Episode 139: The Chains of Friendship

At some other point, Rasputin and Nike are still dueling.

Rasputin: Attack! My Rogue Doll attacks directly!

Nike is blasted back by the attack and lies on the ground.

Nike: I failed you Lord Jupiter…forgive me…

She gasps as a door opens, pulling her inside. Rasputin looks as his Duel Disk deactivates and attaches to his chest, walking off. Elsewhere, Juno looks nervous.

Juno: I should stay with you my lord. I need to be on the battlefield like you.

Jupiter: No my wife. Just because I am in danger does not mean you should be. It is imperative you flee and keep the group alive.

Juno: Alright...but I'm warning you, you'd better come back alive.

She heads into an escape pod with the Oracle.

Jupiter: And most importantly of all, keep him safe. If the enemy hears his prophecies, they will gain the upper hand in our war.

He presses a button and looks at Juno one last time as it shuts. In the Oracle's eyes, all three Fates float in a void.

3rd Fate: Why bother running? Destiny will act as it will. Nothing will change that.

1st Fate: Regardless, humans think they can change the future. They most likely hope to change things in their favor.

2nd Fate: Things are moving forward. Destiny is already acting for many people. Including…those two friends torn apart by violence.

Opening

Dex stands before Alicia glaring [Dex LP = 1900] with Machina Force [ATK 4600/DEF 4100 LV 10] and Machina Spider [ATK 2600/DEF 2000 LV 7] with no other cards [Dex LP = 1900]. Alicia has Evil Gunner Yumi [ATK 2800/DEF 600 LV 8] and one set card [Alicia LP = 2100].

Alicia: Machina Force…out of all the Machina monsters, that thing is the strongest. Damn it…this isn't going to end well.

Dex: I didn't want to summon this thing. But you really didn't give me a choice. Please forgive me…

Alicia: It's not too late! You can stop all of this! Just say you want to end the duel and I'll accept it!

Dex: It is too late…no one can save me from this path. Battle. By paying 1000 life points, Machina Force can attack [Dex LP = 900]. Strike down her monster.

Force moves its fist back and crushes the monster flat. Alicia screams as the force causes her to fly back, hitting the wall and cracking it. She gasps and falls, staggering afterwards [Alicia LP = 300].

Alicia: That...hurt…it almost felt like a truck hit me.

Dex: Stay focused! Machina Spider, finish her! Once again…sorry….

Alicia: Don't be! This is getting interesting! Trap card, Shield with Chain! When I take a direct attack, I can negate it, gain 500 life points, or both. I'll use both effects and raise my life by negating the attack.

As Spider leaps in the air, the shield and chain wrap around it, plowing it into the ground [ATK 2600/DEF 2000 LV 7]. Alicia grins as Dex looks down [Alicia LP = 800].

Dex: Why…why do you insist on causing yourself so much pain? It's got to be agony right?

Alicia: Yeah…it does hurt a lot. But if I give up here…the pain in my heart will be far more intense!

Dex: The pain in your heart? Foolish. I joined the Brotherhood to escape all that. If I couldn't get stronger, I would at least become numb. That way…at least I'm not in pain, nor will I ever be again.

Alicia: Numb eh? And you're satisfied with that? With just throwing your past away, your friends? And your father?!

Dex: D…Daddy…no, stop it! It's better this way! Now I can be strong! This is the path I've chosen and I can't deviate! I end my turn!

Alicia: My turn, draw! Damn, it hurts just to draw. But I think I've almost gotten through to him. If I can just keep this up a little while longer, I might be able to snap him out of whatever funk he's in. It might cost me the duel, but I can't leave things as they are. Here I go, draw! I use the Spell card Draw For Two! Now both players can draw 2 cards.

Dex: Awfully generous of you? Why give me a gift?

Alicia: Come on Dex…let's forget the whole Shadow Game thing. Why don't we have a fun duel like when we were kids?

Dex: Like when…we were kids?

Alicia: Sure. Whether you want it or not, I'll bring you back to that time! I set a monster in defense mode. I also set a card and end my turn.

Dex: You'll need to do better than that. At this rate, you won't even be able to fight. Here I go, draw! Gah! Fiendish Engine Omega! I was given this card by the Father. Once I summon this, the darkness will grow even stronger. No doubt I'll be able to win once I play this card. All I've gotta do is release Force and summon back Machina Sniper, Machina Defender, and Machina Soldier. Then by releasing the two weaker ones, I can summon Fiendish Engine Omega. With three straight attacks, there's no way she'll be able to stand up. Yes, just play it and then the Brotherhood will accept me! But…

Alicia: Come on, let's have a fun duel! It's no fun when you're just standing there right?

Dex: If I play it then…is that really a victory? No…it's no fun at all if one of us has to die. No, I have to win by any means necessary!

Alicia: Looks like he is conflicted after all. Good. Now I know I can still reach him. All I've got to do is press him a little further. Don't worry. I'm not letting the darkness overtake you. Come on Dex, play a card! Come on; show me how well those strategies are.

Dex: I…I…I don't need any Card of Darkness to win this! I discard one level 8 Machine monster and Special Summon my Machina Fortress [ATK 2500/DEF 1600 LV 7]. Then I change my set Machina Spider to attack mode [ATK 2600/DEF 2000 LV 7]. Things are just fine this way. No need to go all out when halfway is good enough. Get ready for the end. Machina Fortress, wipe out her set monster!

It points the gun and fires, hitting the set monster. The laser diffuses around it as Alicia stands her ground despite the pressure.

Alicia: My set monster is Champion Fighter of the Ring [ATK 1700/DEF 500 LV 4]. She cannot be destroyed in battle twice per turn.

Dex: Damn…even if I attack again, it won't do a thing. So I was right not to summon Omega…I wouldn't have been able to win anyway. You're as good as always Alicia.

Alicia: I wasn't just sitting on the sidelines growing stagnate. I've been training as hard as I can. So that I'll be able to fight alongside Yusuke and the others!

Dex: Yes…I used to think that way too. But now I've realized…I can't reach that point unless I get stronger.

Alicia: Even so, there are other ways to get stronger! You didn't have to sell your soul like this!

Dex: You just don't get it! Being me is harder than you think! I act strong and cheerful…but I don't do any real fighting. All I do is stand by and let you guys do all the work. You guys keep getting hurt protecting me and I can't return the favor. Why don't you guys see…I joined in order to help you guys! I wanted to protect you for once! And if the only way to protect you is to beat you myself, then so be it!

Alicia: That's the reason huh…I can't say I don't understand. Every time we get into a fight, Yusuke and the others always go first. But that's why I'm fighting here and now as well! Because I want to be able to protect them also!

Dex: I see…let's see which side is right then.

Alicia: That we shall! Here I go, draw! I summon Petite Sprite of the Flowers [ATK 500/DEF 0 LV 2]. I tune my level 2 Petite Sprite of the Flowers and level 4 Champion Fighter of the Ring.

Sprite becomes 2 rings that Fighter flies through, becoming 4 stars [2 + 4 = 6]

Alicia: Synchro Summon! Come on out, Peace Protecting Angela [ATK 1000/DEF 3000 LV 6]. With this shield, I will defend. But not just that. I'll turn her into a sword and attack! I use the set card, Shield Attack!

Dex: She set a Spell hoping it would make me cautious.

Alicia: The monster equipped with this has its original attack and defense points changed [ATK 3000/DEF 1000 LV 6].

Dex: No way!

Alicia: Get ready Dex! This is my power! Angela attacks your Machina Fortress. Feathers of Harmony.

It flies quickly, shooting feathers like arrows. Several stick into Fortress and it blows up. Dex stands his ground as he is almost blown away by the explosion [Dex LP = 400].

Dex: Wow…but not good enough. When Machina Fortress is taken down in battle, he takes the monster that destroyed him to the grave. I destroy Peace Protecting Angela.

Alicia: I use the effect of Petite Sprite of the Flowers. If it is used as a Tuner monster, the Synchro monster in question is not designated by card effects.

Dex: What?! So…there's really I can do?

Alicia: I'm not about to just let you win. If you want to win, you're really need to go beyond all out! Turn end.

Rasputin walks and hides behind a wall. Dex turns and sees him, his eyes widening.

Alicia: You!

Rasputin: Well? Can Faust's puppet not fight after all?

Dex: But…

Rasputin: Fight and win. Then I will acknowledge you as one of us.

Dex: Fine. I'll do it. Sorry Alicia..

Alicia: You…so you're the one! What have you done to Dex to make him do these things?!

Rasputin: Done to him? I think you are mistaken child. I have done nothing to him. Everything he does is of his own volition.

Alicia: You expect me to believe you?!

Rasputin: I don't care either way. Shouldn't you focus on the duel though?

Dex: Here I go, draw! Hm…with this, things end. I use the Spell card, Power Bond! This lets me combine Machine monsters. If I do this, the Fusion monster I summon has its attack power doubled.

Alicia: What? You don't have any Fusion monsters!

Dex: I combine Machina Force and Machina Spider. Come forth, Machina Centaur.

The two monsters fly up and shatter. The pieces swirl around and begin to attach together. Alicia watches in horror as a massive monster takes shape [ATK 5000/DEF 2500 LV 12].

Alicia: Whoa…

Dex: And now Power Bond takes hold [ATK 10000/DEF 2500 LV 12].

Rasputin: Good, 10000 attack points. Finish this up Rat.

Dex: As you wish. Go, Machina Centaur. Charging Force.

Alicia: I release Peace Protecting Angela! Now all damage I take this turn is negated.

Centaur punches the ground as it vanishes, making the whole ground shake.

Dex: Damn. Just missed. Trap card, Hotwire Damage. Now all damage I take this turn is negated. Power Bond will not wipe me out. With that, I end my turn.

Alicia: Wow…he's as tough as ever. In fact, he's even tougher than ever. How on earth can I beat that thing?

Rasputin: That's the ticket Rat. Show us you are worthy of being among us.

Alicia: Here I go, draw! Damn…I set a monster in defense mode and end my turn.

Dex: Like I said, things are going to end soon. Here I go, draw. Yes. This is it. I summon Machina Peacekeeper [ATK 500/DEF 400 LV 2].

Alicia: …It's over…

Dex: This is it! Machina Centaur, destroy her set monster.

Scuttling, it smashes the set monster. Alicia looks down.

Alicia: I'm sorry everyone…

Dex: Finish her! Machina Peacekeeper, attack!

It begins to jet forward. Rasputin grins as Alicia begins to cry. Dex looks on, but then freaks out. Peacekeeper slides to a stop.

Dex: No, stop!

Rasputin and Alicia: Huh?

Dex: I can't finish you like that! I need to go all out. I equip my Machina Centaur with Machina Peacekeeper.

Peacekeeper morphs on its hand as its eyes glow.

Dex: Things will be fine. Turn end! Why did I stop? I could have won right there and then! So why..?

Alicia: I thought so. Like I said Dex. You have way too much morality using the darkness to win! That's why you wouldn't attack, because you want to use your own power. Please, just end it so we can fight a real duel!

Dex: No…no! I gave all that up for power! I can't turn off the path now! Even if I don't like it, I need it!

Rasputin: Well…this is troubling. If this boy is going to be a nuisance...

Alicia: Well whether you like or not, I'm going to change you back to the way you were! Here I go, draw! Just a little longer. If I can extend this duel just a little longer, I know I'll be able to snap him out of it. I set a monster. Turn end.

Rasputin: A set monster…that is going to be annoying. Rat, I've seen enough. Finish it now, hurry!

Dex: As you wish, here I go, draw! I summon Machina Turret [ATK 900/DEF 400 LV 3]. All I need to do is attack directly. No more excuses. Just finish…ugh!

He grabs his head and wobbles.

Dex: Why?! Why don't I want to attack?! I have to if I want to win! Argh…go, attack her set monster Machina Centaur.

It rushes forward and smashes the set monster.

Rasputin: What are you doing?! Stop wasting time and finish her already! You are beginning to infuriate me boy!

Alicia: Dex…come on. Just go ahead and attack me. I don't mind! Fight me like a real duelist.

Dex: A real…duelist…go, Machina Turret! Strike her down! Machina Bullets!

Alicia: Since my destroyed monster was Sneaky Twins of the Alleyway, all damage is halved.

The bullets hit her as she falls back [Alicia LP = 350].

Rasputin: Stupid boy! Had you attacked with Turret, you would have won! Are you TRYING to lose?!

Dex: Shut up! This is my battle! Do not interfere with it. I'll fight the way I want…and win the way I want!

Rasputin: You will regret this child…

Alicia: Alright, I only have chance left. Here I go, draw! I use the Spell card Spell Back. Now I can halve my life points [Alicia LP = 175] and take a Spell card from my graveyard. I use Draw for Two. This lets us both draw 2 cards. Now I use the Spell card Messenger from the Future! By removing two monsters in my graveyard from play, I can Special Summon one monster from my deck whose Tribute Cost equals that. Come on out, Warrior Princess Erica [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 7]. When this card is summoned, all 7 or below monsters return to the owner's hand. That includes Machina Turret and Machina Peacekeeper!

Dex: Why do that? Now the only monster I have out is stronger than you. From my hand, I use Limiter Removal! This lets me double the attack points of a monster out [ATK 20000/DEF 2500 LV 12].

Rasputin: 20,000 attack points! Very good! Now end it!

Alicia: I won't let it end here! I equip my Erica with Shooting Star Bow- Ceal! Now my monster may lose 1000 attack points [ATK 1500/DEF 2000 LV 7], but she is allowed to attack directly. Go, take him out!

Rasputin: You moron! Do something!

Dex: Sorry Alicia…but I can't afford to let it end here! Spell card, Machina Detonator! I destroy a Machina monster and deal its attack points as damage to both players.

Alicia: Why?

Centaur explodes, releasing a massive energy wave that knocks them both back [Alicia LP = 0] [Dex LP = 0]

Rasputin: Damn…when a Shadow Game ends in a tie, nobody's soul is taken since nobody won. Why did he end things like this?

Alicia: Why Dex?

Dex: I...I don't need to beat you here! Our operation here is worth nothing but awakening the Yomishin!

Alicia: Yomishin?

Dex: Our real objective is…

The whole castle begins to shake.

Alicia: Whoa! What's going on?

Rasputin: Meh heh. Game over.

Jupiter sits in his throne as someone walks in.

Jupiter: So…you are the one who began this little rebellion…aren't you?

Vergil stands there staring at Jupiter

To be continued

Baron: Today we'll be going over Machina Centaur. It does not have any effects, but it does have 5000 attack points. Pretty tough.

Yusuke: Hey! Why haven't I appeared in the last eight episodes?! I'm the main character.

Baron: I see, good point. How about you make it three steps to the right?

Yusuke: What, here?

Baron: Perfect!

He presses a button and Yusuke falls through a trapdoor screaming. Baron grins and snickers.

Baron: I'm so glad I sprung for that….

Episode 138: The Machine Army Rides

Alicia is hurrying down the hallway when the castle shakes. She grips a wall to steady herself.

Alicia: This whole place could collapse at any minute! Jeez, what the hell are they doing, bashing the walls in?

She hears screaming up ahead and looks determined.

Alicia: They're up ahead. As if I'd let them get away with what they're doing!

She rushes ahead as someone watches her run.

Opening

During a duel, Apollo looks on in fear as Sun Dragon Inti is destroyed.

???: And now for my monster's effect!

A massive monster unleashes a rocket fist that hits Apollo. He cries out as he hits the ground [Apollo LP = 0].

Diana: Brother!

She turns as Rat stands there.

Rat: Trap card, Lineage of Destruction.

Diana looks up in horror as the monster punches through Moonlight Dragon Quilla and Diana flies back, being sucked inside a door. Apollo struggles to stand up as a door appears behind him.

Apollo: I used to have a lot of respect for you. But now? How could you fall so far? Fight it!

Rat: Sorry…but this is who I am now. Deal with it.

Apollo looks sad, but he gasps and screams as he is pulled inside the doors as they slam. They vanish as Alicia runs up.

Alicia: There! Are you with the Crossed Brotherhood?!

Rat turns and gasps. He stares at Alicia with shaking eyes under his hood.

Rat: No…why are you here?!

Alicia: Huh? What's that mean? Wait…talk again! That voice…could you…be?!

Rat takes a step and then turns to run off.

Alicia: Oh no you don't! Stop right there!

She runs after him. Rat keeps running and jumps over rubble as Alicia gives chase. Rasputin watches them and snickers.

Rasputin: Faust's puppet eh? We'll see how strong he is after all I guess.

Rat comes to a dead end and looks around. Alicia corners him and pants.

Alicia: Nowhere left to run. You're going to pay for what you did to my friends! And for making Dex vanish!

Rat: Is that what you think? I guess they were right after all. You really have forgotten me. That…really saddens me.

He pulls down his hood. Alicia's eyes widen and she steps back in shock.

