DEF of all Fire monsters on the field by 400 points – but in exchange, their ATK is increased by 500! Watch!”

 

Indeed, Fireyarou’s DEF went down to 600 points – but then its ATK shot up to 1800! “Now, every last one of my Fire monsters will get a significant boost in strength,” said Blaze, “and they’ll crush anything and everything you bring against me! So watch out, Yugo!”

 

Yugo gritted his teeth against the increased heat. “Don’t be so sure of yourself yet, Blaze,” he counseled her. “I have something that can match up to your monster!”

 

He drew his card, then selected another and played it on the field. “I summon Dark Blade (ATK 1800, DEF 1500)!” In another moment he’d summoned a warrior clad in black armor with a helmet and spikes, wearing a maroon cape and wielding two deadly broadswords.

 

“Hey, that’s a really cool monster!” Miki exclaimed from the sidelines.

 

“Yeah, it sure is,” said Jenna with admiration. “Yugo’s used him in battle before. He’s a really handy guy to have in a deck.”

 

But only Blaze didn’t seem very impressed. “So you summoned a knight in black armor – so what? I can still top that!”

 

“Well, just you wait a moment,” said Yugo. “For next I’ll set one card facedown, and then I’ll end my turn.”

 

Blaze drew another card and prepared to play again. “Now I’ll offer my Fireyarou as a tribute to summon another monster – Garoozis (ATK 1800, DEF 1500)!” And as the fire spirit disappeared from the field, in its place stood a beast-warrior with a dragon’s head, wielding a solid and vicious-looking axe. But Yugo’s greater concern was that, even as the new monster’s DEF went down to 1100 via Molten Destruction’s effect, its ATK shot up to 2300!

 

“Okay, Garoozis! Attack with Dragonslayer Axe!” Blaze ordered. And Garoozis rushed forward, and with one swipe of its axe it cleaved Dark Blade’s head from his shoulders.

 

Yugo winced as his life points went down to 7500. “Okay, not bad at all,” he remarked, “but all the same, the duel’s not done! Let’s do this!”

 

He drew another card, then chuckled. “All right, then! Now I’ll set a monster in Defense Mode, and end my turn!”

 

Blaze shook her head. “That tactic gets a bit old, don’t you think?” she asked. “I know fully well what that facedown monster is, pal…and believe me, you won’t have me attacking it anytime soon!” She drew a card as she spoke. “I’ll summon Darkfire Soldier #2 (ATK 1700, DEF 1100) to the field, and then I’ll just end my turn!”

 

Darkfire Soldier #2’s ATK shot to 2200 as Molten Destruction’s lava coursed around him, but his DEF went all the way down to 700. Yugo said nothing, but just drew his next card. On the sidelines Miki asked worriedly, “Could Blaze be right? Is Yugo really so predictable?”

 

Kyo smiled and adjusted his glasses – again. “Maybe, maybe not,” he said in a mysterious tone. “If I know Yugo, he’ll pull a trick out of his hat any moment now…”

 

Yugo examined his hand and smiled. “Oh, Blaze, do you really think you know my strategy? Well, I’m about to reveal something to you right now – you should have attacked my monster when you had the chance!”

 

Blaze stared at him in disbelief. “What’re you talking about? Isn’t your facedown monster that Old Vindictive Magician (ATK 450, DEF 600)?”

 

Yugo burst out laughing. “Nope!” he replied. “I’m going to show you what it actually is!”

 

Whereupon he flipped the monster face-up. Instantly, much to Blaze’s utter astonishment, a figure dressed in gentlemanly attire, with one eye in the middle of his forehead and carrying a cane in one hand, appeared on the field. “Say hello to The Illusory Gentleman (ATK 1500, DEF 1600),” said Yugo, now grinning. “And now, I’m going to offer him as a tribute to summon another monster – Kiryu (ATK 2000, DEF 1500)!”

 

The Illusory Gentleman disappeared instantaneously…and in its place was a giant red dragon, hissing in anger. “See? That stings, doesn’t it?” asked Yugo. “Don’t you wish now that you’d attacked me?”

 

“Well, aren’t you the confident one,” said Blaze snidely. “But your dragon’s ATK is lower than either of my monsters!”

 

“Not for long!” Yugo looked at the image of the facedown card on his side of the field. “I activate the trap card, Call of the Haunted, to revive my Dark Blade to the field!”

 

Dark Blade was then brought up from the ground along with several gravestones. “And now…” Yugo smiled. “I activate Kiryu’s Union ability to equip it to Dark Blade!”

 

Blaze started. “What?” she exclaimed in disbelief.

 

“Incredible,” said Jenna. “Kiryu’s a Union monster? That’s just incredible!”

 

“Yugo’s surely a good strategist, isn’t he?” said Miki.

 

“Because placing the Old Vindictive Magician facedown is usually his signature move, and since Blaze has seen it played in the last match,” said Kyo, “she was quite prepared to not fall into that trap and risk losing her monsters – when, in fact, she ended up falling into another trap: allowing Yugo to summon an even stronger monster. And it’ll cost Blaze dearly now.”

 

Dark Blade squatted very low, then made one giant leap and landed perfectly, sitting on Kiryu’s back. His ATK and DEF then went from 1800 and 1500 respectively, to 2700 and 2400, making Dark Blade stronger than any other monster on the field!

 

“Go, Dark Blade and Kiryu! Attack Garoozis with Dragon Warrior’s Sword Wing!” Yugo yelled.

 

Kiryu, with Dark Blade riding on its back, flew up high into the sky, then suddenly came down on Garoozis with the speed of a gale. The red dragon sliced through the beast-warrior with one wing; Blaze grimaced as her life points went down to 7600.

 

“All right, so you made a lucky move there,” she acknowledged. “But I still have something for you!”

 

She drew her next card and then smiled. “Now things are gonna heat up!” she declared. “For now I’ll put two cards facedown, and then I’ll summon the Ultimate Baseball Kid (ATK 500, DEF 1000) to the field!”

 

As the two holographic images of the facedown cards appeared, the familiar baseball player emerged in front of Blaze. His DEF went down to 600 because of Molten Destruction, but his ATK shot up to 1000. But then, to Yugo’s horror, because Darkfire Soldier #2 was a Fire monster, the Baseball Kid’s ATK went up by another 1000 points to put him at 2000!

 

“But that’s not all! Next I’ll remove Fireyarou in my Graveyard from play to Special Summon another monster – Inferno (ATK 1100, DEF 1900) in Attack Mode!” And then the birdlike flame appeared and its ATK went up to 1600 and its DEF down to 1500, even as the Baseball Kid’s ATK shot to 3000.

 

“Oh, no!” Yugo cried out.

 

“Oh, yes!” Blaze replied. “Now, Ultimate Baseball Kid, fry the Dark Blade and his dragon! Use your Fireball Home Run!”

 

The Baseball Kid reached into his pocket and pulled out a baseball, tossed it into the air, then took one mighty swing at it with his bat. The swing connected, and the ball went flying upward – and then turned into a massive fireball that consumed both the Dark Blade and Kiryu, destroying them both. Because Dark Blade had been the equipped monster, Yugo’s life points went down to 7200 – and then, to everybody’s amazement, Dark Blade reappeared on the field!

 

“Shouldn’t Dark Blade be destroyed, too?” wondered Miki.

 

“No,” said Wade. “That’s the beauty of Union monsters. If the monster that a Union monster is equipped to is destroyed in battle, then that Union monster is destroyed in its place.”

 

Blaze held up one hand and clenched it into a fist. “Darkfire Soldier #2, it’s your turn! Attack and destroy that Dark Blade!” And the fiery ninja did just that – rushing forward, he slashed the Dark Blade with a burning sword. Yugo cried out in agony as he felt the heat cook his monster and render his life points to 6800.

 

“Inferno, use your Hellskull Blast!” Blaze ordered her last monster. And Inferno did just that, spitting out one of the skulls in its mouth and knocking Yugo in the chest with it. Yugo stumbled and fell backward as his life points went further down to 5200.

 

Kaiba, watching the match with great interest, smiled. Blaze certainly isn’t backing down – she knows that her opponent is a powerful one, so she’s putting everything into her attacks. Plus, as anyone who knows her can testify, she’s extremely ruthless when it comes to dueling – in duels, as in life, she never gives even half an inch of mercy.

 

“Dammit – that Blaze is being really rough!” Jenna exclaimed.

 

Blaze heard the comment. “That’s how it goes in life,” she answered. “No matter who you are, or what your financial or social status is, or even what kind of fame you have, every day is a fight for survival. If you’re not tough enough, people will trample you. The same thing applies to Duel Monsters…to be the best, you have to have a combination of skill, smarts and powerful cards, plus a solid strategy to back it all up. You have people out there who will do anything to destroy you…and I, for one, will not let that happen to me! All my opponents will fall!”

 

Yugo slowly got up, gingerly feeling the burn marks on his body where he’d been attacked. “So…you really believe in that ‘survival of the fittest’ thing, huh?” he asked.

 

“Well, just look at this tournament as an example,” Blaze answered. “The preliminary exam had about 120 duelists; by the time it was finished, there were only eight left, you and I included. Then, when the battles actually began, you, I, Kyo and Marcus made it to here. And now, Kyo has gone ahead, and now you and I are dueling to advance. The weaker duelists have fallen, and the stronger duelists are going ahead.”

 

“And you don’t want to be seen as weak? Is that why you’re acting like this?” asked Yugo, raising an eyebrow.

 

“I am not weak!” Blaze exploded. “Just for that statement, I’ll use Ultimate Baseball Kid’s other effect! By sacrificing one Fire monster on my side of the field, his effect will do damage to your life points by 500!”

 

Immediately Darkfire Soldier #2 turned into a ball of intense flame, hovering in front of the Baseball Kid. He took one swing at it with his bat; it flew out and hit Yugo solidly in the face, knocking him back down and reducing his life points further to 4700.

 

“Hey! That wasn’t called for!” Miki cried.

 

“Is anything ever called for?” Blaze quipped.

 

Yugo shook his head to clear it, then stood back up. “That…confirms something for me,” he spoke up. “But so much for talking to you, I guess.” He drew another card. “Let’s do this!”

 

Yugo’s life points were now at 4700, and Blaze’s were at 7600. Blaze had Inferno, the Ultimate Baseball Kid, the Molten Destruction field magic card, and two facedown cards on the field, and in her hand was only one card. Yugo had nothing whatsoever on the field, but he had five cards in hand now.

 

I am in serious trouble right about now, Yugo realized. Another onslaught like that, and I’ll really get burned! Blaze has no intention of backing down for anything! Except…

 

He looked at her, a frown covering his face completely. Something about her personality…I just know it…it’s been manifesting itself in my mind for a good while now, but…I have to find out what’s going on…Why is she so defensive about herself? Why does she show concern for someone one minute, and then act so aloof the next?

 

He selected two cards from his hand. “Okay! I’ll set one monster facedown, one other card facedown, and then I’ll end my turn!” To himself he added, I hope this works – at least I’ll be able to buy myself some time!

 

Blaze drew another card and smirked. “Well, Yugo, time to say goodbye! You were lucky so far, but luck can only carry you so far! Inferno, blast that facedown monster!”

 

Inferno spat another flaming skull from its mouth, hitting the facedown monster – and revealing the Old Vindictive Magician!

 

“WHAT!” Blaze screamed, her eyes widening in horror as she realized what she’d done.

 

“That was quite clever,” Flora couldn’t help chuckling. “Blaze was expecting that monster, but then she got so caught up with incoming victory that she threw all caution to the wind…and Yugo used that to his advantage. If my guess is correct, he had that card in his hand all along, but was just holding on to it until the right time…”

 

The Vindictive Magician raised his staff and took aim. “Use your effect and blast the Ultimate Baseball Kid – out of the park!” Yugo couldn’t help adding this last bit to sting Blaze.

 

And evidently Blaze didn’t take the insult well. “Oh, yeah? Well, take this! I activate my facedown trap card, Backfire!”

 

As one of Blaze’s facedown cards flipped face-up, the mage’s blast hit the Baseball Kid in the face, blasting it off. But then, as that monster was destroyed, suddenly Yugo cried out as the space where he stood was engulfed in an explosion that reduced his life points to 4200!

 

“As long as my Backfire trap card remains on the field,” Blaze said sneeringly, “whenever you destroy a Fire monster on my side of the field, you’ll get 500 points of damage to your life points! And plus, there’s one more effect to be resolved…when Inferno destroys a monster as a result of battle, 1500 additional points of damage will be done to your life points!”

 

As she finished speaking, suddenly Inferno let loose with a burst of flame that engulfed Yugo and caused him to scream out in pain as his life points were reduced further to 2700!

 

“Yugo! Hang in there!” Miki cried.

 

“It looks as if at this point, only a miracle can save your pal,” Wade said quietly.

 

And evidently Yugo had that miracle ready. “Argh…I activate my trap card, Frozen Soul! Since my life points are more than 2000 points lower than yours, you won’t be able to attack me next turn!”

 

He activated his trap card, and a cold blue skull flew out and surrounded Blaze. “Well, it’s not like I need to attack to finish you off,” she shrugged it off. “I’ve got plenty of life points left, anyway, and what have you got?”

 

Yugo was now burnt in several areas, and they stung him badly. Holding his injuries gingerly, he looked at Blaze. “Hey…I was right before…wasn’t I…?” he asked.

 

“What the hell are you on about now?” demanded Blaze.

 

Yugo smirked. “Back when I asked you…if you’d lost anyone important to you…I touched a sensitive nerve there, didn’t I?”

 

Blaze looked at him in surprise. “Um…last time I checked, it was none of your business,” she said coldly.

 

But Yugo shook his head. “Well, you want to know what I think? You paint a pretty sour picture of yourself one minute, and then you try to be everybody’s friend the next. Offering advice to Miki…showing compassion for Wade…offering to take revenge for Miki’s loss to Marcus…what’s really going on, Blaze? Why would you go out of your way to do these things for others, and then behave like a jabroni the next minute? Frankly, it baffles me.”

 

The others looked from Yugo to Blaze and back again. “I have been wondering about that myself,” Kyo confessed. “Haven’t you?”

 

“Yeah,” said Wade. “I mean, just what exactly did she mean by what she said to me in our duel?”

 

Blaze looked with defiance at all of them, one by one. Then she looked back at Yugo, and she could see it in his eyes…concern, curiosity, suspicion.

 

Then she gave in.

 

“You really want to know?”

 

Yugo flinched – Blaze’s voice sounded strangled.

 

“If you really want to know…” Blaze lowered her gaze. “…and if you’re going to be so persistent about it…then I’ll tell you…everything…”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 24]

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

As the duel between Blaze and Yugo was paused, the stats were clearly shown on the big-screen: Blaze was in the lead with 7600 life points, while Yugo was struggling along with only 2700. He had no cards on the field and three cards in his hand; she had the Backfire trap card, the Molten Destruction magic card, one other facedown card, and the Inferno monster on her side of the field and two cards in her hand.

 

“That girl…” Mrs. Wheeler lowered her gaze.

 

“Huh? Honey, are you okay?” Mr. Wheeler asked, concerned.

 

“I’m wondering about Blaze Redman…somehow, she reminds me of me when I was younger,” Mrs. Wheeler answered. “I can see it in her eyes right now…she’s suffered and endured much, all on her own…”

 

Mr. Muto looked across at her. “Perhaps…”

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

“Blaze…?” Yugo prompted.

 

She sighed. “Years ago…I was an orphan, bounced around from foster home to foster home. I never had anybody who wanted or loved me…I never knew my own parents, because I’d lost them both to a car accident at the tender age of three…”

 

The others stared at her in surprise. “Wade…Flora…did you guys know about this?” Kyo whispered.

 

The two shook their heads. “Blaze has never spoken about herself before,” Wade answered. “This is news to me.”

 

“…then…after what seemed like forever, I found someone…or rather, she found me…” Blaze smiled a little. “She was in her early twenties, unmarried, no kids…and, like me, she had been an orphan. She was everything to me…a mother, a big sister…and my best friend.” As she spoke, hot tears began to form in her eyes.

 

Yugo relaxed his stance. “What…happened?”

 

Blaze cleared her throat. “She…she was a firefighter. Every day she’d go to work, and sometimes she’d take me along to see how things worked around the fire department. Lots of times, I got to wear one of their helmets, ride on their trucks, and I’d watch my foster mom in action and think, ‘Hey, now there’s a hero!’

 

“And then…one day…we went out together, as usual. There was a blaze at an apartment complex, so I had to stay by the truck while she went inside to rescue the people trapped inside…”

 

The tears were now flowing freely down her cheeks. “All of a sudden, just as they were getting the people out, the roof caved in…and SHE was trapped inside!” Blaze almost screamed this, and in her eyes was unhidden rage. “I wanted to run in there and save her, the same way she’d run in there to save those people…but by then, nobody could do anything…and she…” She couldn’t say anything more, the sobs choked her voice.

