Episode 132: The Three Resolves, The Three Duelists
A wall crumbles as a hooded figure is tossed out, vanishing as a door appears and sucks him inside. Oedipus begins to pants and falls to the ground.
Oedipus: Can't…keep this up…much longer.
Someone turns the corner. Oedipus turns and frowns.
Oedipus: You…
Horse: You look like you're about to keel over there. How about I just finish you here and now?
Oedipus: …How is it? That I'm the one who can't see, and yet you're the blind one?
Horse: I have no idea what you're talking about.
Oedipus: Don't worry. You won't have much time to think it over anyway.
The two activate their Duel Disks.
Opening
In a pile of rubble, a rock shifts a Koga stands up.
Koga: Ow, ow, ow….that hurt….
Arnold: I'm not feeling so good myself. Where's Salia?
Salia: Here….
She shifts some rubble aside and sits up, rubbing her head.
Salia: What the hell happened?
Arnold: Good question. …Hey, up there!
Koga: We must have fallen through that hole in the ceiling. Right, I remember now!
In a flashback, Seth is fighting. Salia, Arnold, and Koga are on his opposite side fighting.
Salia: We're wiping out a lot of them.
Seth: Be careful. We could be attacked from all sides. Hey, look out!
A duelist laughs as his Burning Dragon attacks, shooting fire. It hits nearby and causes a massive explosion. Salia is blasted forward.
Seth: Salia!
Koga and Arnold run over as the floor beneath them collapses.
Arnold: Right. The floor did collapse. We must have fallen to the next floor.
Koga: But where's Seth? Did we get separated?
Salia: I hope he's okay…did he fall down too? Is he under all this rubble?
Arnold: Don't worry. I'm sure he's fine. Right now, we need to concentrate on getting out of here.
They begin walking. Elsewhere, Oedipus falls to his knees as a door sucks him in. Horse turns and smirks.
Horse: Looks like they'll be coming my way. I've been waiting for this.
Seth is on another floor, sifting through rubble.
Seth: Not here either….damn it guys! Where did you go? You're still alive right? No, don't think like that. They've got to be okay. They're strong.
Hooded figures suddenly surround him.
Hooded figure: Stop right there! The Crossed Brotherhood owns your soul now!
Seth: Besides….looks like I'm busy right now.
Salia, Koga, and Arnold keep walking.
Salia: This place feels creepy…
Arnold: Creepy? I think the atmosphere is pretty tense myself.
Salia: It's just such a big place. And now it feels so empty. And all this destruction.
Koga: It feels desolate to me. Just…sad.
Arnold: Yes, yes. I see what you mean now.
Horse: Get used to it. Soon, the world will be as empty as this dinky little castle.
They all turn as Horse is standing there.
Koga: W-Who are you?!
Horse: I am Horse, one of the Crossed Brotherhood and member of the Zodiac, the highest ranking branch among the Brotherhood. However, you know me by a different name.
Horse grins and pulls down his hood. Salia and Koga both look stunned as Arnold growls.
Salia: Milo! Milo, is that you?!
Milo: The little wench remembers my name. I feel…disgusted with myself.
Koga: But how can this be?! You vanished during the events with Pandora!
Milo: I did not vanish. All this time, I've been biding my time. You see, I've got a bone to pick with Seth. Since you're his little buddies, you'd be the most obvious targets.
Arnold: Milo. I am just your successor, but I heard about you. I can understand your motivations enough. But the actions you performed…those I can't overlook.
Milo: So you're his new manager. Hmph. Like puppets on a string. I feel sorry for you. Having to work for that fool…
Salia: That's enough! We're not going to stand here and let you insult him! If you really want to talk trash, do it after fighting us!
Milo: What's this? Do you intend to challenge me to a three-on-one duel?
Koga: Yes! We won't let you by!
Arnold: I'm not an ethical person…but I know you have nothing but bad intentions.