Alicia: Dex?! But how?! You…you vanished into the darkness! This is some kind of trick, it has to be!

Dex: Believe or don't. Either way…nothing will change. The reality of it is that I am Dex. But…I guess not really. I'm not the Dex you knew and befriended.

Alicia: I don't believe you! There's no way you would have turned against us! You have more morality than that!

Dex: I'm sorry Alicia…I didn't want to. But this is the only way I'll be strong.

Alicia: Don't say that! Just come back with us! You're strong enough as you are! You certainly don't need some dark power or anything like that.

Dex: I'm sorry…but I've already started down this path. For me, there is no turning back. If I have to fight you guys, then so be it.

Alicia: Is that really what you want? Fine…if you're so mad that you can't see reason…I'll make you see reason!

She activates her Duel Disk. Dex barely even reacts as his activates as well.

Both: Duel! [Dex LP = 4000] [Alicia LP = 4000].

Rasputin: So the puppet is fighting? Yes, I put the Card of Darkness in his deck. Let's see how he fights. Let's see what Faust sees in this pitiful urchin.

Dex: Here I go, draw! I summon Machina Buster in defense mode [ATK 2500/DEF 100 LV 4]. I set a card and end my turn. This is your last chance Alicia. Please…just quit the duel. I don't want to hurt you.

Alicia: I'm sorry Dex. But I can't excuse this behavior. If beating you is the only way to snap you out of it, then so be it! Here I go, draw! I summon Warrior Lady of the Wasteland [ATK 1100/DEF 1200 LV 4]. Battle! Take down Machina Buster! Wasteland Sword!

Dex: Fool. I have a Trap! Intruder Alarm- Yellow Alert, activate! When I am attack, I can Special Summon one Machine monster and take the blunt of your attack. Come on out, Machina Sniper [ATK 1800/DEF 800 LV 4]. Go, Sniping!

Sniper points the rifle and fires, blasting apart Lady as Alicia protects herself [Alicia LP = 3300].

Rasputin: What a stupid child, attacking like that without thinking.

Alicia: Huh? That's odd. I don't feel…anything.

Dex: Hey, is your turn over yet?

Alicia: Don't push me! You ran into MY Trap! When Lady is destroyed, one Warrior type monster from my deck can be Special Summoned as long as it has 1500 or less attack points. Come on out, Big Guardian of the Fort [ATK 0/DEF 2200 LV 4]. When this card is summoned, she changes to defense mode [ATK 0/DEF 2200 LV 4]. With that, I place 2 cards face down and end my turn.

Elsewhere, woman hurries through the halls and comes to a stop, panting in exhaustion.

Nike: Where are they? They just suddenly disappeared.

He suddenly stops when he sees the duel going on.

Nike: Hey, isn't that one of those Fate Crystal holders? I heard they had come to fight.

Rasputin: Hm? Who are you?

Nike: I'm Nike. Out of all the members of the Regal Olympians, I am Lord Jupiter's head general!!

Rasputin: So you ARE one of the Regal Olympians, correct?

Nike: Indeed I am. And that must make you my enemy. In that case, prepare to fight. I'll stomp you flat!

Rasputin: You are quite the spunky one. That is too bad. I have my orders not to leave a single one of you alive. Curse yourself for the way you were born.

Alicia turns and sees this.

Alicia: Hey, who are you?!

Dex: R-Rasputin!

Rasputin: I was hoping the girl would not notice. Well, it looks like I other matters to attend to.

Nike: That suits me just fine! I'll wipe the floor with you!

Alicia: Hold on, don't fight him! He's…

Nike: I know who he is! He's the jerk who helped lead the attack on us. You're taken out enough of my friends. I'm going to take you out now.

Rasputin: Well, well. Looks like there's no way out of this. I'll be right back. Rat, take her out quickly. Only then will I acknowledge you as one of us. Do NOT let me down.

Nike rushes off as Rasputin follows. Alicia snarls and turns to follow when all the Machina monsters surround her.

Alicia: Hold on, you're not going anywhere! Dex let me go! I can't leave her alone like that.

Dex: Sorry…but YOU'RE the one not going anywhere until this duel is finished. If I don't end it, the Father will get angry as well.

Alicia: The Father? That name again…who is the Father?!

Dex: You will never get that information out of me. Here I go, draw! I summon Machina Defender [ATK 1200/DEF 1800 LV 4]. Then I change my Machina Buster to attack mode [ATK 2500/DEF 100 LV 4]. I hope you're ready for this. I am beginning my full frontal assault on you. Finish her once and for all! Machina Buster, wipe out her set monster. Rocket Rain!

Alicia: Trap card, Shield Spear! Now my monster gains 400 attack and defense points until the end of this turn [ATK 400/DEF 2600 LV 4].

Buster's rockets hit it as the monster spins the weapon, destroying each rocket and deflects one back to hit Dex. He screams as it hits and he steps back [Dex LP = 3900]. He dusts himself off and glares ahead.

Alicia: It is like I thought, you took no real damage. This…isn't a Shadow Game is it?

Dex: I don't know. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Either way, it doesn't matter. The result will be the same! When I take damage during a battle with a Machina monster, I can Special Summon this card. Come on, Machina Grenade [ATK 500/DEF 0 LV 3]. Battle! Machina Sniper attacks Big Guardian.

Alicia: What?! But her defense points far exceed its attack points.

Sniper points the gun and fires rapidly, every bullet bouncing off of it and peppering Dex, making him step back a few times and pants [Dex LP = 3100].

Alicia: Why though? You knew it had higher defense points.

Dex: You really are a fool. I release Machina Grenade! When I battle against a monster using a Machina and fail to win, I can release this card and destroy the monster I battled.

Grenade glows and rolls towards Alicia's monster. She reels back as it blows up, taking her monster with it.

Alicia: No…I raised its defense points to make it last and now it's gone!

Dex: Nothing will keep me back. I will fight and succeed in my goal. Take this! Battle! Machina Defender, direct attack! Machine Fist.

Defender jets forward and punches her in the gut, making her fall back. She gasps and sits up holding her gut [Alicia LP = 2100].

Alicia: It feels like Solid Vision. Could it be this isn't a Shadow Game after all?

Dex: I'd keep your attention focused on me. If you look away for even one minute, you might lose.

Alicia: Alright Dex…you've got my attention now. If you're really that serious about helping them, you've got my full attention. Get ready Dex! We're going to fight just like when we kids.

Dex: Like when we were kids….no, those days are over. I can't let myself lose. This is the only one I'll be strong…the only way I can really stand before them! I set a card and end my turn. Since Machina Buster was in a battle, his attack points are reduced to 100 [ATK 100/DEF 100 LV 4]

Alicia: Looks like my turn. Draw! I use my Trap, Call of the Haunted. This lets me revive one monster in attack mode. Come on, Warrior Lady of the Wasteland [ATK 1100/DEF 1200 LV 4]. Next I summon the Tuner monster Generous Nurse of the Healing [ATK 900/DEF 500 LV 3]. Level 3 Nurse tunes to level 4 Warrior Lady of the Wasteland.

Nurse becomes 3 rings that Lady flies through, becoming 4 stars [3 + 4 = 7]

Alicia: Slash and cut, Demon Hunter Iris [ATK 2500/DEF 1700 LV 7]. From my hand, I equip her with Crossbow Cannon! Now she can't deal any Battle Damage, but she has the power to attack all other monsters on the field. Wipe them all out! Arrow Spread!

Dex: No way!

Iris points the weapon and fires an arrow, which divides into three different arrows and destroys all three of Dex's monsters. He cries out and is almost blasted back as he skids backwards.

Alicia: I could have dealt heavy damage. But he already had Machina Sniper and Machina Defender. One more turn and he might have summoned Machina Force. I couldn't risk that happening.

Dex: I see. You had a nice strategy. Rather than take risks, you purposely avoided dealing damage. Or is that the full story? Maybe you are just hesitating to attack. Well, am I wrong?

Alicia: He's right. My mind may not be thinking that, but my body is making moves not to hurt him. It doesn't matter if he is our enemy…he's still our friend. No, if he really is my friend, I can't let him stay in the darkness. I've got to save him no matter what. Get ready, I set a card and end my turn.

Elsewhere, Nike screams and flies back, hitting the wall and sliding down.

Rasputin: Really, this is just sad. You'd really be better off just giving up. I do not want to hurt a pretty young thing like you. How about it?

Nike: Bite me. There's no way I'd surrender to an old fart like you! If you think this'll get me down you're even dumber than I thought!

Rasputin: Very well…The Stern Mystic, strike her directly!

Nike prepares herself as the monster charges forward.

Dex: Here I go, draw. I summon Machina Repairman [ATK 1300/DEF 700 LV 3].When this card is summoned, I can revive one Machina monster. Come back, Machina Sniper [ATK 1800/DEF 800 LV 4]. I tune my level 4 Machina Sniper and level 3 Machina Repairman.

Repairman becomes 3 rings that Sniper flies through, becoming 4 stars [3 + 4 = 7]

Dex: Show yourself, Machina Spider [ATK 2600/DEF 2000 LV 7].When this card is summoned, one Machina monster can be revived. Come on back, Machina Sniper [ATK 1800/DEF 800 LV 4].

Alicia: That one?

Dex: Battle! Machina Spider attacks your Demon Hunter Iris. Go, Spider Web!

Spider spits webbing that crackles with electricity. It wraps around the monster and it blows up as Alicia cries out [Alicia LP = 2000].

Dex: And now a direct hit! Go get her, Machine Sniping!

Alicia: Trap card, Rear Guard! When I take a direct attack, the damage for this turn is negated.

Bullets bounce away as Dex sighs.

Dex: You just don't give up. All you're doing is delaying the duel. Turn end.

Alicia: I'm delaying? That's funny. You summoned the wrong monster. Had you revived Buster, you could have finished me. Sniper would be too weak, even with a direct hit.

Dex: Again, I was hoping to dissuade you. I didn't want to defeat you. If you surrender, the shadows will not take your soul. Please…I don't want to hurt you.

Alicia: I'm sorry Dex…but you don't know what you're doing. If beating you is the only way, I will defeat you and return you to normal! Here I go, draw! I use Graceful Charity. Now I draw 3 and discard two. Next, the Spell card Monster Reborn! This lets me revive one monster. The monster I will revive is Stalking Hunter of the Tiger [ATK 2200/DEF 1300 LV 5]. Next I summon the Tuner monster Silent Ninja of the Pond [ATK 800/DEF 600 LV 3]. Level 3 Silent Ninja of the Pond tunes to level 5 Stalking Hunter of the Tiger.

Ninja becomes 3 rings that Hunter flies through, becoming 5 stars [3 + 5 = 8]

Alicia: Synchro Summon! Evil Gunner Yumi [ATK 2800/DEF 600 LV 8]. This card can attack all monsters on the field.

Dex: What?!

Alicia: Take this Dex! Go, Bullet Barrage!

Dex: I don't think so! Trap card, Heavy Shields! I discard two cards [Machina Cannon, Machina Programmer]. Now my monsters won't be destroyed this turn.

The bullets batter the two monsters. Dex cries out as he is pushed back [Dex LP = 1900].

Alicia: Why protect his monsters? Oh well, no big deal! I'll win at this rate. You might as well just give up! Turn end.

Dex: I was hoping you were going to surrender since I was going easy. I see my attempts were useless…very well. I have no choice but to finish you. I'm really sorry it had to come to this. But I can't afford to delay. Father Vergil will be furious. Shadow Game!

His eyes glow as darkness spreads out. Rasputin turns slightly when Gaia the Fierce Knight destroys Rainbow Shaman.

Nike: Stay focused on me!

Alicia: A Shadow Game?! Dex, stop! If this duel goes on, one of us will vanish forever!

Dex: I understand that. But the darkness will make me strong. If I must lose my soul to be strong, let it be! Here I go, draw. I use Machine's Machinations. This lets me draw 3 cards when I have two monsters on the field. Then I can either take 500 points of damage, or discard one card. I will discard Machina Battery. When this is discarded, this gives me 1000 life points [Dex LP = 2900]. Now I summon Commander Covington [ATK 1000/DEF 600 LV 4].

Alicia: Commander Covington?! No way…is he about to do what I think he's going to do.

Dex: From my hand, I use the Spell card Ties of the Brethren. This lets me pay 1000 life points [Dex LP = 1900]. Now I can summon two level 4 monsters from my deck.

Alicia: No…is he really..?!

Dex: From my deck, I summon Machina Defender and Machina Soldier [ATK 1200/DEF 1800 LV 4] [ATK 1600/DEF 1500 LV 4]. At this time, I use the power of Commander Covington. When I have Machina Soldier, Machina Sniper, and Machina Defender, I can release all three.

Alicia: Dex…no!

Dex: From my deck, I summon you! Come on out, Machina Force!

All three monsters break apart and fuse. Walls and the ceiling crack and splinter as the monster forms, eyes glowing. It roars and stomps, crushing the ground beneath it [ATK 4600/DEF 4100 LV 10].

Dex: No more wasting time…time to bring you down once and for all.

To be continued

Baron: Today, we'll be going over Commander Covington. By releasing one Machina Sniper, Machina Soldier, and Machina Defender, you can summon one Machina Force. And that's not all! They also make a great pizza delivery service.

Yusuke: Oh come on, you expect anyone to believe that?

Yusuke freaks when Machina Force appears.

Machina Force: Pizza.

Baron: And in 15 minutes. See what I mean?

Episode 137: Reason to Protect

In a parade, people are cheering and celebrating. In the middle of it, servants are supporting a carriage with a man and a woman inside of it. The woman smiles and holds up an infant as the people cheer.

Ren: Do you see Rika?

A small child is near a much younger Ren.

Ren: That is Alphonse el Alejandro the 2nd. One day, he will become the baron of this nation. The job of the Conquistos is to protect the royal family. On that day, we will become the young lord's personal bodyguards. Until then, we must make sure he lives his life. Do you understand?

Rika: Yes…I do uncle.

Rika runs down the hall thinking this.

Baron: Are you okay?

Rika: Oh, I'm fine young lord! I'm just worried about my uncle, that's all.

Baron: You need not worry. I promise we will get there in time. You have my word as future baron of Spain.

Charlotte: What's wrong Ren? Shocked? I'm sure you are. After all, your job is to protect the royal family. I'm royal family. So, what will you do? Well Ren?

Ren: I regret to say this young lady. But my loyalty to the young lord comes first. And that means…you must be erased.

Charlotte: I was expecting that…very well. Bring it on old man!

Opening

[Rabbit LP = 3400] [Ren LP = 2600]. Rabbit/Charlotte has Top Twister in defense mode [ATK 2400/DEF 2000 RANK 4] and a set card. Ren has Karakuri Shogun mdl 00 Burei [ATK 2600/DEF 1900 LV 7] with no other cards.

Ren: May I ask a brief question before we continue?

Rabbit: Go on.

Ren: Why have you betrayed the royal family? They are your brothers, your friends. Why would you betray them for the hollow cause you are fighting for?

Charlotte: My cause is hollow? You're one to talk. Your cause is nothing BUT hollowness. You follow my brother yes, but why? Just because your family is part of the Conquistos. There is no personal reason. You blindly follow in the roots of your family. In my opinion, that's awfully pathetic.

Ren: Perhaps it is. But blindly fighting for a good cause is better than do something evil out of free will. I set a card and end my turn.

Charlotte: Back to me. I draw. I'm impressed you got out a good monster like that. Now I'm really going to enjoy myself! I remove the final Overlay Unit from Top [Unit = 0]. Now my monster can deal Piercing damage.

Ren: But why? You won't even be able to attack.

Charlotte: Maybe not. But I can at least do this. Spell card, Overlay Out. By using this card on my Exceed monster that has no Overlay Units, I send the Exceed monster to the graveyard and resummon the two Overlay Units. Come back, Debris Dragon [ATK 1000/DEF 2000 LV 4] and Plastic Soldier [ATK 500/DEF 0 LV 2]. When Plastic Soldier is Special Summoned, he gains a level [ATK 500/DEF 0 LV 3]. With that, I end my turn.

Ren: No Synchro Summons? Then why even have a Tuner monster?

Charlotte: What's wrong? Think too hard and your brain might go boom!

Ren: Hmph. How vulgar of you. Here I go, draw! I'd better play it safe for the time being. There's no telling what she's going to do next. I set one card on the field. Now then Karakuri Shogun, strike down her Debris Dragon!

Shogun draws its blade again and swings, chopping the monster in two as Rabbit barely responds.

Charlotte: Not bad.

Ren: With that, I end my turn.

Charlotte: You're doing a good job fighting me. But if you really wish to win, you'll need to try harder. Draw. I use the Spell card Pot of Greed. This lets me draw 2 cards. Now I use the Spell card Graceful Charity. I draw 3 cards and discard 2. Then I summon Toy Magician [ATK 1600/DEF 1500 LV 4]. Next I use the Spell card Double Spell. By discarding one Spell card, I can use a Spell my opponent used previously. The card I choose is Synchro Boost. This raises my Soldier's level by 1 and attack points by 500 [ATK 1000/DEF 0 LV 4].