 

“So…that’s why you use Fire monsters, isn’t it? To honor the memory of your foster mom?” Yugo said quietly. He hung his head. “I see…I think I understand better now. And…I think I sympathize.”

 

Kaiba stood nearby, arms folded. As he listened to Blaze’s story, he unconsciously reached for a locket around his neck and stroked it, a hint of sadness on his face. Roland noticed his master’s action, but said nothing.

 

But Blaze appeared indignant by Yugo’s declaration. “How can you say that? After she died and was buried, people just didn’t care about me anymore! I got lost in the system for ten years! Ten goddamn years! I was on the streets for most of my damn life, always feeling sorry for myself, having to fight for myself! Nobody gave a sheet about some little nine-year-old kid! I had to fend for myself, take care of ME! Not once did anybody offer their assistance, not once did anybody offer sympathy! I lost the only person who ever cared about me, the only person I could ever call my friend! You’ve got friends, you’ve never known loneliness! So how the hell can you possibly understand what I’ve been through!”

 

“BECAUSE I DO!”

 

Everyone looked up at Yugo, stunned. Blaze had a look of utter shock on her face. Even Kaiba looked up in astonishment. That outburst had not been expected by anybody.

 

Yugo was standing there, his body trembling. His bangs were overshadowing his eyes; but the manner in which he was gritting his teeth showed plainly the anger that the rest of his face didn’t reveal. His fists were clenched at his sides, and clenched so tightly his nails were digging into his palms.

 

“Yes…Blaze…I do understand, whether you believe it or not,” he whispered through his teeth. “For I, too, once had a mother…and then I lost her forever…”

 

Blaze’s shocked look softened as she heard the anguish in his tone.

 

“She died…only two years after I was born,” Yugo continued. “Even now, I barely know what she looked like, except for what I’ve seen of her picture.” He raised his head; his eyes were filled with tears that slowly trickled down his face. “For years, I felt like I’d lost a part of myself after I lost her…like I’d lost a huge portion of my childhood, a portion I never had time to know or understand…”

 

At this point Yugo crumpled to his knees. Blaze looked at him, and her heart ached even more to see such agony – agony that could easily be compared to her own. It was just at that point, then, that Kaiba came back to himself and stepped forward. “Many people suffer loss in one way or another,” he said sagely. “But there is also a time for everything, including grief. You’ve both lost someone important to you…but as much as I can understand your anguish, there are people out there who’ll nevertheless be waiting for you to finish what you’ve started here. So, please pull yourselves together and save your grief for afterwards.”

 

Kyo nodded. “Mr. Kaiba’s right, Yugo, Blaze,” he said to them. “At the very least…honor their memory by completing the duel. Who knows – they could be looking down on both of you right now, waiting to see what the outcome will be.”

 

Yugo nodded slowly. Wiping his eyes with the back of his sleeve, he stood up…and when he spoke again, some of the confidence had returned to his voice. “Blaze…show your mother how much her little girl has grown!”

 

Blaze jumped a little in surprise at that. “Y-yes!” she answered.

 

----------

 

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

“…Yugo…” Mr. Muto slowly sank down on the nearby bench.

 

“Hey, chin up, Yugi,” Mr. Bakura said gently, putting a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “We all know about what happened…and how much you must’ve suffered…”

 

“That’s true,” Mrs. Bakura agreed. “Yugo must have buried his own grief because he knew how much you were hurting…he didn’t want you to see him suffering, too. It was probably only a matter of time before he released his sorrow.”

 

“Yeah…” Mr. Muto sighed. “My son…all this time I thought you wouldn’t have been so badly affected, since you were so young when she died…I owe you an apology, Yugo…”

 

He buried his face in his hands and sank his head in between his knees. His mother and friends stood around him silently, not saying anything more, all of them understanding that right now, just being there was the best thing they could do for him.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

“Now, then, let’s do this!” Yugo resumed his confident attitude as he drew his next card, giving him four in all. “Now, I summon Breaker the Magical Warrior (ATK 1600, DEF 1000)!”

 

The armor-clad mage-warrior appeared, bearing sword and shield. “He’s all ready to do battle,” Yugo declared, smirking, even as Breaker’s effect gave him a Magic counter and put his ATK at 1900.

 

Blaze said nothing to that. But in her mind, she reasoned, He must’ve lost it! If he attacks my monster and destroys it, my Backfire trap card will take down his life points further! Well…I guess I won’t have to DO anything here…

 

Then Yugo smirked again. “Now, I’ll activate Breaker’s effect! By removing his Magic counter from him, I can destroy any of your Magic or Trap cards – and the card I choose is your Backfire trap card!”

 

But as Breaker’s ATK went back down to 1600 and he prepared to release his energy to destroy the trap card, Blaze suddenly laughed. “Exactly what I hoped you’d do! Now I can activate my other trap card, the Fake Trap!”

 

The facedown card she had been holding onto flipped face-up, revealing a purple goblin holding a card with the word “Fake” on it. “When you use a card effect that’ll destroy any of my traps,” Blaze explained, “Fake Trap acts as a substitute for those Trap cards, and it gets destroyed instead. So, your monster’s effect will not destroy my Backfire trap card, after all!”

 

“Geez,” Miki moaned. “And I thought Yugo had her with Breaker’s effect! But she’s one step ahead of him!”

 

“True,” said Kyo. “And if Yugo doesn’t play his cards right, then Blaze will be one step further to winning this tournament.”

 

Breaker thrust his sword forward, releasing a blue blade of energy that destroyed the Fake Trap. Yugo sighed. “Bad luck,” he muttered. “But at least I have something else I can use!”

 

“Huh?” Blaze was dumbstruck.

 

Then Yugo held up another card, the one he’d just drawn. “And now, I activate the magic of Heavy Storm to destroy every magic and trap card on the field!”

 

Blaze reared up on hearing that. “Say what?” she cried out. “But that means – ”

 

“That’s right,” Yugo smiled at her. “Your monster will lose its field power bonus, plus your Backfire trap card will be destroyed! Now – I activate Heavy Storm’s power!”

 

As he played the card, a mighty blast of wind suddenly erupted on the field, forcing everyone to try to stand their ground with as much strength as they could manage. “Holy cow! That’s one serious storm!” Jenna cried out.

 

“Tell me about it!” Wade agreed, almost being blown away.

 

The force of the storm utterly destroyed the Molten Destruction volcano and the Backfire trap. Blaze herself watched with horror as her cards were utterly destroyed, leaving her Inferno alone on the field with its stats returned to normal.

 

“sheet!” Blaze cursed. “Inferno’s vulnerable to attack now!”

 

“Damn right!” Yugo answered. “Now, Breaker the Magical Warrior, destroy Inferno!”

 

Breaker ran forward and sliced through the fiery entity; and Blaze’s life points dropped to 7100. “Had enough yet?” Yugo taunted her.

 

“You’re in no position to be taunting me, Yugo – my life points are still higher than yours by plenty!” Blaze retorted as she drew another card. “All right! Now I summon the Command Knight (ATK 1200, DEF 1900) in Attack Mode!”

 

A warrior clad in Scottish-type armor appeared on the field, a large broadsword hanging by her side. “Uh…is that supposed to be a boy or girl?” Yugo asked, puzzled as he looked at the monster – for, indeed, it was difficult to tell the knight’s gender.

 

“That, Yugo, should be the least of your concerns,” Blaze informed him. “Just look and you’ll see what I mean.”

 

Yugo looked – and almost shouted. The Command Knight’s ATK suddenly shot to 1600! “Hey! What’s up with that?” Jenna asked.

 

“That’s the Command Knight’s effect,” Flora informed the group. “As long as she’s on the field, her effect increases the ATK of all Warrior-type monsters on Blaze’s field by 400 points – and that includes the Command Knight herself.”

 

“And that, my friends, is just for starters,” Blaze added. “For next, I’ll equip the Command Knight with the Magic card, Salamandra! This’ll increase her ATK by 700 points!”

 

Suddenly, the Command Knight was holding a sword with a blade that burned with red-hot flame along its edge. At the same time, her ATK increased to 2300!

 

Then Blaze held up the very last card in her hand. “And now, I’ll remove one Fire monster in my Graveyard from play to Special Summon this cute little monster. You remember him, right? It’s the Spirit of Flames (ATK 1700, DEF 1000), right here! Come to the field, my little pet!” And Blaze removed one monster from her Graveyard, afterward playing the Spirit of Flames to the field.

 

“sheet…” Jenna swore to herself. “Spirit of Flames…its effect increases its ATK by 300 during Blaze’s Battle Phase! And…if she attacks now, Yugo’s a goner!”

 

“But Blaze CAN’T attack, remember?” Kyo reminded her. “Last turn, Yugo activated his Frozen Soul trap card – that stops Blaze from attacking this turn. So therefore, Yugo has just one turn to turn things around in his favor.”

 

Grumbling, Blaze ended her turn. “Luck doesn’t save lives – never has, never will!” she pouted.

 

Yugo shook his head. “We’ll soon see how much luck will come out of this next draw.” He then placed his hand on his deck…and drew his card slowly…

 

…and when he looked at it, his face lit up. “All right!” he exclaimed. “Okay, Blaze! Prepare yourself right now!”

 

“For what?” asked Blaze scornfully.

 

“For the appearance of the true power behind my deck!” Yugo held up the three cards in his hand. “First, I’ll activate the power of the Magic card, Dark Magic Curtain! This’ll allow me to Special Summon one Dark Magician (ATK 2500, DEF 2100) from my deck at a cost of half my life points!”

 

A giant curtain appeared on the field – and who should step out from behind it but the Dark Magician himself, smirking confidently. “This is the monster whose immense power will be your downfall,” said Yugo, smiling, even as his life points were cut in half, leaving him with 1350.

 

“Yeah, right!” Blaze snapped. “Even if he does destroy my monsters, my life points will still be up there in the high places!”

 

“Really?” Yugo then picked the second card in his hand and played it. “I now activate the field effect of Yami! This’ll increase my Spellcaster monsters’ ATK and DEF by 200 points!”

 

Suddenly eerie shadows began to creep across the playing field. Miki was understandably unnerved. “W-w-what is this?” she quavered.

 

“This is the same card he played during his duel with Seta,” said Jenna. “It looks like Yugo’s really going to be playing seriously now!”

 

It certainly seemed that way, as Breaker’s ATK and DEF went up to 1800 and 1200 and Dark Magician’s stats went to 2700 ATK and 2300 DEF. “All right…this darkness is creeping me out,” said Blaze, looking around.

 

Then Yugo held up the last card in his hand. “This card…I had this card in my hand for a good long while now, but I couldn’t activate it unless I had my Dark Magician on the field. Well…say hello to the magic power of – the Thousand Knives!”

 

From behind the Dark Magician, a hail of knives suddenly materialized from the shadows. “At a command from the Dark Magician, the Thousand Knives will skewer any monster on your side of the field that I choose,” said Yugo. “And, personally, your Command Knight is a little too strong for my taste, so…”

 

Blaze reared up in shock. “NO!”

 

The Dark Magician raised two fingers slightly…then let them drop. Instantly, the numerous knives flew forward, slicing and stabbing into the Command Knight and destroying her. This left only the Spirit of Flames on the field.

 

“Okay! Breaker the Magical Warrior, attack!” Yugo called out.

 

Breaker charged up energy in his blade, and with one swipe the Spirit of Flames was cleaved in two, reducing Blaze’s life points to 7000…and then…

 

“Dark Magician! Dark Magic Attack!”

 

This time around, the Dark Magician just raised his palm toward Blaze. Instantly she felt an invisible force hit her powerfully in the gut. The attack sent her flying, reducing her life points further to 4300.

 

“Way to go, Yugo! You have her right where you want her now!” Jenna cheered.

 

But Kyo wasn’t so sure. “Are you forgetting, Jenna, that even now Blaze is still in the lead where life points are concerned?” he asked. “Sure, Blaze has 4300 life points now, but Yugo’s got 1350. There’s an obvious difference there.”

 

“Then…Yugo could lose…?” Miki asked worriedly.

 

“I’m sorry to say this, but yes. That is exactly what I’m saying right now.” Kyo sighed and adjusted his glasses.

 

Blaze slowly got back up and drew her card. She chuckled. “Oh, Yugo,” she said sweetly, “now you’ve gone and done it…the game is really about to begin…”

 

Yugo raised an eyebrow. “Okaaaaay…now this looks like trouble…”

 

[Ryno Dorcus]

[spoiler=Chapter 25]

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

Yugo’s life points now stood at 1350. On his side of the field were the Dark Magician and Breaker the Magical Warrior, powered by the Yami field card; and now, Yugo had no cards in his hand. By contrast, Blaze had 4300 life points, and though she no longer had anything on the field, she had one card in her hand, having just drawn from her deck.

 

“Now, Yugo, it’s been fun and all, but every good thing must come to an end sometime,” Blaze chuckled. “Now, then…I’ll set this monster card facedown in Defense Mode, and end my turn.” She chuckled again as she looked up. “Well? What will you do now?”

 

Kyo scrutinized the field. “Hmmm…is Blaze trying to bait Yugo?”

 

“C’mon, Yugo! You’ve got her at a disadvantage now! Go get her!” Jenna cried out, jumping up and down in glee.

 

“Such a noisy girl,” Flora complained.

 

A moment later Flora was nursing a nasty bump on her head, delivered by a very pissed-off Jenna. “I’m cheering for my best friend, and you have the nerve to call me noisy!” Jenna raged, flames spouting around her body.

 

“Christ…she’s scary…” Kyo gulped hard.

 

“Tell me about it,” Miki whispered back. “You must be glad you’re not related to her, aren’t you?”

 

Yugo drew a new card. “Well, it’s about time I smashed your only line of defense and finished you off!” he declared. “Breaker the Magical Warrior, destroy her facedown monster!”

 

Breaker rushed forward and slashed the card – and it turned out to be a mechanized turtle. But as it disappeared, another emerged in its place! “What the…?” Yugo asked, dumbfounded.

 

“That’s the effect of my UFO Turtle (ATK 1400, DEF 1200),” explained Blaze. “When it’s sent to the Graveyard through battle, I can Special Summon any Fire monster with an ATK of 1500 or less from my deck in Attack Mode to the field…and then shuffle my deck.” And she took her deck and shuffled it, then replaced it in its slot.

 

“Hmph…so I can’t attack you directly now, but – at least I can still take down your life points! Dark Magician, destroy that turtle with Dark Magic Attack!”

 

Dark Magician raised his hand, further powered by the Yami card, and blasted invisible energy at the new UFO Turtle, obliterating it and reducing Blaze’s life points to 3000 – and activating the monster’s effect again. This time, though, the monster Blaze summoned was a massive rock giant that oozed large streams of lava.

 

“Damn…that’s hot,” Yugo murmured. “As if the Molten Destruction card wasn’t enough.”

 

“This is called the Molten Behemoth (ATK 1000, DEF 2200),” Blaze informed him. “And, right about now, you can’t attack anymore, right? So…I believe you should end your turn.”

 

“I’ll decide when I’ll end my turn, thank you,” Yugo replied. He examined the card in his hand. “Okaaaay…I’ll end my turn!” he announced, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

 

His friends fell over in astonishment. “That…was weird,” Kyo grunted, getting back up.

 

Blaze drew her next card. “How wonderful! This is just the card I needed!” she exclaimed. “Now, I activate Pot of Greed, to draw two cards!”

 

She drew two more cards and scrutinized them carefully. Then she started to laugh. “Now things are gonna get even more interesting!” she declared. “Because, first I’ll activate this magic card, Mask of the Accursed, and equip it to your Dark Magician so he won’t be able to attack!”

 

Suddenly the Dark Magician found himself wearing an odd mask, and no matter how he pulled it wouldn’t come off. Yugo gaped in shock. “This isn’t possible!” he exclaimed.

 

“Ah, I see you remember what it does,” Blaze remarked. “Well, allow me to remind you, anyway. In addition to your monster not being able to attack, during each of my Standby Phases you’ll lose 500 life points as long as he’s equipped with that mask. And now…” Blaze held up the other card in her hand. “I’ll summon another monster, offering Molten Behemoth as a tribute – Thestalos the Firestorm Monarch (ATK 2400, DEF 1000)!”

 

The Molten Behemoth disappeared instantaneously; in its place stood the familiar armor-clad fighter with flames shooting from his cape. He quickly formed a ball of fire in his hand and shot it at the card in Yugo’s hand. It was the magic card, Monster Reborn, and it was immediately sent to the Graveyard.

