Card of the Day: Power Tool Dragon

Episode 103: The Truth of Sokuji Armen

In a city, a man is walking down the street. He takes out a cloth and dabs at his forehead as he pants.

Man: So hot…I'm dying…

???: Sir!

He turns and sees two kids wearing sunglasses.

Man: Yeah?

Girl: You look awfully warm. Would you like something to drink?

Man: No thanks. I'm late for work as it is.

Boy: But you sure look thirsty! And look! Our new water not only quenches your first, but it also helps you lose weight! And not only that, it also affects your adrenaline and makes you more energetic! It's all due to our specially created formula!

Man: Really? Well, that is impressive. And my wife is always telling me I need to lose weight….okay, give me a bottle!

The boy tosses the man a bottle. He flicks off the top and drinks it down. He wipes his mouth and sighs.

Man: Damn, that is good water. In fact, I feel energized already! I feel like I could walk around the whole world and not get tired! I feel like….

He takes a few steps and then collapses. Dex and Alicia grin at each other.

Dex: He fell for it.

Opening

In an alley, three people are asleep as Yusuke, Axel, and Tamika are standing by. Dex and Alicia walk in dragging the man and drop him.

Alicia: And there's number 4.

Axel: About time. How long was it going to take you? I got mine hours ago.

Tamika: That's because you beat him up. You were supposed to give him the spiked water so no one can pin it on us. We've got enough charges, we don't need an extra assault charge.

Axel: Hey, he wouldn't take the water. I had to take drastic measures.

Yusuke: Well, it was unorthodox, but we got everything we need. Now we can go ahead and infiltrate AllTech.

Dex: Right. So, what's the plan? Just one more time?

Yusuke: Basically, me, you, Alicia, and Axel are going to infiltrate AllTech. Tamika and Seth are going to be here on standby. I want you three to go to Armen's main database. If there are any records of what he's up to, chances are they'll be in there.

Dex: Sounds like a plan.

Axel: Sounds like boring work to me, but whatever.

Alicia: Hang on. What are you going to do then?

Yusuke: I want to look around the building. Maybe there's some physical evidence lying around that can convict Armen.

Axel: Sure. It's just lying around in a pile waiting for someone to stumble across it. Makes perfect sense.

Yusuke: Well, right now we don't have any other plans. This is our only option.

Axel: I'm not saying that. We just need to be careful.

Tamika: Says the guy who knocked out his target.

Axel: Stuff it.

Yusuke: Okay guys, we need to move! The day shift starts soon and it would look very conspicuous if we aren't on time. Come on, get dressed. We need to move.

Everyone: Right!

In a mysterious location, Armen is typing on a keyboard.

Aslo: Everything's ready sir.

Armen: Good. In that case, I'll be leaving. Need to get things set up and what not. I'll expect you later Aslo, as soon as you take care of the…other matter.

Aslo: Yes sir! Of course sir.

Outside, Dex and Alicia are wearing business suits and walking towards the building.

Dex: The plan is that me and Alicia will enter the building first and get an overall layout of the building. Then we send those plans back to Seth and Tamika, who will analyze the blueprints and send us all a detailed map of the building. Then, Koga and Salia will cause some kind of distraction that will allow us to sneak away unseen and get to higher levels. Yusuke will sneak into the building through an air vent to find what he wants and Axel masquerades as an emergency worker to get inside the building. In theory it sounds like a good plan, but there are too many things that could go wrong. And if this plan goes wrong, it will REALLY go wrong.

Alicia: We'll just have to hope everything works out. Hopefully we can get away with this.

Man: Hey!

Both jump and scream.

Man: You forgot to scan your badges. The doors won't open unless you do.

Dex: Oh right….aha ha!

Alicia: Sorry. We're new here.

Man: Yeah. You must be. I've been working here 25 years and I've never seen you before in my life.

Dex: Well, you know. People need workers. And age doesn't equal skill.

Man: Don't I know it. Anyway, go on through. The computer recognizes your ID cards.

They entre through the doors and breathe sighs of relief.

Dex: That was WAY too close for comfort.

Alicia: You're telling me. I felt my heart leap into my throat.

Dex: Alright, we're in. Let's find a map or something.

They walk around a bit as people are busily running around and making phone calls.

Alicia: This place seems so normal. It's hard to believe they don't even know what's going on under their noses.

Dex: That's why we're doing this though. To let the people know Armen doesn't really care about them.

Alicia: Well yeah, I know what. I just wish….we didn't have to do this.

Dex: Neither do I, but it's the only way to clear our names. Oh, here!

A map of the building is on the wall. Dex takes out a handheld computer and types in buttons. He holds the PDA to the map as it scans the map and beeps. Seth is at a computer when the picture turns on.

Seth: Here we go. Phase 1 complete. From the looks of the map, the database is on the highest floor

Yusuke: Anything that looks out of place?

Seth: No, the building code seems to use the reasonable amount of electricity it should. So they can't be powering anything out of the ordinary. Unless...I compare these records with the records from the electric company. That should give me what we're looking for.

Yusuke: How are you going to get those though?

Seth: I had already asked to borrow them a little earlier. I was surprised they even agreed to it. I guess some people still see me as king…

Yusuke: The files?

Seth: Right. Basically, compared to the power grid from the electric company, the building doesn't seem to be using more electricity. Except…here in the basement. A lot of power has been flowing there recently. I'm not sure if it means anything, but it's a start.

Yusuke: Got it.

Inside, Alicia and Dex nervously drink water and look at the guards by the elevator.

Dex: Now?

Alicia: No. We need to wait for the signal first.

Dex: This sucks. Why weren't Salia and Koga more specific? If we don't know what the sign is, how can we leap into action?

Suddenly, a crash is heard. Everyone in the lobby turns as both Koga and Salia are wearing clown outfits.

Koga: Welcome everyone!

Salia: Time for our traveling circus to perform, on request of Sokuji Armen!

Man: Huh? Mr. Armen called you?

Man 2: I thought Mr. Armen hated clowns…

Salia: Everyone, take a break! Take a break! This is free entertainment for you straight from Armen's pocket.

Koga: Now, watch our grand Unicycle Act of Passion!

He jumps on a unicycle. Salia gets on top of him and Koga wheels around for a second before both collapse. Everyone laughs.

Man: Say, this is pretty funny!

Man 2: They're just like a comedy duo!

Koga stands up again grinning as he takes out a bottle of seltzer water and sprays Salia in the face. Everyone laughs even more as the guards grin at each other.

Guard 1: This is awesome! Armen sure knows comedy when he sees it.

Guard 2: I gotta get a closer look at this.

Both keep laughing as they walk off. Alicia and Dex just look confused.

Dex: Well….they distracted the guards. I guess that's what really matters. Though I wouldn't call it comedy…

Alicia: We'd better get a move on. Who knows how long they can keep this up for?

She turns as Salia tosses a pie in Koga's face. Everyone laughs. Dex heads to the elevator and swipes the fake ID in. The elevator opens and both step inside. The doors close and the elevator goes up. Music plays as they both stand nervous.

Dex: I wonder if everything else is going according to plan.

Outside, Yusuke looks around. All guards at the front gate are turned away watching Koga and Salia. Yusuke runs past quickly and heads to the back of the building. He kicks a window and it shatters. He looks around one last time and crawls inside.

Seth: They're in. We just leave it to them now.

Tamika: Time for phase 2.

Axel is leaning by his bike when his monitor changes.

Axel: About damn time. Alright, let's see how great my acting is.

People are clapping as Salia and Koga are now balancing on balls when a whistle is heard. Axel rushes in, disguised as a police officer.

Axel: Everyone, get away! I've just discovered there's a weapon here!

Man: A-A weapon!

Guard: But…those two kids are gone!

Axel: Yes! Everyone needs to leave the building right now! Otherwise we all could be in danger!

Guard 2: And why should we trust you?

Woman: Yeah, let's see some proof.

Koga and Salia nod. Salia presses a button. A noise like an explosion sounds. Everyone looks around in fear.

Axel: Evacuate, right now!

People scream and make a beeline for the doors. Axel pushes through as they do and heads to the elevator.

Axel: Code red! Requesting all personal!

He runs into the elevator and it goes up. He takes off the helmet and breathes a sigh of relief.

Axel: Man that was a close one. They almost didn't buy my act.

He gets out at the top floor as Dex and Alicia are using the computer.

Axel: Any luck?

Dex: This isn't exactly easy you know. The computer's password protected. I won't be able to log on unless I know the password.

Axel: The password huh? Hm…well, can't you hack past it?

Dex: Don't you think I've tried that? I'm telling you, this firewall is solid. It's built to keep people out.

Axel: Here, I think I know a solution. This is what my dad always does. If it doesn't work….

He stands near the computer and moves his foot back.

Axel: Give it a good kick!

He kicks the computer. Nothing happens except that his eyes well up with tears and he jumps up and down.

Alicia: Wow. That was SO effective.

Axel: Shut it….

Dex: Hm…hold on, give me a second. If I do this, I might be able to go OVER the firewall. Hold on….yes!

Alicia: You did it!

Dex: And now for his files.

As he clicks, binary code fills the screen. Everyone looks shocked.

Axel: What happened? Where's all the data!?

Dex: No….don't tell me it's all gone.

Alicia: Wait, something's coming up!

A duel screen appears to come up with text.

Axel: "Win in this turn?"

Dex: A Duel Puzzle! I see, it's like a second firewall. A firewall in case someone gets past the first.

Axel: Let's see here….you've got Cannon Soldier and Kuriboh [ATK 300/DEF 200 LV 1]. Set on your field is Multiply. In your hand, you have Cybernetic Magician, Token Thanksgiving, Stray Lambs, and The League of Uniform Nomenclature, and 1000 life points. Your opponent has Spirit Reaper [ATK 300/DEF 200 LV 3], a set card, and 5000 life points. Heh. This'll be easy! Leave it to me!

He sits down and types rapidly, a sprite appearing on the screen.

Axel: This'll be easy! First I use the Spell card Multiply. This lets me sacrifice Kuriboh and summon 4 Kuriboh Tokens [ATK 300/DEF 200 LV 1 each]. Next I release Cannon Soldier to Advance Summon my Cybernetic Magician [ATK 2400/DEF 1000 LV 6]. I discard two cards [Token Thanksgiving and Stray Lambs] to raise the power of two Tokens to 2000 [ATK 2000/DEF 200 LV 1]. Now I discard my last card to raise the power of Spirit Reaper [ATK 2000/DEF 200 LV 3]. When Spirit Reaper is affected by a card, he is destroyed. Now, both Kuriboh Tokens attack you directly!

Both Tokens ram into the computer sprite, the first buffering it [Computer LP = 3000], the second hit pushing it back [Computer LP = 1000].

Axel: Perfect! And now to end it! Cybernetic Magician attacks you directly!

Computer: Trap card, Narrow Corridor. Only two monsters can attack per turn.

Axel: …Huh?

Computer: Fail.

Axel turns to stone in shock as his sprite vanishes.

Alicia: Moron! You could have checked his face downs since it's a duel puzzle!

Axel: Shut up!

Dex: Hm….got it! You forgot to use Cannon Soldier's effect. You could have released the other Tokens.

Axel: …Damn it! How could I forget?!

Dex: Here, let me try.

His sprite appears.

Dex: Here we go! I use Multiply. I release Kuriboh and summon four Kuriboh Tokens [ATK 300/DEF 200 LV 1 each]. I release two Tokens and use Cannon Soldier's effect to deal 500 points of damage for each one.

Soldier points its gun and fires. The computer is hit and recoils [Computer LP = 4000].

Dex: I release Cannon Soldier to Advance Summon my Cybernetic Magician [ATK 2400/DEF 1000 LV 6]. Now I discard three cards from my hand. Using this effect, both my Tokens gain 2000 attack points and your Spirit Reaper is destroyed [ATK 2000/DEF 200 LV 1 each]. I attack directly with both Kuribohs.

Both slam into computer, blowing it up.

Computer: You win!

Alicia: Yes, you did it!

Axel: …Uh oh. Looks like there's a second puzzle.