Ren: With no cards in your hand, what can you summon?

Charlotte: I thought you would have remembered my strategy after all these years. By releasing two monsters on the field while this card exists in this graveyard, I can revive this monster. Come on back, Slinky Dragon!

Both monsters vanish as several coils break out of the ground. Rika and Baron almost fall off balance.

Rika: Whoa! The whole ground is shaking!

Baron: …It must have been summoned. She's here all right.

Dante throws a hooded figure to the floor and he is sucked inside a door.

Dante: All this damn noise. The bit players just won't shut up today. It's only making things harder for me.

The monster appears in front of Ren. Its neck constricts as it roars [ATK 2800/DEF 2500 LV 8].

Ren: Of course…that was always your favorite card. Slinky Dragon and Lycan Supremo Rey de Las Noches. The two cards that have been in the royal family for generations.

Charlotte: Scared guy? What's wrong, going to poop your pants or something?

Ren: No…it is just disgusting seeing that card being used so evilly. If your father saw you right now…

Charlotte: Don't you dare mention that man in front of me! I'll kill you if you mention that jerk's name in front of me! When Slinky is summoned by removing two monsters of the same level, all my opponent's Spell and Trap cards are destroyed.

Dragon roars and extends its neck, swallowing all the set cards. At that time, Baron and Rika run into the room as Baron stays behind and pulls her back.

Rika: Uncle! Wait, that girl he's fighting. Isn't that…?

Baron: Charlotte! Is that really you Charlotte?!

Ren: Young lord!

Charlotte: …Yo bro. It's been a while. How have you been?

Baron: Charlotte…what are you doing here? Why are you fighting Ren?

Charlotte: Isn't it obvious? I'm here to wipe him out along with this castle. My mighty Dragon, wipe out his Karakuri Shogun!

The Dragon roars and extends its neck again, firing a blast of energy from its mouth. Shogun is hit and burns up as Ren is hit, being blasted back [Ren LP = 2600].

Charlotte: You're not getting off easy! When Dragon destroys a monster, he deals 800 points of damage.

The body divides into several pieces as it fires more energy, peppering Ren as he screams in pain and falls to his knees [Ren LP = 2400]. He gasps and staggers.

Baron: Stop it Charlotte! Ren has always taken care of you hasn't he?!

Charlotte: Yes, and that's why I initially held back. I have some respect for him. But for standing against me, I cannot let that go any further. My Dragon's other effect not activates! Since he destroyed a monster, he deals 800 points of damage. Go, Division Slash!

Dragon stretches and separates its body, flying by Ren and smacks him backwards as he screams in pain [Ren LP = 1600]. He gasps and struggles to stand.

Charlotte: Old age starting to set in eh old man?

Ren: Please…my bones are harder than metal. If you really want to bring me down, you'll need to try harder than that.

Charlotte: The confident act. It's so much fun when they try to act so confident. You'll regret such bravado. Turn end.

Baron: Charlotte…what on earth happened to you? You used to be so sweet and gentle…but now you're so violent! Didn't we make a promise sister? A promise to stand against our father and to be ourselves no matter what the royal family says?!

Charlotte: Yes…we did. And that promise made me happy. The fact my brother would ignore the parties and the fun just to hang out with me. But then…you stabbed me in the back. And for that, I won't forgive you!

Baron: Charlotte, I don't know what you're talking about!

Ren: No young lord, stay away from her! You have to remember, you will be the future Baron someday. That is why…I will defend you to my last breath!

Rika: Uncle…

Ren: Here I go, I draw. I use the Spell card Clockwork Repair Shop. This allows me to remove from play 4 Machine type monsters in the graveyard from play and draw 2 cards. Then I set a monster. And now Field Spell, Karakuri Showdown Castle!

Machinery appears around them and forms into a dojo.

Ren: With that, I end my turn.

Baron watches the duel and seems to recall something. A small boy is playing in the field and laughing. A younger Rika watches him play with a nervous expression, but then smiles as Baron begins to chase a butterfly. Suddenly, loud yelling is heard.

Man: Another one?!

Woman: Yes…

Baron stops and hides behind a wall as a man and a woman argue.

Man: We already have an heir! There's no need for another child!

Woman: It's too late for that now. Besides, maybe we can change things…

Man: No! A woman has not been baron ever since the Alejandro family took power! If we allow this, we will be spitting on our culture.

Woman: I don't care about something like that! Besides, you don't need to worry. I'll take care of her. So you can focus on raising your little heir.

The man snarls angrily and walks off. Baron is still sitting behind the wall and looks down as Baron continues watching the duel.

Charlotte: I've wasted enough time on you. If you won't fight back, I'll just take you down. Here I go, draw! I summon Monkey Marcher [ATK 1500/DEF 750 LV 4]. Dragon, wipe out whatever pathetic monster he has in defense mode.

It roars and extends its neck, smashing into the ground and swallowing the monster. It glares at Ren and shoots a ball of fire, blasting him back [Ren LP = 800].

Charlotte: Almost done!

Ren: Not so fast. You did not factor in my set monster. When Giant Rat is summoned, one monster from my deck can be Special Summoned as long as it is an EARTH monster with 1500 or less attack points. The monster I will summon is Karakuri Watchdog mdl 313 Saizan [ATK 600/DEF 1800 LV 4]. His defense points overpower your monster's attack points.

Charlotte: Yes, I see. Not bad. However, just because I can't attack does not mean I do not have a strategy for winning. Turn end.

Rika: Ending her turn just like that…

Baron: Yes…her monster must have some kind of ability. That's always been like Charlotte. She loves to play fair of course…but she also likes to surprise her opponent.

Charlotte: Not much I can do this turn. Well Ren, what are you going to do now? I can tell you've been holding back. What? Still keeping that promise to my mother?

Ren: That is known of your business. I have nothing to say to you.

Rika: Of course…the promise we made.

In a room, screaming is heard as doctors are working fast.

Baron's father: Let me in! Let me in the room damn it!

Doctor: We can't your highness. She's in critical condition right now. We can't let you go in there until…

Man: I am the lord of this country! I order you to let me in or I'll have your head!

Several doctors hold him back as he continues to kick and scream. Ren stands by as Baron's mother is gasping.

Ren: My lady, you must hang on!

Baron's mother: Ren…please…I beg of you. I want you to tell Alphonse…my son that…

Ren: You can tell him yourself my lady! You must survive for the sake of your daughter!

Baron's mother: It would be nice if that could be…it really, really would. Please…tell Alphonse he must look after his little sister. His father will be too busy, so please tell him to raise Charlotte in my stead.

Ren: My lady…I see. If that is your final order to me, I'll carry it out. I will do it!

Baron's mother laughs a little and stops moving. Ren looks down as Baron's dad screams in fury.

Ren: I know I made a promise that day. To protect you, and to protect Baron. I will protect both of you, I swear!

Charlotte: Don't be a fool. You will not get as you desire. After all, we're on opposing sides! How can you protect us both?!

Ren: I do not know…but I will keep fighting to make it happen. Laugh at me as much as you want. But I will succeed!

Baron: Ren…

Charlotte: You were always such a fool. I was hoping these short months would have taught you otherwise. I guess not…

Ren: I will not give up because I cannot give up. Giving up dishonors me, the Conquistos, and the royal family! Here I go, draw! I summon Karakuri Muso mdl 818 Haipa [ATK 2100/DEF 1100 LV 4]. I tune my level 4 Muso and level 4 Watchdog.

Watchdog becomes 4 rings that Muso flies through, becoming 4 stars [4 + 4 = 8]

Ren: Stir up the great winds, winds as sharp as knives. Cut, slash, slice, and snip! Synchro Summon! Show yourself, Karakuri Steel Shogun mdl 00X Bureido [ATK 2800/DEF 1700 LV 8]. With this, my victory equation is assured! When Bureido is summoned, one Karakuri monster can be Special Summoned. Show yourself, Karakuri Ninja mdl 7749 Nanashick [ATK 2200/DEF 1800 LV 5]. Once per turn, Bureido changes the Battle Position of one monster. I turn your Dragon to defense mode.

Charlotte: As if! I release my Monkey Marcher. Now an effect against Dragon is negated. Sorry, you failed.

Ren: Not a problem. Go Bureido! Attack Dragon.

Rika: But they'll both be destroyed and Ren will take 800 points of damage.

Baron: No…Ren really has thought of everything.

Ren: At this time, the power of Karakuri Showdown Castle awakens. The monster on your field kneels its head in defense mode [ATK 2800/DEF 2500 LV 8].

Bureido swings its sword and cuts the monster in two, making it blow up.

Charlotte: No way!

Ren: And now a direct attack! Spiked Star!

Ninja throws a star and Charlotte flies back screaming, hitting the wall [Charlotte LP = 1200]. Baron gasps and looks on as he hears a voice.

Voice: Remember Baron. Your sister is frail. You must always protect her, no matter what. It is your duty as her brother…and as the prince.

Baron: Charlotte…

Ren: There. That is your last chance to surrender. If you do not fight back soon, I will have no choice but to finish you. Our life points are low. As long as I draw that card, Ring of Destruction. I'll end this duel in a draw. I promised to protect you both…and I shall!

Charlotte: You think you can win? Too bad for you…you're very wrong. Trap card, Restock. When a monster I control is destroyed, at the End Phase, I can Special Summon one monster from my deck. Come on out Barrel of Monkeys [ATK 1500/DEF 1300 LV 4].

Baron: That card…is she planning on…?!

Charlotte: Here I go, draw! I use the card I set at the beginning of the duel! The card I set anticipating this!

Ren: What?! You were waiting all this time?

Charlotte: Set card, Book of Moon! This takes a face up monster and puts it in defense mode. I choose my Barrel. Now I Flip Summon them [ATK 1500/DEF 1300 LV 4]. When Barrel of Monkeys is flipped, one more can be summoned [ATK 1500/DEF 1300 LV 4]. And now I remove these two monsters!

Ren: No…it can't be!

Charlotte: To revive this monster from my graveyard! Come on out, Slinky Dragon [ATK 2800/DEF 2500 LV 8].

Ren: I was not expecting this…in one turn, she pressed me into a corner….

Charlotte: Goodbye.

Rika: No!

Baron: Don't do it!

Charlotte: Slinky Dragon, destroy Karakuri Ninja! Reverberation Ray!

The Dragon roars and extends its neck, devouring the monster whole. Ren looks down as the monster opens its mouth and charges a beam, hitting Ren [Ren LP = 0].

Ren: I'm sorry Lord Baron…my lady…but I was not strong enough. Rika…I leave the Conquistos in your hands…

He closes his eyes as a door sucks in him. Rika looks on in horror and falls to her knees.

Rika: Uncle…

Charlotte turns and deactivates her Duel Disk, walking off.

Baron: Charlotte!

Charlotte: What? You're upset with me for killing your friend? Not my problem.

Baron: Charlotte…I'll save you, I promise. I made a vow to always protect you. Please, just come home Charlotte!

Charlotte: I can't…go back to that house. If you want to stop me…I'll be waiting at the site of battle. There, you'll pay for your treason.

She turns and glares as she says this, vanishing in darkness. Baron looks sad as he looks down, clenching his fists. Elsewhere, Jupiter sits and frowns. Two guards shiver as Vergil walks through them.

Vergil: Kindly steps aside. I have an appointment with Jupiter.

To be continued

Baron: Today we'll be going over Slinky Dragon. When this card is in the graveyard, you can remove two monsters on the field to Special Summon it. If you do, a Spell or Trap is destroyed.

Yusuke: Slinky Dragon and Supremo Rey? They don't seem very similar. Why are they both symbols of the Alejandro family?

Baron: Isn't it obvious? They represent our savage and noble spirits, but also our very kind ones.

A spotlight falls on his head as he screams.

Baron: How dare you?! I'll have you know I'm a baron's son! I can have you arrested, no, executed for this!

Yusuke: He's just saying that to excuse his own actions…

Episode 136: Let's Play, Hellish Toy Deck!

In a hotel room, Baron is slurping noodles out of a cup.

Ren: The room bill is done. As soon as we're ready, we can check out.

Baron: That's good. Dear old dad will track our expenses here if we delay.

Rika: I've already found a new hotel for when we get home. But are you sure you want to do this? Absolutely sure?

Baron: Yeah. We've waited long enough. Most of the small fry have been taken care of. I want to help Yusuke and the others, but I have my own objectives to accomplish. And at this Castle, my goals await.

He stands up, throwing his cup behind him as it lands in the trashcan.

Baron: Let's go.

Opening

In the castle, Jupiter sighs as he sits next to Juno.

Jupiter: Nike, give me a report.

Nike: Sir! We've sustained heavy losses. Nearly half the Council of Elders, including you and your wife, have been taken out. We've tried to hold them back as long as we can, but there seems to be no end to them. Even with Yusuke and his friends here, we can't hold them back forever. Sooner or later, they'll break our last line of defense.

Jupiter: I see. Deploy all reserve fighters. Call any operatives on outside missions and tell them to report back as soon as possible.

Nike: Understood. You should leave as well.

Jupiter: I will not. My soldiers are here fighting as hard as they can. If I flee, I resemble a coward. I will stay and support my troops until the bitter end!

Nike: As you wish…

She bows and rushes away. Juno turns and looks concerned.

Juno: Dear, are you sure? There's a good chance we won't survive the battle if we stay.

Jupiter: I understand that. A part of me does want to run away. But at the same time, a part of me wants to stay and fight with my soldiers. If I flee, I set a bad example for them. We must stand strong, or else we fall.

Juno: I understand…in that case, I'll stay too. Until the very end.

Elsewhere in the castle, a man is screaming as Rabbit stands there. She holds out her hand as a monster behind her roars. Its neck extends and a beam fires, burning up his Sleeping Lion. The man flies back through a door.

Rabbit: Yawn…these guys are such a bore. Barely even worth fighting. Is there no one fun to play with?

She turns and smiles.

Rabbit: He's coming. I'm glad. We'll be able to play again after so long.

A jet plane streaks through the sky. Ren and Rika pilot as Baron sits in the back.

Ren: We are approximately 20 minutes from our destination.

Rika: Are you really sure? Once we get in there, there's no going back.

Baron: I was expecting as much. Well, we've come this far right? There really is no turning back now.

Ren: With all due respect Lord Baron, we can handle this ourselves. No need for you to sully your hands by coming with us.

Baron: It is kind of you to say that. But I have to go. If I don't, things will look bad for me. Besides, my goal waits for me at this place.

Ren: Very well. We'll be landing within a few minutes.

The plane lands on a hanger. Baron is the first one off and looks around, kicking a small rock off the edge.

Baron: Wow…that's a long way down.

Rika: Such a big place. Dare I say it even puts the Spanish Villa to shame?

Ren: We will not get anywhere standing here.

Baron: Well said. Come on, let's head in. I've got some food in the oven. Let's make it quick.

He and his guards head inside. They come to three hallways branching off in different directions.

Baron: Well, this is a snag. Who gets which path?

Rika: Is dividing up really a good idea?

Baron: It'll be better than walking around as a group. Besides, I can't involve them. Charlotte's here somewhere, I know it. Cover more ground.

Ren: With all due respect Lord Baron, it is too risky leaving you attended. At least allow one of us to go with you.

Baron: That's really not a good idea. They won't attack us in a group. It really would be for the best if we split up. Trust me.

Ren: …As you wish Lord Baron. Come on Rika, let's go.

Rika: Understood. Please be careful Lord Baron.

All three run in separate directions.

Ren: Fear not my lord. I will finish them all off. I'll do anything to make sure you don't become their target.

Dante walks down the hallway as hooded figures lie defeated all around, being sucked into doors.

Dante: Small fry. Vergil's standards really aren't as high as they used to be. If that's not bad enough, I could have sworn I sensed that guy a few minutes ago. Damn…is Baron really here? Why? What does he hope to gain by being here?

Baron keeps walking down the hallway and seems to remember something. A woman screams and Baron runs into the room, seeing a shattered window and a maid sobbing. Baron's eyes widen as his flashback ends.

Baron: As soon as I find them, I'll make them pay.

Ren looks out from behind a wall and sees the corridor empty. He rushes down the hallway and sneaks down another corridor.

Ren: I knew it was going to be empty with all the fighting, but this is a little too empty.

He hears something and turns quickly, seeing a ball falling down a flight of stairs. He looks confused and walks over, picking it up.

Ren: A ball? In a place like this.

Rabbit: Oh my, my ball! Don't get away like that! Stay right here.

Ren: A child? What are you doing here? You must leave at once. It is dangerous here.

Rabbit: Dangerous? Oh, I don't think so. I'm having fun here. All the people fall so easily though, so that's kind of disappointing.