 

“Well, since you Tribute Summoned that monster without hindrance, his effect forced me to discard this card from my hand,” Yugo sighed. “A damn good shame, too…I had plans for that card, but oh well…”

 

“You should be more concerned about other things right now,” Blaze retorted. “Like, the fact that Breaker the Magical Warrior is about to be toasted by Thestalos! Now, my Firestorm Monarch, attack with Flamethrower Cape!”

 

Thestalos spun, his cape burning with crimson flame, and completely burned Breaker to ashes. Yugo flinched as his life points shot down to 750. “Feelin’ the heat yet?” Blaze taunted. “Now, the only thing you have is your Dark Magician, but he can’t attack anymore, now…and with that Mask of the Accursed, you’ll lose even more life points!” She smiled even more. “Looks like I win.”

 

“Not yet!” Yugo returned, drawing his next card. “I don’t believe in surrendering before the time has come! As they say, it’s not over till it’s over!”

 

He studied the card in his hand for a long moment. Then he looked at the field, and back at the card again. Then he burst out laughing. “Now, this is what I call a miracle!” he cried. “I have something that’ll turn this match around for sure!”

 

“Oh, really? And what might that be, pray tell?” asked Blaze, raising an eyebrow.

 

“Just this: I offer my Dark Magician as a tribute to summon another monster with great potential – come forth, Dark Magician Girl (ATK 2000, DEF 1700)!”

 

Blaze stared in shock. “No! That’s crazy!” she cried.

 

The Dark Magician disappeared from the field – as did the Mask of the Accursed, much to Blaze’s chagrin – and in his place stood a blond-haired girl with light-blue robes and a mischievous grin. Since the Yami field card was still in effect, her ATK and DEF rose to 2200 and 1900 respectively.

 

Blaze examined the new monster – and burst out laughing. “Nice try, Yugo,” she congratulated him. “You’ve stopped my plan to drain your life points with the Mask of the Accursed – but your new monster is too weak to fight my Thestalos!”

 

“Really?” Now Yugo smirked. “Look again.”

 

Shaking her head, Blaze looked – and her eyes widened in astonishment. The Dark Magician Girl’s ATK was now at 2500…100 points higher than Thestalos’s ATK! “NO FRIGGIN’ WAY!” she exploded.

 

“Whoa…how come the Dark Magician Girl’s ATK went up like that?” wondered Miki.

 

“Yeah, I’ve never seen anything like that,” agreed Jenna.

 

“Dark Magician Girl’s ATK increases by 300 points for every Dark Magician in the Graveyard,” explained Yugo. “And, since she IS the Dark Magician’s apprentice – Dark Magician Girl, attack with Dark Magic Spell!”

 

The female mage charged up mystic energy in her staff and blasted Thestalos with it. Blaze watched in disbelief as her monster was destroyed and her life points went down to 2900. “Hmph…so much for that,” she sighed wearily.

 

“This is really intense, I gotta say!” Flora remarked.

 

“That’s true,” agreed Wade. “Blaze’s side of the field has absolutely no monsters, so…unless she does something this turn, if Yugo can summon another monster or power up that Dark Magician Girl some more, Blaze will lose this duel.”

 

“Yes, but…it would seem that Blaze isn’t ready to call it quits,” Kyo said thoughtfully. “If Fate is kind to her, she’ll probably draw a card that’ll help her pull the duel into her favor…”

 

The next thing Kyo knew, he found himself being strangled by Jenna. “Show a little more support, for heaven’s sake!” Jenna exploded.

 

“Jenna…please…have mercy…” Kyo gasped, his face turning blue.

 

Slowly, Blaze drew her next card. “Okay! Just what I need! Now, then – I’ll summon Fox Fire (ATK 300, DEF 200) in Attack Mode!” And she summoned a cute-looking fox with a flame burning at the tip of its tail.

 

“Awww…he’s so CUUUUUTE!” Flora, Jenna and Miki squealed in girlish delight.

 

“Well, sorry, ladies, but Mr. Cutie has to go!” Yugo declared.

 

“You’re a meanie!” Miki pouted. Jenna and Flora gave Yugo threatening looks.

 

Yugo drew another card. “Now, I’ll set this monster in Defense Mode…” And he did so. “And now, Dark Magician Girl, attack and destroy that fox!”

 

“YUGO!” Jenna snapped, scaring the daylights out of poor Yugo. “If you kill that cute fox, so help me God I will rip your throat out!”

 

“I’ll break every bone in your body!” Miki shrieked.

 

“And I’ll cut your nuts off!” Flora raged. Kyo and Wade winced upon hearing that.

 

A giant sweat-drop found its way down Yugo’s face. “Girls, don’t be like that!” he blubbered. The Dark Magician Girl just looked at him with a sheepish expression on her face.

 

Then Yugo got serious again. “Dark Magician Girl, do it now!”

 

The Dark Magician Girl charged up energy and blasted the fox, despite the girls’ protests, and Blaze’s life points shot down to 700. “That’s it!” Yugo exclaimed. “One more attack after this, and I win!”

 

But to his amazement, Blaze smirked. “Don’t be so sure. Well, is that all?”

 

“Yeah, sure. I end my turn…” Yugo stopped and gawked. “What the hell!”

 

Suddenly, to everyone’s amazement, Fox Fire reappeared on the field in a dazzling burst of flame! “Look! That cutie is back! How sweet!” Miki’s eyes turned into hearts, and Jenna and Flora followed suit.

 

“That’s Fox Fire’s effect,” Blaze told Yugo. “When it’s destroyed as a result of battle, during the end of the turn it was destroyed it returns to my side of the field in face-up Attack or Defense Position...as long as it was face-up when it was destroyed the first time. And right now, he’s in Defense Position, so…if you attack him again, he’ll just return to the field at the end of the turn.”

 

“Well, now things are getting interesting,” said Roland, on the sidelines.

 

“Indeed,” agreed Kaiba. “Yugo’s ahead of Blaze by only 50 points – it’s anybody’s game now.”

 

Blaze drew another card. “All right! Now, I’ll set one card facedown…and that’ll end my turn for now.” Her eyes blazed with a dangerous light. “Attack me now, if you dare.”

 

Yugo drew another card. She’s a little too eager for me to attack her…that facedown card must be a trap card. Most likely something like her Widespread Ruin card. And right now, Dark Magician Girl is the only available monster on my side of the field. He shot an apprehensive glance at his facedown monster. I don’t want to attack with THAT if I can avoid it…I need to analyze the situation carefully, or else she’ll catch me in her clutches. And if she gets me, that’s it!

 

So he assessed the situation before him. He had 750 life points, and Blaze had 700 – only 50 points’ difference. Yugo now held one card in his hand, but Blaze had none. He had Dark Magician Girl, the facedown monster, and the Yami field magic card on his side – she had Fox Fire in Defense Mode and one card facedown.

 

Okay! This is going to be rough – on her, that is!

 

“I flip over my Magician of Faith (ATK 300, DEF 400)!” Yugo declared, turning his facedown monster over to reveal his female mage, whose ATK and DEF increased to 500 and 600 respectively thanks to Yami’s field magic. “When she’s flipped face-up, I can retrieve one Magic card from my Graveyard and add it to my hand. And the card I choose is – Monster Reborn!”

 

As Blaze looked on in astonishment, Yugo took the Magic card into his hand. “And now, I’ll use its magic to revive my slain Dark Magician!” he announced boldly. Seconds later, Dark Magician reappeared, wielding his staff proudly.

 

Then Yugo held up the last card in his hand. “Now, I’m going to show you something truly awesome, Blaze,” he told her. “For now I sacrifice both Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl to Special Summon a new monster to my side of the field! Behold!”

 

Suddenly lightning flashed all across the field; as everyone looked on in awe, Dark Magician and Dark Magician Girl turned into balls of swirling dark energy and then merged as one. The energy then flashed down to the ground; gradually it took on shape, until its shape resembled the Dark Magician’s. But when the energy finally cleared, this new monster was notably different: He wore black robes, carried a massive staff with a blue orb at the tip, and wore a cape that covered nearly the entire length of Yugo’s side of the field. “Say hello,” said Yugo, his face bearing a massive smirk, “to my Sorcerer of Dark Magic (ATK 3200, DEF 2800)!”

 

“Oh…my…God…” Blaze looked on in astonished fascination.

 

“This new monster of mine could only be Special Summoned if I had two Level 6 or higher Spellcasters on my side of the field to offer as tributes,” said Yugo. “And this is the guy that’ll ensure the end of this duel! Just look!” And as he pointed to the sorcerer, Blaze, looking on, was horrified to see Yami’s effect increasing the monster’s ATK to 3400 and its DEF to 3000.

 

“Now, first I’ll get your Fox out of the way! Magician of Faith, use your Crescent Moon Spell!” Yugo ordered.

 

But as the Magician of Faith charged up energy in her staff and prepared to fire it at Fox Fire, Blaze laughed. “You forgot about my facedown trap card, Yugo!” she exclaimed. “I activate the power of Widespread Ruin! This’ll destroy the monster with the highest ATK on your side of the field – which so happens to be that damn Sorcerer of Dark Magic you just – ”

 

A sudden blast of energy cut her off, obliterating the Widespread Ruin. “God, you talk a lot,” Yugo groaned, even as the Dark Magic Sorcerer’s staff flashed with energy.

 

“No way! What the hell just happened?” demanded Blaze.

 

“Well, you see, my Sorcerer of Dark Magic is so powerful, he can stop the activation of traps of my choosing,” explained Yugo. “Nice plan, but…you failed. Magician of Faith, do it now!”

 

The Magician of Faith released her stored energy, destroying Fox Fire. “Now, you’re wide open for a direct attack,” said Yugo. “Let’s see how well YOU can take the heat now! Sorcerer, finish it with Celestial Blast Attack!”

 

The Dark Magic Sorcerer collected energy in his staff again, this time forming it into a powerful flame that he blasted straight at Blaze. Unable to do anything now, Blaze took it in the chest and fell, hard, even as her life points dropped to 0.

 

“That’s it! That’s the end of the duel!” Roland announced. “Winner: Yugo Muto!”

 

Blaze was now on her knees, looking on as the holograms slowly disappeared. “Whew…looks like I lose,” she said quietly.

 

“Hey…you gonna be okay?” asked Yugo, a little concerned.

 

She looked up, startled. Then slowly a smile crept across her face. “Yeah,” she answered. “I’ll live, at least. At the very least, I know she’s smiling down on me.” She hung her head. “And…thanks.”

 

“Don’t mention it,” he answered, grinning.

 

“Well…congratulations, Yugo,” said Kyo, touching his glasses respectfully. “You did it.”

 

“But why’d you have to destroy that cute little fox? You’re so wicked and cruel!” Miki screamed wrathfully.

 

“Eeeep! Kyo, Jenna, somebody save me!” Yugo freaked out.

 

“I should let her tear your limbs off…” muttered Jenna.

 

“I hate to interrupt your post-victory celebrations, if they can be called that,” interrupted Kaiba, “but don’t forget that there’s still one duel left.”

 

Yugo frowned. “Yeah…” He turned and looked long and hard at Kyo.

 

“Well, I’m ready to go right now, if you are,” said Kyo. He patted his Duel-Disk and walked up to the platform.

 

Blaze sighed. “Well, guess this means it’s time for me to leave.” She stepped off the platform and started to walk away.

 

“Hey, wait!” Miki’s voice stopped her. “Aren’t you going to stay and watch?”

 

“Why should I? Since I’ve been defeated, there’s no more reason for me to stay here,” Blaze countered.

 

“Yeah, but…” Miki paused. “Blaze, I can tell a lot about people. And I can guess that you don’t want to be alone anymore, but you just don’t know how to say it.”

 

Blaze didn’t say anything for a moment. She slowly turned around. “So…you think you’ve got it figured, huh, kid?”

 

“Maybe I do. Then again, maybe I don’t.” Miki was serious. “Listen. I was inspired by you throughout this whole competition…how you were so strong, so skilled…and I’ve decided that I’m going to work really hard so that I can one day be a good duelist, like you.”

 

Blaze’s eyes widened. Then she smiled. “All right, you win. I could stick around a while longer, I guess.” And she turned and walked back toward the others.

 

“So, you decided to stay,” Wade observed.

 

“Yeah.” Blaze flicked the stray hair out of her eyes. “I’d like to see what the outcome of this match is gonna be, anyway. The best way to do that is to watch firsthand.”

 

“Yeah…” Jenna said quietly, her eyes fixed on the platform.

 

Yugo reshuffled his deck as Kyo waited. “I’ve been figuring that I might get to duel you sometime,” Kyo remarked. “But I find it fair to warn you – I won’t be holding anything back now.”

 

Yugo smirked. “Nor will I.” He slotted his deck into his Duel-Disk. “You ready?”

 

“I know I am, but what about you?” Kyo taunted.

 

Yugo grinned widely. “We’ll soon see who’s the better duelist of the two of us, that’s for sure.”

 

“Yep. And one of us will go on to fight Seta,” Kyo reminded him. “Now, the time for talk is over. Prepare yourself.”

 

Roland now spoke up. “Congratulations to both of you for coming this far in the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup. Now, the winner of this duel will be the one who goes on to face the champion, Seta Kaiba. Are you ready?”

 

“Yes!” both boys replied immediately.

 

“Good!” Roland nodded approval. At that moment the coin appeared on the field. “Call it, Yugo Muto!”

 

“Tails!” Yugo answered.

 

The coin was flipped, and it showed tails. “Good! I’ll go first, then!” he declared.

 

Roland spoke again. “The duel between Yugo Muto and Kyo Bakura is about to get underway!” He paused for a few seconds. “Now, begin!”

 

Yugo and Kyo spoke at the same time. “Time to duel!”

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 26]

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

“Uh…who do we cheer for?” asked Grandma.

 

“I honestly don’t know,” Mr. Wheeler admitted. “They’re both good duelists, good enough to have made it this far.”

 

“Well, I know who I’m cheering for,” said Mrs. Wheeler. “Do your best, Yugo! And you too, Kyo!”

 

“That’s putting it simply…” said Mr. Taylor.

 

“C’mon, everyone, start cheering!” urged Mr. Muto.

 

“You go, guys! You can do it!” Mr. Bakura yelled.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

“Now, let’s do this!” Yugo drew his first card. “First, I summon Magician’s Valkyrie (ATK 1600, DEF 1800) in Attack Mode!” A moment later the mage was on the field, ready to do battle. “Try getting past her, why don’t you?”

 

“All right, then – I think I will!” Kyo drew his first card and then studied his hand. “Very nice! Okay – I summon Agido (ATK 1500, DEF 1300) in Attack Mode!”

 

A moment later he summoned a large robotic-looking red sphere with claws and a giant eye on its front. “What is it with you and your weird monsters?” Yugo demanded.

 

“Don’t let his appearance fool you – he’s yet another Fairy,” said Kyo coolly. “And now, I’ll equip him with the Cestus of Dagla!”

 

Suddenly Agido was equipped with a pair of crescent-shaped blades, one on each hand, and his ATK increased to 2000. “Attack and destroy Magician’s Valkyrie!” Kyo ordered.

 

A few seconds later Magician’s Valkyrie was sliced cleanly in two, and Yugo’s life points went down to 7600. But at the same time Kyo’s life points shot up to 8400! “Uh…I don’t understand,” said Yugo, completely clueless.

 

“It’s simple,” said Kyo. “When one of my Fairy-type monsters equipped with the Cestus of Dagla does battle damage to my opponent’s life points, I increase my life points by an amount equal to the amount of damage that was done. So, you lost 400 life points when my Agido, equipped with Cestus of Dagla, attacked your Magician’s Valkyrie; and in turn, I increased my life points by 400.”

 

“So, in other words, each time I lose life points from that sort of thing, you gain life points equal to the amount I lost?” asked Yugo.

 

“Bingo.”

 

Kyo then set another card facedown. “Now, it’s your turn,” he told Yugo. “What will you do, Yugo?”

 

Yugo drew another card and frowned. “Okay, if that’s the way you wish to play it,” he answered, “then I’ll summon Gemini Elf (ATK 1900, DEF 900) to the field!” And a moment later the twin elves were in front of him.

 

“Not strong enough, Yugo,” Kyo reprimanded him, waving a disapproving finger.

 

“Well, I’m not finished yet! Now I’ll equip my elves with the Book of Secret Arts to increase their ATK and DEF by 300 points!” As Yugo played the card, suddenly the Gemini Elf wielded a spell book, and the ATK and DEF rose to 2200 and 1200. “Now, use Twin Magic!” Yugo ordered.

 

But then Kyo laughed. “Not so fast! Now I activate my trap card, Fairy Box!”

