Episode 137: Reason to Protect
In a parade, people are cheering and celebrating. In the middle of it, servants are supporting a carriage with a man and a woman inside of it. The woman smiles and holds up an infant as the people cheer.
Ren: Do you see Rika?
A small child is near a much younger Ren.
Ren: That is Alphonse el Alejandro the 2nd. One day, he will become the baron of this nation. The job of the Conquistos is to protect the royal family. On that day, we will become the young lord's personal bodyguards. Until then, we must make sure he lives his life. Do you understand?
Rika: Yes…I do uncle.
Rika runs down the hall thinking this.
Baron: Are you okay?
Rika: Oh, I'm fine young lord! I'm just worried about my uncle, that's all.
Baron: You need not worry. I promise we will get there in time. You have my word as future baron of Spain.
Charlotte: What's wrong Ren? Shocked? I'm sure you are. After all, your job is to protect the royal family. I'm royal family. So, what will you do? Well Ren?
Ren: I regret to say this young lady. But my loyalty to the young lord comes first. And that means…you must be erased.
Charlotte: I was expecting that…very well. Bring it on old man!
Opening
[Rabbit LP = 3400] [Ren LP = 2600]. Rabbit/Charlotte has Top Twister in defense mode [ATK 2400/DEF 2000 RANK 4] and a set card. Ren has Karakuri Shogun mdl 00 Burei [ATK 2600/DEF 1900 LV 7] with no other cards.
Ren: May I ask a brief question before we continue?
Rabbit: Go on.
Ren: Why have you betrayed the royal family? They are your brothers, your friends. Why would you betray them for the hollow cause you are fighting for?
Charlotte: My cause is hollow? You're one to talk. Your cause is nothing BUT hollowness. You follow my brother yes, but why? Just because your family is part of the Conquistos. There is no personal reason. You blindly follow in the roots of your family. In my opinion, that's awfully pathetic.
Ren: Perhaps it is. But blindly fighting for a good cause is better than do something evil out of free will. I set a card and end my turn.
Charlotte: Back to me. I draw. I'm impressed you got out a good monster like that. Now I'm really going to enjoy myself! I remove the final Overlay Unit from Top [Unit = 0]. Now my monster can deal Piercing damage.
Ren: But why? You won't even be able to attack.
Charlotte: Maybe not. But I can at least do this. Spell card, Overlay Out. By using this card on my Exceed monster that has no Overlay Units, I send the Exceed monster to the graveyard and resummon the two Overlay Units. Come back, Debris Dragon [ATK 1000/DEF 2000 LV 4] and Plastic Soldier [ATK 500/DEF 0 LV 2]. When Plastic Soldier is Special Summoned, he gains a level [ATK 500/DEF 0 LV 3]. With that, I end my turn.
Ren: No Synchro Summons? Then why even have a Tuner monster?
Charlotte: What's wrong? Think too hard and your brain might go boom!
Ren: Hmph. How vulgar of you. Here I go, draw! I'd better play it safe for the time being. There's no telling what she's going to do next. I set one card on the field. Now then Karakuri Shogun, strike down her Debris Dragon!
Shogun draws its blade again and swings, chopping the monster in two as Rabbit barely responds.
Charlotte: Not bad.
Ren: With that, I end my turn.
Charlotte: You're doing a good job fighting me. But if you really wish to win, you'll need to try harder. Draw. I use the Spell card Pot of Greed. This lets me draw 2 cards. Now I use the Spell card Graceful Charity. I draw 3 cards and discard 2. Then I summon Toy Magician [ATK 1600/DEF 1500 LV 4]. Next I use the Spell card Double Spell. By discarding one Spell card, I can use a Spell my opponent used previously. The card I choose is Synchro Boost. This raises my Soldier's level by 1 and attack points by 500 [ATK 1000/DEF 0 LV 4].
Ren: With no cards in your hand, what can you summon?
Charlotte: I thought you would have remembered my strategy after all these years. By releasing two monsters on the field while this card exists in this graveyard, I can revive this monster. Come on back, Slinky Dragon!
Both monsters vanish as several coils break out of the ground. Rika and Baron almost fall off balance.
Rika: Whoa! The whole ground is shaking!
Baron: …It must have been summoned. She's here all right.
Dante throws a hooded figure to the floor and he is sucked inside a door.
Dante: All this damn noise. The bit players just won't shut up today. It's only making things harder for me.
The monster appears in front of Ren. Its neck constricts as it roars [ATK 2800/DEF 2500 LV 8].
Ren: Of course…that was always your favorite card. Slinky Dragon and Lycan Supremo Rey de Las Noches. The two cards that have been in the royal family for generations.
Charlotte: Scared guy? What's wrong, going to poop your pants or something?
Ren: No…it is just disgusting seeing that card being used so evilly. If your father saw you right now…
Charlotte: Don't you dare mention that man in front of me! I'll kill you if you mention that jerk's name in front of me! When Slinky is summoned by removing two monsters of the same level, all my opponent's Spell and Trap cards are destroyed.
Dragon roars and extends its neck, swallowing all the set cards. At that time, Baron and Rika run into the room as Baron stays behind and pulls her back.
Rika: Uncle! Wait, that girl he's fighting. Isn't that…?
Baron: Charlotte! Is that really you Charlotte?!
Ren: Young lord!
Charlotte: …Yo bro. It's been a while. How have you been?
Baron: Charlotte…what are you doing here? Why are you fighting Ren?
Charlotte: Isn't it obvious? I'm here to wipe him out along with this castle. My mighty Dragon, wipe out his Karakuri Shogun!
The Dragon roars and extends its neck again, firing a blast of energy from its mouth. Shogun is hit and burns up as Ren is hit, being blasted back [Ren LP = 2600].
Charlotte: You're not getting off easy! When Dragon destroys a monster, he deals 800 points of damage.
The body divides into several pieces as it fires more energy, peppering Ren as he screams in pain and falls to his knees [Ren LP = 2400]. He gasps and staggers.
Baron: Stop it Charlotte! Ren has always taken care of you hasn't he?!
Charlotte: Yes, and that's why I initially held back. I have some respect for him. But for standing against me, I cannot let that go any further. My Dragon's other effect not activates! Since he destroyed a monster, he deals 800 points of damage. Go, Division Slash!
Dragon stretches and separates its body, flying by Ren and smacks him backwards as he screams in pain [Ren LP = 1600]. He gasps and struggles to stand.
Charlotte: Old age starting to set in eh old man?
Ren: Please…my bones are harder than metal. If you really want to bring me down, you'll need to try harder than that.
Charlotte: The confident act. It's so much fun when they try to act so confident. You'll regret such bravado. Turn end.
Baron: Charlotte…what on earth happened to you? You used to be so sweet and gentle…but now you're so violent! Didn't we make a promise sister? A promise to stand against our father and to be ourselves no matter what the royal family says?!
Charlotte: Yes…we did. And that promise made me happy. The fact my brother would ignore the parties and the fun just to hang out with me. But then…you stabbed me in the back. And for that, I won't forgive you!
Baron: Charlotte, I don't know what you're talking about!
Ren: No young lord, stay away from her! You have to remember, you will be the future Baron someday. That is why…I will defend you to my last breath!
Rika: Uncle…
Ren: Here I go, I draw. I use the Spell card Clockwork Repair Shop. This allows me to remove from play 4 Machine type monsters in the graveyard from play and draw 2 cards. Then I set a monster. And now Field Spell, Karakuri Showdown Castle!
Machinery appears around them and forms into a dojo.
Ren: With that, I end my turn.
Baron watches the duel and seems to recall something. A small boy is playing in the field and laughing. A younger Rika watches him play with a nervous expression, but then smiles as Baron begins to chase a butterfly. Suddenly, loud yelling is heard.
Man: Another one?!
Woman: Yes…
Baron stops and hides behind a wall as a man and a woman argue.
Man: We already have an heir! There's no need for another child!