Ren: W-What?

Rabbit: Tell me, is Alphonse here?

Ren: You must be referring to the young lord. My apologies for asking…but are you my enemy?

Rabbit: Aw, don't put it like that. It's like soccer or chess. I'm on the other team.

Ren: Hm…one more question. Do you know a small child by the name of Charlotte el Alejandro?

Rabbit: …Maybe?

Ren: I see. Then you leave me no choice. For the sake of the young lord, I must fight you.

Rabbit: I had a feeling you would say that. Fine, fine! Let's play and have fun! But you'd better be more amusing than the useless lumps here!

Both of them draw their Duel Disks and put them on, activating as well.

Both: Duel! [Ren LP = 4000][Rabbit LP = 4000].

Baron walks down the hall when beeping goes off. Baron checks something in his pocket and looks down.

Baron: Ren is fighting then. I am sorry for deceiving you but…

He turns and runs as Rabbit begins to giggle.

Rabbit: Sorry. I've just been looking forward to this for so long…it's going to be so much fun!

Ren: Right…just go if you will. I have other matters to attend to.

Rabbit: Aw….really? That's not fun at all! Come on, stay for a little while and play! I set a monster in face down defense mode. Then I set a card and end my turn.

Ren: A set monster and a card. Right then, now I can go on the offensive! Here I go, draw! I must act cautiously. I will not fall into a Trap you have set for me. I summon Karakuri Bushi mdl 6318 Muzanichiha [ATK 1800/DEF 600 LV 4]. Battle. Go and strike down her set monster!

The robot draws its sword and swings cutting through the set monster.

Rabbit: Got you. When Mecha Bunny is flipped up, he deals 500 points of damage to the opponent.

Bunny's eyes glow and fire lasers, hitting Ren as he steps back [Ren LP = 3500].

Rabbit: Then one more monster from my deck is taken and set on the field.

Ren: Another Bunny huh? Not bad. But the monster is weak. I'll overcome it slowly. I set a card and end my turn. Yes, go ahead and attack. I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised by my set card. When my monster is attacked, he goes to defense mode. Then I can use the Trap card Karakuri Trick House and destroy her monster. I'll be able to counter her no matter what she tries.

Rabbit: Looks like my turn once again. Draw. I Flip Summon my Mecha Bunny [ATK 800/DEF 100 LV 2]. Since he was flipped up, he deals 500 points of damage to you.

Bunny fires rays again as Ren steps back, breathing deeply. [Ren LP = 3000]

Ren: Effect Damage, that is the theme of your deck. Hmph. I do not judge others, but it seems like an awfully cowardly way to duel.

Rabbit: Too bad for you. You're stuck with me and I want to get the most out of this play date. I summon Plastic Soldier [ATK 500/DEF 500 LV 2]. When this card is summoned, one Machine monster of level 2 or below can be revived from my graveyard. Come on out, Mecha Bunny [ATK 800/DEF 100 LV 2].

Ren: Three monsters…I see, an Exceed Summon!

Rabbit: I Overlay both level 2 Mecha Bunnies and Plastic Soldier.

All three monsters turn into lights and fly inside a spiral.

Rabbit: With these three monsters, I construct the Overlay Network. Exceed Summon! Show yourself, Block Golem [ATK 2000/DEF 0 RANK 2].

Ren: Not bad. You summoned a relatively tough monster.

Rabbit: Let's battle, okay? Block Golem, take out his monster.

Ren: When my monster is attacked, he retreats into defense mode [ATK 1800/DEF 600 LV 4]. Trap card, Karakuri Trick House. When a Karakuri monster has its Battle Position changed, one card on the field is destroyed. I destroy Block Golem!

Rabbit: No good, sorry. By removing one Overlay Unit [Unit = 2] and negate a Spell or Trap card. My monster isn't destroyed. Not to mention my monster deals 400 points of damage whenever it destroys a monster.

Golem roars and smashes the set card. Ren flies back and rolls on the ground [Ren LP = 2600].

Ren: That hurt….so this truly is a Shadow Game.

Rabbit: That's right, that's right! So don't die too soon kay? That's not fun at all. I set a card and end my turn.

Ren: If this is your sick twisted idea of fun, then you truly disgust me. Here I go, draw! I summon Karakuri Soldier mdl 236 Nisamu [ATK 1400/DEF 200 LV 4]. Now I activate the Continuous Spell card Karakuri Anatomy. When a Karakuri monster is summoned, one Counter can be placed on this card. And when I gather a certain number of Counters, I can Release this card and draw one card for each Karakuri Counter. With that, I set a card and end my turn.

Rabbit: Is that really it? Aw, that really is no fun. Jeez Ren, you're as boring as ever.

Ren: This child knows me and the young lord? Could she be…no, don't think that! I must protect the young lord at any price. But still…his goal in the end is to…

Rabbit: There you go spacing out. You always do that whenever you are wound up about something. And of course, knowing you, that's all the time. I always used to say you needed to just chill out and have fun. Come on, seriously, relax! Here I go, draw! I summon Debris Dragon [ATK 1000/DEF 2000 LV 4]. When this card is summoned, I can revive one monster with 500 or less attack points from my graveyard. I revive the monster Plastic Soldier [ATK 500/DEF 0 LV 2]. Trap card, Wind- Up Key. One Machine monster on the field that was Special Summoned gains 2 levels [ATK 500/DEF 0 LV 4].

Ren: But why? With its level at four, you will not be able to Synchro Summon you would have been able to normally.

Rabbit: Silly! I wasn't going to Synchro Summon! I Overlay my level 4 Debris Dragon and Plastic Soldier.

Dragon and Soldier turn into lights and fly into a spiral.

Rabbit: With these two monsters I construct the Overlay Network. Exceed Summon! Show yourself, Top Twister [ATK 2400/DEF 2000 RANK 4].

Ren: Using a Tuner monster for an Exceed Summon? That's rather unorthodox if you don't mind me saying.

Rabbit: I don't mind. I like playing this way. Doing the same thing over and over again just gets dull and boring.

Ren: You are quite a spunky little thing aren't you? Tell me, someone like you does not seem evil or malicious. Why do you work with the Crossed Brotherhood? Are you truly seeking the destruction of the world, or perhaps there is some ulterior motive?

Rabbit: Destroy? You're joking right? We are not trying to destroy the world. We are trying to save it.

Ren: Save it? You cannot save the world the way you are doing it.

Rabbit: So now you're questioning my ethics? You really are a boring man after all. I remove one Overlay Unit from Golem [Unit = 1] and destroy Karakuri Anatomy. Then I remove one Overlay Unit from Top Twister [Unit = 1]. Now for this turn, he can deal Piercing damage. Get ready. Top Twister, take out his set monster! Whirling Death!

Ren: Trap card, Malfunctioning Damage. For this turn only, any damage I take through battle is negated, but only if a Machine monster was involved in the battle.

His monster is torn to pieces.

Ren: When he is destroyed, I get to summon a level 4 or below Karakuri monster in my deck. From my deck, I summon a second Karakuri Ninja mdl 236 Nisamu [ATK 1400/DEF 200 LV 4].

Rabbit: Another toy to play with! Block Golem, crush it! Toppling Fist!

The monster punches and crushes the monster.

Ren: Once again, I can summon a Machine monster from my deck. Come on out and shine, Karakuri Barrel mdl 96 Shinkuro [ATK 400/DEF 400 LV 2].

Rabbit: A Tuner monster eh? Exactly what I predicted you were going to try. That's always been you. Nothing else

Ren: You know me pretty well. It's getting annoying honestly. Keep going and I'll really get mean.

Rika runs down the hall and sees Baron.

Rika: Young lord, is it my uncle!?

Baron: I think so. He must be fighting someone right now.

Rika: Is he okay?

Baron: I'm not sure. But let's go see. After all, a baron must protect their servants.

Ren: Here I go, draw! With this, I can deal a heavy blow. But should I risk our only lead? Yes…a servant must protect their baron at any price, be it personal, financial, or emotional. I summon my Karakuri Ninja mdl 919 Kuick [ATK 1700/DEF 1500 LV 4]. I use the Equip Spell Synchro Boost, raising his level by 1 and attack by 500 [ATK 2200/DEF 1500 LV 5]. I tune level 2 Barrel and level 5 Ninja.

Barrel becomes 2 rings that Ninja flies through, becoming 5 stars [2 + 5 = 7].

Ren: March great army and be prepared to fight in the name of the law. Synchro Summon! Karakuri Shogun mdl 00 Burei [ATK 2600/DEF 1900 LV 7]

Rabbit: Right, when your monster is summoned, you can summon one more monster from your deck. I remove my last Overlay Unit from Golem to negate that effect [Unit = 0].

Ren: So my army will not grow. My force is strong enough as is. When Shogun is summoned, the Battle Position of one monster changes. That ugly monster, that Twister…to defense mode [ATK 2400/DEF 2000 RANK 4].

Rabbit: So you knew? When Twister is in attack mode, if he has at least one Overlay Unit anyway, he becomes the target of your attack.

Ren: And that leaves your other monster defenseless! Shogun, strike down Golem!

Shogun draws the sword and leaps into the air, slashing downward and splits the monster in two. Rabbit screams as she flies back [Rabbit LP = 3400].

Ren: …This is enough playing around. Me and my niece Rika are the current leaders of the Conquistos, the guardians of the royal family. I raised you since you were an infant. You think I wouldn't recognize you…Charlotte el Alejandro?

Rabbit stands up. She sighs and then laughs.

Rabbit: You always were so damn bright! I always made fun of you for being such a bookworm…but you're a bright one.

Rabbit reaches up and yanks down her hood. Blond hair falls as Ren clenches his fist. Rabbit grins and flips her hair behind her back.

Rabbit: Tell me…does my big brother still like being called Baron? Or has he finally accepted the name our father gave him? Oh well…won't matter anyway. Because once I'm done with you….I'm going to kill him.

To be continued

Baron: Today we'll be going over Karakuri Shogun mdl 00 Burei. When this card is Synchro Summoned, you can summon one more Karakuri from your deck and change the Battle Position of one monster.

Rika: I have to wonder something…if we're here, what are the Conquistos doing.

A bunch of people sit in one room.

Man: …So….anyone want to see a movie?

No one answers.

Man: …Well I tried.

Episode 135: Hope For the Future, Dragon's Prophecy

Deep in the castle, Chimera and Neo are walking.

Chimera: Br…

Neo: What?

Chimera: You ever get that feeling where you just know something is wrong, deep in your gut?

Neo: Not really…I'm an android though, so maybe that's just me.

Chimera: It's probably nothing anyway. Still though…now I can't shake the feeling something's up.

Tamika: What do you mean it'll be too late? You're that guy Axel was chasing after, Dog right?

Dog: You remember my name? You've got a good memory. I only recall my name being said once before.

Tamika: Axel mentions you often. You're the one who sent Viral after him.

Dog: That, well, I didn't really want to do. Viral even unnerves me if I'm honest. I only let him go to appease him.

Tamika: And now you sent Snake after him too? He separated us?

Dog: Yes well…that I didn't really want to do. To be honest, Snake disturbs me. I only allowed it so he'd go away.

Tamika: Where are they now?! Tell me!

Dog: Didn't I already tell you? Maybe your memory isn't that great after all. Let me say it again. Even if you go, it's pointless. Your friend has lost.

Exarion Universe plows Axel and hits him in the chest. Axel's eyes widen as he doubles over and Snake laughs.

Opening

A robed man is blasted back and sucked inside a door as Mercury is panting in front of a few figures.

Mercury: These guys just keep coming! There's no end to them! Could have sworn I feel Axel's power a few minutes ago. Did something happen?

His The Boiling MERCURY is destroyed as he turns.

Mercury: Right now I have to stop focused on my own situation! Besides, he has Accel Synchro. He should be fine.

Axel stands there looking on in horror as Exarion Universe charges towards him. It moves its lance and strikes him in the chest. He coughs and falls to his knees.

Snake: That's game over. 1400 points of damage puts you at negative life points. Too bad. For all I've heard about you, you were pretty underwhelming.

Axel suddenly glows. He looks in shock as his life points don't change.

Snake: Huh? 1400 out of 250 is -1150! You should have lost!

Axel: I see…the monster sent to the graveyard!

He remembers as he looks into the light.

Man: Here you go, Axel. A present from America.

Axel: Oh boy! A rare card, it's gotta be! Hang on…Guidance Dragon!?

Woman: Yes. What's the problem?

Axel: It is so weak! It has no attack or defense points, plus you can only use it in the graveyard! Who would use a lame card like this?

Man: Axel…there's more to a card than power.

Axel: I know that. But this card is completely useless. I'd be a laughingstock if I used this!

Man: Axel…the Seshia family was not always wealthy. Only when we matched the Kaiba bloodline did we become wealthy. This card is like that. It may not be strong by itself, but it represents perseverance. It things look bad, as long as you have this card, victory will be yours. Trust me.

Axel: Fine dad…

Axel snickers as the flashback ends.

Axel: To think…this card would save my a [ss] someday. I really must have fallen far. When Guidance Dragon is in my graveyard during when I receive a direct attack, I get to negate the attack and gain 800 life points instead [Axel LP = 1050].

Snake: Hm, that was fast. Not bad! Now things are getting interesting! It's no fun if you can't fight back! I always love something with some fight in it! Keep it up, it might actually be fun! I end my turn.

Axel: I was able to survive that turn, but just barely. As long as Chain Energy is out, I'll have to keep paying life points to use cards. In my hand there's Prime Material Dragon. If only I could get it on the field…it all depends what I draw next. Here I go then, draw! The Dragon Dwelling in the Cave. This should be able to hold him off. Yes, this'll be good! I set a monster [Axel LP = 550]. Turn end.

Snake: A set monster eh? Not bad, not bad! You're actually able to defend yourself this late in the duel! Let's see if your shield can stay up though! Here's hoping it doesn't tip back and land on you! Draw!

Axel: What'd he draw?

Snake: Tch. You got lucky. This card doesn't really help me. Anyway, I end my turn.

Axel: You do? What happened to all your talk huh? So much for that.

Snake: Hey, I want this to be fun. But I also want to win. If you gave up life to summon that, it must be something you know will stay on the field. Which means it either has high defense points or some kind of effect.

Axel: Damn, are you serious? This guy's brighter than he looks.

Snake: Besides, I want to see more of the way you fight. Come on, show me what makes you so well-known. Turn end!

Axel: Hmph, if you say so! You'd better not regret that though! Here I go, draw! And now with this I win! I release my set monster [Axel LP = 50] and Advance Summon my Prime Material Dragon [ATK 2400/DEF 2000 LV 6].

Snake: Wow! You actually managed to summon a powerful monster despite Chain Energy! Not bad, not bad!

Axel: Keep talking. Clearly you don't know how to add. Once I attack, this duel is done! Prime Material Dragon, finish him! Prime Blast!

Dragon roars and spits fire. Exarion Universe charges forward [ATK 1400/DEF 1900 LV 4]. Universe burns up and the fire divides to hit Snake.

Tamika: What do you mean by that? Snake can't be that strong.

Dog: It has nothing to do with power. He is just a slippery predator. Right when his prey thinks it has gotten away, he lunges with his poison fangs…and injects the poison. And once that has happened, he's won.

The fire hits Snake and sends him flying back. He cries in pain [Snake LP = 0].

Axel: What'd I tell you? If that's all you've got, you were a fool to fight me.

Snake begins to laugh. Axel looks in shock as Snake stands back up [Snake LP = 1275].

Axel: Impossible! You should have lost! You have no set cards! How did your life just jump like that?!

Snake: A snake always waits for its prey to be unprepared. And then when it least expects it, lunge! I discarded by Tricky Serpent. I can discard it when I take damage that reduces my life to zero. Instead, I raise my life points by the attack points of my monster, 1800. Plus the 475 I had gives me a total of 2275, minus the 1000, gives me 1275! Thanks for the boost in life points!

Axel: Damn it! Are you serious?! I was this close to winning!

Snake: Sorry rich boy. But I ain't gonna let you win so easily. You'll just have to keep trying.

Axel: Whatever! The result will be the same as long as Chain Energy steals life from both of us! Just you wait; I'll come back for the win! Turn end.

Snake: Looks like my turn then, draw! I set one monster in defense mode. [Snake LP = 750]. Turn end.

Axel: Back on defense so soon? Lame! Draw. I summon Luster Dragon [ATK 1900/DEF 1600 LV 4].

Snake: Hm? You don't have enough life for that though. Oh! I see! Prime Material Dragon has some kind of effect!

Axel: That's right. Prime Material Dragon reverses any gains and losses to my life points. So that 500 points of damage will instead boost my life points [Axel LP = 550].

Snake: Reversing the effect of my Chain Energy. I change my mind! You're now a chump rather than being a weakling!