 

To Yugo’s amazement, the same box Kyo had used in his duel against Marcus emerged on the field, obscuring Agido. “You remember the Fairy Box trap card, don’t you?” said Kyo, smirking. “I’ll flip a coin, and if I call it right, your monster’s ATK will go down to zero. So, you’d better hope that Providence is on your side! Go, coin toss – I call heads!”

 

A coin appeared and was flipped. It landed quickly – and showed heads! As Yugo watched in horror, suddenly Gemini Elf’s ATK shot all the way down to zero! “Oh, sheet!” he cried.

 

“Agido, counterattack!” Kyo commanded. And Agido did just that – with one swipe of the Cestus of Dagla, the Gemini Elf twins were destroyed. Yugo’s life points went down to 5600, but Kyo’s shot up to 10,400.

 

“Gosh…Kyo sure is playing strategically,” Miki said in awe. “And he isn’t giving Yugo any leeway at all…”

 

Blaze shrugged. “Kyo’s pushing Yugo…trying to see how far his opponent’s skills will go…the only question is, how will Yugo respond?” she remarked.

 

“Now I’m really confused…I don’t know who to cheer for,” said Jenna.

 

“That’s understandable – they’re both your friends,” said Flora kindly. “But that won’t change the fact that eventually, one of them will win and the other will lose.”

 

Kyo now drew another card, giving him four in all. As he did so, however, suddenly his life points dropped to 9900. “The Fairy Box needs something of a transfusion of life points to keep it on the field,” he remarked. “It requires 500 life points during each of my Standby Phases in order to maintain it. So, if I don’t give those 500 points, it’ll be destroyed.” He smirked again. “But that’s all right – I’ll be able to maintain it for as long as I need to!”

 

He looked at his hand and smiled widely. “Okay! Now I summon Shining Abyss (ATK 1600, DEF 1800)!” And then another machine-looking fairy, with a round base and wings on its back, appeared on the field.

 

“Let me guess – another fairy that looks like a robot?” Yugo asked quizzically.

 

“You could say that.” Kyo grinned. “Okay, now it’s time for me to attack you directly! Shining Abyss, do it now!”

 

Shining Abyss responded with a blast of light from its hands that knocked Yugo back, reducing his life points to 4000. Then – “Now, Agido, attack!” And Agido did just that, reducing Yugo further to 2000 life points and at the same time increasing Kyo’s to 11,900 through the Cestus of Dagla’s magic.

 

“No matter what you try, it’s hopeless,” said Kyo mockingly. “I’ve seen every card you’ve played up until now, every strategy you’ve pulled. You could almost say that I know what’s in your deck…or even in your hand.”

 

Yugo growled in utter frustration as he drew his next card. “Well, don’t think you’ve got me figured out yet, Kyo,” he reprimanded his friend. “I’ll certainly do what I have to in order to win!”

 

He examined his hand and smiled a little. “I’ll set one monster in Defense Mode, set another card facedown, and that’s it for now.” He looked back at Kyo. “Your move, buddy.”

 

Now it was Kyo’s turn to frown as he drew another card – and Fairy Box took another 500 life points from him to put him at 11,400. “Interesting – well, I’m going to push you, and push you, and push you some more until you break! Only if you push back will I know whether you’re worthy of going on to duel against Seta!”

 

He focused his attention back to the field. “Well, now I’ll summon Airknight Parshath (ATK 1900, DEF 1500), offering Shining Abyss as a tribute!” And as Shining Abyss disappeared, a green and white angel emerged in its place. “Okay! Agido, destroy his facedown monster now!”

 

But Yugo shook his head defiantly, even as Agido flew forward to strike. “Oh, no, you don’t! I activate my trap card, Magic Cylinder, to reverse the attack right back at you!”

 

Suddenly the familiar cylinder appeared and Agido disappeared right inside it. As Kyo stared in horror, suddenly it re-emerged from the second cylinder that popped up out of nowhere, and sliced his chest!

 

Jenna and Miki cringed. “That must hurt!” Miki whispered.

 

Kyo winced as his life points went down to 9400. “Nice,” he commented, “but I’m not through yet! Airknight Parshath, do it now!”

 

Airknight Parshath flew forward, and with one mighty wing it upended the facedown monster – and it turned out to be the Old Vindictive Magician (ATK 450, DEF 600)! “No way!” he cried out.

 

“Yes, way!” Yugo replied, smirking – and then suddenly cried out in pain as his life points shot down further to 700 and his magician fell. “Hey – what gives!”

 

“When Airknight Parshath attacks a Defense Mode monster and his ATK is higher than that monster’s DEF, the difference is calculated as Battle Damage to your life points,” said Kyo. “Plus, when Battle Damage is done to your life points, I can draw one card from my deck.” And this he did with a smile.

 

“Yeah, well, Old Vindictive Magician’s effect still holds!” Yugo shot back. “Since he was flipped face-up, now his power can destroy any monster on the field – and I choose your Agido!”

 

The Vindictive Magician feebly raised his staff and blasted Agido, destroying both it and the Cestus of Dagla even as Kyo looked on, seething. “Well, no more increasing of life points for you!” Yugo couldn’t help but smile at the thought, even as the old mage then disappeared in sparks.

 

“Hmph. Lucky you.” Kyo chuckled. “Your move.”

 

Yugo drew his next card and thought about his situation. He now had 700 life points, while Kyo was still going strong with 9400. Yugo had no cards on the field now, though he had four cards in hand; on the other hand, Kyo had his Airknight Parshath and the Fairy Box trap card to protect him, and he also had four cards in his hand.

 

This is going to be all or nothing now… “Kyo! I remember what we promised each other – that we’d push each other to our very limits!” Yugo smiled as he said this. “Well, you’ve got me on the ropes, it seems – but that’s when I play at my absolute best!”

 

Kyo adjusted his glasses. “I’m glad to hear that,” he acknowledged, “but this duel is far from over until I beat you! I say that because, from where I stand, your chances of winning now are very, very slim! So, unless you’ve got a miracle up your sleeve, you’ve lost, Yugo!”

 

“Maybe I DO have a miracle up my sleeve!” Yugo countered. “And now I’ll show it to you! I summon Breaker the Magical Warrior (ATK 1600, DEF 1000) to the field!”

 

Immediately the red-clad mage-warrior emerged, and its ATK quickly shot to 1900. “You do remember about that, don’t you?” Yugo quizzed.

 

“Yes…” The smile slowly faded from Kyo’s face. “That magic counter he gets, to increase his ATK by 300 points…the same counter you can remove to destroy any Magic or Trap card on the field…dammit!”

 

“I see you’ve figured it out,” said Yugo. “Now, Breaker, use your magic counter and destroy the Fairy Box!”

 

Breaker’s sword began to glow as he pointed it at the Fairy Box. A second later he released the pent-up energy into a blast of light that completely decimated it – and his ATK went back to 1600.

 

“So you destroyed my Fairy Box. So what? Your monster’s still too weak to challenge the Airknight Parshath!” Kyo said scornfully.

 

“Well, we’ll soon see!” said Yugo. “I still have a couple other cards to play! Now, I’ll activate the field magic of Yami!”

 

As soon as he finished speaking and played the card, eerie shadows crept across the field again. Kaiba noted it with a smirk on his lips. “Interesting,” he mused.

 

“Do you remember what I said about Yami before?” said Yugo. “It increases the ATK and DEF of all Fiend and Spellcaster-type monsters by 200 points…” and as he spoke, Breaker’s ATK and DEF went to 1800 and 1200. “…but all Fairy-types decrease their ATK and DEF by 200 points!”

 

Kyo’s eyes widened in alarm as he heard this. “Crap – I totally forgot about that!” He looked on in panic as Airknight Parshath’s ATK and DEF shot down to 1700 and 1300!

 

“The darkness is not a nice place for angels to be,” Yugo remarked. Then he held up the other two cards in his hand. “Now, I’ll set another card facedown, and activate Monster Reborn to revive Gemini Elf to the field!” And a moment later the twins were back, their ATK increased by Yami to 2100 and their DEF to 1100.

 

sheet! That was all that ran across Kyo’s mind.

 

“Now, Gemini Elf, destroy Airknight Parshath with Twin Magic!” Yugo ordered. The twins put their hands together and chanted; a moment later a huge ball of energy flew from their palms and smacked Airknight Parshath right in the chest, destroying him and reducing Kyo’s life points to 9000.

 

“Okay, Breaker the Magical Warrior, it’s your turn!” And Breaker rushed forward, slashing Kyo in the stomach with his sword and reducing him further to 7200.

 

Yugo looked at Kyo and chuckled. “Had enough yet, Kyo?”

 

Kyo smiled wryly. “Sorry, Yugo, but you’ve got a LOOOONG way to go! I am far from finished!”

 

He drew his next card. “Yes! Just what I needed!” Then he looked up and his smile grew even wider. “I hope you’ve said your prayers, Yugo!”

 

Yugo looked puzzled – and then it hit him. “Oh, hell…”

 

“Nope! There will be no use of the word ‘hell’ in this holy place!” Kyo slapped a card onto his Duel-Disk. “Reveal yourself in this place of darkness and let your light illuminate us all – Sanctuary in the Sky!”

 

Suddenly a gigantic blast of light illuminated the entire field, wiping out Yami’s darkness as the Sanctuary was revealed. “Damn – my monsters will lose their field power bonus!” Yugo cried out as Gemini Elf’s stats went back down to 1900 ATK and 900 DEF and Breaker’s stats went back to 1600 ATK and 1000 DEF.

 

“And it’s about to get even worse,” Kyo needled him. “For now I summon the Agent of Force – Mars (ATK 0, DEF 0) to the field!” And a moment later the red angel was standing before his master.

 

“Take a good look at him, Yugo,” Kyo smirked again. “Since my life points are higher than yours, and since the Sanctuary in the Sky is on the field, his ATK and DEF will be increased by, my 7200 life points minus your 700 equals…6500! That’s quite a lot of power, wouldn’t you say?”

 

“Hmph.” Yugo smiled back. “And that’s what you’re going to use to defeat me?”

 

“That’s exactly right!” Kyo answered. “Neither of your monsters has the strength to stand up to Mars, and your life points will be completely wiped out! Now, Mars, use Judgment Hammer!”

 

But as Mars raised his hammer and prepared to charge forward, Yugo suddenly laughed out loud. “I don’t think so! I activate my trap card, Spellbinding Circle!”

 

Suddenly a magical circle of energy appeared underneath Mars’s feet, and the angel could not move again. “What is the meaning of this?” Kyo demanded.

 

“This is my Spellbinding Circle trap, and it’s got your Agent of Force completely stuck in its power,” explained Yugo. “As long as this card stays on the field, your monster won’t be able to attack or change its battle position. So, your attacking plan will have to wait a little while longer, I’m afraid.”

 

Kyo groaned. “All right, fine. I end my turn, then,” he scowled.

 

“I must say – Yugo certainly knows how to utilize his strategy well,” said Flora.

 

“That’s Yugo for you,” Jenna admitted.

 

Yugo now drew another card. “How interesting…I believe I can do a thing or two with this card…all right! I activate Pot of Greed to draw two cards!” And he drew two more cards from his deck. Then he held up one of them in his hand. “And now I summon my Chaos Command Magician (ATK 2400, DEF 1900) to the field, offering Breaker the Magical Warrior as a tribute!”

 

Breaker disappeared from the field; in a moment, the Chaos Command Magician appeared in his green robes. “It pays to have a powerful monster on the field, wouldn’t you say?” Yugo snickered.

 

Kyo looked up at that. His expression became completely grave. “Power isn’t everything, Yugo,” he said softly. “If you don’t manage your cards properly, it won’t matter if you have the strongest monsters in Duel Monsters – you’ll still get your ass kicked.”

 

Yugo looked completely surprised at that. “Well…that’s actually something I know already, you know,” he remarked. “You don’t need to tell me something like that twice.”

 

“Well, I’m glad you know that,” said Kyo. “Hmmm…you end your turn now, right? Since you can’t do much else, anyway.”

 

“Yeah, yeah.” Yugo shrugged. “I end my turn now. Do your thing.”

 

Kyo drew another card – this game him a total of four in hand once again. “I’ll activate Graceful Charity to draw three cards, and then I must discard two.” He got his three cards, examined his hand, and sent two of his cards to the Graveyard, leaving him with four in hand once again. Then he examined the cards in his hand, and laughed.

 

“Yugo!” he exclaimed. “Have I got something that’ll make you piss your pants!”

 

Yugo frowned – what was Kyo up to?

 

“I’ll set one card facedown,” said Kyo. “Then I’ll summon Marie the Fallen One (ATK 1700, DEF 1200), offering the Agent of Force as a tribute!”

 

To Yugo’s surprise, suddenly the red angel disappeared – and was replaced by a steel-skinned angel. But even then Kyo wasn’t done. “Now I’ll activate the magic of Polymerization, to fuse together this monster and the Forgiving Maiden (ATK 850, DEF 2000) in my hand to form St. Joan (ATK 2800, DEF 2000)!”

 

An image of the Forgiving Maiden briefly appeared on the field, and then it and Marie the Fallen One were drawn together in a whirlpool vortex. When it settled, in their place stood the short-haired young beauty, wielding her sword and ready to fight.

 

“St. Joan will lead me to victory – and you to judgment!” Kyo laughed out loud.

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 27]

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

“sheet,” muttered Yugo as he stared at St. Joan. “With such a powerful monster on the field, the only way I can win this duel now is if I draw the right card…”

 

And indeed, the stats of the duel were very much against him – he had only 700 life points, while Kyo was still way ahead with 7200. Yugo had one card in his hand and Kyo had none; on the field Yugo had Gemini Elf and Chaos Command Magician, both in Attack Mode, and his still-face-up Spellbinding Circle, now on the field meaninglessly since Kyo tributed the monster that had been trapped in its power. Kyo, on the other hand, had St. Joan ready to fight, and one other card facedown on his side of the field, plus he still had the Sanctuary in the Sky hovering overhead.

 

“Well, I have to say, it’s been a real pleasure dueling against you, Yugo,” Kyo said warmly. “Still, all good things must come to an end sometime – like right now! St. Joan, destroy Gemini Elf and eliminate the rest of Yugo’s life points! Use your Holy Saint Sword!”

 

St. Joan’s sword became charged with light energy as she ran forward and delivered a downward stroke. Everyone flinched, expecting to hear the blow fall.

 

“I can’t look!” Miki turned away.

 

Kaiba chuckled. “Looks like Kyo wins this one, after all,” he murmured.

 

“Hmph.” Blaze sighed and closed her eyes.

 

As the saint’s sword sliced through the twins, they disintegrated into thin air –

 

– and then everyone heard Kyo exclaim, “It’s not possible!”

 

“Huh?” Miki looked up – and was amazed. “Wow…that’s incredible…”

 

Jenna, Flora and Wade stared in open-mouthed amazement.

 

Blaze blinked.

 

Roland’s jaw dropped. Kaiba’s eyebrows twitched.

 

And on the dueling platform, Kyo simply couldn’t believe it.

 

Surrounding Yugo was a large cloud of furry little animals. “The effect of Kuriboh (ATK 300, DEF 200),” he revealed, and here he discarded his last card in his hand to the Graveyard. “By discarding it from my hand during the damage calculation after battle, I can reduce the battle damage I get from this one fight to zero. My Kuriboh basically absorbed the damage of that attack…an attack meant to defeat me.”

 

Kyo applauded. “Nice play, Yugo,” he congratulated him. “Still, all you’ve really done is to delay the inevitable. My Fairy monsters will bring you down and advance me to the final battle of this tournament. Just you wait and see.”

 

“It isn’t over…until the fat lady sings,” said Yugo smartly. “And I don’t hear anybody singing, do you? So the duel will continue!”

 

But now he looked worriedly at his deck. I hate to admit it, but Kyo’s right…all I’ve done is to delay the inevitable…if I don’t play my cards right, and if I don’t get something good on this next draw, then Kyo will bury me. I’ve got to think of some way to get back into the game…but how?

 

Yugo closed his eyes a moment and tried to think. Everything depended on this next draw, he realized all too well. He had to get a good card, or else Kyo would win this duel. Yugo didn’t want to be selfish, but he knew that only one of them could win this and go on to face Seta. And he wanted that person to be himself.

 

Damn…I’m really feeling the heat now…Kyo’s been showing no mercy since the duel began. He’ll really cream me, unless…

 

“Trust in the cards, Yugo.”

 

“What?” Yugo’s eyes snapped open – but to his astonishment, he wasn’t seeing the rooftop of Kaibacorp. He was seeing something else…somewhere else…sometime else.

 

Six years ago…

 

Six years ago, at home, with his father.

 

Am I…remembering something from my past?