Woman: It's too late for that now. Besides, maybe we can change things…
Man: No! A woman has not been baron ever since the Alejandro family took power! If we allow this, we will be spitting on our culture.
Woman: I don't care about something like that! Besides, you don't need to worry. I'll take care of her. So you can focus on raising your little heir.
The man snarls angrily and walks off. Baron is still sitting behind the wall and looks down as Baron continues watching the duel.
Charlotte: I've wasted enough time on you. If you won't fight back, I'll just take you down. Here I go, draw! I summon Monkey Marcher [ATK 1500/DEF 750 LV 4]. Dragon, wipe out whatever pathetic monster he has in defense mode.
It roars and extends its neck, smashing into the ground and swallowing the monster. It glares at Ren and shoots a ball of fire, blasting him back [Ren LP = 800].
Charlotte: Almost done!
Ren: Not so fast. You did not factor in my set monster. When Giant Rat is summoned, one monster from my deck can be Special Summoned as long as it is an EARTH monster with 1500 or less attack points. The monster I will summon is Karakuri Watchdog mdl 313 Saizan [ATK 600/DEF 1800 LV 4]. His defense points overpower your monster's attack points.
Charlotte: Yes, I see. Not bad. However, just because I can't attack does not mean I do not have a strategy for winning. Turn end.
Rika: Ending her turn just like that…
Baron: Yes…her monster must have some kind of ability. That's always been like Charlotte. She loves to play fair of course…but she also likes to surprise her opponent.
Charlotte: Not much I can do this turn. Well Ren, what are you going to do now? I can tell you've been holding back. What? Still keeping that promise to my mother?
Ren: That is known of your business. I have nothing to say to you.
Rika: Of course…the promise we made.
In a room, screaming is heard as doctors are working fast.
Baron's father: Let me in! Let me in the room damn it!
Doctor: We can't your highness. She's in critical condition right now. We can't let you go in there until…
Man: I am the lord of this country! I order you to let me in or I'll have your head!
Several doctors hold him back as he continues to kick and scream. Ren stands by as Baron's mother is gasping.
Ren: My lady, you must hang on!
Baron's mother: Ren…please…I beg of you. I want you to tell Alphonse…my son that…
Ren: You can tell him yourself my lady! You must survive for the sake of your daughter!
Baron's mother: It would be nice if that could be…it really, really would. Please…tell Alphonse he must look after his little sister. His father will be too busy, so please tell him to raise Charlotte in my stead.
Ren: My lady…I see. If that is your final order to me, I'll carry it out. I will do it!
Baron's mother laughs a little and stops moving. Ren looks down as Baron's dad screams in fury.
Ren: I know I made a promise that day. To protect you, and to protect Baron. I will protect both of you, I swear!
Charlotte: Don't be a fool. You will not get as you desire. After all, we're on opposing sides! How can you protect us both?!
Ren: I do not know…but I will keep fighting to make it happen. Laugh at me as much as you want. But I will succeed!
Baron: Ren…
Charlotte: You were always such a fool. I was hoping these short months would have taught you otherwise. I guess not…
Ren: I will not give up because I cannot give up. Giving up dishonors me, the Conquistos, and the royal family! Here I go, draw! I summon Karakuri Muso mdl 818 Haipa [ATK 2100/DEF 1100 LV 4]. I tune my level 4 Muso and level 4 Watchdog.
Watchdog becomes 4 rings that Muso flies through, becoming 4 stars [4 + 4 = 8]
Ren: Stir up the great winds, winds as sharp as knives. Cut, slash, slice, and snip! Synchro Summon! Show yourself, Karakuri Steel Shogun mdl 00X Bureido [ATK 2800/DEF 1700 LV 8]. With this, my victory equation is assured! When Bureido is summoned, one Karakuri monster can be Special Summoned. Show yourself, Karakuri Ninja mdl 7749 Nanashick [ATK 2200/DEF 1800 LV 5]. Once per turn, Bureido changes the Battle Position of one monster. I turn your Dragon to defense mode.