Axel: You're so damn annoying! Just shut up will you!? From my hand, I use the Spell card Dragon's Prophecy [Axel LP = 1050]. Now 2 turns from now, if I have two monsters on the field to Release, I can select one level 8 or higher Dragon type monster in my deck, sacrifice those two monsters, and summon the high level monster.

Snake: You're taking a big risk. You assume those adorable little monsters are even going to be around next turn!

Axel: True, they may not. But it'll end this turn anyway! Luster Dragon, wipe out his set monster! Sapphire Ray!

The monster fires its attack. The set monster flips up, but holds back the attack [ATK 0/DEF 1900 LV 4]

Axel: 1900 attack points, are you serious!? What do you have to do to beat this guy?!

Snake: Come now, you didn't think I'd make it easy right?! Wall Golem has 1900 defense points. Plus, when he flips up, my life points increase by 800 [Snake LP = 1550].

Axel: Fine, it won't change anything! Prime Material Dragon, take it down!

Dragon roars and spits fire, melting Golem. Snake only laughs as the fire blows around him.

Snake: My monster was in defense mode. I take no damage.

Axel: It doesn't matter. As long as I have Prime Material Dragon, my life points will keep increasing. So in other words, defeat is impossible for me! And besides, in two turns I'll get a more powerful monster anyway.

Snake: Of course. Rich guys like you think you are so invincible. Let me tell you that your way of thinking is wrong!

Axel: Is that right you smug jerk? Then show me I'm so wrong!

Snake: Ha ha ha! Okay, but only because you asked! Here I go, draw! Well look at that! I use the Spell card Pot of Greed! This lets me draw 2 cards [Snake LP = 1050]. When the monster Watapon is drawn through the effect of a card, I can throw this monster down on the field! Come on out Watapon [ATK 200/DEF 300 LV 1] [Snake LP = 550].

Axel: Watapon? Why summon such a weak monster? Unless his plan is to use a Release Summon!

Snake: I release Watapon. This lets me Advance Summon the king of binding, the master who rules by chains. Come on out, Master of Chains [ATK 2400/DEF 1500 LV 6].

Axel: Only 2400 attack points? Ha! It won't help much. You barely have any life points left [Snake LP = 50].

Snake: How foolish, judging a monster based on attack points. Master of Chains lowers the attack points of all other monsters by 300 [ATK 2100/DEF 2000 LV 6] [ATK 1600/DEF 1600 LV 4].

Axel: What?! By 300?!

Snake: That's right! It's small, but that amount represents a gap you can never cross! If you want to stop him, you need a monster with at least 2800 attack points! In your current stake, you can never cross that powerful gap.

Axel: Damn it…

Snake: Battle! Master of Chains, destroy Luster Dragon! Chain Storm!

Chains move and fly through the air, impaling Dragon in five different places and it blows up. Axel flies back from the explosion and hits the ground hard [Axel LP = 250].

Snake: Let's see, weak monster, only 250 life points, and no way of summoning a monster with 2800 points. Yep, looks like I win!

Axel: Damn it…Dragon's Prophecy only works when I have two monsters on the field to Release. If I do not have them, I won't be able to summon a strong monster! I lose…sooner or later; Chain Energy will cut away my last few life points.

Snake: That's the face I wanted to see, right there! That face of complete and total despair! The face that says, "I'm screwed." People like you deserve it. Wealth is the one thing that kills someone more than anything else. Without money, someone is able to look at the things they have. With it, someone tries to obtain false happiness. Even your so called friends don't love you. They only surround you because of your money. Without it, you really are nothing.

Axel: Shut up! What the hell does someone like you know?!

Snake: I know a lot more than you do! Believe it or not, I was once wealthy too. I had so much money I could buy a TV for my bathroom and drink melted gold! And I thought I was living it up like no one ever lived before! But one day, I was soaking in my tub and I looked around. And then I noticed something. I wasn't happy. All those things were just over the top, all the satisfaction ran hollow. And I realized I was all alone. Not a single person liked me for me!

Axel: Can't say I blame them…

Snake: My point is that the joy you feel is fake. You stomp on others trying to prove superiority and think you are so mighty. In fact, you are weaker than I am! At least I know who I am! You don't know even know who you are!

Axel: Shut up! Everyone…everyone likes me for me, right?

Snake: You're arrogant. You're cruel. You push everyone away in favor of your own strength. Answer me, who would want a friend like that?!

Axel looks down.

Tamika: You're wrong.

Dog: Hm?

Tamika: I know Axel. He's a jerk, a selfish jerk who thinks the world revolves around him. He usually fights only in his best interest and he's a pain to be around. But…he's a real duelist. And I know even if his life were to hit zero, he would not surrender the duel.

Axel: Here I go…draw. I set a monster [Axel LP = 750]. Next I change Prime Material Dragon to defense mode [ATK 2100/DEF 2000 LV 6].

Snake: What's this? You're still going to fight?

Axel: I don't give up. Even if my opponent is a living demon, I can't afford to surrender for those counting on me.

Snake: You still believe those people are your friends? How laughable! Draw! Battle, destroy his Prime Material Dragon!

Chains shoot out from all directions and tear the monster apart from the inside out.

Snake: Only a set card. Not much you can do now. Face it. Anything you try will result in defeat. You might as well give up! Really think. What is there worth fighting for?

Axel: My friends….

Snake: Fool! You have no real friends! They only surround you because of what you can give them. You don't even treat them as equals! It's always about you isn't it?

Axel: I'm not saying what you're saying is wrong. I used to be a jerk. I thought I was so strong and so much better than anyone else. But you know, I've changed! Meeting everyone else, even though I didn't want to, they changed me. I realized that being selfish was making me lonely. Even without my money, everyone still cares. They are real friends!

Snake: Oh please…

Axel: I'll show you! I draw! I Flip Summon my Double Dragon [ATK 1700/DEF 500 LV 4]. If this monster is released for a Dragon type monster, he counts as two Release monsters.

Snake: That won't help. His attack points are too low. Besides, even if you do summon something, you would have by now.

Axel: You're right, I don't have the right monsters in my hand, but in my deck….I do!

Snake: Your deck? So what? Wait…that card you used several turns ago…it can't be!

Axel: I release Double Dragon and using the power of Dragon's Prophecy, summon a powerful monster from the deck. Come on out Blue- Eyes White Dragon [ATK 3000-2700/DEF 2500 LV 8].

Snake: Are you serious?! [Axel LP = 250]. No! This is impossible! I've planned out everything perfectly! So how..!?

Axel: How? Simple as this. Do not judge someone based on what they are, but on whom. Time to take you out! Blue- Eyes, finish him! Burst Stream of Destruction!

Blue- Eyes charges its attack and fires. Master sends out chains to form a shield as the shatter.

Snake: Impossible…

Master is blasted to pieces as the beam hits Snake, making him scream in pain [Snake LP = 0]. He flies back as a wall shatters, much to Tamika and Dog's surprise. Snake flies into a second wall and crumples.

Snake: Ah well…it was fun while it lasted. I've got no regrets…

A door appears behind and pulls him inside laughing. Axel crawls through the hole panting.

Dog: Amazing…

Tamika: Axel! You made it!

Axel: Course I did! I'm not so weak as to be beaten by small fry like that.

Tamika: Should have expected that of you. Hope you're ready for something else.

Axel: I know. The battle is just starting.

They both turn and stand at ready as Dog watches with a slightly amused smile under his hood.

Dog: You've grown a lot…Axel.

He removes his hood. Axel snarls, but then his eyes widen.

Axel: B…Brutus?!

To be continued

Yusuke: Um…today we'll be going over Double Dragon. By releasing this card, it counts as two Release monsters for a Dragon. And um…..why isn't Baron doing this again?

Dante: He's not coming until next episode. Honestly, what's keeping him?

Baron and his guards look annoyed as they sit in a car in the middle of a crowded road.

Baron: I knew we should have taken the subway…

Episode 134: Unable to Move, Deadly Lock

Dog is wheeling himself down the hallway, duelists lying around him. He stops and sighs.

Dog: Stop following me Snake.

Snake laughs and appears besides him.

Snake: How'd you know I was there? You must be psychic or something.

Dog: You just have noisy breathing.

Snake: Aw, don't say stuff like that. A snake should be able to sneak up on their enemies…and bite.

He hisses and kneels by Dog's ear. He sighs.

Dog: What?

Snake: What do you mean what? I just wanted to say "hey" to my best bud in the whole Zodiac. What makes you think I have an alternative motive?

Dog: Because if really was your bud, I would obviously know you always have some kind of angle to play. It's always about you, not others.

Snake: Well sorry I'm not kind hearted like a dog. But a snake can only focus on itself. Well, you clearly understand, so I'll be blunt. Can I have Axel?

Dog: Him?

Snake: Yeah. You already sent Viral out, so I thought you were marking your territory. And I want that little puke for myself.

Dog: I did not call dibs on him. He's all yours.

Snake: Goody…

Opening

Axel and Tamika walk down the hall. Axel seems annoyed and speeds up. Tamika walks faster as well as Axel looks more and more annoyed and screams.

Axel: Quit following me!

Tamika: I'm not following you. You're just walking in front of me.

Axel: Oh sure! Ever since we arrived here you won't leave me alone!

Tamika: Sure, divide and let them pick us off one by one, that's smart!

Axel: Divided we won't be able to help a lot of people! Go away and go find someone to bug!

Tamika: Fine, I will. But you're in my way, so I'll make sure to stay behind you.

Axel: GAH! Fine, do whatever you want! I don't care.

As they walk, Snake flicks his tongue.

Snake: Not good. Snakes never hunt pairs. The girl ruins things…get rid of her, get rid of her!

Tamika: Something's up. This place is a huge battle royal.

Axel: And?

Tamika: This hallway seems kind of…empty, don't you? Look, no sign of destruction or battle.

Axel: It's a huge place. There's bound to be a few hallways that haven't suffered collateral damage.

Tamika: Yeah, but explain why there aren't any guards then. Even if no one fights here, it should at least be guarded. The fact no one's here is mysterious.

Axel: You're too paranoid.

Tamika: Fine! Excuse me for being cautious.

Axel suddenly stops. He sees Dog. Dog turns and wheels away.

Axel: Hey, you stop!

He snarls and runs off as Tamika holds out her hand.

Tamika: Wait, it could be some kind of…

Pieces of the wall collapse. Tamika falls backwards as the path is blocked. Axel turns around and sees the rubble.

Axel: Tamika! Are you okay?! Hey!

Tamika: Yeah…we just got separated. Are you okay?

Axel: I'm fine. You go find the others. I've got to take care of something.

Tamika: Hey, wait! Take care of what? …Hey! Jeez…

She growls and rushes off. Axel continues to run and slides to a stop, seeing Dog.

Axel: There you are, guy in the wheelchair! Who are you?!

Dog: Name's Dog. I'm not the one who called you. That'll be my good friend Snake.

Axel: Snake? The hell kind of name is that?

Snake: It's my name moron!

Axel turns as Snake drops down, leering. Axel holds his arms back.

Snake: So you're Axel huh? Not really what I was expecting…but whatever.

Dog: I brought him here Snake. Do what you please.

Snake: No problem, pick me up whenever. I want a nice long play date with him!

Dog: Very well….just do not screw up.

He wheels away as Axel tries to step forward, only for Snake to grab his arm. Axel turns as Snake grins.

Snake: No you don't! I've earned this time.

Axel: What the hell is wrong with you?!

Snake: A duel, that's all. I wanna see how strong you are rich boy!

Axel: So wait…did you send Edward and Legion?!

Snake: Nah. Those guys worked for Pig and Dog. I just borrowed them so I can make you angry.

Axel: For what reason?!

Snake: Hatred! Hatred makes a duel so enjoyable! When two people want to just murder the person across from them! It makes the duel so great; it spices it with a fine taste! So come on, let's murder!

Axel: You need mental help. But I never back down from a fight! Even if it is a psycho freak like you!

He activates his Duel Disk. Snake laughs again as his Disk activates.

Both: Duel! [Snake LP = 4000][Axel LP = 4000]

Elsewhere, Tamika is rushing down a hallway and comes to a dead end. She kicks the wall in anger.

Tamika: How big is this damn place!? They've got to have some set of connected doors!

Rasputin: Hmph. It appears Snake is fighting now. Not that I wish to feel bad of a comrade…but hopefully whoever he's fighting gets rid of him.

Snake: So boy, how about I go first? After all, the predator always makes the first move.

Axel: Whatever! It will end with your defeat anyway either way!

Snake: How confident! Here I go then, draw! First I'll play Graceful Charity. This lets me draw 3 cards, and then I select two of them and put them in the graveyard. I use the Continuous Spell, Gravekeeper's Servant. Every time you attack, you lose a card from your deck.

Axel: Thinning? Pretty lame!

Snake: Next I set two cards. Then I'll set a monster.

Axel: Is all you're going to do set cards?

Snake: No, but only because you asked so kindly. I use the Continuous Spell Chain Energy. Now whenever we want to summon a monster, set cards, or use cards from our hands, we must pay 500 life points.

Axel: A cost card? Why though? It costs him just as much as it does me?

Snake: Time to draw, here I go! I'll pay the cost, no problem! I summon Spear Dragon [ATK 1900/DEF 0 LV 4].

Energy chains pierce Axel. He screams in pain [Axel LP = 3500] and falls to his knees in pain

Axel: What the…?

Snake: The Shadow Game hurts doesn't it? I love it. It makes the hatred all the more intense. And it raises the fun tremendously.

Axel: I see…so my life is in legitimate danger here. Hey, that's no different than usual! Keep it coming, I'll wipe you out! Spear Dragon, attack him!

Snake: Hold on one minute! Thanks to my Spell card, you have to send a card from your deck to the grave.

Axel: So what? Here, look, it's Decoy Dragon.

Snake: Trap card, Coffin Seller! When my opponent sends monsters to the graveyard and deal 300 points of damage.

Axel screams as a spirit pierces his chest [Axel LP = 3200]

Axel: A Burn deck? Not good enough. I attack your set monster! Bionic Spear Burst!

Snake: My monster is Arcana Force 0- The Fool [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1].

Axel: Your monster may not be destroyed in battle, but my monster deals Piercing damage!

Snake: Trap card, Damage Diet! All damage I take during this battle is halved!

The beam hits him. Snake screams and is pushed back [Snake LP = 3050]

Snake: Ow! That really hurt! Thank you so much! This is getting really fun now!

Axel: Wait a minute…you didn't take damage from Coffin Seller! What's going on?!

Snake: Using Graceful Charity, I discarded Trap Cracker. As long as this is in the graveyard, I do not take damage from the effects of my own Traps. Too bad…that extra bit of pain might have been good.

Axel: Weirdo! Keep acting so tough! I'll make it so painful even you won't like it! I pay more life [Axel LP = 2700] and set a card.

Snake: I see, you're done? Alright then, I draw now! [Snake LP = 2550]. I set a card and end my turn.

Axel: Set cards, set cards! Is that all you've got!? You've got to have some other card to play!

Snake: How about I play the way I want little weirdo? If you have a problem with my strategy, you can always just surrender!

Axel: Like that's going to happen! Fine, looks like I'll just have to keep my big mouth shut.

Tamika sits down, breathing deeply.

Tamika: There's no way back to Axel. Like it or not, he's on his own. Not like I care. Jeez, that jerk does so much stupid stuff…so much stupid, foolish, idiotic stuff!

She sighs and stands up.

Tamika: G=Guess I should keep looking.

Axel: Here I go. I'll pay the cost no problem [Axel LP = 2200] and release my monster to summon Strong Wind Dragon [ATK 2400/DEF 1000 LV 6]. Since he was summoned by releasing a Dragon type monster, he gains half of its power as damage [ATK 3350/DEF 1000 LV 6].

Snake: Don't think so! Spell card, Half- Shut! This halves the attack points of your monster before it gains its power boost [ATK 2150/DEF 1000 LV 6]. And don't forget, since a monster was sent to the graveyard, Coffin Seller deals 300 points of damage [Axel LP = 1900].

Axel: Gah…that's no problem! I'm still tough enough to deal some serious damage! Strong Wind Dragon attacks! Go, Strong Hurricane!

Snake: By removing the Trap card Damage Diet from play, all the damage you would deal becomes halved.

The hurricane hits Fool and hits Snake. He hisses and steps back [Snake LP = 1475].

Snake: But don't forget. Servant makes you give up one more cards.

Axel: Whatever you say. What, Powered Tuner!? [Axel LP = 1600]. Damn…

Snake: That's what you get for filling your deck with monsters! I'll show you the end result. Draw! Here we go, I use the Spell card Fair Play [Snake LP = 975]. This allows me to draw 2 cards if my life points are lower than yours. Next I summon Life Giver in defense mode [ATK 0/DEF 2000 LV 4].

Axel: Ha! Your card is starting to backfire on you [Snake LP = 475].