 

He could see it now: This, before his eyes, was a recollection of the first time he learned how to play Duel Monsters. His father had taught him everything he knew about the game, and…yes…he had taught him something else, too.

 

“Remember, Yugo,” Mr. Muto had always said, “every card has its own individual strength and weakness. There are times when, at the very moment you need it most, a card you never gave much thought to may help save your life. Yugo…every duelist puts his soul into the creation of his deck, into every card used in that deck. Trust in your deck, my son…trust in the heart of the cards!”

 

I never used to pay much attention to that, Yugo mused as he closed his eyes again. After all, they’re just cards. What’s to trust?

 

He then opened his eyes, and he was on the dueling platform once again, about to draw. Still…maybe there IS something to what Dad said…maybe… He closed his eyes once more as he prepared to draw. Heart of the cards…if there really is such a thing…please guide me!

 

Slowly he drew his card, then opened his eyes and looked at it. Wha…what is this…? This…is this really possible…?

 

On the other side of the field, Kyo could see the surprise in Yugo’s face. “Hmmm? What’s wrong, Yugo – did you draw a card that would prove to be of no help to you after all?”

 

“Uh…no…” Slowly Yugo’s astonishment faded. “In fact, I drew just the card I needed!” And he showed the card to Kyo – Swords of Revealing Light!

 

Now it was Kyo’s turn to be astonished. “WHAT!”

 

Yugo swiftly played the card onto his Duel-Disk, and immediately three shining swords of light shot down from the sky and landed point-down into the ground. “This should buy me some more time to work out a strategy,” he mused. “Okay, now I’ll switch Chaos Command Magician into Defense Mode, and end my turn.”

 

Kyo drew his next card – and then, quite suddenly, his life points increased by 200 to put him at 7400! “Hmph…that is the effect of my Marie the Fallen One – as long as she stays in my Graveyard, during each of my Standby Phases my life points increase by 200.” He frowned. “You know…I’m not sure what just happened with your card draw, Yugo, but…it doesn’t matter. I will win, one way or another!” His eyes narrowed. “Even so, now I really know that I can’t afford to take you lightly…especially with whatever just happened…so…”

 

Then he did a startling thing: very carefully, he removed his glasses and pocketed them. “It’s time for me to get truly serious!”

 

“Huh?” Now Jenna was dumbfounded. “You mean – Kyo, please tell me you’re joking! You weren’t playing at your absolute best up until now?”

 

Kyo chuckled. “Sorry, but I was taking it easy…just being lazy,” he confessed. “But right about now, now that I know that Yugo has a chance to get back into the game – I won’t allow him the opportunity to catch back to me! And this will be the proof of that!”

 

He pointed to the facedown card on his side of the field. “Now I activate my trap card, Wall of Revealing Light!”

 

Suddenly a gigantic wall of light appeared in front of Kyo’s side of the field. At the same time, much to everyone’s amazement, Kyo’s life points drastically dropped to 4400. “When I activate this card,” he explained, “I must pay any multiple of 1000 life points, and any monster on your side of the field whose ATK is equal to or less than the life points paid cannot attack.” He grinned. “And I’ve paid 3000 life points for this card. Now, Yugo, you can only attack me with monsters whose ATK are higher than 3000 – but I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon, do you?” And he laughed.

 

“Damn it…” Yugo muttered.

 

----------

 

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

Mr. Wheeler looked up at the big screen in surprise. “Wow…Kyo surely isn’t taking any chances, is he?” he remarked.

 

“He rarely ever does,” said Mr. Bakura.

 

They looked at the current duel stats: Yugo’s life points were still 700, but Kyo’s were now down to 4400. Yugo had the Swords of Revealing Light in play and the Chaos Command Magician in Defense Mode, as well as Spellbinding Circle still on the field meaninglessly; Kyo had St. Joan in Attack Mode, and his Wall of Revealing Light trap card, just activated; and, of course, the Sanctuary in the Sky was still on the field. Yugo had no cards in hand, and Kyo had one.

 

“Kyo just took off his glasses…now he’s really playing seriously,” said Mrs. Bakura quietly. “He won’t hold anything back now.”

 

“It’s because he knows that Yugo is a tough opponent,” said Mr. Muto.

 

“Well, Yugo was certainly lucky to draw that card when he did,” said Grandma, and she sighed in relief.

 

Mr. Taylor looked up at the screen. “Somehow, I don’t think it was just luck,” he commented. “I think it was something else…”

 

Mrs. Wheeler looked at him. “The heart of the cards?”

 

“Well…yeah.”

 

Grandma shook her head. “I can’t believe you guys are still talking about that ‘heart of the cards’ even though you’re all grown,” she scolded. “Honestly, I can never understand what you’re talking about!”

 

The others looked at each other knowingly and smiled.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

“Now, then, let’s continue!” Kyo examined the card in his hand. “Hmmm…this IS a good card…but I don’t need this right now. So, I’ll end my turn.”

 

The first of the three Swords of Revealing Light disappeared as Yugo quickly drew his next card. “This card is just what the doctor ordered,” he muttered. “But I can’t use it right now. I’ll end my turn.”

 

“What’s Yugo doing?” complained Jenna. “He’s got a good opportunity to plan a comeback, and he’s wasting the time he’s got left!”

 

“Well, evidently, neither he nor Kyo can use the cards they’ve got,” Flora said gently. “And obviously neither of them can attack right now. It’s all about patience and good card play at this point.”

 

Kyo drew another card, and Marie the Fallen One’s effect increased his life points to 4600. Then he examined the two cards in his hand. Hmmm…I can use these in a combination, like so…

 

“Okay, Yugo! I summon the Agent of Creation – Venus (ATK 1600, DEF 0) to the field!” And in a moment Kyo summoned the yellow-robed angel.

 

“Huh?” Yugo’s eyes widened.

 

“Now, as you know, by paying 500 life points, I can use Venus’s effect to Special Summon one Mystical Shine Ball (ATK 500, DEF 500) from my hand or deck to the field,” Kyo reminded his opponent. “And now I’ll pay a full 1500 to Special Summon all three from my deck!”

 

In a moment the three Mystical Shine Balls were on the field in Defense Mode, and Kyo’s life points dropped to 3100. “I like to keep all my bases covered, you see,” said Kyo. “So, just in case you find some way to get past my Wall of Revealing Light, I can have a solid defense ready to back me up.” He chuckled. “It seems you’re doing battle with an angelic legion, Yugo.”

 

Now the second of the three swords disappeared, leaving only one. Yugo noted this and frowned. I need to finish this, and soon!

 

Aloud he said, “All right! Now I’ll take my turn!” And he drew his next card, giving him two in hand. Then he looked at his hand and frowned some more.

 

“All right! Now I’ll summon Copycat (ATK 0, DEF 0) to the field!”

 

Copycat soon appeared, wielding its mirror in front of its face. Kyo saw this and was shocked. “Oh, dammit!” he exclaimed. “That monster can take on the original ATK and DEF of any monster on my side of the field…!”

 

“I’m glad you know that,” said Yugo, “because I’m going to have Copycat – well – COPY the attributes of St. Joan!”

 

Copycat’s body began to morph, right before their eyes; pretty soon it was the splitting image of the original St. Joan, with ATK of 2800 and DEF of 2000. But Yugo wasn’t done.

 

“Next, I’ll equip Copycat with a magic card that’ll definitely increase his powers!” Now Yugo was smiling once again. “And the card I choose is – the Black Pendant!” He held up the last remaining card in his hand. “This will increase my monster’s ATK by 500 points, putting him at 3300 – enough to bypass your Wall of Revealing Light!”

 

Kyo’s eyes widened in utter alarm. Holy sheet!

 

“Now, Copycat! Attack and destroy St. Joan!” ordered Yugo. And Copycat Joan rushed forward with sword drawn, impaling St. Joan through the heart and killing her.

 

“Damn…” Kyo growled. Though he hadn’t lost any life points thanks to the effect of the Sanctuary in the Sky, nevertheless he’d still lost a powerful monster. “You’ll pay for that, Yugo!” he spat.

 

“Sure.” Yugo shrugged. “Make your move, Kyo.”

 

Kyo drew another card, and once again Marie the Fallen One increased his life points to 3300. “Now, you’ll really pay for that little stunt you just pulled!” he declared, as he held up the two cards in his hand. “Now, I’ll offer all three of my Mystical Shine Balls as tributes to summon another monster to the field – my Moisture Creature (ATK 2800, DEF 2900)!”

 

“What the hell!” exclaimed Yugo.

 

The Mystical Shine Balls gathered together into one giant ball of light, then shot up into the sky. A moment later the ball of light returned slowly to earth, but slightly changed in color – from white to purple – and now it sported eyes and two arms. Then suddenly it began to glow, very brightly, so brightly that everyone had to cover their eyes.

 

“Damn! That’s too bright!” Wade exclaimed.

 

But after a moment, the light subsided, and all could see again. But when Yugo looked around, he stared in amazement…his Swords of Revealing Light, the Black Pendant, the now-useless Spellbinding Circle – all had vanished!

 

“All right – I’m officially confused!” he exploded. “What the hell just happened here?”

 

“I’ll run it through with you, step by step, so you can understand,” said Kyo softly. “As you know, all Level 8 or higher monsters are normally summoned by offering two monsters as tributes. Now, my Moisture Creature is a Level 9 monster, which means that I can summon him by offering two tributes, as well. However, if I summon him by offering three tributes instead of just two, this activates his effect – to destroy all Magic and Trap cards on my opponent’s side of the field.”

 

“Damn…” Yugo sighed in a woebegone manner. “So now you can attack, and my Copycat’s lost his equipped item…”

 

“Exactly!” Kyo answered, very pleased with himself – and then suddenly he winced, as his life points went down to 2800! “What’s going on here? Why’d I lose life points?” he demanded.

 

“It was the effect of the Black Pendant,” Yugo recalled. “When it’s sent to the Graveyard, its power does 500 points of damage to your life points.”

 

“Well, it won’t matter – you’ll still lose!” Kyo declared. “Now, my Moisture Creature, destroy the Chaos Command Magician!”

 

The Moisture Creature moved forward in a water-like motion, and covered the mage. A moment later Yugo’s monster was drowned, sucked into Moisture Creature, even as it slipped back over to Kyo’s side of the field. “Ready to give up now, Yugo?” Kyo taunted him.

 

Yugo defiantly shook his head. “Where there’s a will to win, there’s a way to win,” he answered. “And I will win!”

 

“You don’t seem to get it yet, do you?” Kyo remarked. “The odds are telling heavily against you, you know. On my next turn, I can easily have my Moisture Creature destroy your Copycat, and even though they’d both be destroyed because they have the same ATK, nevertheless my Agent of Creation – Venus would be able to finish off your life points. So, unless you have another miracle up your sleeve…I would highly advise you to call it quits.”

 

“Kyo…after all this time, this is how you see me?” Yugo scowled. “I’m disappointed in you. You should know, better than anybody else, that I would rather go down fighting than to give up if I can help it!”

 

“Then that will be your downfall.” Kyo’s tone was final.

 

Yugo said no more, but drew his next card. He looked at it for the longest moment…and then smiled. “Okay! Now I’m going to bet everything on this card! I’ll set it facedown, and that’ll end my turn!”

 

Kyo chuckled. “So, you decided not to call it quits, after all,” he noted. “Truly, you’re a real duelist, Yugo. I’ll be sure to let Seta know that, when I see him.”

 

But Yugo only smiled. “I’ll tell him myself, Kyo. I intend to be the one who duels against him, after all. Just watch!”

 

As the two friends stared each other down, the score was shown. Yugo was still fighting with 700 life points, while Kyo had 2800. Kyo had on his side of the field the Agent of Creation – Venus, the Moisture Creature, the Sanctuary in the Sky field magic card and the Wall of Revealing Light trap card; by contrast, Yugo now had only one facedown card on his side of the field, along with Copycat Joan in Attack Mode. Yugo had no more cards in his hand; Kyo had one.

 

Now Kyo prepared to draw another card. “Yugo,” he said quietly. “This is the end for you now. I’m going to defeat you – and force you to face and acknowledge your defeat!”

 

[/size]

[Ryno Dorcus]

[spoiler=Chapter 28]

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

Kyo drew another card. Once more, the Marie the Fallen One in his Graveyard increased his life points to 3000. “Now, say goodbye to this tournament, Yugo!” he cried. “Moisture Creature, prepare to sacrifice yourself in battle! Attack Copycat!”

 

But as Moisture Creature slid forward with watery movements to do the deed, Yugo’s eyes flashed. “You fell for it, Kyo! I activate my trap card, Blast Held by a Tribute!”

 

Suddenly, a giant, cancerous bomb appeared right in the middle of Moisture Creature’s brain. It paused, puzzled, then suddenly exploded, sending water everywhere! The shockwave of the blast knocked over the Agent of Creation – Venus, as well, and she got blasted into nothingness – and Kyo, shielding himself from the shockwave with upraised arms, winced as his life points shot down to 2000!

 

“I could only activate that card when you attacked with a monster that you Tribute summoned, as I knew you’d do,” said Yugo calmly. “And so, because all the monsters on your side of the field were in Attack Mode, they got destroyed and you got 1000 points of damage to your life points.”

 

Kyo smirked a little. “Very clever, Yugo,” he praised his friend. “I’m glad to see you’ve still got some fight left in you. But I am far from done with you!”

 

He held up the two cards in his hand. “Now, I’m going to show you something – something that’ll make you tremble in your shoes! I activate the magic of my Monster Reborn card, to revive my Warrior of Zera (ATK 1600, DEF 1600) from the Graveyard!”

 

In a moment the warrior emerged on the field, sword drawn. Yugo was shocked. Wait a minute – when did that go to the Graveyard? Then, just as suddenly as that thought crossed his mind, another revelation hit him: He must’ve discarded it when he played his Graceful Charity earlier!

 

“And now…” Kyo waved the last card in his hand ominously. “I’ll end my turn for now, but know this – you can neither attack nor defend against me!”

 

I’ve got a bad feeling about that card in his hand, Yugo mused. I’m going to have to play it really carefully from here on in.

 

Aloud he spoke up as he drew his next card. “I’ll set one monster in Defense Mode, and end my turn!”

 

Kyo drew another card and snickered, even as Marie the Fallen One increased his life points further to 2200. “Hmmm…only a copycat version of my St. Joan and a facedown monster for protection? Poor, poor Yugo…you must be running out of options or something.”

 

“If you really think so, then why don’t you attack me next chance you get?” needled Yugo.

 

But Kyo merely smiled. “Do you take me for a fool? I’m not that gullible or careless.” He examined the cards in his hand. “Cool! Now I summon Spirit of the Pot of Greed (ATK 100, DEF 100) in Attack Mode!” And a moment later the giant green pot appeared with the grinning spirit peeking out of it.

 

Yugo scowled. “If you’re playing that, then that only means…”

 

“Smart boy!” Kyo congratulated him. “Of course, I do have it in my hand, and now I’ll activate it – Pot of Greed! And since the Spirit of the Pot of Greed is in Attack Mode on the field, I’ll be able to draw one more card in addition to the usual two!”

 

As Kyo played the card, two cards appeared available to refresh his empty hand – and then, as if for afterthought, a third popped out. Taking the three cards into his hand, Kyo’s eye caught a particular one, and he stared long and hard at it. Incredible…how incredible that I’m actually going to summon HER to battle!

 

“Now…” Kyo spoke slowly, carefully. “First, I’ll Special Summon my fluffy little friend, Watapon (ATK 300, DEF 200) in Defense Mode, since he was drawn from my deck by a card effect.” Then the pink ball of fluff appeared on the field. But Kyo wasn’t finished. “Then I offer my Warrior of Zera as a tribute to Special Summon my great and powerful Archlord Zerato (ATK 2800, DEF 2300)! Go, my warrior, to the Sanctuary in the Sky!”

 

As he had done in Kyo’s duel against Jenna, the Warrior of Zera flew up toward the Sanctuary; momentarily, he returned in angel form, wielding his giant shining sword. “Take a good look at him, Yugo,” said Kyo. “This guy will be the guy who buries you!”

 

“Hmmm…so, I get to fight the Archlord, at long last.” Yugo smiled. “Well…this is certainly an honor.”

 

“Well, savor it, because the next thing you’ll see is his sword of light buried in your chest!” Kyo chuckled. “Do I sound cruel? I’m only being practical. You should’ve gone down several turns back – now I’ll finish what I started before! Now, Archlord Zerato, destroy Yugo’s facedown monster!”

 

Raising his shining sword, Archlord Zerato sent forth a blade of light that cut the card in two – but Yugo only grinned. “You just destroyed my Magician of Faith (ATK 300, DEF 400),” and here he revealed the young mage grimacing in pain before she disappeared. “Her flip effect will allow me to take one Magic card from my Graveyard and add it to my hand. And the card I’m going for is – Pot of Greed!” He grinned some more at Kyo.