Milo: Three-on-one eh? I like those odds! Fine, you're on! I'll even let you duel without me having a handicap.
Arnold: No handicap? He must be pretty confident of his own abilities. We should tread carefully. We have no idea the depths to which his power sinks.
Milo: Except one…you three aren't allowed to share card effects.
Arnold: Really? I see. That doesn't change the fact you're fighting three separate enemies then.
Horse: Let's get started!
Horse lifts his arm as a Duel Disk appears. Arnold, Salia, and Koga line up as their Duel Disks activate.
All 4: Duel! [Koga LP = 4000][Arnold LP = 4000][Salia LP = 4000][Milo LP = 4000].
Seth throws someone back. A group of robed figures moan and groan as Seth looks around.
Seth: They may be weak, but there sure are a lot of them. Now, where are…
He suddenly tenses up.
Seth: What? What's with this dark aura? Something just like it cropped up a few minutes ago, but this one is different. Just what is going on?
He runs off. Elsewhere, all 4 look prepared.
Milo: In three-on-one matches, the three players always go first. Go ahead, take the first turn. It'll be meaningless either way.
Salia: That's where you're wrong!
Milo: You're as much of a spitfire as I remember. Well, if I also recall correctly, your dueling skills leave a little less to be desired.
Koga: Hey, we'll have you know we've been practicing!
Milo: Ha ha! The fata [ss] has been practicing? This should be good!
Koga: I…I'm not fat….
Arnold: Calm down you two. He's trying to rile you guys up. A duelist who is distracted has a 100% chance of losing.
Salia: Right, right! Gotta stay focused. Draw! I use the Spell card Terraforming. This lets me take a Field Spell from my deck and add it to my hand. Now I play the Field Spell, The Sanctuary in the Sky.
The Field changes with some rubble still scattered.
Salia: As long as this card is out, all Battle Damage dealt to a Fairy monster is negated. Next I summon Gellenduo [ATK 1700/DEF 0 LV 4]. This monster is not destroyed in battle. With that, I end my turn.
Milo: Still using cute little monsters. Pathetic.
Koga: Looks like my turn. I draw! Better play defensive. No telling what this guy will try. I set a monster. I also set a card and end my turn.
Arnold: Looks like my turn. Draw! First a peek at your hand. I use the Spell card Confiscation. By paying 1000 life points [Arnold LP = 3000], I get a peek at your hand. Let us see then.
Milo: Hmph. Go ahead.
Arnold: Let's see…nothing too serious. That one monster looks to be a problem. Discard Trojan War- Warrior Agamemnon!
Milo: Fine. It really doesn't change anything for me.
Arnold: I set one monster, one card, and end my turn.
Milo: How pitiful for you. You actually believe you have a difference. You have not scared me or held me back. Let me show how a real duelist fights! You three are fools who do not understand the true meaning of skill!
Salia: Says you! You never dueled either! What makes you think you're that much stronger than we are!
Milo: I'll show you proof! Draw! I use Graceful Charity. I draw 3 cards and discard two. Now I summon Trojan War- Warrior Patroclus [ATK 1900/DEF 200 LV 4]. From my hand, I equip him with Legendary Sword. This raises his power by 300 [ATK 2200/DEF 200 LV 4] Battle. When this monster is summoned to the field, I can destroy all Spell and Trap cards on the field. But if I choose to use this effect, he is destroyed at the end of the turn.
Salia: What?! All of our Spell and Trap cards?!
Arnold: Not good…
Milo: That's not all. I remove from play Trojan War- Warrior Philoctetes in order to allow my monster to attack all monsters on the field. But at the End Phase, that monster is removed from play.
Koga: No! His monster will be gone anyone, so it won't matter!
Milo: Battle! Patroclus, attack all their monsters.
It swings its spear and dashes forward, impaling Arnold's set monster [Magical Elf Burgundy]. It swings the spear around and stabs Koga's monster [Armed Ninja].