Snake: No problem, no problem at all! I decrease the defense points of my monster to 0 and raise my own life points by that same amount [Snake LP = 2475] [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 4]. When I have two monsters on the field, Connector can be Special Summoned from my hand [ATK 900/DEF 0 LV 2] [Snake LP = 1975].

Axel: A Tuner monster? Is he…?

Snake: I tune my level 2 Connector, level 4 Life Giver, and level 1 Arcana Force 0- The Fool.

Connector becomes 2 rings that Giver and Force fly through, becoming 5 stars [2 + 4 + 1 = 7]

Snake: Gallop on the lightning to the earth and strike the earth! Burn it all, Synchro Summon! Come on out and join the party Voltic Bicorn [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 7]. Of course, summoning this monster causes me a couple more life points [Snake LP = 1475].

Axel: Voltic Bicorn? Are you serious?! That thing doesn't have enough attack points to match me!

Snake: Who said it has to? Things are fine the way they are. I set a card [Snake LP = 975].

Axel: Something's up. He keeps lowering his life points for low level cards? What is his game here?

Snake: Come on, focus! I don't want to win while you're in la-la land! I want a good match out of you! Everything Dog said about you better be true!

Axel: That name again….who is this Dog?! How does he know me?!

Snake: I'm not obligated to reveal that information. Unless…

Axel: Unless what?

Snake: You answer my question. Has…Yusuke unlocked Delta Accel Synchro yet?

Axel: Delta Accel? What does that matter to you?

Snake: Heh. Never mind. As for Dog…none of your damn business!

Axel: Fine, be that way! It'll end this turn anyway! Strong Wind Dragon, finish his Voltic Bicorn!

Snake: Trap card, Miracle Locus! This raises the attack points of my monster by 1000 [ATK 3500/DEF 2000 LV 7]

Axel: As if that'll stop me in my tracks! I use my Trap card, Prideful Roar! I pay 150 life points, the difference in our monster's power [Axel LP = 1450]. Now my monster becomes as strong as your monster with +300 attack points! [ATK 3800/DEF 1000 LV 6]. Not as much damage as I wanted to deal, but I can deal with that. Strong Hurricane!

Snake: I knew you had some kind of Trap. That's why I saved this! By removing Connector from play, I can make the attack points of my weaker monster and your stronger monster equal. But at the End Phase, my monster is removed from play rather than destroyed [ATK 3800/DEF 2000 LV 7].

Bicorn whinnies and charges forward, plowing through the attack and Strong Wind Dragon. Both monsters blow up.

Axel: And what, pray tell, did that accomplish? I've got another card right here that can finish you!

Snake: Sorry buddy. But then Voltic Bicorn is taken down, the opponent must send 7 cards in their deck to the graveyard, plus the one for Gravekeeper's Servant.

Axel: That means….8 cards in my deck are sent to the graveyard?! And thanks to Coffin Seller, if more than 5 of them are monsters, I'll lose! Come on deck, don't fail me now! Let's see here [Dead Dragon, Drill Dragon, unknown monster, Tyrant Wing, Mountain, Dragon's Treasure, Megamorph, and Dragon's Rage]. 3 monsters, 4 including Strong Wind Dragon?! Are you kidding!?

Four lightning bolts hit as he screams [Axel LP = 250]. He staggers and falls to his knees, vomiting blood onto the ground. Elsewhere, Tamika stops.

Tamika: That sounds like Axel! Hold on, I'm coming!

She turns when she stops.

Dog: It's pointless, even if you go.

Tamika turns and sees Dog there. Snake begins laughing as Axel is spasming.

Snake: Surely you knew this was going to happen. When you stuff so many monsters into your deck, you run the risk of having too much brute force. Then again, that's the rich as a whole. You think money solves everything. You buy things to fill the hollow hole in your chests. But in the end, nothing can equal true happiness. All you know is the pseudo illusion of happiness.

Axel: The…illusion.

Snake: Right, right! I on the other hand, who have never had anything to my name, know it is a lie! Hatred and anger, poverty and sickness, only when those things are achieved can you see the world for the way it is!

Axel: Shut up! I'll crush you as soon as I play my next card! I…no…I don't have anything to play! This guy…

Snake: That's right! You only have 250 life points left! Chain Energy or Coffin Seller will finish you as soon as you play something!

Axel: No…you're telling me I literally can't do anything!?

Snake: Yes, how does it feel? Knowing there's no hope. This is the despair I grew up knowing. And you'll know it too! Here I go, draw! I summon Exarion Universe [ATK 1800/DEF 1900 LV 4]. No problem, I'll play the cost! [Snake LP = 475].

Axel: No…there's got to be something I can play! Nothing in my hand…nothing on my field…

Snake: This is game over. It's been fun kid. But Vergil will be angry if I draw things out. Finish him Exarion Universe! When he attacks, he loses 400 life points [ATK 1400/DEF 1900 LV 4].

Exarion begins to gallop towards Axel as he looks on in terror.

Axel: Could I lose? Me? But…I'll leave everyone behind! Tamika…Silver…Yusuke….I can't afford to lose here! I won't! No!

To be continued

Baron: Today we'll be going over Chain Energy. As long as this card is out, each player must give up 500 life points to use any kind of card or summoning.

Rika: Why would someone use a card like that? It seems kind of pointless to me.

Man: Hey, you haven't paid the electric bill!

Baron: Chain Energy!

The man is suddenly bound and falls down.

Baron: That's a good use! Now run!

Episode 133: It's Our Turn to Protect You!

Salia: Trap card, Light Chain!

Teles slashes her across the chest. She is sent flying.

Salia: Seth…goodbye. You're my best friend. I..I…

A pair of doors appears. They open and suck her inside. Koga and Arnold look on in shock as Seth runs out from behind the pillar.

Seth: SALIA!

The doors slam shut. Seth shakes and runs towards the door. He bangs on the door and rams into it.

Milo: It is useless. Her soul has already been taken.

Seth: No! No, Salia! Salia, I'm coming!

He tries to open the doors with his fingertips, but the doors slam completely shut. The door then fades away as Seth looks on in horror. Koga and Arnold gasp in shock as Milo smirks and begins to chuckle.

Milo: Her soul belongs to us now.

Around the black sphere, another light appears rotating around it.

Opening

Seth still lies there on the ground. He begins to shake, tears falling from his eyes. Koga and Arnold also shake.

Koga: You…how could you do that?! She meant no harm to you! She never wanted to hurt anyone! How…how could you just swipe your soul like that!?

Milo: She knew the risks when she dueled. It is no fault she was too weak to win.

Arnold: Win? WIN?! You're talking about this like it's some child's game!

Milo: All of life is a game, and everything we have just so happens to be our bargaining chips. Our bodies, our brains, our souls? Nothing but poker chips on the table of life. Every day we gamble what we have. If you're strong, you win your opponent's life. If you lose, you lose your own.

Seth: That's all Salia was to you? That's all even you are to yourself?! Just a prize to be won!?

Milo: Why are you so condemning? It is no different than living in the wild. Animals have to fight over land, food, and water. They fight to see who deserves the vital necessities of life. Humans are the same. We are all insignificant.

Koga: That…that can't be what you really believe right?

Milo: My father played blackjack for a living. His earnings decided if we ate lobster or went hungry. I know more than anything life is a gamble. Like you. You gambled that title of yours, not respecting what it was. And now that you've lost it, you're nothing.

Seth: No…

Milo: I respect my chips. You do not. A man who does not respect things does not deserve to have them. You didn't respect your title, Salia, anything. And that's why you DESERVE to lose them!

Arnold: That's…enough.

Koga: If you want to keep talkin' trash, you'll have to go through us!

Milo: still you defend him? Fine. You'll be next.

Seth: Guys, you can't! He'll…

Arnold: We can't let him get to you next. We'll hold him back.

Seth: But…!

Koga: Don't worry. We'll make sure to avenge Salia for you. You've protected us enough. Now it's our turn to return the favor.

Milo: And so you've decided your fate. Very well. Let's put an end to this foolishness! [Milo LP = 1200]

Koga and Arnold: Yes! [Koga LP = 1000] [Arnold LP = 3000]

Seth: No…I can't lose you guys too…no…

Milo: Hm…all I've got is this monster [ATK 3000/DEF 0 LV 8]. Looks like I have no choice but to end my turn.

Koga: I don't have a lot to fight with. But here's hoping I draw something good. Here I go, draw! I summon Aqua Armor Ninja [ATK 800/DEF 1600 LV 4]. This monster can wage a direct attack. Go get him! Water Kunai!

It flips through the air and tosses a kunai, piercing Milo. He cries in pain and grips his shoulder [Milo LP = 400].

Milo: Annoying pest…

Koga: I set two cards and end my turn.

Arnold: This is good Koga! If we keep hammering him, he'll go down! I draw! Yes, this is a chance. I use the Spell card, Reasoning. This lets you choose a level. Then, I draw cards from my deck until I get a monster. If it is the same level as the one you designated, then all cards I drew will be discarded. If not, I can summon it.

Milo: And you accuse me of gambling? That is an awfully big risk for just one card.

Arnold: Perhaps so. But if that is what it takes, then so be it. Go on, choose!

Milo: It's a no-brainer. Most monsters are level 4. So…I choose level 4!

Arnold: In that case, I draw! A Trap card, The Eye of Truth. That means I draw again. Come on…come on! Yes, a level 6!

Milo: Level 6? Damn it…

Arnold: I Special Summon Mind on Air [ATK 1000/DEF 1600 LV 6]. When this card is out, you must play with your hand revealed.

Milo: I don't have many cards to reveal now, do I?

Arnold: I can use it for something else though. I release Mind on Air to Advance Summon a set monster.

Milo: A level 5 or 6 set monster? It must have high defense points…or some kind of power.

Arnold: Turn end! What's wrong? You look nervous. Is my set monster bothering you?

Milo: Shut up. Draw! What do I do? Koga only has 1000 points. If I go after him, I'll win. But what about his set monster? If has a power, I'm in trouble. But then again, what if it's just a bluff? What to do?

Arnold: Come on…please fall for it.

Milo: With such low life points, he poses no threat to me. I should just destroy his monster. I can always sweep up later. Sorry Arnold, but your set monster is going down. I use Pot of Greed. This lets me draw 2. Now I equip him with Fusion Sword Murasame Blade, raising his power by 800 [ATK 3800/DEF 0 LV 8]

Arnold: No!

Koga: I knew it….

Milo: Hm? Mumbling are you? Go on, spit it out!

Koga: I guess you're more cowardly than I thought.

Arnold: …Say again?

Koga: You could finish me off here and now. But you're scared of one little set card, like with Salia? Ha! And I thought you were a gambler!

Milo: You pest…fine, I'll wager my chips against yours! I'll win the entire house so fast your heard will spin! Go get him Teles! Cut his Ninja in half!

Seth: No! Not you too Koga!

Koga: It's okay! Trap card, Defense Mode. This lets me designate one monster and change it to defense mode. Aqua goes into defense mode [ATK 800/DEF 1600 LV 4].

Milo: Big deal! It'll still go down!

Koga: Continuous Trap, Ninjitsu Art of Decoy. As long as this card is out, Aqua cannot be destroyed in battle.

It blocks the attack with Milo's monster.

Milo: Hmph. You got lucky. I should have attacked the set monster after all. Spell card, Smelting. This lets me destroy his Equip Spell [ATK 3000/DEF 0 LV 8]. Now I can raise my life points by what I would have gained in attack points [Milo LP = 1200].

Arnold: So we couldn't have finished him next turn anyway. Koga…thank you.

Koga: No problem. We may not be able to use cards together, but we can use something even more powerful.

Milo: Something even more powerful? Ha! Even at your strongest, you are only a gnat compared to me! Turn end.

Koga: My turn, draw! If I attack, I probably will not be able to finish him. Looks like I'll need to take a risk here…but I have no choice. I summon Flame Armor Ninja [ATK 1700/DEF 1000 LV 4].

Milo: Planning to attack me? You are low on points.

Koga: Maybe so, but this will do fine. I Overlay my level 4 Flame Armor Ninja and Aqua Armor Ninja.

Both flip and become lights that fly into a spiral.

Koga: With these two monsters I construct the Overlay Network! Exceed Summon. Show yourself, Bamboo Armor Ninja [ATK 2100/DEF 1000 RANK 4].

Milo: Another Exceed monster? Ha! Those cards are obsolete. Once their Units are used, they're as good as Normal monsters. And even now it is too weak.

Koga: You're wrong…

He seems to remember. He is playing cards and looks nervous when Seth walks up.

Seth: Dueling eh?

Koga: Huh? Yeah…

Seth: Say, Exceed monsters?

Koga: Yeah…I know a lot of people hate them, but I think they're cool. The idea of friends helping each other out is kind of fun to me. But everybody laughs at me and says that I suck.

Seth: Who cares? It's not their deck. You built the deck Koga. That means it is your own. No one else can decide what strategy you should use.

Koga clenches his fists as the flashback ends.

Koga: I'll keep that promise strong! I use the power of Ninja! I remove one Overlay Unit [Unit = 1] and deal 1000 points of damage to the opponent. Bamboo Toss!

Ninja throws its stick and pierces Milo [Milo LP = 200]

Milo: You jerk!

Koga: Looks like we're almost there. Arnold, you can finish things!

Arnold: Got that right! I draw. Flip Summon, Mind Grabber [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 5]. When this card is Flip Summoned, I can negate the effects of one monster on the field and gain control of it.

Milo: Trying to take Teles? Forget it! To begin with, he is the only monster allowed on a field. He can't go to your field which has many monsters. It goes against his base nature!

Arnold: That could be…but you're not my only opponent! Koga, do you mind?

Koga: By all means.

Arnold: Using Grabber, I gain control of Bamboo.

Seth: I see! They aren't allowed to share cards, but by using effects on each other, they can overcome that handicap!

Milo: Big deal! Grabber negates its effects! You won't be able to deal Effect Damage!

Arnold: That won't be a problem. The monster Grabber takes gains 1000 attack points [ATK 3100/DEF 1000 RANK 4].

Milo: What?!

Arnold: Battle! Take out his Teles! Bamboo Kendo!

It draws a bamboo sword, swinging it quickly. It leaps through the air and chops Teles in half. The monster gasps as it blows up. Milo roars in anger as he is pushed back by the force of the attack [Milo LP = 100].

Seth: Yes! Now he has no defense!

Arnold: This is it you son of a…finish him! Mind Grabber attacks!

Milo: Don't…screw…with…me! When Teles is destroyed, all damage for this turn is negated.

Darkness begins to spread from him, forming a barrier that blocks the attack.

Arnold: What's going on? This guy suddenly gained a boost in power.

Milo: I've had enough. You are just as bad as the wench of a maid! Continuing to stand against me? Fine! It'll be the last thing you ever do!

Arnold: This doesn't bode well…turn end.

Milo: Here I go, draw! I use the Spell card Funeral Pyre. By removing one level 8 or higher Warrior monster, I get to draw two. Heh. Get ready fools. Now I'll show you…my Card of Darkness!

Koga: Hold on, Teles wasn't it?!

Seth: No…what could he have that's even worse?!

Milo: By discarding one Warrior, this monster can be Special Summon. Come on out, Trojan War- Warrior Paris [ATK ?/DEF ? LV 6].

The dark aura given off by the card pushes Koga and Arnold back.

Arnold: No attack points?

Milo: So it would seem no? Afraid to say it has deadly effects. I use his power! Once per turn, I can take one monster on the field and absorb it. Then, Paris gains attack points equal to the attack points of all equipped monsters. Take Bamboo Armor Ninja!

Paris sends out ropes and binds the monster, sending it crashing into the ground [ATK 2100/DEF 0 LV 6]

Arnold: No…we can't fight that thing!

Milo: I've had enough of you. Koga, it's time to die.

Seth: No, not you too!

Koga: It's fine! I can leave things to you Arnold. I know you'll be able to win at least….I know you'll be able to do me proud.

Milo: Are you done saying your last words? Then let's end the little game. Kill him!

Koga: Looks like the end of me too…goodbye everyone…

Arnold: Not yet…not yet damn it! I use the effect of Light Chain that Salia used.

Milo: What?!

Arnold: This lets me bear the attack instead.

Paris begins to swing its blade, but comes to a stop. It glances at Arnold and slashes him [Arnold LP = 900].

Koga: Arnold?! But why?!

Arnold: Moron! If he gets someone else, we're doomed! That's why we've got to hang on, no matter what! Only then can we win!

Milo: How cute…you still think you can win! First I thought you were fools, but now this goes beyond that. I might actually miss you once you're gone!

Seth: You guys…why can't I protect anyone? My friend…Yusuke and the others…and now you guys. Is he right? Am I…weak without my title? A nothing?

Koga: Don't listen to him!

Milo: That's right little king. Now that you're a regular man, you have no power. All that's left for you is to perish, alone and worthless.

Koga: We'll have to make you stop! Here I go, draw! I summon Lady Ninja Yae [ATK 1100/DEF 200 LV 3].

Milo: Attack mode? Are you truly that stupid?

Koga: I'm trusting you Arnold…I know you have something we can win with.

Arnold: Rest assured Koga. I'll win! Draw. Field Hole. If I play this in just the right way…

Koga: Go for it.

Arnold: Right. I summon Dark Scorpion- Chick the Yellow [ATK 1000/DEF 1000 LV 3]. I set a card and end my turn.

Milo: So that's it? Your defiance has come to an end? Very well. I'll make it fast. Here I go, draw! Using my monster's effect, I can take Mind Grabber [ATK 4100/DEF 0 LV 6]. You're finished. Koga, I will finish what I started. Strike him down!

Arnold and Koga: Now! Trap card, Field Hole!

Milo: What? Field Hole?

Arnold: By removing from play two monsters of the same level, all cards our opponent controls are destroyed.

Koga: And for each one, he takes 500 points of damage.

Milo: That won't stop me! By releasing an Equip card, my Paris isn't destroyed! You fail again!

Arnold: No so. After all…don't you have another Equip card?

Milo: What are you talking….no! No!

Koga: You got arrogant. So keen on killing us, you stole another monster, even though you didn't need one.

Arnold: And that was your undoing. Your desire to prove us weak, you misplayed just for heavy damage. Now pay for it.

Milo's eyes widen as Yae and Chick clasp hands. They point as light fires, piercing Paris as its equipped monsters are taken down as well. Milo's eyes widen as the beam hits him [Milo LP = 0].

Milo: No…me lose? I lost a bet…to a bunch of fools?

Seth: Salia…where is she?!

Milo: Where? She is one with the darkness now. If you wish to find her, then lose a duel. But you will never see her again in this life.

Seth: You're lying!

Milo: She will be used as a building block for the bridge to the Underworld. Once the Inferno is complete…

A door appears, opening and binding him. Milo looks resigned as he is sucked in.

Milo: Looks like you losers aren't such big losers after all.

He closes his eyes as the doors close on him. Seth looks on and falls to his knees. Koga and Arnold surround him.

Arnold: Are you okay?

Seth: Yeah…you guys have grown a lot stronger. I'm proud of you.

Koga: Seth….what about….Salia?

Seth: I don't know. Even if Milo thinks there is no hope…I'll keep trying. It's just…I don't know what to tell her mom and dad.

He begins to tear up. Koga and Arnold also tear up as all three lie there. In the dark room, the lights continue to circle the sphere where an inhumane roar is heard.

Man: The Inferno…something else is emerging.

As Vergil walks by himself, he grins as he talks on a cell.

Vergil: Excellent…things are moving even faster than I thought.

To be continued

Baron: Today we'll be going over Field Hole. By removing two monsters of the same level, destroy all cards the opponent has and deal 500 points for each one.

Mars: Hey, we want a refund!

Milo: We were promised a whole arc and we only got 4 episodes!

Baron: Security, we have a situation.

Ren and Rika drag Milo and Mars away kicking and screaming as Baron walks off.

And with today, 2012 has officially begun. 2011 wasn't a great year for me, but here's hoping some good stuff come out of this year. Lots of movies and games seem to be on the rise.

Episode 132: The Three Resolves, The Three Duelists

A wall crumbles as a hooded figure is tossed out, vanishing as a door appears and sucks him inside. Oedipus begins to pants and falls to the ground.

Oedipus: Can't…keep this up…much longer.

Someone turns the corner. Oedipus turns and frowns.

Oedipus: You…

Horse: You look like you're about to keel over there. How about I just finish you here and now?

Oedipus: …How is it? That I'm the one who can't see, and yet you're the blind one?

Horse: I have no idea what you're talking about.

Oedipus: Don't worry. You won't have much time to think it over anyway.

The two activate their Duel Disks.

Opening

In a pile of rubble, a rock shifts a Koga stands up.

Koga: Ow, ow, ow….that hurt….

Arnold: I'm not feeling so good myself. Where's Salia?

Salia: Here….

She shifts some rubble aside and sits up, rubbing her head.

Salia: What the hell happened?

Arnold: Good question. …Hey, up there!

Koga: We must have fallen through that hole in the ceiling. Right, I remember now!

In a flashback, Seth is fighting. Salia, Arnold, and Koga are on his opposite side fighting.

Salia: We're wiping out a lot of them.

Seth: Be careful. We could be attacked from all sides. Hey, look out!

A duelist laughs as his Burning Dragon attacks, shooting fire. It hits nearby and causes a massive explosion. Salia is blasted forward.

Seth: Salia!

Koga and Arnold run over as the floor beneath them collapses.

Arnold: Right. The floor did collapse. We must have fallen to the next floor.

Koga: But where's Seth? Did we get separated?

Salia: I hope he's okay…did he fall down too? Is he under all this rubble?

Arnold: Don't worry. I'm sure he's fine. Right now, we need to concentrate on getting out of here.

They begin walking. Elsewhere, Oedipus falls to his knees as a door sucks him in. Horse turns and smirks.

Horse: Looks like they'll be coming my way. I've been waiting for this.

Seth is on another floor, sifting through rubble.

Seth: Not here either….damn it guys! Where did you go? You're still alive right? No, don't think like that. They've got to be okay. They're strong.

Hooded figures suddenly surround him.

Hooded figure: Stop right there! The Crossed Brotherhood owns your soul now!

Seth: Besides….looks like I'm busy right now.

Salia, Koga, and Arnold keep walking.

Salia: This place feels creepy…

Arnold: Creepy? I think the atmosphere is pretty tense myself.

Salia: It's just such a big place. And now it feels so empty. And all this destruction.

Koga: It feels desolate to me. Just…sad.

Arnold: Yes, yes. I see what you mean now.

Horse: Get used to it. Soon, the world will be as empty as this dinky little castle.

They all turn as Horse is standing there.

Koga: W-Who are you?!

Horse: I am Horse, one of the Crossed Brotherhood and member of the Zodiac, the highest ranking branch among the Brotherhood. However, you know me by a different name.

Horse grins and pulls down his hood. Salia and Koga both look stunned as Arnold growls.

Salia: Milo! Milo, is that you?!

Milo: The little wench remembers my name. I feel…disgusted with myself.

Koga: But how can this be?! You vanished during the events with Pandora!

Milo: I did not vanish. All this time, I've been biding my time. You see, I've got a bone to pick with Seth. Since you're his little buddies, you'd be the most obvious targets.

Arnold: Milo. I am just your successor, but I heard about you. I can understand your motivations enough. But the actions you performed…those I can't overlook.

Milo: So you're his new manager. Hmph. Like puppets on a string. I feel sorry for you. Having to work for that fool…

Salia: That's enough! We're not going to stand here and let you insult him! If you really want to talk trash, do it after fighting us!

Milo: What's this? Do you intend to challenge me to a three-on-one duel?

Koga: Yes! We won't let you by!

Arnold: I'm not an ethical person…but I know you have nothing but bad intentions.

Milo: Three-on-one eh? I like those odds! Fine, you're on! I'll even let you duel without me having a handicap.

Arnold: No handicap? He must be pretty confident of his own abilities. We should tread carefully. We have no idea the depths to which his power sinks.

Milo: Except one…you three aren't allowed to share card effects.

Arnold: Really? I see. That doesn't change the fact you're fighting three separate enemies then.

Horse: Let's get started!

Horse lifts his arm as a Duel Disk appears. Arnold, Salia, and Koga line up as their Duel Disks activate.

All 4: Duel! [Koga LP = 4000][Arnold LP = 4000][Salia LP = 4000][Milo LP = 4000].

Seth throws someone back. A group of robed figures moan and groan as Seth looks around.

Seth: They may be weak, but there sure are a lot of them. Now, where are…

He suddenly tenses up.

Seth: What? What's with this dark aura? Something just like it cropped up a few minutes ago, but this one is different. Just what is going on?

He runs off. Elsewhere, all 4 look prepared.

Milo: In three-on-one matches, the three players always go first. Go ahead, take the first turn. It'll be meaningless either way.

Salia: That's where you're wrong!

Milo: You're as much of a spitfire as I remember. Well, if I also recall correctly, your dueling skills leave a little less to be desired.

Koga: Hey, we'll have you know we've been practicing!

Milo: Ha ha! The fata [ss] has been practicing? This should be good!

Koga: I…I'm not fat….

Arnold: Calm down you two. He's trying to rile you guys up. A duelist who is distracted has a 100% chance of losing.

Salia: Right, right! Gotta stay focused. Draw! I use the Spell card Terraforming. This lets me take a Field Spell from my deck and add it to my hand. Now I play the Field Spell, The Sanctuary in the Sky.

The Field changes with some rubble still scattered.

Salia: As long as this card is out, all Battle Damage dealt to a Fairy monster is negated. Next I summon Gellenduo [ATK 1700/DEF 0 LV 4]. This monster is not destroyed in battle. With that, I end my turn.

Milo: Still using cute little monsters. Pathetic.

Koga: Looks like my turn. I draw! Better play defensive. No telling what this guy will try. I set a monster. I also set a card and end my turn.

Arnold: Looks like my turn. Draw! First a peek at your hand. I use the Spell card Confiscation. By paying 1000 life points [Arnold LP = 3000], I get a peek at your hand. Let us see then.

Milo: Hmph. Go ahead.

Arnold: Let's see…nothing too serious. That one monster looks to be a problem. Discard Trojan War- Warrior Agamemnon!

Milo: Fine. It really doesn't change anything for me.

Arnold: I set one monster, one card, and end my turn.

Milo: How pitiful for you. You actually believe you have a difference. You have not scared me or held me back. Let me show how a real duelist fights! You three are fools who do not understand the true meaning of skill!

Salia: Says you! You never dueled either! What makes you think you're that much stronger than we are!

Milo: I'll show you proof! Draw! I use Graceful Charity. I draw 3 cards and discard two. Now I summon Trojan War- Warrior Patroclus [ATK 1900/DEF 200 LV 4]. From my hand, I equip him with Legendary Sword. This raises his power by 300 [ATK 2200/DEF 200 LV 4] Battle. When this monster is summoned to the field, I can destroy all Spell and Trap cards on the field. But if I choose to use this effect, he is destroyed at the end of the turn.

Salia: What?! All of our Spell and Trap cards?!

Arnold: Not good…

Milo: That's not all. I remove from play Trojan War- Warrior Philoctetes in order to allow my monster to attack all monsters on the field. But at the End Phase, that monster is removed from play.

Koga: No! His monster will be gone anyone, so it won't matter!

Milo: Battle! Patroclus, attack all their monsters.

It swings its spear and dashes forward, impaling Arnold's set monster [Magical Elf Burgundy]. It swings the spear around and stabs Koga's monster [Armed Ninja].

Salia: Koga, Arnold!

Milo: I'd be more concerned about your own position! After all, you have only one monster in attack mode.

Patroclus stabs Gellenduo. Salia screams in pain as she is flung back. [Salia LP = 3500]

Arnold: Salia! Are you okay?!

Salia: Ow…I shouldn't have left it in attack mode. It's my fault…

Milo: You should be used to things being your fault. I wouldn't let it get to you anymore. I set two cards. At this time, Patroclus destroys himself. Turn end.

Salia: Okay, time to make my comeback! Here I go, draw! I summon Shining Abyss [ATK 1600/DEF 1800 LV 4]. Now you're the one who is defenseless. Go get him Shining Abyss! Shining Ray!

It fires a beam of light. Milo grins as the light hits a wall and reflects back. Salia gasps it hurts her and she flies back.

Milo: Trap card, Turtle Formation! When I receive a direct attack, I can negate it and deal half the damage to the opponent [Salia LP = 2700]

Salia: No way…

Milo: You're not off the hook yet. Trap card, Double- Tipped Spear. This lets me deal twice the effect damage you would normally take.

Abyss turns and hits Salia, sending her flying back again screaming [Salia LP = 1900].

Koga: Salia! You jerk! Stop it!

Milo: If it is too much for her, then she's a fool. She should have known I was much stronger than her.

Salia: The pain….it hurts so bad…am I going to die? No! I can't just quit! If I do, Seth will get hurt!. I set a card and end my turn.

Koga: Looks like my draw. Here I go! I summon Flame Armor Ninja [ATK 1700/DEF 1000 LV 4]. Get ready for this! I attack you directly Milo! Flame Blade!

Milo: I use the effect of a monster in my hand. I can discard Trojan War- Warrior Anchises to negate damage from a direct attack. In addition, I can redirect half that damage to my opponent. Salia, take this!

The fire sword hits Milo, but it is blocked. The fire is sucked away and fired as a bullet towards Salia. She stifles a screams as it hits her, sending her flying back [Salia LP = 1050].

Koga: Oh no, Salia! Stop it! Why are you concentrating on her?!

Milo: I have special references to her. Don't worry. I'll make sure to finish you second. You'll have plenty of time to lament your failures in life.

Salia: Don't worry….this is nothing.

Koga: Salia…okay, if you're sure. I set a card and end my turn.

Arnold: I see…looks like we need to try a different approach. Let's try it, draw! I summon Don Zaloog [ATK 1400/DEF 1500 LV 4]. Don Zaloog, hit him directly! Double Blast!

Zaloog draws both guns and fires, sending Milo backwards, scraping his feet against the ground [Milo LP = 2600].

Arnold: And now for his effect. Send two cards from your deck to the graveyard.

Milo: That's all? If you count that as a victory, you're sadly mistaken.

Arnold: Regardless. If you keep hurting Salia, you'll get worse.

Koga: We're make sure to protect her.

Salia: Koga…Arnold…

Milo: …Fine. I was going to be lenient with you, given our history, Koga. But I will not any longer. Draw! I use Spoils of War. This lets me draw 2 cards if my life points are higher than my opponent's.

Arnold: Damn…all three of us are his opponents. Since Salia has low life points..

Milo: Draw. Now I summon Trojan War- Warrior Hector [ATK 1800/DEF 1000 LV 4]. Battle. Destroy Shining Abyss.

It swings the axe and cleaves her monster in two. Salia cries out as it blows up and is sent flying back once more [Salia LP = 850].

Milo: Does it hurt even more now? No…this pain is not enough. To satisfy me, no amount of pain will ever be enough. I set a card and end my turn.

Salia: My…my turn. I set a monster in defense mode. I set one card and end my turn. Guys…I'll leave it to you now…

Seth is heading down the stairs and hides behind a wall as he watches.

Seth: They are dueling. But who…Milo?!

Koga: My turn, draw. I summon Ninja Grandmaster Sasuke [ATK 1800/DEF 1000 LV 4]. I Overlay my level 4 Ninja Grandmaster and Flame Armor Ninja.

Both Ninjas become lights and fly into a spiral.

Koga: With these monsters, I construct the Overlay Network. Exceed Summon! Show yourself, Blade Armor Ninja [ATK 2200/DEF 1000 RANK 4]. Ninja, strike down Hector!

It draws a sword and chops it in half. Milo barely responds [Milo LP = 2200]

Koga: H-He didn't even flinch! Turn end!

Arnold: Here we go, draw! What's with him? He's not nervous at all. So many of his monsters are already gone. Wait…he's been sending monsters to his graveyard throughout the course of the entire game. No! That's been his game from the very start! I've got to beat him right here and now! Draw! I summon Black Ptera [ATK 1000/DEF 500 LV 3]. This should be enough. Black Ptera, direct attack!

It screeches and fires a sonic wave, blowing Milo back a few inches [Milo LP = 1200].

Arnold: Yes! And now the finishing blow! Get him Don Zaloog!

Milo: Trap card, Flashbang. This card ends the turn since I took a direct attack.

Arnold: No! I couldn't finish him! Turn end…

Milo: Back to me, draw! I've wasted enough time with you people. Get ready, for this is the real end! I remove 3 Warrior monsters from play.

Arnold: I was right!

Milo: This lets me Special Summon this card. When this card is summoned, all monsters other than him are destroyed. Come forth, Trojan War- Warrior Tenes!

All monsters suddenly blow up. Salia, Koga, and Arnold all flinch as the monster appears [ATK 3000/DEF 0 LV 8].

Koga: 3000 attack points…

Milo: Battle. I attack you directly Koga.

It swings its sword, slashing Koga across the chest. He is flung back [Koga LP = 1000].

Salia: Koga! Please, stop!

Milo: That was punishment for defending you. The fool should have known better. Don't worry. I'll focus on you once your friends have learned a lesson.

Arnold: Fine Milo, go ahead. But let me just say…you're pathetic!

Milo: …Come again?

Arnold: You think you're so strong? Let me tell you that you're not! If you follow hatred, you won't succeed! All you will experience is sorrow. And the pain you give us isn't real pain! So go ahead, hurt us! But the pain will not make us cry!

Milo: …You're lucky Salia. Before I finish you…I must shut this fool up.