 

The realization of the situation suddenly dawned on Kyo. Oh, sheet – Spirit of the Pot of Greed’s effect works for both players! Yugo’s gonna get to use this to his advantage! Man, how could I be so short-sighted!

 

“If you’re done moping, I’ll take my turn now,” said Yugo, drawing another card – this gave him two in all. “All right,” he said after a moment. “Now I’m taking back this duel! I’ll summon Skilled Dark Magician (ATK 1900, DEF 1700) to the field!”

 

A mage wearing Black monk-like robes and carrying a staff appeared on the field. “Next,” continued Yugo, holding up the last card in his hand, “I activate Pot of Greed! And, if my guess is correct, I’ll be able to draw an extra card thanks to YOUR monster – right?”

 

Kyo growled, but said nothing else. Smiling, Yugo activated the Pot of Greed; drawing two cards and then pausing before he drew the third one. Then he examined his hand and smiled even more. “This just keeps getting better and better,” he remarked.

 

Then, just as Yugo finished speaking, suddenly a ball of magic energy appeared beside the Skilled Dark Magician. “Keep an eye on that orb – it’s a magic counter,” Yugo told Kyo. “Each time you or I activate a Magic card, Skilled Dark Magician gets one magic counter.”

 

On the sidelines, Kaiba chuckled to himself a little. This boy…he certainly has the unusual ability to bounce right back when you least expect him to…truly he is the son of Yugi Muto!

 

Then Yugo held up two of his three new cards. “Now, I’ll set one card facedown,” he announced, “and then I’ll activate Double Spell! By discarding one Magic card from my hand…” and here he discarded the third card he’d drawn, the Premature Burial card. “…I can select one Magic card from your Graveyard and use its effect as my own. And I choose – your Pot of Greed!”

 

As Yugo drew two cards from his deck, then drew a third due to the effect of the Spirit of the Pot of Greed, Skilled Dark Magician got a second magic counter. Kyo merely shook his head…then smirked. Definitely the Yugo I know, for sure.

 

Yugo now examined the three new cards in his hand and smiled. “Good! Now, I’ll set another card facedown, and then I’ll end my turn.” He looked slyly at Kyo. “Make your move, widdle Kyo!” he teased in baby talk.

 

“Hmph. Funny.” Kyo drew his next card, so now he had two in his hand. As Marie the Fallen One increased his life points to 2400, he then examined his hand and smiled slyly. “Yugo! It’s time for me to summon a new monster – I like to call her the spirit of a certain saint!”

 

“A certain saint…” Yugo frowned. “St. Joan?”

 

“Well, this is a new version of her! I sacrifice Watapon and the Spirit of the Pot of Greed to summon Guardian Angel Joan (ATK 2800, DEF 2000)!” And as the two monsters disappeared from the field, slowly rising from the ground was Joan, dressed in a robe of pure white with angelic wings, with glorious light shining from her body.

 

“She’s one of my most favorite monsters, you see,” explained Kyo, “and she’s got great power, now that she’s an angel. When she destroys a monster in battle, I increase my life points by an amount equal to the destroyed monster’s original ATK!” He cast an eye on the Skilled Dark Magician. “And right now, I feel in the mood to increase my life points a little…”

 

“Crap!” Yugo cried.

 

“It sucks, doesn’t it, Yugo? The fact that I can attack you at any time, but you can’t because of my Wall of Revealing Light, restricting you from doing so…” and Kyo stuck a thumb at the Wall of Revealing Light, still in effect on the field. “Now, Guardian Angel Joan, attack the Skilled Dark Magician with your Heavenly Cherub Blade!”

 

Guardian Angel Joan formed a transparent blade of light in one hand, then flew forward to attack. But suddenly Yugo shouted, “No way! I activate my trap card, Negate Attack, to stop your attack altogether and end your Battle Phase!”

 

A vortex opened up and absorbed the blade of light just as Guardian Angel Joan stabbed at the Skilled Dark Magician. As suddenly as she’d rushed forward, the angel stopped and reluctantly moved back to Kyo’s side of the field. Kyo himself was feeling pretty upset, but he let it go. “Nice counter, Yugo,” he admitted. “All right, then I will place one card facedown and end my turn.” And he set the last card in his hand facedown.

 

Now the score stood: Yugo still had 700 life points, while Kyo had 2400. Yugo had two cards in his hand, and Kyo had none. On Yugo’s side of the field, he had Copycat Joan, Skilled Dark Magician with two magic counters, and one facedown card in the magic/trap slot; on Kyo’s side, he had his Wall of Revealing Light, the Sanctuary in the Sky, Archlord Zerato and Guardian Angel Joan, and one facedown card.

 

“Hmph…neither one is budging an inch.” Blaze chuckled. “Now, those two are really good duelists, if ever there were any.”

 

“That’s true,” agreed Wade. “And right now…I’m just about glad I didn’t get to duel against either of them.”

 

Miki held her head down. Jenna noticed. “Something up?”

 

“Well…I just really don’t know which of them I want to win.” Miki sighed. “I want Kyo to do his best, but then again I know Yugo’s good, too…”

 

“Hey, whatever happens, happens,” Blaze said firmly. “Friends who duel may have to fight each other sometime. The main thing is that they maintain respect for each other, regardless of who wins or loses.”

 

“That’s definitely right,” Flora nodded.

 

Now Yugo drew another card. As he did, he cast a glance at Kyo’s side of the field. “Hey, Kyo,” he chuckled. “I’m sorry, but it’s time I brought the fun and games to an end! Now I’ll activate my trap card, Call of the Haunted, to bring back my Chaos Command Magician from the Graveyard!”

 

The green-robed spellcaster momentarily came back to life amidst a row of tombstones – but Yugo didn’t stop there. “Next,” he held up one of his three cards, “I activate the magic of Mage Power! For every Magic and Trap card on my side of the field, this card increases the ATK and DEF of the monster it’s equipped to by 500 points. And I’m equipping it to my Chaos Command Magician!”

 

Kyo stared in astonishment. “No!”

 

As the card was equipped to the magician, his ATK and DEF both shot up by 1000 – Mage Power counted itself in its effect, and Call of the Haunted was already active on the field; thus, as Kyo watched in dismay, Chaos Command Magician’s ATK and DEF were eventually set at 3400 and 2900! “But – now he’s strong enough to overcome my Wall of Revealing Light…!” Kyo said weakly.

 

“Damn right, he can!” Yugo chuckled. “Oh, and did I forget to mention that Skilled Dark Magician now has three counters?” He pointed to the other mage, who now had three glowing orbs around him. “When he has three of those magic counters, I can offer him and those three counters as tributes to Special Summon my Dark Magician (ATK 2500, DEF 2100) from my hand, deck or Graveyard – and this time he’s coming from my deck!”

 

Kyo was dumbfounded. “How many ways are there to summon that guy?” he demanded.

 

“Plenty!” Yugo grinned as the Skilled Dark Magician and his three counters disappeared. A moment later the familiar Dark Magician appeared in his purple robes and carrying his green staff.

 

“Well, okay, so congratulations,” said Kyo. “But still, you’ve only gotten ONE monster on the field with an ATK higher than 3000. Even if you destroy one of my monsters now, that still won’t be enough to stop me.”

 

“Hmmm…that IS true…” Yugo frowned as he examined the field again. Then he smiled. “But what if…I did this?” He held up a card from his hand. “Suppose I was to activate this magic card – a card called Knight’s Title?”

 

Kyo stared at the card suspiciously. “And what exactly does that do?”

 

“It allows me to transform my Dark Magician into a knight – the Dark Magician Knight (ATK 2500, DEF 2100), to be exact!” Yugo smiled again. “Now, I activate the magic of Knight’s Title!”

 

The Dark Magician was suddenly engulfed in a blinding flash of light; when that light subsided a few minutes later, in place of his magician’s robes he was now wearing a purple suit of armor and wielding a sword. “Furthermore,” added Yugo, “when Dark Magician Knight is Special Summoned successfully, I can use his power to choose and destroy one card on the field. And the card I choose is – your Wall of Revealing Light!”

 

“NO!” Kyo cried out.

 

Dark Magician Knight raised his sword, charged with mystic energy, and rushed at the Wall of Revealing Light. Jumping into the air, he let loose with one massive downward stroke – and seconds later, the wall tore in two and came crumbling to the ground in pieces.

 

“Now that your Wall of Revealing Light is destroyed,” said Yugo, “any of my monsters can attack! And the first thing I’m going to do is to have my Copycat sacrifice himself in battle! Copycat, attack and destroy Archlord Zerato!”

 

Copycat Joan rushed forward with sword drawn, point directed at the Archlord Zerato’s chest. But the other monster had his sword drawn, too – so that both monsters impaled each other. Then they disintegrated into nothing.

 

“One down, one to go!” Yugo grinned. “Chaos Command Magician, destroy Guardian Angel Joan!”

 

The Chaos Command Magician raised his staff and blasted Guardian Angel Joan to pieces. However, because the Sanctuary in the Sky was still on the field, Kyo suffered no battle damage; but this did not concern Yugo any longer. He looked at his friend. “Even if that Sanctuary protects you from battle damage done to one of your Fairy-type monsters, you still won’t be protected from direct damage! Dark Magician Knight, finish it now! Attack directly!”

 

The Dark Magician Knight raised his sword and rushed at Kyo – who started laughing. “I’m not so weak as to be taken down just like that, Yugo!” Kyo cried out. “I activate my trap card, Enchanted Javelin!”

 

A giant spear with beautiful decorations appeared in front of Kyo, even as the Dark Magician Knight slashed downward; to Yugo’s amazement, the trap card suddenly increased Kyo’s life points to 4900! But then, as the knight’s sword actually connected, Kyo’s life points shot back down to 2400!

 

“Whoa…what just happened?” wondered Miki. Jenna, too, was staring wide-eyed at the field.

 

“I activated the effect of my trap card, Enchanted Javelin,” said Kyo. “When an enemy monster attacks, this trap increases my life points by the attacking monster’s ATK. Since Dark Magician Knight’s ATK is 2500, I was able to increase my life points by 2500. Of course, since the hit connected, I’m back to 2400, but even so it’s given me enough time to come back with a counter-strike.”

 

“Aw, man!” Yugo’s disappointment was heavy. “Well, all right, I guess. I’ll set this last card facedown, and then end my turn.” And he placed the last card in his hand facedown on the field. As he did this, Mage Power increased Chaos Command Magician’s ATK and DEF further to 3900 and 3400; then he ended his turn.

 

Suddenly, much to everyone’s amazement, a small tear opened in Kyo’s shirt. Kyo noted this with surprise. Hmmm…looks like I cut it a bit too close…I need to finish it now, or else…

 

So Kyo drew his next card, and yet again Marie the Fallen One in his Graveyard increased his life points, putting him at 2600. As he looked at the new card, though, his eyes widened in amazement. No way – I can actually use this! This very card can help me out greatly!

 

“Oh, Yugo,” he chuckled. “It seems I still have something that can help me immensely! Now, I summon my best monster of all to the field – Mudora (ATK 1500, DEF 1800)!”

 

Yugo’s eyes widened when he heard this. “You’re kidding! Not that guy!”

 

“Oh, yes, THAT guy!” Kyo laughed out loud, even as Mudora appeared in his yellow mask and wielding his knife. “As most of you may recall, Mudora increases his ATK by 200 for every Fairy-type monster in my Graveyard. So, let’s look at my Graveyard a moment, eh?”

 

He touched a button on his Duel-Disk, and a second later the Graveyard information appeared in holographic form. “Now, from the start of this duel,” said Kyo, “these are the Fairy-type monsters that have ended up in my Graveyard: Agido, Shining Abyss, Airknight Parshath, the Agent of Force – Mars, the Forgiving Maiden, St. Joan, the Agent of Creation – Venus, three Mystical Shine Balls, Moisture Creature, Spirit of the Pot of Greed, Watapon, Archlord Zerato, and Guardian Angel Joan – that’s a grand total of 15 Fairy-types in my Graveyard! And, 200 times 15 equals 3000 – that gives Mudora a punishing grand total of 4500 ATK points!”

 

“Goddamn!” Yugo yelled.

 

“It’s embarrassing, isn’t it, Yugo, to know that you came this close to beating me?” Kyo snickered. “Well, I won’t draw out this duel any longer, thank you very much! Now, Mudora, attack and destroy the Dark Magician Knight and put an end to it!”

 

With that said, Mudora’s knife shone with a great white light as it suddenly transformed into a massive curved sword. The monster then turned and charged at Yugo, with every intent of stabbing him. But then Yugo shook his head. “You’re right, Kyo – it IS time to put an end to this! I activate my trap card, Mirror Force!”

 

Suddenly a massive force field appeared in between Yugo and Mudora. The monster slashed forward, but then got thrown back by the backlash – and got destroyed! Kyo stared in dismay. “No! Not my monster!” he wailed.

 

“Sorry, Kyo,” Yugo said quietly, “but only one of us can win this duel now. And believe me, it won’t be you!” He drew another card. “Now, it’s time to put an end to this!”

 

Then, unexpectedly, he held his head down. “At least, it should be time to put an end to this…but…” He sniffed. “Damn me, why am I sniffling like this?”

 

Kyo looked long and hard at Yugo. Then he smiled a quiet little smile. “Yugo…don’t fret about it,” he said. “You and I fought a great duel here…I just happened to be the loser today, that’s all. I’m just glad that if I had to lose to somebody, then that somebody could be one of my best friends. And…it’s true that Mudora is the card that I treasure the most of all those I have…” He flashed a glance at Miki. “…But all said and done, it’s just a card. What’s really important is what that special person and I have for each other, and no card can ever really symbolize that. So don’t feel guilty because you destroyed Mudora now…I’ll be able to use it again in a future duel.”

 

Then his face became stern. “So…attack me now, Yugo!”

 

Yugo kept his head down; but a smile now played on his mouth. “I had a good time, Kyo. I hope to duel you again sometime.”

 

Kyo chuckled now. “Yeah…me, too.”

 

And then Yugo looked up, assurance restored to his face. Chaos Command Magician’s ATK and DEF had been lowered to 3400 and 2900 since he no longer had his Mirror Force trap on the field, but it would be enough. “Chaos Command Magician, attack directly!”

 

With that, Chaos Command Magician raised his staff and fired a blast of energy at Kyo. As the energy rocketed toward him, Kyo took out his glasses and put them back on…and got hit in the chest, flooring him and reducing his life points to 0.

 

Nobody said anything for a long moment. Then Roland made the announcement, “Winner: Yugo Muto!”

 

“All right! Way to go, you guys!” Jenna exclaimed, rushing up to the platform. Then she paused. “Uh…you guys all right?”

 

Yugo nodded. “Yeah…yeah.”

 

Kyo picked himself up and dusted himself off. “THAT – was probably the best duel I’ve ever had in a long time!” He burst out laughing.

 

Miki walked up. “Kyo…to see you taking this so well…I’m so proud of you…”

 

“Yeah.” He smiled. “Now, all that’s left is the championship duel…”

 

“Quite so!” agreed Yugo. He then looked aside, but in his mind he was thinking, Wait for me, Seta…very soon, you and I will duel again! Count on it!

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 29]

KAIBACORP ROOFTOP

 

Watching the kids’ jubilation, Kaiba folded his arms and smirked. “Well…that Yugo Muto is certainly something else…to get a victory after being so close to defeat…”

 

“He is an extraordinary duelist, indeed – to be able to hold out for so long in that duel with only 700 life points!” Roland remarked. Then he added quickly, “Of course, there’s nobody around who can truly best Master Seta!”

 

“Roland…he did,” Kaiba reminded the retainer, nodding his head at Yugo.

 

“Well…Master Kaiba, take into consideration that now that Master Seta has THAT card, he is virtually unstoppable,” Roland reminded his employer.

 

“Well, we’ll see, won’t we?” said Kaiba, and he chuckled.

 

Then he walked over to where Yugo and his friends were. “Yugo,” he addressed the young boy, “congratulations on making it this far in the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup. However, as you already know, there is one more duel left…against Seta, my son.”

 

Yugo nodded respectfully. “Yes, sir, I know,” he answered. “Uh…do I get to duel him today?”

 

“No, you don’t.” Kaiba shook his head. “You’ve been through quite a lot for one day. Why don’t you go home and rest? Tomorrow I’ll send a limo over to take you to the site of the final duel.”

 

“What? You mean it won’t be here?” Yugo asked in surprise.

