Episode 114: Baron Arrives on The Scene!

In a hotel room, a man in a suit looks out the window. A man in blue is on the bed rolling over.

???: So hungry….;

A woman in a suit hurries in shutting the door.

Woman: So sorry sir. The lines were so long. Here you go.

She throws him a box. He takes it to the sink, opens it, and pours water in. He takes a pair of chopsticks and begins eating, his eyes watering.

???: So good! Nothing like fine Japanese cuisine!

Man: Sir, with all due respect, they're ramen noodles. They're just flavored noodles in water.

???: And that's why they're so good Ren! It's the simple things that matter! Nothing fancy, just simple and easy and good.

Woman: Sir, also with all due respect, we've been here for a month now. Isn't it about time we got some real work done?

???: You worry too much Rika, relax. I'm working on it.

Ren: But Lord Baron, you haven't left the hotel room. What do you know?

Baron finishes his noodles and tosses the carton away.

Baron: You just leave that to me.

Opening

In town, everyone is at their booth. Yusuke bites into a burger and swallows.

Yusuke: Say, these are really good.

Alicia: I told you. This place always has the best food.

Axel: Hmph. It better be for what I'm paying.

Tamika: Oh please, you've got money to spare. Stop complaining so much. I can barely afford this place at times.

Axel: Yeah, I've heard this story before. So anyway, what do you say we got out and go some training? Knowing what awaits us, we need to get stronger.

Yusuke: I know that. I wonder what's keeping Dex though. He should have been here an hour ago.

Dex is racing down the road on his scooter.

Dex: I'm late….everyone else will be really mad. Dad's been gone too long though. He should have at least sent me a message by now. I hope he's alright….I can't handle all the customers alone.

He hears a groan. He comes to a stop and looks around.

Dex: Hello? Is someone there? Hey!

He walks over and sees Baron collapsed there.

Baron: So hungry….

Dex: Oh man, are you okay?! Hold on, I'll get help!

He helps Baron up and takes off.

Ren: Is this….part of the plan?

Rika: I don't even know….let's just wait and see how he handles things. If nothing else, our Baron is…adaptable….

At the booth, Dex drives up.

Yusuke: There you are. What took so long?

Dex: Uh, guys?

They turn and freak out seeing Baron passed out. Later, Baron is chowing down on food as everyone looks at him nervously.

Alicia: Are you….sure you're okay?

Baron: Absolutely! The food helped, thank you!

Axel: Hmph. You owe me for this!

Tamika: Axel, he doesn't have any money. You can't make him pay for something when he can't even afford anything.

Axel: That's no excuse! He can get money. Besides, why would he be dumb enough not to carry money on him? How about it? How why you wandering around the city without money?

Baron: Yes, that is quite a sad story you see.

Axel: Oh, I'll bet. Go on, enlighten me.

Baron: You see, I traveled a great distance to come here! I scaled mountains, crossed deserts, and swam oceans! I battled many foes and faced many trials, all without a single penny to my name! All to come to this town, but without a single thing to my name! And now, at the end of my journey, you all were so kind as to help my purchase a meal! Thank you my friends, thank you!

Alicia: Aw jeez….it was nothing.

They all begin to sniffle.

Baron: And now, I continue my journey!

Dex: Please do!

He leaps out the window. The waiter walks over.

Waiter: Alright, that'll be 50 bucks.

Axel: No problem, he's…

He looks at the empty seat and gaps.

Axel: That…that little jerk ran off and left us with the check!

Yusuke: Why'd he take off like that? And why did he come to this town? There's something odd about him… Come on, let's go after him.

Axel: You better believe it! Get back here you brat!

They run out after him.

Waiter: Hey, you didn't pay for your meal!

Axel: What? Damn it!

He puts down some money and runs after Baron. Ren and Rika see them run by and sweat drop.

Ren: Is that….part of the plan?

Rika: With him, it's hard to tell. We'd better go after him anyway. Who knows what kind of trouble he's going to get himself into.

They run after him, but they stick to the shadows. Baron turns around and sees them chasing him.

Baron: Good…all according to plan. Alright then, let's see you catch up to me now!

As he runs, he kicks over several garbage cans. Everyone just jumps over them and keep running. Ren tries to jump but trips and he and Rika collapse. Baron sees they are still following him and hurries into an alleyway, leaping against the walls and jumping a fence. Everyone else follows as Axel and Tamika leap off the walls and over the fence as Yusuke, Alicia, and Dex climb over and keep giving chase. Rika tries to leap the fence with Ren, but Ren slips and they both tumble.

Baron: I don't believe this! They're still coming after me! Well….I guess there's only one option left. I didn't want to resort to this but….

He suddenly skids to a stop and holds out his hand. Everyone else stops quickly as well.

Baron: Stop!

Dex: What's with him all of a sudden?

Axel: Ah, I get it! Finally going to apologize are you?

Baron stands for a minute, turns around, and then runs off again. Axel turns to stone as he sees this.

Alicia: Wow….I can't believe we fell for that….

Tamika: That's the oldest trick in the book.

Axel: Gah…..gah…..AHHHH! That's it, you better run! Just wait until I catch up to you, you little punk! I'll rip off your head! I'll crush your spine! I'll….

Yusuke: Hold on a minute. Can we talk?

Baron: Nothing to talk about!

Yusuke: If there is nothing to talk about….would you at least duel with me?

Axel: Oh you've got to be kidding! How will that solve anything?!

Yusuke: I can't say for sure. It's….a feeling I have. That if I duel him, I'll get my answer. Whatever that may be.

Baron slowly comes to a stop.

Baron: Just as planned!

Ren and Rika run by and stand next to him.

Tamika: Wha…?

Baron: Oh ho ho ho! You fell right into my trap! I knew if I got you angry, you'd challenge me to a duel! I'm an even better actor than I thought!

Dex: Uh…

Baron: Don't try to back out of it! It's far too late now! So, get ready to duel me, even with your fear!

Yusuke: ….Well….I'm sure this plan took a while to put together, don't get me wrong, but….why didn't you ask me to duel you?

Baron is silent for a minute and then smacks his head.

Baron: Damn it! Why didn't I think of that?! Man that would have saved me a lot of time!

Axel: Is this guy some kind of moron?

Baron: Regardless of the reason why, you can't avoid our duel right now!

Yusuke: No problem. I wouldn't think of running out on a duel.

Baron: That's the spirit! My Duel Disk!

Ren bows and places a Duel Disk on Baron's arm. Yusuke activates his and steps forward.

Baron: Now then…let's gauge his skill level…

Axel: This is idiotic. Why bother with this guy?

Alicia: Who knows? That's Yusuke for you though. Say the word "duel" and he's raring to go.

Yusuke: Ready?

Baron: Indubitably.

Both: Duel! [Yusuke LP = 4000] [Baron LP = 4000]

Rika and Ren: Go for it, sir!

Baron: Yes, of course. Draw! Let's see Yusuke. Let's see if you can avoid being ripped apart and feasted on. I summon Lycan Feroz [ATK 1700/DEF 1000 LV 4]. I place two cards face down and end my turn.

Feroz howls and roars as it turns into a human, who falls to the ground.

Yusuke: Huh?

Baron: Heh.

Yusuke: Well, that's an odd monster. But it looks like it'll be fun! Here we go, draw! I summon Armored Tank [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 4]. Battle! I attack your monster. Tank Fire.

Baron: Snap, got you! Trap card, Eternal Night!

Feroz roars as it turns back into a wolf [ATK 2200/DEF 1000 LV 4]. It leaps through Tank, slashing it to pieces. Yusuke looks in shock [Yusuke LP = 3800]

Yusuke: What happened?!

Baron: Those are the powers of the Lycan monsters. During my turn, the moon transforms them into Effect Monsters with powerful effects. During my opponent's turn however, they become Normal monsters and lose all their effects. You see, Eternal Night prevents that stage. It allows my Lycan monsters to resume their beastly forms during my opponent's turn. Lycan Feroz, during my turn, gains 500 attack points when it battles a monster.

Yusuke: Damn. So the effect spread to my turn. Not bad, Baron. You really got me off guard there. I also set two cards and end my turn.

Baron: Back to me then. I summon Lycan de Oruga [ATK 1000/DEF 1000 LV 4]. Battle. Lycan Feroz attacks you directly.

Yusuke: Trap card, Defense Draw. This blocks your attack and lets me draw a card.

A barrier blocks the claws.

Baron: Very well then. I attack with Lycan de Oruga!

Yusuke: Trap card, Call of the Haunted. This lets me revive my Armored Tank [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 4]. Now you can't attack!

Baron: Oh….I doubt that.

Oruga vanishes and reappears behind Yusuke, slashing his back. He screams and steps forward [Yusuke LP = 2800]

Baron: Lycan de Oruga can wage a direct attack on my opponent. Turn end.

Ren: That's our Baron. His duel skills are grand as ever.

Rika: Yes, but he's not going all out. The levels of his monsters are 8. He could have summoned…

Ren: This fool needn't see it. He's not strong enough.

Yusuke: Alright, those Lycan monsters caught me off guard there. But I'm ready now! Here we go, draw! I summon Last- Model Phantom [ATK 0/DEF 1500 LV 3]. Level 3 Last- Model Phantom tunes to level 4 Armored Tank.

Phantom becomes 3 rings that Tank flies through, becoming 4 stars [3 + 4 = 7]

Yusuke: Light jets into a speed that bends space and time to become power. Synchro Summon, Light-Speed Fighter [ATK 2700/DEF 2000 LV 7]. Let's battle! I attack your Lycan Feroz.

It punches the monster through the chest [Baron LP = 3500]

Yusuke: And when he destroys a monster, he can attack a second time. I attack Lycan de Oruga!

It speeds forward and punches the monster away, destroying it [Baron LP = 1800].

Baron: Not a bad move there. But I had a plan for this. Trap card, Chronic Deja Vu! This lets me reverse the field. While our life points and hands are not reset, our cards return from last turn. That means your Armored Tank and my two Lycan monsters [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 4] [ATK 1000/DEF 1000 LV 4] [ATK 1700/DEF 1000 LV 4].

Yusuke: What?! Oh man! Right when I got the better of him. I set a card and end my turn.

Baron: Back to me then. Is this all he has? Jeez, Ren and Rika are more fun to duel than he is. Still though, he is the hero of the prophecy. I mustn't take him lightly, no matter what. I draw. I set a card. Now I release both my Lycan monsters to Advance Summon my Lycan Cabecilla- Fiero Diente [ATK 2500/DEF 1700 LV 8]. Once per turn, I can Special Summon a Lycan monster from my hand. Come on Lycan Enfermero [ATK 900/DEF 800 LV 3]. Battle. Lycan Cabecilla attacks your monster. Lord Claw.

It slashes Tank in half with its giant claws. The monster splits into four pieces and blows up [Yusuke LP = 2300]

Baron: And now a direct attack from my other monster.

It leaps forward and bites him. Yusuke screams and throws it back [Yusuke LP = 1400].

Baron: Any damage Enfermero deals to the opponent restores my own life points [Baron LP = 2700]. Turn end.

Axel: What's with this guy? Before the duel he was acting like a goofball. Now…

Baron gives off an aura as Axel tenses.

Axel: It's like that of a wolf getting ready to kill its prey.

Yusuke: You're good Baron. I'm glad I got the chance to fight with you. But now it's over! Here we go, draw! Yes! Trap card, Rewire. I can take control of a monster until the end of this turn. It can't attack and returns to you at the end of this turn. I take Lycan Enfermero.

Baron: Hmph. What good does it do you?

Yusuke: From my hand, since you have a Spell or Trap card, I can Special Summon my Magic Jet [ATK 200/DEF 100 LV 1]. Now I release Magic Jet to Advance Summon my Speed Blocker [ATK 1300/DEF 1700 LV 5]. If I summon him in this way, he is not a Tuner monster. But your monster appears to be one. I tune level 3 Lycan Enfermero and level 5 Speed Blocker.

Lycan howls and becomes 3 rings that Blocker flies through, becoming 5 stars [3 + 5 = 8]

Yusuke: Speed reaches the highest level and becomes a power that warps space and time. Appear now, lord of speed, Warp Speed Dragon [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 8].

Ren: So that's it.

Rika: His best monster.

Yusuke: I equip him with Silver Wing. Now he can avoid destruction in battle twice per turn. I attack your Lycan! Go, Warp Dimension Fire!

It shoots fire that Lycan cuts at. The fire diffuses around and burns the monster. Baron hisses in pain.

Yusuke: And since he destroyed a monster, half its attack points are dealt as damage.

Dragon releases a shockwave that knocks Baron back [Baron LP = 1650]

Dex: Yes! Go!

Tamika: No….it can't be that easy.

Yusuke: Turn end.

Baron: …Hmph. That's the best you can do? How sad. I'll end it.

Yusuke: Huh? You're bluffing!

Baron: Am I really? Draw. Since my Lycan monster was destroyed, I can revive one monster. Come, Lycan Feroz [ATK 1700/DEF 1000 LV 4]. It can't use its effect, but that is no longer required. Come on Lycan Defensor [ATK 300/DEF 1900 LV 4].

Alicia: Two monsters? What's he going to do?

Baron: Here we go. You're about to see something that few people here get to see. The real power of the Baron of Spain!

Yusuke: The Baron of Spain?!

Defensor and Feroz glow, flying into the air. They cross midair and form an X.

Baron: By removing from play two monsters, this monster can be summoned from my hand. Come on Lycan Supremo Rey de Las Noches [ATK 2800/DEF 2000 LV 8].

Yusuke: What….

Axel: A monster that can only be summoned by removing others?!

Baron: Battle. Supremo Rey de Las Noches attacks. Claw of the Nine Nights.

It roars and slashes through Dragon. It looks in shock as it blows up. Yusuke screams in the explosion [Yusuke LP = 1100].

Baron: Now his effect. I take one removed from play Lycan monster and return it to the graveyard. This lets me deal the attack points of the monster I destroyed as damage. Fury of the Full Moon!

A full moon shines behind Lycan as it howls. It appears behind Yusuke and slashes him. His eyes widen in shock as he falls to the ground [Yusuke LP = 0]. Everyone gasps s Baron deactivates his Duel Disk.

Ren: He won.

Rika: Naturally.

Baron: You did well. But not well enough.

Dex: Hold on!

Alicia: You said you're a Baron! If so, why are you here?

Baron: That's on a need to know basis. If nothing, I know I could count on you. But…you're too weak to be of use.

Axel: What was that!?

Baron: Let's go.

He walks off with his bodyguards. Yusuke still looks down.

Yusuke: I…lost….

He screams in sorrow as Baron walks with his bodyguards.

Rika: Did you learn anything?

Baron: He's not weak strictly speaking. But he doesn't believe in his own power. That's bound to kill him.

Ren: Will he be of use to us?

Baron doesn't answer. As he walks, Dante leans against a wall and glares at him.

To be continued

Baron: Today, we'll be going over Lycan Supremo Rey de Las Noches. By removing two Beast monsters, you can summon him. And by returning a removed monster to the graveyard, you can deal extra damage.

Yusuke: I can't believe I lost…

Baron: Hey, look on the bight side.

Yusuke: Yeah?

Baron: Now that I win, I'm going to be the new main character, meaning you can forever live in shame.

Yusuke: ….That doesn't help at all…

Narrator: He arrives in the night, with darkness in his eyes. He breathes darkness and spreads his message of fear. Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate: Episode 115: Invitation to a New World.

Episode 113: Enter Dante, the Greatest Detective!

In a hospital, Yusuke is scarfing down some rice in a container. He throws the empty container down and scarfs down another one.

Alicia: Take it easy. You're going to make yourself choke to death.

Axel: It's bad enough I'm paying your bills. There's a tax if the person dies you know.

Yusuke: Ugh! Sorry guys. I really need to get my strength back up. You heard that guy. There are others like him. I don't know who they are, but their intentions clearly aren't good.

Tamika: How could you tell? The whole Card of Darkness thing, or the fact he said he was going to swallow the world in darkness?

Dex: This isn't something to joke about! Yusuke almost died! Whatever is going to happen, we can't take it lightly.

Yusuke: Don't worry, I'm fine! It's going to take more than that to knock me down. Bring it on Crossed Brotherhood or whoever you are! I'll talk you all down, everyone last of…

He stops talking and begins choking. Everyone looks in shock and scrambles.

Dex: Smack his back, smack his back!

Alicia: Quick, someone give him the Heimlich maneuver!

Axel: Damn, how is it done again?!

Tamika: You mean you don't know?!

The man is standing on the ground and looks up at the hospital window. He looks angry as he bites into a donut.

Opening

Some time later, Yusuke is walking down the road looking angry.

Prometheus: What's wrong? You look pissed.

Yusuke: Pissed? I'm beyond pissed.

Pluto: Why, what's the problem? You need a hug or something?

Yusuke: You guys….

Everyone is surrounding him.

Yusuke: …make me feel like a caged animal.

Neptune: Sorry, but you have to understand. Those Crossed Brotherhood people have identified you. If they know you, you'll be easy to spot in a crowd. So we'll make sure no one does.

Yusuke: Well yeah, but it would help if I could at least see three feet in front of me!

He breaks free and runs off.

Axel: Hey! You moron, get back here!

Prometheus: Jeez…this mission is a failure so far…

He suddenly snaps to attention. He turns and sees three people across the street, a man in blue and two people in suits. Prometheus looks suspicious.

Prometheus: That's odd….for a second there I thought…

Pluto: Pick up the pace Prometheus! Peddle to the meddle!

Prometheus snaps to again and looks around, seeing the three people gone. Prometheus stands for a moment and then runs off. Yusuke is still running down the road as people quickly move out of his way. Inside, the man has watery eyes.

Man: Chocolate icing! Jelly filling! Sprinkles! The perfect Super Double Donut! Oh! This country sells such delicious pastries!

Man 2: Are you going to buy one already or just drool over one?

Man: Sorry, sorry! Here, give me a dozen!

Man 2: You sure man? Those things'll kill you.

Man: True, but at least I'll be happy before I die.

Man 2: Well…to each their own I guess. Just don't go suing us if you get a heart attack or something.

He puts down a box. The man smiles and puts money down, walking out of the store. Yusuke is running and tries to stop.

Yusuke: Hey, look out, one side!

The man turns as Yusuke runs into him, sending them both down. His box of donuts falls on the ground and donuts spill out. The man jumps up.

Man: No, NO!