Salia: Koga, Arnold!
Milo: I'd be more concerned about your own position! After all, you have only one monster in attack mode.
Patroclus stabs Gellenduo. Salia screams in pain as she is flung back. [Salia LP = 3500]
Arnold: Salia! Are you okay?!
Salia: Ow…I shouldn't have left it in attack mode. It's my fault…
Milo: You should be used to things being your fault. I wouldn't let it get to you anymore. I set two cards. At this time, Patroclus destroys himself. Turn end.
Salia: Okay, time to make my comeback! Here I go, draw! I summon Shining Abyss [ATK 1600/DEF 1800 LV 4]. Now you're the one who is defenseless. Go get him Shining Abyss! Shining Ray!
It fires a beam of light. Milo grins as the light hits a wall and reflects back. Salia gasps it hurts her and she flies back.
Milo: Trap card, Turtle Formation! When I receive a direct attack, I can negate it and deal half the damage to the opponent [Salia LP = 2700]
Salia: No way…
Milo: You're not off the hook yet. Trap card, Double- Tipped Spear. This lets me deal twice the effect damage you would normally take.
Abyss turns and hits Salia, sending her flying back again screaming [Salia LP = 1900].
Koga: Salia! You jerk! Stop it!
Milo: If it is too much for her, then she's a fool. She should have known I was much stronger than her.
Salia: The pain….it hurts so bad…am I going to die? No! I can't just quit! If I do, Seth will get hurt!. I set a card and end my turn.
Koga: Looks like my draw. Here I go! I summon Flame Armor Ninja [ATK 1700/DEF 1000 LV 4]. Get ready for this! I attack you directly Milo! Flame Blade!
Milo: I use the effect of a monster in my hand. I can discard Trojan War- Warrior Anchises to negate damage from a direct attack. In addition, I can redirect half that damage to my opponent. Salia, take this!
The fire sword hits Milo, but it is blocked. The fire is sucked away and fired as a bullet towards Salia. She stifles a screams as it hits her, sending her flying back [Salia LP = 1050].
Koga: Oh no, Salia! Stop it! Why are you concentrating on her?!
Milo: I have special references to her. Don't worry. I'll make sure to finish you second. You'll have plenty of time to lament your failures in life.
Salia: Don't worry….this is nothing.
Koga: Salia…okay, if you're sure. I set a card and end my turn.
Arnold: I see…looks like we need to try a different approach. Let's try it, draw! I summon Don Zaloog [ATK 1400/DEF 1500 LV 4]. Don Zaloog, hit him directly! Double Blast!
Zaloog draws both guns and fires, sending Milo backwards, scraping his feet against the ground [Milo LP = 2600].
Arnold: And now for his effect. Send two cards from your deck to the graveyard.
Milo: That's all? If you count that as a victory, you're sadly mistaken.
Arnold: Regardless. If you keep hurting Salia, you'll get worse.
Koga: We're make sure to protect her.
Salia: Koga…Arnold…
Milo: …Fine. I was going to be lenient with you, given our history, Koga. But I will not any longer. Draw! I use Spoils of War. This lets me draw 2 cards if my life points are higher than my opponent's.
Arnold: Damn…all three of us are his opponents. Since Salia has low life points..
Milo: Draw. Now I summon Trojan War- Warrior Hector [ATK 1800/DEF 1000 LV 4]. Battle. Destroy Shining Abyss.
It swings the axe and cleaves her monster in two. Salia cries out as it blows up and is sent flying back once more [Salia LP = 850].
Milo: Does it hurt even more now? No…this pain is not enough. To satisfy me, no amount of pain will ever be enough. I set a card and end my turn.
Salia: My…my turn. I set a monster in defense mode. I set one card and end my turn. Guys…I'll leave it to you now…
Seth is heading down the stairs and hides behind a wall as he watches.
Seth: They are dueling. But who…Milo?!