 

“No, it won’t,” answered Kaiba. “It will be held at Kaibacorp’s biggest dueling dome at the heart of the city’s shopping center. Naturally, many people will be there to view the duel; and I’ve arranged for media coverage of the battle. Face it, kid – this duel will probably make you famous.”

 

“Did you hear that, Yugo? You’ll be really famous!” Jenna squealed in glee.

 

“Who would imagine that? Our very own Yugo Muto, a big-shot celebrity!” Kyo teased, pulling Yugo’s cheeks between his fingers.

 

“Well...” Yugo managed to get Kyo’s hands off his face after a moment. “I don’t really care about the celebrity status. All that matters is that I get to duel Seta again…the two of us, dueling against each other in style.” He smiled a little. “I’ve been hoping to see just how much stronger he’s gotten since last time. That’s all that matters to me.”

 

“Spoken like a real duelist,” said Kaiba. “All right. Get some rest tonight, and tomorrow my limo will pick you up and take you to the dueling dome. Now…Roland will show you the way to the entrance.” And so saying, he walked past the group and went on his way.

 

“Well…good luck, then, kid. I’ll definitely come and see you at the dueling dome tomorrow.” Blaze turned and walked off.

 

“Same here,” said Wade. “Well, catch you later!” He turned and walked away, too.

 

Flora sighed. “I’ll need to work some more on my strategy before I can duel again. But it was fun, everyone, believe me. Well, then, I’ll be seeing you soon.” She left, following after Wade and Blaze.

 

“So, we’re the only ones left,” said Miki thoughtfully.

 

Roland stepped up. “Please, follow me.” He walked toward the doors to go back downstairs, and the group followed him.

 

----------

 

OUTSIDE KAIBACORP

 

“Hmmm…well, Yugi, your son’s done very well, I dare say,” remarked Mr. Bakura.

 

“Kyo did well, too, Bakura,” returned Mr. Muto. “His dueling prowess should be highly noted and respected, even by someone like Yugo.”

 

“True, but Yugo did get training from the best,” added Mr. Bakura. “It’s only natural that his skill should be so top-notch.”

 

By and by Mr. Wheeler exclaimed, “Hey, here they come now!”

 

Emerging from the building entrance were Yugo and his friends. “Well done, everybody!” Mrs. Bakura exclaimed. “You’ve all done very well!”

 

“Mom? Dad? You guys are here?” Kyo asked, surprised. “Then you saw…”

 

“We certainly did – and your dueling was quite magnificent!” said Mrs. Wheeler.

 

Mr. Taylor looked down at Miki. “Honey…I’m proud of you,” he said quietly. “That you were able to make it in the tournament shows me that you did your best…and that’s all I ask of you.”

 

Miki blushed. “Thanks, Dad.”

 

“You did it, Yugo,” said Mr. Bakura. “Now, what’s next?”

 

“Well…tomorrow I’m to go to the dueling dome at the shopping center downtown,” explained Yugo. “I’ll duel Seta Kaiba there for the right to first place in the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup.”

 

“In that case, you know what that means,” said Mr. Muto. “You need to go over your deck, and then get a good night’s rest.”

 

“Yeah…I know.” Yugo nodded with understanding.

 

----------

 

KAIBACORP, LATER THAT NIGHT

 

“I see…so Yugo won the whole thing, then.”

 

“That’s right. And first thing tomorrow, you and he will duel.”

 

Seta and his father were seated together at the dining table, opposite each other, having supper. Seta poked idly at the mashed potatoes in his plate. “It’s so incredible…” he mused. “I knew all along that Yugo would be the one to win this. Now, I can get to duel him once again…”

 

Kaiba eyed him. “Don’t get too overconfident,” he cautioned. “He has gotten much better since the last time you faced him. The only trump card you’ll really have is the card I gave you – up to now he doesn’t know you have it.”

 

“I know. And I intend to keep it that way until the time is right.” Seta chuckled decisively. “I won’t lose a second time, that’s for sure.”

 

“I hope not.” Kaiba then stuck his fork into the food and took a bite. “Hmmm…this stewed beef is certainly something,” he commented. “I’m glad I hired new staff for the kitchen – variety is the spice of life.”

 

Seta chuckled again. “Indeed it is.”

 

----------

 

YUGO’S HOUSE

 

Yugo sighed as he went over his deck again. “Whew…keeping my deck well prepared sure is a tough job,” he sighed.

 

As he continued to work, a tap at his window startled him. “Huh?”

 

He went over to the window and looked out. Standing out at the front was Jenna. “Hey, Yugo, you have a minute to spare?” she asked.

 

“Yeah, sure. I’ll be down in a few.”

 

Moments later Yugo was outside, facing Jenna. “What’s up? What’re you doing here so late at night?”

 

Jenna sighed. “I just feel a little…uneasy…about tomorrow. Don’t you, Yugo?”

 

“Uh…I’m not following.”

 

“Well, what I mean is, what if you lose tomorrow? What’ll happen then?”

 

Yugo smiled. “Don’t worry about it, Jenna. Whether I win or lose isn’t the important thing, as far as I’m concerned. Seta’s strong, that much I know already…if he wins, then no big deal. I’ll just have to readjust my deck again, that’s all.”

 

Jenna nodded. “I understand. I just…”

 

He looked at her inquiringly. “What?”

 

She held her head down a little. “I…I don’t want you to lose, Yugo. If you do…you’ll never be able to reach your goal…your dream of surpassing your father…”

 

Yugo’s eyes widened. Then he chuckled. “I see…you haven’t forgotten about that.”

 

“Yeah.” Jenna looked at him again. “Yugo…promise me you’ll win. Kyo, Miki and I will be rooting for you for sure tomorrow, so do your best, okay?”

 

He nodded and smiled reassuringly. “I promise.”

 

Jenna nodded, then stood up. “Well, that’s all I wanted to say. So…good night now.” And with that, she walked off for home, leaving Yugo standing alone in front of his house.

 

Yugo smirked. “Yeah…I’ll do my best, all right,” he whispered. He turned and walked back into his house, a new confidence burning inside of him.

 

----------

 

THE NEXT MORNING

 

Yugo was still in bed, sleeping; and he was having a wonderful dream. “Mmmmm…gimme that roast beef sandwich…” he muttered.

 

In his mind, a massive sandwich was inches away from his nose, and the smell was so powerful Yugo had a hard time containing his drool. “Must…eat…sandwich…” he gasped as he lunged forward for it – but suddenly it went out of his reach. Then, he heard scornful laughter.

 

“Mwa-ha-ha! This soft, tender, juicy, luscious, succulent, DELICIOUS roast beef sandwich is – MINE! ALL MINE!” And to Yugo’s horror, a huge ogre snatched the sandwich and began to devour it in massive bites!

 

“Noooooo!” Yugo sprang forward in bed, completely awake – and found Kyo sitting at the foot of his bed, a huge sandwich in hand and a grin on his face. “Man, you should’ve heard yourself!” Kyo laughed, taking a bite from the sandwich.

 

The next thing Kyo knew, he was facedown on the floor, his face in the middle of a crater, as five massive lumps appeared on his head and swirls developed in his eyes. Yugo was sitting on his back, triumphantly wielding the sandwich in one hand. “Victory!” Yugo cheered.

 

“…ouchie…” Kyo groaned.

 

“Yugo!” Grandma’s voice could be heard from the other side of the door. “Stop clowning around in there and get ready! Kaiba’s limo will be here any minute to pick you up!”

 

“Kaiba’s limo?” Yugo asked, puzzled. Then it dawned on him. “Oh, sheet – how could I forget about that?” he exclaimed as he dashed to the bathroom.

 

With dignity, Kyo picked himself up off the floor and slicked his hair back with one hand. “That’s why I’m here, Yugo – I came to remind you that the last duel for the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup is today.”

 

“Well, couldn’t you have found a better way to wake me up, you jabroni?” Yugo asked peevishly.

 

“Nope!” Kyo grinned.

 

“Geez…sometimes I wonder if you’re even human…” Yugo grunted as he slammed the bathroom door.

 

A few minutes later Yugo emerged downstairs, holding his Duel-Disk in one hand and putting his cards into a back pocket. “Well, here I am!” he declared.

 

Grandma and Mr. Muto were seated at the table. Mr. Muto was reading the morning paper, and Grandma was dishing out baked beans and sausage. “Well, are you ready to face today, son?” Mr. Muto asked.

 

“Oh, definitely!” Yugo took his place at the table.

 

“Kyo, dear, have breakfast with us,” Grandma offered.

 

“Thank you – don’t mind if I do!” And Kyo took a chair and sat down with importance, much to Yugo’s utter annoyance.

 

“Well, dear, do a good job today, you hear?” said Grandma. “We’ll all be there, rooting for you!”

 

Yugo smiled now. “Thanks a bunch, Grandma. I can really use the support.”

 

A few minutes later, just as Yugo was finishing up breakfast, the sound of a car pulling up outside reached their ears. “That must be them!” Kyo said, grinning.

 

In an instant Yugo was at the door. “Well, I’ll see you guys there, then!” And with that he was out the door.

 

Mr. Muto laughed. “Guess we’d better hurry and be on our way, too,” he remarked.

 

“No worries there, Mr. Muto – my mother’s bringing our car around, so we can all get a ride to the shopping center.” Kyo adjusted his glasses.

 

“Remind me to thank your mother for her kindness,” said Mr. Muto, and he rolled up the paper.

 

----------

 

THE WHEELERS’ HOUSE, AT THE SAME TIME

 

“Hurry up, Mom, or we’ll be late!” Jenna yelled in exasperation.

 

“I’m hurrying, I’m hurrying!” Mrs. Wheeler insisted.

 

Miki was just heading for the front door. “You mean Aunt Mai’s not ready yet?”

 

“That’s your aunt for you,” Mr. Wheeler sighed. “She can take up to fifteen minutes just to decide what kind of perfume to put on or what pair of shoes to wear.”

 

“I heard that, Joseph Wheeler!” Mrs. Wheeler yelled down the staircase.

 

Mr. Wheeler chuckled and scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. “Busted…”

 

In a moment Mrs. Wheeler emerged, dressed in a green jacket and tight aqua shorts to match, and white sneakers. “So, are we all ready or what?” she asked.

 

“Yep!” Mr. Taylor emerged at the front door. “We’ve been ready since this morning! C’mon, let’s all get into the car and go watch that duel!”

 

“I agree!” said Jenna. And with that she went out the door and headed for the car.

 

----------

 

DOMINO CITY SHOPPING CENTER’S DUELING DOME, TEN MINUTES LATER

 

Ten minutes later found the families gathered together outside the entrance to the dueling dome. “Well, guess we park and walk it in from here,” said Mr. Taylor.

 

Looking around, Miki caught sight of various camera crews heading into the dome. “Looks like Mr. Kaiba wasn’t kidding – they’re really going to have media coverage of this duel,” she observed.

 

“Well, let’s head inside and get ourselves some seats, eh?” said Kyo.

 

“Yes, let’s do that indeed!” agreed Grandma.

 

The group walked into the dome together, and after a while they managed to find a few vacant seats that were close together, right near the top of the dome. As they sat down, Mr. Muto remarked, “This is simply fantastic! From up here, we’ve got a great view of the entire dueling arena!”

 

“Speaking of which, where are Yugo and Seta? I don’t see any sign of them down there,” said Jenna, frowning as she looked in vain for the two boys.

 

“Be patient, dear,” Mrs. Wheeler counseled. “They’ll probably show up any minute now.”

 

Just as she said that, who should step into the dueling arena but Roland himself, wielding a microphone. When he spoke, everyone in the arena could hear him since there were many speakers placed throughout the dome. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls!” he cried. “Welcome to the site for the championship duel in the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup! Are you all ready for some action!”

 

The entire dome burst into one giant cheer.

 

“All day yesterday, you have been watching the duels on your TV sets throughout the city,” Roland continued, warming to his task. “You have seen duelists battling against each other for the right to participate in this, the final, glorious match. Well, one duelist has finally made it, and today he and our champion will clash for the title of ‘Number One Duelist’ in the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup!”

 

“This is it…they’re gonna bring them out now…” Mr. Wheeler breathed.

 

On the other side of the dome were four familiar figures – Wade Ocean, Blaze Redman, Flora Green, and Marcus Ironside. “Now, this should be a duel to remember,” said Blaze.

 

“I’ll say,” said Wade. “Hey, Marcus, I’m surprised you didn’t leave the city right after your match.”

 

“And miss this? Not a chance.” Marcus had his arms folded and his eyes closed, smirking.

 

“Well, let’s see how well this one will go,” said Flora.

 

“Now,” continued Roland, “it is my pleasure to introduce the contestants to you! First…” He gestured to a walkway on his left, at one end of the dome. “…we have our champion, Seta Kaiba! He is the son of the president of Kaiba Corporation, Seto Kaiba, and for the last few years has won numerous tournaments in the United States of America. In fact…” Roland paused for emphasis. “Seta is the current World Champion, having won the title in America four years ago and successfully defending it every year ever since!”

 

“WHAT?” Jenna gaped. “Seta…is…the World Champion!”

 

“And at such a young age,” Mr. Bakura murmured.

 

Kyo smiled. “Now, this is very interesting…”

 

“But, of course, that World Championship title is not what’s for grabs here,” said Roland. “Whether playing locally or internationally, nevertheless, Seta is a ruthless duelist who will crush any foe who stands before him. Now, everyone, please help me to welcome – Seta Kaiba!”

 

The door at that walkway opened, and in walked Seta, his Duel-Disk on one arm. Immediately a large percentage of the viewers there started screaming his name, and cameras flashed as pictures of him were taken.

 

“And next,” Roland continued, pointing to the extreme opposite side of the dome, where there was another walkway, “we have a newcomer duelist named Yugo Muto! This young man is actually the son of the former champion, Yugi Muto, and although he started dueling only recently, nevertheless he’s been making a name for himself so far in this tournament! Only question is, how well will he do here? Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome – Yugo Muto!”

 

The other door opened, and in walked Yugo. Immediately Jenna and Miki jumped and cried out, “Yugo! You can do it, Yugo!” Their parents jumped up and cheered, too.

 

The two duelists finally reached the dueling platform and stood twenty feet away from each other. “Welcome, Yugo,” said Seta, chuckling. “I knew you’d make it here.”

 

“It’s good to see you again, too.” Yugo smiled.

 

 

[spoiler=Chapter 30]

DOMINO CITY SHOPPING CENTER’S DUELING DOME

 

“I must say, I’m happy that you’re my opponent here, Yugo,” said Seta. “Now, let’s really duel, eh?”

 

“True,” agreed Yugo. “Although I must admit, I’m surprised you didn’t mention that you’re the Duel Monsters World Champion…”

 

“I’m not a vain or proud guy who’ll declare his status every hour of the day,” said Seta. “And, anyway, this is only a small company tournament. The World Championships are much, much bigger.”

 

“Ahem, gentlemen,” Roland interrupted them, “may we begin?”

 

“Ah – of course. Sorry.” Seta smirked. “May the best duelist win, Yugo.”

 

“Sure.” Yugo nodded.

 

The two took their respective places on the platform. Roland then spoke up again. “Now, Yugo, call it! Heads or tails?”

 

“Heads!” Yugo said quickly.

 

The holographic coin appeared on the field and was flipped – and when it landed, it showed heads. “Sweet! I get to go first!” Yugo exclaimed with delight.

 

Seta chuckled as he activated his Duel-Disk. “Well, let’s get busy.”

 

Roland spoke into his microphone again. “Ladies and gentlemen, the final duel of the Kaibacorp Challenge Cup will now begin! Yugo Muto vs. Seta Kaiba – let the match begin!”

 

There was another loud burst of cheering, even as Yugo and Seta exclaimed together, “It’s time to duel!”

 

“All right, Yugo! You can do it!” Jenna called.

 

“What do you think, Dad?” Kyo asked his father. “Yugo won last time, but does he have a chance of winning again?”

 

Mr. Bakura smirked. “I remember what you told me about their last match,” he remarked. “But if Seta is the kind of guy I think he is, he’d have gotten much more prepared and will probably have better cards than he did then. So right now, it’s hard to say.”

 

“Well, Yugo still gets my vote,” Mr. Wheeler, right behind Mr. Bakura, spoke up. “Go get him, Yugo!”

 

Yugo drew his first card. “Hmmm…decent hand I’ve got here,” he mused. “All right! To start things off I’ll set three cards facedown, and then I’ll summon Double Coston (ATK 1700, DEF 1650)!” And as he played his cards, he summoned the twin ghosts to the field. “Make your move.”

 

“Don’t mind if I do!” Seta drew his card. Then he smiled. “Now I’ll set two cards facedown, one monster facedown, and I’ll end my turn with that…for the time being.”