Seth: No…Arnold!

Arnold: Seth?!

Milo: Good, you're here. Watch, former king. I will take everything from you and leave you with nothing! I remove Trojan War- Warrior Protesilaus. This lets my monster attack a second time if it already dealt damage. Go, Teles, finish him! Massive Sword.

Arnold braces himself as the attack gets closer.

Salia: Trap card, Light Chain.

Koga: …no…don't!

Salia: This lets me take an attack as a direct one. In addition, this is my own card! Not a defending card, you can't stop it!

Koga: No….no!

Arnold: Salia!

Salia: I'm sorry guys. This is as far as I go. But good luck to you guys. Please…win.

Arnold: So you're first eh? No problem! Finish her!

Seth's eyes widen as Salia is slashed across the chest, being flown back [Salia LP = 0]. Koga and Arnold freak out as Seth begins to step forward.

Salia: I'm sorry I was so weak. Good luck…please win for my sake. Mother…make dinner for one. Seth…goodbye. You were my best friend. I'll miss you most of all. I…I…

A door appears. It begins to suck her inside. Koga and Arnold start crying out as Milo smirks. The doors slam shut.

Seth: SALIA!

To be continued

Baron: Today we'll be going over Trojan War- Warrior Teles. This card is Special Summoned by removing 3 Warriors. And it destroys all other monsters. But if summoned this way, you can't summon any other monsters.

Yusuke: Hey, you're back now? That's great!

Baron: I actually just came to get my paycheck. Later.

Yusuke: Oh….

Episode 131: Planet Series Release: The Blazing MARS

From a far off distance, a wall is blown off the castle as a man falls out, a door appearing under him and sucking him inside.

Snake: Guess the truth about Icarus was true after all; he sinks like a stone rather than fly!

Rat is walking down the hall when two people stand in his way.

Apollo: Hang on. If you want to see Jupiter, you need to have a pass.

Diana: Quit joking. We need to stop him. If he gets to Lord Jupiter…

Apollo: Hey come on, I know that. Just trying to lighten the mood.

Rat: ….Get out of the way.

Apollo: Not gonna happen. Try again later.

Rat: …Very well. …But you asked for it.

He activates his Duel Disk. Apollo and Diana nod to each other and activate theirs as well. Axel, Yusuke, Seth, Salia, Koga, Arnold, Tamika, Alicia, and Dante all run down different halls. Neo hides behind a wall as a bunch of robed figures rush by as he knocks one out while Corey leaps down from the ceiling and lands on one. Prometheus steps back as Mars still grins at him.

Opening

At the duel, Prometheus is panting as he has Grinder Golem [ATK 3000/DEF 300 LV 8] and nothing else. Mars has The Bloody MARS [ATK 2900/DEF 2700 LV 8] and also has no other cards out. [Prometheus LP = 1200][Mars LP = 1400].

Mars: Scary isn't it? A true Planet Series card in its true power. You could never understand this level of power Prometheus. Having you as part of our ranks…makes the Olympians weep.

Prometheus: Not good. I was hoping he wouldn't summon it. The Bloody MARS. I couldn't even beat that thing without Yusuke's help. Not good…

Mars: From my hand, I equip a second Horn of the Unicorn. Now my monster gains 700 attack points [ATK 3600/DEF 2700 LV 8]. Get ready, I attack Grinder Golem. Go, Lightning Shot!

MARS roars and lightning fires out of its horn, blasting apart Grinder Golem. Prometheus is electrocuted and screams in agony as he is flung back against the wall, making it crack [Prometheus LP = 600]. His mouth opens in frozen agony as he slides to the ground.

Mars: Hmph. Is that all the strength you've got? That can't be all the power you have. Get up you. I'm not even close to finished with you yet.

Prometheus: This isn't good…if he keeps up this abuse, he won't even leave me in one piece. Not good…I…I'm not prepared for this!

Yusuke is running in the hallway and slows to a stop.

Yusuke: What on earth is going on? I'm getting a really bad feeling all of a sudden. Everyone…are you okay?

A robed figure is blasted away as Leon rushes forward. He turns in shock and gasps.

Leon: Yusuke?! Why are you here?!

Yusuke: I'm here to help. I heard things were in a bad state, so…

Leon: Get out of here moron! What, are you brain dead or something?!

Yusuke: Hey, what's with that kind of language?! I'm trying to help you guys!

Leon: Don't you get it? They WANTED you to come! You've just made it easier for them! Go home right now!

Yusuke: I can't…

Leon: What do you mean you can't?! Turn around and go home!

Yusuke: I don't mean physically. You guys have helped me and my friends before. That makes you my friends too. And if I turned my back on you…how could I look at myself in the mirror?

Leon: …Jeez. Fine, but stay behind me. If you fall, we're screwed.

Yusuke: Alright. Come on; let's go make sure everyone else is okay.

They run off down the hallway. Prometheus attempts to steady himself and draws, almost collapsing.

Mars: Does it hurt? Are you in agony? Well, too bad. Even if you beg me, I won't stop. I'll make you feel so much pain you'll beg me to put it to an end. But I won't. I won't let the pain ever end. I'll make you feel pain beyond any amount of pain ever felt.

Prometheus: Mars…why do you hate me so much? I don't understand….I just don't understand. What have I ever done to make you so angry?

Mars: What have you done you ask? It is simple as this. You're weak. You're the weakest man I've ever met.

Prometheus: I'm…weak?

Mars: Your powers are strong, but you will not use them. You do not have a killer instinct. Do you know why on the savannah, the lion survives? Simple. Because it knows it must kill the antelope in order to survive! But you are a lion without fangs. You cannot kill for your own survival. That is why…you're weak!

Prometheus: You consider it weakness? Maybe you aren't a Council member after all. Lord Jupiter always told us violence is rarely the key. If you feel hatred and aggression is necessary, perhaps it is a good thing you're not part of this group!

Mars: There you go again! You think you're so damn smart don't you?! Fine, try and defeat me! Show me for a fact your way of thinking is true and exact.

Prometheus: As you wish! I draw! I set a monster and a card. With that, I end my turn.

Mars: Hmph. Is that really all you can do? So you're going to keep your univalent natures up. Very well. If you are so eager to die, I'll be more than happy to grant your request. Here I go, draw! I summon Great Angus [ATK 1800/DEF 600 LV 4]. Battle. Great Angus attacks your set monster.

It roars and rushes forward, chopping it in two.

Mars: Now for me to end it! The Bloody MARS, finish this fool off once and for all! Claws of Blood!

It roars and rushes towards Prometheus. He looks up in shock as the claws slash him, knocking him far back. He screams as he rolls towards the far wall.

Mars: It's over. I'll be taking your soul now and…

Prometheus: Trap card, Spiritual Settlement. This negates all damage I would have taken. In addition, I can summon one Spirit monster from my deck from attack points equal to or less than the damage I took. However, assuming I choose this, his effect is negated. Come on out, Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi [ATK 2800/DEF 2900 LV 8].

Mars: Ha ha ha! Even now, that's your best effort?! It is far too weak for any practical use against me.

Prometheus: We'll see. It's enough to deal a heavy blow.

Mars: But even if you attack Great Angus, it won't be enough to win. Turn end.

Prometheus: Damn…he's right. If I even have a small chance of victory, I need to draw a good card right here and now. Here I go, draw! I use Spell Books From the Pot. Now we each draw 3 cards.

Mars: Letting me draw cards too? You must really be getting desperate now.

Prometheus: Alright, let's see…yes! I use the Spell card Mystical Space Typhoon! This lets me destroy your Horn of the Unicorn!

Mars: Damn…big deal. My monster can still take you out [ATK 2900/DEF 2700 LV 8].

Prometheus: I equip the Spell card Sword of the Inner Soul. This negates the effect of the monster it is equipped to, but that monster gains 900 attack points [ATK 3800/DEF 2700 LV 8].

Mars: Quick Play Spell, Book of Moon. Now I can change the Battle Position of a monster. You, ugly monster, hide in defense mode.

Prometheus: Sword of Inner Soul can prevent that from affecting my monster!

Mars: That so? In that case, I change Great Angus to defense mode.

Prometheus: Your MARS is no longer safe! Go get him Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi! Blazing Sword!

It flies and swings the sword, set on fire by Tsuchi and chops MARS in half. It roars as it blows up and Mars is pushed back [Mars LP = 500]. He scrapes his claws against the ground to slow to a stop and begins to laugh.

Mars: Ha ha ha! I knew you could make that face! That's just the face I wanted to see. The face that says you could slaughter your opponent. The face that says you are willing to wipe away the existence of your enemy and still have no qualms.

Prometheus: You say that as though we are similar. But let me make something clear to you, Mars. I am NOTHING like you. You fight out of your own hatred. I….fight for the Olympians. And if protecting their honor means destroying you, I will not enjoy it…but I will.

Mars: Whatever the reason. Either way, the Shadow Game has escalated. None of us will be able to escape until the duel is done. And that goes for your friends as well.

Beast King Barbaros is destroyed as Romulus pants. He looks up as the hooded figure is blasted away by Alicia.

Romulus: You…

Alicia: Is everything okay?

Romulus: I…don't know. We were attacked so suddenly. The others, I…

Alicia: Don't worry. I'll go check on them.

She rushes off. Elsewhere, Axel blasts away two figures at once.

Axel: More where that came from!

Tamika, Chimera, Neo, and Seth also knock figures back. Koga pants as a robbed figure vanishes.

Koga: I don't know how much longer I can keep this up guys…

Arnold: Indeed. They certainly are resilient, give them that.

Salia: We've got to keep fighting guys! Don't give up right now!

As they walk around, someone appears to follow them.

Mars: Looks like it is my turn, draw! I flip Summon Great Angus [ATK 1800/DEF 600 LV 4]. Now I use the Spell card Raw Materials. This lets me reduce its power to zero and draw 2 [ATK 0/DEF 600 LV 4] Heh. You did a good job right up to this point. But this is as far as you go. I'll give you props for destroying my soul. But…my Dark Soul still exists.

Prometheus: Dark Soul?

Mars: Let me show you my Card of Darkness! By removing three monsters from play, I can Special Summon a new card. Witness my new power, my new soul. What you and the rest of the Olympians have made me become! Show yourself, The Blazing MARS!

Fire bursts out of a door. Prometheus covers himself as the fire freely burns. He looks in shock as a monster rises from the fire [ATK 2600/DEF 2200 LV 8].

Prometheus: What? But…The Bloody MARS is the Planet Series card, the only of its kind! What's this second Planet Series card?!

Mars: This card responded to my Dark Soul and changed as well. And now it will be the knife I stick into your chest. I use his power! I release one monster and deal 500 points of damage.

It roars and shoots fire, hitting Prometheus, sending him flying back [Prometheus LP = 100]. He screams and rolls over, putting out the flames.

Mars: Oh no, I'm not letting you go that easily! Spell card, Riryoku! This lets me halve your monster's attack points and raise my own monster's power by the same amount [ATK 1900/DEF 2900 LV 8][ATK 4500/DEF 2200 LV 8]. Battle. I attack your monster. Farewell Prometheus. You can repay me for all the crap you put me through with your soul. Go, Red MARS Blaze!

The monster roars and spits fire. Prometheus lies there and shivers, standing up and shooting out blue light.

Prometheus: NO! By releasing my Sword, all damage this turn is negated!

The fire hits Tsuchi and burns it to cinders. Prometheus stands his ground and is not pushed back.

Mars: Hmph. A lucky escape. But it will not occur then. This monster is too powerful. Face it. You're done.

Prometheus: Mars…you've sunk even lower than I thought.

Mars: …Say again? My ears must have been clogged.

Prometheus: You used to be honorable…you used to have pride. But now? You've tossed all of that away! You've sunk so low you don't even have anywhere else to go. Now you're not even a shadow!

Mars: You did this to me! If anyone is at fault here, it's you! That's why I must kill you! You were always jealous of me, starving for power! You were even willing to betray and undermine our entire cause to make that happen!

Prometheus: You're wrong! I looked up to you! You…all of you were my idols. I wanted to be just like you, helping the weak and innocent, defending the balance in the world, being a hero! But you…now you're the opposite of everything the organization stands for! Don't you get it Mars? Your own paranoia…it's made YOU the traitor!

Mars: No…you're wrong….shut up! Shut your damn mouth! Stop talking about things you do not understand!

Prometheus: Fine…I'll let this talk for me! Draw! I set a monster and end my turn.

Mars: Fool. With only 100 life points, there's nothing you can do. Victory is out of your reach. Face it, you lose!

Prometheus: No! I refuse to give up! I'll show you...what you gave up!

Mars: Fine. Come on, monster! Hmph. You got lucky. Battle! The Blazing MARS attacks.

It spits fire and burns the set monster.

Mars: It is not like it matters. As soon as I draw a monster, you lose. This is the end. You're going to die.

Prometheus: My turn, draw! I set a card and end my turn.

Mars: Why?! You can't play anything! Nothing, nothing at all! Why aren't you afraid?! Why won't you cower or bow before me!? Isn't there at least a little fear in your heart?!

Prometheus: Of course I'm scared. I'm petrified even. But if I give up…I will dishonor everyone! And I will not let that happen. Never!

Mars: You are so damn annoying! That pride of yours? I'll smash it into dust! Draw. Now, this is your end. I summon The All-Seeing White Tiger [ATK 1300/DEF 500 LV 3]. You lose. I use the effect of MARS. I release my Tiger and deal 500 points of damage.

Prometheus: I remove Damage Eater from play and raise my life points by that amount.

Fire hits him and is sucked inside the Duel Disk [Prometheus LP = 600].

Mars: You only planned for one attack! You can't possibly avoid this! Say farewell to this life! Make room for the rest of your pitiful group. Finish him The Blazing MARS. Blazing Meteor!

Prometheus: This is my last chance…come on, no counters! Trap card, Zen Mode! This negates all damage until the End Phase of my next turn. In addition, I can summon one monster from my deck. I summon my Enlightened Statue [ATK 1300/DEF 900 LV 3].

Mars: A Tuner monster? Big deal! You have nothing to Synchro Summon with! Even if you Synchro Summon, your only Synchro monster is Spiritual Dao Master. It will not be enough to help you win the duel.

Prometheus: I'll show you…what the true meaning of hope is! I will claim victory right here and now! Draw! With this card, I'll claim victory! I summon Karma Warrior [ATK 1600/DEF 700 LV 4]. I tune my level 4 Karma Warrior and level 3 Enlightened Statue.

Statue becomes 3 rings that Karma flies through, becoming 4 stars [4 + 3 = 7]

Prometheus: Souls, the basis of life, break free of fleshy vessels and obtain a new power. Synchro Summon, Spiritual Dao Master [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 7].

Mars: You always were so predictable as to use that same monster. It's too weak, just like you. My hatred will live on. You won't be able to quell it yourself!

Prometheus: …I'm sorry Mars. But I must put an end to your hatred. If it goes on, it will never end. I must break the cycle of violence! I use the effect of Karma Warrior. By removing it from play when my monster has fewer attack points and I have less life points than you do, one monster gains 1000 attack points [ATK 3500/DEF 2000 LV 7].

Mars: Impossible! It's stronger than my monster!? No…I refuse to accept it!

Prometheus: Start accepting it. Mars…this is the end. Spiritual Dao Master, attack!

Mars: No! I will not lose here! Damn it, there's got to be something I can play, something!

Prometheus: This is the end Mars. This is all anger and sorrow will bring you, more anger and sorrow. Finish him! Spiritual Technique Twin Swords!

It flies through the air and swings both swords in the air, slashing both in the shape of an X. MARS roars as it is chopped apart and blows up. Mars screams as he is blasted back [Mars LP = 0]

Mars: No…how could I…?

A door opens and begins to suck Mars inside. He screams and digs his claws into the ground, being pulled inside regardless.

Mars: No! My anger won't stop here! I'll get revenge, I swear! I swear!

The door slams shut. Prometheus pants and almost collapses, catching himself before he does. Yusuke and Leon turn from the corner and run forward.

Leon: There you are Prometheus! What happened?

Prometheus: Mars….it was Mars…

Yusuke: Mars? Are you okay?

Prometheus: Don't worry. I'll be fine. I've won, that's what matters.

Suddenly, he tenses up. Yusuke and Leon tense up as well as darkness begins to distort the area around them. They all turn in shock as Faust is walking towards them.

Faust: Well, well. You've come after all…Yusuke Iruiza.

To be continued

Dante: Today, we'll be going over The Blazing MARS. This is the second MARS card. By releasing a monster, deal 500 points of damage. Plus, it can be summoned just by removing three monsters.

Yusuke: Doesn't Baron usually do this?

Dante: Yeah, well….he didn't come to work today. I hope he's doing something important.

Rika, Ren, and Baron are looking at each other seriously.

Ren: Do you…have any threes?

Baron and Rika: Go fish.