Koga: My turn, draw. I summon Ninja Grandmaster Sasuke [ATK 1800/DEF 1000 LV 4]. I Overlay my level 4 Ninja Grandmaster and Flame Armor Ninja.
Both Ninjas become lights and fly into a spiral.
Koga: With these monsters, I construct the Overlay Network. Exceed Summon! Show yourself, Blade Armor Ninja [ATK 2200/DEF 1000 RANK 4]. Ninja, strike down Hector!
It draws a sword and chops it in half. Milo barely responds [Milo LP = 2200]
Koga: H-He didn't even flinch! Turn end!
Arnold: Here we go, draw! What's with him? He's not nervous at all. So many of his monsters are already gone. Wait…he's been sending monsters to his graveyard throughout the course of the entire game. No! That's been his game from the very start! I've got to beat him right here and now! Draw! I summon Black Ptera [ATK 1000/DEF 500 LV 3]. This should be enough. Black Ptera, direct attack!
It screeches and fires a sonic wave, blowing Milo back a few inches [Milo LP = 1200].
Arnold: Yes! And now the finishing blow! Get him Don Zaloog!
Milo: Trap card, Flashbang. This card ends the turn since I took a direct attack.
Arnold: No! I couldn't finish him! Turn end…
Milo: Back to me, draw! I've wasted enough time with you people. Get ready, for this is the real end! I remove 3 Warrior monsters from play.
Arnold: I was right!
Milo: This lets me Special Summon this card. When this card is summoned, all monsters other than him are destroyed. Come forth, Trojan War- Warrior Tenes!
All monsters suddenly blow up. Salia, Koga, and Arnold all flinch as the monster appears [ATK 3000/DEF 0 LV 8].
Koga: 3000 attack points…
Milo: Battle. I attack you directly Koga.
It swings its sword, slashing Koga across the chest. He is flung back [Koga LP = 1000].
Salia: Koga! Please, stop!
Milo: That was punishment for defending you. The fool should have known better. Don't worry. I'll focus on you once your friends have learned a lesson.
Arnold: Fine Milo, go ahead. But let me just say…you're pathetic!
Milo: …Come again?
Arnold: You think you're so strong? Let me tell you that you're not! If you follow hatred, you won't succeed! All you will experience is sorrow. And the pain you give us isn't real pain! So go ahead, hurt us! But the pain will not make us cry!
Milo: …You're lucky Salia. Before I finish you…I must shut this fool up.
Seth: No…Arnold!
Arnold: Seth?!
Milo: Good, you're here. Watch, former king. I will take everything from you and leave you with nothing! I remove Trojan War- Warrior Protesilaus. This lets my monster attack a second time if it already dealt damage. Go, Teles, finish him! Massive Sword.
Arnold braces himself as the attack gets closer.
Salia: Trap card, Light Chain.
Koga: …no…don't!
Salia: This lets me take an attack as a direct one. In addition, this is my own card! Not a defending card, you can't stop it!
Koga: No….no!
Arnold: Salia!
Salia: I'm sorry guys. This is as far as I go. But good luck to you guys. Please…win.
Arnold: So you're first eh? No problem! Finish her!
Seth's eyes widen as Salia is slashed across the chest, being flown back [Salia LP = 0]. Koga and Arnold freak out as Seth begins to step forward.
Salia: I'm sorry I was so weak. Good luck…please win for my sake. Mother…make dinner for one. Seth…goodbye. You were my best friend. I'll miss you most of all. I…I…
A door appears. It begins to suck her inside. Koga and Arnold start crying out as Milo smirks. The doors slam shut.
Seth: SALIA!
To be continued
Baron: Today we'll be going over Trojan War- Warrior Teles. This card is Special Summoned by removing 3 Warriors. And it destroys all other monsters. But if summoned this way, you can't summon any other monsters.
Yusuke: Hey, you're back now? That's great!
Baron: I actually just came to get my paycheck. Later.
Yusuke: Oh….