 

Mr. Muto looked at the two plays with interest. “They both have more than one card in their magic/trap slots,” he commented. “This is going to require much strategic thinking on both their parts now.”

 

“That’s true,” agreed Mrs. Wheeler. “And, since Yugo’s monster has such a high ATK, Seta’s monster must either have high DEF or a special ability. It’ll be hard to tell until Yugo attacks or Seta reveals that monster.”

 

Now Yugo drew another card, and examined the field with a critical eye. Let’s see…based on our last encounter, Seta’s got stuff that’ll counter what I have, plus he’s got traps that’ll do me some serious damage. And there’s no telling what kind of new cards he may have gotten, too. So I have to play it especially safe and reduce any losses I might sustain.

 

Aloud he announced, “Now, then! Now I’ll set another monster facedown in Defense Mode!” He set the monster card on the field. “But I won’t attack just now. I’ll end my turn.”

 

“You seem to be playing cautiously, Yugo,” Seta observed.

 

“As are you,” Yugo returned.

 

“But my playing will at least produce results!” Seta drew another card. “Now, first things first! I’ll activate my first facedown trap, Jar of Greed, which will let me draw another card!” And he drew a new card from his deck.

 

“Then…I will summon my Lord of Dragons (ATK 1200, DEF 1100) to the field!” And in a moment Seta summoned his spellcaster, ready to do battle.

 

“Hmmm…I have a hunch as to what you’ll do next,” Yugo said thoughtfully, gazing at the Lord of Dragons.

 

Seta glanced at the four cards in his hand. “Oh, do you, now?” he questioned. “Well, let me know if this is what you were thinking of! Now I activate the magic of the Flute of Summoning Dragon! As you may recall, when this card is used while my Lord of Dragons is on the field, I can Special Summon up to two Dragons from my hand!”

 

The Lord of Dragons held onto the flute and blew two notes. In a moment two dragons appeared from Seta’s hand, the Cave Dragon (ATK 2000, DEF 100) and Lizard Soldier (ATK 1100, DEF 800)! “Now, here’s what I call a mighty army!” Seta laughed. “Okay, Cave Dragon, attack and destroy Double Coston!”

 

The Cave Dragon inhaled deeply, intending to blow Double Coston away with its Molten Cave Breath attack. But Yugo would not have any of it. “Not so fast! I activate my trap card, Mirror Force, to destroy all of your monsters in Attack Mode!”

 

As he spoke, the trap card flipped face-up, and the force field appeared. But Seta just laughed. “No good, Yugo! I still have a certain trap card from last time that I can use! Activate my Trap Jammer!”

 

The bear trap appeared underneath the force field. “Since this is the Battle Phase, my Trap Jammer will stop your trap’s activation and destroy it!” Seta laughed.

 

But then Yugo shot back, “I have something to remedy that! I activate my own trap card, Seven Tools of the Bandit!” And then a massive jackknife with seven tools exposed appeared right next to the Trap Jammer!

 

“What the…!” Seta exclaimed.

 

“By paying 1000 of my life points, I can stop the activation of your trap card and destroy it!” said Yugo. Immediately, as Yugo’s life points went down to 7000, a knife from the Seven Tools of the Bandit cleanly sliced the Trap Jammer in two, rendering it useless. Thus saved from harm, the Mirror Force trap was able to repel and reverse Cave Dragon’s attack, blasting the Attack Mode monsters on Seta’s side of the field into oblivion.

 

“Whoa…that’s some fancy move Yugo pulled there,” Wade whistled.

 

“But if you look closely, Yugo lost 1000 life points when he activated that trap card, when if he’d allowed the Cave Dragon to destroy Double Coston he would’ve lost only 300,” said Flora. “Then he’d still have another monster to defend his life points.”

 

“Flora, I’m surprised you didn’t see it,” Marcus reproved her. “Even if that were the case, if Yugo had allowed his monsters to be destroyed his life points would’ve been wide open for a direct attack. Then, when the activation of all those traps took place, the damage he would’ve suffered at the end would be more than what he lost by doing what he just did when he did. Besides, too…he’s probably got plans for his monsters, so he wants to avoid getting them destroyed by all means.”

 

“Oh…” Flora hung her head, embarrassed.

 

“Don’t feel too badly about it,” said Blaze. “Not many people would have seen it, and even a seasoned duelist can get it wrong.”

 

Back in the arena, Seta applauded. “Nice, very nice,” he remarked. “But I’m not quite over with yet! I’ll set one more card facedown, and then I’ll end my turn!”

 

The score now stood thus: Yugo had 7000 life points, while Seta still had a full 8000. Yugo had two cards in hand, and Seta had none. On the field, Yugo still had his Double Coston, one facedown monster and one facedown magic/trap card; Seta had one facedown monster and one facedown magic/trap card.

 

He’s just as good as before, Yugo mused. His control of his trap cards is very nice, plus he’s still making use of the element of surprise. Well, I’ve got the element of surprise, too, Seta, so here I come!

 

“Now then,” said Yugo as he drew his next card to give him three in his hand. “I summon Penumbral Soldier Lady (ATK 2100, DEF 1400), offering Double Coston as a tribute!” And in a moment Double Coston disappeared, replaced by a young knight with crescent moon designs on her breastplate, her shield, and even on her sword hilt. “She’s cute, isn’t she? Well, wait till she carves you to pieces!”

 

“Mocking me won’t get you anywhere, Yugo,” said Seta, smiling smugly. “What will you do now?”

 

Yugo paused, uncertain, looking at Seta’s facedown card with great unease. But then he dismissed the thoughts of doubt from his mind. “Just this: I’ll attack your facedown monster with my Soldier Lady! Go ahead, my warrior – use your Moon Sword!”

 

But as the Penumbral Soldier Lady slashed downward, her attack revealed a sorceress with a green third eye in the middle of her forehead, sliced in two before disintegrating. Seta chuckled. “That was my Witch of the Black Forest (ATK 1100, DEF 1200),” he explained, “and when she goes to the Graveyard, her effect allows me to take one monster with a DEF of 1500 or less from my deck, show it to you, add the monster to my hand, and then shuffle my deck. And I know just the monster I want, too…”

 

Yugo grimaced at this news, but said nothing as Seta shuffled through his deck. But to his amazement, his opponent revealed a new monster: Paladin of White Dragon (ATK 1900, DEF 1200), which appeared to be a Ritual monster since the card had the blue border of those kinds of monsters.

 

“What in the world…?” Yugo wondered aloud.

 

“Not to worry, Yugo – you’ll soon see how useful he can be to me!” Seta declared. To himself he added, This is just one half of what I need…

 

Yugo groaned. “All right, fine…I end my turn.”

 

Now Seta drew his next card. “Hey – if this isn’t a sweet deal, I just don’t know what is!” he remarked. “Now, first I’ll activate Pot of Greed to draw two new cards!” And he did so.

 

“Then…” he held up one of his new cards. “I’ll activate the magic of a card from my hand – White Dragon Ritual!”

 

Yugo stared in surprise. “What in the hell is that?”

 

“This is the Ritual magic card that’ll allow me to Special Summon the Paladin of White Dragon!” answered Seta proudly. “By offering a monster whose Level stars are Level 4 or higher, either from the field or my hand, I can initiate the ritual. And I’ll use the Rare Metal Dragon (ATK 2400, DEF 1200) in my hand to initiate the ritual now! All right – now come to the field, my Paladin of White Dragon!”

 

Lightning crackled in the sky above them, astonishing the spectators; then, a knight emerged riding on the back of a small white dragon. “Paladin of White Dragon…he’s really a good monster to have around,” commented Seta. “Allow me to show you why! Now, Paladin, attack Yugo’s facedown monster with Ionic Spear Burst!”

 

The dragon rose up on its wings, flying into the sky – then the warrior on its back pulled out his spear and pointed it forward. Suddenly both dragon and knight flew forward at blinding speed and pierced the facedown monster – and to Yugo’s amazement, that facedown monster was destroyed without being flipped!

 

“How is that possible?” he wanted to know.

 

“It’s the effect of my Paladin of White Dragon,” explained Seta, smiling brightly. “When it attacks a facedown monster, that monster is automatically destroyed without being flipped face-up or counting damage calculation. And, it’s got another effect, too…which I’ll show you right now!”

 

Suddenly smoke began to rise around the Paladin of White Dragon. “As you know, there are two Main Phases in a turn – the mandatory Main Phase 1, and the optional Main Phase 2 that comes after the Battle Phase,” said Seta calmly. “During either of those two Main Phases, I can offer Paladin of White Dragon as a tribute to Special Summon an even stronger monster from my hand or deck to the field. And that monster is…my Blue-Eyes White Dragon (ATK 3000, DEF 2500)!”

 

Yugo started in alarm. “No way!”

 

Suddenly there was a bright flash of light and the Paladin of White Dragon disappeared. In its place stood the familiar Blue-Eyes White Dragon, giving a massive howl as its greeting. Seta smirked. “The only downside to this is, even if I used Paladin of White Dragon’s effect to Special Summon my Blue-Eyes White Dragon during Main Phase 1, then the Blue-Eyes wouldn’t be able to attack during the same turn,” he admitted. “But that’ll be all right, particularly since I have a decided advantage against you now! So I’ll end my turn!”

 

Yugo gritted his teeth. “Great…already he’s managed to bring out his trademark dragon,” he scowled. “How wonderful.”

 

“Go ahead – take your turn, Yugo,” Seta sneered at him. “I’d advise you to strengthen that Penumbral Soldier Lady in some way before my next turn.”

 

Up in the stands, Miki said worriedly, “And I thought the Dark Magician was the only monster with multiple methods of being summoned – but now Seta’s summoned that Blue-Eyes White Dragon in a completely new way! Oh, what’ll Yugo do now?”

 

“Have faith, dear,” Mr. Taylor told his daughter. “The best duelists always have a plan up their sleeves…as I’m sure Yugo does.”

 

On the scoreboard, Yugo was shown as having two cards in his hand while Seta had none. On the field, Yugo had Penumbral Soldier Lady and one facedown magic/trap card; Seta had his Blue-Eyes White Dragon and he also had one facedown card. As for life points, Yugo still had 7000; Seta’s were still at 8000, untouched.

 

Yugo drew another card. “Hmph…very nice, I’ll admit, Seta,” he acknowledged, “but even so I can’t allow you to beat me! Now, Penumbral Soldier Lady…attack the Blue-Eyes White Dragon!”

 

There was a collective gasp in the dome as everyone heard this order. “Is Yugo crazy?” Wade exclaimed. “That Soldier Lady’s ATK is far lower than that of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon!”

 

“Unless…” Marcus smirked.

 

Yugo was smirking, too. “Here’s a bit of news, Seta,” he informed his rival. “When Penumbral Soldier Lady does battle with a Light monster, such as your Blue-Eyes, her ATK is temporarily increased by 1000 – putting her at 3100!”

 

Seta stared in surprise as the Soldier Lady’s ATK shot up to 3100, just as Yugo said. “Impossible!”

 

“Nope! Now my Soldier Lady is strong enough to wipe out your dragon!” Yugo nodded. “Go ahead, my monster – use your Moon Sword again!”

 

But Seta shook his head with defiance. “I activate my trap card, Energy Drain! This allows me to increase my monster’s ATK and DEF by 200 times the number of cards in your hand – and you’re holding three cards, so the Blue-Eyes White Dragon’s ATK and DEF will increase by 600!”

 

To Yugo’s horror, as Seta’s trap card flipped face-up, the Blue-Eyes White Dragon’s ATK and DEF went up to 3600 and 3100 respectively. The dragon then counterattacked, using its White Lightning to blast Penumbral Soldier Lady into nothingness and reducing Yugo’s life points to 6500!

 

“Aw, damn!” Yugo snapped in frustration.

 

“Too bad, Yugo…you almost had me – emphasis on almost.” Seta chuckled with great amusement.

 

Yugo sighed. “Well, fine then. I’ll set one monster facedown in Defense Mode, and end my turn. Make your move.”

 

Seta nodded and drew his next card. “Heh, heh, heh…now then, Yugo, things will soon get even more interesting around here – count on that!” he assured Yugo. “I’ll end my turn, but know one thing – you’ll soon be finished!”

 

Yugo narrowed his eyes as he drew another card. What’s Seta playing at? Hmmm…maybe he’s afraid of my facedown card…well, I have to find some other way to beat his Blue-Eyes White Dragon, or else…

 

Aloud he declared, “I don’t plan on letting you finish me, Seta – just know that!” He then looked at the three cards he held in his hand. “Well now, first I’ll use Monster Reborn, to revive my slain Penumbral Soldier Lady!” And as he played the card, the warrior girl returned to the field, weapons at the ready.

 

Then Yugo flipped over his facedown monster. “Now I reveal my Magician of Faith (ATK 300, DEF 400)! When she’s flipped face-up, I can take back one Magic card from my Graveyard and add it to my hand – and the card I choose is Monster Reborn!” He fished through his Graveyard, found the card and put it back in his hand.

 

“Then, I’ll set one more card facedown,” added Yugo, placing one card facedown on the field. “Now, Soldier Lady, attack and destroy that Blue-Eyes White Dragon!”

 

Penumbral Soldier Lady’s ATK shot to 3100 by her effect, and as she slashed the Blue-Eyes in half Seta’s life points dipped to 7900. “Well, looks like I’ve managed to touch your life points,” Yugo remarked with a small smirk. “All right, Magician of Faith, do it!” And the Magician of Faith attacked too, with her own magic spell – reducing Seta’s life points further to 7600.

 

“Hmph.” Seta drew his next card. “Good! Now I’ll set one monster facedown, and end my turn.”

 

Yugo took his turn, drawing another card. “Now, Penumbral Soldier Lady, attack and destroy that facedown monster!” he commanded.

 

Up in the stands, Mr. Muto frowned. “No…Yugo should’ve waited…”

 

As Penumbral Soldier Lady’s sword struck the monster and flipped it face-up, it turned out to be – the Cyber Jar (ATK 900, DEF 900)! “Ack!” Yugo exclaimed, cursing his own impulsiveness.

 

Suddenly the Cyber Jar exploded, taking the Penumbral Soldier Lady and the Magician of Faith with it! “Now,” said Seta calmly, “we’ll each take up five cards from our respective decks, Special Summon all Level 4 or lower monsters that we pick up in face-up Attack Mode or facedown Defense Mode, and add the other cards to our hands.”

 

Grumbling loudly, Yugo picked up cards, and Seta did likewise. The cards Yugo picked up were Buster Blader (ATK 2600, DEF 2300), Magic Cylinder, The Illusory Gentleman (ATK 1500, DEF 1600), Waboku, and Thousand Knives; Seta picked up Blindly Loyal Goblin (ATK 1800, DEF 1500), Blue-Eyes White Dragon (ATK 3000, DEF 2500), Premature Burial, Polymerization, and Interdimensional Matter Transporter. Immediately, the Illusory Gentleman was placed facedown in Defense Mode, and the Blindly Loyal Goblin in Attack Mode. Yugo took the remaining four cards he’d drawn and added them to his hand, so now he had seven cards in hand – Seta’s remaining four cards were added to the one he was still holding, so now he had five.

 

“This sucks ass, man,” Yugo groaned. “Well, all right. Now I’ll set two cards facedown, and end my turn.”

 

Seta chuckled. “I told you before, Yugo: very soon, you’ll be finished!” he reminded his opponent. “As soon as I get a certain card in my hand, you’ll see what I mean!”

 

He eyed his deck and reached to draw his next card. His movement seemed slow, awkward, uncertain…and as he drew the card, he did so with great hesitancy. Yugo saw all this and frowned. What’s wrong with Seta all of a sudden?

 

Then Seta looked at the card in his hand – and started laughing. “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!” he erupted. “Now, Yugo – you’re about to meet the most indestructible monster ever to be created! Allow me to pave the way!”

 

Mr. Muto looked on in surprise – and his eyes widened. Could it be…?

 

“Now then!” said Seta. “First, I’ll use Premature Burial to revive the Blue-Eyes White Dragon in my Graveyard, paying 800 life points to do so!” And as his life points went down to 6800, the Blue-Eyes returned, roaring in fury.

 

“Then…” Seta picked out three cards from his hand and grinned widely. “I’m gonna tell you something interesting. I am holding in my hand my other two Blue-Eyes cards and Polymerization…because I’m gonna fuse all three together to form something that’ll give you the mother of all nightmares!” He now held up one of the three cards. “I activate Polymerization to fuse all three of my dragons together to form the strongest dragon ever! Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon (ATK 4500, DEF 3800)!”

 

Suddenly a bright light shone from Seta’s side of the field as a massive form emerged, standing beside the Blindly Loyal Goblin. Three heads…a giant body…a howl that spoke of eternal wrath…the Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon!