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.