Yusuke: Oh man, I'm so sorry! Here let me…

The man quickly grabs the box and looks inside. He sighs as there is only one left in there.

Man: Great….I just bought twelve of these and now only one of them is good.

Yusuke: Looks, I'm really sorry. How about I buy you a new dozen? I've got some money right here.

Man: Hm…you're Yusuke Iruiza, right?

Yusuke: Um…yeah. Who are you?

Man: Name's Dante. I'm a big fan of yours. Been watching your duels for a long time now.

Yusuke: Really? Well gee…you're making me blush…

Dante: Look, no problem, okay? In fact, you can have the last one.

Yusuke: Oh come on, I couldn't…

Dante: I INSIST. Consider it a gift.

He hands Yusuke the box and walks off.

Prometheus: Who was that?

Yusuke: Not sure….

He takes the donut and bites. His face changes and he spits.

Yusuke: Disgusting! Who puts jelly in a chocolate donut?!

Dante walks off and does a quarter turn.

Dante: So that's him….Yusuke Iruiza. He's….interesting. I need to try another experiment.

Later, Yusuke is in school and looking out the window.

Yusuke: That Dante guy sure was odd. He didn't seem mad at all. But why…?

Teacher: Pay attention!

Yusuke: R-Right! Sorry!

He begins writing something as Dante is outside the school.

Dante: This is the place alright. Let's see how things turn out.

After class, Yusuke stretches and stands up.

Tamika: Are you heading home?

Yusuke: Yeah, I was planning to.

Tamika: Prometheus says we should wait on that. We need to find some place to meet first.

Yusuke: How'll that work? Our parents are home all that time

Dex: We can always stop at my place. My mother is usually working most of the time and my dad is away on that business trip. He's going to Europe to negotiate a deal for our store, so my place is empty.

Alicia: That seems it could work then. That might be a good place to meet.

Tamika: I'll call Axel and let him know. You guys go on ahead.

Yusuke: Right, see you then.

They walk out. As they walk, Dante heads for them.

Dante: Yo! Sup?

Yusuke: Eh? Dante?

Dante: Sorry for just suddenly walking up like this. You see, I was thinking about what you said yesterday, and I know just what you can do to make it up to me. We duel.

Yusuke: Huh? Duel? What's that going to do?

Dante: Uh, do? Nothing really. I just wanna see how good you are. What do you say?

Yusuke: I guess I can accept that.

Alicia: Yusuke hang on a second…

Dante: Wonderful! Here, we can duel over there.

They walk off.

Tamika: There's definitely something weird about that guy.

Dex: We'd better watch. Just in case he tries something.

Dante: Here we go. Got your cards ready?

Yusuke: Yep. Alright Dante, here we go!

Both activate their Duel Disks.

Both: Duel! [Dante LP = 4000] [Yusuke LP = 4000]

Dante: I'll start things off. Draw. I summon Fire Sea- Metamorphic Coral [ATK 400/DEF 2000 LV 4]. I set two cards and end my turn.

Yusuke: A Fire Sea monster eh? I've never seen something quite like that before. Here I go, draw! I summon Armored Tank [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 4]. Now I activate Surge Shock. One monster gains 1000 attack points until the end of this turn. But at the end of this turn, that monster is destroyed [ATK 3000/DEF 0 LV 4]. Battle! Armored Tank destroys Fire Sea- Metamorphic Coral!

It blasts the monster apart. Dante doesn't even react, he just grins.

Dante: So, that's your style of dueling. Surge Shock destroys the monster it is used on. Had you used it on my Coral, your monster would have stayed rather than be destroyed at the end of the turn and I would have lost mine. Well, now I know the kind of duelist you are. This'll be easy. Trap card, Backfire. When a FIRE monster is destroyed, 500 points of damage are dealt to the opponent.

Fire shoots out and hits Yusuke [Yusuke LP = 3500]

Yusuke: I see. That'll be a problem if you keep summoning FIRE monsters. So I'll just end the duel quickly! I set a card and end my turn. At this time, Armored Tank is destroyed.

Dante: Draw. Trap card, Powerful Rebirth. This lets me revive with a monster with increased attack, defense, and levels. Come on back, Fire Sea- Metamorphic Coral [ATK 500/DEF 2100 LV 5]. I release my Fire Sea- Metamorphic Coral to Advance Summon my Fire Sea- Magma Squid [ATK 2200/DEF 1400 LV 6]. The only plausible reason for destroying Armored Tank was if you had a Trap to counter an attack. Yusuke, you're so predictable. I attack with Fire Sea- Magma Squid!

Yusuke: I was hoping you'd do that! Trap card….

Dante: Oh no you don't!

Squid lashes out and grabs the card, keeping it set. Yusuke gasps as Squid backhands him and sends him flying back [Yusuke LP = 1300].

Yusuke: What?

Dante: The effect of Fire Sea- Magma Squid. When he attacks, during the Battle Phase, no Spells or Traps may be activated. I set a card and end my turn.

Dex: He countered Yusuke perfectly. It's almost…as though he knows what Yusuke is going to play. Could he be…?

Yusuke: Here I go, draw! Since you have a Spell or Trap card, I summon my Magic Jet [ATK 200/DEF 100 LV 1]. Next I summon Heavy Crusher [ATK 1900/DEF 0 LV 4]. Level 1 Magic Jet tunes to level 4 Heavy Crusher.

Jet becomes 1 ring that Crusher flies through, becoming 4 stars [1 + 4 = 5]

Yusuke: Faster then air, power races into a stream to save the good. Synchro Summon, Mach 5 Flyer [ATK 2100/DEF 1000 LV 5]. When this card is summoned, one monster on the field returns to your hand.

Dante: Thought so. Returning high level monsters to the hand is easy. Makes it more difficult to summon them. But…

Yusuke: Attack him directly.

Dante: Trap card, Ghost Flames. Now I get to summon a FIRE monster from my hand. But if I do, its attack and defense points become zero and its effect is negated. Come on, Fire Sea- Magma Squid [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 6].

The wind tears through it and destroys it.

Yusuke: No way! He countered me again?!

Dante: Since a FIRE monster was destroyed, 500 points of damage are dealt.

Fire shoots out and hits Yusuke once again [Yusuke LP = 800].

Yusuke: Damn that smarts….I set a card, turn end.

Dante: Here we go. Just what I was hoping for. First I use the Continuous Spell card Dark Room of Nightmare. Whenever Effect Damage is dealt, 300 points of damage are dealt to the opponent.

Dex: But wait, he already takes 500 points of damage from Backfire so…if he destroys another FIRE monster, he loses!

Dante: Normally I'd leave it there, but I can't risk losing either one. So I'll make victory even more obvious. I summon Fire Sea- Bubble Prawn [ATK 300/DEF 0 LV 1]. This monster can wage a direct attack. Go get him. Fire Claw.

It lunges and slashes Yusuke. He coughs and steps back [Yusuke LP = 500].

Dante: You've got nowhere to run now. Next time my monster is destroyed, you take 800 points of damage and lose. I've calculated everything perfectly. You'll lose in this turn.

Yusuke: Sorry. I don't…really plan on losing! Draw. I summon Heal Robot [ATK 1300/DEF 600 LV 3]. By paying 300 attack points from all monsters [ATK 1000/DEF 600 LV 3][ATK 1800/DEF 1000 LV 5], I regain 600 life points [Yusuke LP = 1100].

Yusuke: And now I won't lose. Battle! Both my monsters attack your Bubble Prawn!

Dante: Trap card, Volcano Wall! Now until the end of this turn, my FIRE Attribute monster can not be destroyed.

Yusuke: Huh?

Flyer shoots out wind and hammers the monster. Dante is battered by the wind and reacts in pain [Dante LP = 1500]. The second monster shoots lasers at the monster and burns holes in it, but it still stands [Dante LP = 800].

Dante: Not bad kid.

Yusuke: That's odd. Why would he not let his monster be destroyed? Backfire would have dealt damage to me. I set a card and end my turn.

Dante: Draw. …Guess it's time I ended this. I summon Fire Sea- Singing Anemone [ATK 300/DEF 1400 LV 4]. Once per turn, I can select one monster with a lower level that Anemone and makes its level the level of Anemone. I choose Bubble Prawn [ATK 300/DEF 0 LV 4]. I tune my level 4 Fire Sea- Bubble Prawn and level 4 Fire Sea- Singing Anemone.

Anemone becomes 4 rings that Prawn flies through, becoming 4 stars.

Dante: Take a dip in the sea of lava and burn the world in a fiery abyss. Synchro Summon! Fire Sea- Infernal Fireshark [ATK 2800/DEF 500 LV 8].

Tamika: So that's his ace monster….

Dante: Let's get ready to battle. With only 500 life points, you'll lose. I attack your Heal Robot.

Yusuke: Trap card, Siphon. I release one monster and gain life points equal to its attack points. I release Heal Robot [Yusuke LP = 1500].

Dante: Then I attack Mach 5 Flyer. Go, Fire Eat!

It dives into the ground and leaps into the air attack, swallowing the monster whole. Yusuke gasps as lava spills over him. [Yusuke LP = 500]

Dante: Huh? That's odd. I thought I had planned it out perfectly. Oh well. A miscalculation or two won't mean anything. Turn end.

Yusuke: Here we go. Draw. I use Angel Baton. This lets me draw 2 cards and then discard 1. I summon Power Generator [ATK 800/DEF 400 LV 2]. Spell card, Repair Fail. This revives one monster at the cost of negating its effect and decreasing its level by 1. Come on back Heavy Crusher [ATK 1900/DEF 0 LV 3]. Now Power Generator gains the levels of a Machine monster out [ATK 800/DEF 600 LV 5]. I tune my level 5 Power Generator and my level 3 Heavy Crusher.

Generator becomes 5 rings that Crusher flies through, becoming 3 stars [5 + 3 = 8]

Yusuke: Speed reaches the highest level and becomes a power that warps space and time. Appear now, lord of speed, Warp Speed Dragon [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 8].

Dante: Hey, not bad! But it can't match Infernal Fireshark. And even if you do….

Yusuke: I use the alternate effect of my card. Repair Fail, by removing it from play, raises the attack points of a monster by 300 [ATK 2800/DEF 2000 LV 8]. Attack Infernal Fireshark!

They both fire their attacks at each other. Dragon's attack pushes the attacks back towards Fireshark. The attacks burn up the monster and it vanishes.

Dante: Too bad for you! Backfire will now deal 800 points of damage to you coupled with Dark Room of Nightmare.

Yusuke: True. But before that, the effect of Warp Speed Dragon. He deals half the attack points of the monster he just destroyed. Warp Dimension Fire!

It spits out a fireball and it hits Dante [Dante LP = 0].

Dante: No way….

Alicia: Nice going!

Dante: I thought I had him all figured out. He won by dumb luck by being second in the chain. He's….something all right. Nice game by the way. I was glad to have battled you. Thanks for it.

Yusuke: Yeah. It was nice fighting you as well.

Dante: Sorry for taking up all of your time. I'm out of here. Hope to see you around.

He waves as he walks off.

Tamika: That was weird. Why did he just leave? Come to think of it, why did he even duel? Something's weird…

Yusuke: Dante….who are you, huh? You let me win.

Dex: Huh? What do you mean?

Yusuke: I don't know….I just get the feeling he was holding back. Dante…who are you? Why did you even fight me?

Dante walks down the road and looks at his deck.

Dante: Can't believe we lost. That Yusuke guy really is something. Looks like I held back a little too much. Should have just used Fireshark's effect. I'd like to fight him again. Well, if nothing else, he'll be an interesting ally against them.

Down below, Vergil opens his eyes.

Vergil: So you've made a move Dante. Very well. Bring it on.

Dante and Vergil: I'll stop you.

To be continued

Baron: Today…we'll be going over….Fire Sea- Infernal Fireshark.

Baron is trying to get to the stage as he is dragging Yusuke.

Yusuke: You haven't appeared yet! You can't do this!

Woman: Leave him alone.

Man: Come with us.

A man and woman in suits drag him off as he complains.

Baron: Anyway, Infernal Fireshark is the king of the Fire Sea archetype. When this monster destroys another in battle, you can deal 200 points of damage for every FIRE monster in your graveyard.

Yusuke: You shouldn't…

He is dragged away again as Baron sighs.

Narrator: Who is this man? The man with such fiery spirit? Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate, Episode 114: Baron Arrives on the Scene!

Episode 112: Card of Darkness

On a high road, a portal opens as the three Elders race out.

Neptune: Never thought we'd be back here so soon.

Prometheus: Remember, look for anything suspicious.

Pluto: Hm…hey Prometheus, is a swirling cloud of dark energy suspicious?

The three turn. Above the highway is a swirling dark storm. Prometheus stares at it for a few minutes and shivers.

Prometheus: Whoa…that's some serious evil.

Neptune: It looks like Jupiter's prediction was spot-on. We'd better get over there. Come on! We need to get down there!

They race off. Elsewhere, the others are watching as their Fate Crystals are going nuts, rattling and glowing.

Dex: What's going on? They suddenly surged in power.

Alicia: Do you think….it's a warning?

Axel: It must be. Damn. What has that idiot gotten himself into?!

Yusuke looks in shock as the door begins getting pounded on harder. It opens as darkness flies out. Yusuke looks in wonder.

Guardando: Witness it…my Card of Darkness!

Opening

Yusuke: Card of…Darkness?!

Guardando: That's right. I'm not surprised you don't know about them. They don't exist in our world. A card that has been banished to the Underworld for its sins.

Yusuke: Sins?

Guardando: As you know, today's cards are built to work with the Solid Vision system to deliver a physical shock, for the sake of simulating a real battle of monsters. But, there are some cards different. No one knows why, but they broke the glitch and started to deal actual damage. People were hurt, maimed, and even killed in a few cases. Both the duelist and the card were shrouded by darkness…and pulled into the Underworld.

Yusuke: You're joking…there's no way something so occult could be real!

Guardando: You're really questioning it? What, you don't believe me?

Yusuke: Give me a good reason to!

Guardando: Heh. Fair point. I guess this is the only way. I'll show you a genuine Card of Darkness! When Guardian Eatos is destroyed, this card is summoned from my hand or deck. Come on, Guardian Dreadscythe!

The monster breaks out of the door, hissing as it floats [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 7].

Yusuke: Guardian Dreadscythe….br. I'm getting such an evil aura off that thing. Is…what this guy said really true? Has that card….killed people? I set two cards and end my turn.

Guardando: This'll get fun now! Draw! [SPC: Guardando = 8 Yusuke = 8]. I use the effect of Neo Speed World. By paying 7 Speed Counters since I have a Speed Spell in my hand, I draw a card [SPC: Guardando = 1 Yusuke = 8]. Battle. Guardian Dreadscythe attacks you directly. Reaper Scythe!

Yusuke: Trap card, Mirror Force! This lets me destroy all monster my opponent has in attack mode.

Guardando: Aha…ha ha! You think your pitiful Traps mean anything? Dreadscythe lets me discard a card and negate her destruction.

Speed Spell- Half Seize is discarded as Dreadscythe shatters Mirror Force. Yusuke looks in shock as it shows its scythe blade and rushes forward.

Yusuke: Trap card, Defense Draw. This negates damage I take from a battle and lets me draw a card.

Dreadscythe slashes an invisible barrier. Yusuke is pushed forward.

Yusuke: Whoa! That…was a physical blow!

Guardando: I warned you didn't I? If you're not careful, you're going to die. I'd watch it if I were you. You don't want your blood to dirty the road, do you?

Yusuke: This guy…he seems to have no qualms about killing me. I need to end this duel quickly. The longer it lasts, the more in danger I am. I draw [SPC: Yusuke = 10 Guardando = 2]. Heh, can't block this! I pay 10 Speed Counters! [SPC: Yusuke = 0 Guardando = 2]. Now since I have a Speed Spell in my hand, one card on the field is destroyed. I destroy Guardian Dreadscythe!

Guardando: You do not listen boy. I discard one card from my hand prevent my monster from being destroyed [Guardian Grarl].

It swings its scythe and destroys the lightning that fires towards him.

Yusuke: No way…even Neo Speed World has no effect on that thing?!

Guardando: What do you expect? This is a Card of Darkness boy. It has absolutely nothing to do with the world of light you live in. Rejoice though. Soon you will become one with the glorious world of darkness. You won't have fear, worries, or troubles. You can peacefully in the eternal darkness of death.

Yusuke: This guy's really starting to unsettle me. Who the hell is he? What is he talking about? Well…I know one thing. If I don't destroy that Card of Darkness soon, I'll really be in trouble. I set a monster and end my turn.

Guardando: Yes, that is all. I draw [SPC: Yusuke = 1 Guardando = 3]. As much as I talk, I don't like using this thing. Guardian Dreadscythe prevents me from summoning anymore monsters. While it gives me time to fill my hand, I can't do anything else truly practical. Unless he doesn't play anything at all, I'm stuck just attacking over and over. Not to mention that since his deck is so swarm based, I won't have many chances to attack him. Damn it…this'll get annoying. I attack.

Dreadscythe shows its blade and cuts the monster in two [Highway Patrolman]

Guardando: Hmph. This petty combat is getting annoying. Turn end.

Yusuke: Draw [SPC: Yusuke = 2 Guardando = 4]. Damn. There are only so many monsters and Traps I can keep playing. As long as that thing can't be destroyed, eventually it will run me out of cards. I set a card, turn end.

Guardando: As I figured, there's nothing you can do. Sooner or later you realize, there'll be absolutely nothing you can do?

Yusuke: Maybe that'll happen. But I'll take you down before it can happen!

Guardando: Interesting! You still have such fierce fighting spirit! We'll have to fix that, won't we? Draw [SPC: Yusuke = 3 Guardando = 5]. Heh. Speed Spell- Speed Energy. This raises the attack points of Guardian Dreadscythe by 200 for each of my Speed Counters. I have 5, for 1000 [ATK 3500/DEF 2000 LV 7].

Yusuke: Come on, attack.

The ground begins to shake. Yusuke looks around as darkness begins to split apart the ground.

Yusuke: What…is this?!

Guardando: I told you. The Card of Darkness is influencing our battle. There is no escape for you. Battle! Guardian Dreadscythe attacks you directly. Reaper Scythe!

Yusuke: Trap card, Negate Attack. This negates an attack and ends the Battle Phase.

A glass barrier appears and Dreadscythe shatters it. The pieces fly off and break the road.

Yusuke: He's right! That thing is starting to deal real damage!