Dex: Hm…this time the opponent has 2000 life points, a set monster, and three set cards. In his hand, he has Sinister Serpent. According to the computer, its three sets are Dimensional Prison, Magic Jammer, and D2 Shield and his set monster is Marshmallon. We have 1000 life points, Power Tool Dragon equipped with Megamorph and Sword of Dragon's Soul [ATK 5300/DEF 2500 LV 7]. In our hands there's Pot of Greed, Magic Hole Golem, and Release Restraint Wave. Our deck contains Fairy Meteor Crush, Ballista of Rampart Smashing, and Axe of Despair.

Axel: Hm…that's a tricky one. Power Tool has the power to search for equips. Use that to activate Release Restraint Wave. But then Marshmallon. If we attack it, it'll flip up and deal 1000 points of damage. So….

Alicia: I've got it! Let me!

Her sprite appears.

Alicia: It's all about the timing. I use Power Tool Dragon. Now three Equip Spells are taken from my deck. One is then added to my hand.

Computer: The right one.

Alicia: Here we go! I use Fairy Meteor Crush.

Axel: Huh?!

Computer: Trap card, Magic Jammer. By discarding one card, your Spell is negated.

Alicia: No worries. Now I use Pot of Greed and draw 2 cards. Next I equip Power Tool Dragon with Axe of Despair and Ballista of Rampart Smashing [ATK 6300/DEF 2500 LV 7]. Now I use Release Restraint Wave. I send Ballista to the grave to destroy all your Spell and Traps. Next I summon Magic Hole Golem [ATK 0/DEF 2000 LV 3]. By halving the attack points of Power Tool Dragon, I attack the opponent directly [ATK 3150/DEF 2500 LV 7]. Go get him! Crafty Break!

Dragon flies and hits the computer.

Computer: You win!

Axel and Dex: Awright!

Aslo: Too far….

He presses a button. Alarms blare throughout the building. Yusuke walks around a basement and freaks out.

Yusuke: No! Have we been detected!?

Dex: Uh….I don't like the sound of that!

Axel: We gotta move! Like now!

Alicia turns, but quickly slips a zip drive into the computer, taking it a few seconds later. Police surround the building. Salia and Koga look nervous.

Koga: What'll we do? They still need more time.

Salia: Um…let me think, um….follow my lead on this!

She reels back and punches him outside. She stomps after him growling.

Salia: I'll kill you!

Koga: Hold on, please stop!

Officer: Hey, what you kids doing!?

Officer: Knock it off! Hey stop, you'll kill him!

The officers crowd around them. Yusuke meets up with the others behind their backs.

Yusuke: Did you get it?

Alicia: Mm-hmm. Right here.

Axel: Now come on, move it!

They look outside and slowly sneak towards their D- Wheels.

Officer 3: Hey, it's them!

Dex: Move, move!

They get on their vehicles and race off.

Officer 4: Damn! After them!

They rush to their vehicles and give chase. Seth is in the control room and taps some buttons. Jupiter and Prometheus are on a roof.

Jupiter: The signal I believe.

Prometheus: Right.

His eyes glow silver and a wall appears, cutting the police off. They come to a stop and watch as Yusuke and the others get away.

Officer 5: Damn!

Aslo: Sorry sir. I couldn't stop them.

Armen: Oh well. It can't be helped. Sooner or later my location would have been compromised. At the very least, I'll get something set up for them. Get ready Aslo. Project Upsilon is ready to launch.

Back at base, they slip the zip drive into the computer.

Tamika: Time to see what's so important.

Files flash by as Seth looks through. He clicks on one and everyone gasps.

Alicia: This is a joke, right?!

Seth: No….this is the right files all right.

Dex: But that…that's sick.

Axel: According to this file….Project Upsilon is…

Tamika: To invade the world using an army of android robots. No way….this was what he was planning?!

Yusuke: It's worse than we thought. Much worse than we thought…

They stare at the screen which shows pictures of large, bulky robots.

Ending

Narrator: The time is nearing. The time to take a stand is near. Be prepared. If there is something you want to speak about, then stand up and defend your choice, no matter what. Next time on Yu-Gi-Oh! Riders of Fate, Episode 104: Project Upsilon Begins. To the Argo!