Charlotte: As if! I release my Monkey Marcher. Now an effect against Dragon is negated. Sorry, you failed.
Ren: Not a problem. Go Bureido! Attack Dragon.
Rika: But they'll both be destroyed and Ren will take 800 points of damage.
Baron: No…Ren really has thought of everything.
Ren: At this time, the power of Karakuri Showdown Castle awakens. The monster on your field kneels its head in defense mode [ATK 2800/DEF 2500 LV 8].
Bureido swings its sword and cuts the monster in two, making it blow up.
Charlotte: No way!
Ren: And now a direct attack! Spiked Star!
Ninja throws a star and Charlotte flies back screaming, hitting the wall [Charlotte LP = 1200]. Baron gasps and looks on as he hears a voice.
Voice: Remember Baron. Your sister is frail. You must always protect her, no matter what. It is your duty as her brother…and as the prince.
Baron: Charlotte…
Ren: There. That is your last chance to surrender. If you do not fight back soon, I will have no choice but to finish you. Our life points are low. As long as I draw that card, Ring of Destruction. I'll end this duel in a draw. I promised to protect you both…and I shall!
Charlotte: You think you can win? Too bad for you…you're very wrong. Trap card, Restock. When a monster I control is destroyed, at the End Phase, I can Special Summon one monster from my deck. Come on out Barrel of Monkeys [ATK 1500/DEF 1300 LV 4].
Baron: That card…is she planning on…?!
Charlotte: Here I go, draw! I use the card I set at the beginning of the duel! The card I set anticipating this!
Ren: What?! You were waiting all this time?
Charlotte: Set card, Book of Moon! This takes a face up monster and puts it in defense mode. I choose my Barrel. Now I Flip Summon them [ATK 1500/DEF 1300 LV 4]. When Barrel of Monkeys is flipped, one more can be summoned [ATK 1500/DEF 1300 LV 4]. And now I remove these two monsters!
Ren: No…it can't be!
Charlotte: To revive this monster from my graveyard! Come on out, Slinky Dragon [ATK 2800/DEF 2500 LV 8].
Ren: I was not expecting this…in one turn, she pressed me into a corner….
Charlotte: Goodbye.
Rika: No!
Baron: Don't do it!
Charlotte: Slinky Dragon, destroy Karakuri Ninja! Reverberation Ray!
The Dragon roars and extends its neck, devouring the monster whole. Ren looks down as the monster opens its mouth and charges a beam, hitting Ren [Ren LP = 0].
Ren: I'm sorry Lord Baron…my lady…but I was not strong enough. Rika…I leave the Conquistos in your hands…
He closes his eyes as a door sucks in him. Rika looks on in horror and falls to her knees.
Rika: Uncle…
Charlotte turns and deactivates her Duel Disk, walking off.
Baron: Charlotte!
Charlotte: What? You're upset with me for killing your friend? Not my problem.
Baron: Charlotte…I'll save you, I promise. I made a vow to always protect you. Please, just come home Charlotte!
Charlotte: I can't…go back to that house. If you want to stop me…I'll be waiting at the site of battle. There, you'll pay for your treason.
She turns and glares as she says this, vanishing in darkness. Baron looks sad as he looks down, clenching his fists. Elsewhere, Jupiter sits and frowns. Two guards shiver as Vergil walks through them.
Vergil: Kindly steps aside. I have an appointment with Jupiter.
To be continued
Baron: Today we'll be going over Slinky Dragon. When this card is in the graveyard, you can remove two monsters on the field to Special Summon it. If you do, a Spell or Trap is destroyed.
Yusuke: Slinky Dragon and Supremo Rey? They don't seem very similar. Why are they both symbols of the Alejandro family?
Baron: Isn't it obvious? They represent our savage and noble spirits, but also our very kind ones.
A spotlight falls on his head as he screams.
Baron: How dare you?! I'll have you know I'm a baron's son! I can have you arrested, no, executed for this!
Yusuke: He's just saying that to excuse his own actions…