Guardando: Well, how about that? He's starting to influence our duel even more now. Looks like things will get even more interesting. Turn end.

Elsewhere, Yusuke's friends are driving down the road.

Tamika: The Fate Crystals are starting to go haywire again. We must be getting close.

Dex: Hey guys, is it getting dark?

Axel: It's night moron. Of course it's dark.

Dex: No, that's not what I meant! I mean…darker than usual. Almost like there's some kind of dark fog.

Alicia: Now that you mention it, it is getting harder to see.

Axel: Come on, you guys are imagining things! Just focus on the road! Still, I'm getting a choking sensation too. I don't know what's up ahead, but it can't be good.

Three people suddenly speed by them at fast speed.

Dex: Whoa!

Alicia: Who the heck was that?!

Tamika: They moved fast…their D- Wheels can't be Japanese.

The three masked riders race towards the swirling dark cloud. Elsewhere, Pluto, Neptune, and Prometheus are getting close as well.

Pluto: Hoo boy. That's one heck of a storm.

Neptune: No doubt. That's dark power for sure.

Prometheus: Amazing….I've never felt such overwhelming evil condensed like this before. This town…what's going on? Yusuke…are you in the middle of all this?

Yusuke: Here we go, draw! [SPC: Yusuke = 4 Guardando = 6]. I summon Tuner Lord [ATK 1900/DEF 0 LV 4]. With his effect, I revive one Tuner monster. Come back, Tune Mechanic [ATK 700/DEF 500 LV 2]. Level 2 Tune Mechanic tunes to level 4 Tuner Lord.

Mechanic becomes 2 rings that Lord flies through, becoming 4 stars [2 + 4 = 6]

Yusuke: Sound jets into a new force of speed that then becomes power. Synchro Summon! Sound-Speed Shooter [ATK 2400/DEF 1000 LV 6]. Since two monsters were used in his summoning, he gains 200 attack points [ATK 2600/DEF 1000 LV 6].

Guardando: A stronger monster eh? How about that?

Yusuke: I attack with Sound- Speed Shooter! Noise Bullet Hail!

Guardando: And you still don't learn! I discard one card [Backup Guardna] in order to prevent the destruction of Guardian Dreadscythe.

It spins its scythe and destroys most of the bullets. One flies off and hits Guardando as he screams [Guardando LP = 1600].

Yusuke: You're kidding….it even blocks destruction by battle?!

Guardando: I'm starting to feel like a broken record. I told you already, didn't I? My monster is unlike yours. No matter what, nothing you try will be good enough to take it down. When will you learn?

Yusuke: Damn….turn end.

Guardando: Back to me [SPC: Yusuke = 5 Guardando = 7]. Heh. Speed Spell- Silver Contrails. One monster out gains 1000 attack points until the End Phase of this turn. What other monster to pick than Guardian Dreadscythe [ATK 3500/DEF 2000 LV 7].

Yusuke: No!

Guardando: Battle! Reaper Scythe!

It cuts the monster in two. Both parts blow up as Yusuke screams in pain, getting engulfed by the explosion [Yusuke LP = 300]. He rides out, parts of his D- Wheel falling off as he does.

Guardando: Looks like your D- Wheel is falling apart. You do know if a D- Wheel can not keep running, you lose the duel right?

Yusuke: Don't….worry about my D- Wheel. It has more than enough power to get me moving.

Guardando: Really? Well how about your body? You look like you're about to keel over. Sure you don't want to surrender? It will be painless.

Yusuke: Painless? What will?

Guardando: Oops. There I go again, almost spilling top secret information. If you want more info, you're going to have to win. Good luck with that by the way. Turn end.

Yusuke: That jerk! He's mocking me now! Still though…that really hurt. It hurt even more than it did before. Not to mention my D- Wheel is under serious damage as well. If I don't end the duel now, I'm really going to be in trouble. I draw [SPC: Yusuke = 6 Guardando = 8]. I set a monster and end my turn.

Guardando: Got another monster eh? You're lucky being able to draw all those monster cards. But you do understand you've crossed over the safety line right? All I need is a Speed Spell and I can deal 800 points of damage to you, as I have 4 Speed Counters. Do you really think your luck is that good?

Yusuke: A duel has nothing to do with luck. Only skill decides the result!

Guardando: Well, aren't you a spirited one! I always enjoy fighting spirited ones. Here I go….draw! [SPC: Yusuke = 7 Guardando = 9].

Yusuke: Is it a Speed Spell?

Guardando: Tch. Monster card. Well, if nothing else it will act as a good support card for Guardian Dreadscythe. I attack your set monster.

It spins its scythe and splits the monster in two [Last- Model Phantom].

Yusuke: Looks like as long as I have monsters, I can hold my own just fine. Perhaps you're the one who needs to start worrying.

Guardando: Sure kid, laugh it up. You know yourself that you're bound to run out of cards. And when that happens, I'll win right away. There are many roads in front of you. But all lead to the same place; defeat!

At that time, everyone else drives up.

Alicia: There you are! Yusuke!

Dex: What are you doing? Were you dueling all along?

Guardando: Well, look at that. More prawn to play with.

Yusuke: No…everyone, stay away! Run!

Axel: Huh? What the hell are you talking about?

Dreadscythe hisses and swings its scythe. It charges towards his friends when Yusuke rams into Guardando, forcing him down a different road.

Guardando: Aw! Too bad kids, I'll be back when I'm done with him.

Tamika: What….was that?

Yusuke: If you hurt my friends, I swear you'll regret it!

Guardando: My, my. You've quite the violent side, don't you? What can you really do to win the duel?

Yusuke: I'll show you! Here we go, draw! [SPC: Yusuke = 8 Guardando = 10]. I pay 7 Speed Counters since there is a Speed Spell in my hand [SPC: Yusuke = 1 Guardando = 10]. This lets me draw a card. Come on, give me what I need! Draw! Yes! I discard one Speed Spell and Special Summon my Magic Recycler [ATK 200/DEF 1200 LV 3]. Tuner monster, Sonic Cycle [ATK 1400/DEF 1000 LV 4]. Level 3 Magic Recycler tune with level 4 Sonic Cycle.

Cycle becomes 4 rings that Recycler flies through, becoming 3 stars [4 + 3 = 7]

Yusuke: Light jets into a speed that bends space and time to become power. Synchro Summon, Light-Speed Fighter [ATK 2700/DEF 2000 LV 7].

Guardando: How many times must I repeat myself? It's useless.

Yusuke: Is it? We'll see. Light- Speed Fighter attacks your Guardian Dreadscythe!

It rushes forward and punches it. Guardando doesn't even react [Guardando LP = 1400].

Guardando: Oh no, by all means go on. All I need to do is discard a card [Guardian Tryce] and your attack is for naught.

Yusuke: You sure about that? I use the power of Magic Recycler. I remove him and a Spell card from play. Now I negate the effect of a monster I battled.

Guardando: What?!

Dreadscythe cracks and then shatters. Guardando slowly turns in shock.

Guardando: No way…my Card of Darkness?!

Yusuke: When Light- Speed Fighter destroys a monster, he gets a second attack. What was that about my attack being useless? Finish him! Light- Speed Punch!

It jets forward and punches Guardando. He screams in pain as his D- Wheel spins out, crashing [Guardando LP = 0]. Everyone else slows to a stop and runs over. Yusuke skids to a stop and pants.

Dex: Are you okay?!

Yusuke: Yeah…don't worry.

Tamika: What on earth was that thing?

Guardando: Aha ha ha. Aha ha ha ha ha! That was fun! Oh yes, that was a lot of fun! Oo boy are the others gonna have fun with you.

Axel: Others? What do you mean by others?!

Guardando: Can't spoil. I've gotta go.

He grins as the gate reappears. It opens and chains shoot out wrapping around him.

Tamika: What the hell?!

Guardando: Did I forget? Sorry, I have a bad memory. Anyone who loses a Shadow Game must offer their soul. Now I will be taken into the Underworld as punishment for my defeat.

Dex: The Underworld? What do you mean?!

Guardando: This isn't over. This is only just starting. Darkness is coming. Our grand leader, our divine Father shall open the gates of the Underworld and swallow the world in darkness! Enjoy your precious light, for soon the sun will turn black and all light will fade from this world!

He laughs as the chains pull him inside the gate, which slams shut. At that time, the three drive up.

Neptune: What happened?!

Alicia: Huh? Neptune, Prometheus…eh…

Pluto: Pluto…

Axel: What are you guys doing here?

Prometheus: The Oracle sent us. More about that later, what happened?

Yusuke suddenly passes out.

Tamika: Yusuke? Hey, Yusuke!

Pluto: Uh oh…

Prometheus: Let's get him to a doctor! Come on!

Prometheus puts Yusuke on his D- Wheel and takes off down the road. The three masked D- Wheels are on a higher section of road and take off down the road. Elsewhere, the man watches all this and stuffs a donut in his mouth.

Man: So it's begun huh? Fine. Game on Vergil.

Vergil opens his eyes. In a dark room, a light swirls around a black orb.

Vergil: And so the first brick is in place…..

To be continued…

Baron: Today we'll be going over Guardian Dreadscythe. This monster can only be summoned when a Guardian Eatos is destroyed. You can't summon any monsters, but by discarding one card, it can't be destroyed. Use this with lots of draw cards and you'll be invincible. Join me next time for another Baron's Lecture!

He walks off. Yusuke breaks out of a closet and spits out a gag.

Yusuke: You haven't even appeared yet!

Narrator: Who is this man? His demeanor…his knowledge…is he involved in all this? Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate, Episode 113: Enter Dante, the Greatest Detective.

Episode 111: The Prophecy is Fulfilled!

Rain is falling in Cynemia City. Yusuke is sound asleep and moans as his Fate Crystal is glowing, enough to the point it is rattling. Elsewhere, the others are sleeping with their Fate Crystals shaking. In Olympus Castle, it is raining as well. Apollo and Diana are walking down the hallway.

Apollo: What a pain…we've got to watch the geezer today.

Diana: Watch what you say about the Oracle. Remember, he knows what is destined to be. He knows everything that is going on. He might hear your snide comment.

Apollo: Come on sis, he's not psychic. ….Well, okay he is, but that doesn't mean he knows everything everywhere.

They walk in the Oracle's room when they see the Oracle rolling on the ground, shaking.

Diana: Oh no! Lord Oracle. What's wrong!?

They run over and check on him. At that time, the rest of the Council runs in.

Apollo: Okay, I know this looks awkward, but we didn't do anything!

Jupiter: No….so the time has come. They're making their move.

A pair of eyes with pink irises open.

Opening

In Cynemia City, Yusuke is racing down the street. He looks around as lots of people are tossing machines on the ground. Many of the people are crying as they do so.

Yusuke: It's been a month or so, but a lot of people are still upset over the whole Armen situation. To think one man could impact a city so much. And at what cost?

He looks around and sighs.

Yusuke: Better hurry up. I'm late for class.

He looks down as his Fate Crystal is still glowing and shaking.

Yusuke: And I don't even know what's wrong with this stupid thing. It's been acting up for a while now. Man, another thing to worry about.

A man is in a donut shop and puts a dollar pill down, picking up a box. He bites into a donut and turns to watch Yusuke racing down the road. From on top of the building, the figure is still watching him. Someone in a cloak walks up.

???: I knew I'd find you here Faust.

Faust: Rasputin…

Rasputin: Come along. The meeting is starting.

Faust hisses and turns away, seeing Yusuke gone.

Faust: Later prey.

He walks into the darkness and vanishes. Yusuke looks up and rubs his head in confusion. At school, Dex, Alicia, and Tamika are waiting around as Yusuke walks up.

Dex: Good morning!

Yusuke: Hey. How's it going?

Tamika: We should ask you. You sound like you need a hug.

Yusuke: Well, schoolwork has just left me flooded. Not to mention I still need to make appearances as king.

Alicia: What did you expect? Sigma defeated Seth, so he's not King anymore.

Dex: Not to mention he's still out in the country. I wonder how he's doing now…

Tamika: Don't know. Axel seems to be going a little stir crazy too. He's acting like someone's about to stab him from behind.

Yusuke: Can't say I blame him. I've been feeling the same way for a while now. Not to mention this thing's been going nuts.

They all show their Fate Crystals as they are glowing.

Tamika: I was wondering about that. Ever since we defeated Armen it seems like they've been glowing unstop.

Dex: Do you think it's some kind of warning? Some kind of danger sign?

Tamika: Like I said, no way of telling for sure. At the very least, let's be on edge for the time being. We shouldn't talk about it here at school. Who knows if someone is listening in on us? We'll meet up later tonight.

Alicia: Right. The bell'll be ringing soon. Let's get to first period.

They all walk off. As Yusuke walks, he stares out the window. He sees a small shift in the shadow of a tree.

Yusuke: Should I have told them it feels like I'm being followed? No…no sense worrying them. It might just be my imagination. Still though…it doesn't sit well with me.

In a dark room, many people are seated at a table. One of them is carving into the wood with claws on his hands and snarls

???: How long is this going to take?!

??? 2: Calm down. We simply have to accept that we must attend these meetings. It's better than the alternative.

??? 3: I agree. Can't we all simply sit still and be quiet?

???: Would you shut up?! I hate just sitting around! I swear, things were better in the…

??? 4: Come on, don't say stuff like that. If you went back there, you'd be killed for sure. I think you can handle a few minutes of waiting. Quite being a wimp.

???: Oh, you wanna start something!?

??? 5: That's ENOUGH.

Everyone at the table suddenly shuts up. An adolescent at the head of the table has his eyes closed.

??? 5: Enough bickering. Tiger, Horse, Pig, Dog, silence at once. It is fine to be bored, but stop acting like children. Don't forget, there are others just as capable who deserve the spots at this table.

Tiger: Gr…yes, Father Dragon.

Dragon: …They're here.

Rasputin and Faust appear, taking their seats.

Tiger: It's about time you got here, Rasputin and Faust.

Faust: Silence. While I'm here, the codename is Monkey.

Tiger: Whatever.

Dragon: Is everyone present and accounted for? Good, then we can begin. The planets are aligning in just the right way. The Gates are opening.

Rasputin: That means our plans can go ahead and get started, right?

Dragon: Yes. We can begin. Now we scatter and find those whose hearts respond to the darkness.

??? 6: What'll we do bout Yusuke and the others? Please tell me it involves crushing them flat!

??? 7: Heh heh. You sound pretty excited Ox. Maybe you need a chill pill.

Ox: Snake, do us all a favor and go slither under a rock.

Dragon: What did I say?!

He slams the table. Everyone there jumps as the table cracks and breaks in two. Dragon pants and looks down.

Dragon: Resolve these petty squabbles amongst yourselves later. Right now, we have important business to discuss. Now, as Ox pointed out, the ones who hold the Fate Crystals will be an issue to us.

??? 8: If they will be such a problem, why don't I go? I promise I'll make things difficult for them.

Dragon: Very well Rat. If it silences the noise, then by all means. Dismissed!

Everyone stands up and walks off. Dragon coughs and spits blood as Rasputin walks over, handing him a bottle as he drinks.

Rasputin: Father Vergil, you shouldn't exert yourself like that.

Vergil: It is fine. Leave it alone. I'm calm now.

Faust: I would have gone. Guardando can't handle someone like Yusuke.

Vergil: Yes, I suppose that is the most likely outcome. But, this is more a test than anything else. To assess his level of skill and see if he is as strong as they say. After all, he has a valuable role to play. Do you have a problem with that….Faust?

Faust: …No Father Vergil.

Vergil: ….Good then. There are no problems.

That afternoon, Yusuke stretches as the bell rings.

Yusuke: Finally….what a long day.

Dex: Yusuke, it was just as long as any other day.

Yusuke: I know, but today felt longer for some reason. And I've got to stay after for an hour or so. What a pain….

Alicia: Want us to stay behind too?

Yusuke: No…just because I have to doesn't mean you guys should. I should be along shortly.

Tamika: Fine. See you later then.

They walk off. Outside, the man is on his bike, watching all the kids leaving while drinking from a bottle.

Guardando: Not him…not her…not him either. Heh. Nothing but prawn. I'm looking for a much mightier catch.

In Olympus Castle, Neptune, Prometheus, and Pluto stand at attention.

Pluto: I'm finally going into the field. I was getting tired of just sitting around.

Neptune: Don't forget, we're on an important mission. Stay focused.

Prometheus: Lord Jupiter, we're ready.

Jupiter: Good. I wish you luck. Return in one piece.

All three nod and vanish. Juno and Mercury walk up.

Mercury: Dad….can they do it?

Jupiter: I hope so. If they don't, things...will get bad.

Yusuke is riding home late at night.

Yusuke: Man, who knew there was so much work. I'd better call mom and dad and let them know I'm on my way.

He takes out his phone. He dials when he sees someone racing towards him.

Yusuke: That's odd. What's someone else doing so late at night?

The headlights of the other car flash.

Yusuke: Does he want to duel me? Sorry buddy, I don't have time.

Guardando: Really? That's too bad. I really wanted to play.

Yusuke: Well, look, let's schedule for another day.

Guardando: That's not going to work. Duel me, or your city will pay the price.

Yusuke: My City? …Was that a threat?

Guardando: Maybe it was. Or maybe I'm just an old coot whose lost his marbles.

Yusuke: He's goading me for sure now. But I can't take his threat lightly. Fine, you're on.

Guardando: That's the spirit! Neo Speed World, set on!

D- Wheels: Duel mode, auto-pilot standby.

Both: Duel! [Yusuke LP = 4000][Guardando LP = 4000].

Yusuke: I'll start things off, draw! I summon Brick Giant in defense mode [ATK 0/DEF 2000 LV 4]. That ends my turn.

Guardando: Is that all? Lame. I draw. [SPC: Guardando = 1 Yusuke = 1]. Since there are no monsters in my graveyard, I can Special Summon Guardian Eatos [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 8].

Yusuke: What?! How did you summon that so quickly?!

Guardando: Not all high level monsters require Release. Battle! Guardian Eatos attacks your Brick Giant. Celestial Sword!

It cuts the monster in two as it blows up.

Guardando: Now I'll place a card face down and end my turn.

Yusuke: Here we go, draw [SPC: Yusuke = 2 Guardando = 2]. I wasn't expecting a fast summon like that. You got me off guard. But I'm ready now. I summon Recycle Can in defense mode [ATK 1000/DEF 1200 LV 4]. I set three cards and end my turn.

Guardando: Hmph. Pathetic. Draw [SPC: Yusuke = 3 Guardando = 3]. Trap card, Guardian's Release. As long as this card is out, Guardians can be summoned. You see, normally a Guardian can't be summoned unless their Equip Spell is out. This card skips that part entirely. Which means I can do this. I summon Guardian Ceal [ATK 1700/DEF 1400 LV 4]. Let's battle. Guardian Ceal attacks your monster. Go, Spin Kick!

It spins around in a circle and kicks the monster away.

Guardando: And now a direct attack from my Guardian Eatos. Celestial Sword!

Yusuke: Trap card, Airbag. This lets me block all damage I take from a battle.

The bag opens and blocks the attack.

Guardando: No big deal. Guardian's Release works as long as Guardian Eatos is on the field, which lets me summon a powerful array of monsters. Face it, soon you'll be overwhelmed. I set a card and end my turn.

Yusuke: Here I go, draw [SPC: Yusuke = 4 Guardando = 4]. Not bad summoning an army of monsters. Time to fight back. I summon Armored Tank [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 4]. Trap card, Rare Metalmorph. This lets me equip this card to one monster on the field. That monster gains 500 attack points [ATK 2500/DEF 0 LV 4]. Now for my other Trap card. Steel Polish. The equipped monster can't be destroyed in battle. Time to take out your Guardian Eatos. Even if they have the same attack points, it won't stand against Steel Polish. Go, Armored Fire!

Guardando: As if I'd make it that easy. Trap card, Seal of Eatos. As long as there is another monster on the field besides Guardian Eatos, you must attack that. Guardian Ceal blocks your attack.

It flies in the way and is blasted. Guardando gasps in pain [Guardando LP =3200]

Guardando: Try again.

Yusuke: Oh well. Tank can't be destroyed by battle. There's no need to worry just yet. Turn end.

Guardando: Draw [SPC: Guardando = 5 Yusuke = 5]. I don't understand. Why does Vergil think so much of this guy? He's nothing special. I won't even need that other card. I can handle this just fine. I send one Equip Spell attached to Eatos to the graveyard [Seal of Eatos] to remove from ploy all monsters in your graveyard. For each one, Eatos gains 500 attack points. I count one, two, three monsters in your graveyard [ATK 4000/DEF 2000 LV 8].

Yusuke: You're kidding right?!

Guardando: I summon Guardian Elma [ATK 1300/DEF 1200 LV 3]. Battle. Guardian Eatos attacks your monster. Celestial Sword!

Eatos chops through Tank, blowing it up. Yusuke screams as the explosion rocks him [Yusuke LP = 2500].

Yusuke: What the…?

Guardando: And now a direct attack from Guardian Elma! Butterfly Dagger.

It charges forward and jabs with her sword. Yusuke screams in pain and barfs blood [Yusuke LP = 1200].

Yusuke: That…hurt! That really hurt!

Guardando: Fool. I'd imagine its agony. You see, this is a Shadow Game.

Yusuke: Shadow…Game?

Guardando: They were played long ago. Like today's gamblers, they played for prizes and rewards. But unlike us, they battled for each other's souls.

Yusuke: My…soul!? Are you saying if I lose, you get my soul?! What kind of twisted game is this?!

Guardando: To each their own. Besides, it's not really for me. But I shouldn't give out any other spoilers.

Yusuke: Then I'll force you to talk! I draw. [SPC: Yusuke = 6 Guardando = 6]. I set a monster in defense mode. By removing Steel Polish, I draw a card. Card set.Turn end.

Guardando: So in the end, you're not a challenge after all. Vergil so needs to compensate me for this. I draw [SPC: Yusuke = 7 Guardando = 7]. Might as well end it. I summon Guardian Baou [ATK 800/DEF 400 LV 4]. Now battle. Guardian Eatos attacks your set monster. Celestial Sword!

It flies up and chops the monster in two.

Guardando: And now a direct attack from Guardian Elma and Guardian Baou!

Yusuke: When Ender of Pain is destroyed, all damage I take for the rest of the turn is negated.

A barrier blocks the two attacks.

Guardando: Not bad. Of course, my three monsters to your none outnumber your none. You're going to lose next turn.

Yusuke: Don't count me out yet! Here we go! This better be what I need. I gotta pick this guy's brain more. I draw [SPC: Yusuke = 8 Guardando = 8]. Perfect! I summon you, Tune Mechanic [ATK 700/DEF 500 LV 2]. Trap card, Call of the Haunted. This lets me revive Armored Tank [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 4]. I tune my level 2 Tune Mechanic and my level 4 Armored Tank.

Mechanic becomes 2 rings that Tank flies through, becoming 4 stars [4 + 2 = 6]

Yusuke: Sound speeds into a soaring jet that speeds past the heavens and earth. Synchro Summon! Sound- Speed Rocket [ATK 2200/DEF 2000 LV 7]. Since I used two monsters to summon him, Tune Mechanic gives him 200 points [ATK 2400/DEF 2000 LV 6].

Guardando: Big deal! Its attack points pale in comparison to my monsters! They're useless to you!

Yusuke: Heh. Sound- Speed Rocket's effect! When summoned, he can destroy himself. If I do, I can take out all monsters my opponent controls and deal 500 points of damage to the opponent for each one.

Guardando: what?!

Yusuke: Go, Rocket Crash Down!

It morphs into a rocket. It fires into the air. Guardando screams as it plows into the ground, blowing up all his monsters [Guardando LP = 1700]. He slows down.

Yusuke: How's that? Now spill! What do you know?!

Guardando: Interesting….I've never been pushed into a corner like this. You really are the hero of the prophecy.

Yusuke: Huh?

Suddenly the ground shakes. Yusuke looks around in shock as the ground shatters, a door emerging.

Yusuke: A…door?! What the hell?!

Guardando: You're interesting. I might as well tell you my name. I am Guardando, otherwise known as Rat among the Crossed Brotherhood. And now, I shall open the doors of the Underworld…and show you something really special.

He begins to laugh as Yusuke looks scared and something begins pounding on the doors from the inside.

To be continued

Young adult: Today we'll be going over Sound- Speed Rocket. When it is summoned, you can destroy all monsters your opponent controls and deal 500 points of damage for each one. It is level 6, with…

Yusuke: Hey, who are you?

Young adult: Oh, I'm Baron. I'll be doing the Card of the Day from now on.

Yusuke: That's not right! You haven't even appeared in the series yet! Get out!

Baron: Hey, stop! Let go of the mic!

They being fighting and go off-screen.

Narrator: What exactly is this? This card of such evil power. This card of such great darkness. Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate, Episode 112: Card of Darkness.

Aslo: Yes, I'll be erased. But that doesn't matter. I learned something recently. Even if you support someone, it means nothing unless you believe in that cause yourself.

Armen: Aslo, I order you to stop!

Aslo: I am sorry father….but I will not let this continue. You are not Project Omega or this perfect being. You are simply Sokuji Armen. Now, and for all of time. And to you Yusuke? Never lose faith in who you are either. Farewell….

All the robots stop moving and shut down. Everyone looks around in wonder.

Salia: He…did it!

Koga: Yeah! Yeah!

Arnold: Hmph. Not bad for a second king I suppose.

Seth: Nice.

Armen: I don't understand, not at all. Why….why my son?! I gave you life! Why did you betray me?!

Yusuke runs over and punches him. Armen flinches and Yusuke keeps punching him. He pushes Armen's face on the guardrail.

Yusuke: Was it worth it?! Well Armen?! Was it worth betraying your son?! Your workers?! Everyone in this city?!

He begins to cry.

Yusuke: Maybe you aren't perfect Armen. But to then, you were close. You were everything to them, and they would have done anything for you. They don't care if you're perfect…and now you've betrayed them.

Armen looks down at the people of the city, looking upset. One man sees the slogan of AllTech and sadly rips it off the wall. Armen looks stunned and sees his own reflection. He hangs his head in sorrow. Yusuke begins to sob as the scene changes to a sunny field. Axel is biting into a burger.

Tamika: Hey, that's your fifth one.

Axel: You promised me all the burgers I can eat. I meant it.

Tamika: Well, whatever. Since Grayson's been put away, the streets are getting a lot cleaner. Soon we might even be able to move out of the slums.

Axel: Great to hear it. Poverty sucks. By the way…any news on Corey.

Tamika: No…nothing yet. But…we still get sent checks every other week. He's out there, I know it.

She smiles. Axel grins and hands her a burger.

Axel: A toast then. Course, I don't have glasses but…

She grins and bites. Elsewhere, Seth is packing his bags.

Koga: Are you sure?

Seth: Yeah. I'm going with Shimmer back home. I need to think some things out.

Salia: I…I'm really going to miss you….

Seth: Hey, are those tears? Uncool. Come on, smile Salia. I won't be gone forever. Just you wait.

He smiles. Salia puts on a smile as well.

Salia: I'll be waiting right here for you.

Arnold: Well, it's not like I'll miss you. Just…make sure to call every now and again.

Seth pounds his hand.

Seth: No worries there.

Elsewhere, Yusuke is looking sadly at the river. He takes out the remains of Neo's Duel Disk and throws it into the water.

Yusuke: Bye Neo….

Alicia: You going to be okay?

Yusuke: No. Not soon. But…someday, yeah.

Alicia: Glad to hear it. Listen….I just wanted to say you did good. You fought for us, even when you doubted the reason.

Yusuke: Well…you don't need to worry. No matter what, I'll always fight. I'm not like someone similar to Armen. I have a reason to fight…and I believe in it.

Alicia: Right.

Tier: Yusuke.

Yusuke: Tier? Aren't you leaving the city?

Tier: Yes. But before I go, I wanted to have a duel.

Yusuke: Eh?!

Tier: Why so surprised? We never got our duel in the ROFGP. You want to, right?

Yusuke: Well…why not?! I always wanted to test myself! Besides, it's a great day! Sure thing, Tier!

Tier: Ho. Let's go!

They both race down the road. Leon and Prometheus watch them.

Leon: So, another battle won huh? Sure, he didn't master Delta Accel Synchro, but he helped a lot of people today.

Prometheus: Should we tell him?

Leon: Nah, let the kid have his fun. After all, he just saved his city. Let him relish his victory. After all….this is just the calm before the storm.

A man is standing on a building watching this, the same figure from earlier

???: Yusuke….Iruiza.

End of season 2.

Card of the Day: Void Eater

Episode 110: What Makes You Perfect?

In the city, a man is yelling at Dex's father.

Man: You totally ripped me off! I want my money back!

Dex's father: I'll let you know my repair job was fine. You simply weren't taking care of it were you?

Man: So what?!

Dex's father: I mean I can't reimburse you. That's my policy.

Man: Hmph! This is a chop shop! A freaking chop shop! I'll sue you for all your worth and….hey, do you feel the ground shake or is it just me?

Dex's father looks up. They both run out and see the robots move towards them.

Man: AHHHH!

Robot: Target, in sight. Duel mode, engaged.

Robots: Duel mode, engaged.

Dex's father: What's…?

People all over the city scream as robots march through the streets. The Council of Elders continues to fight as Prometheus pants. He looks towards the stadium. Everyone else keeps moving as Axel looks back.

Axel: Yusuke…don't lose.

Seth: You need to win. For us. For the city. For yourself.

Opening

Yusuke races down the road [SPC: Yusuke = 7 Armen = 7][Yusuke LP = 2500][Armen LP = 800]. Yusuke has a set card and Hyper Speed Dragon [ATK 3500/DEF 3000 LV 12]. Armen has no set cards and Divine Machine Emperor Lord- Ultimel Infinity, Attack, Guard, Top, and Carrier [ATK 900/DEF 900 LV 12 x4] [ATK 4500/DEF 4500 LV 12]. Armen begins to snicker and then laughs.

Armen: You can't even hope about stopping me. For soon this battle will come to an end. And my all powerful Machine Emperor will be the catalyst that brings about that end! When Divine Machine Emperor Ultimel is summoned, all Synchro monsters on my opponent's field and in his graveyard are absorbed.

Yusuke: Wait….what?!

Armen: Don't you worry! It's all for you my Machine Emperor! Have a nice snack, you deserve it! You have a total of three Synchro monsters. One on your field, two in your graveyard.

Ultimel roars. Three of its cores glow and tentacles shoot out. One set wraps around Hyper Speed Dragon. Two more sink into the graveyard and pull out Wrap Speed Dragon and Speed Hero. Yusuke looks in shock as all three monsters glow and are absorbed into Ultimel, who roars, shaking the whole city [ATK 12400/DEF 1100 LV 12].

Yusuke: No way…

Armen: What did I tell you? Ultimel is the ultimate Machine Emperor, created through countless trials. All the weakness in the previous ones are no longer a problem. All holes in its power have been filled. He is truly the perfect monster! Battle! Ultimel attacks you directly. The Perfect Storm!

Ultimel looks down at Yusuke. It holds out its arm as it morphs into a giant gun. It charges up a beam and fires. It hits Yusuke and creates a huge explosion that rocks the whole stadium, ripping up the ground. The blast reflects off.

Yusuke: Trap card, Defense Draw. This lets me negate Battle Damage and draw a card.

Armen: Hmph. Whatever. Ultimel Guard negates an attack. In addition, Ultimel Carrier negates a destruction effect. Ultimel Top negates damage I take as long as he exists on the field. And Ultimel Attack deals Piercing damage. Soon enough, you'll fall prey to one of their powerful effects. Just as the city falls prey to me.

In the town, people are more aware of the robots and running off.

Man: Help us! Armen sir!

Woman: These are your robots! Why are they attacking us!

They scream when an attack destroys one.

Leon: Hey, hey, hey! That's not cool man! You two, scram! I'll take care of these tin cans!

Robot: Duel mode, engaged.

Leon: Yeah, yeah. Yusuke, you've gotta do it. Delta Accel Synchro. It's the only way you can hope to win,

Armen: What an ugly noise. The sound of people not accepting perfection. Well, not like it matters. Soon enough, they'll see my way of thinking is correct. Turn end.

Yusuke: Here we go, draw! [SPC: Yusuke = 8 Armen = 8]. That monster has so many different effects. If I'm not careful, any one of them could take me out in one blow. Gotta play defensively until…I can summon that. Neo Speed World! I pay 7 Speed Counters [SPC: Yusuke = 1 Armen = 8] since I have a Speed Spell in my hand and draw a card. I can't use the burn effect, so I'll have to settle for this right now. As I drew Speed Spell- Second Chance. This returns to my deck now and I get to draw a new card. Let's give this a shot. I summon Boost Motor [ATK 600/DEF 200 LV 1]. I attack directly with my monster. Go, Boost Charge!

Armen: Fool! Didn't I just tell you?! Ultimel Guard, once per turn, negates an attack against me. The Perfect Shield!

The arm is held out and divides into six pieces that form a shield, blocking the attack.

Armen: Nice try. But denting perfection is out of your reach.

Yusuke: This'll suit me just fine. I set a card and end my turn.

Armen: Hmph. A pitiful display. I can barely stand to look at you. Draw! [SPC: Armen = 9 Yusuke = 2]. Neo Speed World! I'll pay 6 Speed Counters to raise the attack points of my monster by 600 [SPC: Armen = 3 Yusuke = 2]. [ATK 13000/DEF 11000 LV 12]. And that's not all! I send Pisciel Top 5 from the hand to my out of play zone. By doing this, my Ultimel Top gains 300 more attack points, which raises the attack points of Ultimel as a whole [ATK 1200/DEF 1200 LV 12] [ATK 13300/DEF 11300 LV 12].

Yusuke: No way!? That thing'll keep growing bigger and stronger!?

Armen: Bingo. My monster will keep growing stronger. He is perfect! There is no end to how much he can grow!

Yusuke: Damn it…

Armen: Battle! Ultimel attacks your Boost Motor. Go, The Perfect Storm!

Yusuke: Trap card, Airbag. This negates damage I take from a battle!

Armen: That won't work you fool! Ultimel negates a Spell or Trap card during the Battle Phase!

It fires a powerful beam again. The blast hits Boost Motor and creates a huge explosion. An airbag blows up and blows the blast.

Yusuke: You're the fool. I used it BEFORE the Battle Phase.

Armen: Hmph. Of course, I forgot. Well, no matter. All you can do is dance and avoid the heat from the magnifying glass. But sooner or later, you'll be burned to a crisp. Turn end. At this time, Neo Speed World no longer affects my monster [ATK 12700/DEF 11300 LV 12]

Yusuke: Damn…draw [SPC: Armen = 4 Yusuke = 3]. I….set a card. Turn end.

Armen: See? What did I tell you? You're just a bug trying to fight a mountain! Draw [SPC: Armen = 5 Yusuke = 4]. I remove Dragiel Attack 3 from play. This raises the power of my monster even more. [ATK 1200/DEF 1200 LV 12][ATK 13000/DEF 11600 LV 12]. Let's put an end to this now. Go, The Perfect Storm!

Yusuke: Trap card, Reducer!

It fires a powerful beam. Yusuke screams as the beam hits him, creating a powerful explosion. Armen himself slows down to avoid it. He grins and begins laughing. His scope glows and he stops, gasping when Yusuke rides out of the explosion, coated in dust and panting [Yusuke LP = 500].

Armen: Impossible! You took only 2000 points of damage!? But that should have finished you off!

Yusuke: Trap...card. Reducer. When I am attacked and my damage is over 2000, I reduce the damage to 2000. And if even then, the gap between damage and my 2000 points of damage is over 3000, I draw 3 cards from my deck.

Armen: Little weasel. Do whatever you want. You only have 500 life points. And I have crossed over the safety line. All I need is a Speed Spell and I can deal 800 points of damage to you, finishing the duel off right away. And of course, if you don't summon a monster, that'll end the same. But even if you do, damage will be dealt whether it is even in attack mode or not! Face it; you're boxed in on all sides!

Yusuke: Maybe I am…but I can't afford to lose here! I'll fight you tooth and nail until there's nothing left of me!

Armen: Fine. Keep up your resistance. You will only regret it in the end. I end my turn.

Yusuke: Alright, here we go. I'm counting on this to be what I need….I draw! [SPC: Yusuke = 7 Armen = 5]. Perfect! Speed Spell- Synchro Defuse! This lets me take control of all Synchro monsters my opponent controls until the End Phase of the turn. Though they can't attack during this turn. I take back my Warp Speed Dragon and Speed Hero!

Armen: Damn….since they were absorbed, you can take them back.

Yusuke: Come on back, Warp Speed Dragon, Speed Hero [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 8] [ATK 1900/DEF 1500 LV 4].

Armen: Hmph [ATK 8600/DEF 8100 LV 12] Big deal! You may have a Synchro monster and a Synchro-Tuner monster, but I still have your Accel Synchro monster! How can you expect to fight without it?!

Yusuke: Simple. I'll do this. By paying 7 Speed Counters, as I have a Speed Spell in my hand, I draw a card [SPC: Yusuke = 0 Armen = 5]. As long as my Hyper Speed Dragon is still equipped to your monster, you have a Spell or Trap card technically. This lets me Special Summon Magic Jet from my hand [ATK 200/DEF 100 LV 1]. Next I summon Curse Diver [ATK 600/DEF 100 LV 1]. Level 1 Magic Jet tunes to level 1 Curse Diver.

Jet.

Jet becomes 1 ring that Diver flies through, becoming 1 star [1 + 1 = 2]. Everyone else is fighting against the robots.

Dex: This is bad…they just keep coming. Yusuke, hurry up!

Alicia: It's taking him a long time. Don't tell me….that moron lost?!

Axel: He won't lose.

Tamika: And how do you know that?

Axel closes his eyes. He remembers something.

Axel: Yusuke, hold up a second.

Yusuke: Huh? What is it? We've gotta get a move on.

Axel: Like I said, it'll only take a second. You're planning on fighting that guy all by yourself, right?

Yusuke: Yeah, so what if I am? That guy can't get away with it. Not all he's done…

Axel: If you're going, then take this. I entrust my power with yours now Yusuke. Don't lose.

He hands Yusuke a card. Yusuke takes it and looks shocked. The flashback ends as Axel looks sure.

Axel: Besides, he still needs to give it back to me.

Yusuke: Synchro Summon! Stormy Synchron [ATK 300/DEF 500 LV 2].

Armen: What?! That card doesn't belong to you! Even if you do use it, what can you do?! You can't Accel Synchro Summon!

Yusuke: Maybe I can't, yeah. But there's a power beyond Accel Synchro. I call upon you now!

He speeds forward. Armen looks stunned. Leon is fighting more robots and looks over in the direction of the stadium.

Leon: Usually someone can only use Delta Accel Synchro after 10 years of training with Accel Synchro. But you've been blessed by the Fates Yusuke. If anyone can manage to pull it off, you just might be able to. Go on then.

Yusuke: I tune my 2 Synchro-Tuner monsters, level 2 Stormy Synchron and level 4 Speed Hero, and my level 8 Synchro monster, Warp Speed Dragon. Delta Accel Synchro!

Armen: Delta Accel Synchro?! Impossible! No!

Yusuke speeds ahead. Synchron and Hero both glow as they star to turn into rings. Yusuke grins and Armen looks shocked when their expressions change. Both Hero and Synchron return to normal as Yusuke looks shocked.

Yusuke: No….it didn't work!?

Armen: Ha ha ha ha! What a cruel twist of fate! In the end, the Fates have chosen me over you!

Yusuke: I….set two cards and end my turn.

Armen: At this time, the effect of my Ultimel activates. At the End Phase of every turn, he absorbs all Synchro monsters on the field! Stormy Synchron will be a little extra!

Three of its cores glow and fire out tentacles. The monsters are drawn inside [ATK 13300/DEF 12100 LV 12]. Everyone watches as Ultimel only gets bigger and stronger.

Tamika: Whatever Yusuke tried, it looks like it didn't work.

Axel: Moron! Why did you try it if you didn't think it would work?!

Leon: No….I know Delta Accel Synchro is hard to master but….I thought for sure you could. It's over…

Armen: You have no other options now. Watch as your city crumbles! Draw [SPC: Yusuke = 1 Armen = 6]. First I remove Deviel Carrier 3 from my hand. [ATK 1200/DEF 1200 LV 12][ATK 13600/DEF 12400 LV 12]. Now by paying 6 Speed Counters, my monster's power goes up by 600 [ATK 14200/DEF 12400 LV 12].

Yusuke: Damn! There's no end to how big that thing is getting!

Armen: Time for the chorus to sing your requiem! I attack directly with my Ultimel. The Perfect Storm!

Yusuke: Trap card, Lose and Gain. This takes a card in my deck and sends it to the graveyard to draw a card. Now by removing Crash Dummy from play, I can leave myself with 100 life points after this attack.

The laser fires. Yusuke screams as Dummy blocks the bulk of the attack, but it shoots by and hits him [Yusuke LP = 100]. He slows down tremendously as Armen speeds by, laughing. He grabs Yusuke by the hair and drags him, pushing him against the guardrail.

Armen: Look. The ants below keep trying to fight, not knowing it is pointless. It is all so ugly.

Yusuke: W…hy? The people of this city loved you. Why…did you betray their trust?

Armen: Trust? What good does trust do in the real world? Yes, it's true. I built things for the people of this city. At first, it made me happy as well. Then…the hollowness set in. Why am I doing this? Why am I helping these people out? Humans have such flaws. They let petty squabbles cause hatred and wars. They desire luxuries that they do not even need. And most importantly of all, they're weak! They are so brittle, so fragile! I swore I wouldn't be like them! I refuse to be like those pitiful ants! No, I'll stand before them as a mountain. I've become perfect because of that! I sought the perfect duelist for that! So that I could this world perfect! You can be perfect too! All you need to do is renounce the human race!

Yusuke: I…refuse. If I renounce the human race….I renounce everything that Neo and Aslo stood for!

Armen: Fool. Fine, keep up this foolish game. You are just as ugly as they are. I'll crush you all! I'm perfect! I can't possibly lose to you! Turn end [ATK 13600/DEF 12400 LV 12]

Yusuke: here we go. Please. I have all the pieces. I just need something to use….draw! [SPC: Yusuke = 2 Armen = 1]. Yes! Aslo, this is the power you trusted me with! I'll show it now! Even something that isn't perfect can still be strong! I see it now. I wanted to do everything myself. Saving Neo…stopping you…I stopped realizing other people had problems. Other people have needs. I was blind…and stupid. No more! I know exactly who I am! I may not be able to save everyone. I may not be strong enough for Delta Accel Synchro. But that doesn't matter! I am Yusuke Iruiza! And I am who I am! Speed Spell- Fissure. This lets me destroy a monster out.

Armen: Fool! I use the power of Ultimel. I block the effect of your Spell.

Yusuke: And while you're busy with that, Trap! Magic Thunder!

Armen: Eh?

Yusuke: Now I destroy all Spells and Traps. For each one destroyed, you take 500 points of damage.

Armen: Impossible! You're destroying all the Synchro monsters! Well, I use Ultimel once more to block my damage.

Lightning shoots out and hits Ultimel. It roars as Hyper Speed Dragon, Warp Speed Dragon, Speed Hero, and Stormy Synchron all blow up. Ultimel roars as it is set on fire and falls to its knees [ATK 5400/DEF 5400 LV 12].

Armen: Big deal! It is still too powerful for you to handle!

Yusuke: And now….for you, Aslo! Neo! I summon Void Eater [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 4].

Armen: Ha! You dare to challenge perfection with no attack points? Even now your flaws are just insane!

Yusuke: Void Eater's effect! Once per turn, I can take all cards that have been removed from play and return them to the graveyard.

Armen: ….Wait….but that means!

Yusuke: Yes! Ultimel is strong. Unlike the other Machine Emperors, its power is determined by removed from play cards. It is also divided into five cards. It is strong…but not perfect! Without other monsters, it has no attack points or effects! Go, Void Eater. Hole in Space!

A hole on its stomach opens. Air is sucked in as Ultimel roars. Everyone from around the city looks as Machine Emperor parts appear, getting sucked inside. Ultimel moans and kneels over [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 12 x 5].

Yusuke: And for each monster returned, he gains 300 attack points. There's your 18, plus my one! For a total of 19! [ATK 5700/DEF 0 LV 12].

Armen: Impossible…my perfection…my perfect monster….

Yusuke: Battle! Space Crush!

The monster charges. Ultimel lifts a hand as Eater charges right through it. Ultimel roars as its arm blows up. Eater travels throughout its body, making its limbs blow off one by one. Only Infinity is left, which falls and blows up. Armen gets caught up and screams in pain [Armen LP = 0], coming to a stop. Yusuke skids to a stop panting. All the robots suddenly stop moving and shut down.

Robot: Shutting down…

Apollo: Whoa. What happened?

Prometheus: It was Yusuke, he did it!

Yusuke walks over to Armen.

Yusuke: It's over. You've lost.

Armen: I don't think so. My perfect plan…isn't done yet! Project Upsilon code BXXXE!

Robots: Self-destruct mode, engaged.

Dex: Self-destruct!?

Yusuke: No!

Armen: Yes! You really thought I'd leave it all to a card game?! Even in defeat, you fail! This city will be blown to ashes, and another flaw in this world gone! There's nothing you can do! 5, 4, 3, 2…

Yusuke: NO!!!!

???: Self-destruct mode, off.

Armen and Yusuke: Eh?

All screens in the city flicker. Aslo's image appears

Aslo: Can you hear me?

Axel: Aslo?!

Armen: What's going on?! Explain this!

Aslo: I don't have much time. I only downloaded a small portion of myself into the Upsilon system. Even now, the firewalls are eating away at me. Listen to me; Sokuji Armen tried to destroy you all today. But I will not let that happen. Instead, I will release a virus, destroying all the Upsilon programming.

Tamika: But if you do that…

Card of the Day: Self Destruct Order

Episode 109: The Final Armen. Transform, the Ultimate Machine Emperor

Everyone heads down the stairs in silence. Eventually, they come to a door.

Alicia: Are we here?

Tony: Well, my knowledge only comes from cartoons, but big ominous door usually means main villain.

Tier: In that case, we'd better move post haste.

Yusuke holds the card in his hand still and looks ahead.

Yusuke: Yeah. We shouldn't waste time. Come on guys!

They all run and kick the door down. Armen seems to be hidden by shadows.

Armen: You are very annoying people.

Axel: That's us. We never stop trying if someone has evil in mind.

Armen: Heh. Of course. Now you try to color me as a bad guy. I should have expected that from closed minded fools like you.

Tamika: Sounds like a load of hypocrisy to me. Doesn't matter what you think you're doing, but we won't let you get away with it.

Yusuke: Armen! You won't convince us that what you're doing is good! Neo…Aslo….all these people have died for you! What reason could justify murder?!

Armen: Murder? Sigma was right, they are fools. Neo and Aslo were nothing more than robots. Pieces of metal glued together. They were never "alive." So how could they die, idiot?

Yusuke: Say what you want! But I won't stop! I'll fight you until the bitter end!

Armen: Why did I expect you to say that? Very well. I had hoped not to get my hands dirty. But….I suppose I must.

A loud noise is heard. Armen grins and suddenly races towards them. Everyone jumps away as Armen races past them. Everyone turns back and gasps in shock.

Salia; Ew!

Arnold: This is…impossible!

Armen: I can see it in your eyes. You're amazed. Behold fools. This is what…perfection looks like!

He grins as half of his body is attached to the Omega D and one of his eyes has been replaced with a red scope.

Opening

Everyone still stands in horror and revulsion.

Koga: What….has he done to himself?

Marie: Ugh. I almost don't want to look.

Armen: Hmph. You're just jealous. This is what perfection looks like! Admit it; you are awed by my power! My strength! My grace!

Tony: Dude, you look like some bad prize in a box of cereal! How the hell are you perfect?

Armen: Of course. The imperfect would be jealous of me. That is how the world works. People are jealous of those on top and try to imitate them. But they can never be truly perfect. Like I am now!

Seth: Give me a break. You claim that you're perfect? I say you're even worse than the fakers!

Armen: Is that so? Well, try and stop me! You fools weren't even aware this is what I wanted! Begin, Project Upsilon!

He slams his fist down on a button. Sirens wail as everyone looks around.

Computer: Project Upsilon, engaging.

In a dark room, many red lights turn on. A whole group of robots suddenly activate and start moving. They burst through a warehouse door and begin moving towards Cynemia City from the stadium.

Guard: What the hell?!

Duel robot: Duel mode, activated.

The guards huddle together as robots surround them.

Shimmer: No! Are we too late?!

Armen: Fools. I knew you would get in the way. So I let you come here, leaving the city completely defenseless. And it worked like a charm too.

Arnold: So all along…we were being lead like rabbits with a carrot dangling on a string.

Yusuke: Armen! Stop this right now!

Armen: Or what? My robots have already been deployed and you're all here. What can you do now?

???: Maybe he can't do anything…

In the city, the Council of Elders stand ready to fight.

Neptune: But we can!

Armen: What?!

Yusuke: Prometheus! Everyone!

Axel: We told you we didn't need help!

Apollo: Help? Who's helping who?

Diana: We just saw these guys passing by and didn't like the look of them.

Jupiter: We shall handle this. You can still be the one to protect your city.

Armen: How quaint. So it looks like Upsilon has been delayed for some time. And I suppose you kids aren't letting me go are you?

Tamika: Please. After all you've done? No chance in hell.

Yusuke: We're going to stop you Armen! Duel me! I'll stop your plans dead in their tracks!

Armen: Are you that much of a fool? Why should I even bother fighting you?

Yusuke: You claim to have reached perfection didn't you? Why not prove your perfection? Or maybe you're not as perfect as you're trying to claim.

Armen: ….A classic taunt. Very well. I can see you'll just keep getting in my way. So…fine! I'll duel you!

A door opens behind him and Armen turns around, racing through the door. Yusuke looks unsure.

Tony: Go on. We can handle the rest.

Yusuke: Everyone….

Axel: I wanted to end it. But clearly you want to go get him. So go!

Tamika: We'll be rooting for you!

Alicia: I know you can do it. But….come back alive.

Dex: We'd really be sad if you died.

Marie: We still need our rematch.

Tier: And we still need to duel.

Yusuke: Guys…are you absolutely sure?

Seth: Just go. If you wait, you'll never be able to go. We'll be here. Rooting for you. So….go out there! Get revenge for Neo and Aslo!

Yusuke: Everyone….okay! You guys wait here for me! I'll be back!

He grins and runs through the door.

Shimmer: Let's go!

They turn and run back up the stairs towards the city. Yusuke runs through the door and is suddenly sent flying up on an elevator. It stops in the middle of the Road Stadium. Yusuke looks around and sees his D- Wheel waiting besides Armen.

Armen: I had it in storage just in case you were trying something like this. I know you duelists at least give each other a fair chance. Let's see what you can do against perfection. Defeating one of the heroes of the prophecy will confirm it!

Yusuke gets on his bike and snorts.

Yusuke: I'm not fighting you for a stupid reason like that. I'm fighting for my friends, and for everyone you've hurt.

Armen: This is why you will never be perfect. You can not cut the ties that drag you down. As I will show you now, you can not defeat me! Neo Speed World, set on!

D- Wheels: Duel mode, auto-pilot standby.

Both: Duel! [Armen LP = 4000] [Yusuke LP = 4000].

Both take off from the starting line. Yusuke speeds ahead as Armen begins to catch up to him. He punches at Yusuke as he swerves to avoid. Armen speeds ahead towards the finish line.

Armen: You have to steer yourself. Since I AM my D- Wheel, all I need to do is think about what I want to do. Against me, you can't win!

Yusuke jets ahead as Armen looks stunned and turns the first corner first.

Yusuke: Odd. Someone so perfect surely wouldn't constantly talk about himself so much, would he? I go first! Draw. I'd better play defensively first. I have no idea what kind of cards he is going to play. I set a monster in defense mode. I set two cards face down and end my turn.

Armen: Nice job. But you won't catch me off guard now. I draw! [SPC: Armen = 1 Yusuke = 1]. Perfect. A perfect hand for a perfect win. I summon Defend Core in defense mode [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. I set three cards and end my turn.

Yusuke: A perfect hand huh? If you ask me, a perfect hand would have meant you won in that last turn. Here we go, draw! [SPC: Yusuke = 2 Armen = 2]. I release my set monster to summon Helio Bomber [ATK 2400/DEF 1000 LV 6].

Armen: That monster has the power to destroy another monster. Are you going to use its effect?

Yusuke: There'd be no reason. Your monster has no attack points to deal as damage to you. Instead, I'll attack! Trap, Strike Slash. Now my monster gains 700 attack points and the power to deal Piercing damage [ATK 3100/DEF 1000 LV 6].

Armen: It isn't going to be that easy fool. You honestly thought I'd just let you attack me? Trap card, Twin Vortex! This lets me destroy one monster on both sides of the field. I will destroy my Defend Core and your Helio Bomber.

Yusuke: But that means!

Both monsters blow up as five cards spin in the air.

Armen: Defend Core has been destroyed. I summon Machine Emperor Defendiel Infinity [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1], Defendiel Top [ATK 100/DEF 200 LV 1], Defendiel Attack [ATK 500/DEF 300 LV 1], Defendiel Guard [ATK 0/DEF 1500 LV 1], and Defendiel Carrier [ATK 200/DEF 1000 LV 1].

Attack becomes a small gun, Guard becomes a large shield, Carrier becomes two tiny legs, and Top becomes a head that all fuse onto Defendiel [ATK 800/DEF 3000 LV 1].

Yusuke: I knew it….he summoned a Machine Emperor.

Armen: Surely you were expecting this. If you stop me, my plans are all ruined. I'm not going to make it easy for you.

Yusuke: That suits me just fine. Trap card, Call of the Haunted. This lets me revive my Helio Bomber [ATK 2400/DEF 1000 LV 6]. I set a card. Attacking won't do anything. I'll need to wait until next turn.

Armen: Here we go. My turn [SPC: Armen = 3 Yusuke = 3]. Trap card, Self Destruct Order. I release all five monsters on my side of the field. And for each monster I chose to destroy, you take 300 points of damage.

All parts of the Machine Emperor are lit on fire and charge towards Yusuke. He looks in shock as the pieces hit him, blowing up. He screams in pain and swerves out of the smoke as Armen passes him. [Yusuke LP = 2500]

Yusuke: Why? Why destroy your own Machine Emperor?!

Armen: A smart duelist does not reveal the key components of his strategy. If you're so curious, find out by dueling me yourself and winning. Just last long to make it interesting for me. Trap card, Needlebug Nest. This card lets me take five cards from my deck and send them to the graveyard [Angiel Attack, Mad Reloader, Pisciel Carrier, Machine Emperor Deviel Infinity, and Big Eye].

Yusuke: He's milling his own deck? But that means he could be throwing away Machine Emperor parts. Or…is that what he wants?!

Armen: I summon Bat Core in defense mode [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. Now I place a card face down and end my turn.

Elsewhere, duels are taking place. Sun Dragon Inti and Moon Dragon Quilla wipe out two robots. Power Blacksmith Vulcan and The Boiling MERCURY wipe out two others. Venus and Pluto summon their Planet Series cards and take out two more.

Neptune: There's a lot of these things. Go, The Tyrant NEPTUNE!

It slashes through a Kuribon as another robot loses.

Robot: Trap card, Ring of Destruction.

Neptune flies back as his monster blows up. He looks up in shock as a Yamata Dragon is summoned.

Prometheus: Leave this to me! Yusuke….hurry up. There's only so much we can do here.

Everyone else is running.

Dex: I hope we make it in time.

Axel: I get the odd feeling…something really bad's about to go down. Damn it Yusuke…don't you dare face me again as a loser.

He glances back at the stadium as Yusuke slowly draws.

Yusuke: Here we go [SPC: Yusuke = 4 Armen = 4]. If you won't attack, I'll just attack instead! I summon Magic Hole Golem in defense mode [ATK 0/DEF 2000 LV 3]. By halving the attack points of Helio Bomber, [ATK 1200/DEF 1000 LV 6], I can wage a direct attack. Go get him!

It flies over Armen. He looks up as the monster drops bombs which detonate around him. Armen screams in pain and slows down [Armen LP = 2800]

Yusuke: Good. I dealt damage without destroying his Machine Emperor.

Armen: Here's another example of perfection. I do not get as badly wounded as you do. Trap card, Damage Blowback. Now I can destroy one monster whose attack points are equal to or less than the damage I took. I took 1200 points of damage. So…I destroy 0 attack point Bat Core!

Yusuke: Damn….I wanted to avoid that!

Armen: And when Bat Core is destroyed, I can Special Summon Machine Emperor Batiel Infinity [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1], Batiel Top [ATK 400/DEF 0 LV 1], Batiel Attack [ATK 900/DEF 0 LV 1], Batiel Guard [ATK 300/DEF 400 LV 1], and Batiel Carrier [ATK 400/DEF 0 LV 1]. Form, my other Machine Emperor.

Top becomes a head, Carrier becomes two wings, and both Guard and Attack become claws [ATK 2000/DEF 400 LV 1].

Yusuke: Well, so much for that. Turn end.

Armen: Here we go. My turn [SPC: Armen = 5 Yusuke = 5]. I use the Spell card Speed Spell- Angel's Twin Baton. This lets me draw 3 cards and discard 2. I set a card.

Yusuke: For someone who's so perfect, you've been defending an awful lot. Here we go, draw! [SPC: Yusuke = 6 Armen = 6]. I summon my Black Oil [ATK 1000/DEF 0 LV 2]. I tune my level 2 Black Oil and level 6 Helio Bomber.

Oil becomes two rings that Bomber flies through, becoming 6 stars [2 + 6 = 8]

Yusuke: Speed reaches the highest level and becomes a power that warps space and time. Appear now, lord of speed, Warp Speed Dragon [ATK 2500/DEF 2000 LV 8]. And that's not all! Speed Spell- Summon Speeder. This lets me summon a monster of level 4 or below from my hand. Come on out, Exhaust Cloud [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. I tune my level 1 Exhaust Cloud and my level 3 Magic Hole Golem.

Cloud becomes 1 ring that Golem flies through, becoming 3 stars [1 + 3 = 4]

Yusuke: A rip opens in both space and time, and through it, a new hero ascends to the sky! Synchro Summon! Appear, Synchro-Tuner, Speed Hero [ATK 1900/DEF 1500 LV 4].

Armen: Ho.

Yusuke speeds up very quickly.

Yusuke: I can't afford to lose. So I gotta give this my very best! I'm tuning my level 4 Synchro-Tuner, Speed Hero, and my level 8 Synchro monster, Warp Speed Dragon!

Hero jets forward and becomes 4 rings that Yusuke and his monster fly through, becoming 8 stars [4 + 8 = 12]. Yusuke vanishes briefly. Armen grins as Yusuke appears behind him.

Yusuke: Speed rips apart the foundation that creates space-time and becomes a power beyond power. Accel Synchro! Show yourself, Hyper Speed Dragon [ATK 3500/DEF 3000 LV 12].

Alicia: Up there! Hyper Speed Dragon!

Axel: Damn. So Yusuke really isn't playing around.

Prometheus: Accel Synchro….Yusuke, hurry up.

More robots keep moving.

Armen: So I really must be considered a threat. Yet another example of my perfection.

Yusuke: Oh shut up. Since Exhaust Cloud was used as Synchro material, one monster loses 500 attack points. I choose Machine Emperor Batiel Infinity [ATK 1500/DEF 400 LV 1]. Now, I attack Machine Emperor Batiel Infinity! Hyper Power Stream.

It charges up its attack and fires. Armen simply grins as the attack pierces the monster, destroying it. Armen screams in pain from the explosion [Armen LP = 800].

Yusuke: Now his effect. For every Synchro and Tuner monster in my graveyard, 500 points of damage…

Armen: Trap card, Archfiend Chain! The equipped monster can not attack or use its effect.

Dragon is wrapped up. Armen slowly grins.

Yusuke: Why? You could have blocked my attack.

Armen: Meh heh heh.

Yusuke: Damn. Turn end.

Armen: Here we go…my turn. Yusuke Iruiza, this is the end for you. You see, you've fallen right into my trap.

Yusuke: Huh?

Armen: I remove from play all monsters in my graveyard!

A large pillar of light erupts from the ground. Five large objects float in the air.

Yusuke: What….the?!

Armen: By removing three complete Machine Emperors, this card can be summoned from my deck. These…five cards! I summon Divine Machine Emperor Lord- Ultimel Infinity [ATK ?/DEF ? LV 12], Divine Machine Emperor Lord- Ultimel Top [ATK ?/DEF ? LV 12], Divine Machine Emperor Lord- Ultimel Attack [ATK ?/DEF ? LV 12], Divine Machine Emperor Lord- Ultimel Guard [ATK ?/DEF ? LV 12], and Divine Machine Emperor Lord- Ultimel Carrier [ATK ?/DEF ? LV 12].

Yusuke: This….what?!

Armen: Combine. The king of all Machine Emperors. The results of all previous projects. Project Omega! Machine Emperor Ultimel! For every Machine Emperor part with the same name that has been removed from play, it gains 300 attack points. There are three sets of Machine Emperors in the graveyard. That means each part gains 900 attack points

Attack morphs into a giant arm [ATK 900/DEF 900 LV 12]. Guard morphs into another arm [ATK 900/DEF 900 LV 12]. Carrier morphs into two legs that attach to Infinity [ATK 900/DEF 900 LV 12]. Top morphs into a head and hooks on as well [ATK 900/DEF 900 LV 12]. Infinity glows as the monster's eyes light and it roars [ATK 4500/DEF 4500 LV 12]. 10 glowing cores shine on the monster as it roars. Everyone stops and gasps as the monster towers over the city.

Tony: Oh man….

Marie: It's…huge!

Armen: Sorry for the delay Yusuke Iruiza. There is nothing worse in this world than being imperfect. This world needs to be fixed and made perfect. Time for you to meet your end. At the hands of perfection!

He begins to laugh as Yusuke looks on in shock as the monster stares down at him.

Ending

Narrator: Get ready. The final battle is going to end. Will perfection win in the end? Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate: Episode 110: What Makes You Perfect?

Card of the Day: Divine Machine Emperor Machinicle- Infinity Cubic

Episode 108: Project Chi- Infinity Cubic

Aslo: I am Project Xi of Armen's 24 projects. And he is also….my father.

Axel: Armen is…your father?

Yusuke: No way.

Aslo: And now Axel Seshia, you lose.

Grand Core appears and the room shakes.

Tony: What's going on!?

Salia: Why is the room shaking?!

Aslo only grins as Axel snarls in anger.

Axel: Damn it….there's nothing I can do right now….I guess I need to end my turn.

Aslo: Yes, that is all you can do isn't it? At this time, the effect of Fortissimo deals 100 points of damage to you.

A laser fires and hits Axel, burning him as he screams in pain [Axel LP = 3600].

Axel: Damn it….

Aslo: And now for the beginning of the end. I draw.

Opening

Aslo: And now, prepare yourself. I am going to show you the final Divine Machine Emperor.

Yusuke: The final one?

Aslo: I send Infinite Prison to the graveyard. This lets me take Sky Core, Wise Core, and Grand Core, and put them back in my hand.

Marie: In his hand? But why? Wait…he has one more set card!

Aslo: His summoning has been delayed. But now it is time he made his debut. Trap card, Machine Imperial Genesis! By discarding Wise Core, Grand Core, and Sky Core, I get to unite them. Skiel of the great sky, Wisel of the great darkness, Grannel of the great earth, the time has come to unite! Appear, king of the Machine Emperors. Divine Machine Emperor Machinicle- Infinity Cubic!

The three cores glow with power. The three expand as infinity symbols appear on all three. Wise Core expands and binary code forms into an arm with a shield. Sky Core glows and binary code forms an arm cannon. Grand Core glows as binary code spirals and deviates into two legs that levitate. All three meet in the center and a fourth Infinity symbols appears. Skiel, Wisel, and Grannel have their heads appear as they fuse in a cone shaped head [ATK 4000/DEF 4000 LV 12].

Tamika: Infinity…Cubic?!

Salia: Look at the size of that thing!

Arnold: Amazing….

The monster glows and roars as a powerful wind blows. Axel is almost blown away as Aslo simply stands there.

Armen: Nicely done Aslo. No survivors.

Aslo: Yes, father. Next I use Pot of Greed. This lets me draw 2 cards. I send Skiel Carrier 5 to the graveyard. Now until the End Phase of this turn, my Cubic gains the effect of Skiel Carrier 5. Battle! Infinity Cubic attacks Blue- Eyes White Dragon. The Cube of Despair!

It shoots a powerful stream of energy. Blue- Eyes watches as it is hit and plowed into the ground, turning into dust. Axel screams in pain [Axel LP = 2600].

Aslo: Now for the effect of Skiel Carrier 5. Since I destroyed a monster, 300 points of damage are dealt.

Wings sprout as it flaps them, sending Axel flying back again [Axel LP = 2300].

Koga: This thing is so strong! Who would have guessed?

Seth: So it's true after all. That thing really is the ultimate Divine Machine Emperor…

Axel: Finally… a real monster! You better give me a real challenge from this point onward! I don't like to be too bored in my duels.

Aslo: Very well. But don't lament your decision when I finish with you. I end my turn.

Axel: I was totally bluffing there. That Cubic….no wonder Armen was saving this thing for last. Even if it has 4000 attack points, I'm sure I can beat it. Draw. Since I have no monsters out, I get to Special Summon my Vice Dragon at the cost of half his attack and defense points [ATK 2000-1000/DEF 2400-1200 LV 5]. Next I summon the Tuner monster The White Stone of Legend [ATK 300/DEF 250 LV 1].

Aslo: Aiming to Synchro Summon? You would be a fool to do something like that.

Axel: Hey, I can't help it. It's simply the way I fight. I don't like anyone making fun of the way I play. You don't like it, too bad. Spell card, Motherly Love. I send a Dragon type monster from my deck to the graveyard. Now one Tuner monster on the field gains the levels of the monster I sent to the graveyard. I send the level 2 Groundhog Dragon to the graveyard and raise the level of level 1 The White Stone of Legend to level 3 [ATK 300/DEF 250 LV 3]. I tune the level 5 Vice Dragon and level 3 The White Stone of Legend.

Stone becomes 3 rings that Dragon flies through, becoming 5 stars [3 + 5 = 8]

Axel: A darkness covers the world and chokes it, crushing it into particles lower than dust! Synchro Summon! Evaporate, Dark End Dragon [ATK 2600/DEF 2100 LV 8].

Tamika: Dark End Dragon? That's new.

Aslo: And you actually used a Synchro monster. You truly are a fool, in every meaning of the word.

Axel: As if. Dark End Dragon has a power you know. By paying 500 of his own attack points [ATK 2100/DEF 2100 LV 8], one monster on the field is destroyed. Go, Dark Evaporation!

The monster spits out darkness. It spreads across the floor towards Cubic as Aslo doesn't even react. Cubic looks down as the darkness opens and swallows it up.

Axel: Ha! Little more than a toy robot compared to me!

Shimmer: No…it can't be that easy.

Aslo: If you think I'm beaten, then you're a fool after all. Cubic's effect. By removing one Machine Emperor part in the graveyard, Cubic can negate his own destruction.

As Cubic is sucked down, it morphs into a cube. Axel looks in shock as the darkness bubbles and Cubic bursts out, roaring and releasing energy pulses that shakes the whole building.

Tony: Whoa! Did anyone else feel that?!

Marie: No you idiot, we were dancing. That thing's shaking the whole room.

Axel: Okay, now I'm worried. Damn it….there's nothing else I can play. I end my turn.

Aslo: And at this time, the effect of Fortissimo activates.

A laser fires and hits Axel dead on this time, pushing him back as he coughs blood [Axel LP = 2200].

Axel: Ow….

Tamika: Damn it! Axel, get out of there! Don't kill yourself!

Axel: I'm fine…this is nothing. I've had better workouts than this at a common run of the mill athletic club!

Aslo: A cocky one overall aren't you? I suppose this kind of work takes all kinds. Here we go. I draw a card from my deck [Wisel Attack 5]. You have a Synchro monster on your side of the field. I did warn you about such a thing. Divine Machine Emperor Machinicle- Infinity Cubic can absorb one Synchro monster on the field once per turn. I absorb Dark End Dragon.

It shoots out a bunch of tentacles that wrap around Dark End. It looks around in shock and roars as it is sucked inside the center piece as Cubic poses and glows with more powerful aura [ATK 6600/DEF 4000 LV 12].

Alicia: 6600 attack points?!

Yusuke: Axel! No….don't end up like Neo!

Aslo: This is the end. I attack with Cubic. Go, The Cube of Despair!

It holds out its gun and charges up a powerful energy beam. Axel's eyes widen as the beam fires, hitting him and creating a huge explosion.

Dex: No! Axel!

Axel: I remove Motherly Love! This lets me remove one Dragon monster in the graveyard and negate an attack.

The beam is held back and blows up in empty space.

Aslo: Nicely dodged. I commend you. Turn end.

Axel: Heh. I'll be damned if I die in a place like this! I draw. I set a card and end my turn.

Aslo: Fool, haven't you learned? When you don't play Machines, you must pay the toll.

The laser fires again. Axel gasps and curls in pain [Axel LP = 2100]

Axel: This…ain't anything!

Aslo: Hmph. If nothing else, he's persistent. He reminds me of myself in a way. He's not willing to give up no matter how many setbacks he goes through. But even so….

He recalls something. Binary code fills a black void.

???: System, on. Processing….processing….activated. Movement, engaged. Vision, on. All systems operational.

Binary code fills the screen as Armen's face appears.

Armen: Hm….a lot of static?

Aslo: Y-Y-Y-Yes.

Armen: Stuttering. Hm…recalibrate the speech function.

Aslo blinks and his eyes widen. He tries to get up and almost stumbles.

Armen: Take it easy. You need some time getting used to your new body.

Aslo struggles more and eventually manages to stand up straight. He looks around blinking.

Aslo: Where…am I?

Armen: This is the Argo. This is where I design and build all of my inventions. That's what you are Xi.

Aslo: Xi….my name….Xi.

Armen: That's right. But….I suppose Xi isn't a very good name now is it? Hm…we'll need to think of a new one. Can you walk?

Aslo: I….think.

He manages to stand up and slowly moves. Armen takes him and keeps moving.

Armen: You see Xi; I need your help with something. This world is rotten. Rotten to the core in fact. This world needs a leader Xi. One who can guide it in the right direction. And that someone will be me. But to do that I need help. What do you say? Will you help me?

Aslo: Yes….

Armen: I see. So you have some respect for your creator. I'm glad to see it. So, now you still need a name. Hm….what to call you, what to call you….I've got it. How about Aslo?

Aslo: Aslo…my….name?

Armen: Indeed. I did create you, so your name should sound like my own. Together Aslo, think about it! We can fix this rotten world. Work with me…my son.

He puts a hand on Aslo's shoulders. Aslo looks up at Armen who grins. Aslo nods and Armen grins even wider.

Axel: Yo, you need me to throw cold water on you?

Aslo opens his eyes and he is back at the duel.

Axel: Helloooooooo in there!

Aslo: I'm fine. Draw. I'm sorry about this Axel. I may not agree with what my father is planning but…I owe him everything I have. He put life into me, and now I must use this life for him. Even if this path leads me to become a devil, I will still walk down this path. And that is the reason why…you will not defeat me in this duel! I draw. I send Dragiel Carrier 3 to the graveyard. When I banish him, Cubic gains his effect. Now, for this turn, any damage he deals to the opponent is doubled. With 6600 attack points and no monsters on your field, the damage you take will be worth….13200!

Salia: 13200?! That's impossible!

Arnold: Even if he was dueling 3 people, that would finish them all off.

Aslo: This had been amusing. But it looks like someone else will need to try harder. I suppose my motivation…was just stronger than yours was. Finish him. The Cube of Despair!

Dex: Axel, get out of there!

Alicia: You need to surrender.

Tamika: Axel! Damn….don't you dare lose this! If you do, I'll kick you're a ss so many times you'll lose it!

Axel's eyes widen as the attack fires.

Axel: Trap card, Hidden Cave. I remove three monsters from play. This reduces all damage I take to zero.

The attack hits an invisible barrier and reflects around the room, destroying everything in sight. Everyone screams from the brute force of the attack.

Tamika: Watch it! Are you trying to get us killed?!

Axel: Kinda contrary to what you just said….

Aslo: You…are really something else you know that? Most people would have just given up by now. Against such a powerful monster, you remain steadfast and strong. Against such overwhelming odds, you still look ahead with a smile on your face and hope in your eyes. Please tell me….how can you? I've been going over the problem a million times in my head, but I can't get an answer.

Axel: You wanna know? Sorry. I can't explain it to a machine.

Aslo: That right?

Axel: Yeah. A duelist is like that. Even if things look back, our pride means we can't give up. All we can do is keep moving forward. No, I shouldn't say that. All we can do is keep moving forward and fight to the death. And my pride is like a stone wall. Even if you throw everything humanly possible at me, it won't even rattle my pride. Because my pride…has the pride of everyone else!

Aslo: ….Heh. You're wrong. I CAN understand you in some way. Armen built me. I owe him my life. That's why I can not afford to lose either.

Yusuke: Wait….if he was the first human esqe android…where did Neo come from?

Axel: Well, that true? In that case….this'll be fun! Alright, I draw! I don't ask for miracles that often deck. But right now I could use something good! Draw! Heh. I use Pot of Greed. Now I draw two more cards. Now I use Angel Baton. This lets me draw 2. ….I send a card to the graveyard now. Next I summon Draco-Man [ATK 600/DEF 500 LV 2]. By reversing the level of one monster on the field by 1, I can Special Summon this card from my hand. I decrease the level of Draco-Man [ATK 600/DEF 500 LV 1] and summon back Level Cutter [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. Level 1 Draco-Man tunes with level 1 Level Cutter.

Cutter becomes 1 ring that Man flies through, becoming 1 star [1 + 1 = 2]

Axel: Stir up the storm as lightning and shock the world below you. Synchro Summon! Synchro- Tuner, Stormy Synchron [ATK 300/DEF 500 LV 2].

Aslo: Synchro-Tuner?!

Axel: When I first got this, I did not understand why. Now I completely understand. A hero needs to protect the people around him. But in addition, he can not put anyone at risk, no matter what. I've always battled alone in my duels. Just me and my deck against the world. It's because I fight with my best that no one else has to. That way, people can entrust everything to me and not get hurt. And that is what makes me a hero!

Aslo: You believe that? If you ask me, it just makes you selfish. As though you want all the glory.

Axel: At least I fight for something I believe in. I can tell just by looking at you. You don't believe in your own cause do you!

Aslo: Watch your tongue worm! I must fight for my cause! Isn't that obvious from right here and now?!

Axel: There's a difference between fighting for a cause and believing in it.

Aslo: Ugh!

Axel: Time to wrap this up! Spell card, Substitution. I pay 2000 life points [Axel LP = 100]. Now for this turn only, when I Synchro Summon a Synchro monster this turn, this Spell card counts as the other Material monster.

Aslo: Wait, but that means….

Axel: I tune my level 2 Stormy Synchron and level 10 Spell card.

Synchron becomes 2 rings that the Spell flies through, becoming 10 stars [2 + 10 = 12]

Axel: The heavens guide the shining light to the earth and cleanse the earth with its pure white lightning! Become the savior of the sky and earth! Accel Synchro! Show yourself, Silver Storm Dragon!

Lightning flashes as the monster appears, roaring and shooting lightning all over [ATK 4000/DEF 3800 LV 12].

Dex: He Accel Synchro Summoned!

Alicia: Get him!

Aslo: Fool. Cubic has more attack points.

Axel: That's not gonna bother me! Silver Storm Dragon attacks your Cubic. When he attacks, all other cards are destroyed and my opponent takes 600 points of damage for each one. I count Dark End Dragon and Fortissimo the Mobile Fortress. That's 1200 points of damage!

Aslo: By discarding Defendiel Guard 5, all damage I take is negated.

The lightning is blocked.

Axel: Time to attack! Silver Storm Dragon, attack his Cubic! Heaven's Force- Destruction Silver Lightning!

Aslo: I counterattack! The Cube of Despair! By removing a Machine Emperor part, Cubic isn't destroyed.

Cubic and Storm attack each other, their attacks colliding in midair.

Seth: But that'll leave Axel defenseless!

Tamika: Moron! Win!

Aslo: This is as far as you go!

Axel: Sorry, but I'll break down any wall you put up.

Aslo: So? Cubic won't be destroyed! That's the point!

Axel: Maybe it won't. But I don't need to do that. Silver Storm, when destroyed, deals 600 points of damage to the opponent.

Aslo: What?!

Axel: He becomes a sword to slash, and a shield to block. End this Silver Storm! Retribution Lightning Hell!

Cubic's attack goes through and destroys Dragon. Its pieces fly into the air and glow, shooting electricity in all directions. Aslo looks on in shock and closes his eyes.

Aslo: I'm sorry sir….but I couldn't help you.

The lightning bolts hit him [Aslo LP = 0]. Aslo is blasted back and he rolls across the ground until he comes to a stop. Axel deactivates his Duel Disk. Everyone runs over as Aslo crackles with electricity.

Tony: Is he okay?!

Marie: Moron. Does he LOOK okay?

Aslo: Axel….very nicely done. I didn't think you would stop Cubic. But you did…

Axel: Yeah, yeah.

Salia: Hey…are you going to be okay?

Aslo: Probably not. Listen….Axel….you were right. What Armen's planning….you have to stop it.

Koga: Huh? Weren't you against us a few minutes ago?

Shimmer: Yeah, this smells like a trap to me.

Aslo: I was a fool. All this time, I followed my father not because I believed in what he was doing, but because he was my dad. Axel….Yusuke…please stop him. If he succeeds…the whole world will be under his thumb.

Tier: You want us to stop him?

Aslo: You may not believe this, but he used to be a good man. He was never like this. Please….bring him back to the way he was before. Make it…Sokuji Armen once more, and not what he has become.

Yusuke looks upset, but nods.

Yusuke: I will….

Aslo: In that case, take this. It's the….only way….you'll…win….

His eyes fade to black as he puts a card in Yusuke's hand. He stares at it and looks pained, then nods.

Yusuke: Don't worry. I'll make sure he doesn't get away with this. Come on guys, let's move!

Everyone moves forward. Tamika walks up and punches Axel in the arm.

Axel: Ow! What the hell Tamika?!

Tamika: That's for taking so damn long to win! Although….you deserve props I guess. Nice job.

Axel: Heh. Like I really needed you to tell me. Still, we've got quite a battle ahead of us.

Tamika: Hmph. Guess so.

They smirk at each other as everyone heads down the staircase.

Armen: So you lost Aslo….very well. I suppose it all comes down to me.

He looks up as his eye glows red.

Ending

Narrator: The final battle begins. As the invasion begins, can Project Upsilon be stopped before it is too late? Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate: Episode 109: The Final Armen. Transform, Ultimate Machine Emperor

Card of the Day: Fortissimo the Mobile Fortress

Episode 107: The Last Obstacle in the Way

In a room deep below the surface of the earth, Aslo and Armen watch the end of the duel. Armen is mostly hidden by shadow.

Armen: Damn Neo. I knew it was a mistake creating him. Now I've lost Sigma as well….oh well, can't be helped. Still though, these pests have made it too far now. Aslo…

Aslo: Yes sir. You can leave it all to me.

He turns and walks off.

Armen: Don't fail me.

Aslo stops for a second. He starts moving again up a staircase. As he walks he stares at his hand.

Aslo: I won't fail you….father.

Opening

In the room before, everyone else stares down the staircase.

Tony: Kinda gives you an ominous feeling, doesn't it?

Tier: Indeed. But now that we've come this far, we can't afford to stop. Come on.

Alicia: Yusuke….are you…?

Yusuke: I'm fine. After this, I can't sit back. Come on. Let's get going. If Armen gets away with this, Neo will never forgive me.

Marie: Nice to see that fighting spirit.

They all start to head down the stairs. Seth struggles with his crutches and almost falls down before getting caught by Salia.

Seth: Don't. I'm not worth all the effort. You'd be better off leaving me behind and going on ahead.

Salia: No…problem. I don't mind one little bit. And besides, if we left you behind, we'd be letting Armen win. And no way we're letting that happen.

She stumbles as well and is caught by Shimmer.

Shimmer: Besides, we can't do this without you. What happened to that fighting spirit that I battled against?

Seth: That was a different time. Now….I'm not the king. I'm little more than dirt in the eyes of most people.

Axel is glaring at Seth as he walks down the steps.

Tamika: Yo, I asked you a question.

Axel: Sorry, what?

Tamika: What's wrong with you? Get your mind out of the gutter.

Axel: Well excuse me. I'm thinking about something else right now.

Tamika: We don't really have time for that. We need to stay focused on the objective at hand.

Axel: I know, I know!

Dex keeps walking when he stops.

Dex: Hey guys, do you hear footsteps?

Alicia: Yeah but….they're walking UP the stairs?

Everyone prepares themselves as Aslo walks up the stairs.

Koga: Hey…isn't that Aslo?

Arnold: Armen's assistant. We should have known.

Aslo: I commend you for getting this far. But I'm afraid this is as far as you go. I'll stop you here.

Yusuke: We don't have time to deal with you. Look, you seem like a nice enough person, but we really need to keep moving.

Aslo: It is too bad then. Let me rephrase my sentence. I WON'T let you by. Unless you can defeat me that is.

Tamika: Hmph. You really think you're a match for us?

Aslo: Who will accept my challenge?

Axel: I will.

Everyone is surprised to see Axel said it. Aslo raises an eyebrow.

Dex: Hold on! Aren't we at least going to talk about this?!

Axel: There's nothing to talk about. I'm going to pound him flat, that's what!

Aslo: So you wish to fight me. I only wonder….why?

Axel: Hmph. I don't need a reason to want to crush you guys. You just make me sick! So, are you scared?!

Aslo: …I do not wish to fight you. I do not believe in violence. But Armen wants you defeated. So….be it. Come.

He walks back down the stairs and everyone follows. Aslo spins and meets everyone in the middle of a vast room.

Aslo: And now…..we duel.

He holds out his arm and the cloth of his shirt rips as his arm morphs into a Duel Disk.

Alicia: What?! He's a robot too?!

Axel: Heh heh. Interesting. Bring it on you pile of scrap metal!

He takes out his Duel Disk and puts it on his arm as it activates, slashing it through the air. One of Aslo's eyes fills with Momentum.

Both: Duel. [Aslo LP = 4000] [Axel LP = 4000]

Axel: You can go first. I don't mind.

Aslo: Don't lie. You want to go second so you can attack first.

Axel: Heh. Guilty as charged.

Aslo: Well, then let's duel. Draw. I use Graceful Charity. This lets me draw 3 cards. Then I send two cards in my hand to my graveyard [Wisel Attack 5 and Grannel Guard 3].

Tony: He's already using hand refresh cards? Does his opening draw suck that much?

Tier: Hm….no. Look at him. He shows no emotion at his hand. Either he has a great poker face or….he is not displeased with his hand at all.

Marie: In that case, he doesn't even need to draw. There's some other reason for it.

Aslo: Next I summon Wise Core in defense mode [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. I set one card on the field. And lastly I use the Field Spell, Fortissimo the Mobile Fortress.

Wires and metal spring up from the ground and link together into a giant steel fortress that surrounds the field. Axel looks around.

Axel: A Field Spell? That's different. Other than that, his deck seems pretty basic. This'll be cake!

Aslo: Turn end.

Axel: My turn. Don't think I'm impressed. Your Field Spell doesn't intimidate me. I summon Spear Dragon [ATK 1900/DEF 0 LV 4]. I attack your Wise Core! Bionic Spear Burst!

It roars and shoots a powerful stream of energy. It shatters Wise and the beam hits Aslo as well, blasting him back a few steps [Aslo LP = 2100]

Axel: When Spear Dragon attacks a monster in defense mode, he deals Piercing damage.

Aslo: I see. But when Wise Core is destroyed, I get to destroy all monsters and summon these five monsters. Come, Machine Emperor Wisel Infinity [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1], Wisel Top [ATK 500/DEF 0 LV 1], Wisel Attack [ATK 1200/DEF 0 LV 1], Wisel Guard [ATK 0/DEF 1200 LV 1], and Wisel Carrier [ATK 800/DEF 600 LV 1]. Form, Machine Emperor Wisel!

Top becomes a head and attaches to Wisel. The monster roars as both arms transform and link onto the body. Carrier morphs into a set of legs and attach to the bottom as well as Wisel slashes the air and stands [ATK 2500/DEF 1200 LV 1].

Alicia: He already summoned a Machine Emperor?!

Axel: Not bad. But, when Spear Dragon attacks, he goes to defense mode [ATK 1900/DEF 0 LV 4]. I set two cards and end my…

Aslo: At this time, the effect of Fortissimo activates. If you did not summon a Machine type monster this turn, you take 100 points of damage.

A laser fires and streaks across the ground, blowing up. Axel screams in pain afterwards [Axel LP = 3900]

Dex: Axel!

Tamika: Damn! What is this?!

Axel: Heh….only 100 points of damage? Big whoop! Your bug bites don't even tick me off! Turn end. Damn…for 100 points of damage that actually really stung. Not to mention that card works on every monster except Machine. Damn….I don't even have one Machine monster in my deck. If I don't end this duel soon, it's really going to be a pain.

Aslo: I draw. I use Graceful Charity.

Axel: Another one?

Salia: Why is he drawing so many cards?

Koga: Maybe he has a bad hand.

Arnold: No, that's not it. He's looking for something. That must be it.

Aslo: This'll do. I use Dark Hole. This destroys all monsters out.

Tony: Wait, what's he doing?!

A black hole appears and sucks in all the monsters.

Shimmer: But…why? He had the advantage in terms of monsters. Why would he send his own Machine Emperor to the graveyard?

Aslo: Trap card, Infinite Prison. When a Machine Emperor monster is destroyed, I send a card to the graveyard [Batiel Top]. Next I take Wise Core from my graveyard and place it in my Spell and Trap card zone.

Wise Core appears and moves to the upper right part of the card.

Yusuke: Now he's bringing back the Cores? Why not keep them on the field to begin with?

Aslo: Next I summon Sky Core in defense mode [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. Turn end.

Axel: Heh. You think destroying my monster gets rid of it for good? Sorry to disappoint you! I draw. Trap card, Call of the Haunted. This lets me revive one monster in attack mode. Come on back, Spear Dragon [ATK 1900/DEF 0 LV 4]. I attack Sky Core! Bionic Spear Burst!

It shoots a stream of energy that destroys it and hits Aslo in the chest, sending flying backwards and onto his side. He slowly gets up as he moans in pain [Aslo LP = 200].

Alicia: He took almost all of his life points!

Dex: One more turn and it's over.

Aslo: Not bad. But when Sky Core is destroyed, I get to Special Summon these five monsters from my deck. Come on, Machine Emperor Skiel Infinity [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1], Skiel Top [ATK 600/DEF 0 LV 1], Skiel Attack [ATK 1000/DEF 0 LV 1], Skiel Guard [ATK 200/DEF 300 LV 1], and Skiel Carrier [ATK 400/DEF 0 LV 1]. Form, Machine Emperor Skiel.

Attack and Guard merge together into a gun with a laser cannon at the bottom as it fuses with Infinity. Carrier splits into two wings and merges with the sphere. Top transforms into a head that links with the top as the monster roars and flies around [ATK 2200/DEF 300 LV 1].

Marie: A second Machine Emperor.

Axel: Not like it matters to me. I'll crush it. At this time, Spear Dragon goes to defense mode [ATK 1900/DEF 0 LV 4]. I summon Wish Dragon in defense mode [ATK 700/DEF 100 LV 2]. That ends my turn.

Aslo: You have zero Machine monsters on your side of the field. Therefore, Fortissimo deals 100 points of damage to you.

A laser fires and scrapes against the ground again as the sparks hit Axel and he cries out again. [Axel LP = 3800].

Axel: He's not even dealing that much damage! How is he hurting me this badly?!

Aslo: Here we go, my turn. Machine Emperor Skiel attacks Spear Dragon. Sky Cannon.

Skiel aims its gun at the monster and fires a powerful beam of energy that blows up the monster when it hits.

Axel: So you finally attack me eh coward?!

Aslo: Turn end. Since I have a Machine Emperor, which is a Machine monster, Fortissimo won't deal damage.

Tier: So he uses a deck full of Machines and quickly swarms the opponent. Meanwhile, he uses Fortissimo the Mobile Fortress to deal 100 points of damage to his opponent every turn he lacks a Machine monster.

Marie: The fact of the matter is that not every duelist uses Machine monsters. Axel's unlucky enough not to have a single one. Which means slowly he'll be whittled down. Sure, it's only 100 life points per turn, but add in Battle Damage and such, and he'll be in trouble before long.

Axel: So much for a fight. I draw. Here we go! By releasing Wish Dragon, I get to Special Summon two Dragon Tokens [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1 each]. And that was not my Normal Summon! Which means I can still summon out this monster. By releasing two weaker monsters, I summon this! One of the rarest cards in the game, with scales pure as snow, with eyes as fierce as the raging ocean. I summon Blue- Eyes White Dragon [ATK 3000/DEF 2500 LV 8].

Tamika: Hmph, show off.

Aslo: Ho. I thought Synchro monsters were your forte. I wasn't expecting you to summon that.

Axel: As if. Your monster kills Synchros, so I summon a Synchro? Get real! Blue- Eyes White Dragon attacks Machine Emperor Skiel Infinity. Burst Stream of Destruction!

Aslo: Skiel Carrier's monster effect. Once per turn, I can negate an attack.

The wings flap and a wind blocks the attack.

Axel: I can deal with that. Trap card, Dragon's Anger. When a Dragon type monster fails to destroy its opponent in battle, it destroys one monster on the field. I destroy Machine Emperor Skiel Infinity! And when that monster is destroyed, all your monsters are destroyed!

Skiel glows and blows up. Aslo doesn't even react.

Aslo: Infinite Prison. I discard one card from my hand and return Sky Core to the field as a Spell card.

Sky Core appears and goes to the left side of the card.

Tier: He added another card to the field. I don't like this….not one bit.

Axel: I set a card and end my turn.

Aslo: At this time, the effect of Fortissimo activates.

A laser fires and hits Axel once more, sending him flying back [Axel LP = 3700].

Axel: This is nothing! I don't get this guy. He has all these Machine Emperors, but he hasn't used a single one physically. Yet he still sends cards to the grave. What's his goal?

Aslo: I draw. Spell card, Tumbling Tower. This lets me send three cards from the deck to the graveyard and draw 3 cards. Perfect. I summon Grand Core in defense mode [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1]. I set one card and end my turn.

Axel: Hmph. You just took your last turn! Here we go, draw! I use Fissure. This lets me destroy the monster on the field with the lowest attack. You only have one monster. That means I'll destroy it.

The monster is crushed. Seth stands and looks shocked as Aslo begins to smile

Seth: He's….happy?

Aslo: You don't learn do you? By destroying Grand Core, these five monsters are summoned. Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity [ATK 0/DEF 0 LV 1], Grannel Top [ATK 500/DEF 0 LV 1], Grannel Attack [ATK 1300/DEF 0 LV 1], Grannel Guard [ATK 500/DEF 1000 LV 1], and Grannel Carrier [ATK 700/DEF 700 LV 1]. Form, Machine Emperor Grannel!

Infinity floats into the air. Carrier morphs into a self levitating jet that attaches to the base. Attack and Guard respectively transform into a gun and a shield and become the arms. Top morphs into a head and attaches to the top.

Alicia: Now he's summoned a third one…

Axel: Hmph. Sorry to disappoint you. I've already beaten that thing. It no longer intimidates me. Besides Grannel's attack points are equal to your life points. With only 200 life points, it only has 200 attack points [ATK 200/DEF 0 LV 1]

Aslo: Yes, it would seem that way. I set a card and end my turn.

Tony: For the last guy left, he's pretty tame. He hasn't done anything tremendous or anything.

Marie: No. With that Infinite Prison, he must be planning something.

Yusuke: Skiel, Wisel, Grannel. Beta, Gamma, Delta. Wait….it can't mean that…

Axel: I draw. I attack Machine Emperor Grannel Infinity with Blue- Eyes White Dragon! Burst Stream of Destruction.

It fires lightning that rips through Infinity, causing the whole thing to blow up.

Tamika: He didn't even try to block it that time. We were right. That was his goal.

Aslo: By discarding one card, Grand Core is placed in the Spell and Trap card zone. Well Axel, you didn't deal damage. Nice attack though.

Axel: If you thought that was great, hang on a second. Trap card, Slash Charge! When I destroy a monster, half of its attack points are dealt as damage. Grannel had 200 attack points, so you take 100 points of damage.

Aslo barely has time to react as something quick slash him. He screams as a ripping sound is heard [Aslo LP = 100].

Axel: Heh. ….Huh? HUH?!

Alicia: It can't be!

Dex: That's…impossible!

Aslo: So now you know. You know me as Aslo, Armen's faithful servant. But in reality….

He moves to his chest and more ripping is heard. Everyone looks in shock as metal is shown with a symbol on it.

Aslo: I am Project Xi of Armen's 24 projects. And he is also….my father.

Axel: Armen is…your father?

Yusuke: No way.

Aslo: And now Axel Seshia, you lose.

Grand Core appears and the room shakes.

Tony: What's going on!?

Salia: Why is the room shaking?!

Aslo onlygrins as Axel snarls in anger.

Ending

Narrator: Time is drawing close to the end. As the final Divine Machine Emperor appears, can they win before the date of the end arrives? Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate, Episode 108: Project Chi- Infinity Cubic

Card of the Day: Fusion Minds

Episode 106: Goodbye Yusuke…

In the wide room, Dex's Machine Force is destroyed by a Five- Headed Dragon. He screams as he is pushed back. Alicia manages to slice a Skull Archfiend of Lightning in half, only for Hate Buster to activate and destroy Warrior Princess Erica.

Alicia: Damn….these things are tough….

Up above, Tony is flung back as Blue- Eyes Toon Dragon is destroyed. He flips back up and pants. UFOroid Fighter destroys an Ultimate Obedient Fiend shortly after.

Tier: Are you okay?

Tony: Uh…yeah. He still hasn't lost any life points. This guy isn't human….

Marie: Stand back up. There are only more of these guys coming.

Tony: Fine, fine. I just hope Yusuke and the others are having more fun than we are.

Seth turns to look at the door behind him.

Seth: Yusuke….

Opening

Back at the duel, Sigma is still looking shocked [Sigma LP = 4000]. Yusuke stands with a smudge of dirt on his face looking angry [Yusuke LP = 1000]. Paladinel floats over the arena equipped with Synchro Eradicator Unit [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 8] and Wisel Guard 3. Yusuke has Soul Dragon Shaman still levitating over the field [ATK 3100/DEF 2300 LV 9].

Axel: He summoned it. He hasn't used that since his battle with Mars.

Tamika: I wasn't even aware he still had it in his deck.

Sigma: Woo-ee. I've never seen that thing before. Pretty sweet. Though I'll admit I'm surprised. I thought you were straight-up Synchro. Seeing you use Fusion is just weird dude.

Yusuke: I know. I don't like to use Fusion to be honest. But there are times when you just need to suck it up. To beat you, I'm just going to have to swallow my pride and go with it!

Sigma: No complaints! If it means you putting up a good fight, I wouldn't even mind if you taught a bear how to ride a unicycle! This is finally getting good!

Yusuke: What's with this guy? He's acting a lot more bloodthirsty than before. Is this….really the same Sigma?

Axel: He's seeing it too? There's something different about this Sigma.

Yusuke: I can't be sure yet though. I need to test this theory. Here we go, battle! Soul Dragon Shaman attacks your Paladinel!

Sigma: As long as Machine Emperor parts are on Paladinel, I can use their effects! I use the effect of Wisel Guard 3! Now your attack is redirected towards it and it isn't destroyed in battle.

Yusuke: Sorry to disappoint. I can negate the effect of a monster. I negate the effect of Wisel Guard 3.

Sigma: What?!

Yusuke: My attack hits your Paladinel. There's no escape! Dragonic Spell!

Sigma: You forgot squirt! By releasing Wisel Guard 3, my monster isn't destroyed.

The spell hits the monster. Sigma coughs in pain [Sigma LP = 2900] as the gauntlet blows up.

Axel: Yes! He dealt damage!

Tamika: This might just be what he needed after all.

Sigma: Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! This is exactly what I was asking for! Ha ha ha! Looks like I might enjoy myself after all!

Yusuke: Keep laughing. I'll punish you. I'll make it so that you never want to duel again!

Sigma: Oh yeah, sure kid, whatever you say.

Yusuke: I was hoping to reach Neo with that. Looks like I'll need to try again next turn. I set a card and end my turn.

Sigma: Back to me! Draw. You're so ignorant. You think I'd reveal all my monster's powers? My friend, you've only seen the tip of the iceberg. My monster has far more power than you could understand. His monster effect, when fused with a monster, allows him to absorb the monster. Even if this card fails, you won't be able to prevent the inevitable. Let's go little Yusuke! I summon Crociel Top 3 [ATK 900/DEF 0 LV 3].

The head flies up and fuses with Paladinel's helmet, becoming a larger helmet with a visor.

Sigma: And you know what that means? I can absorb Fusion monsters! Alright Paladinel, absorb his….

He gasps and tenses up again.

Yusuke: Neo?!

Sigma: Again!? Gah! I seriously need a word with Armen! At this rate, I'll need a new tune-up. Damn….I hate that. Anyway, I absorb your Fusion monster!

Yusuke: It would be incontinent now! Trap card, Interdimensional Matter Wall! I remove from play a monster until the End Phase of this turn.

The tentacles lash out when the monster vanishes.

Sigma: Heh. You just left yourself wide open. Now Paladinel can hit you directly!

It points its lance straight forward and charges. It prepares to ram Yusuke when a barrier appears and blocks the attack, shattering.

Sigma: Huh?

Yusuke: You should have let me finish. Interdimensional Matter Wall works until the End Phase of the turn. It negates damage equal to the attack points of the monster I removed.

Sigma: That right? Oh, you're right! Guess I caught up in the spur of the moment! Oh well, no harm, no foul, right? I end my turn by setting a card. Truth be told, I'm not as calm as I seemed. I really wasn't expecting that. Next turn I'll have to absorb that thing. It'll be trouble if it sticks around. And then I'll crush him. Human heart….ptah!

???: I won't let you!

Sigma: Huh? Hey uh, not to sound crazy, but did you guys hear that?

Tamika: Hear what?

Axel: Clean your ears out! No one said anything!

Sigma: Right, I knew that! Just testing you! Great, now I'm really losing it. Sometimes Armen really pisses me off. It's bad enough I'm stuck to a door, now I gotta deal with voices in my head.

???: Don't deny it! You know it's me.

Sigma: Not listening! If I ignore you, you're not there!

Yusuke: Uh….what's with this guy? Is it…Neo?!

Sigma: Wrong! Whatever, just go!

Yusuke: Am I right? I need to make absolutely certain. Using the effect of Interdimensional Matter Wall, I can revive the monster I removed from play. Come on back, Soul Dragon Shaman [ATK 3100/DEF 2300 LV 9]. I don't have any other cards in my hand to play, so let's go ahead and battle! Go, Draconic Spell!

Sigma: By sending Crociel Top 3 to the graveyard, I can negate the destruction of my Paladinel!

Shaman spins its staff and fires magic from it. Paladinel holds up its spear and blocks the blast. The attack pushes through and shatters the helmet as Sigma gasps in pain and spits out oil [Sigma LP = 1800]

Sigma: Sorry. I'm still kicking. As long as I've got Machine Emperor parts, you can't do anything to me!

Yusuke: Not exactly. If a monster with a different Attribute is sent to the graveyard, the attack points of that monster are dealt to the opponent.

The monster twirls its staff again and fires a powerful beam of energy. Sigma's eyes widen as the blast hits. He screams as part of his chest blows off [Sigma LP = 900]

Yusuke: Uh oh! Are you okay?!

Sigma: ….Hey, that wasn't nice. Do you know how expensive my maintenance is? And they have to shut me down to do repairs. I'd rather read comic books….

Yusuke: Wait….you just got torn up and you don't care?

Sigma: As if. Course I care. I mean, I got my chest BLOWN OFF. But that's what happens when you're a machine. You break down. You spring leaks. Your limbs become rusty and old. And when that happens, you gotta get improved. It's just my life. I'd be a fool not to accept it.

Yusuke: Well….sure, you accept it. But are you really happy living like that? Knowing you're just a toy they can keep modifying?

Sigma: My feelings don't really matter. I am who I am. I was built to be a weapon of destruction. Neo was meant to be a human android that ended up inside me. All we really are is what we were built to be. If we don't accept it, he could destroy us at any time.

Yusuke: But that's the point! Doesn't it bother you at all?! Aren't you the least bit upset by that?!

Sigma: Well….like I said, my personal feelings don't matter. If I complain, I'll probably be turned into a soda can. So no, it doesn't really bother me. But you gotta understand…when you go on about free will and human hearts….it makes me want to blow chunks.

Yusuke: Fine. I'll show you how wrong you are! Turn end!

Sigma: Yeah, you do that. My turn. I change Paladinel to defense mode [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 8]. Next I summon Skiel Carrier 3 [ATK 600/DEF 0 LV 3].

It turns into a set of wings that connect and combine with Paladinel's own wings, growing in size.

Sigma: That'll do it for me.

Yusuke: Here we go, draw! Yes, I can work with this! I summon Heavy Crusher [ATK 1900/DEF 0 LV 4]. Battle. Soul Dragon Shaman attacks Paladinel!

Sigma: I use the effect of Skiel Carrier 3. I can negate an attack once per turn.

The wings spread out and block the attack

Axel: He managed to block one attack.

Tamika: Even if Yusuke attacks with Heavy Crusher, it won't deal damage.

Yusuke: Battle!

Crusher flies forward.

Yusuke: Is it really going to be that easy? After I attack, Skiel will be destroyed and my monster will go to defense mode. He can't keep drawing Machine Emperor parts. Sooner or later it'll be defenseless, but can I really destroy it as simply as that? Well, might as well at least try! I attack your monster! Heavy Fist!

Axel: No….it can't be that easy.

Sigma: You really are a fool. I know you have more than one monster in your deck. Trap card, Brief Showdown. When a monster in defense mode and a monster in attack mode battle, then both monsters go to attack mode [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 8].

Yusuke: No! I can't stop my attack!

Sigma: Should have been more careful!

Paladinel swings its lance and cuts through the monster, blowing it up. Yusuke cries out as he is blown back by the force [Yusuke LP = 900]. Sigma laughs when he tenses up again.

Sigma: This is getting really annoying now!

Axel: Hey, get up!

Yusuke: No good…it'll block every attack I try. Even if I have three monsters it won't be good enough if he draws a Machine Emperor.

Sigma: You've lost your spirit eh? Well, might as well end it then. I'm not fighting you if you aren't going to be a challenge. Draw. I use Gift of the Machine Emperors. This lets me draw for every Machine Emperor on my field. I have two, so I draw two cards. And now for just what I needed. I use…

Suddenly, he screams and tenses up again. Everyone looks in shock as Sigma's eyes turn blue and his head lolls.

Neo: Yu…suke…

Yusuke: Neo?! Neo, is it you?!

Neo: I….don't have much time. Only a little bit of…"me" was saved to this body. Listen…don't hold back! You can't let Armen have his way! Show no mercy!

Yusuke: But…you'll…

Neo: It's fine….I don't mind. I have nothing to lose. But you….you have friends. Friends counting on you to win this duel. Friends who are fighting just as hard to win. You can't let them down…not for me. So….

His eyes turn red again as Sigma snarls. He reaches up and rips his arm right out of its socket, tossing it away.

Sigma: There kid! You like that?! Now shut up and watch like a good little boy!

Yusuke: Neo….I get it.

Dex summons Machina Fortress and blasts away a robot as Alicia uses Evil Gunner Yumi. Everyone else is still fighting as Yusuke stands up.

Yusuke: Alright buddy. I'll win this duel…no matter what! Trap card, Iron Bars a Cage. Now my opponent can not use a specific kind of card as long as I remove the same kind in my deck. I choose Spell cards.

Sigma: What?!

Yusuke: I remove this from play [Steel Recycle Plant].

Sigma: Damn….how did he know I have Super Polymerization in my hand? Well…whatever. I set a card. Turn end.

Yusuke: I was right. The only card he can use is a Fusion card. He must be planning to use my monster. That's the only Machine Emperor that requires Fusion. There definitely is something more to that thing. I draw. I set a card and end my turn. Your monster is no longer in defense mode! That means I can go ahead and attack. Go.

Sigma: Come on kid, I'm not stupid! Trap card, Grapple Chain! This forces both our monsters into defense mode now. [ATK 2000/DEF 0 LV 8] [ATK 3100/DEF 2300 LV 9].

Tamika: Darn it.

Axel: Even so, nothing can help him. Unless….

Yusuke: I…I end my turn.

Sigma: Aha ha ha ha! Well now, that's it then!? Well, looks like you just drew your last card! I draw! From my hand!

Neo: No!

One of his eyes turns blue again as Sigma tenses and struggles.

Sigma: Step….off….kid!

Neo: I….won't!

Sigma: Damn brat!

Yusuke: Neo!

Neo: Yusuke…run….I'll…

Sigma begins to hit his own head and his eyes turn red again.

Sigma: Nuh uh! You aren't getting in the way again you little brat! From my hand, I use Super Polymerization! This lets me discard one card [Defendiel Top] in order to fuse one monster I control and one monster my opponent controls.

Axel: Fusion?! Again?!

Sigma: My Machine Emperor has one more effect! When fused with a monster that is not a Machine Emperor, he can absorb the monster instead. Your monster….is mine!

Paladinel's core becomes a vortex. It begins to suck in Shaman. It struggles as a tornado shoots out, capturing Shaman and sucking it inside of Paladinel.

Sigma: Aha ha ha ha ha! Now my monster gains its attack points [ATK 5100/DEF 2300 LV 8].

Axel: Over 5000 attack points?!

Tamika: No!

Sigma: Too bad kid! You put up a good fight! But now it's over!

Yusuke: Yes…it is. For you.

Sigma: …Eh?

Yusuke: Trap card, Implosion.

Sigma: Ah….ah….AHHHHHHHHHHH! Implosion?!

Yusuke: When one monster is equipped to another, that monster is destroyed. Then the opponent takes damage equal to its attack points. Sigma….I knew your ultimate goal was to absorb Shaman. So I set up a Trap. Knowing you would.

Sigma: Uh….quick, spit it out! Spit it out!

Yusuke: Too late. The bomb has activated. With this…I'll save Neo by destroying you. Goodbye Sigma.

Paladinel glows. It looks down as its chest expands. The monster screams as it blows up. The shrapnel flies towards Sigma as he screams and is surrounded by fire [Sigma LP = 0].

Tamika: He won….he won!

Dex and the others are panting.

Dex: That was tough.

Alicia: Come on, let's catch up.

Yusuke stands as Sigma is still there.

Yusuke: You lose. Let us by.

Sigma: I'll give you this kid; you put up a good fight. I'm honored to have fought you, even if I lost. Which…makes me sad to do this. Self-destruct.

Axel: What?!

A counter appears on Sigma's chest.

Sigma: Sorry. Armen wasn't going to let you by, no matter what. I was built, win or lose, to detonate and take you all with me. There's no escape.

Bars come down before Dex and the others can go inside.

Dex: What?

Alicia: What's going on in there?!

Yusuke: No! We didn't come all this way for it to end this way!

Sigma: I wish things could have been different….but they can't. Sayonara.

Everyone braces themselves when a glass wall slides down. Sigma looks surprised as one of his eyes turns blue.

Neo: Everyone, can you hear me?

Sigma: Kid?

Axel: That voice….

Tamika: Neo?!

Yusuke: Neo…it is you right?!

Neo: Yes. It's me. I don't have much time, but listen. I….want to thank you all. Even though I was a machine, even though I was Armen's tool. And for that, I'm grateful.

Yusuke: Neo…don't talk like that! We'll get you down! We'll stop Armen! And then we'll be able to have fun together again!

Neo: Yes, that would be fun. But….even I can't stop it,

Sigma: Kid, hold on a second….

Neo: Just promise me. You'll stop Armen. That's all I need.

Yusuke: Neo, don't do it!

Axel and Tamika hold him back as Neo glows.

Neo: Goodbye….Yusuke.

Yusuke: No!

Neo blows up. In the explosion, Neo and Sigma stand side by side.

Sigma: You really have no regrets?

Neo: ….No.

Sigma: Heh. Me neither. I got to fight a lot of strong guys, so I'm content. Here's hoping there's a robot heaven.

He vanishes as light begins to engulf their void. Neo smiles and holds a hand up to his chest.

Neo: I…have a heart. And now Yusuke….I….

The explosion engulfs him. The door is blown off as everyone runs in.

Alicia: Yusuke?

He is lying on the ground crying. Neo's image appears as he remembers first finding him, staying at his house, fighting against Angelo and Diablo, turning into Sigma, and being defeated. He clenches his fist and screams.

Yusuke: NEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Ending

Narrator: The end is nearing. Let your loyalties stand…and be ready to fight. Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate: Episode 107: The Last Obstacle in the Way.